• Why is the Sandfire share price leaping 7% on Monday?

    A graph ablaze with fire going up, indicating a fired up and surged share priceA graph ablaze with fire going up, indicating a fired up and surged share price

    Shares of Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) are pushing north immediately from the open on Monday despite no company-specific news.

    At the time of writing, the share is swapping hands more than 7% higher at $4.89 apiece.

    In broad market moves the S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining Index (ASX: XMM) is also lifting around 125 basis points on the day.

    What’s up with the Sandfire share price?

    Despite the strengths exhibited across global commodity markets in 2022, copper has been one exception to the rule.

    After a strong run in the 12 months to April, the price of copper then plummeted from a high of US$4.81 a pound and now trades at US$3.55/lbs, a more than 26% drop.

    As seen on the chart below, the Sandfire share price tracks the price of copper very closely. This chart shows the relationship since November 2021.

    TradingView Chart

    It would come as little surprise, therefore, to see Sandfire shares spike with the news out of OZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: OZL)’s camp this morning.

    As TMF reported earlier today, OZ has rejected a $25 per share takeover offer from the world’s largest mining company BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

    The OZ board and shareholders believed the offer was too low and not reflective of the company’s copper and nickel assets, as well as the current end market.

    With OZ’s rejection on grounds of market strength and copper’s asset value, the market has turned to this as a risk-on indicator with other copper miners like Sandfire.

    Despite its gains today, the Sandfire share price still has to reverse a 25% loss incurred this year to date on the chart.

    The post Why is the Sandfire share price leaping 7% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 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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  • Beach Energy share price climbs on BP deal

    A happy woman flies with arms outstretched on her boyfriend's back on the beach at dusk.A happy woman flies with arms outstretched on her boyfriend's back on the beach at dusk.

    The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is heading north today.

    During early morning trade, the energy producer’s shares are up 0.29% to $1.735.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in negative territory by 0.30% to 6,993.7 points.

    What’s fuelling Beach Energy shares today?

    Investors are bidding up the Beach Energy share price this morning after the company announced its latest deal.

    In its release, Beach Energy advised it has entered into a liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with BP Singapore.

    Under the SPA, BP will be purchasing all 3.75 million tonnes of Beach Energy’s expected LNG volumes. This will come from the Waitsia Stage 2 project, with supply forecasted to commence in the second half of 2023 and flow for approximately 5 years.

    Supply will be delivered on a Free on Board (FOB) basis from the North West Shelf facilities in Karratha, Western Australia. BP is a joint venture partner in NWS.

    The price for the LNG contract is said to be linked to Brent crude oil and Japan Korea Marker price indices. While there is no restriction on upside price participation, there is a downside price protection mechanism. This is to safeguard any severe falls in LNG prices where commodity cycle prices become unstable.

    Beach Energy CEO, Morné Engelbrecht touched on the deal, saying:

    Signing of the LNG SPA with bp is a significant milestone in our delivery of material growth and another step closer to Beach becoming a supplier of LNG to the global market…

    Once LNG sales commence, Beach will have further diversified its commodity pricing exposure. Beach’s oil and gas portfolio will provide exposure to Brent oil prices, spot LNG prices, east coast, west coast and New Zealand domestic gas prices, and oil-linked gas prices. This places Beach in an enviable position within the Australian energy sector.

    Beach Energy share price snapshot

    While the ASX 200 index has recorded losses in 2022, the Beach Energy share price has surged by almost 40%.

    These gains have mostly come off the back of favourable trading conditions as energy prices continue to spike.

    Beach Energy has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.84 and commands a market capitalisation of roughly $3.95 billion.

    The post Beach Energy share price climbs on BP deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Beach Energy 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 Beach Energy 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
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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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  • BHP share price lifts as $8.3b takeover bid rejected

    An investor looks happy holding a finger to his computer screen while holding a coffee cup in a home office scenario.An investor looks happy holding a finger to his computer screen while holding a coffee cup in a home office scenario.

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is lifting amid news OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) turned down a takeover bid posted by the iron ore giant.

    As The Motley Fool reported earlier, the $25 per share cash offer represented a 32.1% premium on OZ Minerals’ previous close. It also valued the copper miner at around $8.3 billion.

    However, the acquisition target’s board found the bid undervalued the company and refused to recommend it to shareholders.

