Tag: Motley Fool

  • ASX 200 soars to another new all-time high on Friday!

    a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.

    The record-breaking streak for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continues apace today.

    March is proving to be a good month for resetting high water marks.

    The benchmark index reached a new intraday high of 7745.6 points on Friday, 1 March. And the ASX 200 notched another new intraday high of 7769.1 points on Monday, 4 March.

    In early morning trade on Friday, the index comprised of the top 200 listed Aussie companies is up 0.5% at 7,802.0 points.

    Though if the past two weeks are anything to go by, that record may not stand for long!

    Here’s what helping drive the record-breaking run today.

    What’s sending the ASX 200 into new record territory?

    A lot of stars have aligned to set up this bull run.

    First, we’re seeing very solid earnings results from most of the big companies, despite the headwinds from sticky inflation and high interest rates.

    Growing hopes for a so-called ‘soft landing’, both in Australia, the EU and the United States, are also helping propel the ASX 200 to new highs.

    With inflation coming off the boil and continuing to show signs of moderation, US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell stirred investor optimism this week that rate cuts in the world’s top economy are not far off.

    “We’re waiting to become more confident that inflation is moving sustainably at 2%,” Powell said. “When we do get that confidence, and we’re not far from it, it will be appropriate to begin to dial back the level of restriction.”

    On 20 March the Fed will update the market on its outlook for interest rates, with three rate cuts still on the table for 2024.

    And a third tailwind that looks to be pushing the ASX 200 into record territory is the increased infrastructure spending plans announced by China’s government this week.

    China is the top destination for numerous Australian goods and commodities, including our top export iron ore. More stimulus from the world’s number two economy could bode well for those big exporting stocks and their shareholders.

    One ASX stock to track the record-breaking run

    Investors looking to mirror the performance of the ASX 200 might want to look into the BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200).

    The exchange-traded fund (ETF) aims to track the performance of the benchmark index. And it comes with a very low annual fee of 0.04%.

    Over the past four and half months, the ETF has actually outpaced the benchmark.

    Since 30 October the ASX 200 has gained 14.8%, while the A200 ETF is up 15.8% over that same period.

    If you prefer to pick individual blue-chip stocks with the potential to outperform the benchmark, make sure to do some thorough research first.

    If you’re not comfortable with that, or feeling time-poor, then make sure to seek out some professional advice.

    The post ASX 200 soars to another new all-time high on Friday! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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…

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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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  • 3 ASX 200 dividend shares that analysts love

    an attractive young woman with sad eyes holds a red paper love heart over her mouth as though she has been unlucky in love.

    an attractive young woman with sad eyes holds a red paper love heart over her mouth as though she has been unlucky in love.

    If you have room in your portfolio for some ASX 200 dividend shares, then it could be worth checking out the two named below.

    They have been named as buys and tipped to provide attractive dividend yields. Here’s what you need to know:

    Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

    The first ASX 200 dividend share that has been named as a buy is Aurizon. It is Australia’s largest rail freight operator.

    Ord Minnett sees a lot of value in its shares at current levels. In response to its half-year results last month, the broker put an accumulate rating and $4.70 price target on its shares.

    As for dividends, the broker is forecasting partially franked dividends of 17.8 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 24.3 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the latest Aurizon share price of $3.91, this will mean yields of 4.5% and 6.2%, respectively.

    Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

    Goldman Sachs thinks that this packaging company could be an ASX 200 dividend share to buy.

    The broker has a buy rating and $3.40 price target on its shares.

    As well as decent upside, Goldman expects attractive yields from Orora’s shares. The broker has pencilled in dividends per share of 13 cents in FY 2024 and 14 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Orora share price of $2.65, this will mean yields of 4.9% and 5.3%, respectively.

    Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP)

    Another ASX 200 dividend share that could be a buy is Stockland.

    Stockland is a leading residential developer with a focus on delivering a range of masterplanned communities and medium density housing in growth areas across the country.

    Citi is positive on the company and has a buy rating and $5.00 price target on its shares.

    In respect to income, Citi is expecting dividends per share of 26.2 cents in FY 2024 and 26.6 cents in FY 2025. Based on the current Stockland share price of $4.60, this will mean yields of 5.7% and 5.8% yields, respectively.

    The post 3 ASX 200 dividend shares that analysts love appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    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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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. 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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon and Orora. 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 of the best ASX lithium stocks to buy this month

    a woman smiles as she checks her phone in one hand with a takeaway coffee in the other as she charges her electric vehicle at a charging station.

    a woman smiles as she checks her phone in one hand with a takeaway coffee in the other as she charges her electric vehicle at a charging station.

    If you believe the worst is over for the lithium industry and you are looking for stocks to buy, then it could be worth checking out the two listed below.

