It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $256.00 price target on this biotechnology company’s shares. The broker remains very positive on CSL’s outlook due to the long term demand for immunoglobulins and plasma yield improvements from the Horizon program. It expects the latter to be supportive of a margin recovery in the key CSL Behring business. In light of this and recent share price weakness, the broker sees a favourable risk/reward profit here for investors. The CSL share price is trading at $183.21 on Friday afternoon.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $18.35 price target on this data centre operator’s shares. This follows news that the company has signed an agreement with ChatGPT’s owner, OpenAI. Citi notes that OpenAI is set to become an anchor tenant for the 650MW S7 data centre at Eastern Creek in Sydney. While revenue from this centre is still a couple of years away, the broker was pleased with the news and the diversification that it brings to its customer base. The NextDC share price is fetching $13.91 at the time of writing.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Analysts at Macquarie have upgraded this logistics solutions technology company’s shares to an outperform rating with a $108.50 price target. According to the note, the broker is feeling more confident about WiseTech Global’s business model transition. And while it sees limited risk with its half year result, it remains cautious on its FY 2026 result and FY 2027 guidance. Nevertheless, the broker is bullish on the long term and believes that the company can and will fundamentally reshape the logistics industry. It also notes that execution risks are commensurate with the size and deliverability of a massive market opportunity, and that its current share price doesn’t reflect this delivery. The WiseTech Global share price is trading at $73.28 this afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Nextdc, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The lithium carbonate price has surged 25% in 2025 and now sits at an 18-month high of US$13,292 per tonne.

The commodity’s rebound began in June amid higher demand for lithium to power battery infrastructure and electric vehicles (EVs).

Major global lithium producer Ganfeng expects lithium demand to grow by 30% in the new year.

Meantime, China is implementing supportive measures for the EV industry, which will boost lithium demand.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

Top lithium consumer China stated it would double EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027, supporting lithium-rich energy storage systems with compensation mechanisms for power storage infrastructure.

Also, output of new energy vehicles in China rose by 33.1% in the first ten months of the year, with October sales reflecting 51.6% of the market share, the first majority for new energy vehicles on record.

Other lithium prices are also higher.

The Spodumene Concentrate Index (CIF China) Price has ripped 26% in a month to US$1,162 per tonne.

The Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide price is also up about 9.5% in a month to US$10,300.32 per tonne.

China is also enacting anti-involution initiatives to constrain the output of critical minerals like lithium to preserve current price levels.

Broker recommendations on ASX lithium shares

Higher lithium prices have provided a tailwind for ASX lithium shares, many of which have recently hit new 52-week highs.

Today, the Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is $3.82, up 2.3% on Friday and up 184% since 1 July.

The market’s largest pure-play ASX lithium share hit a 52-week high of $4.26 last month.

Last month, Citi reiterated its hold rating on Pilbara Minerals shares with a 12-month price target of $3.25.

Morgans says this ASX lithium share is a sell with a price target range of $2.80 to $3.10.

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are $6.91, up 7% on Friday and up 66% since 1 July.

The nickel and lithium producer reached a 52-week high of $7.35 per share last month.

Macquarie put a buy rating on IGO shares this week with a price target of $5.75.

Citi has a hold rating with a price target of $5.60.

Morgan Stanley has a sell rating on this ASX lithium share with a target range of $4.50 to $4.60.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price is $1.33, up 5.6% today and up 90% since 1 July.

Liontown shares hit a 52-week high of $1.61 last month.

Last week, Macquarie put a sell rating on Liontown with a price target of 65 cents.

Citi also has a sell rating with a target of 50 cents.

Outlook for lithium prices

Jacob White from Sprott Asset Management said lithium sentiment turned bullish this year following three years of decline.

Now, expectations of stronger demand outside the US mean global oversupply may be absorbed sooner than anticipated.

In an article this week, White said:

This rebound is being driven by robust demand growth and ongoing inventory reduction, alongside regulatory tightening, including the shutdown of a major Chinese lithium mine by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) and new government measures aimed at preventing producers from selling lithium at unsustainably low prices.

The increased recognition of lithium as a critical mineral, combined with Western concerns over China’s control of global supply chains, is bolstering the sector outside of China.

These combined forces are reshaping the global lithium landscape and providing support to prices.

White said Sprott Investment had a positive outlook on lithium prices.

