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The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price was a positive performer on Monday.

The mining giant’s shares rose 2% to end the day at $15.80.

This means the Fortescue share price is now up approximately 9% since this time last month.

Is the Fortescue share price a bargain buy?

Opinion on the Fortescue share price continues to be highly divisive, with some brokers believing its shares are vastly overvalued and others believing them to be dirt cheap.

In respect to the latter, the team at Bell Potter continue to see a lot of value in the Fortescue share price.

A recent note reveals that its analysts have a buy rating and $19.75 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 25% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker expects the iron ore miner to pay a $3.07 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2022. This equates to a very attractive fully franked yield of 19.4%, which stretches the total potential return to almost 45%.

In response to its first quarter update, Bell Potter said: “Strong free cash flows, good cost control and an ‘on-track’ production performance emphasise the quality of the business and we retain our Buy recommendation.”

What about the bears?

One of the most bearish brokers out there is Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker retained its sell rating and $11.00 price target on the company’s shares. Based on the current Fortescue share price, this implies potential downside of just over 30% for investors.

There are four key reasons why Goldman is bearish on Fortescue. These include its relative valuation, the widening of low grade iron ore discounts, execution and ramp up risks on the Iron Bridge project, and uncertainties around Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) diversification and Pilbara decarbonisation.

In respect to the latter, the broker believes decarbonising the Pilbara could cost Fortescue over US$7 billion and requires +US$50 per tonne carbon or a green premia to be NPV positive.

Goldman concluded: “We have an Underperform rating on FMGAU. In our view, FMGAU is set to face headwinds from lower iron ore prices and remains an unlikely IG upgrade candidate due to its concentrated portfolio (single-commodity exposure in one region of Australia) and the strategic uncertainty implied by its openness to entering other markets (e.g. renewables). The company is facing execution risk at Iron Bridge from increased project capex and a team reorganization.”

The post Is the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price dirt cheap or overvalued? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Only a few ASX 200 companies have received this honour and Scentre (ASX:SCG) just joined them
• Why this mining analyst is upbeat on the iron ore price forecast
• Fortescue’s push to axe diesel subsidies could cost ASX miners billions
• Own Fortescue (ASX:FMG) shares? Here’s the latest threat to Twiggy’s $100b hydrogen plans
• Why China’s property sector had a huge impact on ASX iron ore miners: expert

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 Bruce Jackson.

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There are plenty of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that have grown a lot over the last two years.

But over the next five or so years, there are some ASX 200 shares that are expecting their underlying earnings to continue to grow.

These two ASX 200 shares could be good options to consider:

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Sonic Healthcare has operations all around the world, in places like the USA, Germany, Australia, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium and New Zealand.

The company is continuing to grow its base business, which excludes COVID-19 testing revenue. In FY21, base revenue increased by 6%.

But, it has been the COVID testing that has really driven the ASX 200 share’s profit higher thanks to higher profit margins. COVID surges continue to occur due to the Delta variant, with the northern hemisphere seeing elevated COVID cases again.

Sonic has performed many millions of tests, and the ASX 200 share has been utilising and leveraging its existing infrastructure. In FY21, revenue rose 28% to $8.8 billion and net profit grew 149% to $1.3 billion.

In the first four months of FY22 to 31 October 2021, its base revenue had increased by another 6% to $3.09 billion. That shows that the core business continues to grow. FY22 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 16% to $991 million.

According to Commsec, the Sonic Healthcare share price is valued at 19x FY22’s estimated earnings with an expected dividend yield of 2.4%.

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

Bapcor is one of the largest auto part businesses in the Australasian region. Its core business is the automotive aftermarket. Its businesses span the supply chain, including trade, commercial vehicles, specialist wholesale and retail.

Some of the businesses that it owns in its stable includes Burson Auto Parts, Precision Automotive Equipment, BNT (NZ), Truckline, WANO, Autobarn, Autopro, Midas, ABS and Battery Town.

