• Magellan (ASX:MFG) launches new ETF offerings

    Block letters 'ETF' on yellow/orange background with pink piggy bank

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) is one of, if not the, most successful Australian fund managers on the ASX (or off it, for that matter). Just last week, Magellan told the markets it has close to $103 billion (specifically $102.996 billion) in assets under management, which included net inflows of $26 million for the month. That’s a lot of money to be taking a clip from every year.

    Over the past two years or so, Magellan shares have appreciated by almost 120%, turning Magellan co-founder and chief investment officer Hamish Douglass into a billionaire.

    Magellan has successfully tapped into an appetite in the Australian investor for access to some of the best companies in the world outside the ASX.

    Magellan’s flagship Global Fund has returned an average of 15.67% per annum over the past decade. That has clearly turned heads given that this fund (across both its listed and unlisted offerings) has more than $15 billion in assets under management alone.

    But Magellan has been busy in recent months. It has just completed an amalgamation of some of its listed and unlisted funds into single entities. That’s why investors can now choose to buy open-ended managed fund units directly from Magellan or on the ASX, or closed-ended shares just on the ASX. As an example, the Global Fund now trades on the share market as Magellan Global Fund (ASX: MGF), as well as Magellan Global Fund Open Class (ASX: MGOC).

    Magellan launches new ‘Core’ ETFs

    But we got some more exciting news from Magellan today. The company has announced it is launching a new series of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), most of them under a new ‘Core’ brand. These funds aren’t listed on the ASX, but rather on Chi-X, an alternative share market to the ASX in Australia.

    These new funds (and ticker symbols) are as follows;

    • MFG Core International Fund (CXA: MCSG)
    • MFG Core ESG Fund (CXA: MCSE)
    • MFG Core Infrastructure Fund (CXA: MCSI)
    • Magellan Sustainable Fund (CXA: MSUF)

    You might notice that the last one stands out. The Magellan Sustainable Fund is not part of this ‘Core’ series, but rather an actively managed fund dedicated to ethical investing. It will set investors back with a management fee of 1.35% per annum.

    But turning back to this ‘Core’ series, the idea is that these ETFs provide a broader and less ‘active’ approach than Magellan’s existing funds. For one, instead of Magellan’s standard fee of 1.35% per annum (which applies to the Global Fund), these ETFs will only charge 0.5% per annum.

    Additionally, each fund will reportedly hold between 70 and 90 companies (70 to 100 for the Infrastructure Fund). By comparison, the Global Fund aims for between 20 and 40, and Magellan’s High Conviction Trust (ASX: MHH) holds just 8 to 12. The Global Fund also has the mandate to keep between 0% and 20% of its value in cash (the High Conviction Trust aims for between 0% to 50%). Meanwhile, the Core funds have a maximum of 10% cash (5% for the Infrastructure Fund), with “an aim to be fully invested”.

    Why this new range?

    The reason for this new range? Magellan CEO Brett Cairns had this to say:

    The MFG Core Series has been under development for several years and extends the successful approach that has been applied by our institutional Core Infrastructure Fund and mandates for the past 10 years. This approach actively constructs diversified portfolios of high-quality companies leveraging Magellan’s research, and manages them using a proprietary process…

    We believe the series provides an attractive lower cost alternative for those wishing to gain an exposure to Magellan’s research and investment expertise but are not necessarily seeking our full actively managed portfolio services. We have also had considerable interest from retail investors and advisers in making our sustainable investment strategy available to the retail market in Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Magellan High Conviction Trust. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why the IOUpay (ASX:IOU) share price is charging higher today

    hand on touch screen lit up by a share price chart moving higher

    The IOUpay Ltd (ASX: IOU) share price is pushing higher on Tuesday following the release of an operational update.

    In afternoon trade the fintech and digital commerce software solutions provider’s shares are up 3% to 16 cents.

    What did IOUpay announce?

    This morning the company released a comprehensive operational update covering its business activities and new product development initiatives.

    According to the release, the company has signed merchant service agreements with two payment gateway providers in Malaysia. This includes one of the top three in Malaysia based on the number of active merchants and customer payment transactions.

