The Janison Education Group Ltd (ASX: JAN) share price has been a very strong performer on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the educational technology company’s shares are rocketing 20% to a record high of 71 cents.

When the Janison share price hit that level, it meant it had doubled in value over the last 12 months.

Why is the Janison share price at a record high?

The catalyst for today’s strong gain has been the release of an announcement this morning.

According to the release, Janison has been accredited by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as sole provider in Australia of the PISA for Schools assessment. This is known as the gold standard in the measurement of student learning, underpinned by the PISA-based scales.

Management believes this further strengthens Janison’s market leader position within Australia for school assessments.

The release explains that the OECD has accredited Janison in Australia for the next two years.

Janison’s CEO, David Caspari, appeared to be delighted with the development.

He commented: “The board and management of Janison are extremely honoured to be partnering with the OECD in the roll-out of such an incredibly well-regarded assessment and benchmarking tool – the only test of its kind in the world.”

“For us, this is our mission – to be a global force for good by powering best-in-class educational assessments with passion and purpose. I congratulate the Janison team for working seamlessly with the OECD’s team to bring us to today when we are launching in yet another country – our home country of Australia,” added Mr Caspari.

What now?

Janison expects the roll out for PISA for Schools in Australia to begin in New South Wales. Positively, it has strong indications from a large number of government and independent schools wishing to participate in the program. Tests are expected to start in April this year.

After which, management anticipates further demand from schools and state jurisdictions across Australia once the broader sales and marketing program commences this week.

Market opportunity

Once rolled out, schools choosing to undertake the assessment each year will be charged $7,000 per annum.

Management notes that there are approximately 2,700 secondary and combined schools in Australia. From these, ~50% are existing Janison ICAS customers.

This means that the total addressable market size in Australia is approximately $19 million. Furthermore, if it can convert just its existing ICAS customers, it will generate approximately $10 million in revenue.

More reading

• Why the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price is jumping today
• Why Afterpay, Gold Road, Hansen, & Silver Lakes shares are charging higher
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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 Janison Education Group Limited. 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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Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares are on the rise this morning after the company updated the market regarding a licensing agreement to progress its United States wine business. At the time of writing, the Treasury Wine share price is up 3.87% to $11.53.

Let’s take a look at what the Aussie wine producer reported.

What did Treasury Wine announce?

The Treasury Wine share price is on the move today on the back of the company’s latest positive announcement.

According to this morning’s release, Treasury Wine has entered into a long-term licensing agreement with The Wine Group. This will see popular brands such as Beringer Main & Vine, Beringer Founders’ Estate, Coastal Estates and the Meridian range sold in the Americas region.

In the six-month period ending 31 December 2020, these associated brands saw over 2.3 million cases sold. This contributed to Treasury Wine coffers with net sales revenue of $92 million and $13.5 million in gross profit.

Under the agreement, The Wine Group will obtain all remaining inventories within the portfolio on a gradual drawdown basis. In addition, future bulk wine supply contracts for these brands will be managed by The Wine Group.

Treasury Wine stated that the deal is in line with its plans to deliver a premium-focused business in the Americas. It expects to generate a one-off net cash inflow of around $300 million as part of its strategic plans.

Today’s announced deal is anticipated to bump up Treasury Wine’s bank balance with roughly $100 million in cash proceeds.

Management comments

Treasury Wine CEO Tim Ford commented on the partnership with The Wine Group, saying:

We are delighted to be entering into this long-term transaction with The Wine Group, which will be of mutual long-term benefit to our respective organisations. For TWE, this transaction is a significant milestone towards our plans to deliver the future state premium US wine business and we can now focus solely on continuing the growth of our premium brand portfolio to drive future performance in the Americas.

Treasury Wine share price review

The Treasury Wine share price has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past 12 months. Although the company’s shares are up nearly 15% over the period, investors would be accustomed to its volatile swings.

In August, Treasury shares peaked at $13.12, only to drop to a low of $7.87 in November on the back of Chinese wine tariffs. While this represents a decline of 40%, the Treasury Wine share price has gradually picked up most of these losses since then.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates 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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In late morning trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is pushing higher once again. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.25% to 6,787.6 points.

Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are charging higher:

Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

The Afterpay share price is up almost 9% to $116.50. Investors have been buying Afterpay and other tech shares this morning following a strong rebound on the tech-focused Nasdaq index overnight. In addition to this, this morning Afterpay revealed that it has now completed its acquisition of Pagantis. This means that its European expansion can now begin.

Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)

The Gold Road share price has jumped over 8% to $1.15 following the release of its full year results. The gold miner reported a net profit after tax of $80.8 million for FY 2020. This compares to a loss of $4.7 million a year earlier. This strong form allowed the company to declare its maiden dividend of 1.5 cents per share.

Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN)

The Hansen share price is shooting 14% higher to $4.78. This follows the release of a trading update after the market close on Tuesday. That update revealed that the billing technology company has been performing better than expected. So much so, management has upgraded its guidance for FY 2021. It now expects revenue of $316 million to $326 million in constant currency, with an underlying EBITDA margin of 37% to 39%. A large new contract win has led to the outperformance.

Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR)

The Silver Lake share price has surged 10% higher to $1.65. The catalyst for this was a solid rise in the gold price overnight after bond yields started to soften. It isn’t just Silver Lake that is rising today. At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is up a sizeable 4.4%.

More reading

• Why the Gold Road (ASX:GOR) share price is shooting 8% higher
• Here’s why the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price is surging 9% higher today
• PayPal BNPL product to take on Afterpay and Zip in Australia
• Why the Hansen (ASX:HSN) share price will be on watch today
• ASX 200 tech shares set to rebound as bond yields fall

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 AFTERPAY T FPO and Hansen Technologies. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hansen Technologies. 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 Electro Optic Systems (ASX: EOS) share price is on the move today, up by 4.6% to $5.23 per share at the time of writing. These gains come after news of an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) broke this morning.

While investors appear to be reacting differently, the news that the defence and technology company will produce weapons in the UAE has alarmed human rights advocates.

The latest news from Electro Optic Systems

The ABC reported this morning that Electro Optic signed an agreement with the UAE’s Tawazun Strategic Development Fund to produce a new high-tech weapon in the country last month.

The weapon is to be a chain-driven machine gun, designed to be lighter weight with improved accuracy, lower stoppage, reduced recoil and enhanced logistic support than weapons currently available.

The Australian Defence Department declined the ABC’s requests for comment on whether the deal complies with Australian treaty obligations.

Elaine Pearson, Australia director at Human Rights Watch, was quoted by the ABC:

No Australian company should be transferring weapons to the UAE.

Nor should they be engaging in joint ventures with UAE government agencies to manufacture weapons due to their involvement in laws of war violations in Yemen.

Management commentary

Electro Optic CEO Ben Greene was quoted by UAE’s state-run media publication Emirates News Agency as saying:

EOS’ global role as a systems integrator and technology leader in remotely operated combat systems will strongly support the development in UAE of enhanced defence technology products optimized for future roles in this global market.

EOS has a long history of investment in the UAE, and (this agreement) represents the next step in developing local industry and infrastructure to support next-generation defence and aerospace capabilities.

Electro Optic and the UAE

In 2019, the company was accused of providing weapons to Saudi Arabia and the UAE that were then used in Yemen, a conflict bounded by accusations of atrocities and human rights violations.

Electro Optic has stated that none of its weapons were deployed or used in the Yemen War. Ben Greene was quoted by the ABC in 2019 as saying there was “no end-user of Electro Optic System equipment that is likely to deploy it to Yemen”.

Electro Optic share price snapshot

The Electro Optic share price is currently sitting at $5.23, up nearly 5% on yesterday’s close. It’s down 2.61% over the last 12 months and 11% year to date. 

Electro Optic has a market capitalisation of nearly $768 million, with approximately 149 million shares outstanding. 

