• Here’s why the Vulcan Energy share price is sinking 12% today?

    man bending over to look at red arrow crashing down through the groundman bending over to look at red arrow crashing down through the ground

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price is deep in the red on Tuesday despite no company announcements.

    At the time of writing, the clean lithium developer’s shares are down 12.36% to $5.635.

    For context, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is sinking 4.37% to 6,629.2 points following heavy falls on Wall Street overnight.

    Vulcan Energy shares plummet to 52-week low

    Investors are heading for the exits, sending the Vulcan Energy share price to a new 52-week low during trade on Tuesday.

    Fears are mounting about an incoming recession next year as inflation continues to spike across global economies.

    Last Friday, the release of the United States consumer price index report indicated that inflation rose 8.6% in May. This was above the 8.3% forecast and the highest level in 41 years.

    Subsequently, economists are predicting that a recession will likely occur in the early part of 2023.

    The Federal Reserve is now more than likely to quickly raise the official cash rate to help ease inflationary pressures. However, this spells bad news for stocks as investors jump ship to better risk and reward alternatives such as government bonds.

    With the Dow Jones entering bear market territory, the ASX has followed suit.

    The old age saying, “When America sneezes, Australia catches a cold” couldn’t be more right.

    The S&P/ASX 300 Metals and Mining (ASX: XMM) industry is currently down 5.81% to 5,654.5 points. This represents a fall of close to 8% in the past week.

    Late last month, Goldman Sachs released a bearish report on lithium which sent shockwaves across the battery metals market.

    The broker forecasted that lithium prices will sink to around US$16,000 per tonne in 2023. This is a stark contrast compared to the US$71,000 per tonne that is being traded at the moment.

    It’s no wonder that with all this negative sentiment that Vulcan Energy shares touched a 52-week low of $5.23 today.

    About the Vulcan Energy share price

    Since this time last year, the Vulcan Energy share price has dropped by 36% following a difficult couple of months.

    Based on today’s price, Vulcan Energy presides a market capitalisation of approximately $741.82 million.

    The post Here’s why the Vulcan Energy share price is sinking 12% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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  • Why Australian Clinical Labs, Lake Resources, PolyNovo, and ResApp are rising

    Green arrow going up on stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.

    Green arrow going up on stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is a sea of red and down heavily. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 4.25% to 6,634.7 points.

    Four ASX shares that have defied the odds and pushed higher are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

    Australian Clinical Labs Ltd (ASX: ACL)

    The Australian Clinical Labs share price is up 1% to $4.62. Last week Goldman Sachs reiterated its buy rating and $6.50 price target on this pathology services company’s shares. Its analysts believe that the company’s longer term earnings power is still underappreciated by the market.

    Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

    The Lake Resources share price is up 5% to $1.47. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium developer. However, it is worth noting that Lake Resources is being added to the ASX 200 index at the next rebalance later this month.

    PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

    The PolyNovo share price is up 2% to $1.18. While there’s been no news out of the medical device company, its chairman has been buying shares ferociously in recent weeks. It’s possible that he has been in the market again, taking advantage of recent weakness. Mr Williams’ last purchase was on 7 June, with the acquisition of 21,456 shares.

    ResApp Health Ltd (ASX: RAP)

    The ResApp share price is rocketing 55% higher to 17 cents. This follows news that the terms of its potential acquisition by Pfizer have been improved. The pharmaceutical giant has agreed to increase its offer from 11.5 cents per share in cash to either 14.6 cents or 20.7 cents per share. The ultimate price will depend on the success of a clinical validation study. It is being undertaken to confirm that ResApp’s COVID-19 cough-based detection tool performs at or around the sensitivity and specificity reported in its pilot study.

    The post Why Australian Clinical Labs, Lake Resources, PolyNovo, and ResApp are rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price down 6% on Tuesday?

    a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to falla man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is sliding, down by 6.2% in afternoon trade on Tuesday.

    Pilbara shares have gyrated from the open, trading 10% down at one point before recovering slightly and heading sideways.

    In broad market moves, the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining (ASX: XMM) index is down 5.7% at the time of writing.

    What’s going down with Pilbara Minerals?

    There’s been no price-sensitive news out of Pilbara’s camp today. Instead, investors have likely sold the shares as part of a market-wide sell-off that’s gripped the ASX on Tuesday.

    The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 4.4% now but was down 5% at the open.

    This follows carnage in the US markets overnight, with all major indexes booking substantial losses.

    This is despite the price of oil and gas pushing higher into the stratosphere.

