I want to share a story with you.

It was prompted by a team discussion earlier today, when one of my colleagues shared a story of (presumably highly-paid) professionals needing to borrow money to pay a tax bill.

And a subsequent conversation about financial literacy.

The usual refrain is “we should be taught that in school”.

The bad news? We were. Kids today still are.

The fact we’ve forgotten it is the very problem, not that it wasn’t done in the first place.

But even that’s not enough.

Far, far too many of us have credit card balances that we carry month to month (at extortionate rates).

Far, far too many of us are using buy-now-pay-later services to mortgage a large chunk of the next pay cheque.

None of us think that’s a good idea.

(That is: We’re financially literate enough to know it’s a bad idea.)

But too many do it anyway.

So is it really a lack of financial literacy?

Look, I’m sure some more — and/or better — financial literacy classes at school would be useful.

But I reckon we’re missing the point.

As I’ve written before:

“ …financial literacy isn’t about the maths. Or, at least, not only about the maths. Yes, knowing a little about the power of compounding and the importance of (good) insurance is important.

“Instead, real financial literacy is about the psychology of money. Or just psychology in general. Knowing how to calculate compound returns isn’t the same as investing well. Knowing how to create a budget isn’t the same as sticking to it. Understanding the role of financial advisers and stockbrokers isn’t the same as embracing the power of incentives.”

We don’t need to tell people ‘Paying 20% interest on credit card debt is bad’.

Trust me, they know.

We don’t need to tell people ‘Saving for something is better than putting it on credit’.

They know that, too.

Yes, some people need access to better information.

Some need access to better tools.

But mostly, they need to be taught about the power (for good and evil) of behavioural psychology.

And the tips and tricks for making it work.

Some people are blessed with willpower to burn.

The rest of us need help.

Superannuation is the simplest example.

How many of us saved 10% of our incomes, before Super?

Bugger all.

How many do, now?

All of us.

Just look around the world at the countries without a compulsory retirement savings scheme. Their future selves are looking down the barrel of a tough post-work life.

Australians, by comparison, are going to be — for the most part — in clover.

Do people in those other countries not realise they need to save for retirement?

Of course they do.

But a combination of excuses — real and imagined — keep them from doing it.

Impulsive shopping. The new car lease. Buying a house they can only just afford. Not wanting to give up the good things, now, for better things later.

And yes, some people simply don’t have the income.

By the way, I’m not preaching to you as someone who doesn’t have the same struggles.

I love a gadget. I love buying stuff online. And camping gear. Mostly camping gear.

I have the same issues.

I’d love a new car (Toyota, if you’re reading this, let’s talk sponsorship!) and would love to buy a bigger house on a big acreage.

But I’ve learned tricks to stop myself from overspending, and to help keep my financial impulses in check.

I pay myself first (I transfer my investment funds to a different account on payday).

I’ve trained myself to focus on what I’ll be able to do — and afford — in retirement, and made a game out of getting there.

And I’ve put (at least) the last 4 or 5 pay rises straight into my investment account so that I don’t suffer from ‘lifestyle creep’ — letting my standard of living rise thoughtlessly with my income.

Which brings me to my story. Well, not ‘my’ story, but the story I want to share with you.

It’s a tale I first heard from Motley Fool co-founder, David Gardner.

He was reading correspondence from a Motley Fool member, Dave Geck.

And it has some stupendously important advice for all of us.

I hope it helps you. Perhaps more importantly, I hope there’s someone you can pass it onto. I hope it helps.

Here’s an excerpt of Dave’s letter. He starts off talking about his employment in the military:

“Back in 1975, one of my instructors took a few minutes to talk about finances. He had a recommendation. He suggested that when we graduated, we take $5 out of our $625 per month that we were going to receive as second lieutenants.

“Take $5 out, and do so without fail, or changing the amount until you’re promoted from second lieutenant to first lieutenant. And then the instructor asked us, how much would we have? Well, knowing it would take two years until we were promoted, we quickly figured 24 times $5 plus interest would be about $125. He commented that yes, it would not be much, but the goal of the first two years was to develop the habit of saving. He then suggested that upon getting a raise — actually two raises, you got one for the promotion and you got one for two years of service — that we save half of the increase and use the rest to pay additional taxes and increase our standard of living. He pointed out that if we could make ends meet on a second lieutenant’s salary in our 24th month, then we could certainly make it during the 25th month on that amount plus half of the increase.