More reading

• Here’s why the Electro Optic (ASX:EOS) share price jumped 19% today
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The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR) shares are shooting higher today after the company released its 2020 full-year results to the market this morning. At the time of writing, the Gold Road share price has leapt 8.5% to $1.15.

Let’s take a look at how the ASX gold producer has been performing. 

What did the company report?

The Gold Road share price is gaining after the company reported it had paid down all its borrowings over the financial year while generating $105 million in free cash flow.

As at 31 December 2019, Gold Road had $78.5 million in debt, which was fully repaid by 21 July 2020. The company ended the year with $126.4 million in cash and short-term deposits, up from $101.3 million year on year.

Over the course of 2020, Gold Road sold 126,434 ounces of gold, achieving revenue of $294.7 million. That’s up 291% from the $75.4 million in revenue reported for 2019.

The company reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $170.6 million compared to a $9.8 million EBITDA loss in 2019.

Gold Road reported a consolidated net profit after tax (NPAT) of $80.8 million. In 2019 NPAT was a $4.7 million loss. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at 9.2 cents, while the gold producer achieved free cash flow of $817 per ounce of production for the year.

Commenting on the full-year results, Gold Road CEO Duncan Gibbs said:

The year 2020 was Gold Road’s first full year as a producer… Following 18 months of production experience, in February 2021 we announced our 3 year outlook at Gruyere that sees the operation lifting from 258,173 ounces in 2020 to a sustainable 350,000 ounces by 2023 (100% basis).

Gruyere is a Tier-1 gold mine and we are only beginning to unlock its potential. Gruyere and Gold Road have experienced no material production impacts as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

The company paid a maiden dividend of 1.5 cents for the half-year through to 31 December, for a half-year yield of 1.4%.

Gold Road share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Gold Road share price has fallen by more than 12%. That compares to a 17% gain on the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

With the gold price down 12% so far in 2020, year to date the Gold Road Resources share price is down nearly 18%.

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX finishes higher, despite tech selloff
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 slides lower, A2 Milk surges, Gold Road sinks

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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If you feel you missed the ASX mining shares rally, there might be another way for you to find a bargain.

Our big ASX miners have surged over the past year with the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price jumping 159%.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price rallied 79% while the Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price increased by 50% over the same time.

Has the bulk carrier left the jetty?

That’s enough to give anyone the case of the FOMO when the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) “only” managed a 17% uplift.

But those who loath chasing rocketing ASX share prices might find this other strategy more appealing.

Goldman Sachs have gone through the latest results from the mining sector and believe that ASX mining contractors are well placed to outperform in 2021.

Picks and shovels

It’s the old saying that the best way to profit from a gold rush is to sell picks and shovels. Many investors aren’t thinking that way given that ASX mining contractors have been left behind in what some believe is a commodities supercycle.

Some interesting takeaways from ASX miners during the profit reporting season include tight labour markets and wage inflation, noted Goldman.

The lead time for sample testing and equipment have also extended, which is putting upward pressure on prices.

These trends bode well for those who supply equipment and services to miners. Miners who are expecting to pay higher wages include Fortescue, Rio Tinto, Western Areas Ltd (ASX: WSA) and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN).

ASX shares to buy in the commodities supercycle

According to Goldman, ASX engineering and explosive companies that are best placed to benefit are the Emeco Holdings Limited (ASX: EHL), Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) share price and ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) share price.

It’s worth noting that the Emeco share price fell 10% over the past year, while the Orica share price lost nearly a third of its value.

The ALS share price fared better as it gained around 34% over the period, but that’s still well behind the big miners.

Goldman has a “buy” recommendation on all three stocks.

More reading

• Here’s why the Western Areas (ASX:WSA) share price is sinking today
• SciDev (ASX:SDV) share price on watch after winning tender process with Fortescue (ASX:FMG)
• IAG (ASX:IAG) share price could jump with this other ASX share after a broker upgrade
• Macquarie sees upside for Rio (ASX:RIO) and BHP (ASX:BHP) share prices
• Broker tips 30% upside for Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) share price

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited, Emeco Holdings 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.

