Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why the Strike Energy (ASX:STX) share price finished 5% higher

    A businessman points to and arrow going up on a graph, indicating a share price rise for an ASX company

    The Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) share price lifted off today following an update on its recent share purchase plan (SSP).

    At market close, the energy producer’s shares finished the day up 5.7% to 37 cents.

    Details of Strike’s SSP

    Investors were busy snapping up Strike Energy shares today following a heavily subscribed SPP from the company.

    According to its release, Strike Energy advised it has collected over 1,500 applications, equating to around $30 million. The offer was open to eligible investors who held shares in the company before 14 April 2021.

    As a result of the significant interest received, the board has determined to double the original SSP offer amount to $10 million. This will leave the company to scale back applications from shareholders to around one-third of the amount applied for.

    Strike Energy stated that the funds will be used to supplement a number of activities. These are as follows:

    • Project financing and delivery of ‘First Gas’ from Phase 1 of Greater Erregulla Project at West Erregulla;
    • Proving up South Erregulla gas resources;
    • Appraisal of the Perth Basin wet-gas Jurassic play at Walyering;
    • Fertiliser development at Project Haber
    • Subsurface geotechnical work, engineering and preparation for the Mid-West Geothermal pilot;
    • Critical 2D & 3D seismic campaigns to delineate the next wave of gas and geothermal resource addition.

    The company further noted that because of the over-subscribed offer, members of the board have sacrificed their applications.

    Strike will issue up to a total of 33.3 million ordinary shares, ranking equally with its existing holdings. The newly created shares will be allotted this coming Monday, and available for trading the day after.

    Strike Energy share price summary

    Over the past 12 months, the Strike share price has accelerated to post a gain of around 140%. Year-to-date performance stands just shy of 40%, reflecting positive investor sentiment.

    Strike Energy has a market capitalisation of a tad over $201 million, with more than 1.1 billion shares on its registry.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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  • South32 (ASX:S32) share price rises amid coal mine decision appeal

    Mining ASX share price on watch represented by miner making screen with hands

    The South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price edged higher today. The company was in focus after news filtered through it has lodged an appeal against the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC) over its decision to block an extension of South 32’s Dendrobium coal mine.

    By the market’s close, shares in the metals and mining company were trading at $2.99 – up 0.34%. Similarly , the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 0.2% higher.

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s developments.

    Case background

    Back in February, the IPC blocked a decision by the state Department of Planning to approve South32’s $956 million plan to extend the life of the Dendrobium coal mine to 2048 and extract an additional 78 million tonnes of coal from the site.

    The commission cited the high likelihood of adverse impacts on the local environment. The commission stated it felt South32 could not manage the risk appropriately and any damage would be irreversible. It went on to say the benefits of the project did not outweigh these costs.

    “[T]he level of risk posed by the Project has not been properly quantified and based on the potential for long-term and irreversible impacts — particularly on the integrity of a vital drinking water source for the Macarthur and Illawarra regions, the Wollondilly Shire and Metropolitan Sydney — it is not in the public interest,” the IPC’s Statement of Reasons for Decision read.

    Conservative NSW politicians at the time, including Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Upper House MP and One Nation leader Mark Latham, decried the decision.

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

    “The decision by the IPC to reject South 32’s Dendrobium coal expansion will be recorded as one of the most destructive decisions since the IPC’s formation,” Mr Barilaro said at a press conference soon after the decision was handed down.

    South32 appeal

    In a statement yesterday, South32 said it would appeal the decision.

    “South32 has commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales, seeking a judicial review of the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) assessment of the Dendrobium Mine Extension Project,” a spokesperson for the company said.

    “This is one of a number of options we are pursuing in relation to the project, and we continue to work with all relevant stakeholders and look at potential alternative mine plans.”

    “We have a long history of operating safely and responsibly in the Illawarra region and the proposed Dendrobium Mine Extension would provide major economic and social benefits for the Illawarra region and for New South Wales,” the spokesperson added.

    The news was also reported by mainstream outlets such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and The Australian

    The ABC is also reporting that one of the other options South32 is pursuing includes direct lobbying of the state government.

