• Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) hits another record high. What’s going on?

    asx share price watch represented by two investors with happy surprised looks on faces

    The price of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is yet again on everyone’s lips. The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation hit a new record high of more than US$61,600 in the early hours of this morning (our time).

    That means Bitcoin is now up almost by 28% over the past month and more than 1,000% over the past year.

    There’s no need to state that Bitcoin is now by far the best performing ‘mainstream’ asset class over the periods. It has eclipsed everything from ASX shares to US shares to gold, bonds and property.

    So what’s going on here? Why are investors still being drawn into Bitcoin? Is it just FOMO all over again?

    A report from The Australian Financial Review (AFR) this morning offers an interesting insight. The AFR argues that the mammoth US$1.9 trillion stimulus package that was recently signed into law over in the United States could be having an impact. The report points out that Americans started receiving their US$1,400 stimulus cheques over the weekend after the bill cleared US President Joe Biden’s desk last week.

    That has walked hand-in-hand with US government bond yields rising to their highest levels since the middle of the coronavirus pandemic last year.

    Rising bond yields indicate that the markets are worried about inflation, since higher yields imply future interest rate hikes. This could be the key here. Bitcoin is viewed by many investors as having inflation-resistant characteristics. That’s due to the finite number of coins that can be mined.

    Should you invest in Bitcoin?

    That depends on your outlook for the future of Bitcoin of course. As we reported last month, many fund managers are now treating Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class in the same vein as shares or bonds. We have also seen companies like Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Square Inc (NYSE: SQ) begin to actually hold Bitcoins on their balance sheets alongside cash.

    If the extreme volatility that Bitcoin displays spooks you though (very understandable), there is nothing wrong with giving Bitcoin a pass and sticking to ASX shares. A ‘third way’ to consider adding exposure is by dedicating a small, fixed portion of your portfolio to Bitcoin (and/or other cryptocurrencies), then ‘rebalancing’ when this allocation is surpassed or undershot.

    For example, you could decide that you want 2% of your portfolio’s value to be held in Bitcoin. If Bitcoin continues to rise and this 2% grows into 3%, you could sell some off in order to return to your 2% target. If it dips to 1% you could conversely top it up.

    There’s no right answer here. But one thing seems certain. Bitcoin doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

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    Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Bitcoin and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Bitcoin, Square, and Tesla. 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 QEM (ASX:QEM) share price has rocketed 119% today. Here’s why

    Rocket soaring through sky

    The QEM Ltd (ASX: QEM) share price shot up by a mammoth 95% to 15 cents on opening today after the company announced its plans to pursue hydrogen energy.

    The exploration and development company advised today it has begun studies into ‘green’ hydrogen opportunities at its Julia Creek Project in North Queensland.

    The QEM share price is up 119%, trading at 18 cents at the time of writing after hitting an intraday high of 19.5 cents.

    What did QEM announce?

    QEM announced it was looking into the financial and regulatory requirements of producing ‘green’ hydrogen at Julia Creek using a solar-powered electrolyser.

    Hydrogen is considered green if renewable energy is used to generate the electricity needed for its production.

    The company believes that the hydrogen from its Julia Creek project could be used for the hydrogenation of its raw oil, creating more sustainable transport fuels. Further, the project’s location is ideal for the company to provide hydrogen power to other resource projects in Queensland’s north-west.

    QEM also noted trucks and trains travelling through Queensland often needed to refuel in Julia Creek. As hydrogen-powered vehicle technology becomes more common, the project may serve as a vital component of Queensland’s transport industry.

    Currently, the Julia Creek Project is one of the world’s largest single oil shale and vanadium deposits. 

    QEM is set to begin an approval process with the Queensland Government to provide water to the potential development.

    Commentary from management

    QEM managing director Gavin Loyden said the project’s location and resource profile was “optimal” for producing hydrogen on-site.

