Tag: Motley Fool

  • The S&P 500 just dropped 2%. Why is this impacting ASX shares?

    share price plummeting down

    It was a painful time for the S&P 500 (INDEXSP: .INX) overnight. The S&P 500 dropped by 2.04% to 4,353 points. That’s one of the worst drops since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

    For readers that don’t know, the S&P 500 is a list of 500 of the biggest and most profitable businesses in the US (and the world).

    There are many names in the index that readers have probably heard of like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon.com, Alphabet (Google), Facebook, Tesla, Nvidia, Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase, Johnson & Johnson, Visa, Procter & Gamble, Walt Disney, PayPal, Mastercard, Adobe, Salesforce, Netflix, Pfizer and so on.

    Not only does the S&P 500 generate earnings from across the globe, but the US share market is also very influential on the rest of the capital markets around the world. As the biggest stock market, the US market can give signals that global investors watch and take actions on.

    ASX shares also have a habit of moving upwards or downwards when the S&P 500 also has a very positive or negative day.

    Looking at some of the biggest businesses in the US, the Apple share price fell 2.4%, the Microsoft share price dropped 3.6%, the Amazon.com share price went down, the Amazon.com share price declined 2.6%, the Alphabet share price sank 3.7%.

    Many ASX shares have opened in negative territory this morning.

    Why did the S&P 500 drop so much?

    Only investors selling would be able to answer why they are willing to accept prices materially lower than yesterday.

    One of the main changes overnight was that the US Treasury bond yields increased. The 30-year treasury bond yield jumped around 10 basis points, whilst oil prices also dropped. Interest rates can have an impact on asset valuations.

    But, reporting by Bloomberg also pointed to some ongoing political drama in the US that could have been a catalyst for the drop. The media outlet reported:

    During a Senate hearing, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen both warned that a US default due to a failure to raise the debt ceiling would have catastrophic consequences. Republicans blocked a Democratic move in the Senate to raise the debt limit.

    Heated remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren also weighed on markets. After slamming Powell on his track record over financial regulation, Warren said he’s a “dangerous man to head up the Fed” and that’s why she’ll oppose his re-nomination.

    What have ASX shares done in early trading?

    Looking at some of the biggest businesses on the ASX, there are also some material declines in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), following on from the S&P 500. The ASX 200 as a whole is down 1.4%.

    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has fallen 0.8%, the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has dropped 2.5%, the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has declined 3.7%, the Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price is down 4.5% and the Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price has fallen 2.5%.

    The post The S&P 500 just dropped 2%. Why is this impacting ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider CBA, 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 CBA wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    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. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Xero, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Xero. 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 Fenix Resources (ASX:FEX) share price crashed 20% this month?

    Man looking puzzled and thinking about which shares to buy

    The Fenix Resources Ltd (ASX: FEX) share price is struggling through September despite only good news being released by the company.

    Fenix released its annual results and news of its maiden dividend on 15 September. At the time, its maiden dividend saw the iron ore producer with a massive 16.6% dividend yield.

    However, that same notable dividend might have been the downfall of the Fenix share price. It fell 23% on its ex-dividend date.

    At the time of writing, the Fenix share price has recovered slightly. It is currently trading at 23 cents, 20.69% lower than at the end of August.

    Let’s take a closer look at the news that’s been driving the mineral explorer’s stock lately.

    The month so far for Fenix

    The Fenix share price is battling through a tough month despite posting a massive 16.6% dividend yield.

    Fenix announced its profits and dividend for financial year 2021 last fortnight.

    Over the 12 months ended 30 June 2021, the company sold 501,000 wet metric tonne of iron ore from its flagship Iron Ridge iron ore project. Production at the project began in December 2020, and its first sales occurred in February 2021.

    As a result, Fenix boasted a $49 million net profit after tax for financial year 2021. Of its $49 million of profits, Fenix committed to paying out $24.8 million to its shareholders.

    That represents a maiden dividend payment of 5.25 cents per share.

