• Will May make eight straight months of gains for the ASX 200?

    A happy smiling kid points his fingers up, indicating a rising share price

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is edging higher today, up 0.45% in afternoon trading. With a small gain posted by yesterday’s closing bell as well, the ASX 200 is now up 0.64% for the first 2 trading days of May.

    If the ASX 200 can maintain its positive trajectory for the month, May will mark 8 straight months of gains for the index.

    April saw the ASX 200 finish up 3.5% for the month. That was its best performance since November, when the index gained a stellar 10%.

    Now in these days of monster overnight gains — and some rapid losses — from the likes of GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME) and Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), a 3.5% gain over the month may not grab many headlines.

    But remember, we’re talking about the 200 largest listed companies in Australia here. And with the investment philosophy of ‘slow and steady wins the race’ in mind, I’m happy to take a 3.5% monthly gain from the Aussie blue chips populating the ASX 200.

    Aussie economy picking up speed

    As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will highlight today, the Australian economy has performed better than government forecasts. Inflation remains low (meaning interest rates will too), unemployment levels are lower than expected, and the budget deficit is looking to come in at some $31 billion less than expected back in December. Though it’s still a doozy!

    Along with increased consumer confidence, the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and rising house prices, Australia’s financial sector looks to be in far stronger shape than most analysts were predicting as 2020 ground to an end.

    And that, along with booming commodity prices, could send the ASX 200 on to another month of gains in May.

    Soaring commodity prices help boost ASX 200

    The new commodity super cycle you may have read about looks to be well and truly underway.

    Prices for metals from iron ore to copper are sitting at all-time or multi-year highs, while crude oil and even coal have come roaring back from their post pandemic lows.

    If this continues pace, as many analysts predict, it should continue to offer a welcome tailwind for commodity shares.

    And with the materials sector making up some 19% of the ASX 200 (as at 21 December), May could well usher in an 8th consecutive month of gains for the index. 

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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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  • 3 things you need to know about the RBA’s interest rate decision today

    RBA

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) upgraded its growth forecast for our economy even as it held interest rates at record lows today.

    The Australia dollar dipped slightly on the news to US77.45 cents while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) held on to its 0.4% gain.

    While the decision to keep rates at 0.1% wouldn’t surprise anyone, there are three key takeaways for ASX investors.

    RBA upgrades GDP forecast

    The first is the upgrade to the Australian gross domestic product (GDP). The central bank upgraded its forecast again and is predicting growth of 4.75% this calendar year. That’s a sizable step up from the 3.5% that it was expecting before.

    The RBA may have kept its 2022 GDP forecast unchanged at 3.5%, but remember that comes off the upgraded base, which is now expected to be around $20 billion bigger.

    “The economic recovery in Australia has been stronger than expected and is forecast to continue,” said RBA governor Philip Lowe.

    “This recovery is especially evident in the strong growth in employment, with the unemployment rate falling further to 5.6 per cent in March and the number of people with a job now exceeding the pre-pandemic level.”

    Inflation? What inflation?

    The second notable point is how unfazed the RBA is when it comes to the risk of inflation. While global bond markets are starting to price in high inflation due to the amount of monetary stimulus in the system, the RBA noted price pressures remain subdued.

    “A pick-up in inflation and wages growth is expected, but it is likely to be only gradual and modest,” said Dr Lowe.

    “In the central scenario, inflation in underlying terms is expected to be 1½ per cent in 2021 and 2 per cent in mid 2023.”

    In other words, inflation is tipped to stay comfortably below the RBA’s target band. This gives our central bank flexibility in boosting support wherever and whenever it deems necessary.

    Cheap bank funding coming to an end

    The third takeaway is the expiry of the RBA’s term facility on 30 June this year. The RBA is not considering extending this facility, which allows ASX banks to borrow from the central bank at a 0.1% rate for three years.

    I believe the facility enabled banks to offer record low three-year fixed mortgages at around 2%. The banks pick up and easy circa 200 basis point net interest margin for little to no risk.