    Crucially, the hydrogen strategy aligns with the broader strategic direction of Julia Creek, as QEM looks to target both the liquid fuels and renewable energy sectors.

    We remain committed to continuing the development of Julia Creek to unlock the substantial latent value the vanadium and oil shale project possesses. 

    QEM share price snapshot

    The QEM share price opened at 15 cents this morning, up 95% from Friday’s close of 0.08 cents.

    QEM has a market capitalisation of approximately $8 million with 100 million shares outstanding.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • ASX 200 down 0.1%: Afterpay sinks, Evolution announces acquisition

    Worried young male investor watches financial charts on computer screen

    At lunch on Monday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a small decline. The benchmark index is currently down 0.1% to 6,759.8 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the market today:

    Tech shares drag on the ASX 200

    The tech sector is acting as a drag on the ASX 200 again on Monday. At lunch the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is down just over 1% following declines by the likes of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Altium Limited (ASX: ALU). Investors have been selling tech shares after a jump in bond yields on Friday night led to the tech-focused Nasdaq index tumbling lower.

    Fortescue brings forward carbon neutrality plans

    The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is sinking lower today after weakness in iron ore prices offset news that it plans to become carbon neutral sooner than expected. According to the release, the iron ore producer is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030. This is 10 years earlier than first expected. The iron ore price lost 5% of its value last week amid steel production curbs in China.

    Evolution acquisition

    The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is pushing higher today after investors responded positively to a new acquisition. According to the release, the gold miner has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Canada-based Battle North. Evolution has agreed to pay C$2.65 per share in cash, which equates to a total consideration of approximately C$343 million. Battle North is the owner of the Bateman Gold Project in Ontario, which neighbours some of Evolution’s tenements in the region.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday has been the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) share price with a 4% gain. This is despite there being no news out of the medical device company. The worst performer has been the GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA) share price with a 5% decline. The building products company’s shares are being dumped out of the ASX 200 at the next rebalance.

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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 and recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T 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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  • EY praises economy as JobSeeker and JobKeeper supplements wrap up

    asx share price dividend payments represented by man holding $50 note close to his face

    Many Australians are watching with interest as changes to the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments take effect this month.

    While the implications of these changes for unemployment and the economy are yet to materialise, EY believes that Australia is on the right path.

    Will the changes impact the Australian economy?

    The Australian Financial Review (AFR) has today reported that EY categorises Australia with New Zealand, Denmark and South Korea with regard to our nation’s management of the coronavirus pandemic.

    However, for Australia to continue its march forward, one chief economist believes that businesses need to exhibit strong future growth prospects. 

    Jo Masters noted in the AFR that, as Australia steers its way out of the pandemic, the next twelve months require a strong corporate sector.

    The sector is also predicted to play a key role in boosting investing and driving economic growth once the JobKeeper payments end and JobSeeker is reduced.

    EY says Australia is in “great shape”

    EY continued that Australia is faring “above average” when compared to other similar economies. It believes that following coronavirus, Australia will be in one of the best positions to rebound from the economic and health blows dealt by the pandemic. As quoted by AFR, the report stated, “Australia is in great shape, one of the top performers when viewed against many comparable developed economies”.

    With JobSeeker changing and JobKeeper coming to a close, EY remains confident the country is well positioned to grow. However, businesses will have to help lead the way. 

    Foolish takeaway

    In addition to changes to the JobSeeker and JobKeeper programs, there’s also an economic support payment due to come out this month. This comes at the same time as the government’s half-price airfare scheme. And, if EY’s report is anything to go by, Australians can be reassured regarding the current picture of our economy. 

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  • Why ASX hemp share Elixinol’s (ASX:EXL) share price is moving higher

    range of hemp oil and skin products representing elixinol share price

    The Elixinol Global Ltd (ASX: EXL) share price rocketed 15% on open this morning and is currently up 5% in intraday trading.

    This comes after the ASX hemp company revealed it would acquire a leading German cannabidiol (CBD) company.