    After opening slightly lower at $38.80, the BHP share price rose to trade at $39.09 in early morning trade. That’s 0.72% higher than it was at Friday’s close.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) materials shares on Monday.

    BHP share price lifts despite rejected takeover bid

    The BHP share price is in the green this morning. Its gains come despite the company’s CEO Mike Henry saying he’s “disappointed” OZ Minerals’ board refused to entertain its “compelling” bid. Henry continued:

    Our proposal represents compelling value and certainty for OZ Minerals shareholders in the face of a deteriorating external environment and increased OZL operational and growth related funding challenges.

    OZ Minerals CEO and managing director Andrew Cole said BHP’s bid didn’t recognise the company’s “unique” copper and nickel assets. It also said it didn’t consider demand predicted to stem from global electrification and decarbonisation.

    The acquisition target also said the offer was “highly opportunistic”. It was posted after the copper price and the OZ Minerals share price fell from recent peaks.

    It was also noted that BHP has snapped up a stake of less than 5% in the copper giant.

    While the BHP share price is trading slightly higher following the company’s rejection, that of OZ Minerals is leaping upwards. It has gained 35% to trade at $25.70 at the time of writing.

    The post BHP share price lifts as $8.3b takeover bid rejected 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 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 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 CBA share price having such a strong start to the week?

    A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.

    A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is in the green in early morning trade, up 0.4%.

    CBA shares closed on Friday trading at $101.41 and are currently trading for $101.82.

    The other big bank shares are all heading in the other direction, dipping into the red, as witnessed by the 0.3% drop in the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ).

    What’s influencing the CBA share price today?

    Atop wider market forces, ASX investors are also scrutinising analysts’ forecasts on what to expect when the bank delivers its results for the 2022 financial year (FY22). Those will be reported this Wednesday.

    While estimates vary, many analysts are expecting CBA to report strong results for the 12 months. This comes as the second half of FY22 has seen inflation levels soar and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) ratchet up interest rates for the first time in a decade, taking them from 0.10% to the current 1.85%, with more hikes expected.

    As for likely impacts on the CBA share price, Tribeca Investment Partners portfolio manager Jun Bei Liu said investors are likely to be more focused on what’s ahead than on metrics already largely priced.

    According to Liu (quoted by The Sydney Moring Herald):

    I think for the market, the issue is that all of these results are being pretty much in the rear view mirror. It’s really about the commentary about how they see the credit growth and some of those things going forward, what they see in the underlying market at this point, rather than what the result is indicating. That’s going to be very important.

    Liu noted that at the current CBA share price, the bank trades at a premium to its competitors (CBA trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 19 times).

    “Now clearly, there’s flight to quality. So, for this business to maintain its premium, it’s incredibly important for it to demonstrate leadership,” she said, adding the bank needs to demonstrate that “it’s above the system growth”.

    “So, if they disappoint on some of those growth stats, the share price will come off quite meaningfully because it is at such a premium,” Liu said.

    As for Goldman Sachs, the broker is forecasting a 9.7% increase in full-year cash earnings to $9.49 billion. It expects the full-year, fully franked dividend to come in at $3.80 per share, which would be an increase of 8.6% year on year.

    Despite that relative strength for FY22, Goldman Sachs retains its sell rating with a $90.45 target for the CBA share price.

    One-off profits and losses for FY22

    In a non-price sensitive release this morning, meaning it’s unlikely to have a material impact on the CBA share price, the big bank updated investors on one-off items impacting its FY22 results.

    On the plus side of the ledger, in FY22 CBA sold its 10% shareholding in the Bank of Hangzhou Co to Hangzhou Urban Construction & Investment Group Co and Hangzhou Communications Investment Group Co for a $516 million pre-tax gain. That’s recognised in its cash net profit before tax (NPAT) and increased the bank’s CET1 capital ratio by 0.35%.

    CommBank announced the completion of the transaction on 30 June. The CBA share price edged higher on the day.

    On the negative side of the ledger were one-off expense items of $445 million (pre-tax). That’s comprised of $389 million related to the acceleration of amortisation on capitalised software, along with $56 million relating to changes in CommBank’s operating model

    CBA share price snapshot

    The CBA share price has enjoyed a strong rebound since the 17 June lows of $87.26 per share and is now down 1% in 2022.

