Stock Pick

  • A Biden donor says giving him cash is a waste of time and money if that bad debate showed what Biden’s really like

    "If it's as bad as what we all witnessed on Thursday night, then he needs to put his country first and step aside immediately," investor Whitney Tilson said of President Joe Biden on Saturday.
    "If it's as bad as what we all witnessed on Thursday night, then he needs to put his country first and step aside immediately," investor Whitney Tilson said of President Joe Biden on Saturday.

    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    • Investor Whitney Tilson says he felt "deceived" after watching the Biden debate with Trump last week.
    • Tilson said Biden should pull out "if the man I saw at the debate is the real Joe Biden right now."
    • The Biden donor said it would be a "waste of my time and money" to continue backing him.

    Investor Whitney Tilson, a longtime donor to President Joe Biden, says he's reconsidering his support for Biden after his stumbling performance at last week's presidential debate.

    "I feel deceived. For months my Republican friends have been sending me videos from Twitter and Fox 'News' that appear to show Biden's dementia," Tilson wrote in an X post on Saturday.

    "Though I was concerned, I was mostly able to dismiss these often deceptively-edited videos as the usual Republican attack machine idiocy because I remember how they tried to do the same to Hillary in 2016," he continued. "But the debate changed all that."

    The former hedge fund manager said Biden must withdraw from the presidential race if his bad performance on Thursday's debate was not a one-off.

    Biden's withdrawal, the longtime Democratic donor said, is now critical if the Democrats want to have any chance of beating former President Donald Trump in November.

    "If it's as bad as what we all witnessed on Thursday night, then he needs to put his country first and step aside immediately," Tilson wrote.

    "I will fight to my dying breath to stop Trump and his toxic Trumpism, but if the man I saw at the debate is the real Joe Biden right now, then it would be a waste of my time and money to support him because he has almost no chance of beating Trump," he continued.

    Tilson added that he would still vote for Biden if he stays on but would instead "channel all of my energies into helping Democrats hold the Senate and retake the House."

    Representatives for Biden and Tilson did not immediately respond to requests for comment from BI sent outside regular business hours.

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

    Remarks made by high-profile donors like Tilson are likely a source of concern for the Biden campaign, which has been working hard to assuage supporters of Biden's mental acuity following last week's debate.

    Biden's performance on Thursday was riddled with gaffes and stumbles as he sought to make the case for his candidacy against his GOP rival, Trump.

    The setback on the debate stage has only compounded fears and worries about Biden's cognitive decline and his fitness for the Oval Office. Some have even called for the 81-year-old to be replaced as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

    Billionaire Mark Cuban, who once said that he'd still vote for Biden even if the president "was being given last rites," said on Friday that he was willing to consider swapping Biden out for another candidate.

    "Trump is far better than Biden at soundbites and marketing. That's reality," Cuban said in an X post. "For that reason, I'm also open to the discussion to replace Biden and/or Harris.

    "It's not like Trump's approval ratings are high. They aren't. It could be an open door to find someone immediately out-performing Trump," he continued. "But if that doesn't happen, I'm still voting for Biden.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Why Lovisa, Mayne Pharma, Pilbara Minerals, and RPMGlobal shares are falling today

    Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.6% to 7,706.4 points.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are under pressure on Tuesday:

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    The Lovisa share price is down over 4% to $30.51. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Citi. Its analysts note that the company could be falling short of consensus estimates for store openings in FY 2024. So, with its shares up strongly over the last 12 months, it warns that there could be some disappointment with its results next month. Though, with the broker retaining its neutral rating and $31.65 price target, it isn’t in a rush to sell shares.

    Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX)

    The Mayne Pharma share price is down 5% to $4.41. This morning, this pharmaceuticals company announced that it has settled its class action. The proceeding relates to alleged misleading or deceptive conduct and breaches of continuous disclosure obligations in respect of alleged anti-competitive conduct in the United States. The agreed settlement amount is $38 million. Approximately $4.7 million will be funded by insurance, with the remainder to be paid from Mayne Pharma’s cash reserves.

