Tag: Stock pick

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is slipping in Friday trade, despite ongoing strength across commodity markets.

At the time of writing, the BHP share price is down 1.64% to $50.145.

Despite today’s modest pullback, the mining heavyweight has still delivered a solid run and is up 10% in 2026.

So, what is driving the latest move?

Iron ore remains the key driver

Iron ore continues to be the single most important earnings driver for BHP.

The company generates a large portion of its profits from its Pilbara operations in Western Australia, which supply steelmakers across Asia.

BHP ships more than 280 million tonnes of iron ore each year, making it one of the world’s largest exporters of the steelmaking commodity.

Recently, iron ore prices have been showing renewed strength. Futures in Singapore have pushed toward 14-month highs, supported by supply concerns and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global shipping routes.

However, there are also emerging risks from China, BHP’s largest export market.

China developments are drawing attention

According to The Australian, Chinese authorities may be considering tighter restrictions involving iron ore imports from certain suppliers.

Reports suggest the measures could affect how some shipments move through the Chinese market.

China is the largest buyer of Australian iron ore and remains BHP’s most important export market.

At this stage, any potential restrictions are expected to have limited direct impact on BHP due to the scale and diversification of its operations.

A diversified resources powerhouse

One reason BHP remains widely held by investors is the strength of its diversified portfolio.

The company is not just an iron ore producer. It also has major exposure to copper, coal, nickel, potash, and other key commodities.

This diversification helps balance volatility across commodity markets.

Copper is becoming an increasingly important part of BHP’s business as global demand for the metal grows. It is expected to play a critical role in electrification, renewable energy infrastructure, and global decarbonisation.

BHP has been steadily increasing its exposure to copper through major operations such as Escondida in Chile and Olympic Dam in South Australia.

What investors may be watching next

Commodity markets remain the biggest influence on the BHP share price.

Iron ore prices, Chinese demand trends, and global economic conditions all play a major role in shaping the company’s outlook.

Investors are also watching BHP’s progress in expanding its copper business and developing the large-scale Jansen potash project in Canada.

With broad exposure to key commodities, BHP remains one of the most closely watched mining stocks on the ASX.

The post Is this ASX mining giant quietly setting up its next big move? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What $10,000 invested in BHP shares could become in 10 years
• 5 incredible ASX 200 shares I’d buy with $10,000
• Just 3 ASX ETFs could build a lazy Australian millionaire portfolio
• Should I invest $5,000 in BHP shares?
• How much do I need to invest in Woodside and BHP shares for $10,000 a year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With just a few hours of trade left before Friday’s closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 2.3% for the week, despite the best lifting efforts of these three outperforming ASX 200 stocks.

Two of this week’s top performers earn their keep digging coal from the ground. The third is focused on rare earths.

Which high-performing stocks am I talking about?

Read on!

ASX 200 stocks riding the surging coal price

The two ASX coal shares on my top performer list this week are Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) and Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL).

Yancoal shares are really shooting the lights out. Shares in the ASX 200 coal stock closed last Friday trading for $6.33. At the time of writing today, shares are swapping hands for $7.96 apiece. That puts the Yancoal share price up 25.7% in this week’s slumping market.

Whitehaven shares are also enjoying a strong run. Whitehaven shares closed last week at $8.48 and are currently trading for $9.38 each, up 10.6%.

Both miners have enjoyed improving investor sentiment amid the surging coal price. Spurred by energy concerns as the Middle East conflict heats up, the thermal coal price is ending the week at around US$139 per tonne. That’s up some 19% in March.

There was no price-sensitive news out from Yancoal this week. But Whitehaven shares got an added boost on Thursday, closing the day up 6.7%, after the ASX 200 stock reported that it had received public credit ratings from S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s.

Whitehaven’s investment grade ratings are expected to offer the miner improved access to global debt capital markets.

Which brings us to…

Also smashing the benchmark this week

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are also pleasing investors this week.

