If you have a tolerance for high risk options, then small cap shares could be worth considering.

This is because having a bit of exposure to this side of the market could be a good thing for a balanced portfolio given the potential returns on offer.

With that in mind, here are three small cap ASX shares that have been rated as buys:

Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART)

The first small cap ASX share to consider is this growing online marketplace for local services. The team at Morgans is very positive on Airtasker. This is due to the broker’s belief that the company has a very attractive business model and a significant market opportunity that is in the early stages of ecommerce adoption.

Morgans has an add rating and $1.27 price target on the company’s shares.

Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Another small cap to look at is Catapult. It is a global sports analytics and wearables company that provides elite sporting organisations and athletes with real time data and analytics to monitor and measure athletes. Catapult’s products are used by many of the biggest sports teams in the world. During the first half of FY 2022, the company reported a 13% increase in revenue to $37.5 million. This was driven by 29% growth in subscription revenue, which reflects Catapult’s strategic shift to a focus on high quality recurring revenue SaaS deals.

Jefferies is very positive on Catapult. It currently has a buy rating and $3.00 price target on the company’s shares.

PlaySide Studios Limited (ASX: PLY)

A final small cap share to look at is PlaySide Studios. It is one of the largest independent video game developers in Australia with a portfolio of 50+ titles that are delivered across mobile, virtual reality, augmented reality, and PC platforms. The company has also recently announced work for hire deals with games publishing giants 2K Games and Activision Blizzard.

Canaccord Genuity currently has a buy rating and $1.30 price target on its shares.

The post Here are 3 small cap shares brokers rate as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Catapult Group International Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Catapult Group International Ltd. 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 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) share price has been outperforming its closest rival in 2022.

It has gained 9.15% year to date, whereas the Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX:BOQ) share price has increased just 1.56%.

Though, both banks have been outperforming the broader market lately. So far this year, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slumped 2.67% while the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has fallen 3.25%.

So, what’s been driving one of the two smaller banks to outperform the other lately? Let’s take a look.

Why is the Bendigo Bank share price outperforming BOQ’s?

The Bendigo Bank share price has had a great start to 2022. It has outperformed all but one of the ASX’s major banks’ stocks over the year so far.

Australia’s fifth largest retail bank’s shares were bolstered earlier this year by the release of its half-year results.

Bendigo Bank reported an 8.5% increase in revenue over the first half of financial year 2022, as well as a 31.7% boost to statutory net profit.

Its cash earnings also increased 18.7% while its net interest margin compressed 14 basis points.

Potentially more notable though was Bendigo Bank’s bolstered dividend.

The bank announced it would be providing shareholders with a fully franked 26.5 cent dividend. That was 12.8% more than its previous interim dividend.

The Bendigo Bank share price gained 4.4% on the back of its half year results.

It’s worth noting that, on the release of its results, Bendigo Bank’s stock stopped trading alongside the S&P/ASX Financials Index (ASX: XFJ), as it had been previously.

Sadly, the Bank of Queensland share price hasn’t experienced such a boost – yet. Additionally, it has been mirroring the financial sector in 2022.

The Bank of Queensland is set to release its interim results on 14 April. No doubt, the market will be keeping a close eye on how it performed over the first half.

It’s also worth noting, brokers are bullish on both Bendigo Bank and the Bank of Queensland.

As The Motley Fool Australia’s Zach Bristow recently reported, 73% of analysts covering Bank of Queensland believe its shares are a buy.

Meanwhile, brokers at Credit Suisse, Morgans, and Jarden Australia all recently upgraded their outlook on Bendigo Bank shares, as my colleague Monica O’Shea reports.

The post Why has the Bendigo Bank (ASX:BEN) share price been smashing BOQ in 2022? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) share price has rallied 11% in 2 weeks
• Brokers: Buy these 2 underrated ASX dividend shares
• Can the Bendigo Bank (ASX:BEN) share price stick above the $10 mark?
• Are Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) shares cheap right now? Read what analysts say
• 2 dividend shares analysts rate as buys with big yields and even bigger upside

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 owns and has recommended Bendigo and Adelaide Bank 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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Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares crumbled today despite no news being released by the Australian technology company.

But let’s put this into perspective. Up until today, the Electro Optic Systems share price has been skyrocketing. In fact, the shares are up by 39% in 30 days.

This mostly relates to a number of countries upping their defence spending in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. War is on the minds of ASX investors and space is the new defence frontier, it seems.

This has special relevance to Electro Optic Systems as it develops and produces electro-optic technologies for the aerospace market, including defence.

