• Why the Galileo Mining share price is charging 9% higher today

    Happy woman miner with her thumb up signalling Wyloo's commitment to back IGO's takeover of Western Areas nickelHappy woman miner with her thumb up signalling Wyloo's commitment to back IGO's takeover of Western Areas nickel

    The Galileo Mining Ltd (ASX: GAL) share price is soaring in afternoon trade on Thursday.

    At the time of writing, shares in the miner are trading 9% higher at $1.27 apiece, despite no market-sensitive updates.

    In wider market moves, the S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining index (ASX: XMM) is also strengthening and is up 2% on the day.

    What’s up with the Galileo Mining share price?

    While mining stocks are gaining, it is noteworthy that Galileo posted a change in substantial holding today indicating a key investor had upped their stake.

    Successful Western Australian mining investor Mark Creasy, and relevant interests, increased the equity stake in Galileo to more than 26.21%. Previously, Creasy held a 24.82% voting power in Galileo.

    Creasy is a mining entrepreneur who has a long and successful track record of investing in prospective and wildcat mining companies.

    Shares were purchased on market and via a placement at $1.20 per share through his investment vehicles Yandal Investments Pty Ltd, Australian Gold Resources Pty Ltd, and Dunstan Holdings Pty Ltd.

    History tells us that investment from Creasy is a vote of approval in many ways, with many names in the ASX mining space catching a bid on the back of his interest.

    Back in May, investors rallied Galileo shares on the back of Creasy’s first investment when he scaled up his position by around 3 million shares.

    As of today’s rebalance, he now owns more than 51 million Galileo shares (up from roughly 44 million), at an unknown average share price.

    What else is happening with Galileo Mining?

    The move likely follows on from the mining company’s update yesterday in which it advised all 11 holes at its second drilling program at the Norseman Project are now complete.

    As reported by my Foolish colleague Bernd yesterday, “all 11 holes intersected disseminated sulphide mineralisation similar to what was intersected in its first round of drilling”.

    “Assays show the sulphide layer to be associated with palladium, platinum, gold, rhodium, nickel and copper metal.”

    Creasy made a similar move back in May when Galileo first made the discovery of these resources at the Norseman Project.

    In the last 12 months, the Galileo share price has gained almost 300%. It is also up around 450% this year to date.

    The post Why the Galileo Mining share price is charging 9% higher 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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’s why ASX 200 coal shares are firing up today

    Group of smiling coal miners in coal mine owned by Whitehaven Coal LtdGroup of smiling coal miners in coal mine owned by Whitehaven Coal Ltd

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) coal shares are running hot today … again.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is shrugging off sky-high inflation figures from the United States for a gain of 0.3%.

    But ASX 200 coal shares are leaving the benchmark’s gains in the dust.

    The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price is up 6.9% in early afternoon trade. Whitehaven shares closed yesterday at $5.39 and are currently trading for $5.76 apiece.

    Rival ASX 200 coal share New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) is also charging 7.0% higher. New Hope closed yesterday trading for $4.02 per share and is currently at $4.30.

    So, what’s firing up investor interest in the coal sector?

    Coal prices back near record highs

    The fortunes of ASX 200 coal shares, and the investors who hold them, are closely tied to the price of the ‘other’ black gold they dig from the ground.

    And coal prices, already running at historic highs, have again tipped back to record territory.

    According to data from Trading Economics, Newcastle coal futures have rocketed back above US$430 per tonne. That’s within a whisker of the previous all-time highs set back in the first week of March this year.

    Energy prices were already moving higher heading into 2022 as the world began to shake off COVID-19 closures and demand rebounded amid limited new supplies.

    Then oil and coal-rich Russia invaded Ukraine, and the resulting sanctions on Russian exports saw energy prices rocket as European and Asian nations looked elsewhere for their energy needs.

    How have ASX 200 coal shares performed amid rocketing prices?

    With a relative dearth of recent investments in coal exploration and new projects, surging demand has seen the price for thermal coal rocket from US$154 on 4 January to the US$430 recorded in futures contracts today.

    As you’d expect, ASX 200 coal shares have been major beneficiaries of soaring prices for their product.

    Since the opening bell on 4 January, the New Hope share price has surged 86%.

    Whitehaven coal has fared even better, with shares up 109% year-to-date.

    And this in a year that’s seen the ASX 200 fall by 12%.

