• Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine accepted for rolling review in Canada

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The coronavirus vaccine candidate being developed by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech (NASDAQ: BNTX) is now undergoing its first regulatory review in North America. The two companies announced that their BNT162b2 has been accepted for a rolling review by Health Canada, that country’s healthcare regulatory authority.

    A rolling review is one undertaken while a candidate is still in development; this is done in cases of urgent need, as with the current global pandemic.

    No estimate was provided as to when Health Canada might complete its review; the two companies wrote that the regulator “will not make a decision on whether to authorise any vaccine being considered under rolling review until it has received the necessary evidence to support its safety, efficacy and quality.”

    BNT162b2 is currently in phase 3 clinical trials, having reached that stage relatively quickly. As such, it is considered by many observers and pundits to be the leading COVID-19 vaccine candidate for approval.

    According to Pfizer and BioNTech, around 37,000 participants have been enrolled in more than 120 testing sites around the world in the trials. Twenty-eight thousand of those patients have received the second dose of the two-dose vaccination.

    Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech continue to get their ducks in a row regarding the manufacture and distribution of BNT162b2 should it be approved for use. On Monday, the pair said they’ve signed an agreement to supply 1.5 million doses to New Zealand. The financial terms of the deal were not specified.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

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    Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why Austal, Challenger, Orocobre, & Whitehaven Coal are dropping lower

    Red arrow downward chart

    In late morning trade on Tuesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has continued its remarkable run and is charging notably higher again. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.8% to 6,182.4 points.

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

    The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price is down 3% to $3.40. This appears to have been driven by profit taking after a solid gain over the last week. Prior to today, the shipbuilder’s shares were up a sizeable 12.5% in the space of a week. This has been driven by a couple of positive developments this month. One of which came on Monday, when Austal revealed that it has successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico for littoral combat ship, USS Mobile.

    The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price is down over 1% to $4.17. This morning the annuities company announced its intention to issue a new subordinated, unsecured, perpetual convertible security. This will be the Challenger Capital Notes 3, which it hopes will raise approximately $250 million. It is launching the notes to ensure it remains well capitalised and positioned for future growth.

    The Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) share price has fallen 2% to $2.83 despite there being no news out of the lithium miner. However, it is worth noting that lithium miners have been incredibly volatile of late. Concerns over Tesla’s plan to mine its own battery materials has weighed on investor sentiment in the industry in October.

    The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price has sunk 5.5% lower to 93 cents. Investors have been selling Whitehaven and other coal miners on Tuesday after the Chinese government reportedly told state-owned energy companies not to buy Australian coal. The AFR quoted one Chinese analyst, who said that he believed the move is “a political sanction against Australia.”

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    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

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    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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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 Austal Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • ASX company busted hiding info on $345m sell-offs

    ASX shares to avoid

    An ASX-listed company has been busted for failing to disclose to the market information regarding two deals worth more than $345 million.

    Antares Energy (now known as Blue Star Helium Ltd (ASX: BNL)) in September 2015 made announcements on the sale of two assets for US$105 million and US$149 million.

    The Federal Court on Friday found that the company breached the Corporations Act by omitting crucial details that the market should have known.

    This information included:

    • Wade Energy was the purchaser
    • Antares hadn’t independently verified the capacity of Wade Energy to complete the purchases
    • Wade Energy had told Antares that it hadn’t yet received all funding approval to complete the purchase of one of the assets

    Former Antares director James Cruickshank was also found to have failed in “his duty as a director to act with the degree of care and diligence required” for allowing the company to breach.

    A separate accusation that Cruickshank was “involved in” the breach was not upheld by the court.

    Penalties for Blue Star and Cruickshank will be determined at a later hearing.

    “The judgment in this case reinforces the importance of the continuous disclosure regime to maintaining the integrity of the Australian securities market,” Australian Securities and Investments Commission deputy chair Daniel Crennan QC.

    “The omissions from the company’s announcements to the market in this case were clearly material and therefore an appropriate subject for this civil penalty action by ASIC.”

    Justice Katrina Frances Banks-Smith said the point of the disclosure obligations was to provide the market with confidence.

    “The object is to enhance the integrity and efficiency of capital markets by requiring timely disclosure of price or market sensitive information.”

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Forget gold! How I’d find the best shares to build a fortune after the stock market crash

    businessman watching gold coins fall down

    The stock market crash has caused some investors to sell shares to buy gold. While this plan may have been successful so far, over the long run the stock market’s recovery potential may mean that a portfolio of high-quality companies outperforms the precious metal.