Australia investing $7 billion in space defence

Australia is ramping up its space defence spending, committing about $7 billion over the next 10 years to develop our space capabilities. This could spell good news for the Electro Optic Systems share price.

Yesterday, the Department of Defence announced the establishment of a Defence Space Command. It also released its Defence Space Strategy, which aims to secure Australia’s access to space for civilian and military uses.

Defence Space Commander Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts said integrated space capabilities incorporating all arms of the Australian Defence Force were necessary in today’s world.

In a report in The Guardian, Air Vice-Marshal Roberts said theoretically a Chinese satellite could take out Australia’s national broadband network (NBN).

Roberts said: “The activities by China and Russia, which have been fairly well documented in the public domain, scare me. I think our lack of capability at the moment against those threats … that is concerning.”

She further stated:

What we see from space gives us an unsurpassed advantage in surveillance and intelligence. It is central to how we will fight and win in the future across multi-domain operations, using advanced hypersonics, precision strike missiles and guided weapons. We are enhancing our sovereign capabilities so Australia can be self-reliant in the detection of threats and collection of information for the defence of our nation.

Electro Optic Systems derives most of its revenue from defence customers, particularly in North America. It develops and manufactures advanced fire control, surveillance, and weapon systems for approved military clients.

What’s been happening at Electro Optic Systems lately?

Last week, Electro Optic Systems announced a strategic review to maximise shareholder value. The board reckons the company is undervalued given its exciting future prospects.

As my Fool colleague Aaron reported last week, management has been seeking funding options for its wholly-owned United States subsidiary, SpaceLink. This relates to the manufacture and launch of a constellation of medium earth orbit satellites to create a “communications superhighway for the space economy”.

The company is also looking to turbocharge growth in its defence and space divisions.

Electro Optic Systems share price snapshot

The Electro Optic share price closed Thursday’s session down 11.89% to $2.89. It is down almost 45% over the past 12 months but up 21% this year to date.

The post Electro Optic (ASX:EOS) shares down 12% today but up 40% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Electro Optic (ASX:EOS) share price surges again, up 50% in 7 days. Here’s why
• Why is the Electro Optic (ASX:EOS) share price rocketing 16% today?
• What’s impacting the Electro Optic (ASX:EOS) share price this week?
• Could this ASX defence share be set to benefit from the Ukraine crisis?
• Electro Optic (ASX:EOS) share price plunges 13% on net loss

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. owns and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings 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 Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) share price has had a sluggish start to the year.

Medibank shares have fallen 11% since 4 January, the first trading day of the year. In today’s trade, the share fell 0.33% to $3.05.

Let’s take a look at what has been impacting the Medibank share price.

What’s going on with Medibank?

The private health insurance giant’s shares have had a tough start to the year after gaining 11% in 2021.

Medibank was hit with a downgrade recommendation from the team at JP Morgan earlier this year. The broker recommended the share price as a ‘sell’ and reduced the price target from $3.30 to $3.

The company also faced calls to pass more COVID savings back to members from the Private Hospital Association chief executive Michael Ross.

The Medibank share price fell 14% between market close on 7 January and 31 January alone. Elective surgery bans in Victoria and NSW amid the Omicron variant wave could have impacted the company’s shares.

On 25 February, the Medibank share price slipped 4% on the back of the company’s H1 FY22 results. Net profit after tax (NPAT) dropped 2.7% to $220.2 million. The company reported elective surgery restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic had taken a toll.

Commenting on the elective surgery bans, CEO David Koczkar said:

We’ve always committed to return all permanent net claims savings due to COVID. And while we are pleased to be able to support our customers throughout the pandemic, now is the right time for governments to minimise future use of restrictions to elective surgery.

In late February, Medibank appointed Kathryn Fagg AO and Peter Everingham to the board as non-executive directors. Commenting on the appointment, chairman Mike Wilkins said:

As our company continues to grow, and as we continue to increase our focus on delivering for our customers, we are pleased to be able to appoint two new directors with such extensive experience and a proven track record.

These new non-executive directors will commence their roles on 31 March.

In better news for the company, Broker Credit Suisse has recently put a $3.50 price target on the Medibank share. This is nearly 15% more than the current share price.

Medibank declared a franked interim dividend of 6.1 cents per share

Medibank share price snapshot

The Medibank share price has climbed nearly 5% in the past 12 months, but it has shed 6% in the past month.

For perspective, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has leapt 9% in the past 52 weeks.

Medibank has a market capitalisation of about $8.4 billion based on its current share price.

