Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why Beach, Collins Foods, Origin, & Tuas shares are racing higher

    green arrow representing a rise in the share price

    In afternoon trade on Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a disappointing decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 1.1% to 7,301.8 points.

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

    Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

    The Beach share price is up 8% to $1.34 after investors responded positively to its investor update. That update has outlined Beach’s low risk strategy to achieving production of 28 MMboe by FY 2024. This represents a 27% increase on the midpoint of its FY 2022 guidance of 21 to 23 MMboe. Management also advised that this target excludes exploration upside and pre-final investment decision projects.

    Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

    The Collins Foods share price is up 3% to $11.97. This morning analysts at Macquarie upgraded the KFC restaurant operator’s shares to an outperform rating with a $12.50 price target. Macquarie believes KFC is winning a greater share of the quick service restaurant market. It notes that the growth of the chicken category is now ahead of pizza.

    Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

    The Origin share price has risen 4% to $4.70. This follows the release of an update on its investment in Octopus Energy. That update reveals that Generation Investment Management has acquired a 7% stake in the UK based energy retailer and emerging technology business for 211 million pounds. This values Octopus at $5.5 billion. Last year Origin agreed to invest a total of $507 million for a 20% stake in the company. Origin advised that it has also invested to maintain its current stake.

    Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

    The Tuas share price is rocketing 35% higher to $1.38. This morning the TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) spin off released its full year results. Those results revealed that Tuas’ TPG Singapore business finished the period with 392,000 paid subscribers. This compares to 133,000 in September 2020. This led to revenue of S$34.3 million. The TPG Singapore business was launched in March 2020.

    The post Why Beach, Collins Foods, Origin, & Tuas shares are racing higher 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Collins Foods Limited. 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 Collins Foods Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3zKYVB1

  • The IDP Education (ASX:IEL) share price just hit an all-time high. Here’s why

    Woman attached to rocket flies into air

    The IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) share price has surged to a new all-time high on Tuesday. Shares in the Aussie student placement group jumped to a new high of $34.36 per share this morning before paring back those gains in the early afternoon.

    Here’s what is driving the education company’s valuation right now.

    Why the IDP Education share price just hit an all-time high

    There were no new ASX announcements from the company to spark this morning’s gains. However, momentum has been steadily building in recent weeks.

    In fact, the IDP Education share price has now gained more than 15% in the past month alone and 61.2% this calendar year.

    Shares in the education group jumped higher despite posting a 36% decline in FY2021 net profit after tax. IDP reported a 10% decline in revenue to $528.7 million with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) down 30% to $101.7 million.

    That hasn’t stopped the momentum from building behind the IDP Education share price. Those recent gains have been aided by recent broker upgrades.

    For example, a recent note out of Goldman Sachs retained a ‘Buy’ rating on the ASX education share while trimming its price target to $34 per share.

    As of this morning, shares in the education group have topped that to hit a new all-time high before paring back those gains.

    The notable broker cited hopes for strong Northern Hemisphere operational performance and strengthening Australia and New Zealand performance in the coming years.

    Investors appear to still see value in the IDP Education share price if this morning’s all-time high is anything to go by.

    The post The IDP Education (ASX:IEL) share price just hit an all-time high. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in IDP Education right now?

    Before you consider IDP Education, 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 IDP Education 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. owns shares of and has recommended Idp Education Pty Ltd. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3m8ZT5p

  • LBT Innovations (ASX:LBT) share price plummets 14% despite positive update

    doctor looks out window resting head in hand

    The LBT Innovations Limited (ASX: LBT) share price is deep in the red today. This comes regardless of the medical technology company providing investors with a positive update yesterday.

    At the time of writing, LBT Innovations shares are down a sizeable 14.29% to 12 cents apiece.

    What did LBT Innovations announce?

    According to its announcement, LBT Innovations advised Clever Culture Systems (CCS) has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific.

    CCS is a joint-venture company owned equally by LBT Innovations and German medical equipment group Hettich.