    That compares to a year-to-date loss of 8% posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    The post Why is the CBA share price having such a strong start to the week? 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
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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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  • ‘World’s largest portfolio’: Why this ASX cannabis share is up 36% in August

    A little boy surrounded by green grass and trees looks up at the sky, waiting for rain or sunshine.A little boy surrounded by green grass and trees looks up at the sky, waiting for rain or sunshine.

    ASX cannabis share Incannex Healthcare Ltd (ASX: IHL) has caught a bid last week, reversing off 52-week lows to now trade 36% higher on the month.

    Just after the open on Monday, Incannex is priced at 27.5 cents – not far off its yearly low of 19 cents on 1 August.

    What’s boosting this ASX cannabis share?

    Last week Incannex advised it had finalised the acquisition of APIRx Pharmaceuticals after the pair signed binding terms back in March this year.

    CEO and managing director of Incannex, Joel Latham, said the company was “excited” to get the ball rolling on the deal.

    “After extensive due diligence and corporate strategy assessments of the APIRx assets,” he said, “we are excited and readied to commence development activities over our newly acquired portfolio of drug candidates.”

    As a result of the transaction, 22 additional clinical and pre-clinical projects have been transferred onto Incannex’s books.

    The company says this represents an aggregate addressable market of US$400 billion per annum.

    As a result, Incannex says it now has the “world’s largest portfolio of patented medicinal cannabinoid drug formulations and psychedelic treatment protocols”.

    This involves an intellectual property portfolio covering 19 granted patents and 23 pending patents, the company says.

    Incannex share price snapshot

    Investors rallied behind the ASX cannabis share last week. They sent it surging back into the green, bouncing off its 52-week low in the process.

    The Incannex share price has now jumped more than 36% in the first week of August. This brings total losses to the year back to 56%.

    The post ‘World’s largest portfolio’: Why this ASX cannabis share is up 36% in August 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 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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  • Set to ‘quadruple footprint’: Expert names taboo ASX share to buy

    Two funeral workers with a laptop surrounded by cofins.Two funeral workers with a laptop surrounded by cofins.

    Death is a life event that everyone goes through, yet not often thought about or spoken about in investment circles.

    But there are ASX shares that provide exposure to the largest addressable market of all.

    Wilson Asset Management senior analyst Shaun Weick, in a company video, named one recently that he rates as a buy.

    Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP) is the second largest funeral home operator in Australia, with about 5% market share.”

    It’s not a company often talked about, and Weick was sheepish in endorsing a death stock.

    “This is one with fundamentals you don’t want to like, but they really do offer a pretty attractive recovery profile.”

    Share price has doubled, but more to come

    The Propel Funeral share price has more than doubled since the March 2020 COVID-19 panic selling trough.

    But Weick thinks the journey upward is far from over.

    “As people exit lockdown, we’re seeing flu rates skyrocketing at the moment,” he said.

    “We think the organic growth profile of this business is re-accelerating.”

    An ace up its sleeve is that the industry has pricing power to help it endure high inflation.

    “The significant cost escalation we’re seeing through inflation out there, we think these guys have an ability to pass that through.”

    Weick said that Propel has a “very strong” balance sheet, ready to pounce on opportunities that may come up.

    “They’ve got over $300 million in capacity they can deploy into earnings and accretive acquisitions.”

    The analyst can envisage Propel Funeral to grow enough to catch up with the market leader.

    “Listed peer InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC) is at about 20% market share,” he said.

    “They’ve essentially tapped out with the ACCC, so we can see a pathway for Propel to essentially quadruple its footprint over time — so this is a strong buy.”

    Busted for pretending to be smaller

    Professional coverage is scarce on Propel, but at least Bell Potter agrees with Weick. That team rates the stock as a strong buy, according to CMC Markets. 

    Last year, two Propel Funeral subsidiaries were fined by the competition watchdog for falsely advertising that they were “local and independently owned”.

    The misleading words were trying to create an impression that the businesses were part of the local community, according to ACCC deputy chair at the time Delia Rickard.

    “We think that it gives them an unfair advantage when local consumers are shopping.”

    The post Set to ‘quadruple footprint’: Expert names taboo ASX share to buy 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 Tony Yoo 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 Propel Funeral Partners 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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  • Why are Betmakers shares attracting increased short interest lately?

    a small child carrying a brief case tries to reach an elevator button outside closed elevator doors.a small child carrying a brief case tries to reach an elevator button outside closed elevator doors.

    Shares in betting technology provider Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) are among the ASX’s most shorted, with more and more short-sellers targeting the stock.