Bapcor has started a Burson chain of outlets in Thailand, offering direct access to the Asian market. The ASX 200 share has also made an investment in Tye Soon, which Bapcor describes as the most prominent independent auto parts distributor in Southeast and Northeast Asia with 60 locations across Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

FY21 saw the business achieve revenue growth of 20.4%, pro forma EBITDA growth of 28.8% to $279.5 million and pro forma net profit after tax (NPAT) growth of 46.5% to $130.1 million.

The business is looking to expand its store footprint in Australia and New Zealand, to be the closes to the customer base, with an increase from 1,100 locations to 1,500 locations. It’s also working on its supply chain to be more efficient with new distribution centres. Another area of focus from Bapcor is to increase its profitability through its own brand expansion, from around 30% to 45% of sales.

According to Commsec, the Bapcor share price is valued at 22x FY22’s estimated earnings.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares that could be top buys for growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Crown, Mineral Resources, Sonic, and Treasury Wine are charging higher
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why Altium, Evolution, Sonic, and Treasury Wine shares are storming higher
• Sonic (ASX:SHL) share price surges 5% higher after trading update

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Bapcor and Sonic Healthcare 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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The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price and the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price will be on watch on Tuesday.

This follows the release of a joint announcement after the market close on Monday.

Why are BHP and Woodside shares on watch?

BHP and Woodside shares could be on the move today after they provide an update on their plans to create a global energy company. According to the release, the two parties have signed a binding share sale agreement (SSA) for the merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside.

This will see Woodside acquire the entire share capital of BHP Petroleum in exchange for new Woodside shares. The signing of the SSA follows the merger commitment deed announced on 17 August.

The release highlights that, on completion, the merger will create a global top 10 independent energy company by production and the largest energy company listed on the Australian share market.

Furthermore, the combined company will have a high margin oil portfolio, long life LNG assets, and the financial resilience to help supply the energy needed for global growth and development over the energy transition.

Management also estimates that the merger will unlock synergies of more than US$400 million pre tax. This will be from optimising corporate processes and systems, leveraging combined capabilities. and improving capital efficiency on future growth projects and exploration.

BHP’s CEO, Mike Henry, believes the company’s petroleum business and Woodside are better together and expects it to create value for BHP shareholders.

He said: “Merging our petroleum business with Woodside creates a large, more resilient company, better able to navigate the energy transition and grow value while doing so. Through the merger we will provide value and choice for BHP shareholders, and unlock synergies in how these assets are managed.”

What’s next?

Completion of the merger is targeted for the second quarter of the 2022 calendar year. Prior to completion, BHP and Woodside will carry on their respective businesses in the normal course. However, they will put in place appropriate plans to enable a smooth transition of ownership. The effective date of the merger will be backdated to 1 July 2021.

Upon completion, Woodside will issue new shares to BHP shareholders which are expected to comprise approximately 48% of all Woodside shares (on a post-issue basis) as consideration for the acquisition of BHP Petroleum.

However, while BHP has agreed to exclusivity arrangements with Woodside, these arrangements do not restrict BHP from considering superior proposals for BHP Petroleum. Though, a termination fee of US$160 million is payable in certain circumstances if the merger does not complete.

Scarborough given the go-ahead

Finally, BHP also released an announcement relating to the development of the Scarborough upstream project located in the North Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia.

According to the release, BHP has approved US$1.5 billion in capital expenditure for phase 1 of the development.  Final investment decisions have also been made by Woodside and the Scarborough Joint Venture.

Mr Henry commented: “Scarborough will be amongst the lowest carbon incremental sources of LNG to world markets. Scarborough will provide a reliable source of LNG for global customers and secure gas supply for the domestic market, as well as ongoing employment in Western Australia. Scarborough will provide important cash flows and value for shareholders of the enlarged Woodside.”

The post BHP (ASX:BHP) and Woodside (ASX:WPL) shares on watch amid petroleum merger update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 2 top ASX shares to buy right now
• Why this mining analyst is upbeat on the iron ore price forecast
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Fortescue’s push to axe diesel subsidies could cost ASX miners billions

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 Bruce Jackson.