    Thermo Fisher is a leading provider of instrumentation and consumables in the US microbiology market.

    The 5-year deal will see Thermo Fisher become the exclusive distributor for the company’s automated culture plate reader, APAS Independence, in the US.

    APAS Independence is the first and only FDA-cleared automated culture plate reader available in the United States. The innovative technology uses advanced imaging and artificial intelligence to interpret bacterial growth on culture plates.

    Under the agreement, Thermo Fisher will engage in sales and marketing activities for APAS Independence in the US. In addition, the company will also provide installation, maintenance and support services to customers.

    The agreement is a major milestone for LBT Innovations as it will provide sales and commercial activities in the US market which is the largest in the world. It offers more than 1,500 target laboratories for the potential placement of APAS Independence readers.

    LBT Innovations CEO and managing director Brent Barnes commented:

    This is a really important milestone for LBT and represents a major step forward in our commercialisation strategy in the United States.

    We have spoken previously about the importance of appointing well recognised, leading distributors to support our sales efforts in key markets. Thermo Fisher is a leader in microbiology that is recognised globally, and we will benefit greatly from the depth and strength of their sales team in the United States…

    We are very pleased to now have two of the world’s largest microbiology companies selling our technology across the two main markets of the United States and Europe, which is a further validation of benefits of our technology.

    LBT Innovations share price summary

    Since the beginning of the year, LBT Innovations shares have moved in circles, remaining relatively unchanged for the period. When zooming out to the last 12 months, however, its shares are down around 8%.

    LBT Innovations presides a market capitalisation of roughly $33 million and has over 289 million shares on its books.

    The post LBT Innovations (ASX:LBT) share price plummets 14% despite positive update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in LBT Innovations right now?

    Before you consider LBT Innovations, 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 LBT Innovations 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 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/39GesHB

  • Why the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price is surging 5% on Tuesday

    Happy child jumping for joy.

    The Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) share price is surging higher in Tuesday’s session. Shares in the Aussie oil exploration and production company have jumped more than 5% today despite no announcements to the ASX.

    So, what’s driving the Aussie energy producer’s valuation higher right now?

    Why the Oil Search share price is surging 5% on Tuesday

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the clues to today’s energy share price gains lie in commodity markets.

    Crude oil prices have been tearing higher lately. Reduced supply has meant producers are dipping into their inventories in a bid to meet demand. That contrast has sparked a rally in crude oil prices which continued overnight.

    Brent crude jumped 1.73% to US$79.44 per barrel on Monday to cap three straight weeks of price gains. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures gained 2.04% to US$75.49 per barrel and hit its highest point since July.

    Higher oil prices are good news for producers like Oil Search. It means a higher average realised price which helps to drive earnings for the company.

    That’s been reflected in the Oil Search share price which has rocketed more than 5% in Tuesday’s session. Shares in the Aussie energy group are now up a whopping 14.8% in the past 5 days.

    That volatility has been reflected in the company’s share price all year. Oil Search shares are outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this year with 15.1% gains but it has been a bumpy ride for investors.

    Foolish takeaway

    Tuesday is shaping up as another good day for the Oil Search share price with the ASX energy share adding more than 5% at the time of writing.

    With oil prices continuing to climb, Oil Search remains one to watch in 2021 as the world eyes a re-opening in the post-COVID-19 environment.

    The post Why the Oil Search (ASX:OSH) share price is surging 5% on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Oil Search right now?

    Before you consider Oil Search, 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 Oil Search 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2WkZS5u

  • Technology shares are dragging the ASX 200 down on Tuesday

    Man looks frustrated looking at computer screen in an office

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is slipping today, weighed down by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ).

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down 0.9%, having fallen 66 points.

    Meanwhile, the ASX 200 tech sector is down a whopping 2.4% or 58 points.

    The S&P/All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is also down 2% at the time of writing.

    The dip is being led by the Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price and its 6% fall.

    Additionally, the share prices of Xero Limited (ASX: XRO), Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT), and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) are down 4%, 3%, and 2% respectively.

