Tag: Motley Fool

  • Own AGL shares? Here’s why the company has been making news this week

    An old-fashioned news boy stands on a stool and yells through a microphone in an open field.An old-fashioned news boy stands on a stool and yells through a microphone in an open field.

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) shares closed up 0.14% on Tuesday at $7.28.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) listed energy provider trailed the benchmark today, with the ASX 200 closing up 0.86% at 7,341.1 points.

    That’s today’s price action.

    Now here’s why AGL has been making headlines this week.

    200 smart EV charges in pilot plan

    AGL is working to increase the attractiveness of owning an electric vehicle (EV) Down Under.

    Here’s what the company posted on Twitter yesterday:

    We’ve partnered with @ARENA_aus in an #ElectricVehicle trial that will see us install 200 #EV smart chargers in homes across #AUS. As more Aussies choose #EVs, we want to understand how they are charged, and how we can use them to charge other things – like our homes!

    The smart chargers in question will help determine when most Aussies opt to charge their EVs at their homes, as well as moving charging times during periods of peak demand.

    According to AGL chief customer officer Christine Corbett (quoted by Canstar Blue):

    Accelerating the uptake of EVs will be an integral technology pathway for decarbonising Australia’s economy but without careful management we risk overloading the grid at peak times…

    In the lead up to the trial, our customer research revealed customers were happy to have their charging controlled as long as they are able to override that control when they require their vehicle.

    Corbett said AGL will monitor the results of several different charging scenarios over the next year and receive feedback from its customers.

    ARENA CEO Darren Miller added:

    The installation of 200 smart chargers across Australian homes is an important milestone for AGL’s project, which will be used to identify how we can best integrate EVs into the grid that benefits both the customer and the electricity system as a whole.

    If you own AGL shares you’ll soon own part of this mega battery

    If you own AGL shares you’re also looking at being a part-owner of a 500-megawatt (MW) battery. That’s among the largest batteries in Australia.

    As The Australian Financial Review reported, New South Wales regulators granted planning permission for the battery project on 8 March. It’s intended to be located at AGL’s Liddell coal power plant, which is slated for closure in mid-2023. That site will enable the battery to connect directly into the existing transmission infrastructure.

    The estimated cost of the project comes in at $763 million.

    How have AGL shares been tracking?

    AGL shares have handily outperformed the benchmark in 2022, gaining more than 15% compared to a loss of 3% posted by the ASX 200.

    However, the AGL share price is down around 30% over the past year.

    The post Own AGL shares? Here’s why the company has been making news this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider AGL, 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 AGL 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

    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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why has the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price surged 9% in two weeks?

    A boy hugs his dog with one arm and holds a big red plane in the air with the other in the beautiful sunshine.A boy hugs his dog with one arm and holds a big red plane in the air with the other in the beautiful sunshine.

    The Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price has been taking flight in the past couple of weeks.

    The company’s shares have soared 9% between market close on 8 March to today.

    Let’s take a look at what could be helping Webjet lately?

    Travel restrictions ease

    The Webjet share price has lifted amid positive travel recovery sentiment and some travel restrictions easing in world markets.

    New Zealand recently announced it would lift travel restrictions on Australians travelling across the ditch. Australians will be able to travel to NZ from 12 April, free from quarantine requirements. The United Kingdom also lifted testing requirements for international arrivals last week.

    Webjet is a digital travel business with a presence in Australia, New Zealand, and destinations around the world.

    Positive broker sentiment could also be helping the Webjet share price. As my Foolish colleague James reported, Goldman Sachs recommends the share as a buy with a $6.90 price target. This is 24% more than the current share price.

    Retreating oil prices over the past two weeks could also have helped Webjet. Since 8 March, international benchmark Brent Crude Oil has dropped nearly 5% from US$124.8 per barrel to $118.81, Trading Economics data reveals. Jet fuel is one of the largest costs for airlines.

    In today’s news, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the federal government is investing $60 million to bring international visitors back to Australia. Morrison said:

    Our Government is backing Australia’s tourism industry with a $60 million plan to bring back international visitors, especially to the regions that have been hardest hit.

    As the world reopens, and travellers get out and see the world again, we want to ensure that at the top of every must-see-list is Australia.

    Webjet share price snapshot

    The Webjet share price has ascended 8% year to date but is almost 10% lower than it was a year ago.