    There are two possible reasons behind the RBA’s move to close down the term facility.

    Keeping a watchful eye on the housing market

    Firstly, the central bank is taking note of the hot property market.

    The RBA is monitoring the trends in housing borrowing and highlighted the importance of maintaining lending standards.

    The other is the fact that only half of the $200 billion term loan facility has been used this far. Banks don’t seem keen on borrowing much to lend.

    That may be a good thing as it could mean they are also worried about maintaining borrowing standards.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau 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 MGC Pharmaceuticals (ASX:MXC) share price is on a roll today. Here’s why

    Three pills with faces showing sad to happy, indicating a rising share price for an ASX pharmaceutical company

    The MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: MXC) share price is having a great day as the company shared news of a $1 million order.

    At its intraday high, the MGC Pharmaceuticals share price was 6.7% higher than yesterday’s close, but it’s since retreated.

    The company’s share price is trading at 6.1 cents, a 3.39% gain, at the time of writing.

    Let’s take a closer look at the latest news from the phytocannabinoid- and plant-focused pharmaceutical company.

    Million-dollar baby

    MGC Pharmaceuticals’ newest purchase order comes from a European producer and distributor, Swiss PharmaCan AG.

    Swiss PharmaCan has ordered around €640,000 ($995,000) worth of the company’s ArtemiC Rescue, a food supplement that contains 4 plant-based ingredients ­– artemisinin, curcumin, boswellia serrata, and vitamin C.

    This is its second order for ArtemiC Rescue after the first helped boost MGC Pharmaceuticals’ quarter-on-quarter growth to a record high.

    MGC Pharmaceutical says it has the ability to produce commercial-scale batches of ArtemiC Rescue at its Slovenian facility. 

    The company has an agreement with Swiss PharmaCan, under which the European company must order at least 40,000 united of ArtemiC Rescue per quarter. The order announced today has seen it meet its quota for the current quarter.

    Commentary from management

    MGC Pharmaceuticals’ co-founder and managing director Roby Zomer commented on the purchase order, saying:

    Receiving a second order on such a large scale from Swiss PharmaCan demonstrates the increasing demand for our product ArtemiC Rescue, and its associated benefits.

    Our team in Slovenia has been working tirelessly to ramp up production to ensure rapid deployment of this order, and any subsequent orders that may be received.

    MGC Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

    The MGC Pharmaceuticals share price is going gangbusters this year, up 205% year to date with today’s gains included. It’s also up 103% over the last 12 months.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $134 million, with approximately 2.2 billion shares outstanding.

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  • What’s happening with the Eagle Mountain (ASX:EM2) share price today?

    falling asx share price represented by sad looking builder

    The Eagle Mountain Mining Ltd (ASX: EM2) share price is dipping today after the company posted an investor presentation. At the time of writing, Eagle Mountain shares are down 3.86% to $1.12 per share.

    Eagle Mountain is engaged in the exploration and evaluation of copper, gold, silver, and porphyry copper deposits. Its project portfolios include Silver Mountain and Oracle Ridge across Australia and the United States.

    Presentation highlights

    The Eagle Mountain share price is failing to respond despite the company honing in on two of its most recent updates. It has moved to 100% ownership of its Oracle Ridge mine after strong recent results in the region sent the Eagle Mountain share price rocketing 12%. The company also revealed its plans to increase its mining operation drilling rates three-fold over the coming quarter.

    Eagle Mountain is currently working along four kilometres of mapped and sampled mineralisation in its Leatherwood contact, as part of the Oracle Ridge mine. The company was also bullish about its prospects for the next quarter, saying it has “good credentials to potentially be a low emission mining operation”.

    It has an existing underground mine with 18 kilometres of development and extensive local infrastructure within a tier-one mining jurisdiction of Arizona in the US. The release noted that Arizona was recently named the second-most lucrative mining region in the world in investment attractiveness.

    The company also reported strong drilling results since September 2020. It’s raised $11 million since February 2021 to fund its drilling operations during 2021, with the company expecting to leverage record high copper prices over the coming months. The copper price is now more than double what it was in January 2020.