    In fact, Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK) is the only member of the information technology sector in the green today. The company’s share price is up 0.5% despite no price-sensitive news having been released to the ASX.

    The dips come despite no price-sensitive news having been released by any of the above companies.

    So, what’s weighing so heavily on the index on Tuesday? Let’s take a look.

    What’s dragging ASX 200 tech shares down?

    Today’s fall from ASX tech shares follows a similar slide seen in US markets overnight.

    While most of Australia slept, the S&P 500 (IndexSP: .INX) – the 500 largest companies listed on US markets – fell 0.28%.

    Like today’s ASX 200, it was dragged down by tech shares. The US tech sector fell 1% on Monday (Tuesday AEST).

    At the same time, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.52%.

    Some of their weights included stock in tech giants Alphabet Inc Class A (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), which fell 0.8%, 1%, and 1.7% respectively.

    Also worth noting, the US’s healthcare sector fell 1.4% overnight. That trend is also being mirrored on the ASX today.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is down 2.8% at the time of writing.

    The post Technology shares are dragging the ASX 200 down on Tuesday 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Teresa Kersten, an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Apple, Link Administration Holdings Ltd, MEGAPORT FPO, Microsoft, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Apple, Link Administration Holdings Ltd, and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/39H4mGz

  • Why this broker sees the Santos (ASX:STO) share price jumping 20%

    Oil worker drilling on the oil field

    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has been a very positive performer on Tuesday after oil prices charged higher.

    In afternoon trade, the energy producer’s shares are up 6% to $7.14.

    Can the Santos share price keep rising?

    The good news is that one leading broker believes the Santos share price can continue to rise from here.

    According to a recent note out of Morgans, its analysts have an add rating and $8.55 price target on the company’s shares.

    Based on the current Santos share price, this implies potential upside of 20% over the next 12 months excluding dividends.

    Morgans is also forecasting a fully franked dividend of 13.3 cents per share, which represents a modest but attractive 1.9% yield.

    What did the broker say?

    Santos is the broker’s top large cap pick in the energy sector. This is due to its growth prospects and diversified earnings base.

    It commented: “We expect the resilience of STO’s growth profile and diversified earnings base see it best placed to outperform against a backdrop of a continuing broader sector recovery. While pre-FEED, we see Dorado as likely to provide attractive growth for STO, while its recent acquisition increasing its stake in Darwin LNG has increased our confidence in Barossa’s development. PNG growth meanwhile remains a riskier proposition, with the government adamant it will keep a larger share of economic rents while operator Exxon has significantly deferred growth plans across its global portfolio.”

    In addition, the broker is bullish on the Santos share price due to its positive view on the proposed merger with Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH).

    Its analysts said: “STO remains our top preference amongst our large-cap energy universe. With early indications supportive of our view that material synergies and enhanced growth plans will result from the OSH merger. While in good shape, we expect STO to continue gaining investor support as it executes on the opportunistic OSH merger. We maintain our ADD rating.”

    The post Why this broker sees the Santos (ASX:STO) share price jumping 20% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    The online investing service he’s run for 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3EXtsQ4

  • Why the South32 (ASX:S32) share price has surged 16% in a month

    a man in a hard hat and overalls raises his arms and holds them out wide as he smiles widely in an optimistic and welcoming gesture.

    The South 32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price has been one to watch on the Australian indices this past month.

    Whereas the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has sunk more than 2%, South32 shares have soared 16% into the green in this time.

    Let’s check what’s been fuelling the South32 share price lately.

    Why is the South32 share price edging higher?

    South32 shares have been on the move since the mining and metals company announced its FY21 results on 19 August.

    In its report, the company recognised a 4% gain in revenue and a 90% jump in EBITDA from the year prior.

    Despite this, its net loss for the year widened to US$195 million, up from US$65 million the previous year.

    Yet, earnings per share (EPS) jumped up to US10.3 cents, a 164% year on year gain for shareholders.

