Tag: Motley Fool

  • 11% yield? 2 strikingly cheap ASX shares ‘primed for recovery’

    Rocket takes off from the hand of a businessman.Rocket takes off from the hand of a businessman.

    With the market doing so well the past few months, you need to have your wits about you if you see any discounted ASX shares.

    The reality is that stocks sink because there is good reason for it. The business might be declining or the external environment may be hostile.

    To find the occasional gem, you may need a bit of assistance from people who spend all day looking for such treasures.

    Here are two cheap shares currently in that position, which experts are tipping for a revival:

    New boss could turn this ailing business around

    For an investment management firm whose fortunes are tied to the health of the market, the Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM) share price has been poor.

    The stock has declined almost 35% since June 2023, and more than 16% so far this year.

    Red Leaf Securities chief executive John Athanasiou rates the stock as a buy though.

    “The investment manager recently appointed Jeff Peters as managing director, and the company has embarked on a turnaround strategy,” Athanasiou told The Bull.

    “An immediate priority is to reduce costs across the business while reviewing existing product offerings and distribution channels.”

    For those willing to give this one a go, a juicy 11.4% dividend yield is on offer.

    “We believe Platinum Asset Management is primed for a recovery under new management.”

    It’s fair to say this is a contrarian play from Athanasiou.

    According to broking platform CMC Invest, none of the 12 analysts covering the stock recommend it as a buy.

    Cheap shares with huge ‘upside potential’

    As a complete contrast, Silk Logistics Holdings Ltd (ASX: SLH) is rated a strong buy by all three analysts — Moelis Australia, Morgans and Shaw & Partners.

    But it too is heavily discounted, to the tune of 41% since May.

    The shares had a particularly brutal 16.2% drop in one day during reporting season.

    Auburn Capital head of wealth management Jabin Hallihan was not at all disturbed by the half-year results.

    “This integrated logistics provider generated revenue of $276.5 million in the first half of fiscal year 2024, an increase of 9% on the prior corresponding period.”

    The outlook is positive for the logistics provider.

    “The company is forecasting revenue growth for the full year,” said Hallihan.

    “It has provided revenue guidance of between $540 million and $560 million provided there’s no further adverse changes in economic conditions.”

    He added that Silk Logistics was at an advantageous point in its corporate journey.

    “The company has completed the acquisition of port logistics business Secon, consolidating its position in the bulk logistics market amid generating a new revenue stream.

    “The company is well managed. In my view, Silk Logistics is trading at a substantial discount for a company offering upside potential.”

    The post 11% yield? 2 strikingly cheap ASX shares ‘primed for recovery’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    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 positions in and has recommended Silk Logistics. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Silk Logistics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a day to forget. The benchmark index fell 1.8% to 7,704.2 points.

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

    ASX 200 expected to edge higher

    The Australian share market is expected to edge higher on Tuesday following a mixed start to the week on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 4 points higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.2%, the S&P 500 is down 0.15%, and the NASDAQ is 0.3% lower.

    ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend

    Battery materials miner IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) and media giant News Corporation (ASX: NWS) shares will be going ex-dividend on Tuesday for their upcoming dividend payments and could trade lower.  IGO is paying a fully franked 11 cents per share dividend to shareholders, whereas News Corp will be paying 10.7 cents per share.

    Oil prices rise

    ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a decent session after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.15% to US$78.13 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.4% to US$82.44 a barrel. Traders appear optimistic ahead of the next inflation reading.

    Iron ore price sinks

    It could be a tough session for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares after the iron ore price sank on Monday. The benchmark iron ore price dropped 6.8% to US$107.35 a tonne. This led to the mining giants’ Wall Street listed shares taking a tumble during overnight trade.

    Gold price rises

    ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a good session after the gold price rose again on Monday. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.1% to US$2,188.2 an ounce. This was driven by increasing rate cut bets.

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 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 over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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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 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • 2 excellent ASX ETFs I’d buy right now

    ETF written in gold with dollar signs on coin.ETF written in gold with dollar signs on coin.

    ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a great way to get diversified exposure to businesses with good capital growth potential.

    The ASX is known for its appealing dividend yields, which are a result of the typically higher dividend payout ratios and the bonus of franking credits.

