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.

In an interview with CNBC, PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) revealed plans to develop a digital wallet in China, the world’s largest payments market. This comes after PayPal completed its acquisition of GoPay in December, making it the first and only foreign enterprise to operate a China-based payments company.

For the last several months, the fintech company has kept quiet about its plans in the country. But the China CEO for PayPal, Hannah Qiu, recently shed some light on the situation. Specifically, Qiu said the company won’t compete against giants like Ant Group’s Alipay and Tencent Holdings‘ WeChat Pay, which have a collective user base that exceeds 1 billion.

Instead, Qiu explained that PayPal is working in cooperation with local payment companies, though she didn’t mention any names. She added, “What we need to do is to build a bridge, bringing good Chinese products overseas and taking good overseas products back to China.” In other words, PayPal’s new wallet will target cross-border payments.

This differs slightly from CEO Dan Schulman’s commentary during the most recent earnings call. At the time, Schulman said PayPal would first grow its cross-border business, then “slowly but surely add incremental services into the domestic market.” Either way, this could be a big opportunity for the fintech company. According to Statista, the business-to-business cross-border payments market in China should hit $875 billion in 2021.

That matters because PayPal primarily earns revenue as a percentage of the total payment volume (TPV). Last year, the company achieved record results, growing TPV 31% to $936 billion. That drove revenue to $21.5 billion. Even so, if this new product gains traction, PayPal could see a meaningful bump in TPV from its China business, and that could translate into meaningful top-line growth.

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

More reading

• Square’s ready to take on PayPal
• Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price sinks despite new product launch

Trevor Jennewine owns shares of PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends PayPal Holdings and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended PayPal Holdings. 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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When lithium prices finally bottomed in late 2020, depressed ASX lithium shares were quick to re-rate. This resulted in the shares doubling or even tripling in a matter of months.

Investors might be left with an all too familiar feeling sitting on the sidelines and watching shares run up. 

With ASX lithium majors Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY), Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) quickly running into multi-year highs, is it too late to consider ASX lithium shares? 

Higher spot prices to drive valuation  

It might be worth looking at ASX iron ore shares that have experienced a similar narrative of surging demand and sky-high share prices. 

China’s significant infrastructure-focused stimulus combined with supply-side challenges sent iron ore prices soaring. Up from the US$90/tonne level in early 2020 to more than US$170/tonne today. 

During this period, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) more than doubled in value. While heavyweights BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) soaring to decade highs. 

There are concerns that iron ore prices could cool down in the short-to-medium term. However, for the time being, ASX iron ore miners are enjoying record profits while paying out market-leading dividends. 

What about ASX lithium shares?

While the top might be in for iron ore prices, the same can’t be said about lithium. 

In Galaxy and Orocobre’s merger presentation, it points to robust demand for lithium in the mid-long term. It highlights that Chinese spot lithium carbonate prices have increased 90% between December 2020 and the end of March 2021. With lithium chemical inventories decreasing faster than expected.

Fastmarkets provides regular updates for the lithium industry. In its most recent update, it cited that “battery-grade lithium hydroxide price in China jumped by 3.75%, while the equivalent grade lithium carbonate price held despite slower trades”. While prices across Europe and the United States “continued to post sharp gains on the global bullish trend and tight supply”.

Brokers have also joined the mix with positive updates for Galaxy and Orocobre after its $4 billion merger update. 

Foolish takeaway

Any asset class that runs up quickly in a short span of time can be subject to profit-taking and increased volatility. But both ASX lithium shares and brokers are positive on the medium to long term outlook of spot prices underpinned by a global commitment to electric vehicles and net-zero emissions. 

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• ASX 200 drops, Challenger plummets, Lynas falls
• Aussie dollar shoots higher! Here are some ASX winners
• BHP (ASX:BHP) share price lower despite natural gas update
• Treasurer outlines federal budget focus as IMF upgrades Australian outlook

Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 Renergen CDI (ASX: RLT) share price will be on watch this morning following the announcement of a milestone agreement.

At yesterday’s market wrap, the helium and LNG producer’s shares finished the day at $2.27.

Partnership agreement

Renergen shares could be on the move today after the company provided investors with a positive update.

According to this morning’s release, Renergen advised it has entered into an agreement with DPD Laser for the supply of 110 Cryo-Vacc cases.

Established in 1999, DPD Laser is a leading South African express logistics company. The group specialises in time-sensitive courier services as well as road freight express delivery.