    With many stocks continuing to trade at bargain prices, now could be the right time to focus on identifying the best shares to buy for the long run. They may offer the highest return potential, as well as the lowest risks.

    Buying the best shares after the stock market crash

    Buying cheap shares after the stock market crash is a logical strategy. It means that you purchase assets at low prices, and could benefit from their recovery over the long run.

    However, not all cheap stocks will recover from their current low levels. Some businesses may, for example, fail to overcome short-term economic challenges. Other companies could lack the right strategy through which to adapt to changeable market conditions. Therefore, it is important to buy high-quality companies that trade at attractive prices.

    This may not necessarily mean that they are the cheapest shares around after the recent stock market crash. However, it can be wise to pay a premium for a higher-quality business that is more likely to deliver on your long-term profit goals.

    Identifying the best shares today

    The best shares to buy today could be those that remain unpopular following the stock market crash due to external reasons. In other words, they face a difficult set of operating conditions brought about by the global economic downturn. They are likely to have sound finances, solid growth strategies and competitive advantages that can turn their present weak financial performance into growing profitability over the long run.

    Unearthing such companies may be best approached by searching within unpopular sectors, or industries that are currently facing a tough near-term outlook. For example, financial services firms may be negatively impacted more than other industries by a weak economic outlook. Similarly, energy companies, retailers and consumer goods businesses may need to make changes to their business models to benefit from future economic growth. Companies within those sectors may trade at low prices, and be in a position to record improving performances in the long run.

    Buying undervalued stocks today

    While gold may be an appealing defensive asset to hold after the stock market crash, its long-term growth prospects may be less attractive than a portfolio of the best shares. Its high price and a likely improvement in investor sentiment towards the stock market may limit its prospects.

    Therefore, now may be the right time to build a portfolio of stocks that can deliver impressive returns and improve your financial position in the coming years.

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    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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    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. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why the Spirit (ASX:ST1) share price is shooting the lights out today

    K2Fly share price new high represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward

    Spirit Telecom Ltd (ASX: ST1) released its Q1 FY21 update to the market today, sending its shares flying in opening trade. The Spirit share price rocketed up 10.8% to 41 cents before dropping back to 39 cents, up 5.4%, at the time of writing. This compares to the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) which is marginally higher at 0.8% to 6,396 points.

    Let’s take a look at how Spirit performed over the first quarter.

    Record performance

    Spirit announced record growth and scale in its quarterly update for the period ending September 30. The results were underpinned by the company’s strategy in the acquisition of 7 businesses and by improving internal efficiencies.

    Total revenue for the quarter came to $15.6 million, up 149% year-on-year (YoY), and 30% above Q4 FY20. The result was predominately from recurring revenue which represented $9.2 million, up 78%. The solutions and projects division created revenue of $6.2 million, jumping 507% over the prior corresponding period.

    TCV sales increased 124% YoY to $8.4 million, with pending installations at $2.7 million and IT services and technology sales at $8.9 million. The uplift was driven by expansion into managed services, including orders placed for the school’s notebook program.

    Spirit recorded a healthy balance sheet of $30.1 million in cash and available debt as of 30 September.

    Outlook

    The company anticipates future growth coming into the second and third quarter for FY21. Spirit noted that its resellers segment was picking up with 70+ new resellers signed nationally, and more in play.

    In addition, the telecom provider will launch new Spirit-branded mobile products and bundles across Australia in Q2–Q3.

    The first unified voice communications platform, LiveCall and LivePBX will aim to operate at 75% gross margin.

    Spirit advised it expects to see material demand for its products for the rest of the financial year. This is due to the Federal Government budget tax incentives that allow businesses to spend on IT needs.

    In the acquisition space, the company said it was considering multiple targets as it focused on revenue growth.

    What did management say?

    Spirit managing director Sol Lukatsky welcomed the robust Q1 result. He said:

    We have been able to integrate the businesses efficiently, enabling us to leverage the cross-sell opportunities that have been created. We have successfully bundled services and provided a product with outstanding customer service which has led to organic growth. This has been particularly pleasing to achieve during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    With our latest acquisitions – VPD Group, Reliance, Beachhead and Altitude IT – we’ve grown our geographic footprint and expanded our national network for reselling products via Spirit Solutions Partners. This is another avenue for both organic and acquisitive growth into FY21 and beyond.

    How has the Spirit share price tracked?

    The Spirit share price has risen 95% since the beginning of the calendar year. With a market capitalisation of $200 million, the Spirit share price is trading just below its all-time high of 45 cents.