    Eagle Mountain share price snapshot

    Including today, the Eagle Mountain share price has now been tumbling for three days. These losses have, however, been partially mitigated by the company’s huge gains recently. It’s still up almost 11% over the past week and around 65% over the past month.

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

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  • Why the CSL (ASX:CSL) share price is seesawing over the past month

    volatile asx share price represented by two investors on a seesaw

    The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price has been wobbling in recent times following the company’s ongoing plasma collection issues. Investors hit the sell button in February and March after digesting CSL’s half-year results announcement and experiencing a broader market slump thereafter.

    While the global biotech’s shares have stabilised for now, the company is still facing headwinds.

    At the time of writing, CSL shares are swapping hands for $271.38, up 0.16%.

    What’s going on with CSL?

    CSL has been in the spotlight receiving heavy media attention about its plasma stockpile, and AstraZeneca plc (NASDAQ: AZN) COVID-19 vaccine update.

    First and foremost, CSL’s plasma collections have taken a hit over the past 14 months, adversely impacted by the pandemic. Fewer people are donating blood to the company’s collection centres as countries go into lockdown following new COVID-19 waves.

    Plasma, derived from blood, is a key ingredient in the production of life-saving therapies. CSL’s most recent update in March advised that December 2020 plasma volumes stood at 80% of December 2019 levels.

    The company has been busy targeting marketing initiatives to increase collections, along with opening new centres.

    Only time will tell if the biotech leader can build back up its plasma stockpile in the short-term.

    Moving on, CSL provided an update last Saturday on its COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing numbers. It said that over 1 million doses are being produced each week and is scheduled for release in mid-May. This is provided that the required quality checks are approved.

    CSL noted that there is about a 4-week quality control and approval process in which each batch is stringently tested. This is undertaken by AstraZeneca, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and CSL.

    To date, over 3.7 million doses of locally made AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been released. However, current COVID-19 vaccinations administered across the country stands at around 2.3 million. The remaining 1.4 million vials are either sitting in cold storage or facing transportation delays to clinics and pharmacies.

    CSL share price summary

    Over the course of the past 12 months, CSL shares have taken investors on a rollercoaster ride, down 9%. The company’s shares are currently sitting just below the mid-range of $242.00 to $320.42 achieved over the year’s timeframe.

    On valuation grounds, CSL is the third largest company on the ASX with a market capitalisation of roughly $123 billion.

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    Aaron Teboneras owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. 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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  • Is the Transurban (ASX:TCL) share price a buy for dividends?

    little pig piggy banks falling from the blue sky, indicating a windfall of income from ASX dividend shares

    The Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) share price has fallen out of favour in recent months. This has primarily been due to a lack of capital gains and dividends. Consequently, the company has been overshadowed by ASX 200 shares such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

    However, the company’s investor presentation this week revealed positive traffic trends and a number of near-term growth initiatives.

    Could this put the Transurban share price back in the spotlight as a top dividend stock? 

    Investor briefing 

    Transurban’s investor presentation notes that emerging indicators in Australian markets suggest that working from home is not going to fundamentally alter long-term traffic growth.

    Its findings observe movements in central business districts continuing to recover and peak hour traffic patterns looking similar to pre-COVID. The company also notes that the preference for private vehicle travel over public transport may be enduring. It is believed that this is primarily due to concerns about personal safety. The recent growth in new and used car sales and car ownership supports the view that public transport diversion is likely to continue. 

    Transurban highlighted a number of opportunities in the pipeline in Australia and North America. In the next five years, the company is exploring the acquisition of the NSW Government’s 49% stake in WestConnex, M7 staged widening and an M7/M12 interchange. Near-term growth opportunities also exist in North America where a number of express lane extensions and acquisition opportunities are available. 

    Broker weighs in on the Transurban share price

    Macquarie found the investor briefing to be more strategic rather than financial in nature. The broker observes the significant number of major projects and pipeline. Furthermore, the agenda is likely to expand as governments deal with congestion. 

