• ASX beware: RBA warns on bank loan deferrals

    ASX Bank

    ASX investors beware, the RBA has warned about what may happen when the loan deferrals come to an end in a few months.

    According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review, RBA boss Philip Lowe had a bank-focused meeting on Friday with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as well as bank bosses.

    The topic of the meeting was the $236 billion of loan deferrals that are on course to end on 30 September 2020.

    One of the problems is that the loan deferrals are going to come to an end at the same time as jobkeeper ends. Most of the COVID-19 support could end at exactly the same time. 

    There are specific government measures that will support some areas of the economy for longer. There was a package for the arts and entertainment sector. There’s also the ‘homebuilder’ grant which will give people $25,000 who are involved with new home builds or large renovations.

    We’ve already heard that there is extended government support for the childcare sector. A business like G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) will benefit from that. The government may also launch more support for airlines after Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) did a large capital raising and announced 6,000 job cuts.

    Certain industries aren’t going to rebound as quickly due to no fault of their own.

    RBA wants banks to keep playing their part

    AFR sources revealed that whilst Dr Lowe said the economy was recovering well and liquidity was strong, a second-round effect could see demand dry up. There could be another wave of job losses in the next few months.

    The RBA boss wants to make sure that banks continue to lend. APRA is thinking about whether to give banks the leniency to defer loans beyond September. That mean the banks wouldn’t be punished with capital penalties.

    The AFR indicated banks are willing to extend the loan deferrals beyond September, but only on a case-by-case basis after analysing the borrower’s circumstances.

    What does this mean for ASX shares?

    Obviously shareholder returns is not the key focus of the RBA or the government. They want banks to remain robust and continue to lend. The economy needs lending to continue to function properly.

    These issues obviously affect the big ASX banks of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

    It would also affect the other lenders like Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN), Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN).

    Banks can’t continue the payment holiday forever. They need to make profit for shareholders and they need cashflow from the borrowers. I’m not sure how much more leniency the banks can give borrowers. As much as the RBA wants them to be lenient.

    Some banks like Westpac and ANZ have already taken the big decision of deferring the dividend. Considering many industries are now largely operational again, I think banks would be entitled to decide that payments should resume for borrowers who have the capability to pay.

    However, I’m sure the federal government feels strongly about not letting house prices crash. A property decline seems unavoidable, but a housing crash wouldn’t be good for the economy at all.

    Foolish takeaway

    I think the RBA is right to be worried about continued bank lending and the deferred loans. No-one wants to see a big wave of forced property sales over the next 12 months.

    There are some big problems for the banks to deal with. Their shareholders want them to keep making profit but the government and economy needs the banks to continue to shoulder a lot of the pain. I’m glad I’m not on a bank management team during this difficult period. I don’t think the banks are out of the woods yet, though Macquarie and CBA would be my preferred picks if I had to choose one or two banks.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

    Buy ASX shares

    Last week saw a large number of broker notes hitting the wires once again. Three buy ratings that caught my eye are summarised below.

    Here’s why brokers think investors ought to buy them next week:

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and lifted the price target on this footwear-focused retailer’s shares to $1.90. The broker was pleasantly surprised with Accent’s trading update and notes that its sales are well ahead of its expectations. This strong performance, which has been driven by impressive online sales growth, has led to Morgan Stanley lifting its estimates through to FY 2022. I agree with the broker and believe it could be a top option in the retail sector.

    Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

    Analysts at Credit Suisse have retained their outperform rating and lifted the price target on this autoparts company’s shares to $7.20. This follows the release of a trading update last week. According to the note, the broker believes that Bapcor’s shares are deserving of a re-rating thanks to its strong performance and positive industry outlook. I think that Credit Suisse makes some great points and Bapcor could be worth considering.

    CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

    A note out of Goldman Sachs reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $336.00 price target on this biotherapeutics company’s shares. This follows the announcement of the acquisition of AMT-061 from uniQure for US$450 million. AMT-061 is a gene therapy undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of patients with haemophilia B. Goldman notes that this therapy has the potential to transform the treatment paradigm. It expects this to complement and expand its existing franchise (Idelvion) and potentially extend its sustainability. I agree and would be a buyer of CSL’s shares.