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    The Pilbara Minerals share price is down 3.5% to $2.97. Investors have been selling lithium miners again on Tuesday amid concerns that battery materials prices are going to remain weak for some time to come due to a surplus of supply. Pilbara Minerals’ shares hit a multi-year low today and are now down 41% since this time last year. It also remains the most shorted share on the local market despite this decline.

    RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL)

    The RPMGlobal share price is down 14% to $2.39. This has been driven by the release of a trading update from the mining software provider’s shares. RPM Global is expecting its total contracted value (TCV) to be $77 million in FY 2024, which represents a 9.2% increase year on year. And while its earnings are expected to grow at an even stronger rate, they won’t grow as much as management was forecasting. It said: “The lower than forecasted profitability is due to reduced perpetual license sales and the timing of subscription licenses signed during the second half of FY2024.”

    The post Why Lovisa, Mayne Pharma, Pilbara Minerals, and RPMGlobal shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lovisa Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Lovisa Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Lovisa Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and RPMGlobal. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and RPMGlobal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Arafura Rare Earths, Ora Banda, Superloop, and Whitehaven Coal shares are rising today

    Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having another underwhelming session. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.5% to 7,714.2 points.

    Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

    Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

    The Arafura Rare Earths share price is up 4% to 18.7 cents. This may be a delayed reaction to an announcement from the rare earths developer on Monday. Arafura revealed that it has conditionally secured up to US$150 million of debt financing for the Nolans Project from The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM). Management notes that the KEXIM loan guarantee supports the credit approval process for commercial lenders and brings Arafura closer to its targeted US$775 million senior debt funding required for the Nolans Project.

    Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM)

    The Ora Banda Mining share price is up 8% to 32.5 cents. This follows the release of an update on its estimates for the Davyhurst Gold Project (DGP) mineral resources and ore reserves. Management advised that the Sand King underground resource has increased 176% to 3.4M tonnes at 2.8g/t for 306k ounces. Whereas the Riverina underground resource has increased 54% to 4.0M tonnes at 3.7g/t for 468k ounce. As for ore reserves, total underground ore reserves have increased 94% to 1.2M tonnes at 3.7g/t for 142k ounces.

    Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC)

    The Superloop share price is up 3% to $1.60. Investors have been buying this telco’s shares today following the release of a trading update. Superloop revealed that it has continued to perform strongly in the high value segment of the residential broadband market. So much so, high-speed plans (100Mbps or greater) now exceed 50% of its base. Management believes this trend will continue, driven by consumer demand for higher internet speeds, reliability, and value. As a result, it now expects its FY 2024 underlying EBITDA to be at or above the top end of the $51 million to $53 million guidance range.

    Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

    The Whitehaven Coal share price is up 4% to $8.45. Investors have been buying coal mining shares this week in response to news of a fire burning underground in a major coal mine owned by Anglo American in Queensland. Given that the Grosvenor mine was expected to produce 2.3 million tonnes of metallurgical coal this year, investors appear to believe there could be a meaningful impact to global supply. The fire continues to burn on Tuesday according to reports.

    The post Why Arafura Rare Earths, Ora Banda, Superloop, and Whitehaven Coal shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Arafura Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Arafura Resources Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Arafura Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    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.

  • What the RBA minutes imply for the ASX 200 and higher interest rates

    Woman holding an orange and looking at the expensive grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.41% in early afternoon trade on Tuesday.

    The benchmark index has slipped more firmly into the red following on the 11:30am AEST release of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s minutes from its 18 June interest rate policy meeting.

    As you’re likely aware, at that meeting the RBA opted to hold the official interest rate steady at 4.35%.

    You also probably recall that it was only back in May 2022 that the official Australian cash rate stood at a historic low of 0.10%. That’s when the central bank commenced a rapid tightening policy that saw rates lifted 13 times since then to tamp down runaway inflation.

    But with inflation proving sticky in recent months, should ASX 200 investors brace for another rate hike? Or can we look forward to the RBA moving towards easing?

    Here’s what today’s minutes reveal.

