Stock Pick

  • A top Australian dividend stock with a 12% yield to buy in December 2025

    A golden egg with dividend cash flying out of it

    The ASX is home to many top Australian dividend stocks. From Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) to Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), the Australian markets offer many companies that have decades of paying fat, fully franked dividends.

    However, many of these dividend stocks have looked better as we survey them at the end of 2025. Some, perhaps Telstra and Westpac, are looking relatively expensive, and thus are offering dividend yields well below their historical averages right now. BHP and Woolies have their own issues, whether that be low commodity prices or minks in their business models that need ironing out.

    That’s why, if I had to choose an Australian dividend stock to invest in today, I’d probably go for something like the SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend yield ETF (ASX: SYI).

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF), like most ASX ETFs, holds a basket of underlying shares. In this case, those shares are all strong ASX dividend stocks with a history of providing relatively high yields to investors.

    An ASX dividend stock with a 12.7% yield?

    SYI contains all of the shares mentioned above, as well as Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). All in all, this fund holds just under 60 ASX dividend stocks in a well-diversified income portfolio.

    By investing in such a wide cross-section of the market, SYI can arguably offer the best income on the ASX has to offer, whilst diluting individual company risk.

    Unlike most ASX dividend stocks, the SPDR Australia Select High Dividend Yield ETF pays out four dividend distributions annually. Over 2025, these quarterly payments added up to $3.72 per unit. At the current SYI unit price of $29.23, that translates to a trailing dividend distribution yield of 12.73%.

    Now, before anyone rushes out to secure SYI units thinking they will enjoy a permanent 12.73% yield on their cash going forward, investors need to keep in mind that the dividend income from an ETF like this can fluctuate dramatically from year to year. The dividends received from this ETF’s underlying holdings largely dictate what the fund itself can pay out. Not to mention the erratic profits that can stem from this ETF’s periodic rebalancing.

    To illustrate this inconsistency, SYI units only paid out $1.07 per unit over 2024, down significantly from that $3.72 enjoyed over 2025. Even so, if this were repeated in 2026, it would give this ASX ETF a yield of 3.66%.

    Despite this unpredictable income stream, I think this Australian ETF would be a great investment for anyone who prioritises dividend income from their ASX shares today.

    The post A top Australian dividend stock with a 12% yield to buy in December 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund right now?

    Before you buy SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund 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 may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • 2 ASX financial shares to sell and 1 to buy: experts

    A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.

    ASX financial shares closed higher on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) up 0.29% to 9,030.7 points.

    By comparison, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.15%.

    The financials index has fallen 9.5% since it peaked at a historical high of 9,978.4 points in October.

    The steeply declining Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has contributed to the sector’s fall.

    Not to mention the sharp turnaround on interest rate expectations due to resurgent inflation and economic growth.

    The markets are now pricing in a 27% chance of a rate hike after the next Reserve Bank meeting on 3 February.

    Let’s check out some new broker recommendations on ASX financial shares.

    2 ASX financial shares to sell

    On The Bull this week, experts reveal two ASX financial shares to sell now.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    The QBE share price closed at $19.15 on Thursday, down 0.1% for the day and down 18.3% over the past six months.

    Jabin Hallihan from Family Financial Solutions has a sell rating on QBE.

    Hallihan explains:

    Shares [are] trading at a premium to our fair value estimate of $16.50, despite falling from its June highs.

    In our view, the company faces margin pressure from pricing competition, so we recommend investors reduce holdings, while monitoring claims trends and premium rates.

    Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

    The Medibank Private share price closed at $4.67 yesterday, up 0.21% for the day and up 23% in the year to date (YTD).

    Blake Halligan from Catapult Wealth has a sell rating on the ASX financial share.

    Halligan notes the stock’s significant fall from $5.26 per share on 21 August.

    He says:

    The Federal Government is attempting to encourage private health insurers to increase payments to private hospitals.

    Net profit after tax of $500.8 million in fiscal year 2025 was up a modest 1.7 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

    Profit before tax of $728.8 million was up 2.4 per cent.