    The company was able to increase its dividend to just shy of US7 cents per share, an enormous 82% gain from FY20 that shareholders will no doubt enjoy.

    From this event, the South32 share price began its march northwards.

    It immediately jumped 20% in the three or four weeks following its FY21 results to $3.36 early in the month, before setting a new 52-week high of $3.51 on 16 September.

    After some choppiness on the chart, spurred by the Evergrande debt crisis, shares in the mining company have since tracked towards this level again. Some of the gains came on the back of another announcement made last week.

    The company’s 40% owned venture, the Alumar aluminium smelter, has announced plans to restart operations via its parent and South32’s joint venture partner Aloca.

    First production is set for 2022 and should reach full capacity by the end of CY22, according to the company.

    Investors see this as a huge positive for the company, given strengths in commodities markets that have occurred across 2021.

    Aluminium hit a 13-year high of US$2,957/tonne in trading last week. That’s a 65% increase from the same time last year with the price of aluminium setting consistent new highs from January this year.

    South32 is in a unique position to benefit from the price increase, given it’s an ASX resource share that produces aluminium.

    The sum of these events goes some way to explain why the South32 share price has climbed more than 16% in the last month.

    Although it’s worth noting its share price can and does fluctuate with volatility in the broader commodities markets.

    South32 share price snapshot

    The South32 share price has been a standout over the last year to date as well, posting a return of 37% since January 1.

    It has also climbed 56% over the past 12 months, more than double that of the broad index’s return of about 25% in this time.

    The post Why the South32 (ASX:S32) share price has surged 16% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in South32 right now?

    Before you consider South32, 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 South32 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

    The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/2Zt62BC

  • Red Dirt Metals (ASX:RDT) share price launches 45% on lithium update

    A woman throws her hands in the air in celebration as confetti floats down around her, standing in front of a deep yellow wall.

    The Red Dirt Metals Ltd (ASX: RDT) share price has rocketed 45% higher on Tuesday after a lithium update from the Aussie micro-cap company.

    Why the Red Dirt Metals share price is up 45% on Tuesday

    Red Dirt this morning provided an update on its Mt Ida Project area. The Aussie lithium miner announced multiple high-grade lithium results from historic drilling and surface rock chips.

    Thick drill hole intercepts and rock chips with high-grade lithium assays were identified over a 5-kilometre strike extent on the western limb of the Copperfield Granite on the site.

    Among the results reported was TIC0151 with 24 metres at 1.84% lithium oxide and 350 parts per million (ppm) tantalum oxide from 160 metres.

    The Red Dirt Metals share price has rocketed 45% at the time of writing after reporting significant strike potential adjacent to Copperfield Granite, intrusive on both the western and eastern limbs.

    The company reported diamond hole IDDD002 intersected 23.2 metres of spodumene bearing pegmatite from a depth of 252 metres and 50 metres down-dip below TIC0121.

    All of this to say that there were promising results for the Mt Ida lithium reserves which have sparked the group’s shares higher on Tuesday.

    The latest results are part of the company’s due diligence on the Mt Ida project. While reviewing the data, the company has identified 44 drill holes to date that have either been logged with pegmatite occurrences or have been assayed incidentally for lithium as part of a “multi-element analysis”.

    The news has been welcomed by shareholders with the ASX resources share rocketing 45% higher on Tuesday afternoon.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Red Dirt Metals share price is on the move on Tuesday following its latest lithium update. The Aussie company currently boasts a market capitalisation of $60 million following today’s surge with company shares up 68.5% year to date.

    The post Red Dirt Metals (ASX:RDT) share price launches 45% on lithium update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Red Dirt Metals right now?

    Before you consider Red Dirt Metals, 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 Red Dirt Metals 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3zH3bS4

  • Here’s what’s driving support for ASX 200 energy shares

    A man in a hard hat puts his finger up to say 'number one' in front of an oil mine

    Energy shares are rallying while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is sliding lower on Tuesday.