    Elixinol shares were placed in a trading halt on 4 March at the company’s request, pending this announcement. Shares started trading on the ASX again this morning.

    What did Elixinol report on its acquisition agreement?

    The Elixinol share price is moving higher after the company reported it would acquire CannaCare Health GmbH.

    CannaCare owns CANOBO, which is among Germany’s top CBD brands with a dominant position in Germany’s drugstores. CANOBO has more than 4,500 physical retail distribution points, and its 20 products include CBD oils, sprays and skincare.

    In the 2020 financial year, CannaCare reported 2.6 million euros (AU$4 million) in revenue with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) breaking even.

    Elixinol noted that Germany’s CBD market was expected to grow faster than any other in Europe. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 47% or more is forecast to reach US$600 million by 2025.

    The agreement stipulates Elixinol will pay 9 million euros upfront, with 3 million euros in cash and the other 6 million euros in Elixinol shares.

    The company reported that “upon attainment of FY2021 revenues of 12.9 million euros and 20% EBITDA, the maximum earn-out of 15.0 million euros is payable in Elixinol shares, making a total potential consideration of 24.0 million”.

    Management commentary

    Commenting on the binding agreement, Elixinol global CEO Oliver Horn said:

    We are incredibly excited about this transformational opportunity which leapfrogs Elixinol closer to its vision of becoming a profitable, global, hemp-derived consumer goods wellness business…

    By acquiring CannaCare, we gain a strong foothold in Europe’s fastest growth market of Germany and, together with our established UK business, will become a leading pan-European business of scale.

    Completion of the agreement remains subject to all the standard conditions.

    Elixinol share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Elixinol shares are down 18%. That compares to a 38% gain on the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Year-to-date, the Elixinol share price is up 14%.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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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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  • Why Codan, Evolution, Opthea, & People Infrastructure shares are charging higher

    shares valuation higher upgrade, growth shares

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a decline. In late morning trade the benchmark index is down 0.15% to 6,757.4 points.

    Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are charging higher today:

    Codan Limited (ASX: CDA)

    The Codan share price is up 2% to $15.28. Investors have been buying this metal detector company’s shares this morning after S&P Dow Jones Indices announced its inclusion in the ASX 200 at the next quarterly rebalance. Codan and five other companies will join the illustrious index next week on 22 March.

    Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

    The Evolution share price is up 3.5% to $4.09. The catalyst for this was the gold miner announcing a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Battle North. Evolution has agreed to pay C$2.65 per share in cash, which equates to a total consideration of approximately C$343 million. Battle North is the owner of the Bateman Gold Project in Ontario, Canada. Evolution has tenements of its own neighbouring the project.

    Opthea Ltd (ASX: OPT)

    The Opthea share price has jumped 9% higher to $1.68. This morning the biopharmaceutical company announced that the first patient has been treated in its Phase 3 pivotal clinical program. This program is trialling the first-in-class VEGF-C/D ‘trap’ inhibitor, OPT-302, in participants with treatment-naïve wet age-related macular degeneration.

    People Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: PPE)

    The People Infrastructure share price is up over 2.5% to $3.51. Investors have been buying the workforce management company’s shares after it announced a new acquisition. People Infrastructure has entered into a binding agreement to acquire leading nursing agency SwingShift Nurses. Swingshift Nurses is focused on the mental health market and is a contracted preferred supplier to most public sector hospitals in the Victorian market.

