Silver has gone from one of the market’s hottest commodities to one of its sharpest fallers in just a few days.

At the time of writing, silver is down more than 10%, trading around US$75 per ounce after another heavy session of selling.

That follows a brutal fall on Friday, when prices slid by roughly 30% from recent highs, marking one of the worst days for silver in decades.

Only last week, silver was trading near US$120 per ounce after rallying more than 50% for the year. Much of that rally has now been unwound, leaving investors wondering what has changed and whether the sell-off has further to run.

What caused the sharp decline?

The fall in silver prices has been driven by several factors hitting the market at the same time.

The sell-off began after reports that US President Donald Trump may nominate a more hawkish Federal Reserve chair. That raised concerns that interest rates could stay higher for longer, helping push the US dollar up.

When the US dollar strengthens, gold and silver often fall as US-priced metals become more expensive for overseas buyers.

At the same time, investors began locking in profits after silver’s rapid rise earlier this year. Prices had climbed very quickly, and once the rally started to lose momentum, many traders chose to sell. That early selling quickly drew in more traders, speeding up the move lower.

Forced selling then added further pressure. As silver prices fell, some traders using borrowed money were forced to close positions after exchanges increased margin requirements.

Is this just a short-term slump or something bigger?

The sell-off has been severe, but not everyone thinks it marks the end of silver’s run.

After rising so quickly earlier in 2026, silver was stretched, particularly on the technical side. Once conditions shifted, a pullback was always a risk.

At a broader level, not much has changed. Silver continues to attract demand during periods of uncertainty, while industrial use in sectors such as solar panels and electronics continues to grow. Political and economic risks also remain elevated, keeping precious metals in focus.

Foolish Takeaway

Silver’s sudden collapse has shocked markets after one of the strongest rallies seen in years.

The drop was driven by changing interest rate expectations, a stronger US dollar, and forced selling in leveraged trades.

Nonetheless, silver still plays an important role as both an industrial metal and a store of value, with heightened volatility reshaping market positioning.

What happens next will depend on the US dollar, central bank signals, and whether buyers return.

The post Silver plunges from record highs. What has caused the sudden crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Xero shares hit a multi-year low. Is now the time to buy?
• 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February
• 3 safe ASX dividend shares for low-risk investors
• What on earth is happening with the Bitcoin price?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

Knowing which ASX shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing which ones you should buy if you want a healthy portfolio.

With that in mind, it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the shares listed below, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what they are saying:

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

The team at Catapult Wealth thinks that this stock exchange operator is a sell this week.

It highlights that there has been a long stream of bad news out of ASX and appears concerned there’s more to come. As a result, it thinks investors should wait for the ASIC final report before even considering a position. It said:

On January 28, 2026, the Australian financial markets operator updated the market on fiscal year 2026 expense guidance. Previous guidance, excluding Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) inquiry costs, has been lifted from between 8 per cent and 11 per cent to between 13 per cent and 15 per cent.

Including ASIC inquiry costs, total expense guidance has increased from between 14 per cent and 19 per cent to between 20 per cent and 23 per cent. Unaudited statutory net profit after tax of $263.6 million in the first half of 2026 was up 8.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying return on equity of 13.5 per cent remains flat. ASIC’s interim report cited ASX operational and governance issues. The shares have been under pressure since the ASIC inquiry was announced in June, 2025. Until we know what ASIC’s final report contains, other stocks appeal more.   

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Catapult Wealth also thinks that this plumbing parts company is an ASX share to sell this week.

It notes that Reece has started FY 2026 softly and given the lofty premium its shares trade on, it thinks investors should be taking profit now. Catapult Wealth explains:

The soft first quarter of fiscal year 2026 for this plumbing supplies company reflected subdued housing activity in Australia and the United States. Sales on a like-for-like basis increased just 2 per cent in Australia and New Zealand amid a low single digit decline in the US. Group EBITDA of $222 million was down 8 per cent year-on-year.

The shares fell from $24.07 on January 30, 2025 to $10.22 on September 4. The shares were trading at $14.69 on January 29, 2026. The company was recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio above 28 times. Investors may want to consider locking in some gains, as the shares are exposed to a downwards rating, in our view.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Over at Morgans, its analysts have named this big four bank as an ASX share to sell this week.