    What the RBA minutes reveal for ASX 200 investors

    My biggest takeaway from the RBA minutes is that the bank’s board members are just as uncertain about the shorter-term inflationary path as the rest of us.

    Which means that traders should remain nimble. Meanwhile, ASX 200 investors with a long-term horizon would do well to ignore the month-to-month uncertainties and hold onto their quality stocks.

    The RBA pointed to a mixed picture in its ongoing efforts to bring inflation back within its 2% to 3% target range.

    The board noted:

    Relative to expectations, growth in overall household and public consumption in the March quarter had been stronger than expected while other components had surprised on the downside.

    The members said that while energy rebates and rent assistance would lower headline inflation in 2024, the direct effect would be reversed later in 2025.

    And the Aussie labour market remained tight relative to full employment, though conditions had continued to ease gradually in recent months.

    On that uncertainty front, the board noted, “It was too early to determine if this signalled a more rapid easing in aggregate wages growth than currently expected.”

    As for ASX 200 investors potentially facing higher interest rates, the RBA noted, “Inflation remained above the target range and had been a little higher than expected in prior months.”

    But the board is still awaiting more data.

    “Members acknowledged that these (limited) inflation data had increased the risk that sustainable progress towards the inflation target may be slower than forecast,” the members said.

    And the RBA made it clear that the door is wide open for more interest rate hikes if required.

    According to the minutes:

    Several measures of inflation expectations had drifted up in recent years to be around the midpoint of the target band, after having been below target during the low-inflation period prior to the pandemic.

    Members acknowledged that if inflation expectations were to rise materially from current levels, it could require significantly higher interest rates to bring inflation back to target, with adverse implications for growth in output and employment.

    With the data on hand, the RBA still believes inflation will likely return to its target by 2026 “despite some elevated upside risk around the forecast”.

    The RBA offered its usual caveat that it “will do what is necessary” to bring inflation back to target.

    But ASX 200 investors will have to wait for the next batch of inflation data to see if boosting the cash rate is necessary again.

    According to the RBA, “The extent of uncertainty at present meant it was difficult either to rule in or rule out future changes in the cash rate target.”

    The post What the RBA minutes imply for the ASX 200 and higher interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in S&P/ASX 200 right now?

    Before you buy S&P/ASX 200 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and S&P/ASX 200 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    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 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.

  • I moved back to the US after 25 years in the UK. People abroad were more polite than Americans, but I never quite fit in there.

    Woman wearing a hat is standing with UK nature in the background
    Dana Mayer moved back to the US after 25 years in the UK.

    Dana Mayer

    • Dana Mayer moved back to the US after living in the UK for 25 years.
    • She used to get frustrated by the British tendency to accept mediocrity.
    • Now, she cringes when Americans demand a free meal because their drinks arrive five minutes late.

    I wasn't prepared for how much the US had changed when I moved back. I'd been living in the UK for 25 years, but when the pandemic kicked off in March 2020, I decided it was time to go home.

    It wasn't until returning that I realized how British I'd become and that "home" was more difficult to define. Now, after having lived almost half my life in each country, I feel equally in love with both, although for very different reasons.

    I struggled with the lack of personal space in the UK — some of that stems from the UK's population density being almost eight times that of the US per square mile, per World Bank Open Data.

    This translated into tiny homes with common walls even in the countryside and jostling for sidewalk space in the cities. It also seemed to result in a populace adverse to talking to or making eye contact with strangers in order to protect their perceived sanity.

    Size and space struck me when I returned to the US

    Fresh out of COVID quarantine, I was visiting a friend in a New York City suburb, looking around their giant kitchen with its oversized fridge. I didn't even have to go outside to their huge lawn or the wooded roads surrounding the property to feel my energy expand into what was simply more space per person.

    This is also when I spotted an enormous orange pepper on the kitchen counter that looked like a mutant interloper. Was this actually food? Was it a pepper crossed with some kind of alien Godzilla? It was so big that I took a picture. I spent the rest of the day laughing at its size.

    Although actually, the pepper was funny/not funny, just like when you first meet someone and what you initially find endearing turns out to be the most annoying thing about them.