    The risk of increasing cost pressures paints a challenging outlook.

    1 ASX financial stock to buy

    Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR)

    The Tyro Payments share price closed at $1 on Thursday, up 0.5% for the day and up 21% in the YTD.

    Hallihan has a buy rating on the ASX financial stock.

    He explains:

    The company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance for normalised gross profit of between $230 million and $240 million and an EBITDA margin of between 28.5 per cent and 30 per cent.

    Tyro is launching a new banking platform to boost merchant adoption. Tyro’s modern technology and strong performance support growth.

    Shares remain below our fair value estimate of $1.30, so we recommend accumulating the stock.

    The post 2 ASX financial shares to sell and 1 to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in QBE Insurance right now?

    Before you buy QBE Insurance shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and QBE Insurance 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 may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Tyro Payments. 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.

  • Ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for 2026. Here’s my No. 1 pick.

    Investor kissing piggy bank.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Microsoft can endure cyclical slowdowns.
    • Its growth and profitability continue to accelerate.
    • The company is a good value and pays a growing dividend.

    Welcome to the final article in a seven-part series ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for next year.

    To recap, Tesla was in last place, followed by Apple as the sixth seed, Amazon in fifth, Alphabet fourth, Nvidia third, and Meta Platforms second.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »

    Here’s why Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) takes the gold as the best Magnificent Seven stock to buy in 2026, and my top stock from the entire S&P 500 to buy and hold for at least the next three to five years. 

    Microsoft is a high-margin cash cow

    Microsoft doesn’t have as much growth potential as Magnificent Seven names like Nvidia or Tesla. However, what makes it attractive is its ultra high profit margins.

    Data by YCharts.

    Microsoft is the No. 2 player in cloud computing, behind Amazon Web Services. It features a comprehensive suite of integrated software tools, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and AI capabilities through Copilot). Its personal computing products include Surface and Windows-supported devices from a variety of brands. Microsoft owns LinkedIn and GitHub. And it’s a major player in gaming with Xbox and its ownership of Activision Blizzard.

    Mature tech companies often over-diversify and put innovation on the back burner, leading to slower growth and margin compression. Not Microsoft. Its growth is accelerating, and its operating margin is at a 10-year high.

    Delivering results without taking on too much risk

    With a 29.8 forward price-to-earnings ratio, Microsoft isn’t quite as cheap as Meta Platforms, but it’s still reasonably priced within the context of its historical valuation.

    Microsoft also has the best track record of the Magnificent Seven for delivering consistent, high-margin growth and returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

    Its outstanding share count has been ticking down over the years because buybacks have exceeded stock-based compensation. On Sept. 15, management announced a 10% dividend increase — marking the 16th consecutive year the company has boosted its payout. It has the highest yield among the Magnificent Seven at 0.8%.

    Microsoft also has one of the best balance sheets of the Magnificent Seven, ending its most recent quarter with $66.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments net of long-term debt.

    As flawless as it gets

    There are no perfect businesses, but Microsoft is arguably as close as it gets among U.S. companies.

    Going into 2026, the investment thesis has no weaknesses. The company is high-margin, diversified, innovative, and benefits from growth trends across the tech landscape, including AI.

    That means Microsoft is well positioned, regardless of what happens in the years to come.

    If there’s a recession, Microsoft can weather it.

    If there’s a sustained AI boom, it will benefit.

    If Microsoft-backed OpenAI loses market share to Alphabet’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude, the company can still thrive.

    Microsoft may not produce the largest gains of the Magnificent Seven over the next three to five years, but it is by far the best positioned to consistently outperform the S&P 500 over the long term.

    Add it all up, and Microsoft has the potential to be a foundational holding for both growth and value investors alike. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for 2026. Here’s my No. 1 pick. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Microsoft right now?

    Before you buy Microsoft shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Microsoft 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 may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Daniel Foelber has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

    Woman in a hammock relaxing, symbolising passive income.