Under the deal, Renergen will sell its Cryo-Vacc cases at a fixed price using a combination of 3 different case sizes. The large case holds up to 2,400 vials, medium case up to 1,200 vials, and the smaller case up to 240 vials. Cases can be distributed to suit customer needs such as using the smaller case for pharmacies and medical clinics.

Renergen noted that the agreement has been signed ahead of the Phase II vaccination program for South Africa.

The deal is not expected to be material from a revenue perspective but represents another checkpoint passed by the company.

The Cryo-Vacc cases are expected to be delivered to DPD Laser towards the end of next month.

Words from management

Renergen CEO Stefano Marani touched on the company’s progress, saying:

We believe the technology works, and as time progresses, we will continue to enhance and improve the Cryo-Vacc as we gain valuable data from people in the field using the product.

The analogy we see here is that version 12 of a smartphone was not the first version released; they got there over time. Cryo-Vacc will continue to evolve, and this is the exciting part as it becomes more flexible and useful in the field, which is the goal.

DPD Laser CEO Anton Visagie, added:

We have the ideal solution, storage and distribution, given the current uncertainty on which vaccines will be used at various vaccination points across South Africa.

Our technology can handle all three required temperatures of 2-8 degrees, -20 degrees and -70 degrees Celsius without being dependent on an external power supply for periods between 7 and 35 days.

About the Renergen share price

For most of 2020, the Renergen share price remained relatively flat until surging at the beginning of 2021. The company’s shares have gained more than 120% year-to-date. In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained a modest 77% over the same time frame.

More reading

• Why the Bega Cheese (ASX:BGA) share price is at a 52-week high
• Why the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price is flying right now
• 2 compelling ASX 200 shares that should be in your portfolio
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• ASX 200 drops, Challenger plummets, Lynas falls

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is on watch after the Aussie gold miner’s latest quarterly results and merger update.

Why is the Northern Star share price on watch?

Northern Star this morning provided a quarterly performance update after its merger with Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd (ASX: SAR).

The gold miner reported that March quarterly gold sold 368,273 ounces for the period that ended 31 March 2021. That came at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$1,598 or US$1,235 per ounce.

Kalgoorlie site production contributed 234,419 ounces with Yandal and North American production of 94,116 ounces and 40,008 ounces, respectively. The Northern Star share price will be one to watch as it looks to hit full-year production guidance.

Gold that sold for the 9 months till 31 March 2021 came in at 1.15 million ounces. The Aussie miner is targeting a full year guidance production of 1.5 million to 1.7 million ounces at an AISC of A$1,370 to A$1,470 per ounce for Australian operations.

Investors will be watching the Northern Star share price following this morning’s update – the first since the Saracen merger. Northern Star and Saracen announced a $16 billion merger of equals which was implemented on 12 February 2021.

For the March quarter, Northern Star reported an average realised price of A$2,222 per ounce for revenue of A$772 million. The group had cash and bullion of A$696 million at the quarter end after dividends, acquisitions and growth capital expenditure.

The Aussie gold miner will provide an exploration and reserves/resources update in early May 2021. Investors will be keeping a close eye on the newly-formed gold giant’s next release.

Foolish takeaway

An important takeaway from today’s release is the reassurance that Northern Star remains on track to achieve Pro-forma FY2021 guidance despite a number of one-off events.

The Northern Star share price will be one to watch in early trade following the latest update on its March performance.

More reading

• Brokers weigh in on Galaxy (ASX:GXY) and Orocobre (ASX:ORE) merger
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Why these 3 ASX 200 gold shares are racing higher today
• ASX 200 down 0.2%: Origin sinks on earnings downgrade, gold miners charge higher

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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.

The post The Northern Star (ASX:NST) share price is on watch. Here’s why. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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The Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price is on watch after an acquisition update from the betting technology group.

Why is the PointsBet share price in focus?

PointsBet provided an update on its US$43 million (~A$56 million) acquisition of Banach Technology. Banach is a business to business (B2B) software company that creates sports betting platforms and algorithms, with a large focus on in-play wagering.

The Aussie wagering group previously announced the takeover on 16 March 2021 with the PointsBet share price climbing higher on the news. PointsBet acquired Banach by paying 55% cash, issuing 1.75 million shares. In addition, PointsBet paid US$4 million to assist with the integration.