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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 CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week

    shares to sell

    Once again, a large number of broker notes hit the wires last week. Some of these notes were positive and some were bearish.

    Three sell ratings that caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why top brokers think investors ought to sell these shares next week:

    Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $11.70 price target on this iron ore producer’s shares. The broker has concerns over the iron ore price and believes it is likely to come under pressure in the near future. This is because Citi is forecasting steel production to peak and iron ore demand to soften. It feels this could weigh on the Fortescue share price. The Fortescue share price ended the week at $14.18.

    Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE)

    A note out of the Macquarie equities desk reveals that its analysts have retained their underperform rating and $1.80 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. According to the note, Orocobre’s latest update revealed lower than expected sales and volumes. Unfortunately, Macquarie doesn’t expect things to improve quickly and suspects that high lithium carbonate inventory levels globally will continue to weigh on prices for some time to come. The Orocobre share price last traded at $2.37.

    Shopping Centres Australasia Property Group Re Ltd (ASX: SCP)

    Another note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating and $1.87 price target on this shopping centre operator. The broker notes that Shopping Centres Australasia has reported a material shortfall in rent during the current quarter. And while rent collections are improving, the broker hasn’t seen enough to make a change to its rating. It continues to believe its shares are overvalued at the current level. The company’s shares ended the week at $2.27.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Shopping Centres Australasia Property Group. 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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  • Invest $50 per day in ASX shares to generate a $50,000 passive income

    Earning passive income, ASX shares

    Many investors think the possibility of generating a passive income from ASX shares is just a pipe dream.

    However, it’s very possible to invest just $50 per day in your favourite companies and be able to retire with a strong portfolio.

    How to generate a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares

    $50 per day works out to be $18,250 per year invested in ASX shares. Let’s make some basic assumptions including no taxes or transaction costs and a steady 7% per annum return.

    If we assume returns are calculated at the end of each year, we would invest $18,250 in ASX shares in year 1 with a return of $1,277.50 in the first year.

    By continually reinvesting these returns into the share portfolio, and also maintaining the ongoing investment of $50 per day over 40 years, the portfolio would grow from $0 to $730,000 during this period.

    This means that if you’re investing from the age of 25, you could retire with a $730,000 portfolio by age 65. That 7% return would then be worth a tidy $51,100 per year. Not bad for a passive income in retirement.

    Which ASX shares could generate a 7% return?

    It goes without saying that investment returns are never guaranteed. 

    A 7% return seems high but it is the approximate, long-run average return for global share markets. ASX income shares like Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) or Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) boast some pretty strong dividend yields.

    But it’s not just income shares that could hold the the key to delivering 7% gains. ASX growth shares like Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) have rocketed higher in recent years and have easily exceeded 7% per annum gains.

    Foolish takeaway

    When it comes to investing, I still think diversification is the name of the game, especially over a 40-year time horizon. 

    If this quick example shows us anything, it’s clear that patience and discipline are the key to building long-term wealth.

    If you want to set yourself up for retirement, keeping a long-term view of your goals is critical to success.

    3 “Double Down” Stocks To Ride The Bull Market

    Motley Fool resident tech stock expert Dr. Anirban Mahanti has stumbled upon three under-the-radar stock picks he believes could be some of the greatest discoveries of his investing career.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Scentre Group. 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 market crash could boost your chances of making a million

    $1 million with fireworks and streamers, millionaire, ASX shares

    Buying stocks after a market crash may sound like a risky strategy for anyone who is seeking to build a portfolio valued at over a million. It could produce paper losses in the short run due to the unpredictability still present across the stock market.

    However, a market downturn provides investors with the opportunity to buy stocks at lower prices. It may also strengthen the competitive positions of dominant businesses in a range of industries, and allow them to generate high returns in the coming years.

