Once a week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) continues to be the most shorted ASX share after its short interest rose to 13.4%. Short sellers have been increasing their positions amid the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) has seen its short interest remain flat at 12%. This ecommerce company was dealt another blow today when Dow Jones Indices announced that it would be kicked out of the ASX 200 index.
• Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) has short interest of 11.2%, which is up again week on week. As with Kogan, Redbubble has just been kicked out of the ASX 200 index at the next quarterly rebalance. This follows a period of underperformance by both its operations and its shares.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has short interest of 9.2%, which is up week on week. The emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has investors concerned that the travel market recovery could be derailed.
• Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE) has 9.1% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. The company’s troubled Orbost gas processing plant continues to weigh on sentiment.
• Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) has short interest of 9%, which is up week on week. Concerns over this biotech company’s precarious financial position appear to be behind this high level of short interest.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) has seen its short interest fall to 9%. Short sellers have been targeting Zip this year amid intense competition in the BNPL market and rising costs.
• Electro Optic Systems Hldg Ltd (ASX: EOS) has 8.2% of its shares held short, which is down notably week on week. Short sellers have been going after this defence and space company due partly to concerns over its cash flows.
• Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX: OBL) has entered the top ten with short interest of 7.8%. It is unclear why short sellers are targeting the class action funder. Particularly given how last week Goldman Sachs reiterated its conviction buy rating and lifted its price target to $5.35.
• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is back in the top ten with short interest of 7.5%. Short sellers may believe that weaker iron ore prices will lead to the mining giant falling short of expectations.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these 3 ASX tech shares could plunge this week
• Evergrande admits it may not meet debt repayments
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Where is the Christmas cheer for the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price?
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week

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 shares of and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Kogan.com ltd, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited and Kogan.com ltd. 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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This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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

What happened

This week was a rather volatile one in crypto land. For meme token Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB), this was certainly the case. 

Most cryptocurrencies saw significant volatility last weekend, as a direct result of the plunge we saw across most risk assets Friday with the omicron variant being deemed a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization. Since crypto markets are open 24/7, 365, Shiba Inu saw significant declines over the weekend, which were quickly erased on Monday.

Most risk assets traded higher in Monday’s session, as the market rethought Friday’s sell-off. For Shiba Inu, speculation about a new metaverse game helped send this token well above Friday’s close.

Tuesday’s price action for this meme token was much of the same, with Shiba Inu rising more than 30% at its daily highs. A listing on Kraken, a prominent crypto exchange, was the key catalyst that got investors excited.

For the remainder of the week, Shiba Inu did see some price pressure. However, SHIB tokens ended the week flat on a week over week basis, as of 9am ET.

So what

More speculative risk assets such as Shiba Inu have begun to move in tighter correlation to riskier equities in recent months. For investors in meme tokens, the direction of capital flows into risk assets appears to matter more than before.

Right now, investors appear to remain somewhat uncertain as to the direction of momentum in the meme token space. Other high-momentum sectors of the crypto market (namely, metaverse-related cryptocurrencies) are generating a tremendous amount of attention. The degree to which these other momentum-driven segments of the crypto market temporarily or permanently divert investors’ funds out of dog-inspired tokens remains to be seen.

Now what

Undoubtedly, Shiba Inu is among the riskiest assets in the market today. For most assets, this risk is reflected in volatility. Indeed,  Shiba Inu has been one heck of a volatile token this week, despite ending the week right around where the token started.

Long-term conservative investors with a focus on capital preservation and great risk-adjusted returns may want to stay as far away from this token as possible. This volatility is likely to persist.

That said, those who have held onto Shiba Inu through previous bouts of volatility really look like the intelligent investors today. That’s the market we’re in right now. 

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

The post Shiba Inu soars and crashes, but it’s still holding up this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s how these 4 top traded cryptos performed in November
• 2 reasons why Shiba Inu surged more than 30% today
• Why Shiba Inu Coin sank 7% today

Chris MacDonald 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.

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

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Today was once expected to be a massive day for Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and its share price, with its investors set to go to the polls on Square Inc‘s (NYSE: SQ) takeover.

However, the monumental vote was delayed – and now we know when it will take place.

At the time of writing, the Afterpay share price is $98.24.

Could this impact the Afterpay share price today?