The post Why has the Medibank (ASX:MPL) share price lost 11% since early January? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Bruce Jackson.

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The Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) share price has fallen by around 6% since the start of 2022. But could the business soon see a recovery and drive higher?

For readers that don’t know, Transurban is one of the world’s largest toll-road operators. It designs, builds, owns and operates toll roads. Its asset base includes some of Australia’s most well-known toll roads such as the Logan Motorway and AirportlinkM7 in Brisbane, CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne, and the Eastern Distributor and WestConnex in Sydney.

But it’s becoming increasingly global. Transurban also has operations in Greater Washington, United States and Montreal, Canada.

What’s happening to the Transurban share price?

There has been a lot of volatility on the ASX share market amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the prospect of higher interest rates to deal with strong inflation.

Why could interest rates matter to the valuation of a toll road business? Legendary investor Warren Buffett once said this about interest rates:

The value of every business, the value of a farm, the value of an apartment house, the value of any economic asset, is 100% sensitive to interest rates because all you are doing in investing is transferring some money to somebody now in exchange for what you expect the stream of money to be, to come in over a period of time, and the higher interest rates are the less that present value is going to be. So, every business by its nature…its intrinsic valuation is 100% sensitive to interest rates.

Traffic has been impacted by COVID-19, it’s still lower than it was pre-COVID. However, traffic levels are recovering from the worst point seen in 2020.

FY22 half-year earnings wrap

The Transurban share price is slightly higher than when it reported in mid-February 2022.

With the impacts of lockdowns in places like Melbourne and Sydney, Transurban experienced a 4.8% decrease in average daily traffic across the portfolio in the FY22 half-year results. It also experienced a 0.2% decline of proportional toll revenue to $1.16 billion.

However, total proportional costs rose 10% to $417 million. This led to a 4% reduction of proportional earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $805 million.

Free cash, including capital releases, fell 2% to $459 million.

Opportunity pipeline

Transurban says that it has a long-term investment horizon and a pipeline of opportunities in core markets which enables it to take a disciplined approach in growing the portfolio.

Some examples of those opportunities in the next five years include the Brisbane Logan Motor and Gateway Motor widening. In the US, there are opportunities like phase 1 of the Maryland Express Lanes project and “future traditional toll road and Express Lanes acquisition opportunities”.

Is the Transurban share price compelling?

The listed investment company (LIC) Australian Foundation Investment Co. Ltd (ASX: AFI) thought that Transurban shares were attractive, with AFIC adding shares to its portfolio in the last few months.

AFIC says that Transurban has a good track record of capital allocation by management, driving “strong” long-term free cash flow growth. The LIC also said that Transurban has a solid balance sheet.

The investment company is expecting a FY23 recovery for Transurban. It noted that the cost blowout issue at the West Gate Tunnel project has now been resolved. AFIC likes the pipeline of potential opportunities, which it called attractive.

Another investment fund that likes Transurban is Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Currency Hedged) (ASX: MICH). On 28 February 2022, Transurban was one of the biggest ten positions in the portfolio. Toll roads made up 14% of the total portfolio.

The post 2022 is not being kind to the Transurban (ASX:TCL) share price. Could this be set to change? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Magellan Infrastructure Fund. 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 Kalamazoo Resources Ltd (ASX: KZR) share price had a positive day of trade on Thursday.

The mineral explorer’s shares jumped a massive 30% to 39 cents.

Why did the Kalamazoo Resources share price jump 30%?

The rise in the Kalamazoo Resources share price was a bit of a mystery. So much so, the company was hit with a speeding ticket from stock exchange operator ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX).

However, the mineral explorer’s management team were at a loss to explain why there was a sudden buying frenzy.

When quizzed about the rise, Kalamazoo confirmed that it was not aware of “any information concerning it that has not been announced to the market which, if known by some in the market, could explain the recent trading in its securities.”

Nor was the company “aware of any other explanation.”

What else could it be?

It is worth noting that while Kalamazoo Resources has been known as a gold explorer previously, its recent foray into lithium has piqued the interest of some investors.

In July last year, the company reported the identification of significant pegmatite-hosted lithium mineralisation potential at Kalamazoo’s 100% owned gold and base metals DOM’s Hill Project, East Pilbara.

This operation is close to two of the world’s largest pegmatite-hosted lithium mines at Pilgangoora and Wodgina, which are owned by Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN), respectively.

Since then the company has entered into a joint venture with lithium giant Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), which will see SQM earn an additional interest in mineral rights based on exploration activities.

Based on the Kalamazoo Resources share price performance, some investors may be optimistic that these activities will uncover something material in the near future.