“He said to do this throughout our career, and we would have a sizable sum by the time we retired. It made sense to me. I did not have a career of military service, but I followed his advice with my civilian pay. When I was about 55, my wife and I went out with another couple and the husband asked if we’d saved anything yet for retirement. He said they were concerned as they had not yet started. I related the story of my instructor’s suggestion and said we were probably saving about 40% of my gross salary. They were shocked.

“The next day, I came home, and my wife greeted me with music to any husband’s ears. She said, “You’re right.” I had no idea of what she was speaking and was almost afraid to ask what I was right about. She said that when she heard my story, she thought it was quite an exaggeration to say we were saving 40% of my gross salary. She said she’d never added it up but did so that morning. We had some money going here and some going there. She was shocked to find out it added up to 42%. She said she would have believed 30%, but obviously not 40%.”

That, dear reader, is behavioural finance in action.

It is the very idea of a ‘nudge’ — in this case a simple ‘pre-commitment’ strategy to get temptation out of your way.

And Dave has captured it to perfection.

You reckon he doesn’t have friends and family who were earning close to what he was?

And if you asked them to save 40% of their income, do you reckon they would have told you all the reasons it was impossible?

Aren’t you just kinda thinking the same right now?

Again, I get it. Some people really, truly, can’t save anything — or any more than they’re already saving. I’m not talking to you.

But the rest of us?

I’m not asking you to live like a monk. I’m not suggesting you live on gruel and wear clothes with holes in them. (Yes, kids, there was a time when clothes didn’t come with designer holes already in them.)

But Dave’s example is instructive.

Wouldn’t you like to retire a little earlier? Have a little more in your retirement nest egg?

Wouldn’t you like to help your kids, or friends, learn that same habit?

Dave has given us the formula.

We just need to follow it.

(Because, the more you save, the more you can invest. We can — and will — help you with the latter, but you’ve gotta take care of the former!)

Fool on!

The post Stop making excuses. Seriously. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• ASX 200 rises, Santos and Oil Search merge
• 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with attractive yields
• Vulcan (ASX:VUL) share price soars 12% to record high
• Here are the 3 heaviest traded ASX 200 shares this Friday

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

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose by 0.5% today to 7,407 points.

Here are some of the highlights from the ASX:

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH)

The two oil businesses have agreed to combine to create a “regional champion of scale with a diversified portfolio of long-life and low-cost oil and gas assets.” They have entered into a definitive agreement to merge.

Oil Search shareholders will receive 0.6275 new Santos shares for each Oil Search share held.

Santos expects the merger will unlock pre-tax synergies of between US$90 million to US$115 million per annum (excluding integration and other one-off costs), which is expected to benefit both sets of shareholders.

This combined ASX 200 business will be led by the Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher, who said:

Santos and Oil Search will be stronger together and will have increased scale and capacity to drive a combined disciplined, low-cost operating model and unrivalled growth opportunities over the next decade.

The merger will create a company with a balance sheet and strong cashflows necessary to successfully navigate the transition to a lower carbon future with the combination of Santos’ leading CCS capability combining with Oil Search’s ESG programs in PNG and Alaska to provide a strong foundation.

Upon completion of the merger, Oil Search shareholders will own approximately 38.5% of the merged company and Santos shareholders will own approximately 61.5%.

AMA Group Ltd (ASX: AMA)

AMA announced today that it has launched a $150 million capital rising. That was split between a $100 million fully underwritten accelerated 1 for 2.80 pro rata non-renounceable entitlement offer and a $50 million fully underwritten senior unsecured convertible notes due in 2027.

The business decided to do this after its capital restructure review.

This raised capital is expected to lead to a number of benefits.

There will be enhanced balance sheet flexibility and funding diversification. AMA will also have a longer duration of debt, with average maturity increased to April 2025. AMA said this raising would give it enhanced liquidity to navigate short-term disruptions associated with COVID-19.

It also said that the raising would give a platform for the business to execute on its own growth strategy.

AMA Group CEO Carl Bizon said:

This capital raising will provide us with funding and flexibility as we face the headwinds presented by COVID-19 and give us the firepower to execute our strategy. AMA Group is uniquely positioned to respond as restrictions lift, and I look forward to us realising the value inherent in the group.

Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)

The Iress share price fell 3.5% after giving the market an update about its ongoing discussions with EQT. Investors may remember that the ASX 200 fintech received a confidential, non-binding and indicative proposal from funds represented by EQT Fund Management.