Investors likely pencilled today’s date into their calendar early last month in the expectation Afterpay’s impending takeover will be going to a shareholder vote this morning.

However, the vote was pushed back last week. Luckily, the company has today revealed when it will go ahead.

Shareholders, dismiss your last mark and circle next Tuesday – 14 December. You’ll have your say at 9am AEDT that morning.

All eyes will be on the Afterpay share price then as the takeover faces yet another potential hurdle.

Afterpay is still planning for the takeover to go ahead in the first quarter of 2022.

The hold-up is due to Spain’s central bank. The takeover is conditional on its approval, which it hasn’t yet given.

Afterpay previously stated it expects the Bank of Spain will give its approval the in middle of next month. Though, its deadline isn’t until mid-February.

The bank regulates a European subsidiary of Afterpay, Pagantis. The subsidiary provides Afterpay with the regulatory licencing needed to operate in European Union member states.

The acquisition passed a major milestone last month when shareholders of Square – soon to be renamed ‘Block’ – approved the issuance of new stock for the all-scrip transaction.

Today, the company will go ahead with its plan to open the scheduled Scheme Meeting, wherein shareholders were originally expected to vote, before immediately adjourning it.

While the happening is not price sensitive, it could inspire interest in Afterpay, thereby affecting its share price.

The meeting will be opened and adjourned by the company’s chair, Elana Rubin.

The post Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price in focus as Square vote confirmed for next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• Here’s why Square is down today while the stock market is rising
• Why Afterpay, Liontown, Northern Star, and Xero shares are falling
• Is Square stock a buy?
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Afterpay sinks, Woolworths bids for API

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 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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The Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) share price has been on a rollercoaster ride throughout 2021. The company holds the title of owning and operating some of Australia’s largest gold and copper mines. While the company appears solid on paper, its shares have not been immune to weakened market conditions.

In fact, Newcrest shares fell 5% in the past week alone, nearing their 52-week low of $21.85. This means that the Newcrest share price is now down 18% year to date, after shedding last Friday with a 1.04% loss.

At last trade the price of Newcrest shares stood at $22.77.

Why are Newcrest shares falling?

A common theme with gold mining companies, the Newcrest share price has been dumped amid the deterioration of gold prices.

Traditionally, investors flock to the yellow metal as a safe-haven asset when there is uncertainty in the market. However, with the world moving past COVID-19, amid renewed investor confidence across the US dollar and inflation numbers, gold has lost its value.

In the past few months, the price of gold soared above the US$1,800 barrier, but has since fallen by the wayside. Currently, one ounce of gold is fetching US$1,783.35.

Compare this to the start of the year when the precious metal had been swapping hands for US$1,898.66, today’s price is down by 6.07%.

What’s ahead?

Last month, Newcrest agreed to purchase the remaining stake in Canadian metals and mining company Pretium Resources.

Valued at $2.8 billion, Newcrest is hoping to acquire all of the outstanding common shares it does not already own. The Australian gold miner holds a 4.8% stake in its Canadian counterpart.

The Pretium board of directors has unanimously recommended shareholders vote in favour of the transaction. However, for the deal to go through, it must receive approval from 66.66% of the total votes cast by shareholders.

In addition, the takeover will need to be authorised by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, along with competition clearances and Investment Canada Act approval.

Should all go according to plan, the acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of CY2022.

Pretium is the owner of the Brucejack gold mine, which is one of the highest-grade operating gold mines in the world. It has an estimated gold production of 311koz (thousand ounces) per annum at an all-in sustaining cost of $743 per ounce. The projected mine life is around 13 years.

Furthermore, Brucejack is conveniently located about 140 kilometres from Newcrest’s majority-owned and operated Red Chris mine. This allows the company to strengthen its position in the region by having close access to critical infrastructure.

Newcrest share price summary

Since August 2020, the Newcrest share price has been on a gradual decline, posting a loss of almost 40%. Year to date, however, its shares are down around 18% for investors.

As Australia’s largest gold miner, Newcrest commands a market capitalisation of $18.62 billion, with approximately 817.96 million shares outstanding.

The post The Newcrest (ASX:NCM) share price is having a year to forget. What’s next? 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
• Top ASX shares to buy in December 2021
• These are the ASX 200 shares that fundies have been snapping up
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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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All eyes will be on a trio of technology shares this morning after Friday night brought some bad news for them.

