• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today

    top 10 asx shares today

    Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slipped lower following reports of a jump in COVID-19 cases across the US and Europe. At the end of the day, the benchmark index fell 0.59% to 7,353.1 points.

    A change in sentiment on the back of rising COVID-19 case numbers dragged on ASX shares today. Tech and energy companies fared the worst, compounded by a fall in oil prices overnight for oil and gas shares. In addition, the big four banks held the index under on Monday.

    However, the question is: which shares delivered the biggest returns to investors on the ASX today? Here are the ten stocks that rose to the occasion:

    Top 10 ASX shares countdown today

    Looking at the top 200 listed companies, Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the nickel mining company rallied 7.98% following news it entered into a memorandum of understanding with Chinese company Shanghai Decent. Find out more about Nickel Mines here.

    The next biggest gaining ASX share today was Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS). Shares in the lithium producer increased by 4.45%. Despite the solid performance, there were no new announcements out from the company today. Uncover the latest Pilbara Minerals details here.

    Today’s top 10 biggest gains were made in these ASX shares:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC) $1.285 7.98%
    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) $2.465 4.45%
    Orocobre Ltd (ASX: ORE) $9.50 4.28%
    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) $8.56 3.63%
    Liberty Financial Group (ASX: LFG) $6.00 2.74%
    Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) $4.22 2.68%
    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) $1.165 2.64%
    Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) $15.84 2.39%
    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) $3.59 2.28%
    AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) $5.24 2.14%
    Data as at 4:00pm AEDT

    Our top 10 ASX shares today countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check-in at Fool.com.au after the market has closed during weekdays to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Lynas Corporation Limited. 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 Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price has lost 15% so far this month. What’s happening?

    a woman under an umbrella stands looking out to sea on a beach in heavy rain with grey clouds gathering over the ocean.

    The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price has continued to weaken in November. Shares in the oil and gas company have fallen 15% in value since the beginning of the month.

    By the end of Monday’s session, the Beach Energy share price had declined to $1.20, 3.6% lower than its previous close. With no announcements out from the energy company today, we turn to broader events in the oil and gas industry.

    Let’s unpack what might have weighed on investor sentiment.

    Beach Energy share price hit by falling oil price

    While the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was in negative territory on Monday, it was a worse sight for the energy sector. The benchmark index finished 0.5% lower, which is disappointing for investors. However, the energy sector slid 1.6%, leaving ASX-listed energy share investors out to dry.

    Out of the bunch, the Beach Energy share price was the worst-performing energy company in the index. Following close behind was Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL), Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), and Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH).

    A falling oil price overnight was to blame for the catalyst behind the sector’s dismal performance to commence the week. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price fell 3.15% to US$75.94 a barrel. Meanwhile, the Brent crude oil price slipped 2.9% to US$78.89 a barrel.

    Although, in the last month Beach Energy has been contending with more than just weakening oil prices. The dispropriate negative performance compared to its peers might stem from a couple of unsettling events this month.

    Firstly, rumours were flying on 9 November 2021 of a potential exit of the company’s largest shareholder, Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW). These have since been refuted by Beach Energy’s chair Glenn Davis at the latest annual general meeting.

    Secondly, a sudden transition of management might have the market on alert. The chief executive, Matt Kay, tendered his resignation at the beginning of the month. The role has since been temporarily filled with the appointment of Morné Engelbrecht as acting CEO.

    These events combined likely have introduced increased volatility to the Beach Energy share price.

    The post The Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price has lost 15% so far this month. What’s happening? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy right now?

    Before you consider Beach Energy, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Beach Energy wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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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  • Why this mining analyst is upbeat on the iron ore price forecast

    a woman in a flowing dress stands against the backdrop of red iron ore rich dirt as in central Australia.

    In many ways, 2021 can be called the year of the iron ore price. Much of the talk of the ASX town this year has revolved around this key economic metric driving the Australian economy. As we all know, mining plays a major role in our economic machine. Movements in the iron ore price, in particular, can have far-reaching consequences on everything from our exchange rate to the budgets our governments run.

    So it was with much excitement that a record high iron ore price that reached more than US$200 a tonne earlier this year was received. That sent the share prices of the ASX’s biggest iron miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) to new all-time highs just a few months ago.

    But equally momentous was the subsequent collapse the iron ore price has suffered through in the months since. The ‘red dirt’ was fetching as high as US$220 a tonne just a few months ago. But, today, it is asking just US$92.60 a tonne.

    So if you were wondering why the Fortescue share price has now lost roughly 40% since late July, that’s probably a pretty good explanation.

    As such, many investors might be wondering ‘where to from here?’ and hoping for an iron ore price forecast.

    Ellison gives iron ore price forecast

    Chriss Ellison is the executive chair of Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), a mining and services company that has done exceptionally well over the past year (up around 35.5%). So it goes without saying that this is a man to get a decent iron ore price forecast from, if there is such a thing.