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    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SPIRIT TC FPO. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Service Stream (ASX:SSM) share price higher on NBN update

    The Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) share price is edging higher today following an update on its agreement with the NBN.

    At the time of writing the essential network services provider’s shares are up slightly to $2.18.

    What did Service Stream announce?

    This morning the company released an update on its Operations and Maintenance Master Agreement (OMMA) with NBN Co.

    According to the release, the two companies have extended the OMMA for an additional six-month period from the end of December 2020.

    It also includes the option for the NBN to extend the agreement for a further six months to December 2021. The OMMA contract has been running since 2015.

    Today’s agreement will see Service Stream continue to be responsible for performing operations and maintenance field services for the NBN. This includes service activations and service assurance activities.

    OMMA services will be provided across the NBN’s fixed line multi-technology network.

    This includes Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Premise (FTTP), Fibre to the Basement (FTTB), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) and Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC) technologies within defined contracted areas across Queensland, New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.

    What is the contract worth to Service Stream?

    The revenue generated under the OMMA contract will be dependent on NBN activation and maintenance work volumes.

    However, management notes that the agreement generated approximately $330 million in FY 2020 and $280 million in FY 2019.

    Service Stream’s Managing Director, Leigh Mackender, was very pleased with the contract extension.

    He commented: “We are delighted that by further extending the OMMA agreement, nbn has demonstrated continued confidence in Service Stream’s ability to support its national operations and the enhancement of its customers’ experience as they connect to the National Broadband Network.”

    Mr Mackender also appears optimistic that this could be the start of a much longer agreement.

    “We look forward to participating in nbn’s commercial procurement process to support a longer-term agreement being secured, post this current extension,” he concluded.

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    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Service Stream Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 3 takeaways from the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) annual general meeting

    CBA branch welcome sign

    On Tuesday morning the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is pushing higher following the release of its annual general meeting update.

    At the time of writing, the banking giant’s shares are up 2% to $70.04.

    As the bank’s annual general meeting has gone virtual because of the pandemic, I thought I would summarise the event for shareholders and readers.

    Three key takeaways from the Commonwealth Bank annual general meeting are as follows:

    Commonwealth Bank is in a strong position.

    The company’s Chair, Catherine Livingstone AO, acknowledged that the next 12 months will be difficult, but she remains positive due to its strong position.

    She commented: “Although the year ahead will involve challenges and uncertainty, the Bank faces this environment in a strong position. Our business is performing strongly, and we have a resilient balance sheet, which means we are well placed to continue delivering on our purpose.”

    Customers are happy with the bank.

    CEO and Managing Director Matt Comyn revealed that customer satisfaction is at a high level despite the difficult trading conditions. In fact, Commonwealth Bank is leading the way in the industry.

    Mr Comyn explained: “In our latest DBM net promoter score results, which is our measure of customer advocacy, we are for the first time #1 across consumer, business and institutional customers. We’re also ranked #1 in net promoter score for internet banking and our mobile app.”

    But Commonwealth Bank isn’t resting on its laurels. The CEO advised: “We are investing in our business and institutional banking experiences through enhancements to our service, data and technology capabilities.”

    New branding.

    The CEO also spoke about Commonwealth Bank’s branding update, which has seen the bank embrace an all gold logo.

    He commented: “Today you’ve seen examples of the Commonwealth Bank’s new brand, our first update in almost 30 years. We believe the time is right to refresh our brand to symbolise the work we’ve done to be better, the work we still have to do, and the brighter future we are committed to helping Australia achieve. It also represents our determination to be the bank you want us to be: the bank for all Australians, the bank for businesses and the bank for the country.”

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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. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why the HUB24 (ASX:HUB) share price surged to a record high today

    ASX shares higher

    The HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) share price has surged higher following the release of its first quarter update.

    At the time of writing the investment platform provider’s shares are up 5% to a record high of $21.79.

    How did HUB24 perform in the first quarter?

    HUB24’s update revealed that its strong form continued in the first quarter of FY 2021.

    For the three months ended 30 September, the company reported record first quarter net inflows of $1.36 billion and an average monthly net inflow of $454 million.

    Combined with a positive market movement of $436 million, this lifted its Funds Under Administration (FUA) to $19 billion at the end of September. This was a 32% increase on the prior corresponding period and has increased HUB24’s platform market share to 2.1%.

    What were the drivers of its growth?

    Management advised that its strong flows were driven from both new and existing licensee channels across self-licensed and boutique advisers, brokers, and large national accounts.

    This includes advisers winning new clients as well as funds being transitioned from incumbent platforms.

    Pleasingly, management remains positive on the future and notes that its new business pipeline continues to grow.