After market close last week Dow Jones revealed the ASX shares that would be added and removed from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) later this month.

Among them are 3 prominent former darlings:

• Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)
• Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA)
• Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL)

All of these tech players will be removed from the ASX 200 before trading begins on Monday 20 December.

So what if they’re no longer in the ASX 200?

So what’s the big deal? What difference does it make if they’re not in the ASX 200?

Removal can potentially have an impact on share price because passive funds that follow the index will be forced to sell their holdings.

This will increase supply, which could affect the going price.

All 3 companies have had something of a fall from grace in recent times.

Online retailer Kogan has seen its shares lose more than 60% this year. Marketplace platform Redbubble has lost almost 44%, while aerial imagery provider Nearmap has plunged 34%.

Shareholders will have to brace themselves for potential further falls this week in response to the ASX 200 removal announcement, then again on 20 December as passive funds sell them off.

These tech shares have still returned plenty

Despite their recent troubles, all 3 tech shares teach a stark lesson on the benefits of long-term investing. 

Each has provided investors with handsome returns over a 5-year interval. Kogan has risen a spectacular 431%, Redbubble has almost quadrupled (293%) and Nearmap has returned 129%.

There are plenty of analysts who consider all 3 to be bargain buys at the moment, with further discounting that could come this week.

Credit Suisse has a price target of $13.88 on Kogan, which closed Friday at $7.71.

Redbubble is rated as buy by Morgan Stanley, which has set a price target of $6.50 as a contrast to the current $3.34.

And according to CMC Markets, 3 of 6 analysts are rating Nearmap stock as a “strong buy”.

The post Why these 3 ASX tech shares could plunge this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Is there hope for the Kogan (ASX:KGN) share price in the lead up to Christmas?
• Here are 6 of the worst performing ASX shares of November
• 2 top ASX shares for December
• Why Australian Ethical, GUD, Nuix, and Redbubble shares are tumbling lower

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Nearmap Ltd. and REDBUBBLE FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd and Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd and Nearmap 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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It has been a difficult couple of years for the Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price.

Although the wine company’s shares are up a sizeable 23% in 2021, they are still down approximately 37% over the last two years.

Why is the Treasury Wine share price down 37% in two years?

The main cause of the Treasury Wine share price weakness over the last couple of years has been its exit from the China market.

The wine giant was effectively kicked out of the country after Chinese regulators slapped significant duties on its wine following anti-dumping and countervailing investigations into certain Australian wine exports into China.

China’s Ministry of Commerce put a duty rate of 175.6% on Treasury Wine’s Australian country of origin wine in containers of two litres or less imported into China. This essentially means that a $50 bottle of wine would now cost $137.80 after duties have been applied.

Given how lucrative the China market was for the company, this created a huge gap in its earnings and unsurprisingly put significant pressure on the Treasury Wine share price.

Can Treasury Wine fill the gap?

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts are optimistic on the company’s future and note that management is working hard to fill the Chinese earnings gap.

This includes the Penfolds brand shifting its strategy from Australian wine to French wine. This will see the company aim to launch its tariff-less French collection in China mid to late 2022.

Citi also commented: “The focus of this week’s virtual analyst event with Penfolds Managing Director and Group CFO was on the i) China strategy following the import tariffs, ii) Penfolds ability to restrict wine supply from Asian markets ending up in China through grey channels, and iii) distribution opportunities outside China.”

“We rate Treasury a Buy. We see the recent Frank Family Vineyards acquisition providing i) a significant distribution growth opportunity, ii) the scope to expand its market share in the luxury wine category, and iii) assistance to reach its 25% margin target, combined with the recent share price decline,” it added.

Citi has a $13.80 target on the Treasury Wine share price. This implies potential upside of 17% for investors.

The post Can Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) ever fill the hole left by Chinese exports? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Morgans rates these ASX 200 shares as buys
• Cheers! Morgans tips Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price to rise 19%
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• The Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price popped some corks to a new 5-week high 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. 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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Evergrande is making headlines again after telling the market that it may run out of money.

The Chinese real estate developer has said that there was no guarantee that it would have enough funds to meet debt repayments.