    The Fenix share price gained 13% on the back of its annual results. Unfortunately, it fell 23% when the company surpassed its ex-dividend date on 20 September.

    The company’s dividend will be paid out to shareholders on 5 October.

    Fenix share price snapshot

    This month’s drop has put Fenix’s stock into the red on the ASX.

    Right now, it is 4% lower than it was at the start of 2021. However, it’s still 64% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post Why has the Fenix Resources (ASX:FEX) share price crashed 20% this month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Fenix Resources, 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 Fenix Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 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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  • Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price lower despite retail shareholder update

    group of friends checking facebook on their smartphones

    The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is edging lower on Wednesday amid a broad market selloff.

    At the time of writing, the telco giant’s shares are down 0.5% to $3.91.

    This is actually better than the market as a whole, which may be due to the release of a shareholder presentation today.

    What did Telstra release?

    This morning Telstra is holding its retail shareholder event and has released its accompanying presentation.

    The telco giant used the presentation to reiterate its T25 plans, which include bold growth targets in the coming years.

    For example, the company is aiming to grow its underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by a mid-single digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between FY 2021 and FY 2025.

    Things are even better for its underlying earnings per share, with management targeting a high-teens CAGR for the same period.

    Another focus for Telstra will be its dividend. Management advised that it intends to maximise its full franked dividend and seek growth over time.

    Some of this growth will be underpinned by management’s cost cutting plans. It is seeking to remove a further $500 million of fixed costs from FY 2023 to FY 2025. Though, it stresses that this won’t be at the expense of investments in growth.

    Is the Telstra share price in the buy zone?

    One leading broker that sees a lot of value in the Telstra share price is Goldman Sachs.

    A recent note out of the investment bank reveals that its analysts have a buy rating and $4.40 price target on its shares.

    Based on the current Telstra share price, this implies potential upside of 12.5% or 16.5% if you include the forecast fully franked 16 cents per share dividend.

    Goldman was pleased with Telstra’s T25 plans. It is expecting the plans to underpin solid earnings and dividend growth in the future.

    The post Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price lower despite retail shareholder update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Telstra, 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 Telstra wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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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 owns shares of and has recommended 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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  • Vulcan (ASX:VUL) share price falls despite positive lithium plant update

    a group of four people pose behind a graphic image of a green car, holding various symbols of clean electric, lithium powered energy including energy symbols and a green plant.

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price is falling on Wednesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the clean lithium developer’s shares are down 1% to $12.81.

    Why is the Vulcan share price falling?

    The Vulcan share price is trading lower today after a broad market selloff offset the release of a positive announcement.

    That announcement reveals that Vulcan has secured a site for the planned Central Lithium Plant (CLP) of its Zero Carbon Lithium Project.

    According to the release, the company has signed an agreement with chemical park management company, Infraserv, for a site located in the Industriepark Hochst just outside of Frankfurt in Germany.

    The release notes that Hochst is one of the largest chemical sites in Europe and is home to 90 companies. These include Celanese, Clariant, Nobian, and Sanofi.

    What is the CLP?

    Vulcan’s CLP will be used as a processing hub. From this site the company will process lithium chloride from multiple combined geothermal and lithium sorption plants into lithium hydroxide monohydrate.

    This lithium hydroxide monohydrate will then be transported to Vulcan’s European customers in the battery and electric vehicle industry. It believes this will dramatically lower the transport footprint of the current lithium supply chain.

    The company will now work on obtaining the necessary permits in the chemical park to make the construction of the CLP a reality.

    Vulcan’s Managing Director, Dr. Francis Wedin, commented: “Securing a site for the Central Lithium Plant is an important step toward the execution of the Zero Carbon Lithium Project. Importantly, the location allows for low carbon transport options from our nearby project areas, as well as renewable energy to power the proposed plant, which underpins our commitment to minimising our carbon footprint in each step of our process. This follows on from the first production of battery quality lithium hydroxide from our pilot plant, announced on 27th September.”