At the time of the offer, the two parties agreed to a period of 30 days exclusive access to undertake its due diligence.

Discussions with EQT are progressing and Iress has agreed to grant an additional 10 days of exclusivity to EQT on the same terms.

The Iress board said it will update shareholders and the markets in due course.

The post ASX 200 rises, Santos and Oil Search merge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the 3 heaviest traded ASX 200 shares this Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Friday
• Why Cleanaway, IRESS, Omni Bridgeway, & Polynovo shares are dropping
• Why the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price is leaping out of the trading pause
• Santos (ASX:STO) share price climbs as Oil Search merger confirmed

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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If you’re looking to boost your passive income with some dividend shares, then you might want to consider the ones listed below.

Here’s why analysts have given them buy ratings:

Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Aurizon. It is Australia’s largest rail freight operator, connecting miners, primary producers, and industry with international and domestic markets.

Aurizon provides its customers with integrated freight and logistics solutions across an extensive national rail and road network, traversing Australia.

Macquarie is a fan of the company. It believes Aurizon has almost $1 billion of balance sheet capacity to drive growth through acquisitions. It also believes the company will be in a position to pay very generous dividends in the near term.

The broker is forecasting partially franked dividends of 28.1 cents per share in FY 2022 and then 29.5 cents per share in FY 2023. Based on the latest Aurizon share price, this will mean yields of 7.3% and 7.7%, respectively.

Macquarie currently has an outperform rating and $4.32 price target on its shares.

Aventus Group (ASX: AVN)

Another ASX dividend share to look at is Aventus. It is a fully integrated owner, manager, and developer of large format retail centres in Australia.

Aventus has a portfolio of 20 centres valued at $2.3 billion with a diverse tenant base of 593 quality tenancies. From the latter, national retailers represent 88% of the total portfolio.

The company has experienced solid demand for its tenancies despite the pandemic, leading to an occupancy rate of 98.8% in FY 2021. This underpinned a 9.6% increase in funds from operations to $110 million for the year.

One broker that is positive on the company is Goldman Sachs. It currently has a buy rating and $3.40 price target on its shares. Goldman is also forecasting dividend yields of approximately 5.3% in FY 2022 and 5.9% in FY 2023.

The post 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with attractive yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 top ASX dividend shares named as buys
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• Brokers rate these ASX dividend shares as buys

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 AVENTUS RE UNIT and Aurizon Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price has bolted to record highs today.

Shares in the lithium developer have led the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), surging more than 12% in today’s session.

Let’s take a look at what’s been propelling the Vulcan share price higher today.

What’s been fuelling the Vulcan share price?

Vulcan has not released any price-sensitive news that could explain today’s bullish price action.

There are several catalysts that could be giving the Vulcan share price a boost.

Most recently, the lithium developer announced a 5-year strategic partnership and binding lithium offtake term sheet with Renault Group.

Shares in Vulcan have also come under the spotlight after the company was recently added to the S&P/ASX 300 Index.

As a result, the company’s share price could be receiving extra attention from index funds and fund managers.

Vulcan also made headlines late last month after providing an update on its Zero Carbon Lithium Project.

Another catalyst that could be fuelling the Vulcan share price is the surging interest in the green energy sector.

Snapshot of the Vulcan share price

Vulcan is a lithium developer with its flagship Zero Carbon Lithium project located in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley. The company has the ambitious aim of becoming the world’s first lithium producer with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Its Zero Carbon Lithium project aims to produce battery-quality lithium products from its combined geothermal energy and lithium resource.

Earlier this year, the company oversaw the highly successful listing of its spin-off Kuniko Ltd (ASX: KNI).

Kuniko comprises Vulcan’s non-core Norwegian battery metal assets.

According to Vulcan, the spin-off enables the company to fully focus on the development of its core Zero Carbon Lithium Project.

Shares in Vulcan have had a stellar year thus far.

Since the start of the year, shares in the lithium developer have rocketed more than 472%.

At the time of writing, shares in Vulcan are poised to close today’s trading session around 7% higher.

Shares in Vulcan were up more than 12% earlier after hitting an intra-day and record high of $16.45.

