At lunch on Friday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a positive note. The benchmark index is currently up 0.4% to 6,741 points.

Here’s what is happening on the market today:

Afterpay hits record high.

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is surging higher for a second day in a row and reached a record high this morning. Bullish sentiment in the buy now pay later sector following Affirm’s very successful IPO and a broker note out of Morgan Stanley appear to be the key drivers of this gain. In respect to the latter, the broker has retained its overweight rating and lifted its price target on the Afterpay’s shares to $136.00. Its analysts are expecting Afterpay to report active customers of approximately 13.6 million for the first half of FY 2021. This will be a 37.4% increase from 9.9 million active customers at the end of FY 2020.

Bank shares push higher again.

It has been another positive day of trade for most of the big four banks on Friday. At lunch, three of the big four banks are outperforming the index with solid gains. This appears to have been driven by positive commentary this week by the likes of Morgan Stanley. The broker believes bank shares will go higher in 2021 as earnings and dividends start to recover. The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is the best performer in the group with a 2% gain. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is the laggard in the group and down 0.3% at lunch.

Resolute disappoints.

The Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) share price is sinking lower today after the release of a disappointing update. According to the release, Resolute recorded gold production of 89,888 ounces during the three months ended 31 December. This led to its calendar year production coming in at 395,136 ounces, which falls short of its downgraded guidance of 400,000 ounces. In 2021, it expects production to fall to between 350,000 to 375,000 ounces.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the Afterpay share price with a gain of just over 6%. This follows the release of a bullish broker note this week. The worst performer has been the Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) share price with a 5.5% decline. Its shares have fallen heavily this week after its half year update underwhelmed.

More reading

• Why Afterpay, BHP, Objective, & Pro Medicus shares are charging higher
• Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price climbs higher as investors eye dividends
• The Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price just set a new all-time record high
• Here’s why the Resolute (ASX:RSG) share price is sinking lower
• Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price climbing despite cost blowout rumours

James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of POLYNOVO FPO. 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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In late morning trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to finish the week on a positive note. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.2% to 6,727.8 points.

Four 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 6% to $127.98. This may be partly in response to a bullish broker note out of Morgan Stanley this week. The broker retained its overweight rating and lifted its price target on the payments company’s shares to $136.00. Morgan Stanley notes that app downloads have been increasing strongly in the US and UK. It is forecasting active customers of approximately 13.6 million for the first half of FY 2021. This represents a 37.4% increase from 9.9 million active customers at the end of FY 2020.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is up 2% to $47.00. Investors have been buying the mining giant’s shares after the iron ore price climbed higher again. According to CommSec, the price of the steel making ingredient has risen a further 1.4% to US$171.45 a tonne.

Objective Corporation Limited (ASX: OCL)

The Objective share price is up 4% to $13.50. This follows the release of an update by the information technology software and services provider this morning. According to the release, based on unaudited management accounts, Objective is expecting to report a 40% increase in revenue to $46.5 million for the first half. And thanks to margin expansion, the company is guiding to a 74% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $11.8 million.

Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up a further 6% to $38.81. Investors have been buying this leading health imaging software company’s shares over the last couple of days due to a major new contract win. Pro Medicus has signed a seven-year contract worth $40 million with Salt Lake City based Intermountain Healthcare. The deal sees its Visage 7 Viewer and Visage 7 Open Archive products implemented across all of Intermountain’s radiology and subspecialty imaging departments.

More reading

• The Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price just set a new all-time record high
• Why the Objective (ASX:OCL) share price just jumped 11% to a record high
• 3 blue chip ASX dividend shares with big yields
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%

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 Objective Limited and Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and has recommended Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is climbing higher in early trade. There have been no new announcements from the Big 4 bank, but investors could be eyeing a higher dividend payout.

According to an article in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), analysts are tipping the banks could be set to return billions to shareholders in 2021.

Why is the Westpac share price climbing higher?

The major banks, including Westpac, put aside billions for the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. 

That was due to an expected harsh recession and increase in bad debts for the banks. However, a strong COVID-19 response and record government stimulus have combined to alleviate those fears.

In fact, the Westpac share price has rebounded strongly since cratering in the March bear market.

The  JobKeeper scheme and a boost to JobSeeker have reduced the economic damage from COVID-19. That means shareholders could be in line for bigger payouts.