    The post Vulcan (ASX:VUL) share price falls despite positive lithium plant update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Vulcan, 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 Vulcan wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • How China’s energy crisis could be good for BHP (ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO)

    China power crisis BHP Rio Tinto Man holding up wires after getting electric shock

    The iron ore price found its feet recently and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) shareholders may have China’s energy crisis to thank for this.

    In case you forgot, the price of the steel making mineral plunged by more than half.

    The commodity hit a record high over US$200 a tonne in May 2021 before bouncing last week. It’s currently trading at around US$100/t.

    Power blackouts a boon for BHP and Rio Tinto

    It’s not easy to nail down what prompted bargain hunters to jump in to support the price. But Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) suspects its mainly to do with the rolling power blackouts that’s gripping parts of China.

    The Chinese government is ordering industries and households to ration the use of electricity. This has impacted on electric arc furnace (EAF) operators more than traditional steel mills.

    “Macquarie Commodity Strategy Team believes lower EAF operation could also be behind the iron ore price rebound late last week,” said Macquarie.

    “As current production curtailment has shifted from emission reduction driven to power supply shortage driven, EAF mills have seen a clear drop in their operating rate over past two weeks, helping demand for integrated mills that use iron ore.”

    Iron ore price stabilises at expense of EAF operators

    EAF is a greener way of producing steel but it requires more power. The process uses scrap steel and direct reduced iron as raw material.

    As output from EAF facilities are cut due to China’s electricity shortage, iron ore hungry steel mills are having to step up.

    BHP and Rio Tinto share prices getting lift from China’s misstep

    If so, this is a double-own-goal by the Chinese government and the irony shouldn’t be lost on ASX investors.

    The crash in the iron ore price was in no small part triggered by the Communist Party’s policy decisions.

    Officially, it wanted to drastically cut pollution ahead of the Winter Olympics and ordering steel mills to curtain production was an easy way to achieve this.

    Unofficially, they seething that Australia was benefiting from record iron ore prices.

    Market manipulation malfunction

    But what significantly contributed to China’s power crisis was its decision to ban Australian coal imports.

    Its aging infrastructure combined with a shortage of coal in that country have been blamed for China’s current predicament.

    China’s addiction hard to break

    To rub salt to the Chinese wound, iron ore exports from ASX iron ore producers, including Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), have increased lately.

    “The combined shipping rate for RIO, BHP and FMG in September to date has increased above the 800mtpa mark, at 847mtpa,” added Macquarie.

    “By contrast, Vale shipments slowed by 12% to 6.2mt.”

    Despite strong political will, China and Australia may not be able to sever economic ties as easily as they would like.

    The post How China’s energy crisis could be good for BHP (ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) 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 more than eight 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited, Fortescue Metals Group Limited, and Rio Tinto Ltd. 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 REX (ASX:REX) share price gained 6% so far this week?

    rising airline asx share price represented by boy playing with toy plane

    The Regional Express Holdings Ltd (ASX: REX) share price is having a great week despite the company’s planned take off being pushed back again.  

    The regional-focused Australian airline announced it had delayed its planned restart to flying for the second time on Monday. The delays are due to COVID-19 infections and lockdowns in Victoria and New South Wales, and REX’s need for “lead time” ahead of scheduled flights so as to sell tickets.

    While the only recent news the market has heard from REX isn’t exactly positive, the company’s share price has been gaining.

    At the time of writing, the REX share price is $1.49, 6.43% higher than it was at Friday’s close.

    Let’s take a closer look at the news that might be boosting the airline’s share price this week.

    The REX share price is soaring this week

    The REX share price is taking off this week despite its fleet staying grounded.

    REX announced that the suspension of its domestic services and reduction of regional services will continue until 31 October.

    The airline’s planned resumption coincides with when it expects its front-facing staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  

    While this week’s news from REX seems unfortunate, the company’s share price is soaring.

    And it’s not alone in its gains. Shares in Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), and Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) have also been gaining this week.

    The travel sector’s boost might be due to good news from the federal, New South Wales, and Victorian governments.

    Over the weekend, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Channel 7 there’s no reason states shouldn’t open their borders once 80% of the country’s population is fully vaccinated.