    Owning ASX dividend shares is one of the most rewarding things about investing in the stock market. However, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares aren’t particularly appealing to me for passive income right now.

    It’s great being able to receive cash flow into bank accounts from our ownership of compelling businesses. I think it’s important to focus on businesses that are at valuations that make sense and to aim for investments that can grow in value.

    CBA is not exactly firing on all cylinders right now. The lending industry is competitive, with this being an impact on both loan growth rates and the margins lenders can achieve.

    In the first quarter of FY26, the bank reported cash net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.6 billion, representing just 2% year-over-year growth. That’s not a compelling growth rate, nor is the current grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5%, including franking credits, particularly exciting.

    There are quite a few ASX dividend shares I’d rather buy for passive income at the current valuations than CBA shares.

    Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI)

    This business is a fund manager that’s focused on managing commercial properties. While it may be best known for its office and industrial buildings, it’s also involved in areas like real estate finance, healthcare and agriculture.

    I like the diversification of the business and how it’s benefiting from recent interest rate cuts, which is reducing the cost of debt as well as providing a tailwind for the company’s earnings through higher property valuations – this is boosting its ability to generate management fees.

    In terms of passive income, the business paid an annual distribution per security of 10.4 cents in FY25, meaning it currently has a distribution yield of 4.9%.

    The business is expecting to grow its operating earnings per security (OEPS) by 10% in FY26, which is a much stronger growth rate than what I’m expecting in FY26 from CBA.

    I think this ASX dividend share is likely to deliver a stronger total shareholder return than CBA shares over the next three to five years. If the business continues making compelling property acquisitions, then it could be a pleasing market-beater, in my view.

    WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ)

    Commonwealth Bank is heavily concentrated on the Australian (and New Zealand) economy. Why not look at investments that help provide global earnings diversification?

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF) aims to invest in a portfolio of between 20 to 40 stocks that are quality global companies, primarily in the high-growth areas of consumer, technology and healthcare sectors.

    The fund targets an annualised dividend yield of 5% for investors, which is a stronger yield than what CBA shares currently provide.

    WCM looks for businesses that have expanding competitive advantages/economic moats and wants to see the businesses have a corporate culture that support the expansion of the economic moat.

    The strength and performance of these underlying businesses have allowed the WCMQ ETF to deliver an average return per year of 15.9% over the last five years. That implies good growth of the ETF’s net asset value (NAV), allowing for a growing distribution from the ASX dividend share.

    Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future investment performance. But, with a global share market to hunt for ideas, the future looks promising. Its three largest holdings are currently AppLovin, Taiwan Semiconductor and Amazon.

    The post Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Centuria Capital Group right now?

    Before you buy Centuria Capital Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Centuria Capital Group 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 may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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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 Amazon and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Menopause treatment is getting personal

    A photo collage featuring a close-up image of a woman using a portable fan, a women's hand with pills, and a transforming treatment pattern.

    Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

    • Women experiencing menopause have long weathered uncomfortable symptoms in silence.
    • Advancements in menopause care include personalized hormone therapy, telehealth support, and non-hormonal therapies.
    • This article is part of "Transforming Treatments," a series on medical innovations that save time, money, or discomfort.

    For decades, menopause has been treated like a medical nuisance to be managed silently. Women, knowing it's taboo to talk about, have quietly dealt with symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, restless nights, brain fog, mood swings, and plummeting libido.

    "We've had a two-sided problem that is being unraveled: patients who have been left to suffer and providers who have been left without education," Jessica Nazzaro, a board-certified OBGYN, certified menopause practitioner, and a medical advisor for at-home hormone tracking company Mira, told Business Insider. Patients now "know they are not alone, not crazy, and can find help."

    Today, many can test their hormone levels at home, talk to menopause specialists online, and get personalized prescriptions shipped directly to their doors.

    This shift marks a reimagining of how women navigate their midlife years. Once dismissed as an inevitable decline, menopause is now treated as another phase of health — one that can be supported, studied, and optimized.