Lynas shares closed last Friday trading for $18.33. In late afternoon trade today, shares are swapping hands for $20.27. That sees this ASX 200 stock up 10.8% for the week, racing ahead of the benchmark’s loss.

All of those gains, and then some, were delivered on Wednesday, 11 March.

Lynas shares closed up a whopping 16.2% on the day after the miner reported on an amended supply agreement with Japan Australia Rare Earths (JARE).

The new agreement extends JARE’s offtake agreement of 5,000 tonnes per year of NdPr (neodymium and praseodymium) through to 2038. Lynas will receive a minimum of US$110 per kilogram for those rare earths.

JARE also committed to buying 50% of all Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) oxides produced by the ASX 200 stock.

“We are delighted that the revised 12-year availability and supply agreement with JARE will support both Japanese industry and the continued growth and development of Lynas,” Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze said.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s slumping market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Can these 2 red hot ASX energy stocks keep rising?
• 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why this broker just boosted its Lynas share price valuation by 60%
• Why Collins Foods, St George Mining, Whitehaven Coal, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today

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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.42 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. This follows the release of a half-year result that was in line with expectations. However, the main talking point was the balance sheet reset thanks to the conversion of the LGES convertible note derivative. Bell Potter highlights that this means Liontown is now in a net cash position. And over FY 2026-27, it believes the company will continue to ramp up and de-risk Kathleen Valley. This is especially the case with current lithium price strength, which Bell Potter believes will allow Liontown to rapidly generate cash to support incremental production expansions and shareholder returns. The Liontown share price is trading at $1.69 this afternoon.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this fund manager’s shares to a buy rating with a $12.43 price target. This follows news that Magellan has agreed to merge with Barrenjoey. Morgans thinks the deal makes strategic sense and will reinvigorate the Magellan story. And while the deal pricing appears tilted in Barrenjoey’s favour, it still sees plenty to like here for Magellan. The broker believes the merger fundamentally changes the company’s overall outlook, strengthens the business, and provides additional pathways to growth. The Magellan share price is fetching $10.29 at the time of writing.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and $199.00 price target on this property listings company’s shares. According to the note, Citi was pleased to see that new listings were up mostly in February after almost a year of monthly year-on-year declines. And while it acknowledges that potential interest rate hikes in March and May could act as a headwind for the property market, Citi notes that this is priced into its forecasts. In fact, the broker sees potential for the company to outperform its guidance thanks to an outperformance in the Melbourne and Sydney markets. The REA Group share price is trading at $168.25 on Friday afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Cobram Estate, EOS, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares are storming higher today
• Buy, hold, sell: Collins Foods, Endeavour, and Magellan shares
• Are Liontown shares a buy after its results?
• Where to invest $20,000 in ASX shares after the market selloff
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA 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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have had a tough time in 2026.

The logistics software company has seen its share price fall by more than 30% year to date amid a broader tech sell-off. Much of that pressure has come from investor concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt traditional software companies.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors?

My view is that the answer leans toward yes, though investors should be prepared for continued volatility.

AI fears may be missing the bigger picture

Ironically, I think the technology that has worried investors could actually strengthen WiseTech’s competitive position.

The company has made it clear that AI is becoming deeply embedded in its platform and internal operations. Management believes AI will significantly increase automation, productivity, and efficiency across global logistics workflows.

In fact, WiseTech argues that the value of its ecosystem becomes even more important in an AI-driven world. Its platform sits inside complex, regulated supply chain processes used by logistics companies around the globe. That type of deeply integrated software can be difficult to replace.

Management believes AI will ultimately help the company deliver more value to customers while improving efficiency across its own operations.

A powerful global network

One of WiseTech’s biggest advantages is the network it has built over decades.

The company’s CargoWise platform is used by thousands of logistics companies across 193 countries and is deeply embedded in the global trade ecosystem.

This type of network creates powerful switching costs. Once a logistics company integrates a system like CargoWise into its operations, replacing it can be complex, costly, and disruptive.

