Tag: Motley Fool

  • 2 top ASX shares that could be excellent buy and hold options

    chart showing an increasing share price

    chart showing an increasing share price

    There are a lot of shares to choose from on the Australian share market.

    In order to narrow things down for investors, listed below are two ASX shares that are rated highly by analysts. Here’s why they could be top buy and hold options:

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    The first ASX share that could be a top buy and hold options is this pizza chain operator.

    While Domino’s is having a reasonably tough time at the moment, its long term outlook remains very positive. This is being underpinned by the popularity of its offering and its bold expansion plans. In respect to the latter, despite already having a huge network across several regions, Domino’s sees scope to more than double its footprint again over the next decade.

    And this is just from existing markets. It also has the balance sheet strength to make acquisitions that increase its addressable market.

    The team at Morgans remain positive on the company and believe recent share price weakness is a buying opportunity.

    The broker commented: “We upgraded to ADD after the result and, although inflationary pressures have worsened since then, we continue to believe there is meaningful upside to the current share price over the next 12 months.”

    Morgans has an add rating and $100 price target on the company’s shares.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    Another ASX share that could be a quality buy and hold option is TechnologyOne.

    It is an enterprise software provider servicing the government, financial services, health and community services, education, and utilities and managed services markets.

    It could be a top option due to its recent transition to a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This shift of focus has been going very well, with the company recently reporting stellar SaaS annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth with its half-year results.

    Pleasingly, management doesn’t expect its growth to stop any time soon and is targeting $500 million+ in ARR by FY 2026. This is up from its current base of $288 million.

    Analysts at Goldman Sachs suspect that TechnologyOne could even outperform this target, noting that the risks are to the upside. It said: “SaaS flip uplift, elevated inflation (via contractual CPI pass-through) and underlying business growth underpin our A$505mn FY26 ARR estimate, and we think risks are skewed to the upside with our estimates assuming modest organic growth ex-flip (~10%).”

    Goldman has a buy rating and $13.30 price target on the company’s shares.

    The post 2 top ASX shares that could be excellent buy and hold options appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

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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 recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises Limited. 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 Appen, Catapult, CSR, and Select Harvests shares are dropping

    Red arrow going down with share prices in red symbolising a falling share price

    Red arrow going down with share prices in red symbolising a falling share price

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a very positive note. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.1% to 7,184.7 points.

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

    Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

    The Appen share price is down 22% to $6.47. Investors have been selling this artificial intelligence data services company’s shares after Telus International withdrew its takeover proposal. The offer was withdrawn without comment but appears to have been triggered by the proposal being leaked to the press. Appen advised that it doesn’t know who leaked details of the offer.

    Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT)

    The Catapult share price is down a further 6% to 96 cents. Investors have been selling this sports technology company’s shares since the release of a disappointing full-year result this week. Although Catapult reported a 19.7% increase in annual contract value (ACV) to US$63.9 million, its underlying EBITDA swung to a loss of US$5.8 million from a profit of US$3.5 million in FY 2021.

    CSR Limited (ASX: CSR)

    The CSR share price is down 4.5% to $4.68. The majority of this decline has been driven by the building products company’s shares trading ex-dividend this morning. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving its 18 cents per share fully franked dividend on 1 July.

    Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV)

    The Select Harvests share price is down 6% to $5.60. This follows the release of the almond producer’s half year results. While Select Harvests reported a large increase in profits, it was still down materially from 2020’s levels. Select Harvests reported a half-year net profit of $2 million, up from $1.3 million in FY 2021 but down from $17.4 million in FY 2020.

    The post Why Appen, Catapult, CSR, and Select Harvests shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    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 positions in and has recommended Appen Ltd and Catapult Group International Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Group International Ltd. 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 Flight Centre share price is soaring 3% today. Could this be behind its gains?

    A woman sits crossed leg on seats at an airport holding her ticket and smiling.A woman sits crossed leg on seats at an airport holding her ticket and smiling.