As supply adjustments take hold and global EV demand remains relatively strong, our outlook on lithium remains positive.

We believe price stabilization, industry consolidation and continued government stimulus measures in China should support long-term growth prospects even as shifting U.S. policies create uncertainty.

White points out that lithium batteries are increasingly being used in data centres that are powering the artificial intelligence revolution.

He said:

Given that the electricity demand of global data centers is projected to rise 2.5 times by 2030, there is significant room for growth. 

Google is using more than 100 million lithium-ion cells in its data centres worldwide.

The post Lithium price rebounds 25% in 2025: Which ASX lithium shares are a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD) shares are pushing higher on Friday afternoon.

At the time of writing, the mining technology company’s shares are up almost 2% to $3.30.

This means that its shares are now up almost 40% since the start of the year.

But if you thought it was too late to invest, think again! That’s because analysts at Macquarie believe the ASX tech stock could keep rising from here.

What is the broker saying about this ASX tech stock?

Macquarie notes that the company has announced acquisitions that will expand its market-leading product suite. It said:

Imdex will acquire 100% of Advanced Logic Technology (ALT) and its subsidiary, Mount Sopris Instruments (MSI) for €55.8m (~A$98.9m) upfront and performance-linked deferred components including ~A$4.5m and ~A$35.4m. The acquisition will be funded from existing cash and debt facilities, with proforma leverage ~1.1x post completion.

The broker appears positive on the move and believes it will create some easy wins that accelerate growth and margins. It adds:

Expands the portfolio with complementary offerings. The acquired product portfolios are complementary and don’t compete with existing IMD products. Around 20% of revenue is software with an 85% GM, while the hardware business is ~45%

Some easy wins to accelerate growth & margins. Leveraging IMD’s global network is expected to generate quick wins, particularly in markets where the business currently has lower penetration. The approximately 45% gross margin in hardware has been partly driven by one-off sales revenue; however, transitioning to IMD’s rental model is likely to deliver more sustainable and stronger margins over time.

Time to buy

According to the note, the broker has upgraded Imdex’s shares to an outperform rating with an improved price target of $3.80.

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, it expects a modest 1.1% dividend yield in FY 2026, growing to 2.9% in FY 2027.

Commenting on its outperform rating, Macquarie said:

Capital raising & drilling activity levels continue to improve – IMD’s AGM noted an increase in rig utilisation in all regions. Current multiple ~11x EBITDA is near the top of its range, but we see potential for a re-rate if IMD can accelerate growth in its software business, both organic and M&A.

Valuation: TP +4% to $3.80ps (set near the top end of our valuation range), driven by incorporation of ALT & MSI into our forecasts. Catalysts: 1H26 result, ongoing improvement in raising and drilling activity, strategic M&A, building out software businesses.

The post Macquarie says this top ASX tech stock could rise 15% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Imdex and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been a challenging 5-year period since 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) IPO’d in 2020.

At one point, the company’s share price was down 90% from its October 2020 all-time high of $2.60, but things finally seem to be turning around. In fact, one could argue that 2025 is turning out to be a breakout year for the medical technology company.

The company’s share price is now up a staggering 680% since July and is currently trading at $1.89. Moves like that usually trigger two reactions: “I missed the boat” or “This must be a bubble”, so what exactly has contributed to this remarkable recovery?

Consistent contract wins

The first clear signal for investors was the steady drumbeat of new deal announcements throughout the year. 4D Medical has been consistently locking down renewals and new agreements with some notable clients.

In July, they secured a 3-year contract renewal with the University of Michigan, and the company has recently expanded its agreement with Stanford University to include the new CT:VQ technology, whilst also entering into local deals with Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Recently, the company announced that Phillips would add CT:VQ to its North American product catalogue, backed by a minimum $15m contractual order commitment over 2 years.

While the contract sizes vary, the consistency of these wins with such prestigious institutions showed the market that the technology was gaining genuine traction.

The FDA green light

The company cleared a major hurdle on September 1, 2025, when it received FDA clearance for CT:VQ. CT:VQ is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) product that enables doctors to scan for pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) using a standard CT scan, without the need for contrast dye or radioactive tracers.

The FDA clearance opens up an addressable market of US$1.1 billion in the US alone, and it solves a logistical nightmare for hospitals by removing the need for nuclear medicine teams, meaning 4D Medical isn’t just selling software; it’s selling efficiency.

