The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price has fallen 18% year to date, but is it a good time to buy?

The company’s shares climbed 0.88% on Wednesday to finish at $48.38. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) edged just 0.3% higher today.

Let’s check the outlook for Wesfarmers.

‘Good entry point’

The team at Morgans recommend Wesfarmers shares as a buy with a $58.50 price target. This is nearly 20% more than the current share price.

Morgans is impressed with the company’s highly regarded management team and healthy balance sheet. Their analysts said Wesfarmers holds one of the “highest quality” retail portfolios in Australia.

They added:

While COVID-related staff shortages are a challenge, the core Bunnings division remains a solid performer as consumers continue to invest in their homes.

We see the recent pullback in the share price as a good entry point for longer term investors.

Morgans is also predicting a dividend of $1.62 per share in the 2022 financial year. That’s a forward dividend yield of 3.34% for ASX investors who bought Wesfarmers shares at or near their closing price today. And don’t forget the 100% franking on top.

For FY2023, Morgans anticipates a dividend of $1.81 per share.

The company owns Target, OfficeWorks, Kmart and Bunnings. Recently, Wesfarmers acquired Australian Pharmaceutical Industries.

Wesfarmers share price snapshot

Wesfarmers shares have gravitated 12.15% lower in the past year. They have fallen 2.7% in a month. For some ASX investors, this may present an opportunity to ‘buy the dip‘.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 index has returned 6.5% in the past year.

Wesfarmers has a market capitalisation of $54.39 billion based on its current share price.

The post Should you ‘buy the dip’ in the Wesfarmers share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are 2 excellent ASX 200 shares analysts rate as buys
• Can Wesfarmers shares deliver an attractive dividend yield AND 20% upside in 2022?
• The Wesfarmers share price tumbled 15% in the March quarter. What’s next?
• Brokers name 2 ASX 200 dividend shares to buy now
• Broker names 3 more of best ASX 200 shares to buy in April

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

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The Firetail Resources Limited (ASX: FTL) share price blazed through its debut on the ASX today.

It came after the battery minerals explorer provided an update regarding its capital raise.

At market close on Wednesday, Firetail shares finished up an astounding 46% to 36.5 cents. But not before peaking at 38.5 cents in afternoon trade, marking a 54% gain for investors.

Firetail announces successful listing on ASX

In today’s statement, Firetail advised it has successfully raised $8.125 million (before costs) through its entitlement offer.

Subsequently, Firetail issued 32.5 million shares at 25 cents apiece to eligible shareholders.

The company said it received overwhelming support, with existing shareholders taking up to 40% of the initial public offer (IPO). This included the full support from key stakeholder and fellow miner, Gascoyne Resources Ltd (ASX: GCY).

In addition, Firetail secured a $2 million cornerstone investment from Chinese battery materials company, Shanghai Jayson New Energy Materials (Jayson).

Notably, Jayson is owned by Chinese entrepreneur, Mr Feng Liang, who is also chairman of Putailai. The latter is the world’s largest cathode materials producer and lithium battery recycling operator.

The listing of Firetail shares follows the demerger of now-defunct Firefly Resources Ltd (ASX: FFR).

In turn, debuting on the ASX will provide Firetail with the capital it requires to continue to explore and develop its key assets as an independent company.

Proceeds from the entitlement offer will be used to fund exploration of the company’s projects across Western Australia and Queensland. The exploration program aims to undertake follow-up drilling, and identifying and assessing exploration targets in project areas.

Management commentary

Firetail executive chairman Brett Grosvenor touched on the IPO, saying:

We are extremely pleased with the response from existing shareholders, as well as institutional and retail investors to our IPO, which was significantly oversubscribed.

We very much appreciate and welcome the significant cornerstone investment in Firetail by Shanghai Jayson New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. Investment in exploring for and developing future-facing metals is our shared focus and their support Is a strong endorsement of our team and projects. Our suite of assets, strong shareholding support and the exposure to the rapidly expanding battery metals industry, means that Firetail is well-positioned to advance our projects towards development.

More on the company and the Firetail share price

Founded in 2021, Firetail has established an extensive battery-metal-focused portfolio of exploration assets across Australia.

This includes its Yalgoo lithium project, Patterson copper and gold project in Western Australia, and the Mt Slopeaway nickel, cobalt and rubidium project in Queensland.

As such, Firetail is seeking to develop its portfolio of assets through exploration studies in the short to medium term.

Firetail commands a market capitalisation of roughly $21.6 million and has around 61.78 million shares on issue.