    Hormone therapy gets a makeover

    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — which restores a patient's levels of estrogen, progesterone, or both to relieve menopause symptoms — was once the only solution women could turn to for things like night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.

    Then came the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002, a long-term national study on preventing breast and colorectal cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, which found that HRT could increase cancer risk.

    Prescriptions plummeted, and stigma spiked.

    In the years after, a group of doctors and researchers revisited the study and found it to be flawed because of its narrow scope. The WHI, which looked at disease risk in postmenopausal women, did not include vaginal estrogen, for example.

    Experts now tend to advocate for personalized treatment plans and say that cancer risk depends on the type of hormones used and the duration of treatment.

    "We've learned that HRT is indeed protective of heart health, brain health, and bone health. It does not cause breast cancer, as was publicized by the WHI, but rather can proliferate an estrogen-sensitive tumor in the breast or other tissue," Nazzaro said.

    According to Dr. Kathleen Green, an OB-GYN at Maven Clinic, "More recent studies show that for most women, the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks."

    Starting hormone therapy closer to the onset of menopause — typically before age 60 or within 10 years of entering menopause — can help alleviate symptoms and improve bone health.

    The biggest change? Personalization. Doctors now consider a woman's age, symptoms, medical history, and time since menopause to determine the best form and dose of HRT — whether it's a pill, patch, gel, vaginal cream, or ring.

    Tech makes menopause more manageable

    As more women demand better care, tech companies are offering to meet them where they are. At-home hormone testing tools like Mira and Proov can track users' hormone levels and turn them into personalized scores and cycle insights.

    According to Nazzaro, Mira's device tracks hormonal shifts with lab-level accuracy and "helps women see patterns in their own cycles, understand which stage of menopause they're in, and make informed decisions about symptom management, lifestyle adjustments, or treatments."

    Dr. Sophia Yen, the CEO and cofounder of Pandia Health, is a fan of Mira and told Business Insider that it's seamless to use — you simply collect your urine in a cup — and it provides "lab-grade results," all from the comfort of your home.

    Telehealth companies such as Midi, Gennev, Pandia Health, and Winona provide virtual appointments with menopause-trained clinicians — such as board-certified OB/GYNs and doctors who are also NASM-certified menopause practitioners. Pandia Health also offers asynchronous telemedicine, where women can message doctors without face or voice contact — establishing a safe space to share their concerns.

    Beyond hormones: New options for symptom relief

    Even with the rise of personalized HRT, some women can't or prefer not to take hormones — especially breast cancer survivors. That's driving innovation in non-hormonal therapies.

    In 2025, the FDA approved Lynkuet, a gel capsule from Bayer that blocks brain receptors responsible for hot flashes. In clinical trials of more than 700 women, it cut the frequency of hot flashes within a week.

    "Many cannot or will not take hormones, so Lynkuet could be a wonderful option," Alyssa Dweck, the chief medical officer at Bonafide Health, told Business Insider.

    Other new options include estetrol, a natural estrogen steroid pill, which is designed to address hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and loss of bone mass. Vaginal estrogen creams and suppositories that treat dryness, itching, and irritation can also help.

    After years of debate, the FDA recently removed the "black box" warning — the FDA's highest issued safety label — from estrogen-related products. The move could make women feel more comfortable using these medications, Nazzaro said.

    "I've had patients who pick up their prescription for vaginal estrogen after a thorough discussion and decide not to use it specifically because of the black box warning," Nazzaro told Business Insider.

    Doctors say the shift isn't just happening among menopausal women — it's starting earlier.

    "I have women in their 30s presenting to my office wanting to understand what they might anticipate when they enter perimenopause," Dweck said. They want to understand "what proactive measures can be taken to avoid distressing symptoms."

    That proactive mindset, paired with more tools and data, could redefine menopause care for the next generation.

    "I feel incredibly optimistic," Dweck said.

    The bottom line in menopause care

    Staying open-minded to emerging research and aware of the risks and benefits of new therapies is crucial to navigating this phase of life, said Dweck. She suggested being proactive and educating yourself about menopause with credible sources like The Menopause Society.