    The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is taking off on Friday despite no fresh news from the company.

    However, good news from international airlines and a slightly lower short position might be bolstering the market’s sentiment towards the travel agent.

    At the time of writing, the Flight Centre share price is $20.39, 3.08% higher than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently up 1.1%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what might be going on with Flight Centre’s shares today.

    What’s boosting the Flight Centre share price today?

    The Flight Centre share price is in the green today, potentially in response to news from US-listed airlines.

    Thursday’s session overseas saw both Southwest Airlines Co and JetBlue Airways Corporation releasing quarterly updates.

    The pair each noted rising demand for flights would likely help offset the rising cost of fuel.

    That’s likely good news for the broader travel industry as it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    And such sentiment might have been enough to make some short-sellers question their position in Flight Centre shares.

    The company’s short position has dropped ever so slightly over the last month. The latest data suggests 17.04% of the company’s shares are in the hands of short-sellers.

    That’s down from 17.42% this time last month.

    However, the drop hasn’t been enough to shake off Flight Centre’s title as the ASX’s most shorted stock.

    Its short position appears to point to some market participants believing the company’s recovery won’t be all it’s cracked up to be.

    Still, the Flight Centre share price is doing well in 2022. It has gained 9% since the start of the year – outperforming the ASX 200’s 5% slip.

    It’s also 33% higher than it was this time last year. Meanwhile, the ASX 200 is recording a 1% gain for the last 12 months.

    The post The Flight Centre share price is soaring 3% today. Could this be behind its gains? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre right now?

    Before you consider Flight Centre, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Flight Centre 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. 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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  • After its recent surge, the Polynovo share price is down 8% this week. Is it a buy?

    A female scientist sits at her desk looking stressed out while working in an AnteoTech lab.A female scientist sits at her desk looking stressed out while working in an AnteoTech lab.

    The Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) share price has retraced this week despite insider buying from the company’s chair, David Williams.

    After hitting a 3-month high of $1.413 earlier this month, the medical device company’s shares are failing to gain traction.

    In fact, this week alone, Polynovo shares are down 8.3%.

    This comes regardless of its shares travelling 2.53% higher to $1.215 apiece.

    Let’s take a look and see if Polynovo shares are undervalued at current prices.

    Polynovo shares in bargain territory?

    The investor sentiment on the Polynovo share price has been mixed due to the inconsistent performance of the business. This has ultimately attracted a large number of short sellers to the company’s registry.

    Short-selling is a common trading strategy that aims to profit from the fall in the price of a security. The goal is for an investor to borrow shares and sell the shares, and then buy them back at a lower price for a profit.

    Last week, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) released its short position report revealing the level of short interest within companies.

    As such, Polynovo remained in the top 10 list with 11.27% of its shares being shorted by investors.

    In comparison, ASIC reported a short interest of 5.26% in Polynovo last year on 20 May. This is 50% less than where its shares are shorted today.

    Given the large increase in short positions being taken up, investors might be concerned about the company’s inconsistent performance.

    A couple of brokers rated the company’s share price with varying price points in late February.

    The team at Macquarie cut its 12-month price target for Polynovo shares by 44% to a $1.60 apiece. This implies an upside of 31.6% from where the company’s shares are trading today.

    Furthermore, analysts at Wilsons dropped their outlook on Polynovo shares by 22% to $1.11. It appears that the broker is almost on the mark as to where the medical company’s shares are valued at.

    Polynovo share price summary

    When looking at year to date, the Polynovo share price has lost 20% in value for shareholders.

    However, in the past 12 months, its losses have magnified by around 53%.

    Based on today’s price, Polynovo presides a market capitalisation of about $777.48 million.

    The post After its recent surge, the Polynovo share price is down 8% this week. Is it a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Polynovo right now?

    Before you consider Polynovo, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Polynovo 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    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 POLYNOVO FPO. 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.