    In keeping with the American freewheeling mentality, expansive personal space, and a business mindset that allows for growth and experimentation, the pepper was massive due to the genetic engineering of crops. This is something that until last year was banned outright in the UK, per BBC.

    In the UK, the small peppers fit into small houses, and the food was closer to its natural form due to strict food laws. Their relatively closed mindset of "we've always done it this way" actually kept their food closer to the source. However, we'll see how big their peppers get in the years ahead.

    The pandemic gave me time to reflect on a lot of things I missed about the UK — the National Health Service, the intelligent level of public discourse, and the newscasters without plastic hair. There was also the quiet dignity of the seemingly closed people who would keep you out of their inner circle until, finally, they let you in in a grounded, loyal way.

    In contrast, folks in the US often unravel their whole life story to me while standing in the Target checkout line.

    But I never quite fit in while living in the UK

    In the UK, I always felt like an outsider in some ways, especially when doing things like playing Trivial Pursuit. No matter how long I lived there, I never got most of the cultural references, because it's not where I'd grown up. I'm glad now that in the US I don't have to explain to anyone of my generation what candy corn is or who Magilla Gorilla, a 1960s cartoon, is.

    Still, I'm torn between the American expectation of excellence which can be over-the-top and relentless, and the British tendency to accept mediocrity, brush problems under the carpet, and sometimes have a more peaceful life as a result.

    When I first came to the UK, I waited tables at a tourist-trap restaurant where the food was overpriced and microwaved rubbish. When I went to the table and asked about the meal, almost every British customer replied, "It was lovely," in a shy, sheepish way.

    Years later, my British ex-boyfriend, who held a high-level management position and told people what to do all day at work, used to get embarrassed when I asked restaurant staff to please wipe the table because it was dirty. As an American I'd grown up feeling entitled to a clean table when paying for service in a restaurant. Now, I cringe when I see Americans in restaurants demanding a free meal because their drinks arrive five minutes late.

    Four years after moving back to the US, I'm grateful for the personal space, the "yes!" mentality, and the abundance of nature. But I do miss the cultivated hedgerows of the UK and the quiet, more reserved style of its people.

    And no matter how much affinity I felt with the land there, there is also some knowing and grounding with the land here, which feels like it cannot be replicated anywhere else. Perhaps because this is where I was originally rooted.

    Got a personal essay about relocating that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Why are Ansell shares on investors’ radars today?

    Health professional putting on gloves.

    Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) shares are in focus today after the company announced it finalised a major acquisition.

    The purchase was made for all of the assets in US-listed entity Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB)’s personal protective equipment (PPE) business – a deal Ansell initially announced on 8 April 2024.

    Despite the completion of this major acquisition, Ansell shares remain steady at $25.90 per share at the time of writing, flat with the previous close of $25.91 apiece. Here’s a closer look.

    Ansell shares on radar after transaction

    Kimberly-Clark is a US consumer goods giant, holding over 175 brands under its banner. Many are household names – Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers are two examples.

    It has a market capitalisation of US$47.8 billion at the time of writing.

    The rationale behind the deal was to expand Ansell’s product portfolio and market position. The $970 million transaction will see it acquire brands like Kimtech and KleenGuard – both used for anti-contamination against bacteria and viruses.

    It also includes several manufacturing assets used in the production of gloves, masks, apparel, and eyewear.

    Financial implications

    The deal was finalised today after Ansell secured long-term debt financing to settle the balance.

    It raised US$377 million via the United States Private Placement (USPP) market. The other portion of the deal was funded through a fully underwritten institutional placement of approximately 17.8 million new Ansell shares on 8 April, where it raised $400 million at $22.45 per share.

    Since that date, these investors have made a 15% return on their money as I write.

    The new debt facility announced today will replace previous instruments Ansell was using to fund its growth. As such, management noted this should provide Ansell with financial stability going into FY 2025:

    The USPP proceeds replace the previously announced fully committed bridge facility which will no longer need to be drawn, with maturities on the notes issued ranging from 5 to 12 years and providing Ansell with long term funding certainty going into FY25.