    The post Here’s why ASX 200 coal shares are firing up today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Our #1 Strategy for today’s inflation drenched markets

    The ABC recently reported that inflation in the UK has hit an eye watering 40 year high.
    Meanwhile the Reserve Bank believes that by the end of the year inflation in Australia will climb to levels not seen since 1990.
    As prices surge we’ve uncovered 3 “inflation fighting” stocks we think could hand investors outsized returns as the market recalibrates.
    And as Scott Phillips put it
    “There’s one thing to avoid at all costs when inflation hits.
    And that’s doing nothing.”
    We reveal details on these three “inflation fighting” stocks here.

    Learn More
    *Returns as of July 1 2022

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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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  • Australian Ethical shares wobble amid 9% fall in funds under management

    A Chinese investor sits in front of his laptop looking pensive and concerned about pandemic lockdowns which may impact ASX 200 iron ore share pricesA Chinese investor sits in front of his laptop looking pensive and concerned about pandemic lockdowns which may impact ASX 200 iron ore share prices

    The Australian Ethical Investment Ltd (ASX: AEF) share price is seesawing today following the company’s funds under management (FUM) update.

    At market open, the fund manager’s shares were down almost 3% to $5.04. However, since then, its shares have rebounded to trade at $5.27, up 1.74%.

    Australian Ethical delivers FUM and earnings guidance update

    Investors are sending the Australian Ethical share price higher after digesting the company’s FUM and merger update with Christian Super.

    In its release, Australian Ethical reported positive net flows of $102 million. This included a $150 million redemption by an institutional client that is internalising management of its sustainable option.

    When excluding the institutional redemption, net flows came to $252 million for the June quarter.

    Management noted that the performance was underpinned by superannuation contributions which recorded net flows of $200 million. However, managed funds experienced net flows of $50 million on the back of cautious market sentiment, amid volatility.

    In total, net flows for FY22 stood at $943 million.

    Although, when excluding the institutional portfolio, net flows were $1.14 billion – a 20% increase on FY21.

    Overall, FUM at 30 June 2022 fell 9% to $6.2 billion with investment performance impacted by highly volatile investment markets.

    Nonetheless, FUM for FY22 is up 2% due to strong net flows which offset the negative investment performance.

    In addition to the FUM update, Australian Ethical announced it has signed a successor fund transfer deed with Christian Super. This will see all of Christian Super members, as well as its $1.96 billion of FUM, transferred into Australian Ethical super in late 2022.

    Lastly, Australian Ethical noted that its emerging companies fund will pay a performance fee of $400,000 after outperforming its benchmark.

    As such, the FY22 underlying profit after tax (UPAT) guidance range now sits between $10 million to $10.4 million.

    Australian Ethical share price snapshot

    Since the start of 2022, the Australian Ethical share price has continued to tread downwards posting a loss of 62%.

    Its shares hit a 52-week low of $4.34 last month and have moved sideways since.

    Australian Ethical commands a market capitalisation of roughly $582.17 million.

    The post Australian Ethical shares wobble amid 9% fall in funds under management appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    “The worst thing you can do is nothing”

    Motley Fool Chief Investment Officer says right now is not the time to sit on your hands…
    As inflation eats away at cash balances Scott Phillips reveals three stocks for investors to consider that could help fight rising prices…
    … And Australian Ethical Investment Limited isn’t one of them.

    Learn More
    *Returns as of July 1 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 positions in and has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. 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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  • ‘Outstanding opportunity’ energises the Arizona Lithium share price

    a woman stands next to a large green battery smiling and eating an apple with a lifting green arrow line in the background, indicating rising stock prices.

    a woman stands next to a large green battery smiling and eating an apple with a lifting green arrow line in the background, indicating rising stock prices.

    The Arizona Lithium Ltd (ASX: AZL) share price has been a strong performer on Thursday.

    In afternoon trade, the lithium explorer’s shares are up 4% to 8.8 cents.

    Why is the Arizona Lithium share price storming higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Arizona Lithium share price higher on Thursday following the release of a drilling update from the company’s Lordsburg Lithium Project in South West New Mexico.

    According to the release, passive seismics and titan magnetotelluric electromagnetic surveys have successfully identified a north trending basin containing targets interpreted to represent potential lithium mineralised brines.

    Three drill holes totalling 1,850m have now been planned to test these targets. Management will shortly make an application with the Las Cruces Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for drilling approval.

    The company believes it has a first mover opportunity to explore a playa lake system for lithium that is similar in geology and geography to Clayton Valley, Nevada. This is the only current lithium producing region in the United States.