    As of yesterday evening, 76.7% of Australians have had one COVID-19 jab and 52.6% are fully vaccinated.

    Additionally, vaccinated people in New South Wales and parts of Victoria are set to exit lockdown on 11 October. Travel between the 2 states is expected to restart on 5 November.

    All the good news might have boosted the REX share price and that of its peers.  However, it hasn’t been enough to get the regional airline’s shares back into the green.

    REX’s stock has fallen 28% year to date. Though, it is 17% higher than it was this time last year.

    The post Why has the REX (ASX:REX) share price gained 6% so far this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Regional Express right now?

    Before you consider Regional Express, 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 Regional Express wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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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 Webjet Ltd. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Square slides 5%. What does this mean for the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price?

    A businesswoman peers at a big square trying to fit into a round hole.

    The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is sliding in Wednesday’s premarket, indicating further losses in September with just three days left of the month.

    Afterpay shares have closely tracked the performance of Square Inc (NASDAQ: SQ) after the US payments company came forth with a $39 billion takeover offer.

    The US market tumbled on Tuesday night as rising bond yields pushed investors out of popular tech shares. The Nasdaq Composite logged steep losses, down 2.83% to a 1-month low.

    Square falters overnight

    The Square share price couldn’t escape the rout in the technology sector, sliding 5.97% to a 2-month low of US$242.70.

    When Square made its offer to acquire Afterpay on 2 August, its shares jumped 10.16% from US$242.84 to US$272.38 on the day.

    Square is now trading at its lowest levels since its takeover offer.

    In addition, the largest US-listed BNPL player, Affirm Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: AFRM) fell sharply, down 10.79% to US$144.52.

    The heavy-tech based selling across US tech and payments peers paints a grim picture for how the ASX tech sector might perform on Wednesday.

    What does this mean for the Afterpay share price?

    Under the terms of Square’s takeover, Afterpay shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.375 Square shares for each Afterpay share they hold on the record date.

    After last night’s selloff, the fixed exchange ratio of 0.375 represents around US$91.01 worth of Square stock.

    Converting this figure back into Australian dollars at the current exchange rate would, theoretically, value the Afterpay share price at $125.99.

    It’s worth mentioning that the Afterpay share price has typically traded at a discount to the theoretical value.

    For example, the Square share price hit all-time highs of US$289.23 on 5 August. This implies a theoretical value of $149.70 for Afterpay.

    However, the Afterpay share price has only rallied as high as $135.70 since the takeover offer.

    The post Square slides 5%. What does this mean for the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Afterpay, 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 Afterpay wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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 AFTERPAY T FPO, Affirm Holdings, Inc., and Square. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T 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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  • Why the Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) share price is slumping to a 52-week low

    Falling asx share price represented by young male investor sitting sadly in front of laptop

    The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has been smashed in 2021. Shares in the Aussie gold miner fell 6.4% on Tuesday and are now down 36.6% year to date.

    Yesterday’s slump has seen Evolution hit a new 52-week low. The company now boasts a $6.1 billion market capitalisation, but things have been tough for shareholders.

    So, what’s driving the Aussie miner’s valuation lower right now?

    Why the Evolution Mining share price is slumping to a 52-week low

    There has been no price-sensitive news from the Aussie miner since it announced the completion of its share purchase plan on 26 August.

    However, as an ASX resources share, underlying commodity prices can often tell a story.

    Evolution is targeting 700,000 to 760,000 ounces of gold production in FY2022 after recording a $354.3 million underlying profit last financial year. Naturally, global gold prices will have a big part to play in the group’s revenues in FY2022.

    Right now, things aren’t looking so good. Gold prices slid more than 1% overnight to a near 6-month low as US yields climbed higher.

    Gold is historically seen as a safe-haven asset and a good hedge against inflation. Hiking interest rates is one of the tools used by central banks to curb spending and reduce inflation. That means fears of higher interest rates usually spell bad news for gold prices.

    It has also spelled bad news for the Evolution Mining share price. Shares in the Aussie gold miner remain under pressure as investors watch monetary policy and yields around the world.