The broker believes there are better options out there for investors to choose from, especially given its subdued earnings growth outlook. It said:

Weaker consumer sentiment in an uncertain policy environment cloud the earnings outlook. Recent economic commentary highlights creeping pessimism among Australian consumers. Uncertainty around interest rate expectations creates a challenging setting for major banks to profitably grow credit. Westpac’s long term projections show acceptable returns.

However, in our view, near term momentum appears constrained by operational adjustments, margin pressure and a more cautious economic tone. Given limited earnings catalysts on the horizon, we see better opportunities elsewhere.

The post Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Where I’d invest in ASX shares if the RBA increases the interest rate
• Here’s what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next week
• Are ASX Ltd shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent update?
• Buying Westpac shares today? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• ASX Limited shares keep getting cheaper, but the market still isn’t convinced

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

It has been a tough year for Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shareholders.

The cloud accounting company’s share price is down almost 50% over the past 12 months, with selling continuing today as Xero shares slipped another 0.43% to $93.35.

That leaves the stock sitting near its lowest level since early May 2023.

So, what has gone wrong here, and does this pullback finally create a buying opportunity?

Why have Xero shares fallen so hard?

Xero’s slide has not been driven by a single issue, but by several overlapping factors.

In February 2025, the stock was trading near $180 per share before a broader tech sell-off and strategic concerns weighed on sentiment.

A key catalyst for the sell-off has been the company’s acquisition of the US-based payments platform Melio for US$2.5 billion. The deal was intended to open the lucrative US small business market, but some investors have been concerned about the price paid and the time it will take to deliver returns.

At the same time, investors have started to question growth in Xero’s core subscriber numbers and profits. Those concerns are strongest in overseas markets, where competition is tougher, and growth is harder to achieve.

What does the chart say?

From a technical point of view, Xero shares are still under pressure.

Most moving averages point lower, and many technical indicators currently rate the stock as a strong sell.

Indicators like the relative strength index (RSI) also suggest the stock has been heavily sold. The RSI is in the mid-20s, which usually signals oversold conditions, but it does not guarantee a rebound.

On the other hand, the chart suggests there is support around the $92 level, where buyers have stepped in before. Resistance sits higher around the mid-$90s to low-$100s, which could limit any short-term bounce unless buying picks up.

What are analysts saying?

Even though the share price has fallen, many brokers are still positive about Xero over the long term. Most analysts continue to rate the stock as a buy, with price targets well above current levels if the business improves.

Brokers also believe the market may be underestimating the value of the Melio deal. They expect Xero’s core accounting business to grow faster as the integration progresses.

Key dates to watch

Xero is due to release its full-year results on 14 May 2026. This update could have a big impact on the share price.

Investors will be watching whether revenue and subscriber numbers continue to grow, especially in the US. They will also be looking for any changes to profit and cash flow guidance, and updates on how the Melio business is tracking.

Foolish Takeaway

At current prices, Xero shares are deeply discounted from their recent peaks, and some long-term buyers may see that as a compelling entry point.

However, the technical signals remain weak, and analysts differ on timing.

If you’re considering a position, waiting for signs of improving fundamentals or a break above key resistance could help reduce risk.

The post Xero shares hit a multi-year low. Is now the time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why analysts say Hub24, New Hope, and Xero shares are buys
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts
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• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy in February
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When I look at exchange-traded funds (ETFs), I’m usually trying to answer a simple question. Does this fund give me exposure to parts of the market that could help my portfolio grow in the future?

With February rolling around, these are three Vanguard ETFs that stand out to me for ASX investors who want broad exposure without constantly tinkering with their portfolio.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

I think the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF is a great way to gain exposure to Asia’s long-term growth story.

The fund holds around 1,800 companies across some of the most important economies in the region. China accounts for roughly 32% of the portfolio, followed by Taiwan at 22.1%, India at 18.6%, Korea at 14.5%, and Hong Kong at 4.8%. That mix gives investors exposure to manufacturing, technology, finance, and consumer growth across very different stages of economic development.

Its largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, Alibaba, and SK Hynix. These are not speculative names. They are dominant players in their respective markets, operating at an enormous scale.