Investment from Pro Medicus

In July, Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), the $26 billion ASX medical imaging giant, invested $10 million into 4D Medical.

The investment was structured as a hybrid debt/equity facility. This means that while it provides 4D Medical with non-dilutive cash to grow, it also gives Pro Medicus “upside alignment.” If 4D Medical’s share price performs strongly over the two-year term, Pro Medicus stands to gain more.

Pro Medicus is the poster child of what success looks like for a medical imaging company listed on the ASX and selling its products in the US. If 4D Medical can follow in those footsteps, then there is plenty more upside to come.

Foolish bottom line

4D Medical’s stunning turnaround is the product of real traction. With consistent contract wins, FDA clearance unlocking a billion-dollar US market, and strategic backing from Pro Medicus, the company is adding credibility, capital, and a commercial pathway to success.

The risks aren’t gone, but for the first time since its IPO, 4D Medical looks less like a speculative bet and more like a business that’s beginning to deliver.

The post Up 680% since July, here’s why 2025 was a breakout year for this hot ASX stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) share price is trading in the red at Friday lunchtime. At the time of writing, the shares are 1.73% lower for the day at 85 cents a piece.

The ASX All Ords stock’s share price stormed 44% higher two weeks ago on the 24th November after the company received and rejected “an opportunistic, unsolicited, conditional and non-binding indicative proposal” from a consortium comprising Genesis Capital and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). 

For context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is 0.12% higher today. Over the past two weeks, the index has climbed 1.3%.

For the year-to-date, the specialist assisted reproductive services provider’s shares are still 32.28% lower, thanks to several sharp sell-offs earlier in the year.

And now Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) analysts have weighed in on the shares.

Here’s what the broker had to say.

Limited upside ahead for this ASX All Ords stock

In a note to investors, the team at Macquarie downgraded Monash IVF’s shares to neutral from a previous outperform rating. The target price remains unchanged at 94 cents. 

At the time of writing, this implies a potential 10.6% upside for investors over the next 12 months.

“We move our recommendation to Neutral, from Outperform. While we continue to expect medium-term upside on an improving macro environment, increased genetic testing, underlying structural demands, demographic and social changes, we think the share price is approaching fair value,” the broker said in its note.

Macquarie said that increased competition, recent operational incidents, and regulatory costs weigh on Monash IVF’s outlook. The broker sees the current share price as close to fair value. 

Despite the lower offer relative to historical benchmarks, the outlook for IVF has changed since CY22. Incidents have potentially weighed on customer acquisition and triggered greater regulatory scrutiny, likely increasing compliance costs as additional safeguards are implemented. Aggressive competition from unlisted peers, especially in VIC, is adding pressure. As such, we believe MVF’s share price appears close to fair value.

What did Macquarie say about the bid rejection?

Two weeks ago, Monash IVF rejected an 80 cent per share cash offer from a private equity consortium comprising Genesis Capital and Soul Patts. The two companies currently hold 19.6% of ASX All Ords company’s shares.

Macquarie explained that the offer implied a company valuation of 7.7 times its FY25 EBITDA. This is substantially less than comparable transactions in the sector.

“Despite a 31% premium to the pre-bid share price, the board’s decision reflects their view that the bid materially undervalues MVF’s strategic position and longer-term prospects,” Macquarie said in its note to investors.

For context, Monash IVF’s rival Virtus Health was acquired by BGH Capital in 2022 after a takeover battle. The sale represented 11.9 times the company’s EBIDTA, Macquarie explained in its note.

“However, it’s important to note that market conditions have since shifted, with FY21 benefiting from COVID-driven demand. Further, on a FY26E basis, MVF’s offer multiple increases to 8.6x (MRE EBITDA forecasts), as earnings are expected to reduce,” Macquarie said.

The post After soaring 40% in 2 weeks, this ASX All Ords healthcare stock has been downgraded appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down slightly to 8,615.2 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are tumbling:

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Foods share price is down over 3% to $10.22. This has been driven by the quick service restaurant operator’s shares going ex-dividend this morning. Earlier this week, the company released its half year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 13 cents per share. This dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders early next month on 5 January

Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)

The Monash IVF share price is down 2.5% to 84.2 cents. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the fertility treatment company’s shares to a neutral rating with a 94 cents price target. It said: “We move our recommendation to Neutral, from Outperform. While we continue to expect medium-term upside on an improving macro environment, increased genetic testing, underlying structural demands, demographic and social changes, we think the share price is approaching fair value. Prior research.”