According to the article, Credit Suisse analyst Jarrod Martin is reasonably bullish on the banks. In a note to clients, Martin noted that the major banks may increase dividends as bad debts come in below modelled scenarios.

However, it wasn’t all good news. The bear case sketched out by Credit Suisse noted a vaccine failure and extended lockdowns could increase prudency on bank balance sheets.

Martin is tipping dividend payout ratios of 60% in FY2021 and 65% in FY2022 and FY2023. Jefferies analyst Brian Johnson is reportedly tipping payout ratios to climb as high as 70%.

That comes after the Aussie banking regulator lifted its temporary 50% cap on distributions instituted in 2020.

According to the AFR, the Big 4 banks took $7 billion in COVID provisions. A reversal of those could mean a significant capital return to shareholders in 2021.

The Westpac share price has been climbing higher in early trade, alongside many of its peers, despite no new announcements. At the time of writing, its shares are trading up 1.28% at $21.30.

How have the Aussie banks performed?

Big 4 bank shares like Westpac have had a rollercoaster year. The Westpac share price is down 13.7% in the last 12 months but up 8.6% in 2021.

Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) have edged 2.3% and 4.5%, respectively lower.

More reading

• Here’s why ASX bank shares might juice up their dividends in 2021
• This ASX 200 stock is tipped to lift dividends by 87% this year
• Why this broker likes ANZ (ASX:ANZ), NAB (ASX:NAB), and Westpac (ASX:WBC)
• Does Xinja’s downfall mean neobanks are dead?
• Loan deferrals down, big four ASX banks up?

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

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The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price continues to astonish investors, setting a new all-time record high of $128.50 in mid-morning trade today. 

Can’t stop, won’t stop 

While other buy now, pay later shares (BNPL) have chopped back and forth throughout FY21, Afterpay has continued to set new record highs, seemingly just weeks apart. 

Apart from pioneering the BNPL industry, the Afterpay share price has lifted higher off the back of a number of recent announcements and developments. 

Broker updates 

Brokers certainly seem to love the Afterpay share price, with Morgan Stanley the most recent broker to raise its share price target. 

On Thursday, Morgan Stanley lifted its price target from $120.00 to $136.00 with an overweight rating. The broker anticipates strong first half FY21 performance as downloads of the Afterpay app continue to surge in the US and UK.

However, it is weary of the strong Australian dollar that could weaken earnings. 

A new US player emerges

Affirm, a US-based BNPL successfully raised US$1.2 billion in an initial public offering (IPO) at an offer price of $49 per share. Its debut on Wednesday saw its shares close at $97.24, almost double its offer price. This momentum carried over to Thursday where it closed 18% higher to $114.95. 

The surging Affirm share price has ballooned its market capitalisation to approximately US$27 billion, very close to Afterpay’s current market cap of approximately A$35 billion. 

In FY20, Affirm recorded 6.2 million customers, 6,500 merchants and US$4.6 billion in gross merchandise volume. 

By comparison, Afterpay is a global business with 11.2 million active customers and 63,800 active merchants as of 30 September 2020. The company also achieved $4.1 billion in sales in just first quarter FY21 alone. 

Pending further global expansion 

There are a number of exciting geographic expansions that could see Afterpay continue its global dominance. This includes the company’s pending approval from the Bank of Spain to acquire Pagantis in Europe and the development of a strategy to tackle the South Asia market. 

More reading

• ASX 200 rises 0.4%
• What’s next for WAAAX shares in 2021? 
• Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price jumps 10% on bullish broker note
• Could this be why Afterpay (ASX:APT) and other BNPL shares are soaring today?
• ASX 200 up 0.3%: Afterpay surges, Pro Medicus rockets on $40m contract, Whitehaven rises

Motley Fool contributor Lina Lim has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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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Payright Ltd (ASX: PYR) shares are on the rise today after the company released its trading update for the final quarter of 2020 calendar year.

In morning trade, the Payright share price is up 5.8% to 90 cents.

What driving the Payright share price higher

For the period ending December 31, Payright revealed strong quarter-on-quarter growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) and customer numbers across the Australia and New Zealand region.

Total group GMV came to $20.6 million for the quarter, up 28% on the prior corresponding period.

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider attributed its solid performance to a direct strategy of offering higher-value purchases to its customers.

