Tag: Stock pick

Investors in ASX software shares have had a rough time recently, with several well-known names sliding sharply over the past week. 

While all trading higher on Monday, shares in WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) have all come under pressure recently, prompting many investors to ask the same question: what exactly is going on?

The short answer is that weakness in local software share prices has mirrored a broader global pullback in software stocks, driven less by company-specific fundamentals and more by a sudden shift in sentiment towards the sector.

A global software sell-off

Last week saw a sharp decline across global software names, particularly in the US, where many high-growth SaaS stocks fell heavily over a matter of days. 

The sell-off was sparked by renewed concerns about AI-driven disruption, following the release of new AI tools that highlighted how quickly generative AI can be embedded into existing workflows.

That development reignited a key fear for investors: that AI could compress software margins faster than expected, weaken customer lock-in, or reduce the need for certain standalone software products altogether. 

While these concerns are far from new, the pace of recent AI progress acted as a catalyst for a broad re-rating of the sector.

Importantly, this was not an earnings-led sell-off. There were no widespread profit warnings or sudden deteriorations in revenue growth. 

Instead, it was a classic risk-off move, one that disproportionately impacts stocks trading on higher multiples, where expectations are doing much of the heavy lifting.

ASX software shares were caught in the downdraft.

WiseTech Global: sentiment meets governance risk

WiseTech Global has been among the weakest performers. 

While the company continues to report strong long-term demand for its logistics platform, its share price fell sharply amid the broader tech sell-off.

Unlike some peers, WiseTech enters this period with company-specific overhangs.

Ongoing investor sensitivity around governance, board dynamics, and leadership structure has left the stock more vulnerable when sentiment turns. 

In a market environment where investors are already nervous about valuation and disruption risk, any additional uncertainty tends to be punished quickly.

As a result, WiseTech’s decline appears less about a sudden change in its operational outlook and more about the market demanding a higher risk premium.

Xero: valuation pressure despite operational progress

Xero’s shares also came under significant pressure, extending a pullback that has been building over recent weeks. 

The accounting software giant has continued to grow revenues and subscribers, and management has recently outlined progress in areas such as payments and AI-enabled features.

However, Xero remains a high-multiple stock with meaningful exposure to small-business conditions and execution risk in overseas markets, particularly the US. 

In a risk-off environment, that combination can be enough to drive selling, even when underlying performance remains solid.

In short, Xero’s recent share price weakness appears to reflect valuation compression rather than a clear deterioration in its long-term growth story.

Technology One: even quality isn’t immune

Technology One is often viewed as one of the more defensive ASX software names, given its focus on sticky government and education customers. 

Despite that, its shares also fell sharply during the broader software rout.

Part of the pressure reflects the stock’s premium valuation, which leaves little room for disappointment. 

Past sensitivity around margins and guidance has also meant investors are quick to reduce exposure when sentiment turns against the sector.

Technology One’s experience highlights an important point for investors: during sector-wide sell-offs, even high-quality businesses can see meaningful short-term share price declines.

What investors should take from this

For now, the recent weakness in WiseTech Global, Xero, and Technology One appears to be driven more by global sentiment and a valuation re-rating than by any sudden collapse in fundamentals.

That does not mean risks have disappeared. 

AI disruption, competitive pressure, execution risk, and governance all remain relevant, and the market is clearly less willing to overlook them at current prices.

For long-term investors, the key will be to separate noise from substance.

In the meantime, volatility in ASX software shares looks set to remain the norm rather than a mere blip.

The post What is happening to these ASX software shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are ASX 200 tech shares like WiseTech and NextDC going gangbusters on Monday
• Why now could be the time to buy WiseTech shares
• These beaten down ASX growth shares could rise 50% to 75%
• Why I’m planning to act this week and buy ASX shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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

Top broker UBS has increased its forecast for the gold price from US$5,000 per ounce to US$6,200 per ounce for 1Q FY26.

Today, the gold price is US$5,010 per ounce, up 0.8%. Therefore, the UBS forecast implies a near 25% potential upside from here.