That gives WiseTech a strong competitive moat and helps explain why it has historically been able to grow revenue and expand globally.

The CEO just bought WiseTech shares

Another interesting signal came recently from management itself.

WiseTech’s CEO, Zubin Appoo, purchased 20,020 shares on market for just over $1 million following the end of the company’s trading blackout period.

Insider buying doesn’t guarantee a share price rise, but it can sometimes be seen as a sign of management’s confidence. Executives usually have a deep understanding of their company’s outlook, so investors often pay attention when they are willing to invest their own money.

Expect volatility

Even if the long-term story remains intact, investors should expect some bumps along the way with WiseTech shares.

Technology stocks can be sensitive to changes in sentiment, interest rates, and growth expectations. WiseTech has also been investing heavily in acquisitions, product development, a new business model, and new technology, which can create periods of volatility in earnings and share prices.

That means the share price could remain choppy in the near term.

Foolish Takeaway

WiseTech shares have fallen sharply this year, but the company still operates one of the most important software platforms in the global logistics industry.

With AI potentially strengthening its product, a powerful global network of customers, and insider buying from the CEO, I think the long-term investment case remains compelling.

For investors willing to tolerate volatility, I believe WiseTech shares could be worth buying today.

The post Should I buy WiseTech shares? Yes or no appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 3 ASX tech shares to buy amid ongoing tech wreck
• Why Breville, Forrestania Resources, GQG Partners, and WiseTech shares are falling today
• 3 excellent ASX shares I’d happily hold through the next market cycle

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Single pensioners on the full age pension will receive an extra $22.20 per fortnight from next Friday, 20 March.

Couples on the full age pension will get an extra $16.70 per person, per fortnight.

The Department of Social Services has announced the next round of indexation changes on a bunch of social security payments.

They include the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment.

There are also changes to Jobseeker, the Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, the ABSTUDY living allowance, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

The Federal Government indexes these payments twice yearly to keep up with inflation.

Here are the details.

New age pension payments from next week

The amounts above are for pensioners receiving the full age pension, including the ‘supplement’ and ‘energy supplement’.

From 20 March, the full age pension for singles will be $1,200.90 per fortnight, up from $1,178.70.

For couples, the full pension will increase to $905.20 per person, per fortnight, up from $888.50 per person, per fortnight.

People receiving the base rate of the full pension, without any supplements, will get a slightly lower increase.

Base rate single pensioners will receive an extra $20.60 per fortnight.

Base rate couples will receive an extra $15.50 per person, per fortnight.

Thus, the base pension for singles will rise to $1,100.30 per fortnight, up from $1,079.70.

For couples, the base pension will lift to $829.40 per person, per fortnight, up from $813.90 per person, per fortnight.

Are you eligible for the age pension in retirement?

Australians become eligible for the pension at 67 years of age (if born on or after 1 January 1957).

The pension is the main income support payment available to support the basic living standards of older Australians.

You do not need to be retired to be eligible; however, most people are at or near this stage of life by age 67.

The payment is intended as a social safety net for older Australians who cannot afford to support themselves in retirement.

Over time, superannuation is expected to become the main source of income in retirement, but the system is not there yet.

Superannuation was only introduced in Australia in 1992.

Therefore, many baby boomers are still reliant, at least in part, on social security to help them live comfortably.

Eligibility involves residency requirements, and you must pass the income and assets tests.

This next round of indexation changes includes increases to the limits on earnings and assets for a part-pension.

The limits for the full payment will not change next month.

Under changes to the income test, singles will be able to earn up to $2,619.80 per fortnight, up from $2,575.40, and still be eligible for a part-payment.

Couples will be able to earn up to $4,000.80 per fortnight, up from $3,934, and still be eligible for a part-pension.

Under changes to the assets test, single homeowners will be able to own $722,000 worth of assets, up from $714,500, and still be eligible for a part-payment.