The post Vulcan (ASX:VUL) share price soars 12% to record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX 300 shares are leading the way as the top movers on Friday?
• Which ASX 300 shares are making headlines on Thursday?
• Why the Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price is in the spotlight this week
• Which ASX shares are set to finish the week as the top movers on the ASX 300?
• Kuniko (ASX:KNI) share price jumps 500% on ASX debut

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. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has ended the trading week on a positive note. At the closing bell, the ASX 200 was sitting at 7,406.6 points, up 0.5% for the day.

So let’s dig a little deeper into today’s trading and see which ASX 200 shares are topping the charts in terms of raw trading volume.

The 3 heaviest traded ASX 200 shares this Friday

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

ASX 200 lithium produer Pilbara is our first share to check out today. Pilbara has seen a hefty 16.18 million of its shares swap hands.

However, it’s not entirely clear why we are seeing this elevated trading volume here. Not only is there no major news out of the company today, but the Pilbara share price did not do anything too remarkable this Friday.

It closed at $2.05, flat for the day. However, it did rise to $2.10 at one point, as well as dipping as low as $2.03. It may be this volatility that has sparked an elevated level of trading for this company.

Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC)

ASX 200 aluminium producer Alumina is our next share to check out. Alumina has seen a healthy 16.56 million of its shares change hands this Friday.

With no major news or announcements out of the company, we can probably put this high volume down to Alumina’s very robust day on the ASX.

Alumina shares finished up a very pleasing 5.85% to $2.17 a share. This is likely due to the soaring price of aluminium on the commodities market in recent weeks and months. And it’s this massive share price surge that is probably the cause of Alumina’s high trading volume today.

South32 Ltd (ASX :S32)

And last, and most, by trading volume, we have diversified ASX 200 miner South32. This miner has seen a sizeable 28.79 million of its shares find new owners today. Again, there is no major news out of South32 today.

However, like Alumina, the South32 share price had a rager, ending the day 5.88% higher to $3.42 a share. South32 also produces aluminium and alumina, so it’s broadly benefitting from the same tailwinds as Alumina today. As such, it’s no real surprise that we see so many S32 shares flying around the ASX boards this Friday.

The post Here are the 3 heaviest traded ASX 200 shares this Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Friday
• Why the South32 (ASX:S32) share price is leaping 5% today
• The ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is down 4% in a month. Here’s why.
• 2 excellent ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) mining shares that could be buys
• 2 ASX 200 shares that could be buys for growth

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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Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed higher after its steep fall yesterday. The benchmark index closed 0.50% higher to 7,406.6 points. The Aussie index was buoyed by a strong performance among miners, closely accompanied by energy shares.

However, the question is: which shares from the top 200 delivered the most green on the ASX today? Here are the ten stocks that delivered the biggest gains:

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown today

Looking at the top 200 listed companies, Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the mining company surged 8.54% after successfully completing its issuance of US$150 million worth of senior unsecured notes. It was the company’s best day on the market in over 4 months. Find out more about Nickel Mines here.

The next best performing ASX share out of the top 200 today was Alumina Ltd (ASX: S32). The mining company’s shares gained 6.34% to $2.18. This move came as aluminium prices hit a 13-year high. Uncover the latest Alumina information here.

Today’s top 10 biggest gains were made in these ASX 200 shares:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC)	$1.08	8.54%
Alumina Ltd (ASX: AWC)	$2.18	6.34%
South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)	$3.42	5.88%
Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)	$53.15	5.56%
IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)	$9.59	4.47%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)	$7.10	4.41%
Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)	$10.03	4.26%
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)	$3.05	3.74%
CSR Ltd (ASX: CSR)	$5.68	3.65%
Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)	$4.475	3.11%

Our top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making the biggest 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 200 shares on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the Nickel Mines (ASX:NIC) share price is leaping 8% on Friday
• The ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is down 4% in a month. Here’s why.
• 2 ASX 200 shares that could be buys for growth
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• ASX 200 sinks, BHP and CBA fall

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of CSR Limited and 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 Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has been among the worst performers on the ASX 200 in 2021.

Since the start of the year, the artificial intelligence data services provider’s shares are down a disappointing 61% to $9.95

This compares to a gain of 11% by the ASX 200 index.

Is the Appen share price a bargain buy?

Despite the weakness in the Appen share price in 2021, the team at Bell Potter don’t believe investors should be rushing in to invest.

According to a recent note, the broker has maintained its hold rating and cut its price target to $11.50.

Based on the current Appen share price, this price target implies potential upside of 15% over the next 12 months.

What did the broker say?