In a new note, strategists Wayne Gordon from UBS Singapore and Giovanni Staunovo from UBS Switzerland said they expected the gold price to reach US$6,200 per ounce in the March quarter, and remain at about that level in the June and September quarters.

They forecast a pullback in the December quarter, after the US midterm elections in November, to about US$5,900 per ounce.

UBS explains its upgraded gold price forecast

Gordon and Staunovo explained why the forecast had changed:

This adjustment reflects our view that demand will be higher than previously expected, driven by higher investment activity rather than higher central bank purchases.

In terms of demand for physical gold, the strategists referenced data from the World Gold Council showing that total demand in 2025, including over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, exceeded 5,000 metric tonnes for the first time, mainly due to robust investment activity.

They said:

ETF holdings rose by 801 metric tons, bar and coin purchases reached a 12-year high of nearly 1,375 metric tons, and central banks acquired 863 metric tons.

The central bank purchases were slightly below expectations for the year and the record amounts of the previous years, but they’re still strong in a historical context.

Jewelry volumes declined, as anticipated, due to elevated prices, but sales were higher than we projected.

As we reported last year, jewellery sales are also going the other way, with some Aussies cashing in their rings, necklaces, and other items.

Record inflows into gold ETFs

The analysts’ expectations of higher investment activity in 2026 are borne out in the latest monthly inflow data for gold ETFs.

The World Gold Council reports a record net monthly inflow of US$19 billion (A$27.3 billion) into gold ETFs in January.

ASX gold ETFs attracted US$202 million in net inflows last month.

There is now a record US$669 billion in assets under management via gold ETFs, and US$8.6 billion of that is in ASX gold ETFs.

Gordon and Staunovo said:

We now expect continued strong central bank buying, higher ETF inflows, and more bar and coin purchases, driven by lower US real rates, ongoing global economic concerns, and uncertainty surrounding US domestic policy, especially related to the midterm elections and increased fiscal stress.

Could the gold price break US$7,000?

The strategists said the gold price could go as high as US$7,200 per ounce under the right circumstances.

However, it could also go the other way.

… we now project an upside scenario target of USD 7,200/oz and a downside scenario of USD 4,600/oz (this is close to a one standard deviation move).

A hawkish pivot by the Federal Reserve could heighten risks to the downside, while a steep escalation in geopolitical tensions could bring us closer to the upside scenario.

Gold continues to be rated as Attractive, and we maintain a long position in our global asset allocation.

We also recommend using options strategies for investors seeking to manage downside price risks.

ASX gold shares today

ASX gold shares are higher on Monday, with the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 4.6% at the time of writing.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is up 2.78% to $27.52.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is 3.66% higher at $14.87.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares are up 6.3% to $164.56.

The Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) share price is up 3.2% to $6.86.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are 5.1% higher at $5.61.

The post UBS raises gold price target to US$6,200 per ounce for this quarter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How high could shares in Newmont Corporation go?
• Four mining stocks to watch ahead of reporting season
• Experts name NAB and these ASX 200 shares as sells
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’

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.

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) shares hit a new 12-month low last week after the company reported its first-half results, despite its numbers beating expectations for revenue and earnings.

So why did the stock go down, you might ask?

That is likely explained by the fact that the company owns a 61% stake in REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), whose shares plummeted on Friday, despite what were once again reasonable results.

So given that News Corp shares are trading near their 12-month lows – they’ve recovered very slightly today – it’s worth having a look at whether they now represent good value.

Brokers like what they see

We’ve had a look at new broker reports from both UBS and Macquarie Group, and both say the shares are trading at a discount at the moment.

Starting with Macquarie, the team there have a price target of $44.40 on Macquarie shares, and factoring in the company’s modest dividend yield, they’re expecting a total shareholder return of 16.4% over 12 months.

The Macquarie team said the News Corp result last week beat expectations across revenue, EBITDA, and net profit, while profitability had continued to improve.

In the company’s US real estate business, they noted that Move, which operates Realtor.com, was “generating modestly break-even EBITDA, and with an improving backdrop, we are becoming more constructive on the earnings recovery”.

They added that the Dow Jones division posted its highest quarterly revenue growth in nearly three years, which also came in above expectations.