    As such, investing in the stock market today could increase your chances of making a million in the long run.

    Buying after a market crash

    Many investors adopt a strategy where they aim to buy stocks when they are priced at low levels. They then seek to hold them until such a time that they trade at a much higher price.

    The main problem with that strategy is that the periods when stock prices are at their lowest have historically coincided with economic downturns. At such times, risks facing investors are at their highest.

    For example, the most recent notable market crash prior to that experienced in 2020 occurred in 2008/09. At that time, a great number of companies traded at prices that had not been seen for many years.

    Following the market crash, a large proportion of them delivered successful stock price recoveries. However, many investors did not buy stocks when they traded at low prices due to the short-term risks they faced. This meant that they were unable to access the wide margins of safety that were on offer for a limited time, with their returns in the following years likely to have suffered as a result.

    Although at the present time there are significant risks facing investors over the short run, in the long term the stock market is likely to recover. Therefore, buying a diverse range of companies during the current market could allow investors to fulfil the first part of their ‘buy low/sell high’ strategy.

    Industry positions

    The recent market crash could also cause stronger companies within a specific industry to improve upon their competitive positions. For example, those businesses that are better equipped to survive a prolonged economic downturn may gain market share. This may allow them to generate higher returns in the coming years.

    As such, investors who can not only purchase cheap stocks, but also the highest-quality companies in an industry, may improve their chances of generating high returns in the coming years.

    The market crash may highlight weaknesses in companies that had previously been overlooked by investors, such as high debt levels and inefficient business models. Investors may now focus their capital on the strongest companies within a sector that offer the most appealing risk/reward ratios. This could boost their returns over the long run.

    Millionaire potential

    Risks may continue to be present over the coming months across the stock market. However, buying high-quality businesses with dominant market positions while they trade at lower prices could be a sound strategy. It may boost your portfolio’s returns and increase your chances of making a million over the coming years.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

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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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  • 3 great ASX dividend shares for FY21

    giving, cash, dividends, bonus, reward, money, gift, return

    We are nearly into FY21. I think there are some great ASX dividend shares which could generate attractive capital growth and pay good dividends over the next 12 months and the long-term.

    I think it can be dangerous to just invest for a dividend yield. I believe we need to go for dividend shares that have the ability to generate a good stream of dividends as well as grow earnings (and eventually the share price).

    Here are some dividend ideas for FY21:

    Dividend share 1: Duxton Water Ltd (ASX: D2O)

    Duxton Water is a company which purely owns water entitlements and leases them to agricultural businesses.

    Water is obviously an integral part of the farming process. Farmers need access to water entitlements unless it’s a relatively wet year.

    The last few years in Australia have been quite dry, which is partly why water values have been pushed up so much.

    However, Duxton Water also points to the ongoing maturity of permanent plantings which are causing greater water demand. High value crops such as almonds and citrus are two areas where water demand is very high.

    The ASX dividend share’s board is committed to pay bi-annual dividends. It intends to increase its dividend every six months. It wants to pay a dividend of 2.9 cents per share in September 2020 and by March 2022 it wants to pay a 3.2 cents per share dividend.

    However, be aware that a wetter year can reduce water values. Also, the ACCC is going to release a report in July 2020 about the water system. The release of the report may prove to be a buying opportunity.

    Duxton Water has an estimated forward grossed-up dividend yield of 6.2%.

    Dividend share 2: Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    If you regularly read my articles you’ll know that Soul Patts is an ASX dividend share favourite of mine.

    I think the investment conglomerate could have a solid next 12 months.

    The merger between TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) and Vodafone Australia is about to go ahead. TPG is Soul Patts’ biggest position, so what happens with TPG is important. Since 1 May 2020 the TPG share price has gone up 26%. I think TPG could generate even more returns for Soul Patts from the upcoming special dividend, higher regular dividends and plenty of cost and revenue merger benefits.