    It has also now received approval from the card issuing and merchant acquiring partnership bank of one of the two payment gateways. This enables IOUpay to process buy now pay later transactions for its merchant customers using credit and debit card payments processed by the company’s platform.

    IOUpay advised that the bank is one of Malaysia’s largest commercial banks with 7,000+ ecommerce merchants and 10,000 instore merchants.

    What else is happening?

    IOUpay has signed a subscription for service agreement with Malaysia’s leading credit reporting agency, CTOS Data Systems.

    It has also been approved and certified by CTOS as a CTOS Trusted Party. This makes it one of approximately 150 entities in Malaysia with the certification. The others comprise banks, major non-bank financial institutions, credit card companies, and insurance companies.

    CTOS is understood to have approximately 75% market share of the credit reporting market in Malaysia. It has information on 2 million companies and 15 million individuals, 7 million unique legal records, and 4 million trade references.

    Buy now pay later platform enhancements.

    Finally, the company also revealed that it has completed the development and testing of core system functionality and interoperability of its buy now pay later transaction processing platform and service offering as scheduled.

    These enhancements have been made to the Customer, Merchant, and Administration Systems. They include essential and proprietary system access and security, user feature sets and interface, combined with processing, administration, compliance and reporting functionality.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    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…

    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

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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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  • Amazon’s driverless electric vehicle is coming

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

    Zoox electric vehicle parked against city scape

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

    Earlier this year, Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) purchased Zoox, a six-year old start-up seeking to create autonomous driving vehicles from the ground up. It reportedly paid over $1.2 billion in the deal, making it one of Amazon’s largest ever acquisitions.

    On Monday, the company revealed the Zoox vehicle and its plans for the fully autonomous electric vehicle. Amazon is planning to compete with Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER) and Lyft Inc (NASDAQ: LYFT) using the Zoox electric vehicle (EV) as a driverless robotaxi, according to a Bloomberg report.

    The EV can carry up to four people, travel in either direction, doesn’t contain a steering wheel, and has a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour. Its two battery packs are enough for the vehicle to run up to 16 hours on a single charge. The company plans to launch an app-based ride hailing service in some U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Las Vegas, as well as overseas. 

    Zoox chief technology officer Jesse Levinson said the vehicle has passed all safety crash tests, according to the Bloomberg report. It navigates using spinning laser sensors and cameras on each corner of the vehicle, giving it the ability to see a complete field of vision at all times. 

    CEO Evans also said the EV “could move packages” at some point, referring to the possibility of creating a fleet of autonomous delivery vehicles, though she said there are no current plans for that. 

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

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    Howard Smith owns shares of Amazon. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Uber Technologies and recommends the following options: short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon and long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why Amaysim, Orocobre, Pacific Smiles, & Xero shares are pushing higher

    beat the share market

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is fighting hard to get into positive territory today but keeps falling short. In early afternoon trade the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 6,644.8 points.

    Four shares that have not let that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are pushing higher:

    Amaysim Australia Ltd (ASX: AYS)

    The Amaysim share price has risen 3.5% to 75.5 cents. This morning the junior telco received a takeover approach from WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM). The fund manager has offered a number of options for shareholders to consider. One being 1 new WAM share for every 2.7 Amaysim shares. This represents an offer of 83.3 cents. WAM has also offered cash of 69.5 cents per share or a combination of the two.

    Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE)

    The Orocobre share price has climbed 3.5% higher to $4.26. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium miner. However, investors could be responding to a broker note out of UBS late last week. Its analysts have a buy rating and an improved $4.90 price target on Orocobre’s shares. UBS believes the company is well-placed to benefit from rising lithium prices.

    Pacific Smiles Group Ltd (ASX: PSQ)

    The Pacific Smiles share price is up a further 4.5% to $2.50. Investors have been buying the dental practice operator’s shares after the release of a strong trading update on Monday. One broker that was impressed is Morgan Stanley. This morning its analysts retained their overweight rating and lifted their price target on the company’s shares to $3.00.

    Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

    The Xero share price has pushed a further 3.5% higher to $149.19. The cloud-based business and accounting software provider’s shares were given a boost this week when they were added to the illustrious ASX 50 index at the next quarterly rebalance. The Xero share price hit a record high $149.58 just after lunch.

    This Tiny ASX Stock Could Be the Next Afterpay

    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…

    Because ‘Doc’ Mahanti believes this fast-growing company has all the hallmarks of genuine Moonshot potential, forget ‘buy now pay later’, this stock could be the next hot stock on the ASX.

    Doc and his team have published a detailed report on this tiny ASX stock. Find out how you can access what could be the NEXT Afterpay today!

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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 Xero. 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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  • Downer (ASX:DOW) share price edges higher on divestment news

    asx share price inching higher represented by hand making gesture of small amount

    The Downer EDI Limited (ASX: DOW) share price is on the rise today after the company announced the divestment of its Western Australian open cut mine business. During mid-morning trade, the Downer share price has inched 0.76% higher to $5.32.

    What’s driving the Downer share price?

    Investors appear to be mildly pleased by the company’s latest market update, gradually driving the Downer share price higher.

    According to its release, Downer has entered into an agreement to sell its mining services business, Open Cut Mining West, to Maca Ltd (ASX: MLD).

    This follows Downer’s announcement earlier this month it was selling 70% of its laundry business to Adamantem Capital for $155 million. In addition, Downer announced at the same time it had refinanced its debt obligations through a $1.4 billion loan facility.

    The sale of the Western Australian asset will include fleet and inventory, current liabilities, and the swapping over of existing contracts.

    Downer is set to receive over $200 million in cash for the sale of the open cut mine. This will consist of $175 million for the asset itself, and around $30 million to provide flexibility within working capital. A deferred amount of $66 million will be paid in 12 equal-monthly instalments to Downer once the transaction is completed.

    Pending customary conditions being met, Downer expects completion of the sale to happen early next year.

    Downer CEO remarks

    The CEO of Downer, Mr Grant Fenn, spoke about the company’s direction in trimming down its mining operations.

    An important part of our Urban Services strategy is to exit our capital-intensive Mining business. The sale of Open Cut Mining West follows the sale of Downer Blasting Services, the Snowden consulting business and our share in the RTL Mining and Earthworks joint venture. The proceeds received from these four transactions is in line with the carrying value of these businesses.

    We remain in active discussions with a number of interested parties in relation to the other parts of the Mining portfolio namely Open Cut Mining East, Underground, and the Otraco tyre management business.

    How has the Downer share price performed in 2020?

    The Downer share price is still a long way from reaching its pre-COVID highs, at which time it was tracking at around $8 to $9.

    Since reaching a multi-year low of $2.59 in March, however, Downer shares have recovered 105%. The company currently has a market capitalisation of $3.7 billion.

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    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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  • Woolworths (ASX:WOW) buyout makes ACCC anxious

    business man yeslling at another business man through a mega phone

    The competition watchdog has flagged “serious” concerns with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)’s buyout of PFD Food Services.

    In August, the supermarket giant announced its intention to acquire 65% of PFD, which provides food services to clients like pubs, restaurants, cafes and convenience stores.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Tuesday revealed in its preliminary findings that the buyout is “likely to increase Woolworths’ already substantial bargaining power” with suppliers.

    Woolworths needs ACCC approval for the deal to complete.

    “The ACCC is concerned that the proposed acquisition would remove PFD as an important alternative customer in the food sector, reducing the number of buyers and increasing Woolworths’ relative size as a customer of food manufacturers and suppliers,” said ACCC chair Rod Sims.

    “The dominance of Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths in food retail means that wholesale food distribution is an important alternative customer channel for manufacturers.”

    Woolworths shares were up 0.42% to $39.34 at the time of writing.

    Woolies CEO reckons he can talk ACCC around

    The supermarket acknowledged ACCC’s announcement to the ASX but denied the acquisition would reduce competition.

    “We have been working closely and constructively with the ACCC on these issues,” said Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci.

    “We will see no reduction in competition, in any relevant markets, from our proposed partnership with PFD.”