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

The Premier Investments share price is down 13% to $15.72. Investors have been selling this retailer’s shares following the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. The Peter Alexander and Smiggle owner revealed that Premier Retail first half underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) is expected to be around $120 million. This is down 7.3% on the prior corresponding period.

Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP)

The Step One share price is down almost 12% to 26.5 cents. This online underwear seller’s shares have been sold off this week after it announced dismal sales results for the first half of FY 2026. Step One advised that it expects half year revenue to be in the range of $30 million and $33 million. This represents a decline of between 31% to 37% on the prior corresponding period. Things will be even worse for its EBITDA, which is expected to be a loss of between $9 million and $11 million. This is down from a profit of $11.3 million a year ago and includes a $10 million obsolescence provision against legacy stock that it has been unable to shift.

The post Why Collins Foods, Monash IVF, Premier Investments, and Step One shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Collins Foods. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) share price is down 2.47% to $6.71 on Friday.

A scathing new report shows Australians are paying more for private health insurance policies but receiving fewer benefits.

The key benefits of private health insurance include help with costs, the ability to choose your doctor, shorter waiting periods for elective surgery, and a tax break for higher income earners, as having insurance means they don’t have to pay the Medicare surcharge.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its 2025 Private Health Insurance Report Card today.

The report shows consumers are feeling increasingly dissatisfied with the value for money they’re getting while insurers post big profits.

For FY25, NIB reported higher revenue, lower underlying group profit, and higher net profit after tax (NPAT).

Revenue was $3.6 billion in FY25, up from $3.3 billion in FY24. Group underlying operating profit was $239.2 million, down from $257.5 million in FY24, and NPAT was $198.6 million, up 9.4% from $181.6 million in FY24.

What did the AMA say about private health insurance?

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the report “reveals a system increasingly failing to deliver value for money”.

Dr McMullen said:

Premiums have risen sharply, outpacing inflation, wage growth, and Medicare indexation — while coverage has narrowed.

Sixty-eight per cent of hospital policies now contain exclusions, meaning many Australians are paying more, but are covered for less.

The report found that Australian consumers were dropping gold level policies in favour of cheaper silver and bronze packages.

Since March 2020, the number of gold health insurance policies has fallen by 360,000 while the overall number of policies has risen 640,000.

Dr McMullen commented:

The tiered product system introduced in 2020 — basic, bronze, silver, and gold — was designed to simplify choices but has instead created confusion and contributed to underinsurance.

Gold-tier policies, which provide the most comprehensive coverage, are particularly susceptible to phoenixing — a term used when insurers close an existing policy and replace it with a nearly identical one at a higher price — a practice that has become increasingly common.

Key dates for NIB shares investors in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, here are the important dates for NIB shares investors to note.

NIB will announce its FY26 half-year results and interim dividend on 23 February.

The ex-dividend date for the interim NIB dividend will be 5 March.

If you’d like NIB to use your dividends to reinvest in more shares, you’ll need to enrol in the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) by 9 March.

NIB shareholders will receive their dividends on 8 April.

The private health insurer will announce its FY26 full-year results and final dividend on 24 August.

The ex-dividend date for the final NIB dividend will be 3 September.

The DRP deadline will be 7 September.

NIB will pay its shareholders on 7 October.

The insurer will hold its annual general meeting on 11 November.

The post Own NIB shares? Here are the key dates for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As we enter the final hours of trading on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up a slender 0.1% for the week, with these four ASX 200 stocks doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

We have a diversified mix of companies on our top performers list this week.

One is a major bank, another provides building materials, the third is a coal miner, and the fourth is a fast-growing copper and gold producer.

Here’s what’s been happening this week.

ASX 200 stocks racing higher this week

The first outperforming company this week is Judo Capital Holdings Limited (ASX: JDO).

Shares in the ASX 200 bank stock closed last Friday trading for $1.60. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $1.71 each. This sees the Judo share price up 7% for the week.

With no fresh price-sensitive news out from the bank, investors may believe the stock could benefit amid increasing expectations that the RBA may raise interest rates in early 2026. High rates should help improve the bank’s net interest margin (NIM).