However, they noted:

News Corp’s valuation is reliant on REA (61% stake) and its share price has dropped 34% in the past six-months, broadly tracking the de-rating in global peers given AI uncertainties.

The Macquarie team also said the company’s news media division had headwinds with ad trends, “likely to continue to be difficult”.

Over at UBS, they were more bullish on News Corp shares, with a price target of $65.50 and a buy recommendation.

While they said AI displacement concerns “remain a key overhang” for the media sector, “we remain comforted by News’ extension of its Bloomberg partnership to incorporate AI licenses and achieving a range of enterprise deals within its Dow Jones segment”.

They added:

We believe News looks best placed across our media coverage to benefit from gradual content monetisation and AI developments with exposure to proprietary data from Dow Jones, defensive moat from REA and existing large language model (LLM) partnerships as proof cases. We see scope for a re-rate in the stock as more partnerships potentially come to the table in the short to medium term, as LLMs and AI platforms continue to demand reliable data and content for model training.

News Corp shares were 1.2% higher at $38.77 on Monday.

The post This News Corp share price target might surprise you appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• News Corp shares plunge to a fresh 12-month low on earnings results
• News Corp reports robust Q2 FY26 earnings growth
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Brokers rate these 3 ASX shares as buys in January
• Which ASX media share to buy: News Corp, Nine or REA Group?

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 positions in and has recommended 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 1.9% to 8,872.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are storming higher:

Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS)

The Bravura Solutions share price is up 27% to $2.28. This wealth management software provider’s shares are jumping today after it upgraded its guidance for FY 2026. Bravura now expects revenue to be between $280 million and $285 million (previously $265 million and $275 million) and cash EBITDA to be between $69 million and $73 million (previously $55 million and $65 million). This reflects increased project engagement across customers and business units, which is expected to continue into the second half.

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

The CAR Group share price is up 8% to $26.51. Investors have been buying the auto listings company’s shares following the release of its half-year results. CAR Group reported an 8% increase in revenue to $626 million, an 11% lift in EBITDA to $324 million, and a 16% jump in net profit after tax to $143 million. The company’s managing director and CEO, William Elliott, said: “CAR Group has delivered a strong first half, achieving excellent financial results with double-digit growth across our key financial metrics. This is a great outcome and reflects the strength of the business model and the continued execution of our strategy.”

Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM)

The Pepper Money share price is up 27% to $2.23. This follows news that annuities company Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) is in advanced talks to jointly acquire Pepper Money with Pepper Group ANZ HoldCo. The proposal offers Pepper Money shareholders cash consideration equal to $2.60 per share, less any dividends. Management warned: “Discussions are ongoing, however there is no certainty that a more certain proposal will be forthcoming or that the Indicative Proposal will result in a definitive agreement.”

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The Web Travel share price is up 18% to $3.49. Investors have been buying this travel technology company’s shares on the cheap after they crashed deep into the red on Friday. It seems that some investors believe the market overreacted to news that Spanish authorities are auditing the company’s operations in the country.

The post Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This beaten down ASX tech stock just jumped 10%. Here’s why
• Why is the Web Travel share price rocketing 19% on Monday?
• Why Bougainville Copper, Brainchip, Challenger, and HMC Capital shares are falling today
• Bravura shares soar 23% on guidance upgrade
• Pepper Money shares pop 25%, Challenger slips 3% on take-private deal

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Web Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bravura Solutions. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and Challenger. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) share price is sharply higher on Monday following the release of the company’s FY2026 half-year results.

At the time of writing, the CAR Group share price is up 10.17% to $26.97, reversing part of the weakness seen earlier this year. Despite today’s rally, the stock remains down around 12% year to date.

While the headline numbers were solid, other factors are driving today’s share price move.

Let’s unpack.

Guidance unchanged after solid first half

CAR Group delivered another strong half-year result and left its full-year guidance unchanged.

For FY2026, management continues to target proforma revenue growth of 12% to 14% and proforma EBITDA growth of 10% to 13% in constant currency. Those targets are unchanged from the company’s previous update.

The result showed continued double-digit growth across key operating metrics, supported by stable margins and strong cash conversion. Earnings growth was broad-based across regions, with Australia remaining a stable contributor and international operations continuing to scale.