    ‘Outstanding opportunity’

    Arizona Lithium’s Managing Director, Paul Lloyd, was pleased with the results. He commented:

    The encouraging results from the recently completed geophysical surveys at the Lordsburg Lithium Brine Project in New Mexico identifying three priority drill hole locations, have provided the Company with an outstanding opportunity to progress another project concurrently with the sustainable development of the Big Sandy Lithium Project in Arizona.

    The close proximity to renewable energy sources, direct access to the interstate highway system and sampled lithium mineralisation at surface, have identified this project to have the potential as a timely contributor to growing lithium supply requirements in the USA.

    The post ‘Outstanding opportunity’ energises the Arizona Lithium share price 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 July 7 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 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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  • 2 ASX 200 mining shares performing today amid a volatile gold price

    Gold bars falling representing a falling price of gold.Gold bars falling representing a falling price of gold.

    These two ASX 200 gold shares are slightly in the green today amid a volatile gold price.

    The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is pushing 3.03% higher today. Meanwhile, the Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is rising 0.51%.

    Let’s take a look at what is happening to the gold price.

    Gold price rebounds and retreats

    The Gold price rebounded strongly overnight to more than US$1940 per ounce before retreating. Trading economics data shows gold jumped to US$1744.78 per ounce from US$1709.14 before retreating back. Gold is now priced at US$1728.37 a tonne at the time of writing.

    Spot gold recovered from its lowest level since August 2021, according to a Reuters report published on CNBC.

    This followed news out of the US that inflation jumped 9.1% in June. Gold can be considered an inflation hedge, however, rate rises can also negatively impact the gold price.

    In a note to clients cited by kito, CPM Group analysts said:

    While in theory gold prices should benefit from higher inflation numbers, the reality is that these higher inflation figures suggest that the Fed is likely to become even more aggressive in rasing rates to quell strong inflation.

    This is resulting in a stronger U.S. dollar versus other major currencies as well as placing a lid on future inflation expectations.

    Share price snapshot

    The Evolution share price has lost 51% in the past year, while it is falling 41% year to date.

    Meanwhile, Northern Star shares have lost more than 34% in a year and 26% year to date.

    In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) has fallen nearly 17% in a year and 11% year to date.

    The post 2 ASX 200 mining shares performing today amid a volatile gold price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Inflation pressures and bear market opportunities

    According to The Motley Fool’s Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips, how investors handle their investments right now could have a massive impact on their wealth in years to come.
    While many investors will turn to real estate, gold and other commodities in times of inflation, Scott is quick to point out another way…
    Get the details now…

    Learn More
    *Returns as of July 1 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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  • ‘Strong FY22 performance’: Here’s why the Data#3 share price just rocketed 14%

    Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.

    The Data#3 Limited (ASX: DTL) share price is soaring today after the company provided a positive update to the ASX.

    At the time of writing, the business technology solutions company’s shares are up 8.68% to $5.26 apiece. However, earlier in the day, its share price hit a near two-month high of $5.50 — a gain of 13.64% on its previous close.

    Data#3 expects to deliver strong pre-tax profit growth

    Investors are driving the Data#3 share price higher after the company announced it expects to “deliver a strong FY22 performance”.

    Data#3 advised consolidated net profit before tax is forecast to come in at approximately $44 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2022. This represents an increase of more than 19% on the prior year’s $36.9 million.

    Management noted that extensive product delays due to ongoing supply chain constraints impacted the FY22 result. It said: “This has coincided with the spike in demand traditionally experienced during the fourth quarter, resulting in an inflated product backorder at year-end.”

    Subsequently, the pre-tax profit with this backorder is estimated to be a minimum of $6 million. This is expected to be realised in the first half of FY23, and is double the backorder at the end of FY21.

    It is also anticipated the global computer chip shortage will continue into the new financial year.

    Data#3 said it will release its audited full-year results for the 2022 financial year on 18 August.

    In addition, the board will opt to maintain its dividend payout ratio handed to shareholders, as is has done in previous years.

    Data#3 share price snapshot

    A choppy macro environment has led the Data#3 share price to travel in circles over the past 12 months.

    Its shares are currently down more than 5% for the period, despite today’s gains.

    Notably, the company’s shares touched a 52-week low of $4.30 in mid-June following extreme volatility on the ASX.

    Based on its current price, Data#3 presides a market capitalisation of roughly $737.79 million.

    The post ‘Strong FY22 performance’: Here’s why the Data#3 share price just rocketed 14% 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 July 7 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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  • Own ASX travel shares? Here’s the outlook for FY23

    A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.

    The new financial year is looking bright for ASX travel shares. Some of the market’s favourites are getting ready to rake in earnings after a disastrous few years for the industry.

