• Why the Blackmores (ASX:BKL) share price just hit a 52-week high

    A happy woman raises her face in celebration, indicating positive share price movement on the ASX

    The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price was on form again on Monday and continued its ascent.

    The health supplements company’s shares climbed 2.5% to $87.32 at one stage to hit a 52-week high.

    When the Blackmores share price hit that level, it meant it was up 31% over the last 12 months. However, it is worth noting that it is still down around 60% from its record high.

    Why is the Blackmores share price at a 52-week high?

    Investors have been buying Blackmores shares thanks to a major improvement in its performance after a couple of forgettable years.

    For the six months ended 31 December, the company reported revenue of $302.6 million. This was a 3% increase on the prior corresponding period.

    Management advised that this was driven by a 13% increase in International revenue and a 25% lift in China revenue, which managed to offset a 10% decline in ANZ revenue to $148 million.

    Positively, thanks to margin expansion, Blackmores’ profit grew at the quicker rate of 8% to $19.4 million.

    This improvement in its performance allowed the company to reinstate its dividend. Blackmores declared a fully franked interim dividend of 29 cents per share.

    What’s next?

    Management was cautious but positive on its outlook. While the company is expecting growth in Asia, it suspects that ANZ revenue could remain soft.

    Particularly given during the weakness in the daigou channel because of COVID-19 border closures and lower foot traffic.

    Can the Blackmores share price go higher?

    According to a recent note out of Morgans, its analysts believe the Blackmores share price is fully valued now.

    The broker has put a hold rating and $86.00 price target on the company’s shares, which is a touch lower than where it trades today.

    While its analysts expect its efficiency program to deliver strong results for the company, it isn’t enough for a more positive rating. At 35x estimated FY 2022 earnings, it appears to believe the upside is limited in the near term.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Blackmores 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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  • ECS Botanics (ASX:ECS) share price slumps 10% on capital raising efforts

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    ECS Botanics Holdings Ltd (ASX: ECS) shares have slumped in late-afternoon trade following an announcement regarding a capital raise. At the close of trade, the ECS Botanics share price is down 10% at 5.4 cents.

    Let’s take a look at what is driving the agribusiness and hemp food company’s share price down.

    Why is the ECS Botanics share price falling?

    The ECS share price falls as investors indicate displeasure with the company’s latest update that will perhaps further dilute shareholdings.

    In today’s release, ECS advised that it has received strong commitments to complete a $4 million share placement. Offered at 5 cents apiece, sophisticated and professional investors have confirmed to partake in the company’s capital raising efforts.

    In addition, a rights issue will be available to existing shareholders at 5 cents per share to raise an extra $2 million. For every 17 ordinary shares held, 1 new share can be issued.

    The offer price represents a discount of 19% on the company’s 5-day volume-weighted average price of 6.2 cents. However, after today’s steep fall, the placement only offers a 10% mark-down.

    This will be completed under the company’s listing rule 7.1, which allows 15% of its shares to be issued without shareholder approval. The placement of the shares from sophisticated and professional investors is expected to start trading on 24 March 2021. The rights issue timetable will be released later this week.

    ECS said as well as providing additional working capital to accelerate growth, it would use the funds for several business affairs. This will include completing its acquisition of Murray Meds and purchasing plant and equipment.

    In the next 6 months, the company plans to execute a raft of sales agreements and partnerships. Furthermore, it will seek to expand its Victorian and Tasmanian operations, further boosting manufacturing capacity.

    What did the managing director say?

    ECS managing director Alex Keach commented:

    Having received shareholder approval for our acquisition of Murray Meds, we are excited to complete this transaction which positions ECS as the largest, lowest cost and most geographically diverse cannabis producer in Australia.

    Murray Meds has executed several important supply agreements in recent weeks for medical cannabis dried flower, concentrate and final dose oils in Australia as well as Europe with several more expected soon.

    The ECS share price has gained more than 160% since this time last year and is up over 40% year-to-date.

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  • Why the Magellan (ASX:MFG) share price leapt 5% today

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    The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price closed Monday’s session 5.32% higher. By the market’s close, shares in the fund management business were trading at $45.57 after closing Friday’s session at $43.27.