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  • Own NAB shares? Experts reveal what makes the bank’s BNPL product ‘stand out from the pack’

    outperforming asx share price represented by row of white eggs with cartoon sad faces with one gold egg with happy face and crownoutperforming asx share price represented by row of white eggs with cartoon sad faces with one gold egg with happy face and crown

    Avid owners of National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares will likely be across the buy now, pay later (BNPL) offering the bank revealed yesterday.  

    For those unacquainted, NAB Now Pay Later is set to launch in July and will follow the same basic premise as many other BNPL offerings – allowing customers to split purchases into four fortnightly payments.

    It will also be able to be used anywhere Visa Inc is accepted. Meaning customers can use the product in the likes of supermarkets and petrol stations.

    NAB Now Pay Later’s intricacies and timing have experts predicting it will be popular among shoppers.

    Experts give NAB Now Pay Later the thumbs up

    Those invested in NAB shares will soon have their own slice of the BNPL pie. The bank has begun accepting pre-registrations from its own customers interested in using NAB Now Pay Later.

    And unlike most other BNPL products, the offering will abandon late fees entirely.

    “It’s essentially a revolving line of credit that consumers pay nothing for, apart from the purchase cost,” Canstar money expert Effie Zahos commented. She continued:

    NAB does a credit check on all customers who apply, so it’s essentially BNPL with parameters. Not all customers will be approved, and their limit will be assessed individually. Likewise, if they’re late on a payment, NAB will block their BNPL account … so there are safety barriers in place.

    Zahos said the application process makes NAB Now Pay Later “stand out from the pack”. Though, she noted “a ‘free’ revolving line of credit can lead to dangerous spending behaviours.”

    It has also impressed Griffith University personal finance expert Dr Tracey West.

    West told Canstar that NAB Now Pay Later’s application process made it preferable to other BNPL offerings. She hopes its launch might take business from “more predatory finance companies”.

    Additionally, releasing a BNPL product in the current inflationary environment will likely see demand for it soar.

    “The timing of NAB’s BNPL product offering is perfect,” Zahos said. “It’s never been more expensive to be living.” She added:

    Inflationary pressures may see BNPL providers that restrict purchases to certain retailers … at risk of dampening demand. Those providers such as NAB that allow consumers to BNPL on necessities like groceries may find the cost of living drives even more business their way.

    NAB share price snapshot

    The NAB share price is in the green on Friday, lifting 0.7% to trade at $31.79. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also up 1.05% right now.

    The bank’s stock has gained 8% since the start of 2022. It’s also nearly 19% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post Own NAB shares? Experts reveal what makes the bank’s BNPL product ‘stand out from the pack’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in NAB right now?

    Before you consider NAB, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and NAB 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Visa. 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.

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  • Why is the Coles share price lagging the ASX 200 on Friday?

    SCA share price a child who's been crying with a sad look on his face sits iin the child seat of a supermarket trolley in a supermarket aisle lined with grocery items.SCA share price a child who's been crying with a sad look on his face sits iin the child seat of a supermarket trolley in a supermarket aisle lined with grocery items.

    The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is in the red despite the broader market’s zeal on Friday.

    It’s also slumping amid news that retail spending on food lifted $243.1 million last month – a 1.9% increase.

    At the time of writing, the Coles share price is $17.44, 0.91% lower than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently 1.10% higher.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with the ASX 200 supermarket on Friday.

    What’s going on with the Coles share price today?

    The Coles share price is trailing the broader market today. However, it’s joined by some of its peers on the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ).

    The sector is one of two trading in the red on Friday. It is currently down 0.05%, with Coles coming in as its biggest weight.

    Also dragging on the index are shares in A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) and Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA).

    The supermarket’s sluggish performance comes despite the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announcing retail spending rose 0.9% last month.

    Food retailing led the way, increasing 1.9% in April to reach approximately $13 billion.

