• These 3 ASX 200 shares are flying around the markets today

    blue arrows representing a rising share price ASX 200

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) looks like it will finish up the week in the red today. So far this Friday, the ASX 200 is down a rather nasty 0.93% to 7,391 points.

    But instead of leaving you with that depressing number, let’s instead check out the ASX shares that are flying around the markets today and topping the charts in terms of trading volume so far. So here are the top 3 most traded ASX 200 shares at the time of writing, according to investing.com.

    3 ASX 200 shares flying around the markets today

    Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

    ASX 200 coal company Whitehaven is our first share to check out this Friday. Whitehaven has, so far today, seen a hefty 16.07 million of its shares swap hands. With no major news or announcements out of the company, we can probably put this high level of trading down to what has happened to the Whitehaven share price so far today.

    The company is presently down a nasty 8.06% to $2.85 a share. As my Fool colleague Zach went through this morning, this seems to have been caused by a backlash to the company’s recently approved plans to extend its Vickery coal mine.

    This is almost certainly behind the large volume of Whitehaven shares that are trading today.

    Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    ASX 200 telco Telstra is our next ASX share to check out today. At the time of writing, a sizeable 23 million Telstra shares have been bought and sold. That’s despite an absence of any news or announcements out of the company today.

    However, Telstra did have a big day yesterday, rising more than 2% at one point to hit a new 52-week high. This was in response to a new cost-cutting plan the company announced. However, today Telstra shares are retreating, down 0.63% at the present to $3.92 each. This is probably the reason behind Telstra’s presence on today’s list.

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    And our final and most traded ASX 200 share today is the giant iron ore miner Fortescue. Fortescue has seen a whopping 29.9 million of its shares trade hands so far this Friday. This large volume is almost certainly the result of what we see today with the Fortescue share price.

    The miner is currently down a significant 10.9% today so far to $15.37 a share, after hitting a new 52-week low this morning of $15.25. As the Fool covered this morning, collapsing iron ore prices, as well as concerns over the Chinese market, seems to be the primary drivers here.

    The post These 3 ASX 200 shares are flying around the markets today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Fortescue, 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 Fortescue 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 owns shares of Telstra 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 owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3EsrTJq

  • Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price lifts following two positive updates

    Creso Pharma cannabis farmer in the fields checking the crops

    The Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX: CPH) share price edged higher during morning trade after the company announced the launch of new e-commerce channels and its first purchase order from Poland.

    The Creso share price rose by more than 8% above yesterday’s close to 13 cents, before settling back to 12 cents in mid-afternoon trade.

    Creso expands market presence

    According to the release, Creso advised it has increased its European market presence with the launch of an e-commerce channel and marketing campaign. The online platform will sell a range of new human health products designed for sport, health and wellness.

    This marks the first time Creso has utilised an e-commerce platform to unlock a new potential revenue stream.

    The platform underwent a special development process with input from potential customers, suppliers and consumers. It will initially target Swiss customers and then expand throughout Europe.

    Switzerland represents a large addressable market of CHF 21 billion (A$31 billion) for sports-related activities.

    Creso will undertake an active marketing campaign using direct mailouts and social media targeting consumers.

    The company also announced that it has received its first purchase order from Poland. The company that placed the order is the Polish medical and pharmaceutical company, Polvet.

    The order consists of Creso hemp flour-based, anibidiol granule product for pets, large companion animals and livestock. Valued at roughly $80,000, the products will be used in Polvet’s animal clinics and distributed through established channels.

    Creso head of international operations Jorge Wernli commented:

    Creso Pharma’s European operations continue to grow … This represents a key strategic milestone in broadening our global footprint, as well as our presence in sports and recreational markets.

    We will continue to pursue growth opportunities across Europe and can now focus on both business to business and direct to consumer paths. The Company will continue to update shareholders on progress in the coming months.

    About the Creso share price

    This year has been challenging for Creso shareholders. The Creso share price has fallen 33% year to date and 7.7% over the past month.

    Creso has a market capitalisation of approximately $144.2 million with 1.2 billion shares on issue.

    The post Creso Pharma (ASX:CPH) share price lifts following two positive updates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Creso, 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 Creso 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 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3CjAIU3

  • Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price slides amid further savings rates cuts

    man looking stressed at ATM

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is in the red today amid news the bank has cut its savings rates.