    But it’s been on the up and up over the last month.

    Right now, the Betmakers share price is 46 cents. That’s 15% higher than it was a month ago. Though, it’s still 45% lower than it was at the start of the year.

    For comparison, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) has lifted 10% over the last 30 days and has fallen 26% year to date.

    So, what seems to be drawing short-sellers to Betmakers? Let’s take a look.

    Why are short-sellers attracted to Betmakers shares?

    Betmarkers shares’ short position has been increasing alongside its share price over the last month.

    Indeed, 12.35% of the company’s stock was in the hands of short-sellers as of the most recent data provided by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), dated 1 August.

    That means the company’s short position grew from 11.81% at the same point in July and from 2.84% on 2 August 2021.

    It comes despite the company having posted a notable increase in revenue in July and announcing an on-market share buyback in June.

    But, as my Fool colleague James points out, rising short interest in Betmakers shares might have a lot to do with the company’s valuation.

    Betmakers currently boasts a market capitalisation of around $411.5 million. That’s despite its earnings being in the red.

    The betting technology stock posted a $27.8 million loss for the first half of financial year 2022. That saw its earnings per share (EPS) come in at a 3.26 cent loss.

    Meanwhile, it boasted around $111 million of cash and equivalents, making up more than half of its net assets.

    Whether its earnings improved further over the second half will soon be seen. The company is expected to release its full-year earnings for last financial year on 29 August.

    No doubt plenty of market-watchers – as well as short-sellers – will be taking a good look at its anticipated release.

    The post Why are Betmakers shares attracting increased short interest lately? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betmakers Technology Group Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Betmakers Technology Group 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 Betmakers Technology Group 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 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 positions in and has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Betmakers Technology Group 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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  • Keen to bag the next AFIC dividend? Read this

    A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading a broker note about ASX shares on her laptop that is sitting on the table in front of herA woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading a broker note about ASX shares on her laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her

    The Australian Foundation Investment Co. Ltd (ASX: AFI) share price has travelled in circles over the past couple of weeks.

    Following the release of the company’s preliminary full-year results on 25 July, shares in the listed investment company (LIC) opened at $8.14 apiece.

    Fast-forward two weeks later, and AFIC shares finished at $8.10 on Friday’s market close. This implies a slight loss of 0.5% for the 14-day period.

    In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained around 3.3%.

    Ex-dividend around the corner for AFIC shares

    Despite the general recovery on the ASX, the AFIC share price has been in a sideways channel of late.

    This comes after the company reported an outstanding financial scorecard, particularly with net profit up 53.4% to $360.6 million.

    AFIC shareholders might want to keep an eye out as the upcoming ex-dividend date approaches.

    You will need to buy the company’s shares before market close tomorrow to be eligible for the final dividend. The ex-dividend date falls on Wednesday 10 August.

    Historically, when a company reaches its ex-dividend day, its shares tend to fall after shareholders lock in the latest dividend.

    When can AFIC shareholders expect payment?

    If you’re eligible for AFIC’s final dividend, you will receive a payment of 14 cents per share on 30 August.

    This brings its full-year dividend to 24 cents, which is flat from the previous financial year (FY21).

    Management noted that its capital will fluctuate with market conditions, and in order to manage these, the dividend may be adjusted.

    The final dividend is fully franked which means that you’ll receive franking credits to put towards your next tax bill.

    AFIC share price summary

    Over the last 12 months, the AFIC share price is down 5% following wild price swings since the start of June.

    The company’s shares reached a 52-week low of $7.40 on 20 June, before sharply accelerating in the weeks thereafter.

    AFIC commands a market capitalisation of roughly $9.96 billion and has a dividend yield of 3.15%.

    The post Keen to bag the next AFIC dividend? Read this 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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  • Is the Northern Star share price on the way back up?

    A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year

    A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year

    The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price has risen by more than 17% in the past month.

    That makes the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold mining share one of the better performers in the index in the last few weeks.

    A key part of the picture for a commodity business is the outlook for the underlying commodity price.

    As reported by by one of my colleagues Zach Bristow, the gold price has been rising.

    The visit by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan seems to have stirred the pot between Taiwan and China. Pelosi was the highest-level US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.

    Reuters reported the visit could have impacted the price of gold and said “gold prices advanced on Wednesday as the dollar fell and US-China tensions rose”.