    It signed 27 new licensee agreements during the September quarter, with both large boutique licensees and self-licensed practices.

    Management commented: “HUB24 is confident that the new business pipeline will continue to grow as additional opportunities emerge given adviser movement from institutional licensees and further industry consolidation.”

    “Given market dynamics, HUB24 continues to be a platform of choice as advisers look for stability, delivering innovative product solutions that provide their clients with choice and customer service excellence,” it added.

    In addition to this, the company notes that business development activity across all states is continuing as advisers adapt to the current environment. Furthermore, the HUB24 team continues to leverage growth opportunities from within its existing customer base while actively pursuing new relationships.

    Rate cut impact.

    The company also provided commentary on the impact it is experiencing from the ultra low cash rate.

    “HUB24 is continuing to absorb some of the impact of the historically low interest rates since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate reductions announced in March 2020. Should the RBA announce a further rate reduction, HUB24 expects to absorb this reduction which will negatively impact platform segment revenue until interest rates begin to rise,” it concluded.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks now

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    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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    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 Hub24 Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • New Chinese government threat leaves these ASX mining stocks on tenterhooks

    Two red shipping containers with the word 'Tariff' and Chinese flag

    Some ASX mining stocks could come under pressure on reports that China may be banning the use of Australian coal.

    Several sources have confirmed to the Australian Financial Review that Chinese authorities have been telling their local traders to stop buying coal from us.

    The ban includes thermal coal, which is used in power plants, and coking coal that is used in producing steel.

    ASX miners hit by China coal ban

    The AFR quoted one Chinese analyst saying he believed the move is “a political sanction against Australia”.

    It is also alleged that Beijing only issued a verbal ban. This is because it didn’t want to leave evidence of trade protectionism that could be used against it in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

    However, the financial impact of the ban on Australian coal producers is unclear. Power plants that use Aussie thermal coal have used up their coal import quota two months ago.

    Why share prices of ASX miners are reacting differently

    This could explain why the share prices of ASX coal producers responded differently when reports of the ban started leaking yesterday.

    The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price crashed by over 5% to 98 cents. But the New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price dipped 0.8% to $1.30 and South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price was flat at $2.19.

    Roughly half of Whitehaven’s coal is coking (used for steel), which may be more impacted by the unofficial Chinese ban.

    New Hope produces thermal coal from two open cut coal mines in South East Queensland, while South32 produces a diverse range of minerals other than coal.

    ASX stocks used as pawns on Sino-Australia chess board

    “We are aware of these reports and have had discussions with Australia’s resources industry, who have previously faced occasional disruptions to trade flows with China,” Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said in a statement reported in the AFR.

    “Australia will continue to highlight our standing as a reliable supplier of high grade resources that provide mutual benefits.”

    Several ASX stocks have been used as pawns in the escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price and Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) share price have also felt the heat.

    China is using Australian wine, beef and barley to punish Australia after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

    Given our economic over-reliance on the Asian giant, investors should be prepared for more volatility ahead!

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of South32 Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • ASX website crash reminds everyone it has a monopoly

    man with head in hands after looking at stock market crash on computer, asx 200 share market crash

    ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) has been heavily criticised for problems with its new website, which went live on Monday.

    After testing and trial runs, the system went fully public on Monday. But it was plagued with issues on day one – including not being able to show company announcements in the midst of the annual general meetings season.

    “ASX announcements are currently not displaying on the ASX website,” stated ASX Ltd’s Twitter account.

    “All company announcements are available to view via brokers and news agencies.”

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

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

    Even the website’s intentional designs were panned, with many social media users criticising putting previously accessible information behind a user login wall.

    The Motley Fool has contacted ASX Ltd for comment.

    ASX has a monopoly, remember?

    Some users said the failures reminded investors that the company runs a monopoly.

    In the UK, publicly listed companies are allowed to choose from a few different providers to meet their mandatory disclosure obligations. These include news agencies.

    In Australia, all ASX companies must go through ASX Ltd to post their announcements.

    OpenMarkets chief executive Ivan Tchourilov told the Australian Financial Review that the ASX stranglehold in Australia, like any monopoly, was unhealthy.

    “The industry is concerned that ASX has too much power to dictate play and there isn’t much of an opportunity for competitors to create a diverse environment that will ultimately benefit customers,” he said.

    Forget what just happened. THIS is the stock we think could rocket next…

    One little-known Australian IPO has doubled in value since January, and renowned Australian Moonshot stock picker Anirban Mahanti sees a potential millionaire-maker in waiting…

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    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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