    An earlier than expected rate hike from the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) could see Evolution’s valuation sink even lower. However, nothing is certain in the markets, especially in the current climate.

    That means investors will be keeping a close eye on the Evolution Mining share price given its current levels.

    The post Why the Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) share price is slumping to a 52-week low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Evolution Mining right now?

    Before you consider Evolution Mining, 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 Evolution Mining wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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  • Why these experts say the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price could be on the way up

    share price rise

    The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price will be carefully watched in the coming weeks, as analysts speculate on its immediate fortunes.

    The bank’s stock price has plunged 1.9% in the past month, although there were no direct announcements from it that would have had a material impact. 

    There was news that the competition watchdog in Papua New Guinea blocked Westpac’s $420 million sale of its Fijian and PNG business to Kina Securities Ltd (ASX: KSL).

    But that shouldn’t have a massive impact on a business with a total market capitalisation of $93 billion.

    Buyback or dividend boost both on the cards

    So is this a buying opportunity for the stock?

    Redpoint Investment Management senior portfolio manager Max Cappetta told The Motley Fool that Westpac is one of his top picks among the big banks.

    “Coming up in the dividend calendar is now the full-year results to 30 September for 3 out of Australia’s 4 major banks.”

    While Cappetta forecast both Westpac and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) to have a superior rebound in profitability, the former could have some cherry on top.

    “We also see the potential for capital management by either a buyback or even an increased dividend from Westpac,” he said in Ask A Fund Manager.

    Citibank analysts agree, this week slapping on a buy rating for Westpac shares with a price target of $30.

    That’s a handy 18.5% premium on Tuesday’s closing price of $25.31.

    “Citi is forecasting fully franked dividends of $1.16 per share in FY2021 and then $1.30 per share in FY2022,” reported The Motley Fool’s James Mickleboro.

    “This represents yields of 4.6% and 5.1%, respectively, over the next couple of years.”

    The downside for Westpac

    The risk for Westpac, and indeed any ASX bank share at the moment, is the prospect of a slowing housing market.

    This could happen naturally because Australians have taken on so much debt that they can’t absorb anymore, which was a concern raised by Morgan Stanley last week.

    The alternative is that the property market could deflate artificially from tighter lending regulations, as flagged by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday.

    But the good news is that while Morgan Stanley is rating the other 3 majors sell or neutral, it still labels Westpac shares as “overweight” with a $29.20 price target.

    The post Why these experts say the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price could be on the way up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Westpac , 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 Westpac wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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 are 2 strong ASX growth shares analysts rate as buys

    a happy investor with a wide smile points to a graph that shows an upward trending share price

    Are you on the lookout for growth shares to buy in October? Then you may want to look at the ones listed below.

    Here’s why analysts rate these two ASX growth shares highly:

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    Breville could be a good growth share for investors to consider buying. It is a leading appliance manufacturer with a collection of popular brands including Kambrook, Sage, and Breville.

    It has been tipped to continue its solid growth over the coming years thanks to its international expansion and strong demand from consumers. The latter is being driven partly by favourable trends such as working from home, which has led to a surge in coffee machine sales.

    The team at Morgans are positive on the company’s outlook. The broker currently has an add rating and $34.00 price target on its shares. This compares to the current Breville share price of $28.74.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Life360 could be another top growth share to look at. It operates in the digital consumer subscription services market, with a focus on products and services for digitally native families. Its hugely popular Life360 app now has 32 million users globally and offers features that range from communications to driving safety and location sharing.

    The company has been growing its recurring revenues at a rapid rate in recent years and is now looking to accelerate this growth through cross-selling opportunities. This includes expanding into the wearables market via the acquisition of Jiobit.

    Bell Potter is very positive on the company’s future and sees plenty of opportunities to monetise its massive user base. As a result, the broker recently retained its buy rating and lifted its price target to $10.75. This compares to the latest Life360 share price of $9.03.

    The post Here are 2 strong ASX growth shares analysts rate as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Life360, Inc. 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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