The second ASX 200 stock smashing the benchmark’s returns this week is Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU).

Shares in the New Zealand-based building and materials company closed last week at $2.93 and are currently trading at $3.14 apiece. This puts the Fletcher Building share price up 7.2% for the week.

This morning, the company announced additional steps it is taking to simplify its funding structure. Those steps include repaying all outstanding US Private Placement notes as well as securing new debt facilities.

“These steps represent another milestone in strengthening our financial foundations,” Fletcher Building CEO Andrew Reding said.

“Simplifying our funding structure and extending key facilities gives us greater flexibility, lowers our ongoing cost of capital, and supports the disciplined execution of our strategic reset,” Reding added.

Moving on to the third ASX 200 stock racing ahead of the benchmark this week, we find Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC).

Shares in the Aussie coal miner closed last Friday trading for $6.93. In afternoon trade today, shares are changing hands for $7.65 each. This sees the Whitehaven share price up 10.5% over the week.

There are no new price-sensitive announcements out from Whitehaven this week. But investors may be buying the ASX coal stock amid the company’s ongoing share buyback program and with an eye on potential rising coal prices as we enter the northern winter months.

Leading the charge

Edging out Whitehaven to lead the charge higher this week is Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP).

Shares in the Australian gold and copper producer closed last week trading at $7.55 and are currently trading at $8.40 each. That sees this ASX 200 stock up 11% for the week.

The company owns a number of quality mines in Western Australia, where it is also developing its Havieron gold and copper project.

The miner discovered Havieron in 2018 and retook 100% ownership of the project 12 months ago.

Greatland Resources shares closed up 10.2% on Monday after the company released the feasibility study for the project.

Commenting on the study, Greatland managing director Shaun Day said:

Today, we are delighted to deliver our Feasibility Study which confirms Havieron’s world-class quality and sets the pathway for its development into a long-life, low cost, leading Australian gold-copper mine that will integrate efficiently with the existing infrastructure at Telfer.

The results of the study are robust, generating an IRR [internal rate of return] of 22.5% at a long term $4,500 per ounce gold price. At a long term price equal to the current spot gold price, this rises to 31.5% IRR.

The post 4 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to finish the week with a small gain. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up slightly to 8,620.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are climbing:

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is up 2% to $10.35. Investors have been buying the regional bank’s shares after analysts responded positively to its plan to acquire RACQ Bank’s retail lending assets and deposits. The purchase price will be based on the book value of the transferring book at completion, which comprised $2.7 billion of retail loans and $2.5 billion of retail deposits at the end of June. In response, Ord Minnett upgraded its shares to an accumulate rating with an $11.00 price target.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The Nextdc share price is up 4% to $13.98. This follows news that the data centre operator has agreed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ChatGPT’s owner OpenAI. The MOU will focus on developing a sovereign AI infrastructure partnership under the OpenAI for Australia program. This will see OpenAI and NextDC collaborate on the planning, development, and operation of a next generation hyperscale AI campus and large-scale GPU supercluster at NextDC’s S7 site in Eastern Creek, Sydney. This will reportedly be the largest data centre in the southern hemisphere.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up 3% to $1.87. This investigative analysis software provider’s shares have been pushing higher this week after it announced an acquisition. Nuix advised that it has agreed to acquire graph-powered AI decision platform Linkurious for up to 20 million euros (~A$35.4 million). Nuix’s interim CEO, John Ruthven, said: “The acquisition of Linkurious is an exciting accelerator for our strategic vision to enable our customers with insights from complex data at unparalleled speed and scale. This injection of graph-native expertise, proven link analysis technology and quality customers will allow us to bring immediate value to our customers.”

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 10% to $4.50. This lithium developer’s shares are rebounding after a significant decline on Thursday. That decline was driven by the company’s capital raising. Vulcan Energy’s institutional offer raised 398 million euros (A$710 million) at $4.00 per new share. This represented a 34.7% discount to its share price at the time. Vulcan’s managing director and CEO, Cris Moreno, said: “We would like to thank our existing shareholders for their continued support and welcome our new shareholders onto the register, including strategic investors. The Placement will enable Vulcan to transition from development phase into execution phase with project execution of Project Lionheart due to commence in the coming days.”

The post Why Bendigo Bank, NextDC, Nuix, and Vulcan Energy shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. 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 positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nuix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.