    South32 share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the South32 share price has increased by around 60%. The company recently announced its results for the quarter, which also sent its share price higher.

    South32 has a market capitalisation of around $14.2 billion.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous 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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  • 2 blue chip ASX 200 shares rated as buys

    Are you wanting to boost your portfolio with some blue chip ASX 200 shares in May?

    Then you might want to take a look at the blue chips listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    The first blue chip ASX 200 share to look at is Goodman Group. It is a leading integrated commercial and industrial property company with a growing portfolio of warehouses, large scale logistics facilities, and business and office parks. 

    Goodman Group has been growing at a consistently solid rate over the last few years. This has been driven by its successful strategy of investing in and developing high quality industrial properties in strategic locations.

    Positively, this strong form has continued in FY 2021. In fact, just this morning the company released its third quarter update and revealed further solid growth.

    As a result, management believes it is on course to achieve its FY 2021 guidance for operating profit of $1.2 billion and earnings per share growth of 12%.

    One broker that is positive on the company is Citi. It currently has a buy rating and $21.00 price target on its shares.

    Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)

    Another ASX 200 blue chip share to look at is Ramsay Health Care. It is a leading private healthcare company with operations across the world.

    Ramsay has been battling tough trading conditions over the last 12 months due to the pandemic. And while things are still not entirely back to normal, it has returned to growth in the ANZ market.

    Looking ahead, the company looks well-placed to benefit from a backlog in surgeries in the near term and increased demand for healthcare services over the long term. 

    In addition to this, the company has a strong balance sheet and the option of accelerating its growth through expansions and acquisitions.

    Earlier this week Goldman Sachs retained its conviction buy rating and $75.00 price target on the company’s shares. Its analysts are positive on its outlook and continue to expect Ramsay to outperform the market’s expectations in FY 2021 and FY 2022.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ramsay Health Care 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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  • Estia Health (ASX:EHE) share price dips on class action settlement

    2

    Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE) received Federal Court approval this afternoon to settle a class action brought against it.

    The Estia Health share price dipped sharply immediately after the news was announced to the ASX, but has since returned to its prior trading level of $2.50, up 2%.

    Estia Health is one of Australia’s largest residential aged care providers delivering care to more than 8,000 older Australians each year.

    Let’s have a closer look at the settlement and class action brought against the company.

    Class action

    The class action against Estia has been ongoing since July 2019. Filed to the Federal Court by law firm Phi Finney McDonald, it relates to alleged breaches of the company’s disclosure obligations in 2015 and 2016.

    The lawsuit concerned shareholders who had bought shares in the company or acquired long exposure to Estia shares by entering into equity swap confirmations between August 2016 and October 2016.

    At the time, the Australian Financial Review reported the class action alleged Estia didn’t disclose difficulties it was experiencing around the time it published its 2016 financial year results. It also alleged the company gave misleading guidance for the 2017 financial year. 

    In February 2021, Estia advised the market it had reached an agreement to settle the class action, conditional on whether the settlement would receive Federal Court approval.

    Today, Estia said that the cost of the settlement is $38.5 million, of which it has contributed $12.35 million. The remaining balance is to be paid by Estia’s insurers.

    The company advised it was unable to say whether the class action would have a material impact on its financial position or performance.

    Estia Health share price snapshot

    The Estia Health share price has been a strong performer on the ASX lately. Currently, it’s up 41% year to date and has lifted 72% over the last 12 months.

    The company has a market capitalisation of around $640 million, with approximately 261 million shares outstanding.

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  • Here’s why the Elixir Energy (ASX:EXR) share price is climbing today

    ASX share price rise represented by man's hand grabbing onto red ladder that is pointed towards sky

    The Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX: EXR) share price is climbing today following the release of an operations update.

    During late afternoon trade, the energy producer’s shares are fetching for 40.2 cents, up 3%.

    What did Elixir announce?

    Investors appear upbeat with the company’s latest progress, pushing Elixir shares within reach of its multi-year high of 51 cents.

    In a statement to the ASX, Elixir provided an update on the current exploration program at the Nomgon IX Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Production Sharing Contract (PSC).