    ABS director of quarterly economy-wide statistics Ben James commented on the increase, saying:

    The strength in retail turnover is being driven by spending across the food industries. High food prices have combined with increased household spending over the April holiday period as more people are travelling, dining out, and holding family gatherings.

    Today’s dip included, the Coles share price has slumped 2.6% since the start of 2022. That means it’s outperforming the ASX 200 this year ­– the index has slipped 5.3% year to date.

    The supermarket’s stock is also 5.1% higher than it was this time last year – outperforming the ASX 200 by nearly 4%.

    The post Why is the Coles share price lagging the ASX 200 on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Coles right now?

    Before you consider Coles, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Coles 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk. 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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  • Here are the 3 most traded ASX 200 shares on Friday

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is enjoying a very pleasant end to the trading week so far this Friday. The ASX 200 is currently up by a pleasing 1.05% and is closing back in on 7,200 points at the time of writing.

    So let’s delve deeper into these share market moves by having a look at the companies that are topping the ASX 200’s trading volume charts right now, according to investing.com.

    The 3 most traded ASX 200 shares by volume this Friday

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

    Oil giant Santos is our first ASX 200 share to take a look at this Friday. So far today, a hefty 10.1 million Santos shares have been bought and sold on the markets.

    Like most ASX 200 energy shares, Santos has taken off today and is currently up by a healthy 1.96% at $8.31. This sharp move higher comes after some healthy appreciation on the oil markets overnight, which is obviously good news for oil producers like Santos.

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    ASX 200 lithium producer Pilbara is next up this Friday. So far today, a sizeable 16.33 million Pilbara shares have found a new ASX home. There’s been no news out of Pilbara today either.

    Saying that, the lithium heavyweight has been enjoying an exceptionally strong day of trading. Pilbara shares are currently up a pleasing 4.45% at $2.94 each. It’s this big jump in valuation that has probably resulted in this elevated trading volume.

    Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) 

    Our final share of the day today is the ASX 200 gaming company Tabcorp, with a whopping 17.43 million shares traded thus far. Tabcorp has been in the news all week this week following its dramatic demerger of the now-standalone company The Lottery Corporation (ASX: TLC). We haven’t heard anything new out of Tabcorp today.

    However, Tabcorp shares are rebounding enthusiastically, currently up by 3.11% to $1 a share after spending most of their early post-split life falling in value. This is probably the reason for Tabcorp’s gold medal on this list today.

    The post Here are the 3 most traded ASX 200 shares on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Santos right now?

    Before you consider Santos, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Santos 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

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  • Here’s why the Core Lithium share price is storming higher

    A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.

    A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price has been on form on Friday.

    In afternoon trade, the lithium developer’s shares are up 4% to $1.33.

    Why is the Core Lithium share price rising?

    The Core Lithium share price is pushing higher today despite there being no news out of the company.

    However, it is worth noting that it isn’t the only lithium share on the rise today.

    For example, the Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) share price is up 4%, the Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is up 4%, and Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price is up almost 5%.

    This follows even stronger gains from lithium giant’s Albermarle, Livent, and SQM on Wall Street overnight after risk sentiment improved greatly.

    In addition, concerns that lithium supply won’t be able to keep up with demand has sparked hopes that lithium prices will remain higher for longer.

    According to BloombergNEF, the world needs lithium supply to increase fivefold by the end of the decade to meet demand as the electric vehicle revolution gets into full swing.

    This bodes well for Core Lithium, which is aiming to commence production at the Finniss Lithium Project by the end of the year.

    The post Here’s why the Core Lithium share price is storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Core Lithium right now?

    Before you consider Core Lithium, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Core Lithium 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    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.

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  • Why are ASX 200 retail shares climbing on Friday?

    Afterpay share price a happy shopper with a wide mouthed smile holds multiple shopping bags up around her shoulders.Afterpay share price a happy shopper with a wide mouthed smile holds multiple shopping bags up around her shoulders.