Bell Potter was disappointed with Appen’s performance in the first half of FY 2021 and notes that it has downgraded its full year guidance. Though, it acknowledges that the latter reflects management’s decision to invest in its newly acquired Quadrant business.

The broker commented: “Appen downgraded its 2021 guidance from underlying b/w US$83-90m to b/w US$81- 88m. The downgrade was driven by “planned investment in Quadrant”. The company also added it expects the result to be at the low end of the range due to “ad-related project impacts”. Year-to-date revenue plus orders in hand at August was c.US$360m which suggests full year revenue around US$455m based on the 2020 ratio.”

In light of this, the broker has downgraded its earnings estimates.

It said: “We have downgraded our underlying EBITDA forecasts by 4%, 5% and 7% in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The downgrades have been driven by modest reductions in our revenue forecasts (i.e. 1-2%) and reductions in our underlying EBITDA margin forecasts.”

And while the broker is now forecasting underlying EBITDA of US$80.9m in 2021, which is at the low end of Appen’s guidance range, it does have a few concerns that this will be met. The broker notes that this estimate assumes a “strong 2H2021 underlying EBITDA result of US$53.2m (vs US$27.7m in 1H2021).”

As a result, Bell Potter doesn’t appear to believe the risk/reward on offer with the Appen share price is sufficient to invest at present.

The post Is the Appen (ASX:APX) share price in the buy zone? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How have ASX technology shares performed during the August 2021 earnings season?
• 2 highly rated ASX growth shares to buy
• ASX 200 flat, Aussie Broadband shares halted, Openpay rises
• Why Appen, BlueScope, Fortescue, & Marley Spoon shares are dropping
• ASX 200 midday update: BHP & Fortescue fall, Flight Centre storms higher

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 Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Appen 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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In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and on course to end the week on a positive note. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 7,399.4 points.

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

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

The Cleanaway share price is down just over 1% to $2.70. Today’s decline is attributable to the waste management company’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its final dividend of 2.4 cents per share. This dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders on 5 October.

IRESS Ltd (ASX: IRE)

The IRESS share price has fallen 2.5% to $13.65. This morning the financial technology company provided an update on the EQT takeover approach. According to the release, due diligence is taking longer than expected. As a result, the company has agreed to grant an additional 10 days of exclusivity to EQT to complete its diligence and for an agreement to be finalised.

Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX: OBL)

The Omni Bridgeway share price is down a further 5% to $3.78. Investors have been selling the litigation funder’s shares this week following an update on the Brisbane Flood class action. Unfortunately for Omni Bridgeway, the Supreme Court of New South Wales Court of Appeal has found the remaining defendant, Seqwater, not liable.

Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

The Polynovo share price has dropped 5% to $1.92. This medical device company’s shares have come under pressure today after it announced the resignation of its Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Anthony Kaye. The COO is returning to biotherapeutics giant CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) in a more senior position.

The post Why Cleanaway, IRESS, Omni Bridgeway, & Polynovo shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX 300 shares are leading the way as the top movers on Friday?
• The Polynovo (ASX:PNV) share price is down 10% in a month to a 52-week low. Here’s why.
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why Afterpay, CBA, Omni Bridgeway, & South32 shares tumbled lower today
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Tech shares fall, Fortescue upgraded

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 POLYNOVO FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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From time to time, it can be worthwhile reviewing insider transactions. This time we pop the hood on the big four bank shares of the ASX 200 to see whether insiders have been buying or selling.

The past month has been mixed for the share prices of Australia’s big four banks. However, sometimes the broader market can be mispricing a company in comparison to its fundamentals.

An indication of this can be the sentiment insiders have towards the share price. After all, these are the people that get to see all the inner workings of the business day-in and day-out.

On that note, let’s see what transactions have been taking place inside the ASX 200 big four banks.

Are insiders buying up ASX 200 bank shares?

Australia and New Zealand Banking Grp Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

Starting off with the least eventful of the bunch, there have been no insiders buying or selling ANZ shares in the last month. This is despite a 4.6% fall in its share price during the 30-day period. In fact, the big four banking constituent has not released any pertinent announcements in the last month either.

The last insider transaction that occurred in ANZ shares was on 1 June 2021. On this day, chief information officer Michael Bullock sold $384,722 worth of shares.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

Next on the list, is the third biggest bank share on the ASX 200, NAB — or should we say ‘JAB‘ today, in keeping with its temporary renaming? The NAB share price has fared well over the past month, rising around 5%.