With guidance holding steady, this suggests trading conditions remain consistent with expectations heading into the second half of the year. Management did not flag any material change in demand or cost pressures since the last update.

Growth supported across key regions

The group’s geographic diversity continues to support earnings growth, with contributions coming from multiple regions.

Australia remains a stable earnings base, supported by strong market leadership across key segments. North America delivered solid growth, with premium products continuing to gain traction at Trader Interactive.

Latin America delivered some of the strongest growth rates across the group, driven by expanding dealer relationships and higher finance revenue. Asia also delivered double-digit growth, supported by higher Guarantee penetration and improved yields.

Cash flow and dividends remain solid

CAR Group also declared a 42.5 cent interim dividend, up 10% on the prior corresponding period and 30% franked.

The company converted 95% of EBITDA into operating cash flow, reflecting strong cash generation during the half. That level of cash conversion supports continued investment and dividend payments.

Why the share price fell this year

Despite today’s sharp move higher, CAR Group shares have underperformed in 2026 to date.

The weakness has largely reflected broader pressure on high-quality growth stocks, rather than any deterioration in the underlying business. Higher interest rate uncertainty and valuation concerns have also weighed on the sector.

Today’s share price move suggests some investors are reassessing the stock after the company’s results.

Foolish takeaway

CAR Group’s half-year performance was largely in line with expectations.

The business continues to grow earnings across multiple regions, generate strong cash flow, and pay a higher interim dividend. No material changes to trading conditions were flagged.

If sentiment continues to improve, the share price may have scope to move higher from here.

The post This beaten down ASX tech stock just jumped 10%. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher
• CAR Group delivers strong H1 FY26 earnings and reaffirms outlook
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• In a hot market, the undervalued Australian shares to buy now
• Aussie income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get richer?

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

The Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price is lifting off today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) travel stock closed on Friday trading for $2.96. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $3.53 apiece, up a blistering 19.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.8% today following on a strong day of trading in US stock markets on Friday.

Here’s why Web Travel is smashing the benchmark returns today.

Web Travel share price surges on FY26 guidance confirmation

A lot of today’s outperformance looks to be driven by bargain hunters, who see value in the ASX 200 travel share following Friday’s trouncing.

As you may know, on Friday, the Web Travel share price closed down a painful 29.5%.

That selling action followed news that the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency had initiated an audit of the company’s Spanish subsidiary.

Management said the tax agency is reviewing the subsidiary’s direct taxes paid between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as its indirect taxes paid (and owed) between January 2022 and December 2025.

Today, management looks to have eased ASX investor concerns with a timely market update.

As a quick review, Web Travel spun off its online travel agency business, Webjet Group (ASX: WJL), in September 2024. The company is now primarily focused on its B2B travel business, WebBeds.

Management today noted that WebBeds is a global business with offices in more than 20 countries and staff in more than 50 countries. They added that Web Travel is subject to tax reviews and audits each year on a regular basis.

As for Friday’s announcement of the Spanish subsidiary audit that sent the Web Travel share price into a nosedive, management said they decided to “proactively inform the market, rather than reactively address investor queries as a result of the Spanish media coverage”.

They also reassured investors that the taxpayer being audited is the Spanish subsidiary only.

Management added, “The Spanish subsidiary review only commenced on 5 February 2026 and we cannot make comment at this time.”

And Web Travel said it does not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review.

The company reiterated its full-year FY 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance of between $147 million and $155 million. That represents a 22% to 29% increase on Web Travel’s FY 2025 EBITDA of $121 million.

The post Why is the Web Travel share price rocketing 19% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher
• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today
• Why is the Web Travel share price crashing 41% on Friday?
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Pro Medicus, and Web Travel shares
• 5 top ASX growth shares to buy now with $5,000

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1.9% to 8,872.6 points.

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

Bougainville Copper Ltd (ASX: BOC)

The Bougainville Copper share price is down 3.5% to 79 cents. Investors have been selling this copper stock after it announced the termination of a strategic partnering process with the president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. This is in relation to the selection of an international mining partner for the redevelopment of the Panguna Mine.