    The big bank cut its saving rates by up to 0.5% today, as did its subsidiaries St George, Bank of Melbourne, and Bank SA.

    Right now, the Westpac share price is $25.81, 0.73% lower than its previous close.

    That positions Westpac as the second worst performing big four bank on Friday. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is also in the red, down 0.32%.

    Meanwhile, shares in Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) have fallen 0.79%, while those of National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) are bringing up the rear with a 1.13% drop.

    Westpac cuts savings rates once more

    The Westpac share price is struggling today amid its decision to cut its savings rates for the third time in less than 12 months.

    According to Australian financial comparison business, RateCity, Westpac has cut the savings rates on its Life savings accounts by 0.5% for those aged between 18-29 years, and 0.1% for all other adults.

    It has also lowered the introductory savings rate for its eSavers accounts by 0.1%.

    RateCity stated Westpac has now lowered its savings rates 3 times since the Reserve Bank of Australia lowered the cash rate in November 2020.

    RateCity.com.au’s research director, Sally Tindall, commented the savings rate drops, saying:

    Westpac has caved to the pressure of the low-rate environment, cutting savings rates despite no move to the cash rate.

    Westpac isn’t the only big bank to have cut its saving rates recently. The Commonwealth Bank cut its savings rates by up to 0.07% last month.

    Westpac share price snapshot

    Despite today’s dip, the Westpac share price has been performing well lately.

    It has gained 31% since the start of 2021. It is also 53% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price slides amid further savings rates cuts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac Banking Corp right now?

    Before you consider Westpac Banking Corp, 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 Westpac Banking Corp 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 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3hFZiGG

  • Why Macquarie sees 18% upside in the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price

    asx share price increase represented by golden dollar sign rocketing out from white domes of lithium

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price may be trading lower on Friday but that looks unlikely to stop it from recording a strong weekly gain.

    If the lithium miner’s shares end the week at $2.28, it will mean a weekly gain of 11%.

    Incredibly, this will also mean Pilbara Minerals’ shares are up 160% since the start of the year.

    Where next for the Pilbara Minerals share price?

    Although the Pilbara Minerals share price has more than doubled in value this year, one leading broker still believes it can go higher.

    According to a note out of Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) from earlier this week, the broker has retained its outperform rating and $2.70 price target.

    Based on where Pilbara Minerals shares trade currently, this suggests that they can climb a further 18% over the next 12 months.

    What did the broker say?

    Macquarie is bullish on Pilbara Minerals due to its very positive view on the outlook for lithium.

    The latter was bolstered further this week when the company released the results of its second Battery Material Exchange (BMX) auction.

    According to the release, the company intends to accept the highest bid of US$2,240/dmt for the intended 8,000dmt of cargo. On a pro rata lithia basis and inclusive of freight costs, this is approximately equivalent to a price of US$2,500/dmt (SC6.0, CIF China basis).

    This was significantly higher than what Macquarie was expecting. Which it believes indicates that the positive price momentum in the lithium market is likely to continue.

    As a result, the broker appears happy with its earnings forecasts, which are significantly higher than consensus estimates, backing up its price target on the Pilbara Minerals share price.

    Overall, its analysts believe the company’s shares are good value at the current level.

    The post Why Macquarie sees 18% upside in the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price 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 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 owns shares of and 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3nHcvTu

  • Firefinch (ASX:FFX) share price tumbles 6% but remains 12% higher for the month

    Upset man in hard hat puts hand over face

    The Firefinch Ltd (ASX: FFX) share price is deep in the red today.

    Shares in the gold miner and lithium developer are currently trading 5.84% lower at 64.5 cents apiece, having at one stage been as low as 63 cents.

    Let’s take a look at what’s been dragging Firefinch shares lower.  

    What’s happening with Firefinch?

    Investors have been quick to dump their shares in Firefinch today. Despite the bearish price action, the mining developer has not released any price-sensitive news.

    As a result, there are a couple of catalysts that could explain why the Firefinch share price is struggling today.

    Firstly, weakness in the spot gold price could be dragging shares in Firefinch lower. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 2.3% to a 1-month low of US$1,754.10 an ounce.

    A second factor could be investors looking to lock in their profits after the recent rally in the Firefinch share price.