    The trading volume of Pilbara shares is already at 36.9 million with 90 minutes of trading to go. It’s flying past its four-week average of 33.06 million.

    Pilbara Minerals share price snapshot

    Today’s selling extends losses to 40% this year to date for the Pilbara share price, after it fell from a peak of $3.86 in January.

    Since then, the Pilbara Minerals share price has made two noteworthy attempts to reach that level again — but to no avail. It’s now been trading in a descending channel since January.

    The post Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price down 6% on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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  • ASX 200 bank shares tumble: Citi says time to buy

    A white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banksA white and black clock face is shown with three hands saying Time to Buy reflecting Citi's view that it's time to buy ASX 200 banks

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank shares suffered a major downturn last week, and today isn’t looking any brighter. In fact, the share prices of each of the big four banks are down between 3.8% and 4.5% on Tuesday.

    But has their fall presented a buying opportunity? That’s what top broker Citi is reportedly tipping.

    The broker is said to have brushed off concerns that rising interest rates could be detrimental to the housing and mortgage market.

    Let’s take a closer look at why Citi believes now is a good time to snap up ASX 200 bank shares.

    Citi says now is the time to snap up Aussie banks

    It’s been a rough time for ASX 200 bank shares. They were battered by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to lift interest rates by 0.5% last week in an effort to control inflation. And the regulator is expecting to hike rates further in the future.

    This news likely had Australians’ pockets feeling lighter, but it will allow banks to reprice their mortgages.

    However, higher rates can also mean more bad debts and lower housing prices. Thus, reducing the quality of a bank’s mortgage portfolio.

    But Citi isn’t worried. It says now is the time to buy into ASX 200 banks, reports The Australian.

    “We believe investors have re-evaluated their mortgage asset quality concerns, given the sharper than expected future cash rate trajectory,” said Citi analyst Brendan Sproules.

    “This is leading to a view that many borrowers don’t have enough buffer to manage through the current environment.”

    But Citi believes ASX 200 banks have likely already factored in current and upcoming interest rate hikes.

    “We find that the current underwriting standards explicitly build a significant level of financial buffer, even for the most leveraged borrowers,” Sproules was quoted as saying.

    “Also, we find that the banks possess material excess loan loss provisions to cushion any asset quality deterioration.”

    How are ASX 200 banks performing on Tuesday?

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is leading today’s downturn among ASX 200 banks. The Macquarie share price has slumped 6.2% so far today.

    Meanwhile, the share prices of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) are down 4.2%, 4%, and 4.5% respectively.

    Westpac Banking Group (ASX: WBC) is outperforming its peers with the share price falling 3.8%.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) index is down 3.9% at the time of writing.

    The post ASX 200 bank shares tumble: Citi says time to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. 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 Macquarie Group Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why did the BrainChip share price plunge 12% today?

    Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.

    Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.

    The BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) share price has continued its slide on Tuesday.

    In morning trade, the artificial intelligence technology company’s shares were down as much as 12.5% to 76.5 cents.

    When the BrainChip share price hit that level, it meant it was down 31% since this time last month.

    Its shares have since recovered a touch but remain down 6% at 82 cents at the time of writing.

    Why is the BrainChip share price sinking?

    Investors have been selling BrainChip shares today following a broad market selloff that has been felt hardest in the tech sector.

    This has been particularly the case among loss-making tech shares such as BrainChip and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP). The latter is down a massive 20% this afternoon.

    Remarkably, despite its recent weakness, the tech selloff in 2022, and its distinct lack of revenue, the BrainChip share price is still trading modestly higher in 2022.

    As a comparison, the S&P ASX All Technology index is down 40% since the turn of the year.

    Though, whether or not the company’s shares are able to hold onto these gains amid the sustained market weakness and its continued cash burn, only time will tell.

    The post Why did the BrainChip share price plunge 12% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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  • Novonix share price tumbles 10% amid Tuesday’s carnage

    white arrow pointing downwhite arrow pointing down

    The Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX) share price is struggling on Tuesday as the broader market endures a major sell-off event.

    The battery technology and materials share is currently the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s sixth worst performer.

    At the time of writing, the Novonix share price is $2.80, 9.97% lower than its previous close.

    For context, the ASX 200 is down 4.77% right now.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with Novonix on Tuesday.

    What’s going on with the Novonix share price?

    Novonix shares are continuing their multi-session slide today, slumping another 10%. That leaves the company’s stock nearly 21% lower than it was this time last week.

    For comparison, the company’s home sector – the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has slipped 10.5% in that time.

    The ASX 200 tech sector is also today’s worst performer, having slumped 7.45% lower than its previous close.