    Macquarie points to growing possibilities. These include the Beach Link in NSW, North Eastern in Victoria, and the 2032 Olympic bid in Brisbane. 

    Despite the growth opportunities and outperform rating, the broker’s target price of $14.51 represents an upside of just ~3.5%. Macquarie is forecasting a full year FY21 dividend of 40.20 cents, which represents a yield of 2.87% at today’s prices. 

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. 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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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it

    On Monday I looked at three ASX shares that brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

    Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three that have just been given sell ratings are listed below. Here’s why these brokers are bearish on these ASX shares:

    Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their sell rating and 35 cents price target on this infant formula company. This follows the release of a mixed third quarter update last week. The broker continues to believe that Bubs is in a difficult spot due to challenging market conditions in China which is seeing domestic players outperforming. Especially given how small its brand is. Furthermore, it feels that China’s declining birth rate means the market could contract in the near future. The Bubs share price is trading at 40 cents today.

    Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: PAR)

    A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their reduce rating and $1.69 price target on this biopharmaceutical company’s shares. According to the note, the broker wasn’t surprised to see the US FDA put Paradigm’s investigational new drug (IND) application on hold. Morgans believes that a decision could be months away, which will lead to further cash burn and uncertainty. The broker has previously stated that it sees risk to the viability of the company’s osteoarthritis drug as a commercial asset. The Paradigm share price is fetching $2.33 today.

    Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV)

    Analysts at Goldman Sachs have retained their sell rating and $20.20 price target on this retail conglomerate’s shares. This follows an update on its JobKeeper payment and guidance for FY 2021. According to the note, Premier Investments’ earnings before interest and tax guidance of $318 million is largely in line with its estimates. However, this doesn’t change its view on the company. With Goldman expecting its earnings to fall materially in FY 2022 and then remain flat into FY 2023, it feels its shares are expensive at the current level. The Premier Investments share price is trading at $26.12 this afternoon.

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    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 BUBS AUST FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Premier Investments Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BUBS AUST FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why AnteoTech, Domain, Flight Centre, & Nick Scali are sinking today

    white arrow dropping down

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form on Tuesday and on course to record a decent gain. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 7,056.3 points.

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

    AnteoTech Ltd (ASX: ADO)

    The AnteoTech share price is down 7.5% to 36.5 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the biotechnology company. However, with the company’s shares up a sizeable 40% over the last 30 days (even after today’s decline), profit taking could be weighing on them today.

    Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG)

    The Domain share price is down 3.5% to $4.90. This morning analysts at Goldman Sachs retained their hold rating and $4.04 price target on the property listings company’s shares. The broker’s research indicates that Domain is increasing prices by 4% in the Inner Sydney market, but with no other changes/inclusions to agent contracts. This is smaller than the 8% increase by rival REA Group Limited (ASX: REA).

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    The Flight Centre share price has fallen 3.5% to $16.32 following the release of a third quarter update. The travel agent revealed that trading was subdued in January and February before rebounding in March. However, this won’t be enough for an improvement in its second half result. Management expects to report an underlying second half loss in line with the one recorded in the first half.

    Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

    The Nick Scali share price is down 5% to $10.18. This is despite the furniture retailer releasing a trading update and revealing that its year to date revenue growth was ~44% to 30 April. Positively, more of the same is expected in the fourth quarter, which is expected to result in net profit of $78 million to $80 million in FY 2021. This will be increase of approximately 85% to 90% on the previous financial year. It appears as though some investors were expecting an even stronger performance.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Brokers point to these ASX 200 shares to beat the market in May

    watch

    Some investors might think May is the time to “sell and go away”. However, here are the ASX 200 shares brokers think could beat the market. 

    ASX 200 shares to buy in May 

    Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

    The typically slow-moving Graincorp share price is up a surprising 20% year-to-date. Its shares lifted into 8-year highs following a positive business update that upgraded 2023-24 earnings by an additional $25 million.

    In anticipation of its first-half results on 13 May, Morgans is forecasting earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA)  growth of 29%. This is underpinned by a record east coast grain crop and further contributions from its strategic initiatives. 