I like the VAE ETF because it complements a typical Australian or US-heavy portfolio. It adds geographic and economic diversity and provides exposure to regions that could grow faster than developed markets over the long term, albeit with higher volatility along the way.

Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF (ASX: VESG)

The Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF is an ETF that I think appeals to investors who want global exposure while being more deliberate about how their capital is invested.

The fund holds around 1,400 stocks and screens out businesses involved in activities that don’t meet Vanguard’s ethical criteria. Despite those exclusions, the portfolio still looks very much like a high-quality global equity fund.

What stands out to me is the underlying quality of the holdings. The portfolio has an average return on equity of 23.75% and an earnings growth rate of 21.55%, which are strong numbers for a diversified global fund.

Top holdings include Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and JPMorgan. In other words, investors are still getting exposure to many of the world’s most important growth companies, just through a more value-conscious lens.

For investors who want global growth without indiscriminately owning everything, the VESG ETF strikes a nice balance.

Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDGR)

The Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF is a very different proposition, and that’s exactly why I think it deserves a place on this list.

Rather than focusing on individual shares, the VDGR ETF is a diversified, multi-asset ETF. It spreads capital across Australian shares, international shares, bonds, and smaller allocations to emerging markets and international small companies.

Its largest exposures include the Vanguard Australian Shares Index Fund (ASX: VAS) and the Vanguard International Shares Index Fund (ASX: VGS). This structure is designed to smooth returns over time, reducing volatility compared to an all-equity portfolio.

I see the Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF as particularly appealing for investors who want growth but don’t want to manage asset allocation themselves. It’s a set-and-forget option that automatically maintains diversification across asset classes, which can be especially useful during more volatile market periods.

Foolish takeaway

These three Vanguard ETFs serve very different purposes, but that’s what I think makes them interesting together.

The VAE ETF offers exposure to Asia’s growth potential, the VESG ETF provides high-quality global shares with ethical considerations, and the VDGR ETF delivers a diversified growth portfolio in a single holding. Depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and existing investments, any one of them could play a valuable role in an ASX share portfolio this February.

The post 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Vanguard ETFs for smart investors to buy in February
• 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs I would buy with $3,000
• 5 ASX ETFs for genuine global exposure
• 3 global ETFs I’d hold for the next decade
• I would put $10,000 of my savings into these ETFs

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When it comes to dividend investing, I think reliability matters far more than chasing the highest dividend yield on offer. 

For low-risk investors, the goal is usually steady income, supported by businesses with resilient cash flows and a track record of paying dividends through different market conditions.

With that in mind, these are three ASX dividend shares I’d feel comfortable owning if stability and income were the priority.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group is one of the most defensive dividend shares on the ASX, in my view.

The company owns and operates critical energy infrastructure across Australia, including gas pipelines and storage assets. These assets are essential to the economy and tend to generate stable, long-dated cash flows, often supported by contractual arrangements. That stability is exactly what income-focused investors are looking for.

APA currently offers a trailing dividend yield of around 6.5%, which is attractive without relying on aggressive assumptions about growth. While it’s not a high-growth business, I see it as a dependable income generator that can play a steady role in a low-risk portfolio.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra Group is another stock I think suits conservative dividend investors.

Telecommunications is a defensive sector by nature, and Telstra’s scale and infrastructure give it a strong position in the Australian market. Mobile services, broadband, and enterprise customers provide diversified revenue streams, and demand tends to hold up even when economic conditions soften.

Telstra currently offers a dividend yield of about 3.9%. That might not be the highest yield on the market, but what I like is the predictability. The dividend is well supported by cash flows, and Telstra’s ongoing focus on simplification and cost discipline adds confidence around sustainability and growth.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths Group rounds out the list. It had a tough FY25, which weighed on both earnings and sentiment. Cost pressures, competition, and execution challenges all played a role. That period has pushed the dividend yield down to around 2.75%, which is lower than the others on this list.

However, I think this is where the opportunity lies for patient, low-risk investors. Woolworths remains one of the most defensive businesses on the ASX. People continue to buy household goods regardless of economic conditions, and the company’s scale provides long-term advantages.

Importantly, expectations are now lower, and conditions are expected to improve materially in FY26. If earnings recover as anticipated, there’s scope for significant dividend growth over time, making Woolworths a more attractive income stock than the current yield alone suggests.