    Right now, Novonix is the sector’s second heaviest weight. It’s only outperforming the Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price, which is currently down 18.4% and trading at $89.45.

    Interestingly, the market hasn’t heard price-sensitive news from Novonix since late last month. Then, the company announced the retirement of a key board member.

    Today’s dip included, the Novonix share price is 77% lower than its 52-week high of $12.47, inked in December.

    It’s also 73% lower than it was at the start of 2022 and 23% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post Novonix share price tumbles 10% amid Tuesday’s carnage appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of January 12th 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 Block, Inc. 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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  • Is this a stock market crash for ASX 200 shares?

    A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crashA young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash

    Fresh from a long weekend for most states (and the ASX), many investors would have experienced a rather firm trip back to reality this morning when the Australian share market opened.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) last closed at just a tad over 7,000 points on Friday. But today, the ASX 200 index has plunged a painful 4.7% so far today and is now approaching 6,600 points.

    It’s been a brutal day of selling so far. Blue-chip ASX shares are falling, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) down 4.8% and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) down 6.2% at the time of writing.

    Even the ‘safer’ blue chips like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) have lost more than 2%.

    So after such a decisive plunge, many investors might be wondering if we are now in a stock market crash. It’s certainly beginning to feel like one.

    Is the ASX 200 in a stock market crash yet?

    Let’s see if we can officially apply this dreaded moniker.

    A share or stock market crash isn’t just an arbitrary event. It is generally accepted that for a market downturn to be called a stock market crash, it must involve a fall of 20% or more from the most recent market peak. A ‘correction’ is a fall of 10% or more.

    So the ASX 200 last peaked at 7,632.8 points back in August 2021. Today, the ASX 200 hit a new 52-week low of 6,566.1 points. That represents a drop of 13.98%. So a painful correction, one could say.

    But we aren’t actually in stock market crash territory just yet. To be in a crash, the ASX 200 would have to descend to around 6,106 points. And (thankfully) that is a level we have yet to cross.

    The last true stock market crash was the infamous ‘COVID crash’ of 2020. In the space of just a few weeks, this crash saw the ASX 200 lose a gut-wrenching 32% of its value over March and April 2020.

    That’s what an extremely rapid and painful stock market crash looks like. The current ‘correction’ we are experiencing could get worse, of course. But as it currently stands, the ASX 200 is still avoiding a full-on crash.

    No doubt investors will be hoping that the rest of the trading week gives ASX 200 shares some breathing room. But we shall have to wait and see.

    The post Is this a stock market crash for ASX 200 shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Corporation 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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  • Why are ASX 200 tech shares getting hit hardest today?

    Kid with a brown paper bag on his head which has a sad face on it sits in front of an old style computer representing falling ASX 200 tech shares today

    Kid with a brown paper bag on his head which has a sad face on it sits in front of an old style computer representing falling ASX 200 tech shares today

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech shares are taking a beating today.

    Not that it’s a great day for any of the sectors.

    At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) leading the charge lower, down 6.96%.

    And some of the biggest names are taking some of the big falls.

    The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price, for example, is down 6.27% while shares in WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) are down 8.82%. Meanwhile, ASX 200 tech share giant Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) has crashed 18.40%.

    Why are ASX 200 tech shares falling hard today?

    The finger of blame is again squarely pointing at hot running inflation and the subsequent interest rate increases investors can expect.

    The latest data out of the US showed inflation in May pushed annual CPI figures up to 8.6%. This came after inflation had eased from 8.5% in March to 8.3% in April, stoking hopes that the world’s biggest economy may have hit peak inflation. Current numbers out of the US are the highest in 40 years.

    With hopes of peak inflation waning, investors are now bracing for more aggressive interest rate hikes from the US Federal Reserve, and likely other central banks the world over. Higher rates put pressure on growth stocks, like ASX 200 tech shares, often priced with distant future earnings in mind.

    The Fed meets this Wednesday (night time in Australia) to determine its next move. Analysts widely expect a 0.50% increase, with a growing number forecasting a 0.75% hike. That would be the biggest increase since 1994.

    According to Evercore ISI’s Krishna Guha and Peter Williams (quoted by Bloomberg), “Once the Fed starts moving in 75s it would be hard to stop, and the combination of this and the Fed’s outcome-based approach to inflation feels like it could be a recipe for recession.”

    Steven Englander, head of foreign exchange research at Standard Chartered Bank said investors should brace for the potential for even more aggressive tightening from the Fed:

    The Fed’s trying to erase any perception that they’re behind the curve. Fifty was the big round number six months ago. Meanwhile, 75 is a very middling type of hike. So, the Fed might say: ‘Look, if we want to show commitment, let’s just do 100.’