    Certain lifestyle adjustments like exercise, nutrition, and sleep can also make a major difference and support treatments like hormone therapy, non-hormonal drugs, or clinically studied supplements, Dweck said.

    And remember — although the menopause care market offers many products that are touted as "solutions," they may not have solid scientific evidence to support their claims.

    "Product labels can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing, and for this reason, a comprehensive discussion with an experienced healthcare provider about indications for use, risks, benefits, and specific use instructions is warranted," Dweck said.

    She recommended considering personal needs based on symptoms, medical and family history, medications, and lifestyle habits. There's no one-size-fits-all approach or experience when it comes to menopause.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Prosecutors need more time to deal with pandemic fraud. A top senator says Democrats are blocking a bill to give it to them.

    Senator Joni Ernst at a podium
    Senator Joni Ernst

    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    • The deadline is approaching for prosecutors to file fraud chagres related to $43 billion in pandemic aid spending.
    • Senator Joni Ernst says her Democratic counterpart is blocking a bill to give them five more years.
    • Watchdogs previously flagged the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and a restaurant bailout fund.

    The top Republican on the Senate Small Business Committee said Democrats are blocking a measure to give federal prosecutors more time to investigate bailouts for restaurants and the live-entertainment industry.

    Senator Joni Ernst said Senator Ed Markey is holding up her bill that would give investigators until at least 2031 to file charges for defrauding the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund or the $14.5 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.

    "We are not getting a lot of cooperation coming from our Ranking Member, Markey, and the Senate Democrats," Ernst told Business Insider. "I'm not very optimistic that it's going to happen, and it's very, very frustrating."

    Markey's office declined to respond to a request for comment.

    Less than two weeks remain for the Senate to pass the legislation, which would enable the bill to move to the president's desk and possibly be signed into law.

    It's not clear whether Ernst has formally sought unanimous consent to pass the statute-of-limitations extender bill because the process can take place informally, off the Senate floor. It's possible the measure could be passed next year, though the deadline to prosecute some SVOG fraud cases could lapse as soon as April 8.

    Business Insider documented how over $200 million from the SVOG program went to celebrities who used taxpayer money for private jets, lavish parties, luxury clothes, and other questionable spending.

    Investigators haven't accused any of those recipients of wrongdoing, and most of the grants discussed in BI's stories were closed out by the Small Business Administration.

    Mike Galdo, a former prosecutor who focused on pandemic fraud, said the bill could give agents, analysts, and prosecutors more time to build cases.

    "Given some of the ambiguity in the language in the SVOG statute and regulations, as well as enforcement priorities other than fraud taking center stage for this Administration, it is unclear how many additional SVOG-related enforcement matters will be brought," he said in an email.

    Ernst said Democrats preferred to "rant and rail" against President Donald Trump. At a committee hearing for SBA matters on December 10, Markey accused Republicans of waging "an all-out assault" on an SBA program that sets aside billions of dollars in federal contracts for small businesses owned by women and racial and ethnic minorities.

    Christmas crunch time in Congress

    A similar bill to extend the statute of limitations for the SVOG program and the restaurant fund has already passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

    Both Ernst and Markey have pointed fingers across the aisle for delaying their legislative priorities. Ernst yesterday sought unanimous consent to pass a bill that would have clawed back more than $65 billion in unspent COVID relief funds, a measure that was blocked by Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat. And Markey blamed Republicans for blocking a one-year extension of two programs that dole out billions in grants to tech-oriented small businesses.

    Representative Gil Cisneros, a Democratic congressman from California, said earlier this month that the SBA's inspector-general has 31 open Restaurant Revitalization Fund cases and six open Shuttered Venue Operators Grant cases.

    A spokesman for the SBA's inspector-general's office didn't respond to a request for comment about those numbers.

    The two programs cut checks of up to $10 million meant to support businesses that had been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, as waves of the deadly virus and government stay-at-home orders led businesses dependent on in-person gatherings to struggle.