    In the past month, the travel company’s shares have dropped 6.75% but are up around 1% in a week.

    Webjet has a market capitalisation of about $2.1 billion based on the current share price.

    The post Why has the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price surged 9% in two weeks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Webjet , 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 Webjet 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

    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 Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Here’s why the Incannex (ASX:IHL) share price is on ice today

    Female doctor with a mask holds out hand in a stop gesture.Female doctor with a mask holds out hand in a stop gesture.

    The Incannex Healthcare Ltd (ASX: IHL) share price won’t be going anywhere on Tuesday.

    This comes as the company requested that its shares be placed in a trading halt.

    At the time of writing, the medicinal cannabis company’s shares are frozen at 70 cents apiece.

    Why is the Incannex share price halted?

    At market open, the company requested trading in its shares be halted while it prepared an announcement.

    According to the release, the company is planning to make an announcement regarding a potential business acquisition transaction.

    At this stage, the details remain unknown as to which company is subject to a possible takeover.

    Incannex has requested that the trading halt remains in place until Thursday 24 March or following the release of the announcement, whichever comes first.

    What does Incannex do?

    Founded in 2001, Incannex is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel medicinal cannabinoid compounds and psychedelic therapies for unmet needs.

    This includes treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), traumatic brain injury (TBI)/concussion, lung inflammation (ARDS, COPD, asthma, bronchitis), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

    Currently, the company is pursuing United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of all its drug candidates.

    Once approved, Incannex is seeking to expand its products in other regions such as Europe, Japan, Australia, and Israel.

    Incannex share price summary

    Over the past 12 months, the Incannex share price has surged by more than 230% following its IHL-42X positive phase 2 clinical trial results.

    Although, since the start of the year, its shares have recorded wild swings of more than 40% in either direction.

    The company’s shares are up 12% in 2022.

    Based on valuation grounds, Incannex has a market capitalisation of roughly $847 million, with approximately 1.2 billion shares outstanding.

    The post Here’s why the Incannex (ASX:IHL) share price is on ice today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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  • Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares spike as oil rises back above $100/barrel

    happy miner, happy oil and gas worker with thumb raised wearing a hard hat amid rigginghappy miner, happy oil and gas worker with thumb raised wearing a hard hat amid rigging

    Global oil and energy stocks are staging a comeback rally today as the price of oil crept back up above US$100 per barrel overnight. Shares in Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) have latched onto the momentum and are now trading 2.5% higher at $32.44 apiece today.

    After retreating over the past few weeks, oil prices are again soaring amid reports the Kremlin has cast doubt on achieving peace talks with Ukraine.

    The move caused investors to chase product in an already thinning market, Bloomberg reports.

    TradingView Chart

    What’s going on with oil and Woodside?

    Brent crude futures had already surged more than 7% by Monday as news surfaced that some EU countries would back an import ban on Russian oil, according to Trading Economics.

    Meanwhile, other nations, such as Germany and Italy, are more hesitant to immediately shut supply, due to already-increasing energy costs.

    Brent futures are now sitting at US$118 per barrel after bouncing hard off a low of US$98 per barrel not even a week ago.

    Bloomberg also reports that the Brent contract – also the global oil benchmark – had consecutive price swings of more than $5 during the day for 16 consecutive sessions, an all-time record.

    Woodside shares appear to be benefitting from those prices today. The current price represents a 15% gain over the past month and a 48% gain since trading restarted back in January.

    The move in oil has been a net positive for ASX hydrocarbons producers, and the gains have been realised across the board.

    TradingView Chart

    Woodside shares have rallied hard these past few weeks amid the volatility in oil and energy markets, and some experts are predicting these trends to inflect well on the company.

    “Stronger commodity prices have resulted in vastly different sentiment towards the [energy] sector relative to last year,” JP Morgan analysts wrote in a recent note.

    Natural gas prices have also skyrocketed this year, and are back in an uptrend, currently trading at US$4.93/MMBtu.

    Meanwhile, 73% of analysts covering Woodside have it as a buy right now. That’s versus just 6% as a sell, and 20% holding a neutral stance, per Bloomberg data.

    This number has crept up from just 56% urging clients to buy this time last year, and the consensus price target has increased from around $26 to $32.34 in that time.

    A bit more on Woodside shares

    In the last 12 months, Woodside shares have climbed more than 31%. They are also up almost 50% in the past six months and are in fact trading up across all major time frames.