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Gold prices have been catching bids this month, climbing from a bottom of US$1,763 an ounce in early November to now trade at US$1,845 an ounce.

The opinion is mixed among commodities exerts on what direction the yellow metal will head next. As is usually the case with this precious metal, there are many players on both sides of the fence.

But, make no mistake, the allure of owning physical gold bullion or even shares in ASX gold miners continues bringing investors to the table.

Let’s take a closer look at what the experts have to say about investing in gold.

What’s the deal with gold?

The age-old debate for gold is how to invest in it. Legendary hedge fund manager Ray Dalio reckons keeping a 2% weight of gold in one’s portfolio is prudent for diversification. Many others also suggest that gold is a staple in any portfolio as an inflation hedge.

Turns out that both angles are mostly correct — but only over the long term. In fact, gold has done pretty well on most fronts over the long term.

When looking at an inflation hedge, experts analyse how an asset correlates or moves with inflation over time.

Research from Reuters shows that over the last 30 years, gold has increased with little-to-no relationship to inflation data. That’s important – an inflation hedge should continue growing regardless of whether inflation is high or low.

Secondly, it is necessary to think about how to invest in gold in the first place. There are 3 ways retail investors can gain access. Buying gold bullion involves seeking out a broker and purchasing tangible gold in person, or online. Investors can also purchase shares in gold miners or gold-related companies. Finally, there are exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track the performance of gold and gold miners.

Looking at past returns of gold and its offshoots shows promising results. According to analysis from the ABC Bullion Company and Chant West, gold was the top performer across all Australian listed assets over the past 15 years, compounding 10.6% on average each year in that time.

This result also outpaces the annualised rate of inflation over the same period, according to statistics obtained from the RBA. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) has climbed at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of less than 4% in that time.

So gold has remained in fashion regardless of the economic environment — over the last 15-25 years at least. Now let’s see what the brokers are saying about gold.

What are experts saying about the price of gold?

A note from Goldman Sachs back in July said the broker is bullish on the price of gold. It reckons the metal could reach US$2,000/oz amid fluctuations in US Treasury bonds and a rebound in the global economy.

The firm said gold was pricing a “goldilocks scenario of moderate inflation and continued global recovery”. The broker reckons the recent upswing can continue.

Investment commentary on gold has fluctuated from Swiss bank UBS Group AG over the last 2 years. Its sentiment has morphed from “gold as a safe haven asset” in 2019 to urging investors to rethink their gold bullion holdings in the last few months.

Curiously, the bank asked why investors would “hold so much insurance asset” in a “world that looks better” regarding COVID-19.

UBS warns investors that gold may lose popularity amid a strengthening US dollar and the global economy’s rapid recovery. It isn’t as rosy on the price of gold and says the metal could reach as low as US$1,600 an ounce.

Meantime, Morgan Stanley recently updated its decision guide on investing in gold. The report suggests silver may be a better inflation hedge but that gold is historically less volatile.

It likens gold to an inflation hedge nonetheless and offers a rundown of each investment route. The firm’s CIO of wealth management, Lisa Shalett, says that “when the dollar weakens, it may be a good time for investors to consider adding some gold to their portfolios”.

Specialist in precious metals at Morgan Stanley, Nicholas Thompson also reckons that “gold bars and coins often trade at a slight premium over the spot price”.

The bank also argued investors should get more defensive and focus on quality over growth in their shareholdings in a recent note, citing gold shares and/or bullion as examples.

What’s the verdict?

There is ample research supporting the idea that investing in gold is a reasonable hedge against inflation in the long term. Most experts also agree that gold is also a reasonable holding in one’s portfolio for growth prospects.

Gold has also performed well in the past 10-15 years and maintained its value against the level of inflation and Australian dollars, that is cash, in that time.

In the short term, the opinion is mixed. UBS reckons gold investors will have a rough time in the next few periods, but Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs each are bullish on gold’s price direction over the next 12 months.