    Government auditors faulted the SBA over its internal controls, and the combined total of fraud and waste in those and other pandemic programs may exceed $400 billion. Prosecutions have barely scratched the surface compared to the scale of the suspected fraud, but some misspent money could also be recovered through administrative actions or civil lawsuits.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • How to get Linkin Park tickets: Remaining 2025 and 2026 dates and prices

    When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

    Emily Armstrong of Linkin Park performs at the I-Days Festival at Ippodromo Snai La Maura on June 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy

    Sergione Infuso – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

    Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour continues with a global slate of shows extending into 2026, supporting the band's long‑awaited 8th studio album From Zero. The tour was officially announced on September 5, 2024, when Linkin Park revealed their comeback, introduced new co-lead vocalist Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara and new drummer Colin Brittain, and shared the lead single, "The Emptiness Machine."

    This marks Linkin Park's first full world tour in seven years and their first without former front man Chester Bennington, who tragically died in 2017.

    If you’re looking to catch a piece of the action and see Linkin Park live this year, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our breakdown for how to get tickets for Linkin Park’s 2025 From Zero World Tour, as well as their festival appearances. This will include information on Linkin Park’s tour schedule, purchasing details, and price comparisons between tickets. You can also look at ticket details at your leisure on StubHub and Vivid Seats.

    Linkin Park’s 2025 tour schedule

    Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour spans multiple continents with dates scheduled well into 2026. The global trek follows the band's 2024 reunion and live return, with shows across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In 2026, the tour continues with international stops including the Middle East, India, Australia, and a European leg that runs through stadiums and festivals in Sweden, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland through late June. The run also includes high-profile festival appearances, such as Download Festival and Rock in Rio Lisboa, providing fans around the world with numerous opportunities to see Linkin Park live.

    International

    Date City StubHub prices Vivid Seats prices
    May 29, 2026 Johanneshov, Sweden $59 –
    June 1, 2026 Hamburg, Germany $136 $267
    June 3, 2026 Hamburg, Germany $132 –
    June 5-7, 2026* Nurburg, Germany $363 –
    June 9, 2026 Vienna, Austria $148 –
    June 11, 2026 Munich, Germany $157 $339
    June 12, 2026 Munich, Germany $157 $351
    June 16, 2026 Lyon, France – $260
    June 21, 2026* Lisbon, Portugal $97 –
    June 23, 2026 Rivas Vaciamadrid, Spain $109 $230
    June 24, 2026 Rivas Vaciamadrid, Spain $95 $164
    June 26, 2026 Firenze, Italy $109 –
    June 28, 2026 Werchter, Belgium $151 –
    June 30, 2026 Zurich, Switzerland $202 –

    * Indicates a music festival Linkin Park will be performing at, in addition to several other artists.

    Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park performs at the opening ceremony before the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany

    Richard Sellers/Allstar/Getty Images

    How to buy tickets for Linkin Park’s 2025 concert tour

    Original tickets for Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour are available for purchase on Ticketmaster. Tickets can also be purchased from verified resale vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats. As the demand for each show varies by location and performance date, you may find better options from resale vendors if you are looking for a specific seating location or are interested in attending a high-demand event.

    How much are Linkin Park tickets?

    Ticket prices for Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour in 2025 and 2026 vary widely depending on the city, venue, and whether tickets are purchased through official sources or secondary marketplaces. Official tickets for tour stops are available through Ticketmaster, as long as they are still in stock. General-admission and standard seats start at different price points, based on demand and location. Verified resale platforms, such as StubHub and Vivid Seats, also list tickets, often at higher prices due to limited availability and market demand.

    On resale marketplaces, the lowest secondary-market prices typically appear for less-in-demand international stops, while larger US and European shows command higher rates. For example, resale listings on StubHub show some 2025 dates with lower prices compared to high-demand stops later in the tour, and Vivid Seats currently shows resale prices starting around the mid-hundreds for select 2026 European dates.