In addition, the business expanded its customer base to 42,300, which represented a lift of 13% on the September quarter. This was underpinned by Payright’s approach in adding new merchants to its growing portfolio, which in turn harnessed new customers.

The company signed 256 agreements in the December period complementing its 2,800-merchant partnerships. Payright is currently tapped into the retail, home improvement, health and beauty, photography, education and automotive sectors.

The company further noted that it is uniquely positioned throughout Australia and New Zealand as a high-value ‘considered’ purchases provider. Offering between $1,000 to $20,000, Payright highlighted its product differentiation to existing players in the BNPL market. Higher-value purchases allow customers to pay for more expensive products and services that are not available from other BNPL providers.

Management commentary

Payright Co-CEO  Piers Redward, welcomed the results, saying:

In addition to the strong momentum across our target markets, the progress we are making in New Zealand is clear evidence of the significant opportunity for Payright to assist businesses which are seeking a consistent solution across both geographies. We believe this will help to further strengthen our position in Australia, particularly in relation to merchants which operate across both countries.

Payright Co-CEO Myles Redward added:

The growth we are seeing is a direct outcome of the strategy we are pursuing. This includes complementary customer and merchant acquisition strategies to keep growing our penetration rates across both geographies and across our key industry sectors, as well as the enhancement of integrated technology solutions spanning ecommerce, marketplaces and point of sale software designed to accelerate our growth agenda.

More reading

• BNPL debutant Payright (ASX:PYR) share price tumbles 12% on IPO
• New BNPL enters ASX: How it promises to be different

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

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The competition authority has urged the government to reform how Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD)’s take-off and landing slots are assigned to make it easier for challenger airlines to enter the market.

Domestic aviation has long been an effective duopoly between Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and the now-privately owned Virgin Australia.

A third player, Regional Express Holdings Ltd (ASX: REX), has traditionally served rural routes but will start servicing the lucrative Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane triangle from March.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), in a submission to a senate inquiry, called for changes to make the sector more competitive.

One way is to reform how airport slots are allocated to make it easier for new players to compete.

Currently, slots are given to airlines indefinitely.

“There have been growing concerns within industry that airlines have been able to exploit the slot-management scheme to hoard slots and/or use slots inefficiently to maintain their market power and prevent entry or expansion by competitors,” said the ACCC submission.

The ACCC has proposed financial deterrents to stop airlines from hogging slots while not using them.

Other ways the big airlines stifle competition

The competition watchdog also reported it has received complaints from within the aviation industry about ‘capacity dumping’ and ‘predatory pricing’.

Both practices lessen competition by making it harder for newcomers to challenge the duopoly.

Capacity dumping involves putting on more flights and seats than is necessary for a particular route. Regional Express has accused Qantas of this practice by starting on rural routes that don’t have sufficient demand for 2 airlines.

Predatory pricing is when airlines sell seats at below the cost of providing them.

“Cheap airfares may be beneficial to consumers in the short term,” the ACCC stated.

“However, if an airline offering airfares at below cost results in competitors exiting the market, consumers could be left with substantially more expensive airfares and less choice in the long term.”

According to ACCC chair Rod Sims, sometimes his organisation may identify “concerning behaviour” but it falls short of the level required for it to take “enforcement action”.

“The ACCC will be ready to recommend potential policy options, including potential regulatory protection for airline users, should there be signs that the competition is not effective,” he said.

“Rivalry between airlines can encourage cheaper airfares, more favourable terms and conditions, better quality in-flight services, more frequent services and a broader network reach.”

More reading

• Either Rex or Virgin will perish: Qantas boss
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• The latest ASX “buy” recommendations from top brokers
• These are the latest 2021 ASX “buy” ideas from top brokers
• Qantas (ASX:QAN) sells international flights for July

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Qantas Airways Limited and Sydney Airport Holdings 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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The Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) share price is on course to end the week on a disappointing note.

In morning trade the gold miner’s shares are down 4% to 73.5 cents.

This latest decline means the Resolute share price is now down over 50% from its 52-week high.

Why is the Resolute share price dropping lower?

Investors have been selling the company’s shares this morning following the release of a market update.

According to the release, Resolute recorded gold production of 89,888 ounces during the three months ended 31 December. This comprised production of 35,747 ounces from Syama Sulphide, 10,754 ounces from Syama Oxide, and 43,387 ounces from Mako.