    I think another of Soul Patts’ holdings has an exciting 12 months ahead. The Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) share price is down 24% since the start of the COVID-19 selloff. Its underlying non-construction assets look as solid as ever. I believe at some point demand for building products will start to return, perhaps as early as FY21. I expect the share price will reflect the optimism sooner than the earnings.

    Soul Patts has grown its dividend every year since 2000. I think the ASX dividend share can keep growing its dividend annually for a long time to come.

    It currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.3%.

    Dividend share 3: APA Group (ASX: APA)

    This ASX dividend share is my preferred infrastructure play. I do think Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) is an interesting idea at this low price, but the income portion of the FY21 returns is very unclear at the moment, so I’m not sure I can pick it yet as a ‘dividend’ idea.

    APA owns a vast network of 15,000km of natural gas pipelines around Australia with a presence in every mainland state and the Northern Territory. It also owns or has interests in gas storage facilities, gas-fired power stations and renewable energy generation (wind and solar farms). APA owns, or manages and operates, a portfolio of assets worth more than $21 billion and delivers half the nation’s natural gas usage.

    The energy infrastructure giant generates reliable cashflow each year, which allows it to fund the ever-increasing distribution. It has grown its distribution every year for the past decade and a half. It currently has a FY20 distribution yield of 4.4%.

    Foolish takeaway

    Each of these ASX dividend shares have solid income potential over the next 12 months. I think the share prices can rise too. At the current value I’d go for Soul Patts, I think its exposure to TPG will be very useful as the telco profits from the merger.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of DUXTON FPO and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of APA Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended DUXTON 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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  • Is inflation coming to the ASX?

    rising arrow on staircase symbolising business growth

    Inflation is not a term we hear much of these days. Well, in terms of its current impact. In fact, with the economy still in a coronavirus-induced shock and interest rates at a record low of 0.25%, it’s fair to say that the powers that be are more worried about deflation (or negative inflation) right now.

    But there are signs that some investors are preparing for a return of inflation to the world of investing. Just last weekend, I wrote about how the ultra-rich are hoarding gold whilst other investors are enjoying the resurging share market. Gold is often touted for its supposed ‘inflation-proof’ nature, which is one of the reasons the rich are finding the yellow metal alluring.

    What is inflation and why is it bad?

    Inflation is defined by the slow-but-steady increasing of prices, or conversely, the weakening of a currencies’ value over time. It’s the reason why a loaf of bread cost 10 cents 50 years’ ago, but $3 today. Inflation is one of the greatest fears of an investor — and for good reason. In periods of high inflation (like in the 1970s–80s), the ‘real’ value of our hard-earned dollars declines, fast. That means that any cash lying dormant isn’t earning an inflation-beating return is losing real purchasing power. If inflation is 6% per annum and you receive a return of 5% from an investment, your money is going backwards in real terms.

    Of course,  a little inflation is generally accepted as good for the economy. It encourages spending and credit growth. That’s why the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s official inflation policy is to aim for an inflation ‘bandwidth’ of 2-3% per annum.

    But too much inflation is destabilising. If prices rise by 6% PA, every ASX company will have to increase their good and services’ pricing by at least 6%. And that’s just to break even. They will also be under pressure to grow their wages and other costs to keep up as well.

    Are we heading for inflation on the ASX?

    Actions by central banks around the world to combat the coronavirus is the biggest reason many investors are fearing future inflation. Specifically, investors are worried about the controversial monetary policy procedure; ‘quantitative easing’ (or QE).

    Quantitative easing involves the central bank creating liquidity (also called money printing) which it uses to buy government bonds. As most of us would know, printing money has historically been a surefire way to create inflation. According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the US Fed has increased the value of its balance sheet from US$4 trillion before the pandemic hit to around US$8 trillion today. It took the global financial crisis and 11 years afterwards to get to US$4 trillion. Now the US has doubled it in 3 months.