    However, the global economy is much bigger than the Australian economy, so globally-focused businesses can deliver good earnings growth (and capital growth) over time.

    Vaneck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    This is one of my favourite ASX-listed ETFs because the investment strategy results in the portfolio being high-quality and supposedly good value.

    The focus by the investment team is on quality US companies that Morningstar believes have “sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats”. That boils down to owning businesses that not only have moats, but in the analysts’ eyes are almost certainly going to endure over the next decade and more.

    The MOAT ETF only invests in companies that are trading at an attractive price compared to Morningstar’s estimate of fair value.

    Since it started in June 2015, it has achieved an average return per annum of 16%, though past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

    Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

    I like Vanguard’s efforts to reduce investment costs for investors as much as possible. It has an annual management fee of just 0.08%.

    This particular ASX-listed ETF invests in the global share market outside of the US.

    There are very good companies outside of the US and Australia that are worth investing in, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Novo Nordisk, ASML, Nestle, Samsung, Tencent, Novartis, Roche and LVMH. Those are many of the top 10 holdings.

    The ASX-ETF has a total of approximately 3,700 holdings, which is an enormous amount of diversification.

    The VEU ETF hasn’t been the strongest performer, but it gives investors very cheap exposure to a number of markets, namely in Europe and Asia. For investors with Australia and US-focused portfolios, this could be a useful way to get more diversification.

    As a bonus, it comes with a decent dividend yield of 3%.

    The post 2 excellent ASX ETFs I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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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. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé, Novo Nordisk, and Roche Ag. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why Santos shares may be ‘one of the most attractive globally’

    Miner looking at a tablet.Miner looking at a tablet.

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares have dropped in the last few weeks, falling 7% since the end of January. This follows the breakdown in merger talks between Santos and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

    But one fund manager is excited by the energy company‘s potential.

    Why Santos shares are attractive

    The fund manager L1 pointed out that Santos was continuing to review options to unlock shareholder value.

    According to L1, Santos’ asset base was “materially undervalued by the market”. The fund manager believed the company had “attractive structural options” to unlock this value, regardless of a transaction needing to occur with a third party.

    One of the positives for Santos is that it continues to make “material progress” on its key growth initiatives, with the Barossa project nearly 70% complete and on track for first production in 2025, while the Pikka project is nearly 40% complete.

    L1 said:

    We anticipate that Santos will have one of the most attractive cash flow profiles globally in the sector in 2026 when both major projects have been completed.

    Valuation

    Currently, the forecast for Santos shares on Commsec is that it could make earnings per share (EPS) of 58.7 cents in FY24 and 74.8 cents in FY26. That would put the Santos share price at 12x FY24’s estimated earnings and under 10x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    If it does generate that sort of profit, the company is forecast to pay a dividend yield of 5.5% in FY26. In FY24, it could pay a dividend yield of 4.3%.

    The dividends are currently unfranked, meaning no franking credits are attached.

    Broader market comments

    Talking about the overall market, L1 said:

    We expect global markets to oscillate based on future economic data updates as Central Banks attempt to navigate ‘soft landing’ outcomes. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, war in the Middle East and potential impacts from events such as the US elections provide an additional layer of uncertainty.

    Against this backdrop, recent equity market performance has been driven primarily by a narrow group of technology/AI stocks.

    The fund manager said it saw equity markets as being “relatively fully priced overall”.

    … but within that we see numerous compelling opportunities in low P/E, highly cash generative companies, along with select opportunities on the short side, particularly in some expensive growth stocks with overly optimistic market expectations.

    The post Why Santos shares may be ‘one of the most attractive globally’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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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. 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 Scott Phillips.

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  • 1 top ASX bargain stock that’s ready for a bull run!

    Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.

    I’ve noticed in recent times that there’s a particular stock that nosedived during reporting season, but many experts are still backing it.

    So that might mean that a golden opportunity has opened up to buy some cheap ASX shares.

    MA Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MAF) provides a wide range of financial services such as asset management, corporate advisory, and lending.

    The share price, unfortunately, dived more than 20% on the day that its full-year results were revealed last month.

    The stock still remains well below what it was most summer.