    In addition to standard tickets, many Linkin Park tour stops offer VIP packages through Ticketmaster and partner sites. These may include perks such as early entry, exclusive merchandise, premium seating, and VIP-only experiences. Popular VIP tiers for the From Zero World Tour have ranged from mid-hundreds to higher-end pricing, depending on inclusions and venue, and actual costs can vary by market and availability. Always check the specific event page on Ticketmaster for the most accurate pricing and VIP options before buying, as packages can sell out quickly.

    Who is opening for Linkin Park’s tour?

    Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour has announced several opening acts for select performances, including Queens of the Stone Age, Spiritbox, AFI, Architects, Grandson, Jean Dawson, JEPG Mafia, and Pvris.

    Will there be international tour dates?

    There are currently 22 international Linkin Park tour dates scheduled, including festival appearances and tour stops on the From Zero World Tour. These dates span South America and Europe, extending through June 2026. Additionally, Linkin Park is scheduled to make a stop in Vancouver, Canada, on September 21, 2025.

    Who is the new Linkin Park singer?

    Linkin Park announced on September 5, 2024, during a livestreamed concert, that Emily Armstrong would join Linkin Park as a co-vocalist, replacing Chester Bennington, who tragically died in 2019. Emily Armstrong, previously the lead vocalist of the group Dead Sara, began collaborating with Linkin Park in 2019 during their six-year hiatus. Armstrong has been praised for her vocal abilities, which complement the established sound of Linkin Park. The group released “From Zero”, their first album with Armstrong as vocalist, on November 15, 2024.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • OpenAI says its new GPT 5.2 set a ‘new state-of-the-art score’ for professional knowledge work

    Sam Altman
    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    • OpenAI said GPT-5.2, its latest model, is its best yet at doing "professional knowledge work."
    • In a benchmark test, OpenAI said it outperformed industry professionals in tasks across 44 occupations.
    • GPT-5.2's release comes just days after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared a "code red" in response to Google's Gemini 3.

    OpenAI released its anticipated update to GPT-5 on Thursday, boasting that the new AI is "the most capable model series yet for professional knowledge work."

    "We designed GPT‑5.2 to unlock even more economic value for people; it's better at creating spreadsheets, building presentations, writing code, perceiving images, understanding long contexts, using tools, and handling complex, multi-step project," the company said in a statement.

    In a benchmark test called GDPval, OpenAI said its new AI model can outperform "industry professionals at well-specified knowledge work tasks spanning 44 occupations."

    "GPT‑5.2 Thinking produced outputs for GDPval tasks at >11x the speed and <1% the cost of expert professionals, suggesting that when paired with human oversight, GPT‑5.2 can help with professional work," the company said.

    OpenAI GPT 5.2 results from GDPval benchmark test
    OpenAI's GPT 5.2 results from GDPval benchmark test

    OpenAI

    And in a note that is sure to catch the attention of bankers, OpenAI wrote that in an internal benchmark of junior investment banking analyst spreadsheet modeling tasks — "such as putting together a three-statement model for a Fortune 500 company with proper formatting and citations, or building a leveraged buyout model for a take-private" — the new model's score per task was "9.3% higher than GPT‑5.1's, rising from 59.1% to 68.4%" on average.

    The company also touted its gains in agentic coding ability.

    The release comes just over a week after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared a "code red" in a private message to employees, marshaling more resources to ChatGPT amid increasing competition from Google and other companies.

    Google has been considered by many in tech to be gaining, if not surpassing, OpenAI in the AI race with its recent release of Gemini 3 AI model.

    This is a developing story…

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now?

    A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Nvidia stock is beating the market this year, but its gains are slowing down.
    • The company is facing competition from other chip developers.
    • Nvidia continues to roll out more powerful products to power AI.

    Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stock is up 37% year-to-date as we approach the end of 2025. That’s about double the S&P 500‘s total return this year, which is certainly an impressive gain. However, it’s a significant slowdown from previous years — 239% in 2023 and 172% in 2024. In fact, it has gained 1,260% over the past five years, including a painful period when it lost more than half of its total value in 2022.