    By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) edged just 0.12% higher for the day.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening for Magellan. 

    Magellan backed Barrenjoey Capital gets ASX licence

    In news that could have helped boost the Magellan share price today, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reported that the ASX has granted Barrenjoey Capital (of which Magellan owns a 40% stake) a licence to be a market participant. This means the investment bank can clear and settle trades in its own name.

    Barrenjoey already operates within the corporate finance space and intends to open up its markets arm by the end of FY21, now that it has received the licence.

    In addition to the licence granting, SMH also reported that Barrenjoey is lifting top talent from some of its rivals. After picking up Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) managing director Brian Bernari as CEO, and UBS executive Guy Fowler as chair, the company is making several more acquisitions.

    Three more UBS executives have left the Swiss bank for Barrenjoey. They are banking analyst Jonathan Mott, mining analyst Glyn Lawcock, and gambling and transport analyst Matt Ryan.

    As well, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) chair, Ken Mackenzie, is rumoured to soon be joining Barrenjoey as a senior strategy partner.

    What is Barrenjoey Capital?

    Launched in 2018, Barrenjoey Capital is the latest investment bank to enter the Australian market. A joint venture between Magellan and Barclays, Barrenjoey provides corporate and strategic advice, equity and debt capital underwritings, cash equities, research, prime brokerage, and fixed income trading.

    While Magellan and Barclays are financial backers and own equity in the company, the majority of the company will be owned by its employees.

    Magellan’s net profit after tax for the six months ending 31 December 2020 was down 2% to $213.1 million. Part of the reason for this was the $6.1 million net loss Magellan incurred from its Barrenjoey investment.

    Magellan share price snapshot

    During the COVID-19 market crash of March last year, the Magellan share price reached a 52-week low of $30.10. At today’s price, it has gained more than 50% since that time. However, Magellan shares are down nearly 31% from their 12-month high of $66.00 achieved in August last year.

    Magellan Financial has a market capitalisation of around $7.95 billion.

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger 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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  • How Mexico could turbocharge ASX cannabis shares

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    If Mexico moves forward with legalising recreational marijuana use, the ripple effects could boost cannabis shares across the globe. ASX cannabis shares, especially those with international markets in their sites, could enjoy a fresh tailwind for years to come.

    What’s going on with Mexico and cannabis?

    It wasn’t long ago that Mexican authorities still diligently pursued and prosecuted people for breaking the nation’s cannabis laws. Even minor possession could incur a heavy fine or jail term.

    That changed in 2009, when the nation decriminalised the possession of small amounts of cannabis. Nine years later, in 2017, Mexico gave the green light to select medicinal marijuana products. The medicinal market is likely to expand this year.

    But even more importantly for ASX cannabis shares, the country could soon join the growing cadre of nations to fully legalise its recreational use.

    According to Bloomberg:

    With a population approaching 130 million, Mexico is on the cusp of becoming the largest legal recreational market in the world. That could pressure the US to follow suit, since it will be sandwiched between Mexico and Canada, countries that both allow cannabis use.

    Emily Paxhia, managing partner of Poseidon Asset Management, points out why Mexico’s move to legalise recreational use could be especially impactful to the global cannabis industry (quote summarised by Bloomberg):

    Mexico’s move is particularly significant for global cannabis. Because many multinational pharmaceutical, alcohol and consumer products companies are already there, it could make the country an attractive place to export cannabis and related products from.

    And it’s not just Mexico looking to legalise recreational use. Although the measure recently failed in New Zealand by a narrow margin, Curaleaf Holdings Inc (CNSX: CURA) executive chairman Boris Jordan says, “Countries like Poland, Ukraine, South Africa – there are even rumours of Egypt – are also moving toward legalisation.”

    And as the world marches towards legal cannabis use, well-placed ASX cannabis should benefit.

    Two leading ASX cannabis shares

    There are a number of ASX cannabis shares that stand to benefit as Mexico and the rest of the world move to legalise both the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana.

    We’ll just have a quick look at 2.

    Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX: CPH) develops and commercialises pharmaceutical-grade cannabis and hemp-based nutraceutical products and treatments for humans and animals.

