• Life360 share price explodes 16% higher amid pathway to profitability

    Family jumps up and cheers while watching TV.

    Family jumps up and cheers while watching TV.

    The Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) share price was among the best performers on the ASX 200 index on Thursday.

    The location technology company’s shares ended the day 16% higher at $5.69.

    Why did the Life360 share price rocket higher?

    Investors were bidding the Life360 share price higher today for a couple of reasons.

    One was the significant rebound in the tech sector following a strong night on Wall Street NASDAQ index.

    This saw the S&P ASX All Technology index have its best day in a while and rise a sizeable 3.2%.

    Among the best performers in the sector were beaten down loss-making tech shares like Life360 and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1).

    What else?

    Also giving the Life360 share price a boost was the release of presentation for the Bell Potter Technology Decoded event. That presentation reemphasised the company’s plan to stop be a loss-maker in the near future. It explained:

    We expect Life360 to be on a trajectory to consistently positive Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow by late CY23, such that we record positive Adjusted EBITDA and operating cashflow for CY24. This trajectory could be further assisted by the positive impact of potential future price changes.

    It also worth noting that Life360 expects to end calendar year 2022 with cash of US$65 million after making a loss of US$35 million to US$38 million for the year.

    Based on its expectation that its losses will narrow before eventually becoming profitable in 2024, it appears as though the company has the balance sheet strength to see it through to then without requiring a capital raising.

    Can its shares keep rising?

    According to a recent note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have a buy rating and $8.23 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the current Life360 share price, this implies potential upside of 45% for investors over the next 12 months.

    This could mean that the gains are only just beginning for this tech share.

    The post Life360 share price explodes 16% higher amid pathway to profitability appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Inc. and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • This ASX All Ords mining share is glowing greener today on ‘important milestone’

    two hands shake in close up at the side of a mine. One party is wearing high visibility gear and there is earth and heavy moving equipment in the background.two hands shake in close up at the side of a mine. One party is wearing high visibility gear and there is earth and heavy moving equipment in the background.

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) gained 1.81% today, but one ASX mining share lifted a great deal higher.

    The Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX: ASM) share price jumped 2.9% to close Thursday’s trading session at $3.19. In earlier trade, it climbed a hefty 7.82% before pulling back.

    So, what did this ASX All Ords share report to the market today?

    New agreement

    Australian Strategic Materials provided an update on its Korean Metals plant. The company’s subsidiary KSM Metals Co Ltd, has signed a binding agreement on the sale of neodymium praseodymium.

    The deal sees metal produced at the plant sold to Korean company NS World Co Ltd, which plans to use the neodymium praseodymium to make bonded magnets.

    Under the agreement, KSM Metals will sell and deliver up to 10 tonnes of the rare earths metal between September and December.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the news, Australian Strategic Materials CEO Rowena Smith said:

    Securing the first sale of neodymium praseodymium ingot from our Korean Metals Plant is an
    important milestone for ASM. In just over a year, we have taken our Korean Metals Plant from start of construction to commercial production.

    This is a remarkable feat of dedication from our team.

    Looking ahead, Smith said commissioning and ramp-up at the plant would continue in the second half of this year. She added:

    We look forward to securing further sales contracts in the coming months and will update the
    market as contracts are finalised.

    Smith also presented at the New World Metals Investment series today. In her presentation, she highlighted how the demand for rare earth oxides would soar by 2032.

    She highlighted the company’s Dubbo Project in NSW was construction ready with a processing plant on site. The company is exploring zirconium, niobium and hafnium in this project.

    Share price snapshot

    Despite today’s gains, the Australian Strategic Materials share price is down 74% over the past year and 70% year to date.

    In the past month, the company’s share price has fallen 22%.

    For perspective, the ASX All Ords Index has fallen 9% in the past year.

    Australian Strategic Materials has a market capitalisation of about $456 million based on the current share price.

    The post This ASX All Ords mining share is glowing greener today on ‘important milestone’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

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    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why is the Vanguard ASX 300 ETF (VAS) so popular among investors?

    a diverse groups of about twenty people stand together in a crowd staring to the front with angry and annoyed looks on their faces.

    a diverse groups of about twenty people stand together in a crowd staring to the front with angry and annoyed looks on their faces.

    When we take a look at the most popular exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX, there is one clear favourite amongst investors. That is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

    As of 31 July, the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF had just over $11 billion in funds under management. That’s more than double that of the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV), which presently has just over $5 billion in funds under management.