Pointsbet has now completed the acquisition per today’s release and finalised payment. That represents an important step forward for PointsBet as it continues its growth trajectory in 2021. The company also said the acquisition “will position PointsBet as a leader of in-play sports wagering in the United States”.

It’s a potentially lucrative market that PointsBet is pushing to be an early market leader in. According to today’s update, in-play wagering is expected to represent ~75% of all USA sports wagering within the next 3 years.

The PointsBet share price fell 0.9% lower on Tuesday and will be worth watching again today following the update. 

PointsBet CEO and managing director Sam Swanell said:

We are delighted to welcome Banach into the PointsBet family and look forward to working together to deliver our full potential for the benefit of PointsBet shareholders, and all our stakeholders.

PointsBet has today issued 1,752,875 shares to complete the Banach acquisition, making the PointsBet share price one to watch.

How has PointsBet been performing?

The PointsBet share price fell 0.9% lower yesterday and closed at $12.96 per share. However, shares in the Aussie wagering group have still rocketed 301.2% higher in the last 12 months.

PointsBet now has a market capitalisation of nearly $2.4 billion prior to today’s session.

More reading

• Is the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price back on track after this announcement?
• Why the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price shot up 7% today
• Why the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price was suddenly sold off in March 
• Why Aristocrat Leisure, Opthea, PointsBet, & Spirit are storming higher:
• ASX 200 jumps 1.35%: Zip inks deal with JB Hi-Fi, Suncorp’s flood update

Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings 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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The Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) share price has been a top performer in 2021. Shares in the Aussie food company have climbed 23.6% higher to $6.44 per share as at Tuesday’s close. That represents an outperformance of 18.6% over the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) so far this year.

In fact, Bega shares started Tuesday’s session by hitting a new 52-week high of $6.58 per share. So, what’s helping propel this iconic Aussie company higher in 2021?

Why is the Bega Cheese share price surging higher?

There haven’t been too many announcements from the Aussie company in 2021. In fact, the major update this year came in late February with Bega’s half-year results.

Bega reported some seriously strong growth figures for the half-year ended 31 December 2021 (1H 2021). Statutory earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) jumped 68% year-on-year to $65.8 million despite a 5% dip in revenue. On a normalised basis, group EBITDA was up 51% to $73.0 million for the half.

Those strong earnings figures were also reflected in the company’s bottom line. Bega reported a normalised profit after tax up 98% to $29.7 million with earnings per share up 89% to 13.2 cents.

That result came despite some challenging market conditions including a strengthening Aussie dollar and lower global commodity prices. The company said it reflected its renewed focus on innovation and strategic priorities as well as a growing market share for its spreads business.

A strong half-year result helped to propel the Bega Cheese share price higher in February. The Aussie food group’s valuation has also been helped by bullish market sentiment pushing ASX 200 shares higher so far this year.

Another factor has been Bega’s high profile Lion Dairy and Drinks acquisition in late 2020. Bega completed the $534.1 million acquisition on 25 January 2021 in a big step forward for the Aussie food company.

The Bega Cheese share price closed at $6.44 per share yesterday after falling from its $6.58 52-week high during the day’s trade. The company now boasts a $1.95 billion market capitalisation at a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 41.8.

More reading

• Why the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price is flying right now
• 2 compelling ASX 200 shares that should be in your portfolio
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• ASX 200 drops, Challenger plummets, Lynas falls
• Aussie dollar shoots higher! Here are some ASX winners

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has been on fire in recent months. Shares in Australia’s largest bank are up 4.8% in 2021 and 25.9% in the last 6 months. So, what’s driving the ASX bank share back towards its all-time high?

Why the CBA share price has climbed

There have been a couple of big factors at play here. The first is that many ASX bank shares were smashed in the 2020 bear market. That means we saw a share price recovery as Australia responded strongly to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic recovery began in mid to late 2020.

More economic activity is generally good news for lenders. It means that their key borrowers are likely doing better, whether in retail, healthcare, energy and the like. More money flowing in the economy means more jobs, more cash flow for borrowers and less downside risk for a bank.

Another big reason for the CBA share price gains could be the Aussie property boom. It’s estimated that the Big 4 banks control something like 80 per cent of all loans in Australia. One of the biggest areas of finance in Australia is for real estate.

Aussie housing has been going bananas in recent months, particularly on the eastern seaboard. House prices in Sydney and Melbourne have been surging, highlighted by strong CoreLogic data in March.

A strong housing market is good for lenders. It means that their underlying security on the loan is increasing, and once again, can be a good indicator of overall economic health. That means more jobs and lower chances of defaults across the board.