    The post Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares spike as oil rises back above $100/barrel appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside Petroleum right now?

    Before you consider Woodside Petroleum, 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 Woodside Petroleum 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 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • What is a ‘dead cat bounce’ and is the ASX 200 in one right now?

    Cat jumping from a sofa, symbolising dead cat bounce.Cat jumping from a sofa, symbolising dead cat bounce.

    The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is gaining strength this week and is now trading up more than 1.25% in the green at 7,369 points.

    After plunging to a low of 6,838 points back in late January, the ASX had staged a remarkable rally before then being rejected at the 7,200 points mark in mid-Feb.

    ASX large caps then took a nosedive and tumbled in a tight range for the remaining days of the month.

    However, as more clarity around the inflation and interest rate narrative has emerged, market pundits are now jumping behind ASX large caps once more.

    But could this just be a fake out that is the result of a classic chart pattern better known as a ‘dead cat bounce’? Let’s take a look and see what the experts think.

    What is a dead cat bounce?

    A dead cat bounce is a term traders, market pundits and those on Wall Street use to describe an unfamiliar bearish chart pattern on the price of a particular stock.

    The phrase stems from the old adage that even a dead cat will bounce if it falls hard and fast enough, a tribute to some of the famous stock market cases of times gone by.

    It’s seen on the chart as a short-lived recovery in the price of a stock that has been declining – usually at a fairly rapid pace, Bloomberg notes.

    Due to the force at which the price is hammered down, often this leads to a temporary reversal, where the price might charge up again.

    However, as both market and company fundamentals begin to weigh in, the downward pressure mounted is often too much and the longer-term, downward trend soon continues.

    It would be as if you traced the path of a dead-rubber ball that was dropped from a height – it would fall, bounce, and then once the downward force equalises, hit the floor again.

    That’s not unlike what we see on the chart pattern of a dead cat bounce, although it’s something that is recognised in retrospect – so not really a trading or investing tool.

    Is the ASX in one?

    Recently, Kyle Rodda, market analyst at IG Markets, noted that the ASX could have been in a dead cat bounce in early January as the index bottomed.

    He said that price action at the time had “commentators asking whether the bottom was in. [The] price action seems to suggest it could just be a dead cat bounce.”

    That was in late January, and by all accounts – the market did bounce from its low, recover, and then recede further downwards.

    “At the moment, either [situation] could be true because it won’t be until some clarity is given by the Fed about its policy intentions that markets may settle down,” he added.

    TradingView Chart

    Well, the Fed was clear on its policy move in its most recent meeting. From 2022, the US will opt to raise both the federal funds rate and the terminal rate for the first time in years, meaning interest rates are set to rise in the US. It is looking to raise a number of times in 2022, unless inflation starts to creep back down.

    And the market’s reaction has been clearly positive, and some experts, like JP Morgan’s Marko Kolanovic, suggest that a rotation back into beaten-down tech stocks is warranted.

    That suggests a bullish outlook for the long-term, seeing as the valuations on growth/tech shares are based on cash flow projections long into the future.

    Given the fact that a dead cat bounce is typically a pattern seen in hindsight, it remains to be seen if the ASX is currently in the midst of the pattern performing.

    What is true is that price action is supportive of the current gains and that overall, the index appears to back towards its 3-month highs.

    The post What is a ‘dead cat bounce’ and is the ASX 200 in one right now? 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 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Here’s why the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price is tipped to outperform

    a young man wearing an open necked shirt and a stylish coat raises a glass of champagne as he smiles.a young man wearing an open necked shirt and a stylish coat raises a glass of champagne as he smiles.

    A broker is predicting the Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price could make significant gains in the future.

    The wine company’s shares are currently swapping hands at $11.85, a 0.42% gain. In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 1.3% higher at the time of writing.

    Let’s take a look at why experts recommend this company.

    Treasury Wine share price prediction

    The team at Citi believes Treasury Wine is a buy with a $13.78 price target. That’s nearly 17% more than the current share price.

    Citi says Treasury Wine could outperform its expectations in the second half. Citi said industry data shows sales are also shifting from the retail channel to the on-premise channel.

    As my Foolish colleague James noted, this could be a huge positive given this channel offers higher margin.

    Experts have also recently named Treasury Wine as one of five ASX shares to ride out the 2022 volatility.

    WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) portfolio manager John Ayoub named the wine company’s shares as meeting the “safe haven” definition, as my Foolish colleague Tony reported.

    Treasury Wine reported a 7.5% drop in net profit and 6.7% decline in EBITS in its H1 FY22 results. The company was impacted by reduced shipments to mainland China.

    However, looking to the future, the company revealed it has shifted its focus from a mindset of ‘recovery and restructuring’ to one of ‘growth and innovation’.

    Treasury Wine shares have fallen just over 1% in the past month. The Treasury Wine share price dropped nearly 3% on 2 March alone, ex-dividend day for the company.

    Eligible shareholders will receive a fully-franked interim dividend of 15 cents per share on 1 April.

    Share price snapshot

    The Treasury Wine Estates share price has gained around 7% in the past year, although it is down 4.6% year to date.

    For perspective, the benchmark ASX index has returned around 9% in the past year.

    Treasury Wine has a market capitalisation of about $8.5 billion based on its current share price.

    The post Here’s why the Treasury Wine (ASX:TWE) share price is tipped to outperform appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Treasury Wine right now?

    Before you consider Treasury Wine , 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 Treasury Wine 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

    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 Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • How rising inflation will impact ASX retail investors: expert

    Many ASX retail investors won’t recall what it’s like to invest in an era of rising interest rates.

    Indeed, since 2011, when the RBA’s official cash rate still hovered above 4%, there’s been only one direction for rates.

    Down.

    But at today’s rock bottom 0.10%, and with inflation ramping significantly higher for the first time in many years, that direction is about to change.

    So how will rising inflation and the accompanying hikes in interest rates impact investors in ASX shares?

    For some insight into that question, The Motley Fool turned to Brendan Doggett, country manager at online trading platform, Sharesies AU.

    The pandemic saw household savings hit record highs

    Noting that it’s now “widely accepted” that interest rates are going to go up, Doggett told us:

    For homeowners, an increase in the cash rate will mean that interest rates on mortgages rise, alongside everyone experiencing a rise in the cost of everyday living, fuel and household goods – impacting household costs.

    However, the good news is that the pandemic saw money habits change. Spending fell, debt was paid off and household savings reached all-time highs, meaning many Australians have a nice buffer sitting in their savings account.

    Many also used this time to think about their futures and develop positive habits, including investing — something we have seen on the Sharesies platform.

    What does this all mean for ASX retail investors?

    “The Australian markets have already factored in an increase in rates this year, so we would not expect to see the market respond with a dramatic adjustment,” Doggett said.

    However, if interest rates increase unexpectedly fast “we might see a correction in the market”.

    Addressing the sectors and types of ASX companies that historically have outperformed when rates are higher, Doggett added:

    While there are no truly ‘safe’ shares, in times of higher interest rates markets have historically moved away from growth companies including in the tech sector, and rallied behind value stocks such as banks and other well-established blue chips.

    Other sectors that have previously been seen to respond well include energy companies, agriculture and gold.

    Doggett also pointed to companies in the agriculture sector as likely to do well amid higher rates. “Food commodities will always be essential, regardless of whether inflation is rising or falling,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Doggett said, “We expect to see continued volatility in the markets in the year ahead. Investors with a low-risk appetite might like to consider investing in ETFs [exchange-traded funds] which follow the index and spread risk across a number of companies.”

    The post How rising inflation will impact ASX retail investors: expert 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

    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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Time is running out to secure this ASX healthcare share dividend

    A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock.A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock.

    The Virtus Health Ltd (ASX: VRT) share price is seesawing today. It has been down as low as $8.21 and as high as $8.27 but it is currently 0.12% in the red at $8.22.

    This comes despite the fertility treatment company not releasing any price-sensitive announcements to the ASX today.

    In comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has shot up 1.17% to 7,647.6 points today.

    So what’s been happening with Virtus Health?

    Virtus Health shares set to go ex-dividend

    Today is the last chance for investors to get their hands on the Virtus Health interim dividend.

    Investors need to buy Virtus Health shares before market close today to be eligible for the interim dividend. The ex-dividend date is tomorrow, Wednesday 23 March.

    It is worth noting that on the ex-dividend day, the share price traditionally falls in proportion to the dividend amount. This is because investors tend to sell off the company’s shares after securing the dividend.

    What does this mean for Virtus Health shareholders?