In an announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Evergrande said that since September 2021, it has been reviewing its capital structure and liquidity condition with the help of its financial and legal advisors, evaluating all available strategic options and maintaining ongoing dialogue with offshore creditors.

Here is what the company said about potentially not having enough cash:

In light of the current liquidity status of the Group, there is no guarantee that the Group will have sufficient funds to continue to perform its financial obligations. The Group is taking a comprehensive view in assessing its overall financial condition, considering the interests of all stakeholders, upholding the principles of fairness and legality, and plans to actively engage with offshore creditors to formulate a viable restructuring plan of the company’s offshore indebtedness for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Why did it make this announcement? It’s because the company has received a demand to “perform its obligations” under a guarantee for the amount of approximately US$260 million.

If Evergrande is unable to meet its guarantee obligations or certain other financial obligations, it “may lead to creditors demanding acceleration of repayment”.

Time will tell whether Evergrande is able to get through this latest problem.

What are the authorities doing about it?

According to reporting by Reuters, China’s Guangdong province has summoned the chair of Evergrande, Hui Ka Yan . Guandong province is where Evergrande is based.

The local government said that it would send people to the company to “oversee risk management, strengthen internal controls and maintain normal operations.”

It was also reported that China’s central bank, banking and insurance regulator and its securities regulator sought to reassure the market with statements.

The People’s Bank of China said:

Evergrande’s problem was mainly caused by its own mismanagement and break-neck expansion.

The People’s Bank also said that short-term risks caused by a single real estate firm will not undermine market fundraising in the medium and long term and supposedly housing sales, land purchases and financing “have already returned to normal in China.”

Reuters reported the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) said the Evergrande issue would not affect the industry’s normal operations and it would increase support for guaranteed rental housing. The Commission said that it believed domestic and overseas regulators would deal with Evergrande-related issues fairly.

Finally, the news agency said that the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said any fallout for the capital market was “controllable” and it would maintain support for property developers’ funding needs.

What does this mean for ASX shares?

Evergrande is one of the biggest real estate developers in China, but it’s currently dealing with debts of more than US$300 billion. For Australia, Evergrande is a big user of steel and therefore Australian iron. If the company went under it could cause volatility.

The market will get a chance to react to this news with the share prices of ASX iron ore miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO).

The London-listed BHP share price dropped 2.75% on Friday, so the ASX version of BHP may or may not follow on from that.

The post Evergrande admits it may not meet debt repayments appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: BHP higher on unification plans, TPG tumbles
• BHP (ASX:BHP) share price lifts as single listing gets green light
• Analysts say these are the ASX resources shares to buy now for big returns

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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Health is a topic that’s never been far from everyone’s minds in the past 18 months, so it’s worth looking at ASX shares that are contributing to our wellbeing.

Each month investment firm Morgans publishes its “best ideas”, as analyst Andrew Tang explained.

“Our best ideas are those that we think offer the highest risk-adjusted returns over a 12-month timeframe supported by a higher-than-average level of confidence,” he said in the December ‘best ideas’ memo.

“They are our most preferred sector exposures.”

There are 2 healthcare ASX shares in Morgans’ latest list that caught our eye:

Volatile short term but excellent long term

Breathing apparatus maker Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) is a December buy for Morgans.

That’s not to say the stock won’t be up and down over the next year or so.

“The next few quarters will likely be volatile, as COVID-related demand for ventilators continues to slow and core sleep apnoea volumes gradually lift,” said Tang.

“[But] nothing changes our medium/longer term view that the company remains well-placed as it builds a unique, patient-centric, connected-care digital platform that addresses the main pinch points across the healthcare value chain.”

Medallion Financial managing director Michael Wayne agreed, telling The Motley Fool last week that Resmed shares are a “core position” that his clients are “comfortable” holding.

“They’re growing at double digit revenue growth and earnings growth. Margins are very, very strong.”

Although it’s pulled back about 10% from its September highs, Resmed shares have still gained more than 31% for the year to date.

No end in sight for COVID-19 tests

International pathology services provider Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL) was one of the best-performing health ASX shares last month.

“After a poor start to the month, shares in ASX healthcare giant Sonic Healthcare finished the month 7% in the green,” reported The Motley Fool’s Zach Bristow.