It appears brokers and insiders are on the same page for this one. According to a recent note, Goldman Sachs has a buy rating on the bank with a $30.62 price target. Meanwhile,

NAB non-executive director Kathryn Fagg has also been bullish. On 17 August 2021, the non-exec bought $19,972 worth of shares via an on-market purchase.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

From buying to selling — one Westpac insider has recently cashed out a large chunk of shares in this ASX 200 bank. However, this time it is contrarian to some analysts’ perspectives. According to the team at Citi, the outlook for Westpac is improving with strong economic growth ahead. As a result, the broker holds a buy rating on the bank share with a $30.00 price target.

Regardless, non-executive director Margie Seale sold $321,440 worth of Westpac shares on 1 September 2021. According to the notice, Seale still retains approximately $268,150 worth of shares at the current price.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Last but not least, the biggest of the ASX 200 big four bank shares, Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Unfortunately for shareholders, it has experienced the worst month of the bunch. Shares in the $179 billion behemoth have fallen more than 6% in the past 30 days. However, you wouldn’t think it looking at the insider transactions during the period.

Precisely four non-executive directors bought shares in CBA on 18 August 2021. Those involved included Genevieve Bell, Anne Templeman-Jones, Robert Whitfield, and Mary Padbury. Collectively, the four purchased a total of $82,119 worth of shares.

The post A look at insider buying among ASX 200 big four bank shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX 200 dividend shares are about to dish out $40bn to shareholders
• What’s moving the CBA (ASX:CBA) share price this week
• 2 of the best ASX share ideas according to this leading broker
• The ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price is down 4% in a month. Here’s why.
• Own NAB (ASX:NAB) shares? Now you own JAB shares

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.

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Shareholders of some of the biggest ASX 200 companies are about to get their slice of a record $40 billion payout pie as dividend season hits the ASX.

According to AMP Capital’s head of investment strategy and economics, Dr Shane Oliver, the profits of listed companies collectively increased by almost 50% in the financial year 2021.

Three in every four ASX companies reported increased profits.

Miners and banks were among the major winners for FY21. In turn, many ASX 200 banks and miners will hand much of their extra income to shareholders, as will some other top-performing ASX 200 dividend shares.

In fact, Dr Oliver said ASX companies will pay out a combined $40 billion worth of dividends as a result of FY21 earnings – a new record for the ASX. Additionally, more than $20 billion has been put towards buybacks, adding value to shareholders’ portfolios.

So, if you’re a shareholder of these companies, you’re likely in for a good payout soon.

These ASX 200 dividend shares raised their payouts in FY21

These ASX 200 shares boosted their FY21 dividends.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA’s final dividend for FY21 is fully franked at $2. That’s $1.02 more than that of FY20 and sees CBA’s full-year dividends reach $3.50 per share.

Additionally, the bank is conducting a $6 billion share buyback, taking 3.5% of its shares off the market.

CBA shareholders will receive their dividend deposits on 29 September.

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

CSL boosted its FY21 dividends by 10% compared to FY20. Its final dividend is US$1.18 per share, bringing its total FY21 dividends up to US$2.22 per share.

CSL’s dividend payment date is set for 30 September.

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG)

This ASX 200 share elected to pay out a massive 80% of its FY21 net profit after tax to shareholders, with a fully franked final dividend worth $2.11 per share. That means the miner is giving out a total of $3.58 per share in FY21 – 103% more than it did in FY20.  

Fortescue’s dividend payment date is 30 September.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers’ fully franked final dividend for FY21 came to 90 cents per share. This brought its full-year dividends to $1.78, which is 17% more than it gave its shareholders in FY20 (discounting FY20’s special dividend).

The conglomerate will pay its final dividend on 7 October.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP saw its profits increase 88% for FY21. As a result, it is handing its shareholders a fully franked final dividend worth $2.71 per share. That brings its full-year dividend to approximately $3.70 per share.

As The Motley Fool Australia reported last month, BHP paid a full-year dividend of $1.75 per share in FY20.

BHP’s dividend payments date is 21 September.

The post These ASX 200 dividend shares are about to dish out $40bn to shareholders appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• A look at insider buying among ASX 200 big four bank shares
• What’s moving the CBA (ASX:CBA) share price this week
• 2 of the best ASX share ideas according to this leading broker
• How is the CSL (ASX:CSL) share price performing against its sector in 2021?
• Could falling iron ore prices be good for the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price?

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers 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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