This led to the company’s total gold production during calendar year 2020 coming in at 395,136 ounces with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,074 an ounce.

While this means its costs just scraped in at the high end of its guidance range, its production fell short of its downgraded guidance of 400,000 ounces.

Management blamed issues at the Syama Gold Mine in Mali for the guidance miss. It notes that open pit operations experienced mining equipment availability and process plant material handling issues.

At the end of the period, Resolute had cash and bullion of US$106 million.

What about 2021?

For the 12 months to 31 December 2021, management is forecasting a decline in total gold production to 350,000 ounces to 375,000 ounces.

It is also expecting its costs to increase to an AISC of between US$1,200 an ounce and US$1,275 an ounce.

The main drag on its performance in 2021 will be its Mako operation. While gold production is expected to lift at Syama, management is forecasting a sizeable production decline and an increase in costs at Mako.

Management advised that this is due to a cut-back of the main pit being undertaken, which will provide access to deeper sections of the deposit and increase the life of mine.

Non-sustaining capital expenditure is forecast to be US$29 million. This is inclusive of the Mako cut back of US$13 million and capitalised exploration expenditure of US$6 million. Sustaining capital expenditure of US$49 million is included in its AISC.

More reading

• Why the Costa Group share price (ASX:CGC) is crashing this morning
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• These were the worst performers on the ASX 200 last week
• Why Bigtincan, Over the Wire, Resolute, & Uniti shares are dropping lower
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week

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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An uncertain economic and political outlook may mean that a plan to invest in shares today seems unappealing to some individuals. After all, last year was an incredibly challenging period that could yet continue in the coming months.

However, on a long-term view, buying shares today could be a sound move. Through investing money in a diverse range of high-quality businesses while they trade at low prices, an investor may be able to achieve financial freedom.

Buying high-quality shares today

Investing in shares today clearly carries short-term risks. As such, it could be a good idea to buy companies that have solid financial positions and wide economic moats. Their strong balance sheets that contain little or no debt may mean they are under less pressure should the economic outlook deteriorate. This may increase their chances of surviving what could be a challenging period in 2021 to benefit from a likely long-term stock market recovery.

Similarly, companies with wide economic moats may be able to improve their market positions after present economic challenges. Their unique products, low cost bases or brand loyalty may mean they produce stronger growth rates in the coming years. This may contribute to higher share prices via more generous valuations that make a positive impact on an investor’s chances of achieving financial freedom.

Investing in shares today at low prices

Investing in shares today could be a profitable long-term move because of the low valuations that are present in many sectors. Investors seem to be cautious about the outlooks for a number of industries that could produce disappointing returns in the coming months. However, as the economy recovers and consumer confidence improves, those same sectors could benefit the most from an improving operating environment.

Therefore, unpopular shares that trade at cheap prices could provide scope for strong capital gains in the long run. Buying any asset at a discount to its intrinsic value has historically provided greater scope for capital growth as its outlook improves. Of course, it is important to only invest money in high-quality businesses, rather than simply buying cheap stocks. Otherwise, an investor may end up with a portfolio full of low-quality businesses that lack recovery potential.

Considering risk when aiming for financial freedom

Managing risk is likely to be an important consideration for any investor who is seeking to achieve financial freedom. After all, the world economy faces an uncertain future in 2021.

Therefore, diversifying across a wide range of companies and sectors could be a sound move. It may allow an investor to become less reliant on one or a small number of companies for their returns. This may reduce their risk of loss, improve their return prospects and increase their chances of becoming financially free in the coming years.

More reading

• Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price climbing despite cost blowout rumours
• The Whispir (ASX:WSP) share price is 30% lower than its 52-week high
• Here’s why ASX bank shares might juice up their dividends in 2021
• Why the Objective (ASX:OCL) share price just jumped 11% to a record high
• Why the Integrated Research (ASX:IRI) share price is dropping lower

Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens 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 Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has climbed 1.37% higher in early trade today despite reports of cost blowouts at its Iron Bridge Magnetite Project.

Why is the Fortescue share price under pressure?

According to a report in The Australian, Fortescue is looking at revising its project costs. Industry sources quoted by the paper say the US$2.6 billion project could see costs increased by 25%.