    These ASX lithium stocks have been named as preferred picks by analysts at Bell Potter this month. Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

    Arcadium Lithium (ASX: LTM)

    Arcadium Lithium is the lithium giant that was formed from the merger of Allkem and Livent Corp last year.

    Bell Potter likes the company due to its diverse asset portfolio, robust balance sheet, and strong production growth outlook. It explains:

    LTM provides the largest, most diversified exposure to lithium in terms of mode of upstream production, asset locations, downstream processing and customer markets. It is a key large-cap leverage to lithium prices and sentiment, which we expect to improve over the medium term. The group has a strong balance sheet and growth portfolio.

    The broker has a buy rating and $10.40 price target on the ASX lithium stock. This implies potential upside of almost 40% for investors.

    Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

    Another option for investors to look at in the lithium industry is Mineral Resources.

    Bell Potter likes the company due to its lithium production growth and diversified income streams. It said:

    In contrast to its peers, MIN completes everything from engineering, to construction, to all aspects of operations in-house. Our Buy view is underpinned by MIN’s earnings diversification, strong insider ownership, clearly articulated strategies, expertise in contracting and internal growth options at Onslow as well as potential lithium expansions including into downstream. All up, MIN offers diversified exposure to steady income streams from the contracting business and market-driven commodity exposure coupled with earnings derived from both lithium and iron ore.

    Its analysts have a buy rating and $75.00 price target on Mineral Resources’ shares. This suggests upside potential of almost 13%.

    The post 2 of the best ASX lithium stocks to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    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…

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns Arcadium Lithium shares. 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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  • Guess which ASX 200 stock was just downgraded by a leading broker

    Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.

    Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.

    Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares have been in great form in recent months.

    For example, the ASX 200 stock has risen almost 35% since the start of October.

    This leaves the agricultural chemicals company’s shares trading within sight of a 52-week high.

    Unfortunately, one leading broker is now calling time on its rally and has downgraded its shares.

    ASX 200 stock downgraded

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have downgraded the company’s shares to a hold rating with an unchanged price target of $6.35.

    While this still implies potential upside of 9% for investors over the next 12 months, the broker feels there isn’t a sufficient risk/reward on offer to support a buy rating.

    Though, it certainly doesn’t think that investors should be offloading the ASX 200 stock right now. It feels it would be well worth holding tight to them given its belief that FY 2025 could be a standout year for the company.

    For example, Bell Potter expects Nufarm to report a 4% decline in net profit after tax to $117.6 million in FY 2024. But in FY 2025, it forecasts an impressive 32% jump in profits to $155.7 million and then another 25% increase to $195.6 million in FY 2026.

    A key driver of this growth is expected to be the Beyond Yield platform from its Seed Technologies business, Nuseed. The broker commented:

    NUF continues to trade at a reasonably large discount to global peers (which in the recent months have re-rated) and we continue to see FY25e as likely to be the year when the Beyond Yield platform takes over as the growth engine for NUF. However, considering the recent share price we move we moderate our rating from Buy to Hold.

    The post Guess which ASX 200 stock was just downgraded by a leading broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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…

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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  • ASX dividend investors: Is BHP stock a buy now?

    Miner holding cash which represents dividends.

    Miner holding cash which represents dividends.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) stock features heavily in income portfolios across the country.

    And it isn’t hard to understand why.

    With the mining giant paying out billions of dollars in dividends each year, you can usually count on a generous dividend yield from its shares.

    But is that the case today? Let’s find out.

    Is BHP stock a buy now for ASX dividend investors?

    A number of brokers see a lot of value in BHP stock at current levels.

    For example, Macquarie has an outperform rating and $48.00 price target on the Big Australian’s shares at present. This suggests potential upside of almost 10% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, importantly for income investors, the broker is expecting above-average dividend yields from the miner in the near term.

    It has pencilled in fully franked dividends per share approximately $2.13 in FY 2024 and $2.58 in FY 2025. Based on the latest BHP share price of $43.86, this would mean yields of 4.85% and 5.9%, respectively.

    Is anyone else bullish?

    Macquarie isn’t alone with its bullish view on BHP stock.

    Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $49.40 price target on its shares, which suggests even greater potential upside of 12.5% from current levels.

    As for income, the broker has pencilled in fully franked dividends of approximately $2.19 per share in FY 2024 and then $1.93 per share in FY 2025. This will mean attractive yields of 5% and 4.4%, respectively, for income investors.

    Commenting on the Big Australia, Goldman Sachs said:

    We are Buy rated on: (1) Attractive valuation, but at a premium to RIO; (2) GS bullish copper and met coal; (3) Optionality with +US$20bn copper pipeline and improved production growth; (4) Robust FCF, but still below RIO. We continue to believe that BHP’s major opportunity is growing copper production in Chile at Escondida and Spence, and growing copper production and capturing synergies in South Australia between Olympic Dam and the previous OZL assets.