    For those who are eligible for the Virtus Health interim dividend, shareholders will receive a payment of 12 cents per share on 14 April.

    The dividend is also fully franked, which means shareholders can expect to receive tax credits from this.

    Virtus Health share price summary

    When looking at the past 12 months, the Virtus Health share price is up almost 40%. It is also up 20% this year to date.

    The company’s shares reached a 52-week high of $8.33 a little over a week ago. This came after the company announced it had signed a transaction implementation deed with an entity controlled by CapVest Partners. Under the deed, CapVest will acquire 100% of Virtus shares by a scheme of arrangement. 

    Based on today’s price, Virtus Health commands a market capitalisation of roughly $703.97 million and has a trailing dividend yield of 2.92%.

    The post Time is running out to secure this ASX healthcare share dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Virtus Health right now?

    Before you consider Virtus Health, 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 Virtus Health 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Lucky 13? The QBE Insurance share price is now up 13% in 2 weeks

    A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares

    A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had a very pleasing two weeks. Since 7 March, the ASX 200 is now up by around 4.7%. That is quite a return for only a fortnight. But that has been put to shame by the performance of the QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price.

    Over the same period, QBE shares have gone from just over $10 a share to today’s price (at the time of writing) of $11.32. That’s a gain of almost 13%, including today’s near-3% rise.

    So what’s going so right with the QBE share price?

    Well, the first thing to note is that this share price recovery comes after a nasty fall in the month before 7 March. In fact, from 9 February to 7 March, QBE shares lost more than 21% of their value. The company’s shares were hammered after the devastating floods across New South Wales and Queensland. As well as by QBE’s ex-dividend date and a mixed-bag earnings report.

    Even after the recovery we have seen over the past fortnight, QBE remains down by more than 11% since early February.

    ASX expert investors: QBE share price is good insurance

    But the steep share price falls this company has seen in 2022 so far seems to have gained the attention of some expert investors. As my Fool colleague James covered, earlier this month, broker Morgans came out with an add rating on QBE. That was complete with a 12-month share price target of $13.50. It’s also expecting big things from QBE in the dividend department over the rest of FY2022.

    In addition, we also got another bullish expert opinion on QBE share last week. As my Fool colleague Bernd reported, portfolio manager at fund manager Firetrail Scott Olsson picked QBE as a leading beneficiary of looming interest rate rises. Olsson argued that the $3 billion in premiums cash that QBE holds will reap extra income for the company when interest rates rise. That could come as soon as this year.

    So these multiple bullish opinions on QBE might have enticed the market to rethink QBE’s valuation. Thus, it could well be responsible for the stellar fortnight or so the insurance giant has enjoyed.

    At the current QBE Insurance share price, this ASX 200 share has a market capitalisation of $16.7 billion, with a dividend yield of 2.65%.

    The post Lucky 13? The QBE Insurance share price is now up 13% in 2 weeks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in QBE Insurance right now?

    Before you consider QBE Insurance, 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 QBE Insurance wasn’t one of them.

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    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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it

    Business man marking Sell on board and underlining it

    Yesterday we looked at three ASX shares brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

    Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three that have just been given sell ratings are listed below. Here’s why these brokers are bearish on these ASX shares:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $90.75 price target on this banking giant’s shares. Citi has been looking at the banking sector and highlights that Australian banks have significantly outperformed their global peers since Russia invaded Ukraine. However, it isn’t confident this will continue given the lack of revenue growth on offer in the sector. In light of this, it holds firm with its sell rating on Australia’s largest bank. The CBA share price is trading at $106.58 on Tuesday afternoon.

    Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

    A note out of Wilsons reveals that its analysts have retained their underweight rating but lifted their price target on this agribusiness company’s shares to $10.55. While Wilsons has been pleased with Elders performance and notes that it continues to benefit from structural growth drivers, it isn’t enough for a change of rating. Due to its valuation and potential cyclical headwinds which could impact its growth, the broker retains its underweight rating. The Elders share price is fetching $13.49 this afternoon.

    Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK)

    Analysts at Goldman Sachs have retained their sell rating and $4.25 price target on this telco’s shares. According to the note, Goldman acknowledges that Spark is executing well. However, this is being offset by the company debt-funding its dividend and facing uncertain competitive threats from the proposed Orcon/2Deg merger. The Spark share price is trading at $4.46 today.

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

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    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.

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    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 recommended Elders Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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