    The next closest ASX-based index fund in terms of popularity is the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (ASX: STW). It currently has roughly $4.5 billion in funds under management.

    So what makes the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF so wildly popular that it runs rings around the other ASX ETFs on the market?

    Well, it could come down to a few factors.

    Why is the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF so popular?

    The first is the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF’s unique structure. It remains the only index fund on the ASX boards that covers the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), rather than the more widely covered S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    The ASX 300 holds all of the shares that the ASX 200 does. But it also holds an additional 100 or so companies from the smaller end of the market. Perhaps ASX investors enjoy this increased diversification.

    This has the byproduct of slightly reducing investors’ exposure to the largest shares on the ASX – your BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)s and the big four banks. As most ASX investors know, banks and miners are the two largest sectors on the ASX. So it’s possible investors appreciate less concentration in these sectors.

    There’s also performance to consider.

    As of 31 July, the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF has averaged a return of 4.48% per annum over the past three years, and 8.12% per annum over the past five.

    In contrast, the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund has returned an average of 4.25% over the past three years, and an average of 7.92% over the past five.

    That’s not a huge disparity. But it is probably enough to convince investors that Vanguard’s ASX 300 approach is the right one to take.

    Bogle’s legacy

    A final factor to consider is the reputation of Vanguard itself. Vanguard is a US-based fund manager. Its late founder Jack Bogle was one of the most respected investors in the world and attracted heavy praise from none other than the legendary Warren Buffett himself.

    Bogle set up Vanguard as a not-for-profit entity owned by its investors. As such, it has historically often offered the lowest fees in the ETF industry. Bogle also is widely credited with inventing the index fund itself. As such, for many investors, Vanguard has unbeatable bona fides when it comes to offering ETF products.

    So it’s probably a combination of these factors that has led the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF to its place at the top of the ASX ETF pile today.

    The post Why is the Vanguard ASX 300 ETF (VAS) so popular among investors? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares Trust – iShares Core S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why did the Brainchip share price blast 6% higher today?

    A man touches an AI light version of a brainA man touches an AI light version of a brain

    The Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) share price spent a solid day in the green today amid a positive trading session overall for ASX technology shares.

    Shares in the artificial intelligence tech solutions company closed today at 97 cents each, a 5.43% gain. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 1.59% higher.

    Let’s look at what might have impacted the Brainchip share price today.

    What happened?

    The Brainchip share price was not the only ASX technology share going gangbusters on Thursday. Shares in Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) surged 12%, while Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) climbed 3.52%. Meanwhile, Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares soared 16.7% higher at the close.

    Today’s boost for multiple ASX technology shares came after the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) rose 2.14% in the United States overnight.

    As my Foolish colleague Sebastian noted recently, ASX tech shares have a tendency to follow the trend of US stocks, typically more so than other sectors.

    The Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is up 3.19% overall today, while the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) closed 3.12% in the green.

    What else?

    The Nasdaq rose after US Federal Reserve vice chair Lael Brainard warned of risks of overtightening in the US economy.

    Investors look to the Federal Reserve for guidance on monetary policy amid high inflation. On Wednesday, the Fed also published its beige book on economic activity.

    Brainard said (courtesy of CNBC):

    At some point in the tightening cycle, the risks will become more two-sided.

    The rapidity of the tightening cycle and its global nature, as well as the uncertainty around the pace at which the effects of tighter financial conditions are working their way through aggregate demand, create risks associated with overtightening.

    Brainchip derived nearly 96% of its revenue from customers in the Americas in the 2022 financial year, the company’s FY22 results show.

    Meanwhile, in Australia, Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe also hinted at a slowing of rate rises in a speech today. However, he said “further increases in interest rates” would be required over the months ahead.

    Lowe added:

    We are conscious that there are lags in the operation of monetary policy and that interest rates have increased very quickly. And we recognise that, all else equal, the case for a slower pace of increase in interest rates becomes stronger as the level of the cash rate rises.

    The Reserve Bank reiterated it was targeting inflation between 2 to 3%. CPI inflation is now 6.1%, while underlying inflation is 4.9%.

    Brainchip share price snapshot

    The Brainchip share price has soared more than 100% in the past year, while it has surged 43% year to date.

    But in the last month, Brainchip shares have lost nearly 14%.

    Brainchip has a market capitalisation of around $1.67 billion based on the current share price.