Foolish Takeaway

For low-risk investors, dividend investing doesn’t have to be complicated. APA, Telstra, and Woolworths all operate in essential sectors, generate resilient cash flows, and have a clear rationale for ongoing dividends.

They may not deliver excitement or rapid growth, but I think that’s a feature, not a flaw, when the objective is steady income and peace of mind.

The post 3 safe ASX dividend shares for low-risk investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Coles vs Woolworths shares: Which supermarket giant has the biggest upside for 2026?
• Buying Woolworths shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
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• Got $5,000? 5 ASX income shares to buy and hold forever
• How to build income on the ASX without losing sleep at night

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price is having a week to forget.

The world’s first and biggest crypto is currently trading for US$77,334 (AU$111,032). That’s down 1.6% overnight and down 11.7% since this time last week, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

This marks the lowest levels for the token since 9 April, when all manner of risk assets came under pressure following United States President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ global tariff pronouncements.

The Bitcoin price hit an all-time high of US$126,198 on 7 October last year. The crypto is now down 38.4% from that high watermark.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), the world’s second biggest crypto, is having an even tougher run of it lately.

Ethereum is currently fetching US$2,275, down 7.1% over the past 24 hours. The Ethereum price is now down 20.5% since this time last week. Ethereum hit its own record high of US$4,954 on 22 August last year.

The world’s number two crypto has since tumbled 53.9% from those highs.

What’s pressuring the Bitcoin price?

The Bitcoin price looks to be catching headwinds on several fronts.

First, despite the recent pullback in gold and silver prices, investors have been showing greater interest in precious metals and cold hard cash than in cryptocurrencies as safe-haven assets amid rising geopolitical risks.

Indeed, spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) outflows have continued over the past weeks.

Then there’s the diminishing outlook for ongoing interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve.

What are the experts saying?

“Suddenly, cryptocurrencies no longer appear to be an alternative to fiat money and a hedge against the not-so-responsible financial policies of major countries,” Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, said (quoted by Bloomberg).

“Silver and gold have become the vehicle for investors concerned about fiat currencies,” Louis Navellier at Navellier & Associates added.

Matt Howells-Barby, vice president at Kraken, noted that the big global cash splash on artificial intelligence also looks to be weighing on the Bitcoin price.

He said:

Concerns around heavy AI investment by big tech, without the corresponding earnings to justify the spend, appear to be unsettling broader risk assets. With credit spreads already extremely tight, markets were firmly risk-on going into this move, so it’s not surprising to see investors pause and reassess their risk appetite.

Then there’s the market’s shifting expectations on the outlook for interest rates in the world’s biggest economy after United States President Donald Trump last week appointed Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair.

While Warsh has recently amended his views to be more dovish and in line with Trump’s own push for lower interest rates, he is known to be hawkish, with a sharp focus on combating inflation.

“While his nomination would support the case that rates will continue to decline in 2026 through to 2027, Warsh is a career economist who is all too aware of reducing too much, too quickly,” Hayden Hughes, general partner at Tokenize Capital, said (quoted by Bloomberg).

The Bitcoin price has historically proven to be highly sensitive to interest rate moves.

The post What on earth is happening with the Bitcoin price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is Bitcoin digital gold? It seems investors prefer the real thing
• How is Ethereum stacking up against the Bitcoin price so far in 2026?
• Bold calls, big risks, and what really matters for Bitcoin price in 2026
• Better Buy in 2026: XRP, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Given the potential returns on offer at the small side of the market, if you have a higher tolerance for risk, it can sometimes be a good idea to have some exposure to small-cap ASX shares.

But which small caps are buys? Let’s take a look at three that Morgans is recommending to clients:

Meeka Metals Ltd (ASX: MEK)

This gold miner could be a small-cap ASX share to buy according to Morgans. In response to the company’s quarterly update, the broker has retained their buy rating and 33 cents price target on its shares.

It was relatively pleased with the miner’s performance during the quarter. It said:

MEK delivered its 2Q26 operating result as the Murchison Gold Project continues to ramp up. Gold production increased 28% quarter on quarter to 9.1koz Au and was in-line with MorgansF of 9.3koz Au. Ounce production was underpinned by a mill head grade of 3.3g/t Au, ~10% above MorgansF assumptions; however, this grade outperformance is partially offsetting lower-than-expected throughput.