    Let’s explore what’s going on here:

    Spending money now to make money later

    Glenmore portfolio manager Robert Gregory explained that the 2023 financial year numbers were about 8% below market expectations.

    “FY23 EBITDA was $81.6 million (down -24%), whilst NPAT was $41.6 million (down -32%),” he said in a memo to clients.

    “The result was impacted by MAF investing for growth in areas such as MA Money, the expansion of the Private Credit business in the US, and new distribution channels in Singapore.”

    Despite the savage market reaction to the result, there were bright spots.

    “Management fees (which are largely recurring), increased +22% to $153 million.

    “MAF said investments in various growth initiatives will continue into 2024 (which surprised the market), which will impact EPS by ~6 cents per share, albeit should benefit earnings from FY25 onwards.”

    And this is why so many professionals are, with a long-term horizon, bullish on MA Financial shares.

    The 4% fully franked dividend yield also helps the argument that these are cheap ASX shares.

    The analysts at Celeste Funds pointed out it’s already pretty close to heading into the black and the year ahead looks positive.

    “MA Money is forecast to breakeven in 2H24,” they said in a memo to their clients.

    “The Corporate Advisory & Equities business endured a difficult year but should rebound as capital markets reopen.”

    Broking platform CMC Invest is currently showing all three analysts surveyed as recommending MA Financial as a strong buy.

    The post 1 top ASX bargain stock that’s ready for a bull run! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    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 recommended Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • The ASX uranium shares to buy just coming out of a trading halt

    A miner stands in front oh an excavator at a mine siteA miner stands in front oh an excavator at a mine site

    ASX uranium shares have found favour among many investors over the past year, but there is one particular stock coming out of a trading halt that looks intriguing.

    That’s according to Auburn Capital head of wealth management Jabin Hallihan, who rates Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) as a buy.

    “Deep Yellow is a uranium exploration and development company, with operations in Namibia and Australia,” Hallihan told The Bull.

    “The company boasts a substantial resource base and aims to achieve uranium production capacity of more than 7 million pounds a year.”

    $220 million capital raising

    The stock went into a trading halt last Thursday, which was released on Monday morning.

    The eventual announcement was that the company had successfully raised $220 million from institutional investors to fund both its Tumas project in Namibia and Mulga Rock in Western Australia.

    According to Deep Yellow chief executive John Borshoff, the development is “timed perfectly”.

    “The Tumas Project represents a long-life high-quality asset timed to deliver into what is a supply constrained market,” he said in a statement to the ASX.

    “The Mulga Rock Project is next in the development schedule and provides a great opportunity to develop our second uranium mine that will also benefit from integrating the value-adding critical minerals and magnetic rare earth elements associated with these deposits.”

    The favoured uranium shares in a favoured industry

    The uranium industry is bullish at the moment due to many nations reconsidering nuclear as a powerful source of emissions-free energy generation.

    And within that industry Hallihan likes Deep Yellow as a buy for those investors willing to take on some risk.

    “The company’s experienced management team, coupled with its ambitious production targets and favourable cost projections, make it a speculative buy.”

    Broking platform CMC Invest shows four out of five analysts that cover the $936 million small-cap as a buy right now.

    The Deep Yellow share price has more than doubled over the past year.

    The post The ASX uranium shares to buy just coming out of a trading halt appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    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 Scott Phillips.

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  • $10k of savings? I’d buy these ASX 200 shares to grow my money

    A young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beachA young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beach

    If you have $10,000 to invest right now, there are some excellent S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks that can grow that money.

    When choosing stocks, I take the view of whether that cash will be invested in companies that will be doing better in 2029 than right now.

    Here are two I reckon that are looking pretty damn good at the moment:

    Pivoting from cash burner to cash saver

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) is an old favourite, but it’s a company that continues to adapt well to changing conditions.

    The market has very much appreciated the change in direction that chief executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy has brought over her 13-month tenure.

    She has transformed the mindset of the software business from a grow-at-all-costs startup attitude to a more mature controlled-growth strategy. Costs have been cut in an attempt to increase cash flow and margins.

    The Xero share price has thus rocketed 70% over the past 12 months.