The post ASX mining share Firetail surges 54% on trading debut appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This lithium miner is set to list on the ASX next month following its IPO, and counts a Tesla supplier among its key investors.
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• Why is the Allkem share price having such a stellar day?

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 Bruce Jackson.

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The Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price closed almost 10% higher today despite no news from the company.

The company’s shares finished the day at 91 cents, a 9.64% gain. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) closed 0.98% higher today.

Let’s take a look at why this company’s share price had such a stellar day.

Uranium prices

The price of uranium has surged to the highest level since the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Trading Economics reported. The UK government has recently revealed plans to build eight nuclear reactors by 2030.

Paladin is exploring the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia for uranium. It’s located 40km southeast of the Rossing Uranium mine.

Uranium futures hit US$63.7 a pound in global markets overnight. Over the past year, uranium prices have risen nearly 112%.

Paladin is not the only ASX uranium share to rise today. Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN) and Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) gained 10.2% and 16.36% respectively.

Overnight, Bank of America also increased its price target on uranium to US$66.90 a pound in 2023. Bank of America analyst Lawson Winder said:

The price increase has been driven by concern about future disruption and a desire by market participants to lock in supplies in anticipation of that possibility.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

The Paladin share price has soared 123% in the past year while it is up around 4% year to date.

For perspective, the ASX 200 Energy Index has gained 23% in a year.

In the past month, Paladin shares have climbed 4.6%, surging almost 14% in the past week alone.

Paladin has a market capitalisation of about $2.7 billion based on the current share price.

The post Paladin Energy share price leaps 10% as uranium prices surge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday
• Why have ASX uranium shares bolted out of the gate today?
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Tuesday
• How did ASX uranium shares perform last quarter?
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Monday

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 Bruce Jackson.

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Wednesday has been a good day for the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) and these three shares have cashed in on it.

They’ve each climbed to their highest share price in years despite releasing no price-sensitive news today.

The All Ordinaries index closed the session up 0.5%, besting the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which gained 0.3%.

So, which All Ordinaries shares were trading at their best prices in years today? Let’s take a look.

3 ASX All Ordinaries shares surging to multi-year records

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

The Viva Energy share price leapt 3.9% to its intraday high on Wednesday to trade at $2.64. The last time the Australian fuel supplier’s stock traded at such heights was way back in 2019.

There’s been no price-sensitive news from the All Ordinaries company in more than a month. Though, it did provide an update on its Geelong Energy Hub today.

The company’s board has approved the funding needed to upgrade the hub’s processing capacity to produce ultra-low sulphite gasoline.

It has also agreed to acquire LyondellBasell Australia (LBA). LBA is Australia’s only polymer manufacturer and distributor. Its production facility is located in the footprint of the Geelong Refinery.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The Elders share price also reached a new multi-year high of $14.19 today. That’s the highest it has traded since 2009 and 3.3% higher than its previous close.

There’s been no news from the All Ordinaries agribusiness share on the ASX today.

Though, it’s been hitting multi-year highs since the release of a positive trading update in mid-March.

Grange Resources Limited (ASX: GRR)

Finally, the Grange Resources share price reached its highest point since 2008 on Wednesday, surging 4.5% to trade at $1.38.

Once again, there’s been no news to explain the iron ore pellet producer’s gains. Though, the All Ordinaries stock has been on an upwards tangent over the past few months.

It has gained 73% since the start of 2022 and 35% over the past 30 days.

The post 3 ASX All Ordinaries shares scaling new multi-year peaks today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This lithium miner is set to list on the ASX next month following its IPO, and counts a Tesla supplier among its key investors.
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday
• Why is the A2 Milk share price outperforming today?
• ASX 200 midday update: AVZ and EML shares jump
• Top broker warns this ASX 200 share may be next to issue a profit warning

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 Elders Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Lithium stocks have propelled north over the last 12 months as the battery metal soars to record heights on commodities markets.

In fact, lithium carbonate prices have only just taken their first backward step in more than a year. The commodity is now fetching 482,500 Chinese Yuan per tonne, down from 497,500 last month.

Despite the slight pullback, its climb has managed to blitz the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this year to date.

A new debutant?

Lithium carbonate remains up by 436% over the 12 months to date, outpacing nearly all other commodity baskets.

So with whispers of a potential lithium newcomer to the ASX, it’s no wonder that investor circles are murmuring with excitement.

“Tesla supplier Yahua International will take a cornerstone investment in Oceana Lithium, which is looking to raise up to $6 million ahead of a listing next month,” The Australian reports today.