Looking ahead, improvements in mill throughput, driven by underground production, remain key to maintaining alignment with PFS forecasts We maintain our BUY rating, price target A$0.33ps and update our precious metals price deck.

Neurizon Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: NUZ)

Another small-cap ASX share that gets a thumbs up from Morgans is Neurizon. It has put a speculative buy rating on its shares with a reduced price target of 28 cents.

The broker believes that with major risks cleared, now is a great time to be jumping on board with this clinical-stage biotech company. This is especially the case given how there is a condensed catalyst runway ahead of it. It said:

Following FDA clearance, the imminent start of the Ph2/3 trial and the removal of the funding overhang providing full visibility through the pivotal program, NUZ now offers one of the cleanest entry points seen in the past 18 months, with major risks cleared and a condensed catalyst runway ahead.

Recent M&A activity underscores the scarcity value of ALS assets and provides a meaningful valuation anchor for NUZ if its clinical program delivers. Post recent capital raises, we update for the new share issuances which drive a reduction in our target price to A$0.28 from A$0.39, although we maintain our Speculative Buy rating, noting the high risk / high reward proposition.

Saluda Medical Inc (ASX: SLD)

This commercial-stage medical device company could also be a small-cap ASX share to buy according to Morgans. It has put a speculative buy rating and $3.07 price target on its shares.

It was pleased with the company’s second quarter update and management revenue guidance upgrade for FY 2026. The broker said:

2Q activity report debut did not disappoint, highlighting accelerating US commercial momentum, cost actions to reduce future operating expenses and upgraded FY26 revenue guidance. Revenue growth jumped 15% QoQ, supported by rising implanted patient volumes, and continued expansion of both sales reps and implanting physicians, while cash outflow fell 14% QoQ on a lower fixed cost base supportive of operating leverage.

We believe management’s decision to lift FY26 revenue guidance c4% at this early-stage post-IPO reflects improving visibility on sales execution and demand trends, reinforcing confidence in a stronger 2H performance. We update FY26 forecasts in line with guidance, with our DCF-based TP unchanged at A$3.07. SPECULATIVE BUY maintained.

The post Morgans names 3 exciting small cap ASX stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares delivered some materially disparate returns in January.

Over the month just past the ASX 200 gained a welcome 1.8%.

One of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giants raced ahead of those gains, one modestly outperformed the benchmark, and the third ended the first month of 2026 in the red.

This came as iron ore prices averaged above US$105 per tonne over the month, while copper prices hit new record highs of US$13,618 per tonne.

So how did the big three Aussie miners stack up?

Read on!

BHP shares lead the pack

Australia’s biggest mining stock, and indeed the biggest stock on the ASX after retaking that crown from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) on 27 January, closed out 2025 trading for $45.49 a share. When the closing bell sounded on 30 January, shares were changing hands for $50.57

This put BHP shares up an impressive 11.2% over the month.

On 20 January, BHP released its December quarter results.

Highlights included a 2% increase in iron ore production to 134 million tonnes, with BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations achieving record high quarterly shipments.

While copper production was flat at 984,000 tonnes, the miner lifted its full year FY 2026 copper guidance to 1,900kt to 2,000 kt (up from the prior guidance of 1,800kt to 2,000 kt).

“BHP delivered another half of very strong performance with operational records at our copper and iron ore assets,” CEO Mike Henry said on the day.

Looking ahead, Henry added:

BHP enters the second half of FY26 with strong operating momentum. We’re investing for the decade ahead, with a significant copper growth pipeline and a pathway to ~2 Mt of attributable copper production in the 2030s.

How about the other two ASX 200 miners?

Rio Tinto shares also enjoyed a solid month.

Rio Tinto shares closed out December trading for $146.82 and ended January at $151.55 apiece.

That put that ASX 200 mining stock up 3.2% over first month of the new year, beating the ASX 200 but underperforming BHP shares.

Rio Tinto reported its quarterly results on 21 January.

Highlights from those results included Pilbara iron ore production of 327.3 million tonnes, in line with the prior year. And iron ore shipments notched a new record 326.2 million tonnes for the year.