    Flat in intraday trading today, the Creso share price is up 17% year-to-date and up an impressive 250% over the past 12 months. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 39% over the past full year. Creso has a market cap of $200 million.

    Althea Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: AGH) grows, supplies, imports, and exports pharmaceutical-grade medicinal cannabis in Australia and the United Kingdom.

    The Althea share price is also flat in afternoon trading. So far in 2021 shares have gained 17%, while over the past 12 months the Althea share price has soared 222%. Althea has a market cap of $135 million.

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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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  • The Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price is up 40% in six months: Can it go higher?

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    The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price has been a strong performer over the last six months.

    During this time, the travel agent giant’s shares have rallied an impressive 40% higher.

    Why is the Flight Centre share price up 40% in six months?

    Investors have been buying Flight Centre shares during this time thanks to the improving outlook for the travel market following the successful development of several effective COVID-19 vaccines.

    This has sparked hopes that travel and tourism could return to normal quicker than expected. And with Flight Centre having such a strong balance sheet following its capital raising and cost cutting, it could be in a position to put these funds to work on earnings accretive acquisitions when trading conditions return to normal.

    Can the Flight Centre share price go even higher?

    According to one leading broker, Flight Centre’s shares could have peaked now.

    A note out of Morgan Stanley this morning reveals that its analysts have downgraded the company’s shares to an underweight rating with a $17.50 price target.

    This compares to the current Flight Centre share price of $18.44.

    Why did Morgan Stanley downgrade its shares?

    The broker made the move on valuation grounds after the aforementioned strong gain by the Flight Centre share price.

    In fact, the broker notes that Flight Centre’s shares are now trading ahead of pre-pandemic levels when adjusting for its capital raising.

    Instead of Flight Centre, the broker believes investors should be buying Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) shares for exposure to the travel and tourism sector.

    Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating and $5.90 price target on the airline operator’s shares.

    It isn’t alone with that recommendation. This morning analysts at Macquarie upgraded Qantas’ shares to an outperform rating with a $6.35 price target.

    Whereas last week Citi upgraded them to a buy rating with a $6.14 price target. This compares to the current Qantas share price of $5.48.

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  • Why the Clean TeQ (ASX:CLQ) share price is pushing higher today

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    The Clean TeQ Holdings Limited (ASX: CLQ) share price is climbing today after the company announced a new water treatment contract. Shares in the small-cap company are up 3.85% at the time of writing, trading at 27 cents.

    The Clean TeQ share price has been on an astounding run over the last year, gaining 107.69%. In doing so, the company has outpaced the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) return of 37.5% in the same period.

    What happened

    The Clean Teq share price lifted this morning after the company advised that it had been awarded a new contract for a water treatment plant upgrade in Oman.

    The company will upgrade the existing ‘DESALX’ technology plant that is used for the purification of water.

    Clean TeQ said by treating the waste, the plant operator would be able to recycle a significant proportion of water for re-use in the processing plant rather than disposing of it.

    So what

    As announced in early January, the company was awarded a contract to undertake the design to upgrade the water treatment plant in Oman. However, changes in salt and arsenic loads have resulted in the need for further upgrades.

    The upgrade will focus on neutralising the waste components mentioned above and precipitating contaminants for easier recovery. This will enable the plant to decrease its water usage and generate lower brine levels for disposal.

    With the initial contract near its completion, the company has now been awarded a further agreement in excess of $1 million to upgrade the project again. It is proposed that Clean TeQ also supply construction oversight and commissioning support, but this has not been included in the current scope and costing.

    Management comments

    Commenting on the contract, Clean TeQ managing director Sam Riggall said:

    We have demonstrated our capability in designing, constructing and commissioning our highly effective proprietary water purification systems in a range of different applications.

    As we move towards the proposed demerger of our water business later this year, it is pleasing to see that we are making good progress on our goal of growing revenues.

    At the current Clean TeQ share price, the company has a market capitalisation of $230.3 million.

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    Motley Fool contributor Daniel Ewing 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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  • Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) share price climbs on government award

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    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is climbing today after the company received a favourable outcome from the federal government. In mid-afternoon trade, the lithium producer’s shares are swapping hands for 23 cents, up 4.55%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what was announced during the morning.