    And one top broker is also expecting big things from ASX-listed travel stocks despite notable headwinds.

    Let’s take a look at what the market might expect from S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) travel giants such as:

    Broker bullish on ASX travel shares in FY23

    Despite outlining numerous risks facing ASX travel shares in FY23, broker Morgans is still expecting strong growth from the sector.

    Last week, senior analyst Belinda Moore tipped the time to climb aboard travel shares has arrived, despite the sector taking longer than expected to recover, saying:

    Despite travel demand recovering strongly, in recent months the travel sector globally has derated due to concerns about a weak macro outlook. We think share price weakness represents a buying opportunity and see the quarterly reporting season in the US and Europe during July and then the Australian reporting season in August as a catalyst for a rerating.

    Though, the broker noted numerous factors might “impact the extent of the earnings recovery” this financial year.

    These include total transaction values growing faster than volumes due to higher airfares, more domestic travel than higher-margin international travel, limited international airline capacity in Australia and New Zealand, and high fuel prices.                                                        

    What are these travel giants expecting from FY23?

    Many ASX 200 travel shares have recently returned to profitability, while others can nearly taste the green.

    Flight Centre returned to the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) green in March. The company expects its total transaction revenue to surpass its FY19 levels sometime this financial year when the market’s recovery reaches around 70%.

    Meanwhile, Webjet was cash flow positive over the second half of financial year 2022. It expects to be back at pre-COVID booking volumes by the second half of FY23.

    On that note, Corporate Travel Management is targeting EBITDA of $265 million when the market fully recovers.

    Finally, Qantas is slightly less optimistic for FY23. The airline expects to return to profit this financial year. However, it has also cut domestic capacity in a bid to battle high fuel prices.

    The post Own ASX travel shares? Here’s the outlook for FY23 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 July 7 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, and Webjet Ltd. 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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  • US inflation surges to 9.1%. What does that mean for ASX shares?

    A man holding a paper bag full of food items looks in shocked dismay at his supermarket docket as if high prices have taken him by surprise.A man holding a paper bag full of food items looks in shocked dismay at his supermarket docket as if high prices have taken him by surprise.

    ASX shares are shaking off the nosebleed inflation figures that came out of the United States yesterday (overnight Aussie time).

    The consumer price index in the world’s biggest economy leapt 1.3% in June, bringing annual inflation figures to a blistering 9.1%. This was significantly higher than consensus expectations and the highest levels seen in the US in 40 years.

    To put the figure in some perspective, if inflation were to continue at this level, prices in the US would double every eight years. That means in just 16 years, one dollar would be worth only 25 of today’s cents.

    US markets closed only moderately lower, with the Dow Jones leading the fall, down 0.7%. Futures indicate Thursday will see more modest selling.

    As for ASX shares this morning, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.3%.

    ASX tech shares are also broadly edging higher, with the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) up 0.4% at this same time.

    And gold shares are shining brightly amid the soaring US inflation numbers, as witnessed by the 0.8% boost in the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD).

    Here’s what investors are considering down the road.

    ASX shares and global equities facing hawkish US Fed

    With inflation continuing to run hot, ASX share investors can expect more aggressive tightening from the US Federal Reserve in the months ahead. And investors should prepare for continuing volatility in global share and bond markets.

    Markets have already widely priced in another 0.50% to 0.75% interest rate rise from the Fed at its 27 July meeting. Now analysts are upping the odds of seeing a historical 1.0% rates boost to tame the inflation beast to which many say the Fed has been too slow to react.

    “The Fed is right to worry about the unmooring of inflation expectations. And this report raises the chance of an even larger rate hike than 75 basis points down the line,” said Bloomberg economists Anna Wong and Andrew Husby.

    “Incoming data suggests the Fed’s inflation problem has worsened, and we expect policymakers to react by scaling up the pace of rate hikes to reinforce their credibility,” analysts from Nomura added.

    Is the US heading for a recession?

    If the world’s top economy tips into a recession, it will certainly pose headwinds for many ASX shares.

    And with the latest round of outsized inflation figures, the odds of that recession are ramping up.

    According to Kristina Clifton, senior economist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (courtesy of Reuters): “Stubbornly high inflation increases the risk that the FOMC [Federal Open Market Committee] continues to hike aggressively and triggers a recession.”

    “We still don’t know what’s going to happen but it’s most likely we’re going to have a recession because the Fed is going to have to act aggressively,” added Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Independent Advisor Alliance.