“A pair of former Galaxy Resources executives are on board at Perth-based Oceana, which will be looking to advance lithium projects in Brazil and the Northern Territory.”

According to reports, Oceana could release up to 30 million ordinary shares on a valuation of 20 cents apiece, hoping to raise $5-6 million in the process.

Based on these and other valuation inputs, this would value Oceana at $12.7 million, The Australian notes.

In its prospectus, Oceana said it will allocate more than 50% of the raised funds to its Brazilian project with less than $1 million budgeted for its Napperby project in the NT.

Here’s what the company had to say (as quoted by The Australian):

Both Solonopole and Napperby are considered highly prospective for lithium and associated minerals, given their locations within known pegmatite and lithium provinces in Ceara state, Brazil and the Northern Territory.

Both projects have undergone previous mineral exploration including geological mapping and geochemical sampling and, in the case of Solonopole, small scale artisanal mining by previous owners.

The public offering is reportedly set to finalise on April 22, after which a potential listing is scheduled for May 27.

With global commodity markets still reeling amid the volatility of 2022’s geopolitical storms, it remains to be seen if the listing has come at the right time or not. Ultimately, the market will decide.

The post This lithium miner is set to list on the ASX next month following its IPO, and counts a Tesla supplier among its key investors. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Wednesday
• Why is the A2 Milk share price outperforming today?
• ASX 200 midday update: AVZ and EML shares jump
• Top broker warns this ASX 200 share may be next to issue a profit warning
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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 Bruce Jackson.

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Well, it’s been another dreary day for the Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) share price. Sezzle shares are currently down a nasty 4.25% at $1.12 so far in this Wednesday’s trading session. That’s a new 52-week low for this buy now, pay later (BNPL) share. But not only that, this move represents Sezzle’s lowest share price since the COVID market crash of 2020. Yes, the last time we saw this kin od share price in front of Sezzle was in early April 2020.

This week also represents the first time since 2020 that Sezzle has descended below its ASX initial public offering (IPO) price. Back in July 2019, Sezzle IPO-ed at a share price of $1.22. At the time, they didn’t start at $1.22 for long, rocketing over $2 a share soon after. But, things certainly aren’t as rosy today.

What’s gone so wrong with the Sezzle share price?

So what’s gotten investors fleeing the Sezzle share rice? Well, it’s not entirely clear. But the markets have been in an unforgiving mood of late for most ASX BNPL shares. Sezzle’s fellow BNPL player Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has hit a new 52-week low today as well.

Speaking of Zip, it’s possible that investor sentiment regarding the company’s planned acquisition of Sezzle might have played a role in the low share prices we see today. When the all-scrip tie-up was first announced earlier this year, Zip’s shares fell substantially while Sezzle share price rose. But investors have since sent Sezzle down to new depths, which we see the latest of today. It would seem that investors of both companies are both uninspired (to say the least) when it comes to the merger.

So a general distaste for ASX BNPL shares from the markets may be responsible for Sezzle’s new lows today. Or it could reflect the attitudes of investors for the Zip-Sezzle tie up. Whatever the reason, no doubt Sezzle shareholders are hoping for brighter days ahead.

At the current Sezzle share price, this ASX BNPL share has a market capitalisation of $235.27 million.

The post This ASX BNPL share is now back below its IPO price for the first time since the COVID crash appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could the Zip share price ever actually go to zero?
• 3 beaten up shares you might be surprised to learn are still part of the ASX 200
• Why A2 Milk, G8 Education, Nearmap, and Zip shares are dropping
• Zip shares hit new multi-year low. What’s going on?
• The Zip share price is a buy with 180% upside: broker

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price is taking off on Wednesday despite no news being released by the company ­– yet.

The lithium chemicals company is set to release its quarterly report tomorrow. The market might be boosting Allkem’s value higher today in anticipation.

At the time of writing, the Allkem share price is $13.22, 3.52% higher than its previous close.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently up 0.36% while the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) has jumped 0.75%.

Let’s take a closer look at how Allkem and its peers are performing on Wednesday.

What’s going on with the Allkem share price today?

The Allkem share price is in the green today, but it’s not the best-performing lithium stock in the ASX 200 materials sector.

That title goes to the AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: AVZ) share price. Right now, it has gained 9.22% on news of its Manono Lithium and Tin Project.

Allkem shares are also being outperformed by those of Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) and Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR). They’ve gained 4.3% and 3.9% respectively.

Though, Allkem isn’t without its fans.

As The Motley Fool’s Zach Bristow reported earlier this week, brokers are bullish on the stock’s future.