    More on Firefinch

    The Firefinch share price has been receiving increasing attention over the past few weeks.

    Most recently, the company made headlines after announcing details of its inclusion in the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDXJ) via Twitter Inc (NYSE: TWTR). However, the gold miner and lithium developer retracted the tweet and provided clarification on the error.

    Prior to the tweet clarification, shares in Firefinch rallied strongly after the company released a mixed half-year report.

    The company realised gold production of 22,525 ounces for the half-year in line with guidance of 21,000-23,500 ounces. However, Firefinch’s net loss for the half-year grew to $6.28 million from $1.07 million.

    Firefinch share price snapshot

    Firefinch has several promising assets located in Mali. This includes the Morila Gold Mine, in which Firefinch has an 80% interest.

    Firefinch runs the Goulamina Lithium Project in Mali, which is a joint venture with the Chinese lithium and chemicals company Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd.

    Despite sinking 7% in today’s session, shares in Firefinch remain 12% higher for the month.

    Shares in the gold miner and lithium developer have also been strong for the majority of the year. Since the start of 2021, shares in Firefinch are up an astronomical 250%.

    The post Firefinch (ASX:FFX) share price tumbles 6% but remains 12% higher for the month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Firefinch, 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 Firefinch 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 Nikhil Gangaram 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 Twitter. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3CneOj0

  • Are there new Vulcan shares about to hit the ASX?

    Construction workers carry big steel beam

    One of the biggest success stories on the Australian share market this year has been the Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price.

    Since the start of the year, the clean lithium company’s shares have rocketed 430% higher.

    No doubt the investors in another Vulcan will be hoping for similar success if and when its shares land on the Australian share market.

    What’s happening?

    According to the Australian, Australia and New Zealand metals distributor Vulcan will soon be launching a cornerstone process aiming to raise $500 million via an initial public offering (IPO). And if all goes to plan, the company will hit the ASX boards before the end of the year.

    The report notes that Vulcan is hoping to list on the share market with a valuation of at least $1 billion. And with the company forecasting an annual net profit of $70 million, this would give it an earnings multiple of approximately 14x upon listing.

    The company notes that this will put it in a similar ballpark to plumbing and bathroom materials supplier Reece Ltd (ASX: REH), bathroom and kitchen supplier GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA), and diversified products company GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD).

    It appears as though Vulcan doesn’t want to be put into the same bracket as an arguably more comparable company, BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL). The steel products company’s shares are currently trading at just 5x estimated FY 2022 earnings.

    What are people saying about Vulcan?

    The Australia understands that fund managers are positive about Vulcan, noting that it is a solid, well-run business. Vulcan is also benefiting greatly from high steel prices and its strong market position.

    Though, there also appear to be a few concerns about the cyclical nature of the business. Particularly given how the Auckland-based company generates the majority of its revenue from distributing steel products to the construction industry.

    Time will tell if this is another successful IPO.

    The post Are there new Vulcan shares about to hit the ASX? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Vulcan 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 Vulcan 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

    More reading

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

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3nHEEtU

  • AMP (ASX:AMP) share price hits fresh lows amid advisory board resignations

    Young boy looks shocked as he lifts glasses above his eye in front of a stockmarket graph.

    The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price is having another disappointing day this Friday.

    At the time of writing, AMP shares have sunk another 1% so far today and have plumbed a new all-time low of 98 cents a share. The company is presently trading at 99 cents a share.

    Yes, AMP is today at its lowest share price point in its more-than-20-year history as a public company. The AMP share price has now slid more than 36.5% in 2021 so far. It’s also down by 35.3% over the last 12 months, and by an eye-watering 81.5% over the past 5 years.

    So why AMP’s descent to these new lows today?

    Well, there is no official news or announcements out of AMP itself that we can point to today. However, a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today might shed some light.

    The AFR reports that GPT Group (ASX: GPT) and Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) “have been shortlisted” for a takeover of the running of the flagship AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund.

    Fund problems spark AMP share price fall?

    A review of AMP’s fund is currently being conducted by investment bank group Jarden Australia, along with an independent advisory committee (IAC). This review was sparked after some institutional investors reportedly raised concerns over the fund’s future, according to the AFR.