Nonetheless, the argument is consistent amongst each expert firm — that gold is an investment offering low volatility and a return that could outpace inflation over the long term.

The post Here’s what these top brokers think of gold as an investment in 2021 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 small cap ASX shares to watch in 2022
• 2 quality ASX dividend shares with attractive yields
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 2 top ASX shares to buy right now
• Here’s why the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price is having a lousy start to the week

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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Are you looking for some small cap shares to add to your watchlist? Then have a look at the ones listed below.

Here’s why they could be worth getting better acquainted with:

Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH)

The first small cap to watch is Bigtincan. It is a growing sales enablement platform provider that allows users to drive the sales process with high quality sales content anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Demand has been growing strongly for its offering, underpinning strong recurring revenue growth in recent years. Looking ahead, thanks to a combination of organic growth and the recent acquisition of Brainshark, management is guiding to a 124% year on year increase in annualised recurring revenue in FY 2022.

Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a global sports analytics company that provides elite sporting organisations and athletes with real time data and analytics to monitor and measure athletes. The company’s products are used by many of the biggest and most successful sports teams and organisations across the world. And while demand softened at the height of the pandemic, it has rebounded strongly since then. This led to Catapult reporting a 13% increase in revenue to $37.5 million during the first half of FY 2022. This was driven by 29% growth in subscription revenue, which reflects Catapult’s strategic shift to a focus on high quality recurring revenue SaaS deals.

ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO)

Another small cap to look at is ELMO. It is a cloud-based human resources and payroll software company. ELMO provides a unified platform to streamline processes for employee administration, recruitment, on-boarding, learning, performance, remuneration, compliance training and payroll. This has proven very popular with SMEs and has led to ELMO growing at a consistently strong rate in recent years.

MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF)

A final small cap to watch is MNF. It specialises in the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology which is used to support services like teleconferencing, online business meetings, and digital data transfers. It appears well-placed for growth due to increasing demand for VoIP technology, its expansion into Asia, and its strong balance sheet. The latter gives management opportunities to bolster its growth with M&A.

The post 4 small cap ASX shares to watch in 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top broker tips Catapult (ASX:CAT) share price to race 92% higher
• 3 ASX shares getting analysts very excited
• 2 excellent ASX growth shares to buy
• Why Aristocrat, Catapult, CBA, and Mineral Resources shares are dropping
• Why is the ELMO (ASX:ELO) share price rising on Thursday?

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. owns shares of and has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO, Catapult Group International Ltd, Elmo Software, and MNF Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Catapult Group International Ltd, Elmo Software, and MNF Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BIGTINCAN FPO. 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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Are you looking for a source of income in this low interest environment? If you are, then you may want to check out the ASX dividend shares listed below.

Both dividend shares offer investors generous yields that smash the interest rates on offer with term deposits. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

The first dividend share to look at is Rural Funds. It is an Australian agricultural property company with a portfolio of high quality assets across five sectors. These comprise almonds, cattle, vineyards, cropping, and macadamias.

These properties are rented to some of the biggest players in the sector on very long leases. Combined with built in rental increases, this gives Rural Funds great visibility on its future earnings. As a result, it is able to confidently target distribution growth of 4% each year.

In FY 2022, management intends to increase its dividend by this amount once again to 11.73 cents per share. Based on the current Rural Funds share price of $2.97, this will mean a yield of just under 4%.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another dividend share to look at is Australia’s largest telco, Telstra. It could be a good option due to its attractive yield and improving outlook.

The latter is being underpinned by the success of its T22 strategy and the recent announcement of the T25 strategy that will replace it. While T22 was based on transforming the company, T25 will be about driving growth.

This will see Telstra aim to achieve sustained growth and value by targeting mid-single digit underlying EBITDA and high-teens underlying earnings per share (EPS) compound annual growth rates (CAGR) from FY 2021 to FY 2025.

All in all, this has many analysts believing that Telstra will soon be able to increase its dividend for the first time in a decade. For now, though, Telstra expects to pay a 16 cents per share dividend in FY 2022. Based on the current Telstra share price, this will mean a fully franked yield of almost 4%.

