A message from our CIO, Scott Phillips:

“G’day Fools. If you’re like us, you’re dismayed by the events taking place in Ukraine. It is an unnecessary humanitarian tragedy. Times like these remind us that money is important, but other things are far more valuable. And yet the financial markets remain open, shares are trading, and our readers and members are looking to us for guidance. So we’ll do our best to continue to serve you, while also hoping for a swift and peaceful end to war in Ukraine.”

BHP Group Ltd’s (ASX: BHP) leadership and the management of other companies are thinking about the potential impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Australian Financial Review reported that BHP’s Chair Ken MacKenzie believes more companies and investors will decide to follow the decision of the oil businesses BP and Shell to exit Russia.

Mr MacKenzie thinks that boards and management teams will be looking at the best-case and worst-case scenarios to consider the potential outcomes on the business, as well as cyber risks.

The AFR quoted Mr Mackenzie who said:

As business people, our role is to understand those situations, to understand the potential range of outcomes that can come from a geopolitical situation. We call that scenario analysis and then develop contingency plans around that to protect the business. That’s our job, but none of us have a crystal ball.

I always say, hope for the best and plan for the worst. So, it’s everything from one scenario which would be a quick, peaceful resolution, which we’re all looking for, to the unthinkable.

And we’ve just got to understand the implications to our business and get out in front, which is what everybody did during the pandemic, very successfully.

Is Europe important for BHP?

BHP makes less than 2% of its earnings – around $1 billion of sales – from Europe.

The more important market for the business is China which is a big customer for BHP’s iron ore and it also buys a lot of its other commodities as well.

Mr MacKenzie noted that there is a bit of tension between Australia and China, but said there is mutual dependency – “We need China and China needs us.” He also said that its business-to-business relationships with its Chinese suppliers and customers “have never been stronger”.

BHP share price snapshot

The BHP share price rose 3.8% today. That means that it has now risen by 14% this year, despite now going ex-dividend.

One of the latest analyst ratings comes from Macquarie, which rates it as a buy with a price target of $53. That implies a potential upside of around 10% over the next 12 months. The broker reckons the company can keep capitalising on the high resource prices.

The post ‘Hope for the best and plan for the worst’: BHP boss appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s how these top 3 ASX 200 mining shares performed in February
• Why did the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price deliver such lacklustre gains in February?
• ‘A lot of headroom to grow’: Is 2022 the year ASX investors turn to ESG shares?
• How might the conflict in Ukraine impact the iron ore price?
• Which ASX 200 shares have delivered the biggest dividend payout increases this earnings season?

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

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A message from our CIO, Scott Phillips:

G’day Fools. If you’re like us, you’re dismayed by the events taking place in Ukraine. It is an unnecessary humanitarian tragedy. Times like these remind us that money is important, but other things are far more valuable. And yet the financial markets remain open, shares are trading, and our readers and members are looking to us for guidance. So we’ll do our best to continue to serve you, while also hoping for a swift and peaceful end to war in Ukraine

The Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) is responding to the Ukraine crisis with one significant product change.

Endeavour shares were swapping hands at $7.02 at the close of trade today, a 0.57% fall. In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 0.28% today.

Let’s take a look at how Endeavour Group is showing its support for Ukraine.

Russian product taken off the shelves

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Endeavour has decided to pull all alcohol made in Russia from its liquor shops and hotels.

Endeavour owns major Australian liquor outlets and brands including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, ALH Hotels and Jimmy Brings.

An Endeavour Group spokesperson commented on the decision:

As an organisation, Endeavour Group is deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine and we join the calls for peace.

Following feedback from a variety of stakeholders, we have decided to remove products of Russian origin from our stores, hotels and online businesses in the coming days.

Endeavour shares slipped 1% yesterday. As my Foolish colleague Sebastian Bowen reported, the company’s shares were trading ex-dividend.

Endeavour expects to pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 12.5 cents per share on 28 March. Endeavour reported a 15.6% boost in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $311 million in its half-year results on 21 February.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) has also decided to remove Russian-sourced drinks from its Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor stores, SBS News reported.

Endeavour share price snapshot

The Endeavour share price has surged 16.61% in the past year. In the past month alone, Endeavour shares have surged more than 10%.

For perspective, the benchmark index has returned around 5% over the past year.

Endeavour has a market capitalisation of about $12 billion based on its current share price.

The post Own Endeavour (ASX:EDV) shares? Here’s how the company is responding to the Ukraine crisis appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Party pooper? Why the Endeavour (ASX:EDV) share price is slumping today
• Here’s what you need to know about the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) dividend
• ASX 200 shares stage comeback amid Russia optimism
• Why A2 Milk, AGL, Endeavour, and TPG shares are charging higher
• Crack a bottle! Endeavour (ASX:EDV) share price jumps 11% on profit lift

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 COLESGROUP DEF SET. 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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If you’re a fan of tech shares, then you may want to look at the two listed below.

Here’s why these tech shares have been rated as buys:

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

The first ASX tech share to look at is Altium. It is a printed circuit board (PCB) design software provider behind the Altium 365 and Altium Designer platforms. These platforms are the clear leaders in their field and used by companies such as Amazon, BAE Systems, Facebook, and Tesla.

Last month Altium released its half year results and revealed a 28% increase in revenue to US$102 million and a 38% jump in net profit to US$23 million. This stellar growth is being underpinned by strong demand for its software thanks to favourable tailwinds such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence. These are supporting an explosion of electronic devices globally. 

Pleasingly, Altium’s CEO, Aram Mirkazemi, is positive on the future. He said: “We are picking up pace toward market dominance and accelerating our transformative vision to digitally connect electronic design and manufacturing to the broader engineering ecosystem.”

Bell Potter remains positive on Altium following its half year results. In response to the release, the broker retained its buy rating but trimmed its price target to $38.75.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

This leading cloud connectivity and networking solutions provider could be a tech share to buy. This is due to its first mover advantage in a massive market.

Goldman Sachs estimates that Megaport has exposure to $129 billion per annum spent on fixed enterprise networking across its current geographies. This market is being underpinned by structural tailwinds such as the adoption of public cloud (and multi-cloud usage) and the transition towards Networking as a Service (NaaS).

All in all, the broker believes this leaves Megaport well-placed for growth over the next decade. As a result, it has put a buy rating and $19.50 price target on the company’s shares.

The post Analysts name 2 excellent ASX tech shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 2 exciting ASX growth shares to buy in March
• 2 top ASX growth shares that have been heavily sold off
• Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Altium (ASX:ALU) dividend
• ASX 200 tech shares take a hammering as Ukraine fears escalate
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

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 Altium and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. 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 All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has recorded a day in the green today, finishing the trading day up 0.28%. at 7,406.3 points. A small gain, but a gain nonetheless. But ASX energy shares, on the whole, have fared far better.

Thanks to rapidly rising energy prices, most ASX energy shares enjoyed extremely pleasing gains over the course of the trading day. So let’s check out three such shares that managed to hit new 52-week highs this Wednesday.

3 ASX energy shares that hit a new 52-week high today

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

Karoon Energy was one company that enjoyed some robust gains on the markets today. Karoon shares opened at $2.19 apiece this morning, and finished the trading day at $2.17 each. However, the company hit a new 52-week high of $2.21 a share during intraday trading. Even after coming down slightly from that high by the end of the session, Karoon shares remain up almost 90% over the past 12 months.

New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

Coal miner New Hope is another ASX energy share that is enjoying some love today. New Hope shares opened at $2.77 this morning before rising as high as $2.83, the company’s new 52-week high. Again, the company has dipped by close. But even so, this miner was still up just over 5.2%. New Hope also remains a long way from its 52-week low of $1.13 a share. Over the past 12 months, this company has given investors a return of 130%.

Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL)

Woodside is our final and largest ASX energy share to check out today. This black gold digger opened at $29.68 a share this morning. But after a few gyrations, Woodside ended up setting a new 52-week high at its closing share price of $30.44. Over the past 12 months, this oil share has given investors a healthy return of more than 23%.

The post Black gold! 3 ASX energy shares pumping new 52-week highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares are up 6% today. Here’s the lowdown
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Rio Tinto, South32 storm higher, PointsBet sinks
• Own Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares? Here’s the latest on the energy giant’s major court win
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 3 ASX energy shares smashing 52-week highs today

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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An energy industry expert believes excitement over hydrogen has overshadowed a bigger investment opportunity that many ASX shares are involved in.

Shannon O’Rourke is the former general manager of new energy at Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL). He is also the founder of the company’s hydrogen, carbon, and carbon capture and storage businesses. He believes the traditional battery sector provides more benefits that other emerging energy sources.

O’Rourke became the CEO of the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) in December after more than 25 years in the energy sector.

Let’s take a look at the energy technology that he believes Australia should invest in for the future.

Battery technology a better opportunity than hydrogen: O’Rourke

As an energy industry veteran, O’Rourke has seen plenty of “hydrogen hype” – a trend that many ASX shares have leaned into. But he’s looking to convince policymakers to invest in battery technology research.

O’Rourke told The Australian that “hydrogen has a place… but, ultimately the opportunity is much bigger and much real for batteries.”

“[Australia has a] huge strength in minerals,” he continued. “It should be incumbent on us to turn that into a strength in mineral processing and materials.”

FBICRC is reportedly pushing for a $750 million stand-alone Australian Battery Institute (ABI) to be included in the upcoming Federal budget.  

It argues an ABI would ensure Australia’s battery industry could help keep costs of domestic energy storage technology low.

Currently, Australia’s battery industry adds $1.3 billion to the economy. It holds a 50% market share in critical ores and demand for domestic storage products is growing. Yet, most of its trade is with China, as the nation controls 90% of the world’s battery chemicals market.

FBICRC argues Australia could create said chemicals, as well as advanced materials, cells, and modules for global value chains.

Commenting on FBICRC’s Towards 2030 – Australia’s Battery Powered Future strategy released on Monday, O’Rourke said:

Put simply, Australia has a choice.

We can continue our traditional focus on the mining and export of raw battery materials and accept the lost opportunity of value add for Australia.

Alternatively, we can shift our mindset, invest with purpose and adopt courageous and visionary policy settings. These measures have the potential to unlock a significant economic prize of $7.4 billion annually and more than 34,000 jobs by 2030.

Which ASX shares are involved in battery technology?

There are plenty of ASX shares involved in the battery technology industry.

Perhaps the most iconic ASX battery share is Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX). The company is involved in graphite exploration and mining, battery technology, and battery materials.

Additionally, Ecograf Ltd (ASX: EGR) is a vertically integrated creator of battery anode material.

Finally, ASX newbie, Li-S Energy Ltd (ASX: LIS) has created a new battery technology based on lithium sulphur chemistry.

The post Expert explains why this investment opportunity is ‘much bigger’ than hydrogen appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Novonix (ASX:NVX) share price jumps as net assets, cash earnings spike
• How have ASX lithium stocks been faring this reporting season?
• Down 39% in a month. Has the tide turned for Novonix (ASX:NVX) shares?
• Why Cettire, Novonix, Serko, and Zip shares are sinking today

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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Considering adding crypto to your superannuation savings?

You’re not alone.

While few investors would have considered relying on crypto to help their retirement nest eggs a few years ago, sentiment is beginning to change.

Considering adding crypto to your super?

If you have been thinking about adding crypto to your super portfolio, there are a few important things you need to know.

First, Australian super funds don’t currently invest in digital tokens.

While that may change, at the moment only people with self-managed super funds (SMSFs) can add the likes of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) into their fund.

Second, if you are considering taking this path, don’t lose sight of the high volatility that’s still part and parcel of almost all cryptos, save some stablecoins.

Over the past 12 months, for example, the Bitcoin price has been as low as US$28,894 and as high as US$68,790, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

As for the world’s number 2 crypto by market cap, over the past full year the Ethereum price traded as low as US$1,451 and as high as US$4,892.

Something to keep foremost in mind if you’re looking at accessing your super savings in the short term.

What the industry experts are saying

Karl Mohan is the general manager Asia Pacific at Crypto.com.

Mohan offered the following tips to folks contemplating adding crypto to their SMSF (courtesy of The Australian):

One, always get financial advice specific to the circumstances of the super fund and the individual. Two, understand risk appetite and investment horizons. Three, learn about crypto and understand what you are investing in.

Creation Wealth senior financial planner Andrew Zbik stresses the speculative nature of tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum. “It’s an asset, but it’s a speculative asset. If you are new, you need to ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing it?’” he said.

According to SMSF Association deputy CEO Peter Burgess, only $218 million worth of crypto was held in self-managed super funds in 2020. That’s less than 0.1% of the total SMSF assets.

Though crypto numbers in SMSFs have likely notched up in the past year, Aussie investors eyeing their retirement savings are “adopting a very conservative and measured approach,” he said.

Burgess also highlighted the importance of knowing the tax codes that may apply (quoted by The Australian):

Holding crypto must be allowed under the terms of the fund’s trust deed and it must be consistent with the fund’s investment strategy, which, among other things, requires an SMSF trustee to consider the risk profile of members, investment diversification and the cashflow and liquidity needs of members.

And if you want another hurdle to adding crypto into your super fund, he added, “Many licensed financial advisers are not permitted to provide advice on such investments, which adds another layer of risk.”

Finally, there are the tax implications.

H&R Block director of tax communications Mark Chapman cautioned, “It can be difficult to calculate income and gains from cryptocurrency in your fund’s tax return. A reputable tax agent will be able to do this for you.”

The post Considering adding crypto to your super? Read this appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• More valuable than the rouble: How the Ukraine crisis is now boosting the Bitcoin price
• Is Bitcoin or gold a better buy for these uncertain times?
• How might the Ukraine crisis impact the Ethereum price?
• Why these 2 cryptos are booming in 2022 as the Bitcoin price wallows
• Did Putin just hammer the Bitcoin price?

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. 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 rocketed higher since announcing its FY22 half-year results two weeks ago.

While the wine giant delivered a drop in earnings, investors looked past this and focused on the future. This led to the company’s share price advancing by more than 8% since 16 February.

However, Treasury Wine shares have edged lower today, down 2.10% to $11.415.

Here’s what is dragging the share price down on Wednesday.

Treasury Wine shares trade ex-divided

With the company’s half year results delivered, investors are eyeing Treasury Wine shares as they go ex-dividend today.

According to the half-year report, Treasury Wine produced a softened performance across key metrics.

In summary, net sales declined by 10.1% to $1,267 million over the previous corresponding period. 

The company’s Penfolds business felt the impacted by reduced shipments to mainland China. However, this was partly offset by the strong growth achieved through global priority markets and channels.

As a result, net sales revenue per case increased by 16% to $95.60.

On Treasury Wine’s bottom line, net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 7.5% to $109.1 million.

The board maintained a fully-franked interim dividend of 15 cents per share.

Management noted that the latest dividend equates to a payout ratio of 66% of NPAT.

The company’s dividend policy is to distribute between 55% to 70% of normalised net profit after tax each year.

It is worth noting that there is a capital management program that has been active since FY18. This returns excess capital efficiently through an on-market share buy-back.

When can Treasury Wine shareholders expect payment?

Treasury Wine will pay the interim dividend to eligible shareholders approximately 4 weeks away on 1 April. The dividend is fully-franked, which means investors can expect to receive tax credits from this.

Investors who elect for the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will see a number of shares added to their portfolio. This will be based on a volume-weighted average price from 7 March to 18 March.

There is no DRP discount rate and the last election date for shareholders to opt-in is on 4 March.

Based on today’s price, Treasury Wine commands a market capitalisation of roughly $8.25 billion, and has a trailing dividend yield of 2.45%.

The post Here’s why the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price is sliding today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cheers! Broker tips 20% upside for the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price
• Why Treasury (ASX:TWE) shares could be a hidden dividend trove
• 3 of the best results on the ASX 200 last week
• Why CSL, Liontown, Nearmap, and Treasury Wine shares are storming higher
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: CSL upgrades guidance, Treasury Wine jumps

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 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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March 2022 could be a good month to go hunting for cheap ASX shares with low price/earnings ratios (p/e ratios) according to the experts.

Businesses can trade at very different valuations. Some have market capitalisations that are around 10x the net profit. Some others are priced at 100x the profit, or more.

Often, those highly-priced businesses have a lot of growth expectations built-in. But it’s possible that the lower-priced ones can surprise the market. But low p/e shares can also disappoint as well. But experts have found these two which look like opportunities:

Shaver Shop Group Ltd (ASX: SSG)

The Shaver Shop share price is rated as a buy by the broker Ord Minnett with a price target of $1.30. That implies a potential double-digit capital growth return over the next 12 months.

It’s a retailer of a wide range of grooming products for men and women. The ASX share is also expanding into other personal care categories like oral care.

The first half of FY22 suffered from store closures, leading to a profit decline of 8.6%, though sales actually increased by 2.8%. Online sales grew 37.2% to $51.6 million. The interim dividend from the cheap ASX share was grown by 40.6% to 4.5 cents per share.

The Shaver Shop share price is valued at 9x FY22’s estimated earnings with a projected grossed-up dividend yield of 11% according to Ord Minnett.

In the second half to date to 17 February 2022, the total sales were up 6.2% thanks to more online sales. Management says that the business is in a “very strong” position. Shaver Shop says that it’s the market leader across ANZ in the growing personal care and grooming segment. It benefits from exclusive access to many of the latest new product launches.

New customers, who shopped during COVID-19, can be converted into loyal, repeat customers that shop with all their personal grooming needs.

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is an auto parts business with a number of different brands such as Burson, Autobarn, Tuckline, ABS and Midas.

The Bapcor share price has seen a lot of volatility over the last two years. Cars are back on the road again, but it is down 20% after telling the market that its boss, Darryl Abotomey, was leaving the business earlier than expected after falling out with the board.

However, the cheap ASX share is still focused on growth. It wants to grow its overall network of locations, adding hundreds of outlets over the next few years. The ASX share also has growth aspirations for south east Asia – it has a small Burson network, but it also owns 25% of Tye Soon – a business with operations in multiple Asian countries.

The second half of FY22 is expected to be stronger year on year with no more lockdowns and Omicron impacts softening.

Bapcor is also aiming to be more efficient and sell more products online.

It’s currently rated as a buy by UBS, with a price target of $8.10. It values the Bapcor share price at 17x FY22’s estimated earnings and a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1%.

The post 2 cheap ASX shares for value investors to buy in March 2022: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 2 cheap ASX shares value investors shouldn’t miss
• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today
• Why Bapcor, Mineral Resources, Nanosonics, and Syrah shares are falling today
• Down but not out: Bapcor (ASX:BAP) share price slumps on sluggish first half

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 Bapcor. 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 Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is in the red today amid the company coming under fire from competitor Optus over its use of hundreds of new mobile sites.

Telstra shares are swapping hands at $3.925 at the time of writing, a 0.88% fall. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.26% so far today.

Let’s take a look at what is happening at Telstra.

5G competition heats up

Telstra’s major mobile competitor Optus has written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission complaining about the telco’s 5G strategy, the Australian Financial Review reported.

According to the report, Telstra has registered hundreds of new mobile sites on spectrum it will soon lose access to without any “clear commercial purpose”, Optus alleges.

Optus is concerned Telstra is blocking it from gaining early access to new spectrum slots it secured at a government spectrum auction year.

The company said (as quoted by the AFR):

Especially when Telstra has to undertake physical site installation and decommissioning all within the next 24 months prior to Optus acquiring its spectrum licence in 2024.

Telstra’s conduct represents a serious breach … and should be dealt with in a timely manner to prevent further and ongoing harm to competition in mobile markets.

Spectrum is a collection of radio waves that enable mobile devices to communicate with each other. The federal government manages the allocation of spectrum.

In response to the concerns from Optus, Telstra told the AFR it has registered the new sites to free up other spectrum bands for 5G and migrate its 3G services. The telco said:

This will improve our 5G services whilst also maintaining the quality of our 3G services.

Last week, Telstra entered an agreement with TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) that will see it gain access to TPG’s 4G and 5G spectrum.

In return, TPG will gain access to around 3,700 of Telstra’s mobile network assets. However, the ACCC has indicated it will be looking at the deal very closely.

Telstra share price snapshot

The Telstra share price has gained nearly 27% over the past year. In the year to date, it has fallen 6%.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned nearly 7% over the past year.

Telstra has a market capitalisation of about $46 billion based on its current share price.

The post Battle for 5G: here’s why Telstra (ASX:TLS) is ruffling feathers of its rival appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts on Wednesday
• What’s with the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price today?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Analysts name 2 ASX 200 dividend shares to buy in March
• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts 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 owns and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended TPG Telecom 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 Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price is pushing higher alongside a number of other ASX energy stocks today.

This comes amid rising commodity prices — a likely reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the economic sanctions being imposed on Russia by other countries.

At the time of writing, the Whitehaven Coal share price is up 5.33% at $3.56. To compare, the broader S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.1%.

So what’s got investors talking?

What’s going on with the Whitehaven Coal share price?

The last time we heard anything official from the coal mining giant was when it released its half-year results on 17 February. In it, the company reported record-breaking profits and earnings, as well as lowered debt.

Despite dropping 6% on the day of the news, the Whitehaven Coal share price increased by 20% overall in February.

Whitehaven shares have likely been boosted today by global concerns of an impending energy crunch as a result of the Russian invasion.

This is boosting commodity prices, with the price of coal up by 9.6% overnight to US$301 per tonne, and up 36% over the past month.

The energy sector is leading the market today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) up 4.4%, making it the best performing sector on the ASX. Second is the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ), which is up 2.5%.

The world is waiting to see the full impact of the economic sanctions placed on Russia. Global energy supply is likely to be disrupted and energy prices are already rising. This is because Russia is a major global energy supplier. In fact, Russia is the largest exporter of oil, natural gas, and hard coal to the European Union.

Sanctions on Russia change the global energy market

Several countries have imposed a number of sanctions on Russia, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The sanctions have limited the activities of a handful of Russian banks and individuals. This includes Russian President Vladimir Putin and other members of the Russian Government.

The US has cut off a number of Russian energy and transport companies from its credit markets, says The Guardian.

The Washington Post reports that the US and other countries plan to dip into an emergency oil reserve of 60 million barrels to try and ease recent petrol price spikes.

The sanctions on Russia could divert global energy demand to other exporters. Last week, Blue Line Futures’ chief market strategist, Phil Streible, said a number of commodities could rebound as a result.

Whitehaven Coal share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Whitehaven Coal share price has increased by 134%. The shares traded at a high of $3.64 in October as the price of Australian thermal coal hit a new record.

The company has a market capitalisation of $3.49 billion.

The post Why is everyone suddenly talking about Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC) shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Alice de Bruin 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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