    The post ASX dividend investors: Is BHP stock a buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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…

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    *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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie 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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  • Bell Potter just slapped a buy rating on this ASX mining stock

    A mining employee in a white hard hat cheers with fists pumped as the Hot Chili share price rises higher today

    A mining employee in a white hard hat cheers with fists pumped as the Hot Chili share price rises higher today

    WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares have been on fire over the last 12 months.

    During this time, the ASX mining stock has risen over 800%.

    This has been driven by excitement over its West Arunta Niobium project.

    Niobium is a critical metal with properties that make it essential as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy. It is primarily used as a micro-alloy in steelmaking, providing significant improvements in strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance on the alloyed steel.

    Can this ASX mining stock keep rising?

    The good news is that Bell Potter’s analysts still see plenty of upside for investors.

    According to a note this morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the niobium explorer’s shares with a speculative buy rating and $17.65 price target.

    This implies potential upside of 36% for investors over the next 12 months.

    The broker believes that the Luni deposit at the West Arunta Niobium project has potential to be a globally significant tier-1 asset. It said:

    We initiate on WA1 with a Speculative BUY recommendation and a $17.65/sh valuation. WA1 is advancing the West Arunta Niobium project which includes the Luni prospect, in North-Western Australia.

    Luni has the potential to be a globally significant Tier-1 asset characterised by its high-grade and scale (BPe Inferred +100Mt at +1% Nb2O5). We believe a maiden Indicated Resource for Luni will support initial development studies, with further expansion looking to support a long-life (BPe ~30 year) globally significant project like Lynas Rare Earths (LYC, Buy $7.20/sh) Mt Weld deposit in the rare earths sector. WA1 are targeting the release of a Maiden Mineral Resource estimate (MRE) in 4QFY24, which we expect will be supportive of our investment thesis.

    Bell Potter believes the ASX mining stock could be “generating on average A$427m in annual EBITDA” once Luni is commissioned.

    The post Bell Potter just slapped a buy rating on this ASX mining stock 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 of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy in March

    Person handing out $50 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.

    Person handing out $50 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.

    If you want some high quality options in your income portfolio, then it could be worth checking out the ASX dividend stocks listed below.

    That’s because they have been named as best buys by brokers in March. Here’s what they are saying:

    Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT (ASX: HCW)

    Bell Potter thinks that this healthcare property company could be a great option for income investors.

    It has named the ASX dividend stock on its preferred list in March with a buy rating and $1.70 price target. The broker commented:

    HCW has underperformed the REIT sector last 3 months (-10% vs. +22% XPJ) following bond yield reversion and is attractively priced at 20% discount to NTA (but only REIT to record flat to positive valuation movement at 1H24) with double digit 3 year EPS CAGR given high relative sector debt hedging and ability to grow its $1bn development pipeline via attractive YoC spread to marginal cost of debt. Longer term, HCW has significant scope for growth with an estimated $218 billion addressable market where an ageing and growing population should underpin long-term sector demand.

    Bell Potter expects dividends per share of 8 cents in FY 2024 and 8.3 cents in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $1.43, this will mean yields of 5.6% and 5.8%, respectively.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    Another ASX dividend stock that is rated highly is energy giant Woodside.

    Morgans has it on its best idea list with an add rating and $34.20 price target. It sees recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity. The broker explains:

    A tier 1 upstream oil and gas operator with high-quality earnings that we see as likely to continue pursuing an opportunistic acquisition strategy. WDS’s share price has been under pressure in recent months from a combination of oil price volatility and approval issues at Scarborough, its key offshore growth project. With both of those factors now having moderated, with the pullback in oil prices moderating and work at Scarborough back underway, we see now as a good time to add to positions. Increasing our conviction in our call is the progress WDS is making through the current capex phase, while maintaining a healthy balance sheet and healthy dividend profile.

    As for income, Morgans is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of $1.32 in FY 2024 and $1.12 in FY 2025. Based on the current Woodside share price of $29.71, this will mean yields of 4.4% and 3.8%, respectively.

    The post 2 of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy in March 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 positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.4% to 7,763.7 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to rise

    The Australian share market looks set to end the week in a positive fashion following a decent night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 49 points or 0.6% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.3%, the S&P 500 is up 1%, and the NASDAQ is up 1.65%.

    Oil prices soften

    ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a subdued finish to the week after oil prices edged lower overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.4% to US$78.84 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$82.86 a barrel. Oil prices ran out of steam after a decent run this week.

    ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend

    Another group of ASX 200 shares will be going ex-dividend on Friday and could trade lower. This includes financial services company Insignia Financial Ltd (ASX: IFL), media giant Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC), and logistics solutions company WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

    Gold price rises again

    ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session after the gold price pushed higher again overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.4% to US$2,167.1 an ounce. Gold hit a new high on rate cut hopes.