    According to recent reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Mr Ellison is pushing ahead with his company’s expansion plans for iron ore, despite the recent price collapse. Ellison reportedly is expecting the iron ore price to “consolidate around US$100 a tonne”. Despite the distance between that price and the highs we saw earlier this year, this would still mean “handy margins” for a smaller player like Mineral Resources.

    Ellison isn’t the only one looking at US$100 iron ore. The report also quotes Glyn Lawcock, of Barranjoey Capital Partners. Mr Lawcock is expecting the iron ore price to average “above US$100” in 2022. He points to what he sees as the potential for higher Chinese steel output once the 2022 Winter Olympics finish in Beijing next year.

    So, if these experts are to be believed, the days of US$200-plus iron ore are over, at least for now. But they also clearly aren’t of the opinion that there isn’t still money to be made from the iron ore price.

    The post Why this mining analyst is upbeat on the iron ore price forecast appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mineral Resources right now?

    Before you consider Mineral Resources, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mineral Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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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  • Why has the Medibank (ASX:MPL) share price leapt 8% in November so far?

    Two scientists in a Rhythm Biosciences lab cheer while looking at results on a computer.

    The Medibank Private Limited (ASX: MPL) share price has gone up by 8% in this month alone. What could be impacting the sentiment about the private health insurer?

    Medibank shares have been somewhat variable in recent months. It has gone up by 16% over the last six months and 8% this month. But it’s only back to where it was during September 2021.

    Just last week, the company held its annual general meeting (AGM) and gave a presentation.

    Medibank AGM update

    The company reminded investors that COVID has put health at the top of the community’s mind. In FY21, it experienced “solid financial performance”, “strong policyholder growth, an increase in market share and record customer advocacy.”

    It saw health insurance operating profit growth of 14.4%, with Medibank Health segment profit rising by 12.9%. This helped overall group net profit after tax increasing 39.8% to $441.2 million. That included investment income being $117 million above last year.

    Medibank said that it’s focused on scaling and expanding its preventative health programs. It invested in Myhealth Medical Group of GP clinics this year, to support expanding the footprint and transforming the approach to providing preventative healthcare for patients.

    In the longer-term, its focus on preventative health will be “key” to help ensure the overall sustainability of the health system.

    FY22 and outlook comments

    The outlook can have impacts on the Medibank share price.

    Medibank said that it remains committed to returning any permanent net claims savings due to COVID back to customers and it expects to confirm its next wave of customer support before the “end of the year”.

    One comment that investors may be focusing on is that Medibank has seen “strong policyholder growth” continue in the first four months of FY22, with another 21,000 policyholders added.

    Medibank said it expects industry participation growth will be slower in FY22 compared to FY21, so it’s now aiming to achieve growth of at least 3%, including growth in the Medibank brand.

    Taking into account the recent COVID lockdowns in Victoria and NSW, on an underlying basis, it’s expecting average net claims per policy unit to be in line with the second half of FY21, or 2.4% among resident policyholders.

    The business also believes that it can cut $15 million of health insurance management expenses to improve productivity in FY22. It’s also targeting “inorganic” growth for Medibank Health and health insurance.

    Is the Medibank share price a buy now?

    Some brokers think so, though the price target doesn’t leave a lot of gains on the table.

    The broker Morgan Stanley currently thinks that Medibank shares are a buy with a price target of $3.80 – that’s a potential upside of around 5% over the next 12 months.

    There are several brokers that rate Medibank as a hold, such as Ord Minnett, which has a price target of $3.30.

    The post Why has the Medibank (ASX:MPL) share price leapt 8% in November so far? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Medibank, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Medibank wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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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 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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  • 2 excellent ASX shares brokers love

    AGL share price ASX value buy share price

    If you have room for a new addition (or two) to your portfolio, then it could be worth checking out the shares listed below.

    These shares come from very different areas of the market. But one thing they share in common, is that they are highly rated by analysts. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Life360 could be a quality option for ASX investors. It is the technology company responsible for the Life360 app.

    This is the world’s leading real time, location-sharing app used by families across the world to stay safe and communicate. Its features include driver safety, messaging, and geo-fencing.

    The company currently boasts a whopping 33.8 million monthly active users. And while this is generating significant recurring revenues for Life360, it is still only really in the early stages of monetising its massive user base.

    The team at Bell Potter is very positive on Life360’s future. Its analysts see significant cross selling and upselling opportunities for the company in the future.

    Because of this and its belief that its shares are cheap in comparison to peers, the recently retained its buy rating and lifted its price target to $14.75.

    Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE)

    Orocobre could be another ASX share to buy. Following its recent merger with Galaxy Resources, it has become a top five global lithium mining company with a collection of high-quality assets. These include Olaroz, Mt Cattlin, and the Sal de Vida brine project.