    The post Why did the Brainchip share price blast 6% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Brainchip Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you consider Brainchip Holdings Limited, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Brainchip Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Inc., MEGAPORT FPO, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    top 10 asx shares todaytop 10 asx shares today

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bounced back from Wednesday’s seven-week low today. The index closed 1.77% higher at 6,848.70 points.

    It followed a strong session on Wall Street that saw the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) break a seven-session losing streak to gain 2.1%.

    It might not surprise readers then that the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) led the market’s gains today, rising 3.2%.

    Meanwhile, lithium shares led the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 2.7% gain while the S&P/ASX Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) lifted 2.9%.

    But it wasn’t a great day for all ASX 200 sectors. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) tumbled 2.8% following a disastrous night for oil prices.

    The Brent crude oil price fell 5.2% to a new seven-month low of US$88 overnight. Meanwhile, the US Nymex crude oil price dropped 5.7% to trade at US$81.94 a barrel – its lowest point since January.

    All in all, 10 of the ASX 200’s 11 sectors closed higher on Thursday. But which share outperformed all others to take today’s crown? Keep reading to find out.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s top performing ASX 200 share was software developer Life360 Inc (ASX: 360).

    There was no price-sensitive news from the stock today. However, it did release its presentation to the Bell Potter Technology Decoded Conference.

    Among other things, the presentation outlined the company’s “pathway to profitability”. That’s expected to see it profitable by 2024. Find out more about the company and what it’s been up to lately here.

    Today’s biggest gains were made by these ASX shares:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) $5.69 16.36%
    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) $8.33 12.57%
    Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) $2.29 11.17%
    Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) $1.34 10.74%
    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) $0.91 8.98%
    City Chic Collection Limited (ASX: CCX) $1.63 8.67%
    Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) $5.26 7.79%
    Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) $15.17 7.74%
    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) $4.25 7.59%
    Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) $21.20 7.38%

    Our top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Inc., MEGAPORT FPO, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why investors might be getting excited about Arafura shares

    Giant magnet attracting banknotes to symbolise a capital raising.Giant magnet attracting banknotes to symbolise a capital raising.

    The Arafura Resources Limited (ASX: ARU) share price notched up its second day of gains following its upbeat investor presentation.

    Investors are drawn to anything exposed to electric vehicles (EVs) and the natural magnet miner is no exception.

    Shares in Arafura jumped to a two-month high of 37.5 cents each in afternoon trade before closing at 36 cents a share, 2.86% higher on the day. In contrast, the All Ordinaries (ASX: XAO) closed up 1.62% today.

    Strong attraction to the Arafura share price

    The miner is aiming to be a major global player in the neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) market. NdPr is used in making ultra-strong permanent magnets – the kind needed in electric motors.

    What may be attracting investors to the Arafura share price is the company’s goal to supply 5% of global demand for NdPr oxide from its Nolans Project in the Northern Territory. The project is the only NdPr- focused facility in Australia with plans to mine and process ore to oxide at the one site.

    The project is close to existing infrastructure and the miner claims the key approvals are in place.

    Investors drawn to green minerals

    NdPr isn’t only required in EVs. The magnets are also key to robotics, wind turbines, and mobile phones – the stuff that excites investors.

    A lot of the cool and sustainable technologies also require batteries. This is why ASX lithium shares were also in hot demand today.

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share prices both hit their record highs today. Pilbara Minerals hit $4.24 a share in intraday trading. It closed the session at $4.23 a share, a gain of just over 7% for the day.

    Allkem also notched its new record price of $15.10 a share. It closed at $15.07, up 7.03%. Meantime, the IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price closed at its intraday high of $13.54, 5.45% higher.

    Magnet prices falling

    With all this positive sentiment boosting the Arafura share price, it’s easy to forget that the NdPr price has been declining. Since hitting a monthly average of US$164 per kg in March, it has fallen to under US$130 a kg.

    Slowing economic growth and China going in and out of COVID lockdowns are dragging on prices. But the bulls believe this weakness may not last when the world is moving to decarbonise.

    Longer-term outlook is more promising

    Arafura believes the security of supply will be challenged given that China is a big supplier of NdPr. Higher prices will be needed to incentivise new production from friendlier nations.

    From that perspective, the ASX miner claims that 10 Nolans Projects are needed by 2030 to fill forecast demand.

    Around a third of Arafura’s output is reserved for Hyundai Motor Corporation and GE Renewable Energy under a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    Arafura is in discussions with more than 10 other parties for the rest of the planned output from Nolans.