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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 People Infrastructure Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended People Infrastructure 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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  • These are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX

    most shorted ASX shares

    At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

    With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

    • Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) has seen its short interest ease to 12.7%. Short sellers have been going after the Australian seafood company due to weak prices and concerns that it could be impacted by the Australia-China trade war.
    • Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest reduce slightly to 11.9%. Short sellers don’t appear to believe that this online travel agent’s shares are appropriately priced given the tough trading conditions it is facing.
    • Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has seen its short interest slide week on week to 8.1%. A weakening gold price and industrial disruption at its Syama operation are weighing heavily on this gold miner’s shares. Unfortunately, another weak year is expected in FY 2021 by management.
    • Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 8% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers may be closing positions after the poultry company returned to form in the first half of FY 2021. For the six months ended 31 December, Inghams reported a 28.4% increase in underlying profit.
    • Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) has short interest of 7.9%. Last week this communications satellite technology provider announced the completion of its recapitalisation. Much to the delight of short sellers, this will essentially see its share price drop to zero and its shares delisted.
    • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) is back in the top ten with short interest of 7.5%. Last week this travel agent was given a boost by a $1.2 billion government stimulus package for the tourism sector. However, this doesn’t appear to be putting off short sellers.
    • Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) has seen its short interest rise to 7.4%. Short sellers are continuing to build up positions despite the wholesale distributor’s shares hitting a 52-week high. This week Metcash will hold its strategy day event.
    • Western Areas Ltd (ASX: WSA) has short interest of 7.3%, which is down slightly week on week. Last week the nickel producer launched a capital raising to fund the development of its Odysseus operation. This led to its shares falling around 10% over the period.
    • Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) has re-entered the top ten with short interest of 7.3%. There appear to be concerns that the structural shift in the retail sector is leaving this department store operator behind.
    • Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS) is a new entry in the top ten with 7.2% of its shares held short. The financial technology company’s shares have come under pressure over the last 12 months due to the significant Brexit and COVID headwinds impacting its business. Short sellers don’t appear to believe the worst is over.

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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 Bravura Solutions Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bravura Solutions Ltd and Flight Centre Travel Group 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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  • Tesla shareholder sues Elon Musk over losses

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk

    A Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) shareholder is suing chief executive Elon Musk, accusing him of “erratic” tweets that violate share market rules.

    Reuters reported that a shareholder named Chase Gharrity claims Musk’s tweets violate his 2018 agreement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which restricted what he can and can’t say on Twitter.

    That settlement was one of the penalties arising from SEC’s last investigation of Musk’s tweets.

    Court papers show Gharrity also names Tesla board members as defendants for not stopping Musk.

    The shareholder accuses the chief executive and the directors of causing him “substantial financial harm”.

    The case cites multiple tweets from Musk that allegedly violate market rules, including his famous quip in May that Tesla’s share price was “too high”.

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    That comment caused the market capitalisation of the electric car maker to drop US$13 billion.

    The share price has since recovered and delivered a five-fold return since that incident to become one of the hottest stocks of 2020.

    When Musk tweets, people listen

    Musk’s 2018 penalties came after he tweeted that Tesla was about to be sold as a private entity. The transaction never eventuated.

    He and the company subsequently ended up paying US$20 million in fines, as well as agreeing to conditions on his social media content.

    Musk and Tesla still face pending legal action about that incident to determine whether it defrauded shareholders.

    Perhaps frustrated by his muzzling, Musk has been one of the most vocal users of the invitation-only platform Clubhouse.

    But he still holds plenty of sway on Twitter. 

    In January, Musk simply tweeted “#bitcoin” in a one-word post, and the value of the cryptocurrency surged 15%.

    Tesla would later disclose in February that it had bought up US$1.5 billion of Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency soared again after that revelation.

    Also back in January, Musk encouraged his Twitter followers to abandon WhatsApp for rival messaging app Signal. That prompted the shares of unrelated Signal Advance Inc to rocket up in value.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2021

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

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    Tony Yoo 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 Tesla. 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 Little Green Pharma (ASX:LGP) share price is on the rise

    asx cannabis shares represented by pug dog pointing to blackboard with cannabis info on it

    Little Green Pharma (ASX: LGP) shares are on the move today after the company announced it has received a large purchase order and has plans for expansion. At the time of writing, the Little Green Pharma share price is trading at 73 cents, up 4.29% from Friday’s close. 

    Let’s take a look at what the medicinal cannabis company reported.