    Thanks to the clean energy transition and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, Orocobre appears well-positioned to benefit greatly from increasing demand for battery making ingredients.

    The team at Macquarie is very positive on Orocobre. The broker currently has a buy rating and $12.00 price target on its shares.

    The post 2 excellent ASX shares brokers love appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Orocobre, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Orocobre wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Orocobre Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Life360, Inc. 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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  • Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC) share price leaps 16% as company receives 7 proposals for lithium project

    a female superhero dressed in shiny green with a mask leaps in the sky with leg and arm outstretched in a leaping action.

    The Prospect Resources Ltd (ASX: PSC) share price is rocketing to an all-time high today following an update on the company’s strategic partnership process.

    At the time of writing, the lithium producer’s shares are advancing 16.24% to 68 cents. This is just shy of an almost four-year record high of 69 cents touched during early afternoon trade.

    Prospect reviews non-binding proposals

    Investors are sending Prospect shares higher as they digest the company’s latest announcement.

    According to its release, Prospect advised it has received seven non-binding proposals for the development of the Arcadia Lithium Project.

    Located in Zimbabwe, the Arcadia project is Prospect’s flagship asset, in which it holds an 87% interest. Since acquiring the project in mid-2016, Prospect has progressed Arcadia from discovery to the most advanced lithium project in Africa.

    The company noted that it has engaged with a number of interested parties in the past week following data room access and site visits.

    The non-binding proposals have come from several international parties offering various support structures. This includes development joint ventures, offtake prepayment debt funding, and the acquisition of Prospect’s interest in the Arcadia Lithium Project.

    While there is no guarantee that any of the proposals will materialise, Prospect is in discussions with its financial advisors to determine the best option.

    Prospect share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Prospect share price has accelerated 452%, with year-to-date up around 305%. The company’s shares have taken off on the back of strong investor hype in the lithium sector.

    Based on today’s price, Prospect presides a market capitalisation of roughly $295 million, with 428.52 million shares on hand.

    The post Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC) share price leaps 16% as company receives 7 proposals for lithium project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Prospect, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Prospect wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    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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  • Here’s why the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price is slipping today

    barrel of oil sitting on top of falling red arrow representing asx energy shares downgrade

    Monday is proving to be a challenging day on the ASX for the Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) share price.

    The company’s stock is dipping alongside those of its peers and the price of oil. Additionally, reports have emerged stating that the company is being sued by its former chief financial officer.

    At the time of writing, the Oil Search share price is $4.12, 1.9% lower than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently sporting a 0.4% fall.

    Let’s take a look at what might be dragging the company’s share price today.

    Oil Search share price tumbles

    Oil Search’s stock is suffering as the price of oil hits its lowest point in 7 weeks.

    According to data from CNBC, the price of West Texas Intermediate oil is sitting at US$75.94 per barrel right now. At the same time, barrels of Brent crude oil are trading at US$78.85.

    As Reuters has reported, the fall in oil prices comes as COVID-19 cases in the Northern Hemisphere surge, seemingly harbouring a fourth wave.

    At the same time, the globe’s biggest economies are reportedly considering releasing oil stockpiles in an attempt to combat energy prices.

    Oil Search isn’t alone in its falls today. Unsurprisingly, other oil-producing companies are also in the red.

    The share prices of Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) are down 1.8% and 1.9% respectively.

    Meanwhile, that of Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) has slid 4%.

    Finally, while it’s unlikely to be moving the Oil Search share price, reports emerged last week claiming the company’s former CFO is suing the company on allegations of bullying, intimidation, and harassment.

    Ayten Saridas lasted just 3 months in the role in late 2020.

    According to reporting by The Australian, Oil Search has denied the claims and stated it will defend against the accusations.

    Right now, the Oil Search share price is 9.5% higher than it was at the start of 2021.

    The post Here’s why the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price is slipping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Oil Search right now?

    Before you consider Oil Search, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Oil Search wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    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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  • How Afterpay (ASX:APT) is using AI in its push for BNPL domination

    a woman with lots of shopping bags looks upwards towards the sky as if she is pondering something.

    The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is in the red on Monday afternoon.

    At the time of writing, shares in the buy now, pay later provider (BNPL) are off by 2.39%. This mirrors the poor performance more broadly across the tech sector to kick off the week. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.51% this afternoon.

    Although the market is not looking at Afterpay too fondly today, it was a different story on Wednesday last week. Shares in global payments company gained 2.1% on the back of its annual general meeting (AGM). In this meeting, more information was shared about Afterpay’s analytics platform, ‘Afterpay iQ’.

    Let’s take a look at the details.

    Let’s get analytical

    On 19 August 2021, Afterpay announced its merchant analytics platform. At the time, the new tool was described as a way for merchants to access and leverage valuable customer-centric analytics derived from the Afterpay network.