Overall, an effective pandemic response has helped kickstart the economy and CBA share price into gear. That means the ASX bank share is not far away from approaching the $90 per share barrier and even its all-time closing high of $95.09 in March 2015.

Foolish takeaway

The CBA share price has been on fire in recent months. Shares in Australia’s largest bank are up 49.7% in the last 12 months compared to a 34.4% gain for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

More reading

• 3 sectors Aussies are splashing cash on right now
• 2 compelling ASX 200 shares that should be in your portfolio
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• ASX 200 drops, Challenger plummets, Lynas falls
• Aussie dollar shoots higher! Here are some ASX winners

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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ASX shares with strong growth potential could really be worth looking into because of the potential for them to generate good shareholder returns.

Businesses heavily involved in technology could be fruitful areas to think about.

These two ASX shares may be able to do well:

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

This is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) offered by the provider VanEck, which is a global provider of exchange-traded products.

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF, according to VanEck, gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the largest and most liquid companies involved in video game development, eSports and related hardware and software globally.

It invests in businesses that are positioned to benefit from the increasing popularity of video games and eSports. The ETF looks to give exposure to companies that make a lot of their earnings from video gaming.

This investment is an interesting way of getting exposure to a global tech sector that isn’t dominated by Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Alphabet.

Which shares are in the portfolio? NVIDIA, Tencent, Advanced Micro Devices, Sea, Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, Netease, Take-Two Interactive Software, Nexon and Electronics Arts are the ten biggest holdings.

The country weightings are quite diversified considering there are only 25 holdings. The US gets 38.5% of the weighting, then Japan with 21.1%, China with 18.4%, Singapore with 6.6% and South Korea with 5.3% being the last holding with an allocation of over 5%.

It has an annual management fee of 0.55%. The ETF has only been around since September 2020, however the index has been around for longer and done very well – over the last three years it has made an average return of 31% per annum.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster has seen its share price climb significantly over the last year, making it one of the best-performing ASX shares.

It describes itself as Australia’s leading pure play online retailer of furniture and homewares. Temple & Webster’s operating model runs where products are sent directly to customers by suppliers, which helps faster delivery times and reduces the need to hold inventory, which means it can offer a larger product range.

The retailer also has a private label range, which is sourced directly from overseas suppliers. These products can come with higher profit margins.

It’s heavily focused on growth. Scale comes with operating leverage and higher levels of profitability. This should be helped by improved supplier terms, more repeat customers which will reduce marketing expenses, a slowing of investment in fixed costs and a higher percentage of private label products with higher gross margins.

Temple & Webster is going invest heavily to achieve longer-term returns. For example, it’s going to build strong brand awareness to achieve national brand status within three years to drive both first time and repeat customers.

During this scale up phase, it will be focused on revenue growth and further expanding its market leadership. This will result in a financial profile similar to the pre COVID-19 period. It’s referring to strong double digit revenue growth and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin levels of around 2% to 4%. It’s committed to remaining profitable during this period.

In a trading update, the ASX share said it generated 112% revenue growth in the third quarter of FY21 and April revenue growth of more than 20%.

More reading

• Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price tumbles on third quarter update
• 2 buy-rated ASX growth shares for your portfolio
• These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX
• 2 outstanding tech ETFs for ASX investors to buy this month
• 2 highly rated ASX growth shares to buy

Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Temple & Webster Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group 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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The Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY) share price is one share worth watching in early trade. It comes as the Kiwi electricity generator and retailer provided its latest quarterly update to the market.

Why is the Mercury share price on watch?

Mercury this morning provided its quarterly update for the period ended 31 March 2021 (Q3 2021). The company highlighted persistent dry conditions and price uplifts as key factors in the latest numbers.

Mercury’s hydro generation increased by 8.5% over Q3 2020 figures to 910 gigawatt hours (GWh) despite Waikato catchment inflows being 168GWh below average. Those higher production numbers came as the company responded to higher spot prices in the market. Notably, Mercury’s hydro generation forecast remains unchanged at 3,800GWh for the full year.

Below average national hydro storage inflows for the quarter caused total hydro storage to decline. Hydro storage fell 1,818GWh below average by the end of the quarter as a result of the conditions. Combined with thermal fuel constraints at key gas fields, these low inflows helped push spot prices higher.