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The Lithium Australia NL (ASX: LIT) share price has been a strong performer on Wednesday morning.

In early trade the lithium company’s shares are up 13% to 13 cents.

Today’s gain means the Lithium Australia share price has now more than doubled in value since the start of the year.

Why is the Lithium Australia share price zooming higher?

Investors have been buying Lithium Australia shares today following the release of a positive announcement.

According to the release, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary VSPC has had its Australian patent for its proprietary cathode material manufacturing process accepted.

VSPC’s method of synthesising lithium metal phosphates was confirmed to be novel and inventive by IP Australia.

This provides the company with 20 years of intellectual property protection within Australia. In addition, filing of the Australian patent application also sets a worldwide priority date for the invention.

What is the process?

The release explains that VSPC has simplified a process for the production of lithium metal phosphate cathode powders. This enables the use of a broader range of raw materials as feed.

The company notes that this has significantly reduced the cost of manufacturing lithium ferro phosphate (FP) and other lithium metal phosphate materials. This includes lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP).

Lithium Australia’s Managing Director, Adrian Griffin, was pleased with the development.

He said: “Acceptance of the patent application for the production of phosphate-based cathode materials for LIBs is a great step forward for the Company. Lithium Australia/VSPC can now provide practical solutions for electric vehicle manufacturers seeking cobalt-free batteries.”

“Further, the Company’s recent development of LMFP demonstrates the potential for phosphate-based, nickel- and cobalt-free batteries to achieve high energy densities, an ideal combination in terms of e-mobility applications. Patent protection will provide us with a significant cost advantage in the production cycle of what is currently the most rapidly expanding sector of the battery industry.”

More reading

• Lithium Australia (ASX:LIT) share price lower despite LieNA update

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Australian economy is prepping for a 28 March 2021 axe of the federal government’s JobKeeper payment scheme. 

The JobKeeper scheme has been a critical tool in battling the economic effects of the coronavirus.

Following the approval of US President Joe Biden’s stimulus package, many Australians are wondering what comes after JobKeeper, and what its cessation means for the economy.

Economist predicts dramatic job losses

Today’s The Australian features Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) economist Nicholas Guesnon discussing his opinion about JobKeeper payments coming to an end.

Guesnon believes that up to 110,000 employees working in sectors still vulnerable to the economic impacts of coronavirus, like travel, are at risk of losing work. He estimates up to 25% of employees presently receiving the benefit could lose their job.

Guesnon further mentioned that he thinks the transport, arts and recreation, accommodation and food services sectors will suffer a blow in the coming weeks. This is due to these industries’ association with and reliance on international travel, an important part of the economy that’s been ravaged by the pandemic.

NSW Treasurer says JobKeeper payments must end

New South Wales Treasurer Dominic Perrottet supports the winding up of the JobKeeper scheme.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Perottet said:

We cannot continue to make decisions today that impact generations to come to pay back the depth of the circumstance we find ourselves in… 

We need a proportionate and measured response.

Perrottet’s guess at which sectors of the economy would feel the biggest hit from JobKeeper payments disappearing include construction, manufacturing, administration and tourism.

Foolish takeaway

Some economists, such as Su-Lin Ong at RBC Markets, aren’t expecting anything too crazy to happen once JobKeeper payments end.

The Australian notes that she expects a short-lived disruption to the economy when unemployment numbers rise before they fall again.

But considering the stimulus packages that continue to be dished out around the world, the Australian Government may still be considering its next move after JobKeeper.

More reading

• Here’s why the Western Areas (ASX:WSA) share price is sinking today
• SciDev (ASX:SDV) share price on watch after winning tender process with Fortescue (ASX:FMG)
• Why the Vulcan Energy (ASX:VUL) share price is jumping 12% today
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Motley Fool contributor Gretchen Kennedy 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 Western Areas Ltd (ASX: WSA) share price has returned from its trading halt and is sinking on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the nickel producer’s shares are down 13% to $2.03.

Why is the Western Areas share price sinking today?

The Western Areas share price has come under pressure today after it announced the successful completion of its institutional placement.