Couple homeowners will be able to own $1,085,000 worth of assets, up from $1,074,000, and still be eligible for a part-pension.

The post How much will the age pension go up by next week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why CAR Group, Immutep, Northern Star, and Syrah Resources shares are sinking today
• 3 reasons CBA shares could be worth buying today
• Rio Tinto share price rises despite incident at major US copper mine
• Here’s what CBA says the RBA will do with interest rates in 2026
• Recent share price weakness makes this ASX 200 infrastructure stock a buy, Morgans says

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week with a modest gain. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.1% to 8,638.3 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

The CAR Group share price is down 3% to $24.47. The catalyst for this has been the auto listings company’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Last month, CAR Group released its half-year results and declared a partially franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this dividend next month on 13 April.

Immutep Ltd (ASX: IMM)

The Immutep share price is down a massive 89% to 4.4 cents. Investors have been selling this late-stage biotechnology company’s shares after it released an update on the TACTI-004 Phase III study. Immutep revealed that the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) for the TACTI-004 Phase III study has recommended the discontinuation of the trial following a planned interim futility analysis in accordance with the study protocol. The company’s CEO, Marc Voigt, said: “We are very disappointed and surprised with the outcome of the futility analysis, in light of efti’s performance in every other clinical trial. […] We are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the available data to better understand the results and determine the appropriate next steps for the program.”

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is down over 17% to $22.10. This morning, this gold miner downgraded its production guidance for FY 2026 a second time. Northern Star advised that it has been impacted by weaker-than-planned milling performance at the KCGM operation and reduced mining productivity across several operating areas. It now expects FY 2026 production to come in above 1.5 million ounces. This compares to its most recent guidance of 1.6 million to 1.7 million ounces, which was downgraded from 1.7 million to 1.85 million ounces.

Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR)

The Syrah Resources share price is down 28% to 17.25 cents. This has been driven by news that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has reached a final negative determination in an antidumping and countervailing duty investigation. It was looking into whether graphite active anode material (AAM) imports into the United States from China are materially retarding the establishment of a domestic AAM industry. Syrah believes the decision may “delay AAM sales from the Vidalia AAM facility and limit near-term demand growth for AAM produced in the United States and Balama natural graphite as feedstock for natural graphite AAM facilities outside China.”

The post Why CAR Group, Immutep, Northern Star, and Syrah Resources shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Syrah Resources shares tumble after major US tariff hit
• Game over? ASX biotech stock crashes 90% on big bad news
• Northern Star shares crash 16% on second guidance downgrade for FY26
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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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

When investors think about the Australian share market, one company almost always comes up in the conversation: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

The banking behemoth has been one of the market’s standout performers for years, delivering strong returns and reliable dividends for shareholders. This is despite its shares rarely looking cheap.

Right now, though, the situation is slightly different. The bank’s share price has pulled back from recent highs, and that could be enough to catch the attention of long-term investors.

Here are three reasons I think CBA shares could still be worth considering today.

CBA shares pull back from record highs

CBA shares recently traded as high as $192.00, reflecting the market’s long-standing willingness to pay a premium for the bank.

Since then, the share price has slipped around 10% from that level.

To be clear, that doesn’t suddenly make the bank cheap. CBA shares have almost always traded at higher valuations than major bank peers. But history shows that the market has been willing to pay that premium because of its quality, consistency, and profitability.

For investors who have been waiting for even a modest pullback, the recent weakness could make the entry point a little more appealing than it was not so long ago.

A business built on consistency

One thing that stands out when I look at CBA is how consistently it delivers results.

Its latest results again highlighted steady operational performance across its core banking businesses, with profit supported by lending and deposit growth.

The bank also continues to generate strong profitability and returns, with return on equity remaining among the highest in the sector.

This sort of consistency is one reason investors have historically trusted the company to perform through different economic environments. While the banking industry can face competitive pressures, CBA’s scale, brand strength, and technology investments help reinforce its leadership position.