    Arafura share price snapshot

    The Arafura share price has performed strongly over the past year with a 132% gain. This compares with a 9.25% fall in the All Ordinaries and a 3.3% loss in the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM).

    The outperformance of Arafura also puts it ahead of some ASX lithium shares. This includes Pilbara Minerals with its 94% jump, Allkem with a 59% gain, and IGO with its 43% increase during the period.

    Even leading rare earths producer Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) can’t keep up with its 21% advance in the last 12 months.

    The post Why investors might be getting excited about Arafura shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has positions in Allkem Limited, Independence Group NL, and Lynas Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 3 wonderful ETFs for ASX investors to buy today

    A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.

    A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.

    If you’re looking for an easy way to invest in international shares for diversification purposes, then exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be the answer.

    But which ETFs should you look at? Named below are three quality ETFs that could be worth getting better acquainted with. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF (ASX: FUEL)

    If you’re keen to gain exposure to international energy shares while oil prices are high, then the BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF could be the way to do it. This ETF allows investors to invest in many of the largest energy producers in the world through a single investment. Through this ETF you’ll be owning a slice of the likes of BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell. And while oil prices have started to fall, OPEC appears intent on cutting production to ensure they stay higher for longer.

    BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    Another ETF to buy for international shares is the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF. If you want to buy many of the highest quality companies in the world in one fell swoop, then this ETF allows you to do it. That’s because the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF allows investors to own a slice of the 100 largest non-financial shares on the famous NASDAQ index. This means you’ll be owning shares in giants such as Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, and Tesla.

    iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

    A final ETF to buy for international exposure is the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. This ETF gives investors access to many of the world’s largest global consumer staples companies. These are companies that manufacture and sell products that are always in demand with consumers, whatever is happening in the economy. Companies in the fund include Coca-Cola, Nestle, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Walmart.

    The post 3 wonderful ETFs for ASX investors to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS and BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF – Currency Hedged. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS and iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Do ASX 200 gold shares pay regular dividends?

    A man leaps from a stack of gold coins to the next, each one higher than the last.A man leaps from a stack of gold coins to the next, each one higher than the last.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold shares recently all reported their full 2022 financial year (FY22) results or half-year results.

    And to get straight to the point, all five of them paid a final or interim dividend.

    But income investors should bear in mind that ASX 200 gold shares are cyclical by nature. They generally see revenues and profits increase when gold prices rise and fall when the yellow metal slips.

    That means that their dividend payouts can likewise be cyclical in nature.

    Bullion hit highs of US$2,050 per ounce on 8 March this year and has since retraced to the current US$1,750 per ounce.

    Should the gold price increase over the coming year, ASX 200 gold shares are likely to pay out higher dividends. Should bullion drop, dividend payouts from the big miners will likely take a hit.

    With that said…

    What kind of dividends do the biggest two ASX 200 gold shares pay?

    We’ll start with the biggest of the ASX 200 gold shares, Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM), with a market cap of $15 billion.

    Newcrest pays a 2.3% trailing dividend yield, fully franked.

    In its FY22 results, Newcrest reported US$872 million in underlying profit, down 25% year on year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) were also down 16% to US$2.05 billion.

    The gold miner paid a final dividend of 20 US cents per share, half its final dividend payout in FY21.

    Moving on, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Australia’s second biggest gold miner, has a market cap of $8.4 billion.

    Northern Star pays a trailing dividend yield of 2.9%, fully franked.

    In its FY22 results, the miner reported a 35% year-on-year increase in total revenue up to $3.74 billion. Despite the total revenue boost, underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) dropped 27% to $273 million.

    Northern Star declared a final dividend of 11.5 cents per share, down 43% from the final dividend paid in FY21.

    Three other top gold stocks paying dividends

    Working our way down the list to the third biggest ASX 200 gold share, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has a market cap of $3.9 billion. The gold explorer and producer pays a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 2.7%.

    Evolution’s FY22 results revealed a 22% year-on-year decrease in underlying NPAT to $274.7 million. That’s despite an 11% increase in total revenue to $2.06 billion

    Evolution declared a final fully-franked dividend of 3 cents per share, down from 5 cents per share in FY21.

    Our number four ASX 200 gold share, Perseus Mining Limited (ASX: PRU) has a market cap of $2 billion.

    Perseus pays a trailing dividend yield of 1.5%, unfranked.

    Unlike its bigger cousins, in its FY22 results Perseus reported a 66% year-on-year increase in revenue, to $1.13 billion, and record NPAT from ordinary activities of $280 million, up 101% from FY21.