    Singh Cassidy’s work is far from done yet though, so I feel like this is one to buy as a long-term investment.

    The chances that the New Zealand tech company will be in better shape in five years’ time compared to now seems reasonably high.

    The ASX 200 shares under attack

    In contrast, Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) hasn’t started 2024 in the best way.

    The ASX 200 biotech shares are now 20% lower than where they started the year.

    A short seller report has had much to do with investors fleeing this Australian company, which develops treatments for rare neurological disorders.

    Neuren has a business model where its already commercially approved drug, Daybue, is licenced out to US giant Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) for sale to the public.

    This brings in revenue for Neuren, which it uses to fund its pipeline of drugs under development and testing.

    Last month, US short seller Culper Research did not target Neuren specifically but accused Acadia of understating the side effects of Daybue.

    However, fund managers are sticking by the embattled ASX 200 share.

    While some have reduced their share price predictions, all six analysts currently surveyed on CMC Invest are still rating Neuren as a buy.

    Again, with several products under development, the chance that this company will be bigger and better in five years seems pretty decent.

    The post $10k of savings? I’d buy these ASX 200 shares to grow my money appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why are short sellers shifting into ASX blue chips and out of lithium losers?

    A little boy measures himself against a ruler and comes up short.

    A little boy measures himself against a ruler and comes up short.

    It was only last week that we discussed when ASX short sellers would stop targeting ASX lithium shares.

    Lithium shares have been at the top of the ASX’s most short-sold stocks lists for months now.

    Previously lofty valuations, combined with a price crash in the lithium commodity itself prompted armies of short investors to take out positions in some of the ASX’s most prominent lithium stocks since the middle of last year.

    The likes of Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) and Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) have frequently found themselves on the ASX’s most short-sold shares list in recent months.

    But perhaps this is changing.

    Short sellers walk away from lithium stocks

    Every week, my Fool colleague James takes a look at this data and tells us what the 10 most shorted shares each week are.

    A month ago, there were three ASX lithium shares that made the cut.

    Pilbara was on top, with 20.6% of its shares held in a short position.

    Core Lithium was the third stock, with 12.7%

    And Sayona was just behind that, with 11.7% of its shares held against it.

    But this week, we have a different picture. Pilbara is still taking out the top spot. But Core Lithium has slipped to the seventh most-shorted position. And Sayona dropped out of the top ten entirely.

    So there’s a clear move away from ASX lithium shares amongst short sellers.

    As today’s report shows, other mining companies like Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) are attracting more short interest. But so too are shares like Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) and IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL).

    ASIC data shows that this short interest seems to be migrating to some other diverse corners of the ASX.

    Short seller interest in blue chips like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) has increased in recent weeks, even as the interest in lithium stocks like Core Lithium and Sayona Mining has waned.

    Why are ASX 200 blue chips getting targeted?

    Well, there could be at least two major factors at play here.

    Firstly, as we touched on last week, short sellers may be deciding that the well is running dry when it comes to shorting ASX lithium shares. It’s only possible to make money from short selling if the shorted share in question experiences a major share price loss over a set period.

    With a stock like Core Lithium already down almost 88% from its all-time highs in 2022, some shorters may feel like they are running out of runway. Especially with signs that lithium prices are beginning to recover.

    Secondly, the entire ASX has been on a tear over the past few months. We’ve recently seen the ASX 200 at record highs, and the big four bank shares, in particular, have had a huge surge in valuation.

    Miners like BHP and Rio are often hit hard in a stock market pullback, thanks to their cyclical, commodity-based business models.

    So perhaps investors are betting that the ASX 200, after rallying almost 14% since November, is due for a pullback, and are shorting the biggest ASX 200 shares as a result.

    Only time will tell if this proves to be a wise move.

    The post Why are short sellers shifting into ASX blue chips and out of lithium losers? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Ordinary Australians waiting at the bus stop using their phones to trade ASX 200 shares today

    Ordinary Australians waiting at the bus stop using their phones to trade ASX 200 shares today

    It’s been a tumultuous start to the trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and most ASX shares this Monday. After hitting a new all-time record on Friday, investors very much pulled the ASX 200 down to earth this session.

    By the closing bell, the index had lost a painful 1.82%, leaving it at 7,704.2 points.