    Located within the Nomgon project in Mongolia, Elixir advised it has spudded its Cracker-1S exploration well yesterday. The drilling is the first in the sub-basin which was identified by the company’s 2020 2D seismic program.

    A little over a month ago, a second drilling company was sub-contracted by Elixir. It noted that as soon as COVID-19 restrictions lift, it will move to a new area in the sub-basin. This is expected to occur within the next two weeks.

    Elixir highlighted that its 2021 2D seismic program has acquired 51 kilometres of new seismic. This is being processed quickly for the expanded drilling program.

    Elixir managing director, Neil Young commented:

    The Cracker-1S well is an exciting one for the Company, given its significant distance from our prior discoveries. Its geological potential to open up a new sub-basin is supplemented by its favourable location for access to such infrastructure as larger capacity electricity lines and the regional capital.

    Elixir Energy share price summary

    It’s been an impressive 12 months for shareholders who invested in the Elixir share price, recording gains of 1,200%. Looking at year-to-date performance, late investors would also be seeing green, up 220%. Interestingly, the company’s shares have been on a strong growth trajectory since the start of the year.

    Based on valuation metrics, Elixir commands a market capitalisation of around $337 million, with roughly 842 million shares on issue.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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

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  • Here’s a secret hedge against rising inflation

    asx share price secret represented by woman holing hands up to ear through hole in wall

    A fund manager has claimed, contrary to conventional belief, that real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a practical hedge against inflation.

    With the world transitioning to a post-COVID recovery, inflation is expected to pick up.

    Traditional wisdom dictates that as inflation rises, interest rates will rise. And higher interest rates dampen enthusiasm for real estate.

    However, Resolution Capital chief investment officer Andrew Parsons told an investor briefing that this is a false correlation.

    “It’s a simple catch-phrase that the market focuses on without actually looking at the history of returns,” he said.

    “There’s plenty of evidence to demonstrate that REITs are not highly correlated to rising interest rates and bond yields.”

    Resolution Capital is a specialist manager of international listed real estate assets.

    The proof was just last year

    Parsons said investors needed to “look deeper” into the dynamics between the economy and real estate “fundamentals” to gauge how rising interest rates could influence REIT values.

    One only had to look at last year to see the conventional relationship between property and inflation turned on its head.

    “We had falling bonds and falling interest rates and yet REIT prices actually fell,” said Parsons.

    “So, to us it’s a common error for people to focus on the simple thought that rising interest rates are bad for REITs. The historic evidence does not show that clearly, whatsoever.”

    Where REITs are headed this year

    In the current post-pandemic recovery, rising construction costs would act as a “strong tailwind” for real estate funds, according to Parsons.

    “What we’re seeing is a very significant increase in building costs. Important ingredients in building properties have been going up at a very dramatic rate in the last 12-18 months,” he said.

    “That’s been as a consequence of a number of factors, including the likes of the COVID disruptions, the problems with Vale mines in Brazil, a recovery in new housing starts in the US, plus the extraordinary [Australian] government infrastructure plans that have been announced.”

    Real estate is a hedge against inflation

    All that points to REITs rising in values along with inflation.

    “Ultimately we believe that real estate is a hedge against inflation,” said Parsons.

    “Developers are facing the prospect of higher building costs and as a consequence they will need higher rents to justify making that investment in new buildings.”

    As higher rents are charged for new buildings, that helps existing landlords.

    “You’ve got a cost advantage and therefore it should in fact moderate the supply picture and underpin existing property values.”

    Parsons said this is why it’s important investors not get caught up in time-worn cliches.

    “Actually look at the real returns that the sector can produce and the drivers that are so important in determining that. 

    “For us it’s about pricing power and capital management.”

    Australian REITs have done pretty well in the last 12 months. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT index (ASX: XPJ) has risen 31.74% over that time.

    Where to 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.*

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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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  • 3 exciting small cap ASX shares to watch in May

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    As I’m a fan of small cap shares, I feel quite fortunate to have a large number to choose from on the Australian share market.