    How have Xero, Block and WiseTech been performing?

    It’s been a difficult year for most ASX 200 tech shares. And Xero, WiseTech and Block are no exception.

    As a benchmark, year-to-date the ASX 200 is down 11.25%.

    Over that same period, the WiseTech share price has lost 39.31% and the Xero share price is down 45.04%.

    Dual listed Block began trading on the ASX on 20 January, following its successful acquisition of Afterpay. Since then shares in the BNPL payment giant are down 49.33%.

    The post Why are ASX 200 tech shares getting hit hardest today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc., WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc., WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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 Rio Tinto share price tumbling 6% today?

    Woman in yellow hard hat and gloves puts both thumbs downWoman in yellow hard hat and gloves puts both thumbs down

    The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price is plunging today amid wider market falls and fears over interest rate hikes in the United States.

    At the time of writing, Rio Tinto shares have fallen by 5.72% and are currently trading at $109.28. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) index is also down by 4.8% today.

    So why is the Rio Tinto share price having such a tough day on the market?

    What’s happening to the Rio Tinto share price?

    Rio Tinto shares are falling, but the mining giant is far from alone. Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) shares are currently down by almost 9% today, while BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are tumbling just under 6%.

    Today’s falls follow similar declines on Wall Street overnight Aussie time, which saw US-listed Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO) shares descend just over 4%.

    The ASX 200 is following Wall Street’s lead after the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) fell into a bear market on Monday. The US Fed Reserve is reportedly considering raising rates by as much as 0.75% in an effort to curb rising inflation.

    Commenting on the US market falls, City Index senior market analyst Matthew Simpson said:.

    This is de-risking at its finest. Investors are rushing for the same small exit in hope of offloading their plummeting assets for cash. 

    Tumbling iron ore prices could also be dragging on the Rio Tinto share price today.

    According to Trading Economics data, the iron ore price has slipped almost 3% to US$137.50 per tonne. Iron ore prices dropped in global markets on Monday amid fear of further lockdowns in China, mining.com reported. Rio Tinto operates 16 iron ore mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

    Share price snapshot

    The Rio Tinto share price has descended by around 12% in the past 12 months, but it has lifted almost 10% year to date.

    For perspective, the ASX 200 has shed more than 11% so far in 2022.

    Rio Tinto has a market capitalisation of around $40.7 billion based on the current share price.

    The post Why is the Rio Tinto share price tumbling 6% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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  • 3 ASX All Ordinaries shares that have surged 300% in the past year

    Three different coloured arrows going up, symbolising a rising share price and record highs.Three different coloured arrows going up, symbolising a rising share price and record highs.

    The last 12 months have been rough on the benchmark All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO). Today’s 5% tumble included, the index has slumped 11.15% since this time last year. But not all All Ordinaries shares have suffered in that time.

    In fact, some have seen their share prices more than quadruple, gaining over 300% in just 12 months.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, these three outperforming All Ords stocks all focus on the same battery-making material – lithium.

    These ASX All Ordinaries shares have quadrupled in a year

    Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

    The past 12 months have been good for All Ordinaries lithium exploration share Lake Resources. The company’s share price has lifted 459.26% since this time last year. It’s currently swapping hands for $1.51.

    The lithium explorer works in Argentina’s ‘lithium triangle’, focusing on its flagship Kachi Project as well as three other lithium brine projects.

    The most recent news regarding the company dropped earlier this month when it was announced Lake Resources will be added to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shortly.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

    Lake Resources’ fellow ASX All Ordinaries lithium share, Core Lithium, is also set to grace the ASX 200 following the index’s June rebalance.

    The Core Lithium share price has gained 369.61% over the last 12 months. It’s trading at $1.198 today.

    The company is working to develop the Finniss Project in the Northern Territory. It’s expecting production at the project to begin before the end of this year.

    AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: AVZ)

    The final ASX All Ordinaries lithium share boasting a gain of more than 300% for the last 12 months is AVZ Minerals.

    The company’s stock has lifted 387.5% over the last 12 months. However, it’s been frozen at 78 cents since early May.

    The stock is in the freezer as the company pushes through an ownership dispute regarding its Manono Project.

    If all goes wrong for the company, its holding in the asset could be reduced to 36%. AVZ Minerals is expected to return to trade on 1 July.

    The post 3 ASX All Ordinaries shares that have surged 300% in the past year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of January 12th 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 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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