    Furthermore, the broker retained an add rating with a target price of $6.17. The Graincorp share price is currently fetching for $5.21. 

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The Northern Star share price has steadily pushed lower on the back of weaker gold prices. However, the company continues to perform well operationally with a recent 8% increase in reserves to 21Moz.

    Macquarie, impressed by the upgrades, believes there is considerable upside to long-term forecasts. An outperform rating was retained with a $12.20 target price.

    The Northern Star share price is down 20% year-to-date and are currently trading for $10.93 at the time of writing. 

    Premier Investments Limited (ASX:PMV)

    Macquarie has upgraded its estimates for retail earnings by 3.2%. The broker believes underlying trading is exceeding expectations and is confident in the company’s ability to meet current consensus forecasts. 

    More recently, Premier Investments announced that it will repay $15.6 million in JobKeeper benefits following strong trading performance offsetting the costs of recent lockdowns in Queensland and Western Australia. 

    The broker is bullish on Premier Investments shares with an outperform rating and a $31 target price.

    Its shares are currently trading at $26.13, not far off its record all-time high of $27.33. 

    Seven West Media Ltd (ASX: SWM)

    Seven’s third-quarter trading update highlights TV advertising revenue growth at the upper end of the guidance range of 7-10%. Its net debt guidance by the end of FY21 was also better than what Credit Suisse had expected. 

    The broker believes Seven is cycling through easy FY20 comparables and forecasts 20% growth in TV advertising in the second half. An outperform rating was retained with a target price of 80 cents. This represents a significant upside compared to its current trading price of 48 cents. 

    At the time of writing, Seven’s share price is trading for 47 cents. 

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited and Premier Investments 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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  • 3 reasons why Coles (ASX:COL) is a top ASX dividend share

    A young entrepreneur boy catching money at his desk, indicating growth in the ASX share price or dividends

    The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is having a pretty happy day today. Coles shares are up 1.6% to $16.52 at the time of writing. As all good dividend investors would know, higher share prices equal lower dividend yields. And with today’s move, the trailing dividend yield investors can expect from new Coles shares is now at 3.66%.

    But Coles can still be considered a great ASX dividend share. Here are 3 reasons why

    3 reasons Coles is a top ASX dividend share

    Dividend safety

    Coles is a consumer staples company. It mostly sells products that we need, rather than want. That’s food, drinks and household essentials, as well as tobacco and alcohol. These products are highly inelastic, essentially recession-proof, and extremely resilient to any other form of economic malady. That includes inflation too. All of these factors make Coles’ revenue and earnings very stable which in turn, makes Coles’ dividends stable. We saw this in play last year. While most ASX blue chip shares like the banks were slashing dividends, Coles managed to raise its own. And that leads us to our second point…

    Coles’ dividend is growing

    In the few years since finding its ASX independence from its old parent Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Coles has proven itself to be a strong ASX dividend growth share. Its final dividend from 2019 came in at 24 cents a share. Its interim dividend in 2020 was 30 cents per share. Contrast that with its last final and interim dividends, which were 27.5 cents and 33 cents a share respectively. That’s an average growth rate of 12% per annum. There are not too many ASX dividend shares out there that have even kept their dividend steady over 2019-2021 including Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Let alone grown them at that pace.

    There’s still a decent yield to consider

    Coles’ current trailing dividend yield of 3.66% is still pretty high by today’s ASX standards. And when you factor in Coles’ full franking, that yield rises to 5.24% grossed-up. And again, compared to Woolworths, Coles shines. Woolworths shares are only offering a dividend yield of 2.57% on current pricing.

    Considering interest rates remain at near-zero levels, and look to continue that way for at least a year or two, a dividend yield that high is certainly useful. Compared to a term deposit that might yield 0.9% if you’re lucky, Coles certainly brings home the bacon in this department.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET, Wesfarmers Limited, and Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post 3 reasons why Coles (ASX:COL) is a top ASX dividend share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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