    Three small cap ASX shares that stand out from the rest and could have bright futures are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Booktopia Group Ltd (ASX: BKG)

    The first small cap ASX share to watch is Booktopia. It is an online book retailer which has been in fine form this year. For example, during the first half of FY 2021, the company reported a 51.1% increase in revenue to $112.6 million and a 502.3% jump in underlying EBITDA to $8 million. This was driven by the shift to online shopping and its new distribution centre. The latter allowed the company to take advantage of the increased demand by shipping more books than ever before. Positively, its strong form has continued since then. Last month it released its third quarter update and revealed a 53% increase in quarterley revenue.

    Earlier this week, Morgans retained its add rating and lifted its price target to $3.54.

    Nitro Software Ltd (ASX: NTO)

    Nitro Software is another small cap ASX share to watch. It is a software company that is aiming to drive digital transformation in businesses around the world. Its main solution is the Nitro Productivity Suite. This provides integrated PDF productivity and electronic signature tools to customers through a horizontal, software-as-a-service, and desktop-based software solution. Nitro counts a number of the largest companies in the world as customers. This is a testament to the quality of its offering.

    Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating and $3.70 price target on the company’s shares.

    Universal Store Holdings Limited (ASX: UNI)

    Universal Store is a fashion retailer which aims to deliver an ever-changing and carefully curated selection of on-trend products. Its strategy has been highly successful, helping Universal Store deliver a stellar half year result in February. For the six months ended 31 December, Universal Store reported a 23.3% increase in sales to $118 million and a 63.6% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $21.1 million. As with Booktopia, this has continued in the third quarter. It recently reported a 39.6% increase in quarterly sales.

    This went down well with analysts at Morgans. The broker currently has an add rating and $8.37 price target on its shares.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Booktopia Group Limited. 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 Australian Ethical (ASX:AEF) share price has surged 80% in 2021

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    Shares in Australian Ethical Investment Limited (ASX: AEF) are currently trading at all-time highs, having surged more than 80% in 2021.

    Investors have been scrambling to buy shares in the company since the start of the year. Read on to find out why the Australian Ethical share price is surging in 2021.

    What is moving the Australian Ethical share price?

    The initial catalyst that sparked investor interest in Australian Ethical can be traced back to the company’s quarterly update in early January.

    The update notified investors that Australian Ethical increased its funds under management (FUM) to $5.05 billion for the quarter ending 31 December 2020. In addition to hitting a milestone of $5 billion, FUM surged 16.9% from $4.32 billion at the end of September.

    Australian Ethical’s management noted that the increase in FUM was driven by the company’s exceptional investment performance and strong net inflows. This was reflected in a 22.4% quarter on quarter increase in Managed Funds FUM of $1.75 billion. In addition, Australian Ethical reported a 14.6% increase in Superannuation FUM to $3.3 billion over the period.

    Investors have also been attracted to Australian Ethical given the global focus and shift to green energy. The Biden administration in the US has pledged $US trillion to climate-related policies over the next 8 years. As a result, companies like Australian Ethical which focus on environmental, social and governance issues are expected to benefit.

    More on Australian Ethical

    Australian Ethical is a funds management company that specializes in environmentally and socially responsible investing. The company’s business is divided into managed funds and superannuation funds.

    The company’s managed funds segment provides investors with 8 different investment options. In addition, Australian Ethical’s superannuation business allows investors to build a retirement plan by investing in ethically sustainable businesses.

    Earlier this year, Australian Ethical released its half year results for the 6 months ending 31 December. The company reported a 10% increase in operating revenue for the period of $25.6 million. The company attributed the growth to strong growth in new customers and positive investment performance.

    However, Australian Ethical did report an 11% increase in operating expenses of $18.9 million. Management attributed the rising costs to continued investment in its brand, distribution capabilities and customer experience. As a result, Australian Ethical reported an underlying profit after tax of $4.9 million for the half.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment 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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  • Can the Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price double in value?

    asx share price increase represented by golden dollar sign rocketing out from white domes of lithium

    Like many tech shares, it hasn’t been a great week for the Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) share price.

    As things stand, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares are on course to record a weekly decline of 6%.

    This will mean the Openpay share price has lost 18% of its value since this time last month.

    Is the weakness in the Openpay share price a buying opportunity for investors?