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is down a further 3.5% to 13.5 cents. This semiconductor company’s shares have come under significant pressure since the release of another disappointing quarterly update. Brainchip reported cash receipts of just US$0.4 million for the three months ended 31 December, despite entering the commercialisation stage a few years ago. Investors appear to be doubting whether Brainchip realistically has any chance of ever competing with chip developers that spend billions on research and development each year.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.60. This follows news that the annuities company is in advanced talks to jointly acquire Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM) with Pepper Group ANZ HoldCo. Challenger believes the potential acquisition would provide long-term access to fixed income assets and support its strategic growth plans. If completed, Challenger would hold no more than 25% of total Pepper Money shares. It seems that the market isn’t overly keen on the deal.

HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC)

The HMC Capital share price is down almost 5% to $3.73. This morning, Morgan Stanley retained its equal-weight rating and $3.85 price target on the investment company’s shares. Its analysts think that HMC Capital’s shares are fair valued at current levels. Though, it is worth noting that other brokers see more value in the company’s shares. For example, last month Morgans put a buy rating and $6.60 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of approximately 75% for investors over the next 12 months. Time will tell which broker has made the right call on this one.

The post Why Bougainville Copper, Brainchip, Challenger, and HMC Capital shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pepper Money shares pop 25%, Challenger slips 3% on take-private deal
• Challenger flags talks on Pepper Money acquisition
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 64% I’d buy right now
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today

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 HMC Capital. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and HMC Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) were sold off heavily last week after the company released what, on the face of it, appeared to be a decent set of numbers.

The company, which owns the dominant real estate listings site in Australia, realestate.com.au, reported revenue from core operations of $916 million, up 5% year on year, and net profit of $341 million, up 9%.

The company also announced a $200 million share buyback.

So far, so good.

So why has the stock been sold down?

I’ve had a look at what the analysts are saying, and it’s fair to say they believe the company has been oversold.

The analysts at Macquarie have a $200 per share price target on REA Group, though they recommend it with a neutral rating.

They explain in a note to clients published this week that the company is being caught up in the fear around artificial intelligence, which is seen as a growing threat to many industries at the moment.

The Macquarie team said:

The rapid and ongoing AI developments have created debate on structural change within online real-estate classifieds. Most company stock prices are down in the last 12-months (23% average decline), and valuations are trading around pre-COVID levels, following a multi year post-COVID re-rating. Whether online real-estate classifieds are a net beneficiary of AI is too early to call in our view We do think that real estate is more protected than the AI risks facing small consumer shopping transactions however, the industry has historically seen disruptive shifts (i.e. from print), as well as complementary changes (i.e. introduction of mobile); we are cautious on putting AI into either of these categories just yet.

Elsewhere, UBS analysts are quite positive on the stock, with a buy recommendation and a price target of $218.90.

Their report out this week had the subheading “no visible deterioration in growth drivers”, and they said while the first half result was a minor miss to consensus expectations, the core residential performance was in line with estimates, “giving us comfort on sustainability of growth in medium term”.

They added:

(The) Stock continues to be impacted by concerns around competition and general AI fears. Whilst these concerns are valid, we are yet to see meaningful evidence in today’s results. We remain confident on REA’s ability to deliver double digit yield growth over next 3 years.

They added that the key risk in the second half remained the macroeconomic environment, with another one to two interest rate hikes “pencilled in by our economics team,” but they said, conversely, this could drive growth for REA as mortgage stress prompted people to sell houses.

REA Group shares were 2.2% higher on Monday morning at $171.71.

The post Are REA Group shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent sell off? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today
• Why is the REA share price crashing 18% today?
• News Corp reports robust Q2 FY26 earnings growth
• REA Group earnings: Profit and dividend up in strong H1 FY26 result

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 positions in and has recommended 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.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price is treading into uncharted territory today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed on Friday trading for $157.08. In late morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $160.32 apiece, up 2.1%.

If the ASX 200 mining stock can hold onto these gains to market close, that will not only mark a new one-year high but also a new all-time closing high.

And today’s gains come despite iron ore dipping back below the critical US$100 per tonne mark. The steel-making metal slid 1.6% to be trading for US$99 per tonne.