    Outlook for Ansell shares

    Despite the size and potential impact of the acquisition, Ansell shares have not seen immediate movement in early trade on Tuesday.

    Investors might be taking a wait-and-see approach, considering the complexities and integration efforts associated with such a significant purchase.

    But analysts appear to be optimistic about the deal’s long-term benefits. According to CommSec, Anshell shares are rated as a moderate buy, with 6 buy and 6 hold recommendations, respectively.

    Ansell’s management also expects the acquisition to be beneficial. It expects revenues and earnings per share (EPS) to grow directly as a result of the move. We will just have to wait and see if this is positive for Ansell shares or not.

    The company’s full-year results for FY 2024 are set to be released on 20 August, per the announcement.

    In the last 12 months, Ansell shares have slipped over 4.5% into the red. This year to date, the stock has lifted into the green following a 6% return in the past month of trade.

    The post Why are Ansell shares on investors’ radars today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ansell Limited right now?

    Before you buy Ansell Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ansell Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Ansell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How ASX shares vs. property performed in June

    A red house cut out leaning on a piggy bank.

    Comparing shares vs. property in the final month of FY24, we saw ASX 200 shares outperform bricks and mortar in terms of asset price appreciation.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.85% in June. Meantime, the national median home value rose by 0.7%, according to CoreLogic data.

    That was the 17th consecutive month of growth for the national median price.

    The median house price rose 0.5%, and the median apartment price lifted 0.7% over the month. On the share market, some stocks outperformed by a mile, including an ASX energy share that skyrocketed 40%.

    CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said the national median had lifted between 0.5% and 0.8% every month since February.

    Lawless commented:

    The persistent growth comes despite an array of downside risks including high rates, cost of living pressures, affordability challenges and tight credit policy.

    The housing market resilience comes back to tight supply levels which are keeping upwards pressure on values.

    Last month, we saw the same growth patterns and the same dominant markets as we saw in May.

    Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane delivered the highest home value growth. Home price medians rose in June at 2%, 1.7%, and 2%, respectively.

    Among the regional markets, regional Western Australia led the pack with 1.5% growth. Regional South Australia followed with 1.1% growth, then regional Queensland with 1%.

    Shares vs. property price growth in June

    Here’s how shares vs. property performed in terms of house price and share price gains last month.

    Property market Median house price Price growth 12-month price growth
    Sydney $1,466,475 0.5% 6.8%
    Melbourne $948,879 -0.3% 1.2%
    Brisbane $953,028 1.1% 15.2%
    Adelaide $824,669 16% 15.1%
    Perth $791,926 2% 23.7%
    Hobart $691,339 -0.2% -0.3%
    Darwin $589,166 0.6% 3.1%
    Canberra $986,414 0.5% 3.2%
    Regional New South Wales $763,364 0.3% 4%
    Regional Victoria $596,580 -0.3% -0.4%
    Regional Queensland $644,987 1.1% 12.3%
    Regional South Australia $437,854 1.2% 11.4%
    Regional Western Australia $532,116 1.6% 16.9%
    Regional Tasmania $537,285 0.7% 0.2%
    Regional Northern Territory $442,837 -0.5% -2.9%
    Source: CoreLogic

    Top 5 risers of the ASX 200 last month

    The ASX 200 lifted 0.85% in June.

    According to CommSec data, these 5 ASX 200 shares were the top-performing stocks.

    ASX 200 share Share price growth
    Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) 40%
    Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) 21%
    Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) 19.3%
    Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) 18%
    Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) 15.2%
    Source: CommSec

    Why did Strike Energy shares spark 40% higher?

    Strike Energy released seven price-sensitive announcements in June.

    Based on share price gains, the updates that most excited Strike Energy investors included a flow test update regarding the Walyering-7 well in the Perth Basin.

    The company advised they’d commenced a production testing program, and moveable gas and condensate had been recovered from the completed zones within the well.

    Investors also liked the news of a five-year $153 million development financing package.