Reliable dividends and strong capital

Income is another major attraction for me.

Last month, CBA declared an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked, reflecting the bank’s continued ability to generate strong earnings and return cash to shareholders.

Importantly, the bank also maintains a strong capital position, with its common equity tier 1 ratio comfortably above regulatory requirements.

I believe that financial strength will help support lending growth, ongoing investment in technology, and sustainable dividends over the long term.

Foolish takeaway

CBA shares are unlikely to ever look like a bargain in the traditional sense. The market has consistently priced them at a premium for good reason.

But a quality business doesn’t necessarily need to be cheap to be worth buying.

With the share price down from its recent record high, a track record of consistent performance, and strong dividend payments, I think CBA remains one of the ASX’s most dependable long-term investments.

The post 3 reasons CBA shares could be worth buying today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what CBA says the RBA will do with interest rates in 2026
• My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March
• Just 3 ASX ETFs could build a lazy Australian millionaire portfolio
• Here’s what experts think will happen with the RBA interest rate this month
• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) are pushing higher in Friday midday trade. This comes despite news of a workplace accident at one of the company’s major copper operations.

At the time of writing, the Rio Tinto share price is up 3.04% to $157.74.

The company has confirmed that a contractor died following an incident at its Kennecott copper mine in Utah, United States.

Here is what investors need to know.

Fatal incident halts operations at Kennecott

According to reports released overnight, a contractor passed away following an incident at Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon mine. The site forms part of the company’s Kennecott copper operation in Utah.

The company confirmed that all surface and underground mining activities have been temporarily suspended while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said the company was deeply affected by the tragedy and that its focus was on supporting the worker’s family and colleagues.

He also confirmed that counselling support is being provided to employees and contractors at the site.

The Kennecott operation is one of the most important copper assets in the United States and has been producing copper for more than a century. The site also produces gold, silver, and molybdenum as byproducts.

A major copper asset in Rio’s global portfolio

Rio Tinto is one of the world’s largest mining companies. It produces key commodities including iron ore, aluminium, copper, and lithium.

Copper is becoming increasingly important to the company as global demand grows for metals used in electrification, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

The Kennecott mine is a significant contributor to the US copper market and produces a sizeable share of the country’s refined copper supply.

Any extended disruption could therefore attract attention from investors and commodity markets. However, the suspension is currently described as ‘temporary’ while investigations take place.

Why the Rio Tinto share price is still climbing

Despite the tragic news, the Rio Tinto share price is currently trading higher.

One reason may be that investors are focusing on broader commodity trends rather than the short-term operational disruption.

Copper prices have remained relatively strong in recent months amid expectations of tighter supply and growing demand.

Rio Tinto shares have also delivered solid performance over the past year. This has been supported by strength in iron ore prices and improving sentiment across the mining sector.

Rio Tinto has a market capitalisation of around $58 billion and is one of the largest resource companies on the ASX.

The post Rio Tinto share price rises despite incident at major US copper mine appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Cobram Estate, EOS, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares are storming higher today
• 5 key drivers of the new commodities ‘supercycle’: experts
• Australia’s next great ASX mining boom: Are we already in it?
• This would be my $1 million ASX retirement portfolio
• Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Mineral Resources, and Rio Tinto shares

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was only last month, on 3 February, that the Reserve Bank of Australia delivered the country’s first interest rate hike since November 2023.

Back then, the RBA lifted the official cash rate to 4.35% to combat inflation that was still running at around 4.9% in October 2023.

Since that high-water mark, the RBA delivered three interest rate cuts in 2025 as inflation began to ease off. This saw the cash rate drop to 3.60% last August. Which is where it stayed until February’s 0.25% increase.

Commenting on its decision to tighten on 3 February, the RBA noted:

The board has been closely monitoring the economy and judges that some of the increase in inflation reflects greater capacity pressures. As a result, the board considers that inflation is likely to remain above target for some time… and it was appropriate to increase the cash rate target.