    However, it was also reported Kinesis Money analyst Rupert Rowling thinks the turbulence may be “short-lived” and that “market focus will return to interest rates and the negative long-term impact that is likely to have on gold”.

    Gold expectations

    One of the interesting elements about gold is that not only is gold affected by normal supply and demand, but wider economic news can also impact gold prices globally.

    Refinitiv Eikon analysis said:

    Gold prices rebounded last week after labour market data showed that U.S. jobless claims hit [a] fresh 8 months high, however, anticipation of further rate hikes by the Federal Reserve limited gains.

    Gold may hit US$1,650/oz if the Federal Reserve hikes the interest rate as expected.

    Can the Northern Star Resources share price go higher?

    Plenty of brokers seem to think it can.

    A price target is where the broker thinks the share price will be in 12 months.

    Ord Minnett rates it as a buy with a price target of $11.10. That suggests a rise of more than 30%. The broker thinks the business is trading at an attractive price to its underlying value.

    UBS rates it as a buy, with a price target of $9.80. That’s a rise of 19%. But, the broker likes its potential growth.

    The broker Macquarie also rates Northern Star Resources as a buy, with a price target of $10. That would be a rise of around 21%.

    The post Is the Northern Star share price on the way back up? 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 Tristan Harrison 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 Macquarie Group Limited. 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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  • Could Afterpay’s global ambitions threaten the future of Zip shares?

    Two boys in baskets on skateboards race each along a road.Two boys in baskets on skateboards race each along a road.

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price has been on a rollercoaster ride in 2022. But its future could be heavily influenced by how successful Afterpay is.

    While Afterpay is no longer a listed entity on the ASX, investors can still get exposure to it through Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) shares.

    Both have achieved strong market positions in Australia. But, Australia is only a small part of the global picture. Zip and Afterpay want to become global players in the buy now, pay later space.

    Where does Zip operate?

    The BNPL business generates the most revenue from the ANZ region. In the fourth quarter of FY22 it generated $79.6 million of revenue in ANZ. This represents growth of 2% quarter over quarter and 30% year over year.

    Zip USA saw US$48.6 million of revenue – this was down 2% quarter over quarter and up 5% year over year.

    In terms of the rest of the world, Zip is operating in Canada, Mexico, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (Spotii), Poland and Czech Republic (Twisto), Singapore and the United Kingdom.

    Zip reported that rest of the world fourth quarter revenue was flat quarter on quarter. However, revenue was up 73% year over year (pro forma).

    Zip is working hard to grow internationally, but it’s also trying to improve its profitability and reduce cash burn.

    The company is focused on improving unit economics by achieving better credit outcomes across “credit decisioning, portfolio management and collections”. In the United States it’s expecting to see losses below 2% on a cohort basis before the end of the calendar year. In Australia, Zip said that previous actions are now positively impacting performance, resulting in a decrease in arrears. It said that it has experienced a “peak of losses” in Australia.

    How does Afterpay plan to spoil Zip’s plans?

    Zip shares could be influenced in the future by Afterpay’s plans.

    In response to Credit Suisse analyst Timothy Chiodo regarding the new Discoveries tab in Square’s Cash App, Block chair and co-founder Jack Dorsey said:

    This really gets at the heart of exactly why we made the acquisition of Afterpay in the first place, is because we believe that Cash App ultimately can drive a tonne of discovery for merchants all around the world, but especially around local merchants. And not just businesses but products and services that people would otherwise not have had signal around.

    We believe that Cash App ultimately becomes a place that you want to check not on a weekly basis, but every single day, because it consistently gives you a good sense of your friends and families; the businesses around you; products and services that you’re interested in; offers, such as boost, all in one place.

    We’re rolling it out to more and more people right now. But we were really excited about this because we believe that the biggest part of Afterpay is around connecting people with commerce and transactions with local merchants but also of merchants around the world. Afterpay is our solution around that. We think there’s a huge opportunity to make these connections, not just with the Afterpay merchants, but the entire Square ecosystem as well, which really speaks to our strengths in connecting these two ecosystem together.

    So, Zip has its work cut out if it’s going to challenge that integrated offering from Afterpay.

    Zip share price snapshot

    Over the past month, the Zip share price has risen by around 130%. However, since the start of 2022, Zip shares have fallen by 70%.

    The post Could Afterpay’s global ambitions threaten the future of Zip 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 July 7 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Block, Inc. and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. 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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