    One broker that appears to believe this weakness is a buying opportunity is Shaw and Partners.

    According to a recent note, the broker has a retained its buy (high risk) rating but cut its price target on the company’s shares to $4.00.

    Based on the latest Openpay share price of $1.93, this price target implies potential upside of over 100%.

    What did Shaw & Partners say?

    Shaw and Partners was pleased with Openpay’s performance in the third quarter.

    It commented: “OPY’s very positive – and accelerating – momentum has continued (very strong 1Q21, 2Q21 and 3Q21 results) with all growth metrics trending in the right direction (number of plans, number of customers, number of merchants, net bad debt, TTV) – all of which translate into solid revenue. Buy retained.”

    And while it acknowledges that its bad debts as a percentage of transaction value increased beyond its target rate of 2.5%, it notes that management expects this metric to return to target levels in the short term.

    Why is the broker bullish?

    There are a number of reasons that Shaw and Partners is bullish on the Openpay share price. One of those is its massive market opportunity.

    It explained: “Total Addressable Market (TAM) for BNPL globally is >US$6.5t (comprising US$5.5t, UK $0.63t, Australia US$0.32t and NZ US$0.1t) and OPY’s share of this US wallet is estimated at c. 15%, equating to a mammoth US$829b target market in the US alone.”

    “A “back-of-the-envelope” sensitivity by Shaw and Partners with respect to the potential revenue impact of US penetration (market share vs. gross revenue yield) highlights that this significant scale, opportunity and revenue runway, based on relatively conservative assumptions, could potentially yield a quantum leap in revenue generation,” it added.

    In addition to this, the broker believes its shares offer significant value for money in comparison to rivals Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P).

    It notes that the Openpay share price is currently trading at a 35% discount to its BNPL peers on an FY 2021 EV/Sales multiple of 9.3x vs. combined 14.2x.

    Overall, this could make it worth considering if you’re looking for exposure to the BNPL sector.

    Where to 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 are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of 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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  • The RBA just told us what’s going to happen with interest rates

    cheap shares represented by boy in business suit giving thumbs up with piggy banks and coin piles

    It was a bit of a non event really. On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held its monthly meeting, and… decided to leave interest rates unchanged at 0.1%.

    It was a move that surprised absolutely no one. And nor should it have. The RBA has previously flagged that it did not intend to raise interest rates again until unemployment falls to a near full level and wages and inflation start rising. And it doesn’t reckon that will happen until 2024 at the earliest.

    This bold and far-reaching prediction has certainly helped the Australian share market and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past few months reach the precipice of its all-time high where it stands today. A growing economy with near-zero interest rates is about the best recipe you can get for higher stock prices.

    But today the RBA also released its statement on monetary policy that it tends to do after its meetings. And it had some interesting tidbits.

    First, the good news. The RBA noted that “the strong recovery in the Australian economy and the labour market has continued”. That last aspect was especially encouraging, with the bank going on to say “Employment has also bounced back, to be above its pre-pandemic level, and the unemployment rate has declined significantly from its peak in July 2020”.

    RBA expects high growth, low inflation

    But the bank’s outlook on inflation and spending was a bit more nuanced. The RBA noted that wage growth and inflation remained low.

    On wage growth, the RBA stated that “pressures have been subdued across both the private and public sectors”, and noted that inflation is running at 1.1% annualised, far below its old target band of 2-3%.

    However, the RBA also pointed out that Australian households still have an “unusually large amount of additional savings”. It said if this excess of savings results in stronger spending patterns than normal going forward, it could set off an economic chain reaction that would result in wages and inflation rising sooner than the bank expects, perhaps as early as mid-2023. That in turn may result in the RBA being forced to tighten rates earlier than it anticipates.

    But just to be clear, that is not what the RBA is expecting. The bank made it very clear once again that it doesn’t see the monetary policy status quo changing until 2024. Here’s what the RBA closed its statement with:

    The board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target. It will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3 percent target range.

    For this to occur, the labour market will need to be tight enough to generate wages growth that is materially higher than it is currently. This is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.

    How’s that for certainty!

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

    The post The RBA just told us what’s going to happen with interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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