And this was before the United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, and Iran’s retaliation, sent global oil prices surging above US$100 per barrel.

So, with the RBA set to release its latest interest rate decision on Tuesday, here’s what Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) says ASX investors should expect.

CBA forecasts RBA interest rate to return to 4.35%

For much of 2025, most analysts were telling ASX investors to expect lower lending costs in 2026.

But those expectations have taken a sharp U-turn.

In a media release on Thursday, CBA said it expects not just one, but two interest rate increases from the RBA this year.

CommBank expects the RBA will hike by 0.25% on Tuesday and lift rates by another 0.25% at its May meeting. That would see the official Aussie cash rate back at 4.35%.

To put that into some context, you’d have to go back to November 2011 to find rates at a higher level.

CBA noted that Aussie inflation “remains stubborn” while the economy continues its strong performance.

Commenting on the outlook, CBA head of Australian economics Belinda Allen said:

The debate at the March meeting will be a close one. But with inflation still above target and the economy running above trend, we expect the board will choose to lift rates again and follow up with another move in May.

Allen noted that the rapidly changing global picture has shifted the bank’s interest rate outlook. The Middle East conflict, in particular, has increased uncertainty alongside the risk of higher energy prices, which could further fuel inflation.

“While global uncertainty has increased, the domestic economy is still proving resilient. Inflation remains too high and the labour market is tight, which keeps pressure on the Reserve Bank to act,” Allen concluded.

The post Here’s what CBA says the RBA will do with interest rates in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March
• Just 3 ASX ETFs could build a lazy Australian millionaire portfolio
• Here’s what experts think will happen with the RBA interest rate this month
• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares
• 3 Australian shares to buy if the ASX pulls back 10%

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.

Sometimes brokers upgrade a company’s price target because of interesting, market-moving news, but in this case, Morgans has a buy rating on Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI) despite a complete lack of news flow.

Shares looking cheap

The analyst team at Morgans has published a research note to their clients this week, simply noting that shares in the ports operator have fallen from their peak of $5.43 when the company’s results were published in late February to $4.65 when their report was published.

The shares have made up a bit of that loss on Friday morning, trading 5.2% higher at $4.89, but the thesis still holds, with Morgans having a price target of $5.35 on the shares, which also pay a healthy dividend yield of 6.2%.

The Morgans team said of the stock:

We endorse a Buy rating for DBI, with a $5.35 discounted cash flow-based target price and dividend per share guidance of 26.375 cents (paid quarterly) for the 12 months to June 2026 (and a target to grow dividend per share by 3-7% per year over the foreseeable future). We believe DBI may appeal to investors seeking dependable and growing yield and defensive elements for their portfolio. Key risk is a value dilutive capital raising and/or M&A.

Steady as she goes

Having a look at the recently announced full-year profit, it was a solid outcome for the company.

Dalrymple Bay reported terminal infrastructure charge revenue of $307.6 million, up 3.9% on the previous year, and EBITDA of $294.3 million, up 5.2%.

The total dividend payout of 24.625 cents for the year was an 11.9% increase.

Dalrymple Bay Managing Director Michael Riches said of the result:

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure’s FY-25 performance reflects the continued resilience of the business and the consistency of its earnings profile. Financial performance was underpinned by the stability of DBI’s take-or-pay contracts, growth in the underlying terminal infrastructure charge and the continued delivery of revenue-enhancement and cost-efficiency initiatives. The December refinancing has improved balance sheet flexibility and reduced funding costs, while preserving substantial debt capacity to fund committed NECAP projects at a lower cost of capital. The refinancing has demonstrated the strong credit profile of DBI and that there are other low cost sources of debt capital open for DBI to access for future refinancings. This should continue to allow DBI to improve its balance sheet, lower interest costs and reduce refinancing risk.

The ASX 200 infrastructure company was valued at $2.32 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post Recent share price weakness makes this ASX 200 infrastructure stock a buy, Morgans says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.