The Mercury share price slumped 3.3% lower yesterday to close at $6.18 per share. Shares in the Kiwi ‘gentailer’ will be worth watching again today after the latest update on trading performance and expected conditions.

Mercury said its sale portfolio further tilted towards commercial and industrial during the quarter. Total sales volumes in this segment increased by 16.1% to 858GWh in Q3 2021. However, Mercury reported a national demand decrease of 1.4% in Q3 2021 compared to the prior corresponding period.

Reduced demand in the industrial (-0.9%) and irrigation (-0.4%) sectors played a key factor in the quarterly results. Mercury also noted smaller shifts in urban (-0.1%), rural (-0.2%) and dairy (+0.2%) in the latest quarter.

What about the Tilt Renewables deal?

The Mercury share price is on watch, particularly given the company’s other activities right now. That includes forming a part of the AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) led consortium looking to purchase Tilt Renewables Ltd (ASX: TLT).

On Friday, the big news was that the QIC/AGL/Mercury group had upped their offer for Tilt to $8.10 per share.

Canadian pension fund CDPQ had made a last-ditch attempt to snatch Tilt for $8 per share before the trans-Tasman group upper their price. Importantly, the revised bid also removed a provision allowing Tilt to assess competing proposals.

More reading

• Why the Tilt Renewables (ASX:TLT) share price is in focus
• These 3 ASX companies are leading the way to net zero emissions
• Why green bonds are raising the Mercury (ASX:MCY) share price
• 3 attractive ASX shares currently in a dip
• Why the Mercury (ASX:MCY) share price is surging today

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

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Australians are ploughing their cash into travel, entertainment and real estate as the country well and truly moves past the COVID-19 recession.

That’s the finding from the latest Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) Household Spending Intentions (HSI) survey that analysed spending in March.

The rebound in consumer activity matches the bank’s economists’ forecast that Australia would return to pre-pandemic growth levels by the first quarter of this year.

“The stronger Household Spending Intentions report is another signal that Australia’s economic recovery is ongoing,” said CBA chief economist Stephen Halmarick.

CBA economists expect Australia’s gross domestic product to grow 4.7% this year, while the unemployment rate drops to 5%.

The HSI each month combines the bank’s customer behaviour analysis with Google Trends data to form a view on where Australians want to spend their money.

Australians want to travel

The ban on international transit and localised lockdowns have Australians clamouring to travel again.

The sector saw the biggest year-on-year jump in spending intentions in the March survey.

“The travel sector was among the hardest hit by the onset of the COVID pandemic, with border closures and a country-wide lockdown stifling nearly all travel-related activity,” Halmarick said. 

“This month’s data, while distorted by base-effects, still demonstrates how far the sector has recovered since last year.”

The 12 months to March saw local facilities like amusement parks, aquariums, hotels, motels, resorts and motor homes attract increased interest. However, the annual pace of spending went backwards for air travel, cruising, timeshare accommodation, travel agents and coach lines.

Australians want to be entertained

The entertainment sector also enjoyed a big jump in interest and patronage in the month of March.

“A year ago, bars, clubs, restaurants and movie theatres wrangled with the swiftly escalating restrictions in the lead-up to a country-wide lockdown,” said Halmarick.

“This March, the picture for this sector is much improved, as pent-up demand among consumers helped spur both actual and prospective spending on the category.”

Within the sector, bars, restaurants, fast food outlets, boat rentals, bowling alleys, cable TV, movie theatres, dance halls, studios and schools, digital books, movies and music, and musical theatre venues fared the best.

Australians want real estate 

It’s already been well-publicised that the residential real estate market has been soaring the past 6 months.

The HSI confirms this, with spending intentions for property hitting an all-time high. Home loan applications and Google searches for homes skyrocketed in March. 

Halmarick said near-zero interest rates were to blame.

“We continue to see demand for residential property as a key source of support for the Australian economy in 2021.”

The CBA previously forecast that residential real estate prices would be up 8% nationally this year then another 6% in 2022. House prices alone are expected to end up 9% higher by the end of the year.

More reading

• NAB (ASX:NAB) chair signals ‘rational’ responses to curb booming housing market
• The Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price is the best performing of the big four banks in 2021
• Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) CEO hits out at Afterpay and BNPL providers
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX 200 hits new post-COVID high
• 2 ASX dividend shares with generous yields in 2021

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Tony Yoo owns shares of Alphabet (A shares). The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares) and Alphabet (C shares). The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares) and Alphabet (C shares). 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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