    Major boost for Core Lithium

    The Core Lithium share price is firmly in the green today after the company updated investors with the positive news.

    According to its release, the federal government has granted Major Project Status (MPS) to Core Lithium’s wholly-owned Finniss Lithium Project. This will see the development of its flagship project receive extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency.

    The three-year award will provide an array of benefits to the Finniss Lithium Project. These include a single-entry point for Australian Government approvals, the mapping of critical approval pathways and processes, as well as the monitoring of approval milestones for projects, and addressing any issues.

    Core Lithium further noted that the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) will be completed in the middle of the year. Shortly following, will be the Final Investment Decision (FID), with construction to commence sometime later this year.

    What did the managing director say?

    Core Lithium managing director Stephen Biggins commented:

    The award of Major Project Status for our flagship Finniss Lithium Project is another major milestone for both the company and the Federal Government, as we strive to enter the construction phase in 2021, subject to a Final Investment Decision.

    When in production, the Finniss Lithium Project will be the first Australian lithium- producing mine outside of Western Australia, with our proximity to Darwin Port – the country’s nearest port to Asia – serving as a direct route for our lithium to be processed and delivered to end users worldwide.

    This opens up a pathway for a critical minerals hub to be established in Northern Australia, along with the potential for significant associated local modern manufacturing opportunities.

    The Core Lithium share price has rocketed by more than 800% over the past year, and is up almost 60% year to date.

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  • 2 ASX 200 shares to buy for income

    Income

    Some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares could make good picks for income in the form of dividends.

    An attractive combination for investors might be businesses that are both growing profit, increasing the dividend and start with a solid dividend yield.

    These two businesses have a track record of paying dividends to shareholders:

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

    Magellan is a funds management business run by billionaire Hamish Douglass. In the latest monthly funds under management (FUM) update, it said that it had $100.6 billion of FUM.

    Broker Morgans has a positive long-term outlook for the company because of its expected launch of new products. Morgans has a share price target of just over $58 for Magellan.

    The Magellan FY21 half-year result was marginally better than what Morgans was expecting. In that result, Magellan said that its average FUM increased by 9% to $100.9 billion, which drove management and service fees higher by 8% to $311.4 million.

    The increased management fee revenue from the ASX 200 share sent profit before tax and performance fees of the funds management business up 8% to $256.2 million.

    Adjusted net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 2% to $213.1 million whilst earnings per share (EPS) increased by 2% to 110.6 cents.

    For income focused investors, Magellan grew its interim dividend by 5% to 97.1 cents per share.

    Looking ahead to growth initiatives, Magellan recently launched its core series of ETFs which look to give investors to global investments at a cheaper cost than its main active strategies.

    It has also been making external investments through its principal investment division. For those investments, Magellan is looking for high quality companies with meaningful scale in their sector, with high quality management teams, that help to the intellectual capital of the Magellan funds management business and could provide attractive financial returns.

    The three main investments it has made includes Barrenjoey, FinClear and Guzman y Gomez. Barrenjoey has been busy building its investment banking teams.

    Magellan is also trying to obtain necessary regulator approval for its proposed retirement income product.

    Broker Morgans thinks Magellan will pay a dividend of $2.06 per share for FY21, equating to a partially franked dividend yield of 4.5%.

    Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV)

    Premier Investments is a high-performing ASX retail share that runs a number of different retail brands including Smiggle, Portmans, Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Peter Alexander and Dotti.

    COVID-19 has been disruptive for many of the company’s physical retail store chains. However, the online sales have more than made up for the loss of revenue from physical stores.

    In a trading update, for the first 24 weeks of the first half of FY21 the ASX 200 share said that online sales had grown by 60% year on year to $146.2 million. These online sales contributed 20.4% of total group sales. Total global sales were only up 5% compared to the prior corresponding period.

    The online sales come with much higher profit margins than physical store sales, which is shown with the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin.

    Premier is expecting Premier Retail EBIT for the first half of FY21 to be in the range of $221 million to $233 million – this would represent an increase of 75% to 85%.

    The ASX 200 company said that it is seeing “outstanding” sales and gross profit margin growth from Peter Alexander, Just Jeans and Jay Jays in both Australia and New Zealand.