With today’s intraday lift factored in, the Rio Tinto share price is now up 34.3% since this time last year. And that doesn’t include the two fully-franked dividends the miner paid to eligible stockholders over this time.

Rio Tinto stock currently trades on a 3.7% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

Here’s what’s been catching ASX investor interest.

Why is the Rio Tinto share price smashing new record highs?

While we’re only in the second week of February, a lot has been happening with the Aussie mining giant already in 2026.

First, Rio released its December quarter (4Q 2025) results on 21 January.

The Rio Tinto share price closed up 2.6% on the day after the miner reported a 7% increase in quarterly iron ore shipments, with iron ore shipments hitting a record 326.2 million tonnes in 2025.

Pilbara iron ore production was up 4% in the December quarter to 89.7 million tonnes, also setting a new record. Iron ore production for the full year of 327.3 million tonnes was in line with 2025.

And with global copper prices surging, and broadly expected to post further long-term gains, investors will have noted the 5% year-on-year lift in quarterly copper production to 240 tonnes. Rio Tinto’s copper production for the full 2025 calendar year exceeded guidance, leaping 11% from 2024 to 883,000 tonnes.

“Record copper production continues following delivery of our Oyu Tolgoi underground project, another demonstration of our unique and diverse project capabilities,” Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott said on the day.

What about the Rio-Glencore merger?

The other really big news-grabbing investor interest in 2026 was Rio Tinto’s proposed, and since rejected, merger with Glencore plc (LSE: GLEN).

The Rio Tinto share price sank 6.3% on 9 January after news of the proposed merger between the mining giants hit the wires.

But investors look to have breathed a sigh of relief when, on Friday, 6 February, Rio Tinto confirmed that it would not be proceeding with the deal.

Management revealed that they could not reach an agreement that would deliver value to Rio Tinto’s shareholders.

The post Big ASX news! Rio Tinto share price leaping to all-time highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Argo Investments reports record profit and dividend
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today
• Rio Tinto shares charge higher after Glencore merger collapses
• Rio Tinto confirms no merger with Glencore after review
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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.

Shares in Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) are charging higher on Monday. This comes after the miner released a strong exploration update from its Golden Plateau prospect in Queensland.

At the time of writing, the Aeris share price is up 8.08% to 53.5 cents. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is edging 1.6% higher.

That move adds to an already remarkable run, with the stock now up around 240% over the past 12 months.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s update to the market.

Strong gold intersections grab attention

According to the release, Aeris reported significant gold intersections from the first diamond drill holes at Golden Plateau. The results are from a planned 30-hole program within the Cracow project.

Early drilling confirmed high-grade mineralisation within existing Cracow mining leases. This supports the view that Golden Plateau could become an additional source of ore for the operation.

Highlights included:

• 5.0 metres at 12.7 grams per tonne gold from 45.6 metres at the Fernyside lode
• 19.3 metres at 0.9 grams per tonne gold from 188 metres, including narrower higher-grade zones, within the Main Lode under the former open pit

The company said the drilling shows mineralisation continues along strike from earlier high-grade areas. It also identified broader mineralised zones below the old pit.

Why Golden Plateau could be very important

Golden Plateau is close to the existing Cracow processing facility and sits within Aeris’ current mining leases.

This means any future development could use existing infrastructure, which may reduce costs and speed up development.

The company believes the drilling shows mineralisation continues beyond historic workings and into deeper zones. If further results support this, Golden Plateau could help extend the life of the Cracow operation.

More drill results are coming

The results reported so far cover only the first 2 holes of a broader diamond drilling program. In total, 16 holes have already been completed, with assays expected to be returned progressively as the program continues.

The full drill program aims to improve the geological model, assess several lodes, and support future mine planning and approvals.

Foolish Takeaway

Aeris Resources has reported early drilling that points to continued mineralisation at Golden Plateau.

The intersections suggest Cracow may still offer further upside, supported by existing infrastructure and additional drilling underway.

After a 240% rise over the past year, expectations are already high. These early findings do offer some near-term support, though further confirmation will be important to sustain the share price’s recent run.

The post This ASX mining stock is up 8% after eye-catching gold drilling update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.