    This painful start to the week for ASX investors follows a rough end to the American trading week last Friday night (our time).

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a miserable time, shedding 0.18% of its value.

    The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, tanking by a hefty 1.16%.

    But let’s grit our teeth and get back to the ASX today for a look at how the different ASX sectors endured today’s savage selling pressure.

    Winners and losers

    There wasn’t one sector that escaped today’s trading without a loss.

    The worst loser though was the mining sector. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) had a horrid day, cratering 2.56%.

    Gold shares weren’t too far off that. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was cut by 2.22%.

    Financial stocks had a rough time as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) copped a 2.17% battering.

    Energy shares were another sore spot. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was sent down 2.07% by the closing bell.

    Healthcare stocks didn’t escape the carnage either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) getting a 1.6% smackdown.

    Industrial shares were on the nose too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sank 1.24% by the end of trading.

    Communications stocks were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) losing 1.22% of its value.

    Consumer discretionary shares had a similar experience, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 1.19% decline.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) followed right behind, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) dropping 1.18%.

    Utility stocks fared poorly as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) gave up 0.92% by the end of the day.

    Consumer staples stocks didn’t prove to be a safe haven for anyone. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) slid down 0.41%.

    Finally, the tech sector was the best-performing space on the markets this Monday. But the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) still slipped by 0.33%.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    There wasn’t a lot of competition here, but today’s index winner came in at retirement developer Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC). Lifestyle shares rose by a confident 3.75% up to $15.89 each.

    That was despite a lack of any fresh news or announcements from the company today.

    Here’s a look at the rest of the top gainers from today’s miserable trading:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC) $15.89 3.75%
    Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) $120.85 3.66%
    Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) $17.61 3.04%
    IRESS Ltd (ASX: 360) $8.72 2.71%
    Dexus (ASX: DXS) $7.73 1.44%
    Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) $2.69 1.13%
    HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) $7.07 0.86%
    Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) $3.81 0.79%
    Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) $51.12 0.63%
    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) $20.26 0.55%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Newmont. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, Corporate Travel Management, Life360, and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Corporate Travel Management and Metcash. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • What caused this small-cap ASX stock to surge 90% today?

    A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.

    A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.

    TASK Group Holdings Limited (ASX: TSK) shares are catching the eye on Monday with an incredible gain.

    At the time of writing, the small-cap ASX stock is up 91% to 76.5 cents.

    Why is the small-cap ASX stock rocketing?

    Investors have been scrambling to buy the hospitality industry technology solutions provider’s shares today after it accepted a takeover offer.

    According to the release, the company has entered into a scheme implementation agreement (SIA) with PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE: PAR).

    PAR is a leading global restaurant technology company and provider of unified commerce for enterprise restaurants. Its restaurant hardware, software, loyalty, drive-through, and back-office solutions is used in more than 70,000 restaurants in more than 110 countries.

    Under the SIA, it is proposed that PAR Technology will acquire 100% of TASK’s shares by way of a Court-approved scheme of arrangement for a total implied price of $0.81 per share. This represents a 103% premium to where the small-cap ASX stock ended last week. It also values the company’s equity at $310 million.

    Shareholders will also have the option to receive up to 50% of their consideration in shares of PAR Technology at a ratio of 0.015 PAR Shares for each TASK share held.

    Based on the closing price of PAR shares on 8 March of US$43.41, this implies an even greater value of $0.98 per TASK share.

    Unanimously recommended

    The small-cap stock’s board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the scheme. This is in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to the independent expert’s report.

    TASK shareholders Kym Houden and TASK Retail Investment have each separately advised the company that they intend to vote all shares (in aggregate approximately 18% of issued shares) in favour of the scheme. This is again in the absence of a superior proposal and the independent expert’s report.

    The company’s CEO, Daniel Houden, said:

    I am excited by the combination of TASK and PAR. It offers TASK a better base on which to achieve its international ambitions, provides a strong group with significant opportunities for our employees and provides certainty for our shareholders who have supported the growth of TASK to become a meaningful player in the global retail software market.

    The post What caused this small-cap ASX stock to surge 90% today? 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. 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 Scott Phillips.

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