    Perseus declared a final dividend of 1.64 cents per share.

    Leaving off with the smallest of the ASX 200 gold shares, Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR) has a market cap of $1.4 billion.

    Gold Road pays a trailing dividend yield of 1.2%, fully franked.

    The company reported some strong half-year results, with a 109% boost in NPAT to $40 million. Revenue was up by 51.6% to $197 million.

    This saw the miner double its interim dividend payout from the prior corresponding period to 1 cent per share.

    The post Do ASX 200 gold shares pay regular dividends? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why has the Core Lithium share price gained 13% in the past week?

    A young boy sits on his dad's shoulders while both flex their muscles.A young boy sits on his dad's shoulders while both flex their muscles.

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price has been in fine form in the past week.

    At the time of writing, shares in the lithium producer are up 4.43% to $1.593.

    This means since last Thursday, the share is up 13.75%.

    In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX: XMJ) index is roaring 2.35% today, but down 5.33% in a week.

    Let’s take a look at what driving the company’s shares forward while the broader index remains sluggish.

    What’s happened to the Core Lithium share price?

    After rocketing to a near all-time high of $1.665 on 16 August, the Core Lithium share price took a breather.

    The share slumped almost 25% in the two weeks after as investors booked a tidy profit.

    Notably, the relative strength index (RSI) climbed to 79 on 15 August – just before the share was heavily sold off.

    However, this didn’t stop Core Lithium shares from quickly rebounding as sentiment picked up across the market.

    Earlier this week, ABC News reported that electric vehicle (EV) sales recorded their highest levels ever.

    This bodes well for the company as it’s targeting its first production of spodumene concentrate by the end of 2022.

    With EVs becoming more mainstream in the Australian market, Core Lithium is well placed to respond to demand.

    Recently, the company announced it significantly increased the Mineral Resource Estimate and Ore Reserves Estimate for the Finniss Lithium Project.

    Core Lithium wholly owns the Finniss Lithium Project, located just south of Darwin Port in the Northern Territory.

    The Core Lithium share price has rocketed to more than 350% over the past year, and is up almost 170% year to date.

    Based on today’s price, Core Lithium commands a market capitalisation of roughly $2.64 billion.

    The post Why has the Core Lithium share price gained 13% in the past week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Core Lithium Ltd, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Core Lithium Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Thursday

    Man looks shocked as he works on laptop on top a skyscraper with stockmarket figures in graphic behind him.

    Man looks shocked as he works on laptop on top a skyscraper with stockmarket figures in graphic behind him.After the horrible day the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had yesterday, investors will be pleased with the health gains we’ve seen today. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has put on a decisive 1.62% to back over 6,830 points.

    So let’s dive deeper into these solid gains and take a look at the ASX 200 shares currently at the top of the share market’s trading volume charts, according to investing.com.

    The 3 most traded ASX 200 shares by volume this Thursday

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

    ASX 200 lithium share Core Lithium is our first company to examine this Thursday. So far during today’s trading session, a decent 22.43 million Core Lithium shares have changed owners. We haven’t had any new announcements from the company today.

    However, that hasn’t stopped it from leaping 4.26% today to $1.59 a share at the time of writing. This push higher probably explains the elevated volumes we are seeing.

    As my Fool colleague Brooke covered this afternoon, most ASX lithium shares are in demand today following some love from ASX brokers, as well as a series of positive developments for the sector.

    Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

    Another ASX 200 lithium stock is next up in Lake Resources. This Thursday has seen a chunky 24.86 million Lake shares swim across the ASX so far today.

    This looks like a very similar situation to Core Lithium here. The Lake Resources share price has done one better though and is currently up an eye-catching 9.5% at $1.325 a share. With a gain of this size, it’s perhaps no wonder so many Lake shares are flying around.

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    Well, surprise, surprise, our most traded ASX 200 share today is yet another lithium producer in Pilbara Minerals. Pilbara has seen a whopping 33.82 million of its shares swapped on the ASX today. Again, we have no new news to speak of.

    But Pilbara shares are also enjoying the sunshine that investors are shining in its sector today. In Pilbara’s case, it’s currently trading for $4.225, a 6.96% gain. Indeed, Pilbara hit a new all-time high of $4.24 a share earlier in today’s session, which is probably contributing to the volumes we are seeing as well.

    The post Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* Scott just revealed what he believes could be the “five best ASX stocks” for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of August 4 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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