    The ACCC will hand down its final decision in April, with Banducci saying he was “confident” he could address the preliminary worries. 

    The supermarket in September quietly launched its Woolworths at Work arm, which serves non-hospitality commercial clients such as childcare centres and white-collar corporates. PFD was set to complement that operation by servicing the hospitality sector.

    Woolworths also has an operation called Woolworths AGW, which supplies petrol and convenience stores, that overlaps with PFD.

    PFD deal could harm ‘downstream’ competition

    The competition authority also flagged that the Woolworths-PFD acquisition could also structurally deteriorate the food supply sector.

    For example, PFD potentially supplies some of Woolworths’ competitors.

    “If Woolworths was able to use its existing bargaining power as a retail buyer to gain better supply prices for PFD than PFD could obtain on its own, in the medium term this could have serious consequences for the structure of the wholesale food distribution sector, such as reduced range, choice, and service levels,” said Sims.

    The ACCC will take feedback on these preliminary issues until 1 February.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET and Woolworths 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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  • SILK Laser (ASX:SLA) share price up 6% after completing IPO

    Smiling woman applying face cream in mirror

    The SILK Laser Australia Limited (ASX: SLA) share price has hit the ASX boards running this morning following the successful completion of its initial public offering (IPO).

    The laser, skin care, and cosmetic injections company’s shares are currently changing hands for $3.65.

    This is 6% higher than the SILK Laser listing price of $3.45 per share.

    The SILK Laser IPO.

    SILK Laser has landed on the Australian share market on Tuesday after raising $83.5 million at $3.45 per share through its IPO. This gave the company a market capitalisation of $162.5 million.

    According to its prospectus, some of the proceeds from the IPO will be used to execute SILK’s growth strategy. This strategy includes organic growth within existing clinics, expansion of its network, and clinic acquisitions where compelling opportunities present themselves.

    Management also intends to continue to invest in business intelligence and dashboard tools, which have been a key driver of strong clinic performance.

    What is SILK Laser?

    SILK Laser was founded in 2009 and has become one of Australia’s largest specialist clinic networks.

    Through its 53 clinics in metropolitan and regional Australia, the company offers a range of non‑surgical aesthetic products and services.

    Its five core offerings comprise laser hair removal, cosmetic injectables, skin treatments, body contouring and fat reduction services, and Owned Brand skincare products.

    Financials and trading update.

    In FY 2020 the company achieved revenue of $32.3 million and net profit of $796,000.

    Looking ahead, the company’s prospectus forecast is for revenue of $53.5 million and net profit after tax of $5.4 million in FY 2021.

    However, as of the end of the first five months of FY 2021, SILK Laser is on track to beat its forecasts.

    Management revealed that unaudited network cash sales remain well ahead of last year and are up 63% on the prior corresponding period to $38 million.

    An important milestone.

    SILK Laser’s Managing Director and Co-Founder, Martin Perelman, believes this IPO is an important milestone for the company.

    He commented: “We’re excited to reach this next step in SILK’s journey and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the SILK staff, our SILK franchisee partners and the board for their hard work in getting us to this point.”

    “For SILK, the IPO is another important milestone as we continue to execute our growth objectives, including the expansion of our clinic network across Australia. Our clinics have continued to perform strongly throughout the year, and I am confident that with the funds raised we can continue to benefit from this momentum and further accelerate our growth,” Mr Perelman added.

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  • Retail Food (ASX:RFG) share price sinks 23% this morning. Here’s why.

    asx guilty charge represented by lots of fingers all pointing at business man investor

    The Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG) share price has plummeted 23% today, after the company announced the competition watchdog ACCC will take it to court over alleged “unconscionable conduct” and “misleading representations” to its franchisees.

    At the time of writing, the Retail Food share price has dropped to 7 cents.

    Why is Retail Food share price sinking today?

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it has started proceedings in the Federal Court against Retail Food and five of its related entities.

    The ACCC alleges that the food and beverage franchise company engaged in unconscionable conduct, and made false or misleading representations in its dealings with franchisees – in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. 