The report noted that Fortescue has not yet agreed to a revised budget with its project partner, Formosa Plastics. The Taiwanese plastics company owns a 31% stake in the project.

However, it’s worth noting Fortescue said in October that the project was on budget and scheduled to deliver its first shipment in 2022.

The Fortescue share price has had a good run over the past 12 months. Shares in the Aussie iron ore miner have surged 128.2% higher as at Thursday’s close.

News of the cost blowouts haven’t affected the ASX 200 share in early trade even as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) trends lower.

According to the article, industry sources have said that all major projects in Western Australia could be facing budget pressures.

A rising Aussie dollar as well as higher input costs were cited as key factors behind the budget stress.

The Aussie dollar has been climbing higher as iron ore prices soar and foreign countries continue to purchase our key exports.

What is the Iron Bridge project?

The Iron Bridge project is a magnetite mine in Western Australia setup as a joint venture between Fortescue and Formosa.

The Project is located 145km south of Port Hedland and is one of the biggest magnetite resources in Australia.

Foolish takeaway

The Fortescue share price has climbed higher in early trade despite broad market weakness and the overnight report. It’s worth noting that the reported cost blowouts remain unconfirmed by the iron ore giant.

More reading

• This ASX 200 stock is tipped to lift dividends by 87% this year
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%
• 3 reasons we might see higher ASX share prices in 2021
• Does the ASX care that Donald Trump has been impeached, twice?

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

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After surging as high as $5.24 last year, shares in ASX tech company Whispir Limited (ASX:WSP) have lagged recently, with the Whispir share price sliding all the way back down to just $3.62 as at the time of writing – that’s a drop of over 30%. Has the wind gone out of the sails of this once up-and-coming tech company?

First, let’s take a look at what Whispir actually does

With a market cap still well under $400 million, Whispir may be flying under the radar for many investors, so it’s worth providing a little background on the company’s operations.

Whispir is a technology company that helps manage and streamline communications workflows for business clients. Its centralised platform helps customers create high quality, customisable templates for email, web and social media communications, as well as drive insightful reporting.

What drove the Whispir share price in 2020?

Whispir was one of a number of young ASX tech shares to have performed well even during the most restrictive coronavirus lockdowns imposed in Australia last year. The share prices of companies like Megaport Limited (ASX:MP1) and Nitro Software Limited (ASX:NTO) stormed to new highs in the latter half of 2020. However, they have also come off the boil in recent months.

What made these three companies so similar was their ability to meet the unique demands of the COVID-19 operating environment. Megaport’s cloud network services helped companies adapt to remote working environments by increasing their network connectivity and giving them the ability to manage their bandwidth usage.

Nitro develops software that digitises document workflows. It helped business clients to create, edit, sign and store important documents entirely online, reducing the need for traditional forms of hardcopy file management. Again, this service provided valuable support to companies forced to adapt to remote working and social distancing.

Whispir also supported its business clients through COVID-19 by helping to manage their communications obligations. The company was quick to develop standardised templates to assist in communicating with staff and customers throughout the pandemic. For example, the company reported that one of its clients, Mt Buller Ski Resort, had been using its communications templates to manage its contact tracing requirements.

More recent news

Whispir’s most recent market update was from all the way back in October 2020, when it reported on its financial results for the first quarter of FY21. The company onboarded 35 new customers during the quarter – its strongest first quarter on record – and grew annualised recurring revenue by 26.7% against the prior corresponding period to $43.7 million.

Given the strong start to FY21, it’s difficult to speculate on the reason behind the decline in the company’s share price.

For its part, Whispir is bullish on its outlook for FY21, despite the continued uncertainty caused by COVID-19. In his address at the company’s annual general meeting, Whispir CEO Jeromy Wells stated that the company was forecasting full year revenue growth for FY21 in the range of 21% to 30% to between $47.5 million and $51 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation expenses is also set to improve by between 14% and 35% year-on-year.

More reading

• These small cap ASX shares have huge growth opportunities
• 2 exciting small cap ASX shares to watch this month
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• The Megaport (ASX:MP1) share price is down 8% this week
• Why Nick Scali, Nitro Software, Silver Lake, & Xero shares are dropping lower

Rhys Brock owns shares of MEGAPORT FPO, Nitro Software Limited, and Whispir Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends MEGAPORT FPO and Whispir Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO, Nitro Software Limited, and Whispir 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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