    At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.93% to 7,315.7 points. Meanwhile, the ASX 200 shares that make up the energy sector are blazing higher in a blaring green streak.

    Notable high achievers include Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC), up 7.7% and 4.2% respectively.

    Although a single day on the market won’t necessarily make or break a portfolio, analysts at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) have pointed out supporting factors for the rally.

    Concerns of dwindling supply

    ASX 200 energy shares are providing investors with a glimmer of green in portfolios on Tuesday. At a time when the broader market is struggling to find direction, Australian energy companies are bolstering the benchmark index.

    Additionally, analysts at CBA have outlined evidence for the recent strength. One point is the broad strength in energy resources, although it is not only one source that is performing. Indeed, thermal coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and oil are all trending upwards.

    In fact, thermal coal prices are nearing record levels at US$180 per tonne. This represents more than a tripling in price in the space of 12 months. The highest price per tonne on record is US$195 which was hit in July 2008.

    Likewise, spot LNG prices have moved towards US$30 per metric million British thermal unit as delivered to North Asia.

    Energy commodities analyst Vivek Dhar believes the increase in both of these fossil fuels has supported higher oil prices.

    The rise in both fossil fuels has helped drive oil prices higher. Brent oil futures are closing in on $US80/bbl and are currently at the highest level since October 2018.

    These prices are being led by growing demand from China as fears of a winter energy shortage loom. As reported by Bloomberg, nations are running low on natural gas — lacking the supply to heat homes and power industries.

    In turn, countries are fighting to outbid each other to secure energy for their populations. The byproduct is sky-high energy prices.

    Similarly, the experience is eerily the same at fuel bowsers across the UK. Multinational oil and gas company British Petroleum (BP) has reported nearly a third of its UK fuel stations are running low.

    As a result, the effects of supply and demand are popping up in the form of elevated prices.

    How have ASX 200 energy shares performed?

    Coming out the other side of the COVID-19 crunch, energy shares have sprung back. The unwinding of lockdowns means more vehicles back on the road and aircraft in the sky that are guzzling fuel.

    With expectations that supply will be outstripped by demand, many ASX 200 energy shares are enjoying price appreciation. Here’s a selection:

    • Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) up 37.8% in the past year
    • Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) up 54.9% in the past year
    • Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) up 200.5% in the past year
    • Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL) up 28.8% in the past year

    The post Here’s what’s driving support for ASX 200 energy shares 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

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 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.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3D6MBNN

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX dividend shares to buy today

    A woman holds a lightbulb in one hand and a wad of cash in the other

    Fortunately, in this low interest rate environment, there are countless dividend shares for investors to choose from on the Australian share market.

    But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy. To narrow things down, I have picked out three ASX dividend shares brokers think investors should buy:

    DEXUS Property Group (ASX: DXS)

    According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $11.95 price target on this property company’s shares. This follows news that DEXUS is acquiring $1.5 billion of industrial assets. The broker is a fan of the strategy and expects it to boost its income. As for dividends, Morgan Stanley has pencilled in dividends per share of 53 cents in FY 2022 and 55.5 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current DEXUS share price of $10.70, this will mean 5% and 5.2% yields, respectively.

    Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

    A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and lifted their price target on this healthcare company’s shares to $5.55. Macquarie believes that COVID-19 testing volumes will remain strong globally for some time to come and has increased its earnings estimates to reflect this. The broker has also pencilled in fully franked dividends per share of 19.5 cents in FY 2022 and 13.9 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current Healius share price of $4.90, this will mean yields of 4% and then a more modest 2.6%.

    Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

    Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have upgraded this insurance giant’s shares to an outperform rating with an improved price target of $5.70. its analysts believe the recent weakness in its share price is a buying opportunity. Macquarie also doesn’t expect IAG’s maximum event retention to be breached by the Victorian earthquake. As for dividends, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 20 cents in FY 2022 and 23 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current IAG share price of $4.89, this will mean yields of 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX dividend shares to buy today 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

    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 owns shares of and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    from The Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3ulIIRF