    The review’s joint recommendations were to go to the trustee board of the fund. The investors in the fund will be given the final say about what happens going forward.

    AMP is reportedly keen to keep management of this fund in-house with AMP Capital. However, the review has now shortlisted GPT and Mirvac.

    However, the report also reveals that all three members of the Independent Advisory Committee resigned yesterday. They will be replaced by the independent chair of AMP Capital funds Management, Ming Long, and another independent director, Bob McKinnon.

    A spokesperson for the AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund trustee board told the AFR that “the members of the IAC had a different view about how the process should be conducted as we move to its final stage”.

    Perhaps it is this rapidly-changing situation that is causing some investors to bail out of AMP shares today.

    At the current AMP share price of 99 cents, this company has a market capitalisation of $3.25 billion.

    The post AMP (ASX:AMP) share price hits fresh lows amid advisory board resignations appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider AMP, 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 AMP 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3lAkjnl

  • Why this fund manager sees limited growth potential for ASX 200 banks

    A worried pink piggy bank in dark waters, indicating pressure on the banking sector

    The big four banks have outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year. A flurry of monetary stimulus and central bank backing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic bolstered ASX 200 bank shares.

    However, one fundie believes the best returns for the banking sector might be behind it. As fierce competitors make headway into the entrenched finance industry, fintech companies could be set to eat at least a portion of the bank’s lunch.

    How ASX 200 banks could be challenged

    Loyal shareholders of any of the big four banks have enjoyed handsome returns over the past 12 months. As a quick summary — below are the returns if you owned shares in these ASX 200 banking behemoths:

    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) up 57.6% to $103
    • Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) up 53.5% to $25.90
    • National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) up 61.1% to $27.94, and
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) up 60% to $27.80

    For comparison, investing in the broader ASX 200 would have netted a return of 26% before dividends. Which is nothing to be sneezed at. Although, the worst performer of the big four dished out double this gain before dividends. This might have investors contemplating the potential of future returns from the banks.

    Well, one fundie has shared their perspective, which might dispel some of the euphoria circulating among bank investors. In an interview with the AFR, co-head of equities at Antares Capital, Nick Pashias cast his doubts on the possibility of further upside to the big four constituents.

    Namely, Pashias pointed towards the trend in the disintermediation of the banking sector. In other words, customers are seeing the benefit in fewer intermediaries being involved in financial processes. One glaring example is the explosion in buy now, pay later (BNPL) services, such as Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT).

    The disruption invoked by fintech companies has only accelerated over the last 24 months due to the implications of COVID-19.

    As a result, Pashias states, “…one of the casualties may be not only our banks but banking more broadly. The rise of the fintech sector is here to stay, and although volumes and profits are still small, we believe they will chip away at the profit pools that banks have enjoyed for many years.”

    Less is more when it comes to finance

    Momentum has grown around a new financial business model, unique from that of ASX 200 bank shares, that doesn’t involve hefty interest charges to customers. Fintechs are taking a fresh approach to finance and looking for alternative ways to produce revenue.

    In the case of BNPL, the income is predominantly from merchants, as the product adds value in bringing increased sales, improved conversion, and heightened customer loyalty.

    This new model might find itself extending beyond credit for product purchases. Earlier in the week, InvestSMART unveiled its ‘fundlater‘ offering. This adds a BNPL-esque spin on the bank’s leveraged investing offering, which comes with interest repayments and the risks of margin calls.

    In short, fundlater allows investors to invest up to $10,000 with an initial investment of $4,000. From there, the individual makes fixed monthly repayments with no margin calls, and no interest fees, aside from a $20 per month facility fee.

    The product demonstrates yet another encroachment on the profit pool of ASX 200 banks.

    The post Why this fund manager sees limited growth potential for ASX 200 banks 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2YZWttH

  • 2 high quality ASX 50 shares named as buys

    Three excited business people cheer around a laptop in the office

    The ASX 50 index is home to 50 of the largest listed companies on the Australian share market.

    While there are a number of quality options on offer in the index, two that could be in the buy zone are listed below.

    Here’s what you need to know about these ASX 50 shares:

    CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

    The first ASX 50 share to look at is CSL. It is one of the world’s leading biotherapeutics companies.

    It has been a very positive performer over the last decade. This has been driven by successful acquisitions, its high level of investment in R&D activities, a growing plasma collection network, and its leading therapies and vaccines.