    The post How ASX shares vs. property performed in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bapcor Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bapcor Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bapcor Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bapcor and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX All Ords shares smashing new multi-year highs on big news

    The ASX All Ordinaries index may be having a subdued session, but that hasn’t stopped two shares from scaling new heights.

    Here’s why these shares are rising today:

    Altium Ltd (ASX: ALU)

    The Altium share price has hit a new record high of $68.20 on Tuesday.

    Investors have been buying the electronic design software company’s shares after its takeover by Japan’s Renesas took another big step towards completion.

    The ASX All Ords share advised that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has approved the deal after concluding that there are no unresolved national security concerns with respect to the transaction.

    This approval by CFIUS was the last outstanding regulatory authorisation required to complete the transaction. Shareholders will now vote on the deal at a meeting on 12 July. If everything goes to plan, the $68.50 per share takeover will complete on 1 August.

    Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC)

    The Superloop share price has hit a multi-year high of $1.65.

    The catalyst for this has been the release of a trading update from the telco this morning.

    Superloop advised that it has continued to perform very strongly in the high value segment of the residential broadband market. It notes that its high-speed plans (100Mbps or greater) now exceed 50% of its base.

    The good news is that it expects this trend to continue, driven by consumer demand for higher internet speeds, reliability, and value.

    In light of its strong performance, management expects its underlying EBITDA for FY 2024 to be at or above the top end of the $51 million to $53 million guidance range.

    It also advised that FY 2024 cash capex remains on track for the $25 million to $27 million range previously guided. This includes $5 million in additional capex associated with the recent Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) contract wins, together with the accelerated customer growth in the Consumer segment.

    Speaking of Origin, the energy retailer has reached “go live” with Superloop. This means that from today, Superloop’s white label offering will underpin new sign-ups for Origin home broadband services.

    The ASX All Ords share highlights that this milestone has been reached in under four months. It believes the speed of this achievement is testament to the capability of the Superloop platform and the strong collaboration between project teams.

    The post 2 ASX All Ords shares smashing new multi-year highs on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Altium Limited right now?

    Before you buy Altium Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Altium Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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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 positions in and has recommended 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 Scott Phillips.

  • Malaysia’s $100 billion ghost town is good for at least one thing: filming documentaries and shows like Netflix’s ‘The Mole’

    a mall without people in malaysia
    Forest City's mall was empty when Business Insider visited last year.

    Marielle Descalsota/Business Insider

    • Forest City, Malaysia was used as a set for a Netflix reality show, "The Mole."
    • Planned as a $100 billion mega-complex, Forest City has become a ghost town with few residents.
    • Developers face financial issues, because less than 15% of the project is completed.

    Malaysia's $100 billion ghost city was meant to house 700,000 people. After few people moved in, developers tried in vain to make it into a tourist hub.

    Now, the mega-development is serving as a set for a handful of reality shows and documentaries.

    The empty city, just over Singapore's western border, was used for an episode on the second season of Netflix reality show "The Mole," which debuted last week.

    The competition-style reality series follows 12 contestants completing challenges while one of them secretly sabotages the other players. They race to grow a money pot prize and uncover who the traitor is among them.

    The show's 10-episode second season was filmed entirely in Malaysia and features Forest City, Kuala Lumpur, and Tioman Island. Filming started in July 2023 and lasted for six weeks, according to local media.

    The contestants, who come from various professional backgrounds, complete treasure hunts, free dive, and abseil down a 38-story building in Forest City.

    In the third episode of the season, show host and former NPR journalist Ari Shapiro introduced Forest City: "A perfect spot for a glamorous holiday home, for those who can afford it. And most of the year, they lie empty."

    The city was also featured in recent shows.

    South Korea's KBS filmed an episode of the travel reality series "Battle Trip," while German ProSieben TV filmed a short documentary about Forest City. An Austrian documentary titled "Hungry: Tipping the Scales" shot there.

    Announced in 2006, the luxury housing project was meant to feature apartments, a waterpark, and hotels. The whole project cost its developers $100 billion.