According to the release, the company has raised $85 million via a fully underwritten placement at $2.15 per share. This represents an 8.1% discount to its last close price.

But despite receiving strong support from existing and new investors, including high-quality domestic and offshore institutions, the placement was undertaken at the floor price.

This will also be the same price that shareholders are offered shares via a non-underwritten share purchase plan to raise a further $15 million. Though, with the Western Areas share price trading below this level, unless there’s a big improvement, demand may not be strong for its share purchase plan.

Why is Western Areas raising funds?

Proceeds from the placement and share purchase plan will be used to complete the Odysseus development, advance organic growth projects at Forrestania and Cosmos, and continue exploration activities.

In respect to Odysseus, management notes that the equity raising provides funding for mine development capital expenditure, with development progressing on schedule and first concentrate production targeted in mid FY 2023.

This operation will be a big boost to its production output once it is in steady state production. Management expects Odysseus to deliver 14,600 tonnes of nickel in concentrate per annum.

This compares to its FY 2021 production guidance of 16,000 to 17,000 tonnes of nickel in concentrate.

Western Areas’s Managing Director, Dan Lougher, commented: “The Placement has been overwhelmingly supported by a range of domestic and international institutional investors which we see as vindication of the bright prospects for Western Areas. We are looking forward to advancing the development of the long-life, low cost Odysseus underground mine towards scheduled production in mid FY23 and believe our landholdings provide significant brownfield exploration potential.”

More reading

• Why the Western Areas (ASX:WSA) share price is in a trading halt
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 SciDev Ltd (ASX: SDV) share price will be one to watch today. The chemical engineering company announced a partnership with Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).

Yesterday, the share price closed up 0.7% to finish at 68 cents. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index finished 0.4% higher.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s in the new deal.

The SciDev/Fortescue deal

In a statement to the ASX, SciDev announced it would “participate in a commercial trial” with Fortescue Metals. The trial will last one week and be conducted at the Fortescue Solomon Hub in the Pilbara region, Western Australia.

SciDev won the contract through a competitive tender process. Fortescue will pay the company $60,000 for its time.

Fortescue will be trialling SciDev’s MaxiFloat technology. According to SciDev’s website, MaxiFloat is a range of products intended for the treatment of wastewater in the mining, and oil and gas industries.

Commenting on the deal, SciDev Managing Director and CEO, Lewis Utting said:

The agreement with Fortescue further extends the presence of SciDev chemistry and services across major mining projects in Australia. With water being a premium commodity in the Pilbara, SciDev’s technology can add real benefit to our customers as well as reduce their environmental footprint. The continued growth of SciDev and our ability to work with and service major mining companies such as Fortescue highlights the caliber of the SciDev team in executing the technical and commercial evaluations with our customers.

What is mining wastewater and why does it need to be treated?

According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), mining is very water-intensive. Some the ways water is used in the industry include:

• transportation of ore and waste in slurries
• separation of materials with chemical agents, and
• suppression of dust during processing and transportation.

Water is a scarce resource in Australia. Governments and the industry at large strongly encourage water recycling when possible. Through the mining process, however, water will become polluted. This is why it needs to be contained and treated before it can be recycled back into the environment.

SciDev and Fortescue share price snapshots

At its current level of 68 cents, SciDev’s share price is on an upward path. This time last year, shares in the company were selling at 57 cents. In the general panic of COVID-19 the share price reached a low of 25 cents.

Fortescue’s share price, similarly, is also trending in the right direction. Just 12 months ago, shares in the miner cost an investor $8.58 each. As of yesterday, the share price was $22.18. That’s an impressive 142.1% gain over 52 weeks.

The respective market capitalisations of SciDev and Fortescue Metals are $104.2 million and $68.3 billion.

More reading

• The 3 highest paying ASX 200 dividend shares
• Why the Fortescue (ASX: FMG) share price could go higher
• The worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX finishes higher, despite tech selloff
• Morgan Stanley reveals some investment trends to watch in 2021

Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous 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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