    Will that trend continue? And does it make sense to invest $1,000 in Nvidia stock today? 

    The key to AI

    Nvidia has had such an incredible run-up over the past few years because its graphics processing unit (GPU) chips are the most powerful chips to handle massive data loads for artificial intelligence (AI) creation. As hyperscalers build out huge AI businesses and develop data centers to generate the next wave of AI capabilities, Nvidia’s chips have been in high demand.

    The company continues to roll out new and more powerful products to drive all the new and exciting AI development, but competition is heating up, with companies like Advanced Micro Devices and even Alphabet scoring new, important deals for their chips.

    Given Nvidia’s central position in AI right now, it doesn’t look like there’s any near-term danger of losing its edge. It’s natural that as the industry explodes, other companies are going to make strides and also take some market share.

    Which means that, as much as we can anticipate future challenges, Nvidia is still going to be a good investment. Even if it doesn’t deliver the same staggering gains it has in the past, investing $1,000 in Nvidia stock makes sense today.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now?

    Before you buy Nvidia shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Nvidia 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 may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Jennifer Saibil 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 Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How much could the Pilbara Minerals share price rise in 2026?

    Pilbara Minerals share price ASX lithium shares A stylised clean energy battery flexes its muscles, indicating a strong lift in share price for ASX energy companies

    The ASX lithium share Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has had an incredible performance in 2025 to date, rising by around 80%, as the below chart shows. You may be wondering what’s predicted for the business in the coming year.

    PLS Group, which the company recently changed its name to, has benefited from a resurgence in investor confidence about the lithium industry after a difficult period for the supply and demand balance of the key battery commodity.

    But, some analysts may now think that the Pilbara Minerals share price may have run too far. Let’s take a look at what’s expected for the business over the next 12 months.

    Price targets for the Pilbara Minerals share price

    A price target can be informative of whether analysts think a business is overvalued or undervalued.

    The price target is where analysts think the share price will be in 12 months from the time of the investment call.

    According to CMC Markets, analysts are quite mixed on PLS Group right now, with five buy ratings, five hold ratings and three sell ratings.

    But, the average price target of $3.08 across those analysts is certainly negative. That implies a possible decline of 25% over the next year, which would be a significant decline to where it was a couple of months ago. That would still represent a sizable increase from where it was in December 2024.

    What’s going on with the lithium price?

    UBS recently released a note that talked about how there has been an increase in battery energy storage systems (BESS) demand:

    Following a ~2-year bearish stance on lithium, we shifted to Neutral in August due to: ongoing supply disruptions, further anticipated disruptions to Chinese lepidolite producers (CATL) and resilient overall demand. In this note, we have materially increased our short to mid term lithium price deck following an 11% increase in lithium demand driven by BESS. We now envisage markets moving into deficit from 2026 onwards.

    With spot now trading at US$1,170/t, we have lifted our lithium forecast to US$1,800/t/US$2,850/t/US$2,625/t SC6 CFR China in 2026/27/28 (+64%/148%/94% from prev. forecast), though we leave our long term incentive based price unchanged at US$1,200/t.

    UBS also said that after coming off a low base, it has increased earnings projections in FY27 and FY28 by more than 100% for the pure lithium plays, including PLS Group, which is exciting for owners of Pilbara Minerals shares. This is a “steep turnaround from burning cash” as recently as the last quarter for some lithium miners, according to UBS.

    The broker upgraded its global battery demand by up to 11% between 2025 to 2030. On the UBS’ global battery team numbers, BESS will account for around 31% (1.2TWh) of total battery demand by 2030, compared to around 20% today.

    UBS currently has a neutral rating on Pilbara Minerals shares, with a price target of $4, implying little change in the valuation over the next 12 months.

    The post How much could the Pilbara Minerals share price rise in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals Limited right now?

    Before you buy Pilbara Minerals Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pilbara Minerals Limited 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 may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    More reading

    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 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.