    Nufarm downgraded

    Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares are about fair value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has downgraded the agricultural chemicals company’s shares to a hold rating with a $6.35 price target. It said: “We continue to see FY25e as likely to be the year when the Beyond Yield platform takes over as the growth engine for NUF. However, considering the recent share price move we moderate our rating from Buy to Hold.”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday 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 positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nine Entertainment. 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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  • On International Women’s Day, what do 81% of female Aussie investors want in 2024?

    Smiling woman at desktop and tabletSmiling woman at desktop and tablet

    On this International Women’s Day, it’s encouraging to see how many Australian women are jumping into the world of investing and ASX shares.

    Share market floors with all the yelling and chain-smoking brokers on the telephone are now consigned to the past, and the accessibility of online trading has lowered the barriers of entry for female and young investors.

    Due to increased independence and a longer life expectancy, Ausiex executive Brett Grant said that women will have considerable wealth to manage in the coming years.

    “Women are likely to be the primary beneficiaries of the intergenerational wealth transfer,” he said.

    “Various studies suggest 60% to 70% of wealth in the US and UK, respectively, is likely to be inherited by females over the coming years and it’s reasonable to expect a similar trend in Australia.”

    In 2024, women want to invest 

    Stock broking app Moomoo recently conducted a study into what female Australian investors are thinking right now.

    And the survey found a definite difference between the reasons what stops the typical woman from investing compared to an average man.

    “Men list access to capital as their biggest impediment to trading,” said Moomoo market strategist Jessica Amir.

    “Whilst women are hampered by a lack of available time, limited knowledge of trading platforms, and a lack of experience.”

    One overwhelming message was that, even among those who already have a stock portfolio, women want to be more active.

    The research found 80.9% of female investors are planning to execute more stock trades over the next 12 months.

    Making the world a better place

    This increase in participation is encouraging for not just financial reasons but to make the world a better place generally.

    The study showed 38.3% of female investors place a high priority on the ​​environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) credentials of their investments, as opposed to just 24% of men.

    The more investors care about ESG factors, the higher the chances that companies will listen to their concerns.

    According to Amir, the amount of free resources available online these days means women can dip their toes into ASX shares far easier than in decades past.

    Some broking platforms like Moomoo even allow dummy trades so that beginners can have a trial run before putting up real cash.

    “There are easy to digest ‘invest 101’ courses, library resources and market analysis within the app, which also includes the opportunity to paper trade. 

    “Taking a steady approach to learning about investing is a good way to build confident behaviours.”

    The post On International Women’s Day, what do 81% of female Aussie investors want in 2024? 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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  • Are you investing or gambling?

    Two men in a bar looking uncertain as they hold a betting slip and watch TV.Two men in a bar looking uncertain as they hold a betting slip and watch TV.

    ASX shares have been one of the best ways to invest over the past century. However, many people don’t achieve those returns because they treat investing as gambling.

    What’s the difference?

    Dr Shane Oliver, the head of investment strategy and chief economist of AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) Investments, recently wrote an article that included several useful investment quotes.

    One that particularly appealed to me was from economist Paul Samuelson, who said: “Investing should be like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement…go to Las Vegas.”

    The short-term is gambling

    No one knows with certainly what share prices are going to do tomorrow, next week or next month. We can hope that our shares go up in the shorter term, but that’s not certain – we’d need a crystal ball to know exactly when and how share prices are going to move.

    Putting money into the ASX share market with the thought of making a profit in a week is like betting on red at the casino. It may happen, or it may not.

    Long-term investing is the way to go

    But, if in 2014, we had said that the long-term profit outlooks for Apple and Alphabet were compelling because of the increasing amount of smartphones, the growing internet usage and so on, we’d have invested in two of the world’s best businesses at good prices, setting us up for strong long-term gains over the next decade.

    In my opinion, the more time we put into a quality investment, the more likely it is to pay off.

    Good businesses have a habit of growing profit and justifying higher share prices over time.

    Companies like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) and Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) have been growing their profit (most years) for a long time, which is why long-term shareholders are sitting on significant capital gains and are regularly seeing dividend growth.

    It’s a good idea to own these sorts of winners for many years to allow compounding to work its magic.

    As Warren Buffett once said:

    Much success can be attributed to inactivity. Most investors cannot resist the temptation to constantly buy and sell.

    Foolish takeaway

    If we invest for the long term, we give ourselves the best chance of making satisfactory returns.

    Occasionally, there will be bear markets, which we can’t control. But, those times of market distress can be the best period to invest for low prices, despite the fears.

    The post Are you investing or gambling? 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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    Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Technology One, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Premier Investments, and Technology One. 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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