    Furthermore, the internal system is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) — crawling through more than 156 million transactions of the past year. From this, ASX-listed Afterpay can provide merchants with data-rich insights. This can assist retailers in devising data-driven marketing campaigns.

    Additionally, Afterpay chair Elana Rubin discussed the merits of Afterpay iQ at Wednesday’s AGM, stating:

    We’ve leveraged merchant and product level data in order to create personas and it gives insight into customer motivations.

    In regards to privacy, Rubin noted:

    This portal is designed to help merchants understand their performance with Afterpay. But consistent with all the privacy segments, as such the only data [the] merchant can see in the portal is their own, which has been de-identified and is only shown on an aggregated persona basis.

    The technology was created by Afterpay’s engineers after merchants had been asking for ways to leverage Afterpay’s product. From its AGM presentation, some of the available insights include sales, new customers, orders, and order frequency.

    From here, advertisements can be deployed and reviewed directly from Afterpay iQ.

    Source: Afterpay 2021 annual general meeting presentation

    Afterpay on the ASX

    Because of the pending takeover by US-based Square Inc (NYSE: SQ), Afterpay’s days of trading on the ASX are likely numbered. The scheme booklet has been sent out to Afterpay shareholders for voting on the transaction. If approved, the Aussie company will be engulfed by the larger payments giant.

    Despite these events, the Afterpay share price is in the negative on a year-to-date basis — down roughly 4%.

    The post How Afterpay (ASX:APT) is using AI in its push for BNPL domination appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Afterpay, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Afterpay wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Square. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T 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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  • These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts on Monday

    An office worker and his desk covered in yellow post-it notes

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has hardly kicked off the trading week in style this Monday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is currently down by 0.45% at 7,363 points.

    But rather than dwelling on that, let’s instead check out the ASX 200 shares that are currently topping the ASX trading volume charts so far today, according to investing.com.

    3 most active ASX 200 shares by volume this Monday

    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

    ASX 200 wealth manager and banking share AMP is our first cab off the rank today. AMP has, so far this Monday, seen a hefty 11.8 million shares change hands. This could be a consequence of the news this morning that AMP will be retaining control of its Wholesale Office Fund. Perhaps as a result, the AMP share price is currently up a healthy 2.82% to $1.17 a share. It’s this combination that is probably behind so many AMP shares trading today.

    Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC)

    ASX 200 nickel company Nickel Mines is our next share to take a look at today. A sizeable 11.91 million NIC shares have found new owners so far this Monday. Nickel Mines is actually the best performing ASX 200 share on the share market so far today. Its shares are up 8.82% so far at $1.30 a share.

    Investors appear to have gotten a boost of confidence after this company released a memorandum of understanding this morning, outlining its next phase of growth alongside the Chinese company Shanghai Decent. It’s this news that has likely resulted in the elevated trading volume we see today.

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    And our final and most traded ASX 200 share of today so far goes to ASX lithium producer Pilbara Minerals. A whopping 20.03 million of this company’s shares have been bought and sold so far today. With no news out of Pilbara today, we can probably put this high volume down to the hefty share price gains Pilbara has seen so far. This company is up a pleasing 5.3% to $2.48 a share this Monday.

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

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

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pilbara Minerals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    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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  • Why is the Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price tumbling 6% to a 2-month low?

    qantas pilot putting hands to her face as if distraught

    The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is in a nosedive today, alongside many of its ASX travel peers.  

    As my Foolish colleague Tristan reported earlier today, the dip coincides with yet another outbreak of COVID-19 in the Northern Hemisphere.

    At the time of writing, the Flight Centre share price is $18.61, 5.77% lower than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.3%, as is the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Let’s take a look at what might be weighing on Flight Centre’s stock on Monday.

    Flight Centre share price slumps on Monday

    It’s a tough day to be a Flight Centre shareholder as the company’s share price plunges to its lowest point since September.

    It comes as the United States recorded a 16.1% week-on-week increase in new COVID-19 cases last week.

    Meanwhile, the BBC reports Austria has been plunged back into lockdown as the nation makes it a legal requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by February.

    At the same time, multiple European countries are reportedly experiencing record numbers of daily infections. Belgium has recently tightened its mask restrictions in a bid to quash the rise in cases there.

    The increase comes as the northern half of the globe prepares for winter to take hold.

    Closer to home, at least Flight Centre’s stock isn’t alone in its tumble.

    The share price of its fellow travel agency Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) slipped 3% to trade at $5.73 today.

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) is also in the red, plunging 3.83% to $5.27 at the time of writing.

    Right now, the Flight Centre share price is 17% higher than it was at the start of 2021. However, it is more than 8% lower than it was this time last month.

    The post Why is the Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price tumbling 6% to a 2-month low? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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 Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Webjet 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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