Rio Tinto’s copper production of 883,000 tonnes was up 11%, exceeding guidance.

Turning to Fortescue, the miner underperformed both the ASX 200 and BHP shares in January.

Fortescue shares finished December trading for $22.01 and closed on 30 January changing hands for $21.00. This saw the Fortescue share price down 4.6% for the month.

The miner released its quarterly results on 22 January.

Fortescue reported all-time high H1 FY 2026 iron ore shipments of 100.2 million tonnes. That was up 3% year-on-year.

“It was a record first half, with shipments reaching new highs across our operations,” Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO Dino Otranto said on the day.

The post How Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP shares stacked up in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, DroneShield, and Santos shares
• Buying ASX shares for passive income? Here’s how Woodside, Fortescue and CBA shares stack up

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Hot Chili Ltd (ASX: HCH) share price is in a trading halt on Monday following a fresh announcement from the company.

The halt was requested earlier today and will remain in place pending further details from the company.

Before entering the halt, Hot Chili shares last traded at $1.94. The stock is now up almost 40% so far in 2026, after a strong rally through January.

Here is what investors need to know.

A sizeable placement at a discount

According to today’s announcement, Hot Chili plans to raise up to $40 million by issuing approximately 24.3 million new shares to institutional and professional investors.

The shares will be issued at $1.65 apiece, representing a 15% discount to the company’s last closing price and a 13.6% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price (VWAP).

The placement is being conducted under the company’s existing 25% placement capacity, meaning no shareholder approval is required.

Settlement is expected later this month, with new shares ranking equally with existing shares on issue.

Why Hot Chili is raising now

Management says the funds will be used to aggressively advance development at the Costa Fuego copper-gold project in northern Chile.

That includes accelerating work at the La Verde copper-gold discovery. It will also fund studies toward a maiden mineral resource and advance permitting and environmental approvals across the broader Costa Fuego hub.

Hot Chili also flagged funding for feasibility work, ongoing exploration, strategic studies, and general working capital.

Costa Fuego remains one of the few large-scale copper projects globally that is not controlled by a major mining company. At the same time, large producers are increasingly focused on securing long-term copper supply.

Trading halt and what happens next

Hot Chili’s shares will remain suspended until the company announces the outcome of the placement, which is expected before market open on Wednesday.

That update should confirm the final amount raised, demand levels, and whether the placement was upsized.

Given the stock’s strong recent momentum, investors will be watching closely to see how the market reacts once trading resumes.

The bigger picture

Hot Chili has delivered one of the ASX’s stronger copper performances, with the share price climbing more than 180% over 12 months.

While capital raisings can pressure share prices in the short-term, they can also strengthen the balance sheet and de-risk future development.

With additional capital on the way, attention turns to delivery and whether progress at Costa Fuego can justify the recent re-rating.

The post Why this ASX copper stock suddenly halted trading this morning appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this agribusiness company’s shares with an improved price target of $8.40. This follows the release of Elders’ investor update, which revealed that its performance was improving as conditions normalise. Looking ahead, Macquarie believes the company is well-placed for growth over the medium term as it realises synergies from the Delta Agribusiness acquisition. In light of this, the broker sees value in the company’s shares at current levels. The Elders share price is trading at $7.61 on Monday afternoon.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gold miner’s shares with an improved price target of $9.90. The broker highlights that Genesis Minerals delivered a strong second quarter update, with record-breaking production coming in ahead of expectations. Bell Potter believes there is more to come in the second half. So much so, it expects the company to achieve the upper end of its production guidance in FY 2026. In addition, the broker points out that it likes Genesis Minerals due to its belief that it is a high-quality gold producer that is expanding production in a rising gold price environment. The Genesis Minerals share price is fetching $6.98 at the time of writing.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares to a buy rating with a $47.73 price target. According to the note, Morgans was pleased with ResMed’s performance in the second quarter. It highlights that the result was a beat across the board, with double-digit revenue and earnings growth, further gross margin expansion, and solid cash generation. ResMed’s operating leverage has seen the broker lift its earnings estimates and valuation slightly. And with its shares down unjustifiably and materially from recent highs, Morgans thinks now is a good time to invest. The ResMed share price is trading at $36.74 this afternoon.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.