The post 2 quality ASX dividend shares with attractive yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Only a few ASX 200 companies have received this honour and Scentre (ASX:SCG) just joined them
• 2 ASX dividend shares offering solid income and growing yields
• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts this Friday
• New 52-week high, but what are brokers saying about the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price now?
• The Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price just hit a new 52-week high

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 owns shares of and has recommended RURALFUNDS STAPLED and Telstra Corporation 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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On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week in a disappointing fashion. The benchmark index fell 0.6% to 7,353.1 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set to return to form on Tuesday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 7 points or 0.1% higher this morning. This follows a decent start to the week on Wall Street, which in late trades sees the Dow Jones up 0.6%, the S&P 500 up 0.4%, but the Nasdaq trading 0.4% lower.

TechnologyOne results

The TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) share price will be on watch today when it releases its full year results. The team at Bell Potter is expecting a strong result in line with guidance. It commented: “Guidance is 35%+ growth, a higher number will signal strong conversion of on premise customers to SaaS; 2. On premise – initial licenses: Guidance is $20m, a lower number will increase the quality of the result; and 3. Cash flow: Guidance is cash flow generation will equate to c.80% of NPAT and we forecast 82%, an even higher number will increase the quality of the result.”

Oil prices rises

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) will be on watch after oil prices rebounded. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$76.62 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 0.9% to US$79.62 a barrel. Traders were buying oil despite concerns of potential releases from Indian and Japanese oil reserves.

Gold price tumbles

Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a difficult day after the gold price sank. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 2.6% to US$1,803.4 an ounce. The gold price fell after US President Joe Biden nominated Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for a second term. Traders had been hoping for a more dovish appointment.

Annual general meetings

A number of annual general meetings are taking place today and could see the release of trading updates at the events. This includes Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW), Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK), Monadelphous Group Limited (ASX: MND), and Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME).

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today
• The Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price has lost 15% so far this month. What’s happening?
• These 3 ASX 200 shares are topping the volume charts on Monday
• Preparing for inflation? This fund manager believes these shares offer protection
• Why is the Northern Star (ASX:NST) share price sinking 3% today?

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. owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks, Link Administration Holdings Ltd, and Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks and Pro Medicus 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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If you are looking for some quality shares to add to your portfolio, then the two listed below could be worth considering. 

Here’s why analysts are tipping these shares as buys right now:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP could be a top option for ASX investors that are looking for exposure to the mining sector. 

While the well-documented weakness in iron ore prices has been weighing heavily on its shares, it is worth remembering that BHP has exposure to a range of commodities. Some of which are commanding strong prices and supporting high levels of free cash flow generation.

This could make the pullback in the BHP share price a buying opportunity for investors. The team at Morgans certainly appears to believe this is the case. The broker recently reaffirmed its add rating and $46.05 price target on BHP’s shares.

Nitro Software Ltd (ASX: NTO)

If you’re more interested in the tech sector, then Nitro could be a share to consider.

Nitro is a fast-growing global document productivity software company aiming to accelerate digital transformation in a world that demands the ability to work from anywhere, anytime, on any device.

Its increasingly popular Nitro Productivity Platform offers comprehensive business solutions. These include powerful PDF productivity, eSigning, and industry-leading analytics.

At the last count, Nitro had over 2.8 million licensed users and 12,000+ business customers in 155 countries. Impressively, this includes over 68% of the Fortune 500 and three of the Fortune 10.

This has underpinned strong recurring revenue growth in recent years and this trend continues today. During the third quarter, Nitro reported a 50% increase in its ARR. This puts it on course to achieve its ARR guidance of US$39 million to US$42 million in FY 2021. And while this is a big number, it’s still only a fraction of its estimated total addressable market of $28 billion.

Nitro is one of Bell Potter’s favourite options in the tech sector. The broker currently has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

The post 2 top ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this mining analyst is upbeat on the iron ore price forecast
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Fortescue’s push to axe diesel subsidies could cost ASX miners billions
• 2 high yield ASX dividend shares named as buys
• Could the BHP (ASX:BHP) share price be a big dividend income opportunity?