    In addition, the ACCC alleges that Retail Food engaged in deceptive conduct when it sold or licensed 42 loss-making corporate stores to incoming franchisees between 2015 and 2019, by withholding important financial information from the incoming franchisees.

    Retail Food has maintained that it could not estimate earnings for a particular franchise, but the ACCC alleged that Retail Food knew the earnings of each loss-making store.

    The ACCC case also involves allegations in relation to the franchise marketing funds. All franchisees are required to pay marketing fees to Retail Food, to be held and administered by the franchisor, to pay for marketing and advertising activities.

    The ACCC alleged that Retail Food used these marketing funds to pay for non-marketing expenses in breach of the Franchising Code. In some cases, this allegedly included personnel costs for executives and employees who were not in marketing roles. 

    Quick take on the Retail Food Group

    Retail Food Group is the holding company for a group of companies that operate one of the largest multi-brand franchise operations in Australia.

    It owns well-known franchise brands such as Crust Pizza, Pizza Capers and The Coffee Guy, Michel’s Patisserie, Brumby’s Bakery, Donut King and Gloria Jean’s Coffee.

    About the Retail Food share price

    The Retail Food share price had lost 12% prior to today’s drop. After today’s massive fall, the share price is trading 50% lower on a year-to-date basis.

    The company has a market cap of $193 million.

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  • ASX 200 down 0.1%: APRA removes bank dividend restrictions, Fortescue slides, Zip higher

    ASX share

    At lunch on Tuesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to give back some of yesterday’s gains. The benchmark index is currently down 0.1% to 6,651.3 points.

    Here’s what has been happening on the market today:

    APRA removes dividend restrictions.

    Shareholders of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and the rest of the big four banks were given a lift today after APRA revealed that it will no longer hold banks to a minimum level of earnings retention. This means the big four will be able to pay out as much as their earnings to shareholders as they see fit. Though, APRA has requested the banks be vigilant with their dividend payments.

    Iron ore price pulls back.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) shares have come under pressure today and are weighing on the ASX 200. Investors have been selling their shares after the price of iron ore pulled back during overnight trade. According to CommSec, the spot iron ore price dropped approximately 3.9% to US$154.50 a tonne.

    Zip signs Harvey Norman partnership.

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is pushing higher today after announcing a partnership with the franchisees of Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) and its subsidiaries Domayne and Joyce Mayne. The partnership will see the retailers offer their customers the ability to pay with Zip’s BNPL payment solutions.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

    The Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC) share price has been the best performer on the ASX 200 on Tuesday with a 3.5% gain. This is despite there being no news out of the plumbing parts company. The worst performer has been the Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price with a 12% decline following the release of disappointing trial results.

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  • Why Althea, Altium, Fortescue, & Retail Food Group are dropping lower

    Share prices down

    It has been a disappointing day of trade for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on Tuesday. In late morning trade the benchmark index is down 0.35% to 6,636.4 points.

    Four shares that have fallen more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping lower:

    Althea Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: AGH)

    The Althea share price is down 7% to 45.5 cents after completing a capital raising. The cannabis company has raised $6 million through an institutional placement at a 10.2% discount of 44 cents per share. It will now seek to raise a further $3 million via a share purchase plan. The proceeds will be used to accelerate its growth strategy.

    Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

    The Altium share price has fallen 4% to $34.50. This follows its decision to offload its TASKING business for US$110 million on Monday in order to focus on its Altium 365 platform. This morning analysts at UBS retained their neutral rating and $36.00 price target on its shares following the news.

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    The Fortescue share price is down 3.5% to $21.39. Investors have been selling the iron ore producer’s shares after the price of the steel making ingredient pulled back overnight. According to CommSec, the spot iron ore price dropped a sizeable 3.9% to US$154.50 a tonne. However, despite this decline, it is still up materially over the last few weeks.

    Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG)

    The Retail Food Group share price has crashed 23% lower to 7 cents. The catalyst for this was news that the ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against Retail Food Group and five of its related entities. The ACCC alleges the food and beverage franchise company engaged in unconscionable conduct and made false or misleading representations in its dealings with franchisees. This is in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

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

    The post Why Althea, Altium, Fortescue, & Retail Food Group are dropping lower appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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