    In respect to the latter, CSL’s portfolio includes lucrative and life-saving products such as Privigen, Hizentra, Idelvion, and Afstyla. But it certainly isn’t resting on its laurels. This year the company will spend approximately US$1 billion again on R&D. This is to ensure it has a pipeline of lucrative products to drive future growth.

    While the pandemic has hit plasma collections and could lead to elevated costs in the near term, this headwind is only expected to be temporary.

    One broker that remains positive on the company is Morgans. It currently has an add rating and $324.40 price target.

    SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK)

    Another ASX 50 share to look at is SEEK. It is the leading job listings company in the ANZ region and has a number of growing businesses around the globe.

    During FY 2021, the company returned to form and reported a 58% jump in net profit after tax excluding significant items to $141 million.

    This was underpinned by record ad volumes in the second half of the year amid easing COVID-19 restrictions. This ultimately led to SEEK reporting an average of 40 million monthly site visits during the year, which represents 10% growth on pre-COVID-19 levels.

    According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts are confident this positive form will continue. Particularly given how unemployment levels are tipped to fall materially following the pandemic, which should support job ad volumes.

    Macquarie has an outperform rating and $37.00 price target on the company’s shares.

    The post 2 high quality ASX 50 shares named as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider SEEK, 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 SEEK 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 James Mickleboro owns shares of SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3Aeo2NE

  • Use the sharp commodity sell-off to buy these ASX 200 mining shares

    ASX 200 mining shares to buy A clockface with the word 'Time to Buy'

    ASX mining shares are plunging as sentiment towards hard commodities turn bearish, but a top broker is urging investors to buy this group of S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) mining shares.

    These ASX miners are exposed to aluminium and the outlook for the metal is shining bright, according to Morgan Stanley.

    Not that you can tell today. The sell-off is indiscriminate and not even the aluminium price was spared.

    Why this could be a buying opportunity for some ASX 200 shares

    The focus of the bears is really on iron ore as the steel making mineral sinks deeper into bear territory.

    Base metals are also falling in sympathy even though the drivers are different from the bulk commodity.

    But it’s during these “sell everything” events that the best buying opportunities emerge.

    Bullish outlook for aluminium

    This time may be no different, especially for Aluminium as it’s delinked from the cost curve after more than a decade.

    “Historically, when it has broken away significantly from the cost curve, we find that price remains elevated above the 90th percentile for ~2-3 years,” said Morgan Stanley.

    “With the current break starting late 2020, this could show that higher prices could be sustained for some time to come.”

    Upgrade cycle for ASX 200 shares exposed to aluminium

    There are several fundamental factors that are supportive of the aluminium price too. Global supply for the metal is tight as downstream demand remains strong. This is leading to limited local inventory of the commodity and high global freight prices aren’t helping.

    It turns out that China could also be providing a tailwind for aluminium. That stands in contrast to iron ore where China is blamed for the crash.

    “More recently, some additional factors have added to this bullish outlook, including additional China domestic smelter production cuts in Sept due to power cuts, rising Chinese power costs, and cost push from rising alumina price (supply disruption driven),” added Morgan Stanley.

    Best ASX 200 mining shares to buy now

    The ASX 200 mining share that is most exposed to the aluminium upside is the South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price.

    At the current spot price, South32’s aluminium business will account for around 38% of group revenue.

    “Running ali only at spot, valuation sits at A$3.90/sh,” said Morgan Stanley.

    “And spot FY22 FCF yield sits at 12%, showing S32 is well placed to return capital to shareholders.”

    The broker is recommending the South32 share price as “overweight”.

    Smaller beneficiaries

    Another miner that will benefit is the Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price. Aluminium will contribute around 24% to total revenue in CY22 at spot price.

    However, as it makes most of its cash from iron ore, Morgan Stanley is keeping its “equal weight” rating on the Rio Tinto share price.

    This leaves the Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) share price as the only other buy rated stock on the broker’s list. But Alumina won’t benefit as much as South32 from rising aluminium prices as it makes most of its income from alumina and not aluminium.

    The post Use the sharp commodity sell-off to buy these ASX 200 mining shares 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Rio Tinto Ltd. and South32 Ltd. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/39hhyln