JP Morgan has an $18.50 price target on the stock ­– assuming the Allkem share price has a 40% upside.

Bell Potter is also optimistic about the company. It’s slapped Allkem with an $18.05 price target.

The post Why is the Allkem share price having such a stellar day? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 highly rated ASX growth shares analysts are tipping as buys
• Here’s why Allkem shares are getting multiple broker upgrades
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• Here’s why the lithium price is in the spotlight today
• Why not all ASX lithium shares are winners from surging commodity prices

JPMorgan Chase 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 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 Bruce Jackson.

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

More reading

• Why is the A2 Milk share price outperforming today?
• Why AVZ, EML, Iluka, and Webjet shares are charging higher
• Why have ASX uranium shares bolted out of the gate today?
• ASX 200 midday update: AVZ and EML shares jump
• Top broker warns this ASX 200 share may be next to issue a profit warning

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

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With the federal election looming around the corner, ASX shares are again in the limelight. At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.36%.

The stock market has shrugged off a number of pressures already this year, so how might an election feed into the mix?

Different government means different policy

According to analysts at UBS, if there is a change of government, that could spell a slightly different outcome for investors in 2022 and beyond.

“Leading into the last election there were material policy differences proposed by the main opposition Labor Party, especially for housing and taxation,” UBS analysts said, cited by The Australian.

“These included: negative gearing, capital gains tax, franking credits, trusts, income tax, penalty rates, and a ‘living wage’ which could have seen the minimum wage rise by around 10 per cent,” they added.

“This time, policy differences between the government and Labor are narrower; and the economic and market implications are not expected to be as material.”

In the past, UBS said the stock market hadn’t really been impacted by a change of government, although, when checking the data, consumer discretionary shares tended to get a boost when the cabinet rolled over.

Instead of a material threat to ASX shares directly, UBS says the major undertone set to impact the stock market is rising interest rates. That’s set to impact the real economy, instead.

“Even for the longest possible duration mortgage of 30 years (which mutes the impact), an increase in mortgage rates, from 2%–4%, raises required repayments by around 29%; and a lift in rates to 4.5% (ie, a 250 basis point increase reflecting the shift from fixed to variable, plus an assumed 200 basis point rise in variable rates) increases repayments by around 37%,” UBS analysts said.

One other factor hitting the election polls this year is the cost of living and inflation. Whoever is in government after the nation votes, is set to “take a lot of heat”, according to Brendan Coates of the Grattan Institute.

“There’s a lot of frustration that wages have not risen in a meaningful way over the past decade,” Coates said, cited by Bloomberg.

“There are big concerns about cost of living right now.”

The post How might ASX shares respond if we have a change of government? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is the A2 Milk share price outperforming today?
• ASX 200 midday update: AVZ and EML shares jump
• Top broker warns this ASX 200 share may be next to issue a profit warning
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today

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 Bruce Jackson.

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The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is up 10.7% at the time of writing.

Shares closed yesterday at $1.22 and are currently trading for $1.35.

That puts the Core Lithium shares up a whopping 427% over 12 months. And just this calendar year, shares in the ASX lithium explorer have surged 128%.

For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has lost around 1% year to date.

So, what’s going on?

Batteries, batteries, batteries…

It all comes down to, well, batteries.

Lithium is a key element in modern batteries, prized for its light weight and high conductivity.

With electric vehicle (EV) production growing rapidly across the world, demand for lithium has outpaced new supplies.

“Global electric sales have doubled in the last year, led by China and Europe, and this is forecasted to accelerate with tighter government emission standards, new model introductions, longer ranges, and better charging infrastructure,” eToro global markets strategist Ben Laidler said.

With EV batteries accounting for roughly 70% of global lithium demand, this has seen average lithium prices rocket more than 480% over the past 12 months. And that’s obviously helped drive interest in ASX lithium shares, boosting the Core Lithium share price along the way.

What else is boosting the Core Lithium share price?

Core Lithium received a big lift in early March when it reported on an agreement to supply lithium spodumene concentrate to Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA). The agreement will see the company supply 110,000 tonnes of the concentrate over four years.

The Core Lithium share price gained 14% on the day of the announcement.

The post Up 427% in a year, Core Lithium share price surges 11% again today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Core Lithium share price clips gains today but remains up 110% for the year
• Here’s why the Core Lithium share price is in the green on Monday
• These were the best performing ASX lithium stocks in March
• The Core Lithium share price is tumbling again. What’s going on?
• Why is the Core Lithium share price sinking 7% today?

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 Bruce Jackson.

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