    Expansion Plans

    The Little Green Pharma share price is heating up after the company announced plans to expand its cultivation and manufacturing facilities in the south west of Western Australia. Little Green Pharma stated it has entered into agreements to purchase both properties underlying its current facilities and two properties adjacent.

    Little Green Pharma plans to use the land to double the site’s current indoor cultivation capacity and, eventually, quadruple its production. Construction on the expansion is expected to start in the second half of 2021.

    Additionally, by purchasing the land the company currently leases, it will avoid paying rental fees of $170,000 per year.

    Little Green Pharma estimates the land will cost between $5.5 million and $7.5 million. The funds to purchase the land will be made up of 70% cash and 30% scrip.

    A scrip is, in this case, a promise of shares in exchange for goods. It will be valued at the 5-day volume-weighted average price, which the company states is 66.3 cents.

    These shares will be new and fully paid and issued with shareholders approval. Though, the company hasn’t yet sought shareholder approval. Little Green Pharma stated that if it is unable to obtain shareholder approval, the purchase will either be made entirely in cash or cancelled.

    Purchase order from Demecan

    The second piece of news driving the Little Green Pharma share price today is the company’s announcement regarding a large purchase order from German medical cannabis producer Demecan.

    Demecan has placed an order for 9000 x 15g units of the company’s cannabis flower medicines.

    Little Green Pharma has a standing purchase agreement with Demecan, under which Demecan will purchase up to 1,000kgs of cultivated dried cannabis flower from the company per year.  

    The latest purchase order is the second made between the two companies this year, with Demecan having ordered 500 x 15g units in February.

    Little Green Pharma share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Little Green Pharma share price has risen by more than 180%. The company’s shares are also up by more than 30% year to date.

    Based on the current Little Green Pharma share price, the company has a market capitalisation of around $85 million with approximately 176 shares outstanding.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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  • Why the Opthea (ASX:OPT) share price is soaring 11% today

    increase in asx medical software share price represented by doctor making excited hands up gesture

    The Opthea Ltd (ASX: OPT) share price is soaring in morning trade, up 11.36% trading at $1.72 at the time of writing.

    We take a look at the ASX healthcare share’s latest drug trial announcement.

    What did Opthea announce?

    The Opthea share price has rocketed today after the company announced Phase 3 trials of its OPT-302 retinal disease treatment drug have started. OPT-302 is the Opthea’s “first-in-class VEGF-C/D ‘trap’ inhibitor”.

    The company said it had treated its first patient, in the US state of Maryland, for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

    The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company is conducting two simultaneous multi-centre randomised Phase 3 trials. Both clinical studies will enrol around 990 patients with neovascular (wet) AMD.

    This follows positive results from the company’s previous Phase 2b trials of OPT-302, conducted in 366 patients.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the Phase 3 trial commencement, Opthea CEO Megan Baldwin said:

    Dosing the first patient in our OPT-302 Phase 3 pivotal clinical program in wet AMD marks a very important achievement for Opthea in accelerating the development of this novel VEGF-C/D inhibitor therapy towards market registration.

    We are now looking forward to quickly ramping up enrolment to meet the interest from participating clinical sites and retinal specialists. OPT-302, which has shown promising efficacy and favourable safety profiles in trials to date, is an important new treatment option which may offer patients improved outcomes when administered in combination with VEGF-A inhibitors.

    Opthea expects to report on the top-line data in 2023. The company will submit Biologics license and marketing authorisation applications with the US Food and Drug Administration and EMA at the end of the trials’ 12-month ‘primary efficacy phase’.

    Opthea share price snapshot

    Opthea shareholders have experienced a volatile year, with some significant price swings higher and lower. Over the past 12 months, the Opthea share price is down 9%. That compares to a 38% gain on the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Opthea shares have slipped 12% so far in 2021.

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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.

    The post Why the Opthea (ASX:OPT) share price is soaring 11% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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