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 Nitro Software 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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The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price failed to take off on Monday as travel shares received a clobbering.

By the end of the day, shares in the digital travel business were 3.72% worse off than yesterday, fetching $5.69 apiece.

Today’s shift drop in travel shares comes as COVID-19 brandishes its capricious nature. There’s been a sudden and sharp rise in cases across the United States and Europe in the last fortnight.

Risk of a new COVID-19 wave hits Webjet share price

With the northern hemisphere entering the icy months of winter, cases of COVID-19 have jumped. In fact, some countries across Europe are witnessing their highest number of cases on record, triggering the re-introduction of restrictions and lockdowns.

This development in the northern hemisphere follows Australia passing 85% of people over 16 years old being fully vaccinated. As the number of double-vaxed Aussies has climbed, so too has the share price of Webjet, Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT), and many others.

This daily infographic provides the total number of vaccine doses administered in Australia as of 21 November 2021

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccine information here: https://t.co/lsM33j9wMW pic.twitter.com/JPVCYlKsCd

— Australian Government Department of Health (@healthgovau) November 22, 2021

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

However, today’s news has put a dent in the travel optimism that had been built over recent months. As my Fool colleague Tristan covered earlier today, some affected countries have reimposed mask mandates while others, such as Austria, have gone into a full lockdown.

In the US, efforts to combat the rising numbers has led to an uptick in the number of vaccine doses being administered per day. According to The Guardian, approximately 1.5 million doses are being delivered daily. In comparison, this figure was around 1.3 million two weeks ago.

The shifting COVID-19 landscape presents increased uncertainty. In August, Webjet had highlighted the strong travel demand and easing restrictions across North America and Europe. However, now the future looks less clear for Webjet and its share price.

Shares in Webjet are up 12% since the beginning of the year. This is mostly in line with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which is up by just under 12%.

The post Here’s why the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price is having a lousy start to the week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why ASX 200 travel shares are getting hammered today
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Lithium miners jump, Flight Centre tumbles
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Why all eyes will be on the Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price next week
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 and 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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Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) is the latest addition to an exclusive group of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) companies.

The real estate investment trust (REIT) has completed the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program.

The accreditation signifies that Scentre has committed its entire organisation to address the issues of gendered violence and sexual harassment of women.

Let’s take a closer look at Scentre’s latest accomplishment and the other ASX 200 shares that can also boast the achievement.

Scentre joins ASX 200 companies tackling big issues

Scentre has joined ASX 200 giants including Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) in being crowned a White Ribbon workplace.

Other ASX 200 companies tied with the white bow include Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO).

The above-mentioned companies are just a few of more than 240 workplaces that have been accredited by White Ribbon.

They have each committed to doing their bit to reduce the number of women facing violence and abuse, both in the workplace and at home.

Scentre CEO Peter Allen commented on the company’s newest honour, saying:

We sought accreditation because we wanted to make a public statement about our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, which is fundamental to the way we operate as a responsible, sustainable business. 

We all have a responsibility to stand up and speak out against behaviours that contribute to gendered violence, support women affected by it, and hold perpetrators accountable.  

According to White Ribbon Australia, one in four women have experienced sexual harassment at work. Additionally, 60% of women experiencing violence at home have a workplace.

On top of those potentially astounding figures, KPMG found that men’s violence, harassment, and abuse cost the Australian economy $22 billion in 2015-2016.

Scentre provides employees who are victims and survivors of domestic and family violence with an extra 10 days of paid leave. They are also given access to legal assistance, financial advice, and funds for emergencies, temporary housing, and medical support.

The company also provides its staff with tools and education to increase their awareness of domestic and family violence, as well as how to find support for themselves, victims, or survivors.

Scentre states that these measures help to remove the stigma victims and survivors sometimes face when speaking up.

The post Only a few ASX 200 companies have received this honour and Scentre (ASX:SCG) just joined them appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited and Wesfarmers 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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