    But, eight years after construction began, only a few thousand people live there. The project has turned into a ghost town — and a major liability for its developer, Country Garden, which is facing sizable financial issues elsewhere.

    As of last year, only about 15% of the planned property had been completed, while most finished apartments appear never to have been lived in.

    Netflix and Forest City did not respond to requests for comment.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • A millennial couple moved to Bali 2 years ago. Making friends was one of the hardest parts.

    A man and a woman sitting together at an outdoor table in front of a pool.
    Nadia Rose and Steve Willis moved to Bali in 2022.

    Nadia Rose

    • Nadia Rose and her partner, Steve Willis, moved from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Bali in July 2022.
    • The couple say that adjusting to their new lives on the island was more challenging than they had expected.
    • Here are three things they've learned about life as expats in Bali.

    Thanks to its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rich heritage, Bali is a popular vacation destination that draws tourists from all around the world.

    In recent years, the Indonesian island has even become a choice location for expats, especially digital nomads and those who want to escape the city.

    Nadia Rose and her partner, Steve Willis, moved from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, to Bali in July 2022.

    It took them some time to adjust to their new lives on the island, and the experience was more challenging than they had expected. Here are three things they've learned as expats in Bali so far.

    1. Things in Bali take time

    Unlike in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia — and other bustling cities around the world — the pace of life in Bali is much slower.

    Expect to wait for things to get done, especially for bureaucratic processes and even getting around in traffic, Rose told Business Insider.

    "Because I was so used to living in a city, I was so used to efficiency," Rose said. "Here, you just have to lean back and allow things to unravel, and it will unravel in its own time."

    2. Friendships can be hard to forge

    It might be harder to form lasting friendships in Bali than you think. The island can feel like a very transient place, with all the people who come and go from Bali, especially within the expat community, Rose said.

    "Many friends that I've made six months ago are no longer here, so you feel like you have to build new friendships over and over again," she said.

    Because of that, she had to constantly put herself out there to meet new people, she added.

    For almost a year after they arrived in Bali, Rose said they were so caught up in trying to settle down into their new lives that they weren't able to make any new friends.

    "I was like, 'Oh, it's too hard. I tried three times, and it just didn't work out.' I could have given up on it, but I didn't. It takes time," Rose said. "Without being vulnerable and open, it's just going to be difficult."

    The couple says that Facebook Groups have been a great way to meet new people.

    "I sometimes put up a post saying 'Hey, if you have similar interests, I'd love to meet up at this restaurant.' People turn up, and we'll all have lunch together," Rose said.

    The couple also attends events, which they find through Nomeo, an online platform that allows people to set up events for activities they're passionate about.

    "It could be a meet-up for female entrepreneurs, or even for a day of fun at the beach. There are multiple events happening daily, and you just show up," Rose said.

    3. Things in Bali can be as cheap or as expensive as you'd like

    There's a common refrain that things in Bali are cheap — and that's not necessarily true, Rose said.

    "Coming from Malaysia, it is extremely expensive," she said. "Especially for rent, if you haven't got a budget in mind, it can balloon, and you'll end up spending more than you think." The budget the couple had originally set had to be raised by a few hundred dollars after they realized it was too low.

    Real estate prices have spiked in Bali ever since Bali's borders reopened after the pandemic. According to the latest April data from the Indonesian real-estate platform Rumah123, Denpasar — the capital city of Bali — saw a 17% increase in housing prices year-on-year.

    While rent still forms the largest portion of their expenditures, Rose says that there are still many affordable food options, especially if they eat local fare.

    A plate of nasi goreng — a traditional fried rice dish — can cost less than $2 at local shops. But with the influx of high-end restaurants, even the price of that dish has been spotted on a menu for over $150, per The Bali Sun.

    "So, lifestyle-wise, depending on what you choose, the beauty of Bali is that you have options to meet every budget," she said.

    Areas popular with tourists, such as Seminyak and Canggu tend to be pricier than other parts of the island.

    "It depends on where you're living on the island and what you expect out of it, and this applies to gyms and even homes. You can get all the amenities you desire, but you have to be ready to pay for it," she said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider