The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price charging higher again today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rare earths explorer and producer finished the day trading up 4.01% at $10.64 per share.

That puts the Lynas share price up a phenomenal 21% since the closing bell last week Tuesday. For some context, the ASX 200 is down nearly 2% over that same time.

The past week’s gains give the company a market cap of $9.6 billion.

We’ll look at why Lynas had such a strong week in a tick. But trouncing the benchmark returns is nothing new for the company.

What’s been driving shares in the ASX 200 rare earths’ producer higher?

Lynas shares have performed strongly, though certainly not without some dips, since mid-2020.

Spurred on by Western nations seeking to break China’s strangle hold on the critical rare earths markets, the Lynas share price has rocketed 165% since 31 December 2020.

Speaking about Lynas to The Motley Fool’s Tony Yoo last week, Red Leaf Securities CEO John Athanasiou said:

It’s the only significant producer of rare earth materials outside of China. Rare earth materials are required for all sorts of things that we consume on a daily basis — from electric cars, mobile phones to superconductors. And the western world really wants a producer outside of China, so it enhances strategic importance.

That’s the bigger picture. But what drove the Lynas share price to a 23% gain over this past week?

Why did the Lynas share price surge 23% in 5 trading days?

A fair bit of the heavy lifting came last Friday.

This was the day the miner reported its half year financial results for the 6 months ending December, which saw both revenue and profits up strongly year-on-year.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $156.9 million leapt 286% from 1H FY21 figures. And revenue increased to $314.8 million, up from $202.5 million in the prior corresponding half year.

The Lynas share price closed up 8.1% on Friday, finishing the day at $10.15 per share.

The post Why has the Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price rocketed 21% in a week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today
• Lynas (ASX:LYC) share price jumps amid record interim net profit
• The ASX share that the whole world is relying on
• Here’s how rich Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) shares have made ASX 200 investors over the past 2 years
• What even are rare earths and why are ASX shares with exposure always in the spotlight?

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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Tuesday proved to be a good day to be an ASX energy share. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) outperformed the broader market, gaining 0.94% over today’s session.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 0.67% higher while the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) gained 0.85%.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, energy commodity prices were also higher during Tuesday trading.

Right now, the West Texas Intermediate Oil April futures is up 0.87% to trade at US$96.56 per barrel, according to CNBC. Meanwhile, Brent crude May futures has gained 0.99% to reach US$98.94 a barrel.

According to reporting by Reuters, the price of oil is being bolstered by supply concerns, as some international oil giants plan to leave their Russian operations.

However, the black liquid’s value might be being capped by reports the United States and its allies are planning to release reserves to regulate supply.

Natural gas futures are also gaining, likely also helping boost some ASX energy stocks. Here are 3 ASX energy shares that reached long-forgotten highs on Tuesday.

These 3 ASX energy shares hit new 52-week highs today

Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL)

The Woodside share price busted through the ceiling to reach a new 12-month record high today.

It reached $29.48 at its highest point of the day ­– representing a 3.29% gain.

However, it slumped from its new high point before the market closed, ending the session at $28.68.

That’s still 0.49% higher than it was at the end of Monday’s trade.

New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope share price also hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday, gaining 6.2% at its highest point to trade at $2.70.

The diversified energy company also ended the day lower than its shiny new 12-month record. It closed 5.12% higher at $2.67.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

Finally, oil and gas explorer and producer Karoon Energy broke its 52-week high to reach $2.16 in Tuesday’s session. That represented a 5.88% gain at its intraday high.

Though, as of Tuesday’s close, it had slipped at $2.12 – still 3.92% higher than Monday’s closing price.

The post 3 ASX energy shares smashing 52-week highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price is a buy: broker
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Why is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price having such a stellar start to the week?
• Analysts name 2 top ASX dividend shares to buy
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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

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The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price closed higher on Tuesday, up 1.26% at $183.05.

However, it’s been a tumultuous start to the year for the banking giant’s shares which have lost almost 11% since trading began on January 4.

Last year it eclipsed the $200 per share mark – one of only several ASX players to do so.

Meanwhile, as a sector, Australian financials – indexed by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials index (XFJ) – have weathered the volatility of 2022 well. The index is up almost 7% this year and is now outpacing the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained 4.5%.

Those seeking to wind back exposure to growth and regain safety in value-oriented stocks have sought haven in Australian bank shares this year.

Their decisions are backed by strong dividend and/or buyback regimes some of the banks are producing. Hence why it is surprising to see the globally-positioned Macquarie struggle so far.

Is Macquarie heading back to the auction block?

It is understood Macquarie may be eyeing up the wealth management arm of Westpac, apparently worth $1 billion.

According to reporting from The Australian, the investment bank could go head-to-head with American global investment giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) in a battle to secure Westpac’s BT Panorama platform.

KKR is an investment specialist that has presence in multiple alternative asset classes, such as private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge funds.

Curiously, there’s a lengthy relationship between Macquarie and KKR dating back several years. During that time the pair has worked on deals both together and against each other.

KKR also boasts a 55% stake in Colonial First Estate via a joint ownership with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

Reportedly, Westpac’s BT Panorama wealth management platform, which assists advisors with investment, self managed super fund (SMSF), and superannuation clients, is being valued at 17–18x EBITDA, and oversees north of $105 billion.

Macquarie on the other hand grew its assets under management (AUM) to $750 billion last year. This came after an impressive period of growth across all segments – particularly commodities.

As such, the investment bank is a hot contender to buy the platform. It could be a good fit seeing as Macquarie is itself a financial services company.

However, KKR has been a major frontrunner to acquire the unit. The company wrapped its tentacles around BT Panorama last year but the deal was put on hold until things settled with Colonial First Estate.

It remains to be seen what Macquarie’s next moves are and there have been no market-sensitive updates on the matter.

The speculation flows on from news out of Macquarie yesterday in which its CEO weighed in on the future of green hydrogen in Australia.

Macquarie share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Macquarie share price has shot up by 26%. However, unlike many of its banking peers, it has receded almost 11% this year to date.

It has been trading sideways over the past month and is down 4% over the past week.

The post Is Macquarie (ASX:MQG) gearing up to ink its next big deal? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ‘We are accountable’: Macquarie (ASX:MQG) weighs in on the future of green hydrogen
• 2 big-cap ASX shares that even this small-cap expert recommends
• Macquarie (ASX:MQG) shares have rallied 34% in a year. Here’s why this fundie says there’s more to come
• Why are ASX 200 bank shares getting so much love today?
• 3 of the best results on the ASX 200 last week

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 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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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) initially climbed 0.1% following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate call, released at 2:30 pm AEDT today.

The ASX 200, up 0.8% in afternoon trading, then gave back that small gain as investors appear to have priced in the RBA’s dovish call today.

For the next month, at least, the official cash rate in Australia remains at the historic low 0.10%. The interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances stays put at 0%.

What the RBA governor said

According to RBA governor Philip Lowe, the Aussie and global economies are both continuing to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic.

But he cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “a major new source of uncertainty“.

Lowe pointed to spiking energy prices, driven even higher following the invasion, and continuing supply chain disruptions as driving sharp increases in inflation in some nations. He noted that bond yields have been rising amid increased expectations of high rate policies ahead.

As for the Aussie economy, Lowe said, “The resilience of the economy is evident in the labour market, with the unemployment rate at a 14-year low of 4.2%. Underemployment is also around its lowest level since 2008.”

The bank forecasts unemployment will fall to below 4% later in 2022 and remain below 4% in 2023.

While Aussie wages are growing, Lowe said this is currently happening at around the same “relatively low rates” evident pre-pandemic. “A further [gradual] pick-up in wages growth and broader measures of labour costs is expected as the labour market tightens,” he added, citing uncertainty about labour costs at historically low levels of unemployment.

ASX 200 investors keeping a close eye on inflation

ASX 200 investors keep a close eye on inflation for a reason. If inflation runs hotter than the RBA’s target range of 2­–3%, rates are likely to rise, which could dampen share prices.

Lowe said that inflation has “picked up more quickly than the RBA had expected, but remains lower than in many other countries”.

The RBA’s central forecast sees underlying inflation increasing to 3.25% this year before dropping to 2.75% in 2023.

Consumer price index (CPI) inflation is expected to “spike higher than this due to the higher petrol prices resulting from global developments,” Lowe said. “How long it takes to resolve the disruptions to supply chains is an important source of uncertainty regarding the inflation outlook, as are developments in global energy markets.”

So when can we expect the RBA to raise rates?

That depends on who you ask.

According to Lowe:

The Board will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3% target range. While inflation has picked up, it is too early to conclude that it is sustainably within the target range.

Some hawkish analysts, including economists at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), are predicting the RBA will make its first hike in June. Others believe the RBA will hold off until at least November.

When the first rate hike announcement does come through, the ASX 200 reaction will be one to watch.

The post ASX 200 shrugs off today’s RBA interest rate decision appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The Soul Pattinson (ASX:SOL) share price has lost 17% so far this year. Is it a buy?
• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts this Tuesday
• Fretting over ASX share market losses? Expert explains how to ’embrace uncertainty’
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Zip shares tumble, AUSTRAC takes aim at Crown
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares in February

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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As most investors would be aware, 2022 hasn’t given the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) the easiest start to the year. Even after today’s rather healthy gain, the ASX 200 Index remains down around 6% over the year to date. But that loss looks relatively tame compared to that of the Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) share price.

Soul Patts shares have recorded a 1.47% gain so far this Tuesday and are currently going for $25.55 a share at the time of writing. But since New Year’s Day, the company has lost a meaty 17.2% from its share price. That’s a loss that’s close to triple that of the ASX 200.

It seems even its status as ASX dividend royalty isn’t enough to counter market underperformance for a couple of months. Soul Patts is an industrial conglomerate that functions more like a Listed Investment Company than your conventional ASX business these days. It owns vast swathes of a number of other ASX shares. These include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW), and New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC), amongst others.

Soul Patts is often described as ASX dividend royalty due to its impressive streak of giving investors annual dividend pay rises. Unlike any other share on the ASX 200, Soul Patts has managed to raise its dividend every single year since 2000. That includes over the course of the pandemic thus far.

So is the Soul Patts share price a buy today?

With the company’s share price down by 17% so far this year, it’s also fallen more than 37% from its all-time high back in August last year.

So that might posit the question: Is the Soul Patts share price a buy today after these steep drops in value?

Well, as it happens, our own Chief Investment Officer Scott Phillips, reckons it just might be. Here’s some of what Scott said on a recent episode of AusBiz’s The Call:

I like Soul Patts a lot… The last time they put out some numbers, they’d beaten the market over 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 years… So when you’re buying Soul Patts, you’re buying those listed investments… the share price is actually cheaper than the total value of those investments, so you’re getting those investments at a discount.

But you’re also getting the fourth generation of the family that has run the company for more than a hundred years. It’s a really high-quality business, it’s been run really really nicely… If you’re a long term investor, this is THE cornerstone position for your portfolio.

So there you have it.

At the current Soul Pattinson share price, this ASX 200 stalwart has a market capitalisation of $9.26 billion, with a dividend yield of 2.42%.

The post The Soul Pattinson (ASX:SOL) share price has lost 17% so far this year. Is it a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts this Tuesday
• Fretting over ASX share market losses? Expert explains how to ’embrace uncertainty’
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Zip shares tumble, AUSTRAC takes aim at Crown
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares in February
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares in February

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is enjoying a healthy day in the green so far this Tuesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up by a robust 0.84% at 7,109 points.

But let’s dig a little deeper and take a look at the ASX 200 shares that are currently topping the market’s share volume charts, according to investing.com.

The 3 most traded ASX 200 shares by volume so far on Tuesday

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

The now-leading ASX 200 buy now, pay later (BNPL) share Zip is our first company to take a look at today. So far, a hefty 17.4 million Zip shares have been traded on the markets. This volume comes after Zip shares returned to trading following a halt and a capital raise announcement.

Zip will be using the funds to purchase its fellow BNPL share Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) if all goes to plan. Investors don’t seem agreeable though. The Zip share price is currently down by 5.43% at $2.09 a share after going as low as $1.96 this morning. These developments are the likely cause of the elevated trading volume we are currently witnessing. 

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

ASX 200 lithium producer Pilbara is next up today. We have seen a sizeable 18.01 million Pilbara shares bought and sold so far this Tuesday. Again, there has been no major news or developments out of the company this week. However, we have seen a large jump in the company’s share price today thus far. 

Pilbara is currently trading at $2.78 a share, up 2.77% for the day so far. Earlier in the session, the company went as high as $2.88 a share. We can probably put this elevated volume down to these rather large moves. 

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Uranium share Paladin is our final and most traded ASX 200 share of the day thus far. As it currently stands, a whopping 27.5 million Paladin shares have found a new home this Tuesday. There has been no major news or announcement out of this company today. 

However, the Paladin share price is enjoying some very healthy moves. Paladin shares are presently up a meaty 11.7% at 86 cents a share. The company has now put on an eye-popping 27.4% over just the past 5 trading days. This jump is the likely smoking gun behind this high volume. 