    The US isn’t feeling the inflationary effects of this extraordinary cash injection now. But it might well do at some point down the road. I’m not an economist, but what the US is doing is dangerous in my opinion. Sure, all governments have to protect their economies from the coronavirus fallout. But nothing is free in this world, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if inflation rears its head once more in the coming years. And if the US is hit with inflation, you can be sure is effects will be felt on the ASX, too.

    The best solution in my view? Buy good-quality ASX shares, of course!

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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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  • The best placed ASX stocks for the August reporting season

    The upcoming reporting season promises to be like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic will make this August profit results an even more unnerving time for ASX investors.

    The prospects for shocking negative surprises are heightened this year as the ASX relaxed the rules around disclosure due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    The move is well intended. The shutdowns to control the virus have cast a thick fog of war around the near-term outlook for many ASX companies.

    Why this reporting season is different

    But the unintended consequence is that it is now harder than ever for investors to tell which ASX stocks will disappoint as we head into reporting season.

    More significantly, this makes the investing strategy for the August results season different from recent years. This time, the key to outperforming is more about avoiding earnings disasters than it is about picking ASX shares that can exceed market expectations.

    In fact, just meeting consensus forecasts may be enough to keep a company’s share price ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO).  

    One standout ASX sector for August

    While there are precious few safe harbours on the market when the reporting season kicks off in a little more than a month, a handful of ASX stocks that are well placed to weather what is likely to be a stormy profit season.

    One group that I like are iron ore miners BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).

    Some believe the iron ore price is set to tumble when shipments of the commodity from Brazilian rival Vale SA recovers. That is true, but I think one shouldn’t overestimate the miner’s ability to ramp up output when the country’s COVID-19 rates are the second highest in the world.

    Coupled with Brazil’s weak healthcare infrastructure, and you can see why I am not optimistic that the Latin American country can get on top of the coronavirus curve anytime soon.

    Potential profit upgrade

    What’s more, the iron ore spot price doesn’t need to rise anymore for the three stocks to be cheap. If the price of the steel making ingredient holds around current levels, the three ASX miners’ earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will need to be upgraded significantly.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) estimates FMG’s EBITDA will increase by 67% in FY21, while Rio Tinto’s and BHP’s EBITDA will have to rise by 23% and 12%, respectively that year.

    What gives me extra comfort is that their balance sheets are among the strongest on the market. There’s little risk they will need to do an emergency capital raise like so many others on the ASX.

    Gold standard for the August reporting season

    Another group that I am overweight on going into the reporting season are gold miners like Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

    Stocks in this sector have run hard this calendar year and some think are looking expensive. But I think the price of the precious metal is likely to break above previous record highs due to excessive global stimulus and record low interest rates that will persist for years.

    Having said that, it’s a good idea to buy a few gold stocks as some miners may unexpectedly encounter production issues. The same goes for iron ore miners for that matter.

    ASX stocks with promising outlooks

    There are also a number of industrial stocks that I believe will hold up well in August. The Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) share price is one thanks to strong global demand for personal protective equipment.

    I also have high hopes for the Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW) share price. The conglomerate, which owns the country’s largest industrial equipment rental company, is a big beneficiary of the infrastructure construction boom. State and federal governments have promised to fast-track a number of key projects to stimulate the economic recovery.

    Other possible ASX winners from the reporting season

    Our home-grown investment bank Macquarie should be another that delivers the goods. Management’s long track record of under promising and over delivering is reassuring. The group has also been growing its recurring revenue business, while volatile markets should present opportunities for its traders.

    Finally, I think it’s worthwhile putting supermarket stocks like Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) in your shopping basket.

    While the experts are still debating if we are experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 infections, the second wave of panic buying is already hitting the supermarkets (no thanks to Victoria!).

    The only thing that I am worried about with Woolies is Big W. If there is a negative surprise from its results, it is more likely than not to come from its struggling department store.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Ansell Ltd., BHP Billiton Limited, Macquarie Group Limited, Rio Tinto Ltd., Seven Group Holdings Limited, and Woolworths Limited. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

    The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET and Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell 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.

    The post The best placed ASX stocks for the August reporting season appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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