    It’s a good day to be an S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) retail share after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) dropped its latest retail trade data.

    Australian retail turnover rose 0.9% in April – the fourth month in a row the measure has risen. In fact, Aussies spent a whopping $33.9 billion online and in stores last month amid inflationary pressures.

    The news has likely helped bolster the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) today. It’s currently 1.9% higher, driven by some of its most renowned retail shares.

    Meanwhile, the ASX 200 is currently up 1.09%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with ASX 200 retail shares on Friday.

    ASX 200 retail shares take off on Friday

    ASX 200 retailers are among the market’s leaders today amid news Australia’s retail turnover has increased 9.6% over the 12 months ended April 2022.

    Clothing and footwear retailers recorded one of the biggest increases last month, lifting 3.1%.

    That’s likely good news for ASX 200 shares City Chic Collective Ltd (ASX: CCX) and Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV). Indeed, their share prices have gained 6.42% and 1.83% on Friday.

    Meanwhile, the retailing category — into which a lot of Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)’s business falls – lifted 0.5% last month. The company’s stock is currently enjoying a 1.3% gain.

    It wasn’t such a pretty picture for companies selling household goods, however.

    Sales for goods sold by the likes of JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) and Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) slumped 2.7% in April but the company’s share prices, thankfully, haven’t received the memo. They’ve gained a respective 3.44% and 1.39% at the time of writing.

    Conglomerate Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) – the company behind retail giants Bunnings, Officeworks, and Kmart – is also in the green today. Its stock has gained 1.65% right now.

    The biggest increase in spending exhibited by Aussies last month was on food. Spending on food retailing and cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food services rose 1.9% and 3.3% respectively.

    “The strength in retail turnover is being driven by spending across the food industries,” ABS director of quarterly economy-wide statistics Ben James said.

    “High food prices have combined with increased household spending over the April holiday period as more people are travelling, dining out, and holding family gatherings.”

    The post Why are ASX 200 retail shares climbing on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in City Chic right now?

    Before you consider City Chic, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and City Chic 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd., Super Retail Group Limited, and Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments Limited. 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 is the Rio Tinto share price having such a strong end to the week?

    A Rio Tinto miner in hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol against a blue sky.A Rio Tinto miner in hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol against a blue sky.

    The Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price is set to finish the week in the green.

    Since Monday, the iron ore mining outfit’s shares have risen more than 4% following an uptick in positive sentiment.

    At the time of writing, Rio Tinto shares are currently edging 2.56% higher to $113.61.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also in the green, up 1.10% to trade at 7,183.8 points.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving the miner’s shares upwards lately.

    Iron ore prices rebound

    After hitting a near 3-month low of around US$123 last week, iron ore prices have staged a mini rebound.

    According to Trading Economics, the steel making ingredient is currently fetching at US$130 per metric tonne. While there’s been no movement today, this represents a gain of approximately 5.6% over the week.

    What’s causing iron ore prices to push higher?

    The iron ore price has rallied due to global supply concerns from major producers, Australia and Brazil.

    In addition, India lifted export duties for iron ore and steel intermediates to curb inflationary costs.

    This has led to optimistic sentiment among investors for the steel making ingredient.

    However, if global economic growth slows down, iron ore demand could wane leading to a retrace in prices.

    Recently, the Chinese government cut borrowing rates in an effort to spur economic activity.

    The country’s strict COVID-19 zero policy and property slump caused demand to slump in the construction sector.

    As such, iron ore stockpiles at major Chinese ports fell for the eighth consecutive week.

    Rio Tinto share price snapshot

    It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Rio Tinto shares, having moved unpredictably over the past 12 months.

    Its shares are down 5% since this time last year.

    Based on valuation metrics, Rio Tinto presides a market capitalisation of approximately $42.17 billion.

    The post Why is the Rio Tinto share price having such a strong end to the week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rio Tinto right now?

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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.

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