The post These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts this Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Dubber, Evolution, Sandfire, and Zip shares are dropping
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• Fretting over ASX share market losses? Expert explains how to ’embrace uncertainty’
• Why is the Sezzle (ASX:SZL) share price falling following Zip’s takeover offer?
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Zip shares tumble, AUSTRAC takes aim at Crown

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

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The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is edging higher during Tuesday afternoon. This comes after the energy giant announced its CEO has offloaded a number of Santos shares. 

At the time of writing, Santos shares are swapping hands for $7.30, up 0.55%.

Santos CEO sells down Santos shares

Investors appear to be unfazed by the company’s latest news, sending the Santos share price into positive territory.

According to a company announcement, Santos chief executive Kevin Gallagher sold a parcel of his shares through an on-market trade.

In total, 400,000 Santos shares were offloaded on 23 February for an average price of $7.14 per share. This equates to a lump sum of roughly $2.86 million in Gallagher’s pockets.

The company listed the reason for the sale was to pay off “historic and pending personal tax obligations”.

It’s worth noting that this is not uncommon as directors and CEOs alike sell for various reasons over time.

A catalyst for the Santos shares remaining afloat today despite the selldown can be attributed to some recent broker notes.

The team at UBS cut its price target by 8.2% to $8.90 for Santos shares. Based on the current share price, this implies a potential upside of 21%.

Furthermore, Morgans and Macquarie also reduced their rating by 1.6% to $9.00, and 1.1% to $9.30, respectively.

It seems that all three brokers believe that the Santos shares are currently undervalued.

About the Santos share price

The Santos share price has gone almost nowhere over the last 12 months, registering a slight loss of 1%.

Although, when looking year to date, the company’s shares have accelerated by around 15%.

In particular, the past month has been extremely positive for investors, with Santos shares up 7%. This comes off the back of rising energy prices which have had a profound impact on the company’s share price.

Based on today’s price, Santos commands a market capitalisation of approximately $24.6 billion, with 3.39 billion shares on hand.

The post The company’s CEO just sold $2.8 million worth of Santos (ASX:STO) shares. Should investors be worried? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• The oil price has just hit an 8-year high. What might this mean for ASX shares?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Santos (ASX:STO) share price climbs amid ‘major milestone’

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 Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price has just enjoyed a stellar month.

Whitehaven shares surged nearly 20% between market close on 31 January and 28 February. And it seems the good run is continuing into March, with the coal miner’s shares currently up 5.92% today at $3.40.

Let’s take a look at why investors might be interested in this share.

What happened to Whitehaven in February?

The Whitehaven Coal share price climbed steadily in February, with only a few minor dips. Rising coal prices and positive broker outlook may have helped the company’s shares.

Analysts responded well to Whitehaven’s financial results in February. As my Foolish colleague James reported, Goldman Sachs lifted its price target on the company’s shares to $3.90.

The company’s shares climbed nearly 4% on February 18 on the back of this news.

Goldman described Whitehaven as a “compelling de-gearing and capital returns story”. Analysts also highlighted the positive thermal coal price outlook due to supply issues in Indonesia, Australia, and Russia.

Whitehaven reported a 1,601% surge in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to a record of $632 million in its H1 FY22 results on 17 February. Revenue also surged 106%, while net profit after tax soared 460%. The Whitehaven Coal share price fell on the day the results were released. However, it rebounded strongly the following day.

Commenting on the results, CEO and managing director Paul Flynn said:

High prices for thermal coal have driven record half year earnings and cash flows.

In a world where access to reliable and affordable energy is more important than ever, our investment thesis is a compelling one.

The surging coal price has also likely impacted investor sentiment in Whitehaven. Between market close on 31 January and 28 February, the thermal coal price soared 23% from US$222.75 to US$274.50 per tonne.

Whitehaven Coal share price snapshot

The Whitehaven Coal share price has exploded 116% in the past year. This year to date, Whitehaven shares have soared 29%.

For perspective, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned around 5% over the past year.

Whitehaven has a market capitalisation of about $3.3 billion, based on its current share price.

The post Why did the Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC) share price surge 20% in February? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Whitehaven (ASX:WHC) share price tipped as a buy amid ‘compelling de-gearing and capital returns story’
• Another record: Whitehaven (ASX:WHC) share price sinks 6% despite NPAT soaring to new heights
• Are ASX mining shares the place to be right now?
• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to shine bright in 2022

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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Australians poured $3 billion into funds invested in environment, social, and governance (ESG) shares in 2021, indicating 2022 could see more ASX watchers turning to the ‘ethical’ side of investing.