The post This ASX lithium share just rallied 30% and copped a speeding ticket appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2022 is not being kind to the Transurban (ASX:TCL) share price. Could this be set to change?
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• XTEK (ASX:XTE) shares rocket on ‘urgent supply of specialist ballistic armour’
• Look out Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE), there’s a new shiraz on the block
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) share price has exploded in the past month to its highest price since July 2021.

The company’s shares have skyrocketed nearly 157% since the market close on 24 February. The shares were swapping hands at 56 cents, up 21.74% at the close of trading today.

Let’s take a look at what has been going on with this ASX uranium miner.

This ASX uranium share is surging

The Berkeley share price has soared amid rising uranium prices. Trading economics data reveals the uranium price has surged 34% in a month and 97% in a year. Uranium futures hit more than US$59 a pound amid concerns over Russian supplies.

Berkeley has also explained possible reasons for the share price gains. On 17 March, the company responded to a price and volume query from the ASX.

The company said it noted recent rises in the trading of its shares on the Spanish Stock Exchange. Berkeley explained Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had led to high energy and uranium prices in Europe. Berkeley added:

There have been news articles in the Spanish and European press referring to nuclear power being assessed as a viable alternative to decrease Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.

This has already seen the French government order its state energy company, EDF, to establish new reactors as part of plan to strengthen France’s energy security and to sell more nuclear power into the European energy market, and other European governments commence reviews of their existing energy policies.

This has led to the significant strengthening of the uranium spot price.

Berkeley shares have surged nearly 186% since 24 February on the Spanish Stock Exchange. On the London Stock Exchange, the company’s listing has soared nearly 175%.

In H1 FY22 results on 15 March, the explorer reported a net profit of more than $3 million.

This compared to a $32.6 million loss in the prior corresponding period. The outlook for nuclear power improved during the half. Berkeley noted China is planning at least 150 new nuclear reactors in the next 15 years.

The company also noted a US congress infrastructure bill including US$6 billion for existing zero-carbon nuclear facilities. France is also planning to build more nuclear reactors, Berkeley reported.

Berkeley share price snapshot

The Berkeley share price has fallen 10% in the past 12 months, while it is up 146% this year to date.

In the past month, Berkeley shares have soared 163%, including a 69% rise in just the past week.

Berkeley has a market capitalisation of about $252 million based on the current share price.

The post This ASX uranium share has rocketed 157% in a month. What’s the deal? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• XTEK (ASX:XTE) shares rocket on ‘urgent supply of specialist ballistic armour’
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• The Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price has struggled in 2022. Could this be set to change?
• Analysts name 2 excellent ASX growth shares to buy and hold

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 Xtek Ltd (ASX: XTE) share price exploded today after the company provided a positive announcement to the ASX.

Xtek shares finished the day up 10.87% to 25.5 cents. This means that, in the past month alone, the defence contractor’s shares have risen by more than 45%.

What did Xtek announce?

Investors reacted positively to the company’s latest announcement, driving up the Xtek share price.

In its release, Xtek advised it received a purchase order for the urgent supply of specialist ballistic armour products. This came from an “undisclosed international customer”, suggesting it might possibly be for end-use in Ukraine.

Recently, the Australian government announced an expanded $21 million military support package for Ukrainian armed forces. This brings the total defensive military assistance for the former Soviet country to $91 million.

The latest Xtek order is valued at $3.2 million, with urgent delivery now underway.

The ultra-lightweight and high-performance body armour plates and ballistic helmets are manufactured in Columbus and Ohio. However, the patented XTclave capability is located in Adelaide, South Australia.

Most notably, the lightweight armoured plates are already being used by government agencies in Australia and Finland.

Commenting on the news driving up the Xtek share price today, CEO Scott Basham commented:

We supply these world-class, advanced personal protection ballistic products and solutions to militaries, law enforcement agencies, and first responder customers all around the world.

Xtek’s Ballistics Division is working at pace to manufacture our highly sought-after specialist ballistic products, and we are in constant discussions with many other international customers as they develop their ballistic armour requirements.

What does Xtek do?

Defence company Xtek specialises in a range of products for government agencies, law enforcement, military and space and commercial sectors.

Key products include ballistic armour, lightweight and tactical human load carriage equipment, robotic mechanical systems and unmanned crafts.

About the Xtek share price

Despite today’s strong gains, the Xtek share price has lost more than 50% in value over the last 12 months.

Its shares reached as low as 16.5 cents late last month, before rebounding to December 2021 levels today.

Based on valuation grounds, Xtek presides a market capitalisation of roughly $25.41 million.

The post XTEK (ASX:XTE) shares rocket on ‘urgent supply of specialist ballistic armour’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX uranium share has rocketed 157% in a month. What’s the deal?
• Look out Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE), there’s a new shiraz on the block
• Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price climbs as oil extends rally. What’s next?
• The Suncorp (ASX:SUN) share price has struggled in 2022. Could this be set to change?
• Analysts name 2 excellent ASX growth shares to buy and hold

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 Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price finished in the red today amid news a rival could be coming for a Penfolds icon.

A Victorian winery has launched its own luxury shiraz and media are reporting it could compete with Penfolds Grange.

As of Thursday’s close, the Treasury Wine share price is $11.66, down 1.02% on the day.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 0.12% today.

Let’s take a closer look at the newest entrant in Australia’s premium wine market.

Is Penfolds Grange facing new competition?

Move over Penfolds, another luxury shiraz is hitting the market. This time, it’s from Victoria.

Yarra Valley winery Levantine Hill Estate has launched what is expected to be Victoria’s most expensive new release wine – with an $800 per bottle price tag.  

It’s released the 2017 Levantine Hill Optume Shiraz and the 2017 Levantine Hill Optume Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wines are extremely limited. Only 65 dozen of the shiraz and 58 dozen of the cabernet sauvignon will be available to purchase.

And while Levantine Hill owner and founder Elias Jreissati describes the wine as the “polar opposite” of Penfolds Grange, he told The Australian it will compete with the South Australian icon on price point.

Optume is entirely created in the Yarra Valley. Though, the bottles it’s sold in are imported from France.

It’s made using the region’s best cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, creating what Levantine Hill managing director Samantha Jreissati describes as “the optimum expression of a GI-specific, cool climate wine”.

Though, Optume is still slightly cheaper than Grange. The most affordable bottle of Grange is priced at $950 while the most expensive retails at $2,500.

Not to mention, a bottle of Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 1 Shiraz 1951 was sold at auction for $157,624 in December 2021, making it the most expensive bottle of Australian wine ever sold.

Treasury Wine share price snapshot

It’s unlikely today’s comparisons between Penfolds Grange and Levantine Hill Optume have dampened the Treasury Wine share price.

Though, the company’s stock has been struggling on its own lately. It has fallen 6.3% since the start of 2022. For comparison, the ASX 200 has fallen 2.7% over the same time frame.

Though, the Treasury Wine share price is still 7.4% higher than it was this time last year. That’s not far off the benchmark index’s 8.8% gain.

The post Look out Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE), there’s a new shiraz on the block appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here’s why the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price is tipped to outperform
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• Why has the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price surged 10% in a month?
• Broker names 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy in March

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 Treasury Wine Estates 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 Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price closed 2.79% higher today at $33.20.

Meanwhile, Brent Crude futures shot up midweek and had finished almost 6% higher by end of play on Wednesday. Brent now trades at US$121.44 per barrel on last check.

As oil extends its rally this week, hydrocarbons players such as Woodside have latched onto the momentum and are set to print solid fundamentals, some experts say.

Woodside share price spikes as oil extends rally

Brent Crude has slowed down today and is trading sideways. But momentum from a huge upswing these past few days is being felt in oil and gas stocks around the world, including the Woodside share price.

The United States Brent Oil Fund LP ETF (NYSEARCA: BNO) saw heavy inflows this week and had jumped 16.5% before US market open on Thursday, according to Bloomberg data.

Meanwhile, the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (NYSEARCA: XOP) has climbed more than 9% this past week and is up more than 34% this year to date.

Woodside has climbed more than 7% in a week and, if it continues at this pace, is well on track to surpass its 52-week highs of $34.41 on 7 March.

Shown on the chart below is its return against each of these benchmarks since November 2021.

Not to mention, natural gas futures have rallied hard this year and are now up 23% for the previous month of trade.

Oil prices have spiked again this week after Russia explained oil exports via a Kazakhstani pipeline feeding into the Black Sea might be slashed by around one million barrels per day, The Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the report, this represents around 1% of global aggregate oil demand. The halt could last up to two months, after it was reported the pipeline was affected by storm damage.

It’s yet to be seen what direction oil will head next – after all, it only has three options. The same can be said for the Woodside share price.

Woodside shares have climbed more than 37% in the past 12 months and are up 52% this year to date. During the past month of trade, they have spiked 15%.

The post Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price climbs as oil extends rally. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares spike as oil rises back above $100/barrel
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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 Bruce Jackson.

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