    Using the last twelve months of dividends, Premier Investments has a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.9% for income investors.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Magellan Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended 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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  • Why the Hub24 (ASX:HUB) share price is firing up 12% today

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    The Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) share price is on fire today, rising 12.32% to $24.25 a share at the time of writing.

    Hub24 shares had closed last week at $21.62 a share but opened this morning at $22.80. They went as high as $24.85 soon after the open.

    However, today’s strong move papers over what has been a rough and volatile month for this company. Backtrack exactly one month, and Hub24 was sitting at a new all-time high of $27.80.

    However, the rout in ASX tech shares that we’ve seen over the past four weeks has not been kind to this company. By 5 March, the Hub24 share price was down to $19.48 a share, a near-30% drop from those previous highs.

    On current pricing, Hub24 shares are up more than 23% from that low, but still more than 10% off of the highs of 15 February.

    So what’s causing the partial redemption of the investment platform provider today?

    Hub24 share price benefits from ASX 200 rebalancing act

    Perhaps strangely for a share price move this substantial, Hub24 shares are not responding today to any news out of the company. In fact, we haven’t had any substantive official news from Hub24 all month.

    No, Hub24 is moving today because of its inclusion in the ASX’s flagship index, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    Ever 3 months, the ASX 200 is rebalanced by its administrator (S&P Global) so that the index accurately reflects the size of the companies that it tracks. If a company is among the largest 200 in Australia, chances are it will be included in the ASX 200 Index.

    And that’s what happened to Hub24 this morning. S&P Global announced last week on Friday afternoon (after market close) that Hub24 had made the cut.

    As we reported this morning, HUB24 joins Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC), Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) and Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) as the ASX 200’s newest members.

    These companies replace Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM), Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS), Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ), and Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR).

    It’s not the index inclusion itself that really moves these companies’ share prices. But rather, it’s the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the index. Index ETFs, such as the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ), by mandate, have to reflect the ASX 200 accurately.

    Since Hub24 is now in the ASX 200 (as of today), we have a whole range of large index funds buying HUB shares. Thus, we see a massive imbalance between buyers and sellers on the market. The result is a big move up for the Hub24 share price.

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    Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Bravura Solutions Ltd and Hub24 Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bravura Solutions Ltd, Hub24 Ltd, Service Stream Limited, and SMARTGROUP DEF SET. 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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  • Triple whammy hammers the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price today

    fall, take hit, punch, boxing, fortescue share price

    The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is underperforming its peers today and for a good reason or three!

    The Fortescue share price tumbled 4.3% to $20.34 in after lunch trade when the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) gained 0.2%.

    Iron ore bending to pressure

    Other iron ore producers aren’t faring well either, although their declines are modest in comparison. The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price dipped 0.4% and the Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price surrendered 1.6% in value.

    The drop in the iron ore price is weighing on the sector as the price of the commodity declined another 1.8% to US$168.26 a tonne.

    The Fortescue share price is taking the brunt of the sell-off as it’s more leveraged to the iron ore price than other big producers.

    Fortescue share price worst for wear

    This is in part because of it’s higher cost base compared with BHP and Rio Tinto. The other reason is because Fortescue’s ore quality is lower than the two majors, even though it’s improved over the past few years.

    The point is particularly significant because pollution controls in China is behind the latest bout of weakness in the iron ore price.

    But there could be an extra reason why the Fortescue share price is under more pressure than others.

    Fortescue share price dropped by Macquarie

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) cut Fortescue from their model portfolio to lower its exposure to iron ore.

    While the broker is still bullish on the sector, it is making way for miners that supply metals used in electric vehicles (EV).

    Some experts believe that the market is underestimating the demand for EVs. UBS predicted that EVs will account for 20% of the total market by 2025 and every other vehicle on our roads will be electric by 2030.

    This means the supply of batter cells will need to surge by around 22 times over the next decade.

    Latest ASX shares to be added to model portfolio

    The big ramp-up in electric vehicles mean a very significant increase in demand for lithium and copper.

    Now you can see why Macquarie added the Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: OZL) share price to its model portfolio.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited, OZ Minerals Limited, and Rio Tinto Ltd. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

    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 Triple whammy hammers the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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