Calastone ­– the network that processes 95% of Australian managed fund flows ­– found the amount of cash invested in ESG equity funds more than quadrupled last year, surging 338%. And it likely hasn’t hit the ceiling yet.

Let’s take a look at what this year could bring for the ESG investing movement.

Australian investors turn to funds focused on ESG shares

Talk of ASX-listed ESG shares has escalated in recent years. And that seems to be good news for ESG-focused equity funds.

Calastone has analysed more than 500,000 buy and sell orders every month since 2019. It found the tables turned for ASX ESG investing in 2021.

Last year, $2 of every $10 invested in funds by Australians was placed in ESG equity funds. That’s despite such funds reporting cash outflows as recently as 2019.

Calastone managing director, head of Australia and New Zealand, Teresa Walker believes the amount of cash Aussies invest in funds focused on ESG shares could soon surpass what’s being placed in traditional managed funds.

It’s also speculated ESG funds could also eventually take capital from traditional funds.

“Inflows to ESG funds have grown exponentially, following trends we are seeing elsewhere in the world and we expect this to continue in 2022 as economies reopen,” Walker said.

“The value of ESG funds under management is still dwarfed by traditional categories, so there is a lot of headroom to grow further.”

That’s not just good news for ESG fund managers. It’s also a positive for Aussies looking to diversify their investments.

Generally, ESG funds don’t simply stick to the ASX, instead buying ‘ethical’ shares from all over the world.

“In 2021, for example, three-fifths of ESG cash flowed into global ESG funds, compared to less than half the cash devoted to non-ESG equity funds,” Walker said.

How do Aussies stack up against the world?

Aussie investors’ excitement over ESG equity funds is dwarfed by their international peers.

In the United Kingdom, $8 of every $10 put into equity funds for the first time in 2021 was invested in ESG strategies.

In Europe, the amount of capital invested in traditional funds fell in 2021 as investments in ESG offerings doubled.

But Australia leads the world in one aspect. For every $10 put into fixed-income funds last year, $4 went to fixed income funds focused on ESG strategies.

Which ASX 200 shares are considered ESG investments?

Not all investors will be interested in putting their savings into equity funds.

Luckily there are plenty of ESG shares listed on the ASX.

While the factors that make an ASX share ESG are subjective, some of the leading holdings of the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 ESG EFT (ASX: E200) include:

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
• CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The post ‘A lot of headroom to grow’: Is 2022 the year ASX investors turn to ESG shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How might the conflict in Ukraine impact the iron ore price?
• Own NAB (ASX:NAB) shares? Here’s why the bank has been ruffling some customer feathers
• Which ASX 200 shares have delivered the biggest dividend payout increases this earnings season?
• Which ASX shares might be impacted by Probuild’s collapse?
• The oil price has just hit an 8-year high. What might this mean for ASX shares?

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. owns and has recommended CSL Ltd. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the month in a positive fashion. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.8% to 7,105.9 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Dubber Corp Ltd (ASX: DUB)

The Dubber share price is down 8% to $1.35. Investors have been selling this call recording software company’s shares following the release of its half year results. While those results revealed strong top line growth, they also showed that Dubber’s half loss had quadrupled to $31 million.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price is down almost 5% to $4.07. This is despite there being no news out of the gold miner on Tuesday. However, with investors flooding back into risk assets today, safe haven assets have taken a hit. It isn’t just Evolution that is falling. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down almost 2% this afternoon.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire share price is down almost 13% to $5.84. Investors have been selling this copper miner’s shares after brokers responded negatively to its recent results. One of those is JP Morgan, which has retained its sell rating and cut its price target to $5.00. Not only were the miner’s results below its forecasts, the interim dividend of 3 cents per share was 2 cents less than it was expecting.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

The Zip share price is down 5.5% to $2.09. This morning the buy now pay later provider’s shares returned from a trading halt following the completion of a ~$150 million institutional placement. These funds were raised at a 14% discount of $1.90 per share and will be used to support its growth. The market has also given a lukewarm response to news that Zip has signed an agreement to acquire Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL).

The post Why Dubber, Evolution, Sandfire, and Zip shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• Here’s why ASX gold shares just had their best month in 2 years
• Why is the Sezzle (ASX:SZL) share price falling following Zip’s takeover offer?
• Why is the Sandfire (ASX:SFR) share price fizzling 11% today?
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Zip shares tumble, AUSTRAC takes aim at Crown

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 Dubber Corporation and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Dubber Corporation. 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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