    As for the impact on US stock markets – and by extension the ripple effects that will be felt by ASX shares – Anthony Saglimbene, global market strategist at Ameriprise Financial said: “The Fed is going to continue to be aggressive, and right now, the Fed is not your friend, at least from an investor stand-point and until that changes it’s going to be hard for stocks to gain traction.”

    “We look for further market volatility as investors digest the combination of slowing growth, persistent inflation, and the likelihood that second-quarter earnings season results in downward revisions for margins and profits,” John Lynch, chief investment officer at Comerica Wealth Management, added (quoted by Reuters).

    Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities, came in with a glass-half-full approach.

    While admitting “the numbers are ugly”, Cardillo said, “the hints that inflation might be beginning to decelerate are there”.

    When US inflation does decelerate, and the Fed can begin easing back on the interest rate hikes, global markets and ASX shares will breathe a sigh of relief.

    The post US inflation surges to 9.1%. What does that mean for ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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  • The best and worst ASX All Ords mining shares of FY22

    Inspectors and workers discussing with each other at a mine site.Inspectors and workers discussing with each other at a mine site.

    ASX mining shares were amongst the best performers last year with plenty of names securing record-breaking gains.

    The S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining Index (ASX: XMM) made a hefty run to peak on 19 April before paring gains to close out the financial year.

    It is now down 13% this year to date as losses extend over into FY23.

    The top and bottom ASX mining shares

    Let’s first cover the winners for FY22. On that, Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) is worth immediate mention.

    The share finished up well into the green last financial year and has held a 288% gain these past 12 months.

    This is despite consolidating much of 2022’s gains.

    Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) also pushed ahead with a tidy gain and is still up 77% over the past year. However, it peaked at $2.45 on 4 April and has been on the down since.

    Another share worth a mention for FY22 is Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS). It’s no doubt the lithium price underscored returns here.

    The company’s battery metals exchange (BMX) realised a price of US$7,000 per dmt in a digital auction.

    However, it wasn’t all positive for the sector. Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) booked very heavy losses across the year without any reversal. It has carried this into FY23 and trades down 60% in 12 months.

    Both Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) were also laggards in securing a 52% and 50% loss respectively.

    Looking at FY23, and the metals & mining benchmark has started poorly. It is down 15% in the past month, having retraced by 13% this year to date.

    This is in stark contrast to the period from November to April, as seen on the chart below.

    Looking ahead, the outlook is mixed for the sector, as the sell-off in ASX shares continues well into the new financial year.

    TradingView Chart

    The post The best and worst ASX All Ords mining shares of FY22 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Bega share price slides as milk prices skim away

    A block of cheese with grated explosion on topA block of cheese with grated explosion on top

    The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price is slipping today amid the milk price in Victoria increasing 30%.

    The dairy company’s share price is trading at $3.40 today, a 4.23% fall. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.11% today.

    Let’s take a look at what Bega reported today.

    What did Bega report?

    Bega reported farm gate milk prices in Victoria in FY23 have jumped 30% higher than FY22. This is more than the previous expectations in June which were for a 15 to 20% boost to the price of this milk.

    Explaining this difference, Bega said there has been strong competition among milk processors in June and July.

    In a trading update released today, Bega said:

    The farm gate price increases will benefit farmer suppliers, impact all Australian dairy companies, and is already being reflected in higher product prices in the retail and food service markets.

    Despite it still being early in the financial year, Bega is forecasting an FY23 EBITDA of between $160 and $190 million.

    Commenting on the outlook for FY23, Bega added:

    Bega Cheese expects that the company’s FY2023 performance will be impacted by the delay in timing of some of these higher product prices and the finalisation of secured milk volumes during July.

    Bega predicted it will recover the higher costs linked to the boost in farm gate milk prices via the global commodity market and retail and food service markets.

    The company said its earnings guidance for FY22 of an EBITDA of between $175 and $190 million “remains current”. In April, Bega warned that COVID-19 related costs would be more than $40 million for the full year. Floods in February and March 2022 also had a major impact on customer deliveries.

    Meanwhile, analysts at Bell Potter have placed a “hold” rating on the company’s share price with a $3.80 price target, down from $4.20.

    Analysts lowered the price target due to the “ongoing dislocation in farmgate pricing and ingredient pricing”.

    Bega share price snapshot

    The Bega share price has descended 38% in the past year, while it has lost nearly 42% year to date.

    In the past month, the company’s shares have shed nearly 28%.

    For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen about 10% in the past year.

    Bega has a market capitalisation of about $1 billion based on today’s share price.

    The post Bega share price slides as milk prices skim away appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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