“Robust demand for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations bumped the company’s sales and earnings during the quarter.”

With the Omicron emerging in recent days, Tang has no doubt this activity will continue to bring in revenue.

“We see COVID-19 testing continuing into the foreseeable future, with growth potential in COVID serology testing.”

He added Sonic’s international core business is “increasingly resilient”. 

“Strong balance sheet — gearing 21.6x, $1.3 billion headroom — [opens] the door to acquisitions, contracts and JVs.”

Sonic shares closed the week at $42.62, up almost 30% for the year.

The post 2 healthcare ASX shares that Morgans loves right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares with strong long term growth potential
• These were the 5 best performing ASX healthcare shares in November
• Advisor reveals the 3 most popular ASX shares among his clients
• 2 ASX shares looking good in turbulent times
• ASX 200 healthcare shares jump amid Omicron fears

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of ResMed Inc. 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 ResMed Inc. and Sonic Healthcare 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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Are you looking to add some dividend shares to your portfolio this month? Then take a look at the ones listed below.

Both dividend shares have been tipped to grow their distributions over the coming years by analysts. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Asia Pacific’s leading provider of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, service and solutions.

It has been growing at a solid rate over the last few years. This has been underpinned by its strong market position, growing store footprint, a favourable redirection in consumer spending, and robust demand for used cars.

And while FY 2022 is expected to be a touch subdued due to lockdowns and the cycling of strong sales in the prior corresponding period, the company has been tipped to pay an attractive dividend.

The team at Citi, for example, are forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 23 cents in FY 2022 and then 25 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current Bapcor share price of $6.79, this will mean yields of 3.4% and 3.7%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $8.25 price target on the company’s shares.

Centuria Industrial Reit (ASX: CIP)

Another ASX dividend share to look at is Centuria Industrial. It is the largest domestic pure play industrial REIT with a portfolio of high-quality industrial assets situated in key metropolitan locations throughout Australia and underpinned by a quality and diverse tenant base.

Management notes that its portfolio is well positioned with an 89% weighing to Australia’s high performing eastern seaboard industrial markets and underpinned by strong tenant base. In respect to the latter, approximately 62% of portfolio income derived from occupants directly linked to the production, packaging and distribution of consumer staples, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.

Macquarie is a fan of the company. Its analysts are forecasting dividends per share of 17.3 cents per share distribution in FY 2022 and an 18.7 cents per share distribution in FY 2023. Based on the current Centuria Industrial share price of $3.70, this will mean yields of 4.7% and 5%, respectively.

The broker has an outperform rating and $4.16 price target on its shares.

The post These ASX dividend shares have been tipped as buys this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 cheap ASX shares rated as buys by brokers in December 2021
• 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with growing yields
• Investing in ASX office, industrial and healthcare shares? Here’s the outlook for 2022
• Are these 2 top ASX shares beaten-up buys?
• 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with great yields

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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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On Friday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished a difficult week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.2% to finish the week at 7,241.2 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to start the week on a mildly positive note. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 11 points or 0.15% higher this morning. This is despite a very red end to the week on Wall Street, which saw the Dow Jones fall 0.2%, the S&P 500 drop 0.85%, and the Nasdaq tumble 1.9%.

Oil prices mixed

Energy producers such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) will be on watch after oil prices had a mixed finish to the week. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price fell 0.35% to US$66.26 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price rose 0.3% to US$69.88 a barrel. This follows comments out of OPEC stating that it will act if demand weakens.

Quarterly rebalance

S&P Dow Jones Indices has announced the December quarterly rebalance of the S&P/ASX Indices. This has seen six changes to the ASX 200. This includes Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN), Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA), and Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL) being dumped out of the index on 20 December.

Gold price storms higher

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could start the week on a very positive note after the gold price stormed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the spot gold price rose 1.3% to US$1,783.90 an ounce. COVID concerns and lower bond yields boosted demand for gold.

Metcash half year results

The Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) share price will be one to watch on Monday when it releases its half year results. According to a note out of Ord Minnett, its analysts are expecting a net profit of $141 million for the six months. This is expected to allow the company to pay an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today
• Is there hope for the Kogan (ASX:KGN) share price in the lead up to Christmas?
• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts this Friday

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 shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd and Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd and Nearmap 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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