Tag: Stock pick

If you ask any investor, whether Australian or not, what the flavour of the month on the markets is right now, I’m sure the vast majority would say ‘artificial intelligence (AI)‘. AI is arguably the talk of the world right now. With commentators singing from the potential benefits of this powerful technology, to the possible dangers, and back to how it might enrich us through various stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

If you’re bullish on this technology, you might want to know which is the best way to put your money where your mouth is. So today, let’s go through what the best way to invest in AI might be here on the ASX.

Right off the bat, you might see a thematic ASX ETF with ‘AI’ in its name as the best port of call. The Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI) is a great example. A fund of this nature will certainly get you some of the world’s most prominent and dominant AI stocks. For example, some top holdings of GXAI include Palantir Technologies, SpaceX, Microsoft Corporation, Meta Platforms, and Tesla. Those are just some of this fund’s (current) 88 holdings.

Another option might be the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). Now, this ASX ETF doesn’t have AI in its name or in its mission statement. However, the index that it tracks, the NASDAQ 100, naturally contains most of the leading AI stocks on the US markets. AI leaders like NVIDIA, Alphabet, Micron Technologies, Advanced Micro Devices, and Apple are all amongst its largest holdings. As are Meta Platforms, Microsoft, SpaceX, Palantir and Tesla.

Plus, you get some high-quality companies that aren’t necessarily AI leaders thrown in too. That includes Amazon, Walmart, and Netflix.

Either (or both ) of these ASX ETFs would give an ASX investor plenty of exposure to artificial intelligence, all in one easy place.

ASX AI ETFs? Think outside the box for a cheaper fee

However, there is a cheaper option. See, neither of the two ASX ETFs named above are cheap, relatively speaking. The Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF charges an annual management fee of 0.57%. NDQ asks 0.48% per annum.

In contrast, a market-wide US index fund, such as the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) asks just 0.04% per annum. That’s a difference between paying $64 a year for every $10,000 invested and paying $4 a year for that same $10k. That may not sound like a lot, but it does add up if one is investing for long periods of time.

Sure, the iShares S&P 500 ETF doesn’t invest in AI specifically. It is a lot more diversified than even the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. But it still offers significant exposure to many of the companies that are leading the AI race. Amongst its top holdings, you’ll find Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Tesla, and AMD.

To round up, all of these ASX ETFs will provide an investor with some level of exposure to some of the world’s best AI stocks. If you want the purest, most direct AI investment, then the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF is your best bet. But less-picky investors may want to consider the far cheaper, yet still AI-centred S&P 500 ETF.

The post Want to invest in AI? Here are the best ASX ETFs for 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the most popular ASX share superannuation investments in SMSFs
• Why I’d invest $50,000 of superannuation into these 3 top ASX ETFs
• How to target the different layers of the artificial intelligence buildout

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Tesla, Walmart, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Just when it looked like CBA shares might find some support around $150, today has given shareholders another reason to worry.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares dropped to $147.41 during the session, taking them back to levels not seen since February.

That put the stock just 43 cents above its 52-week low of $146.98, although buyers have since stepped back in.

At the moment, CBA has recovered to $149.45, but it is still down 1.06%.

September hasn’t been particularly kind, with the stock losing around 6% since the beginning of the month.

And with another RBA interest rate decision coming up next Tuesday, there’s plenty for investors to think about.

So, could $140 be the next stop?

Why are CBA shares falling?

Interest rates are back in the spotlight, and that’s not exactly what CBA shareholders want to hear right now.

The RBA has already lifted rates three times this year, taking the cash rate to 4.35%.

In its FY26 results, CBA reported that home loan applications fell 15% following May’s changes, while investor applications dropped 28%.

That’s quite a slowdown for Australia’s largest mortgage lender, particularly when housing demand is such an important part of its business.

CBA still expects housing credit growth of around 4% to 5% over the next 12 months, so it’s not all bad news.

But there’s another issue investors need to consider.

Despite the recent share price decline, CBA is still trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of roughly 23x.

Keep in mind, that’s a hefty price to pay with borrowing costs climbing and mortgage demand showing signs of slowing.

Could $140 be next?

The first level I’m watching is $146.98, which is CBA’s 52-week low and a price it came close to testing today.

If that level gives way, $140 is only around 5% below today’s intraday low, so it’s not really a big move.

And brokers aren’t exactly expecting a quick recovery either.

According to TipRanks, 8 analysts have an average 12-month price target of $123.08, with forecasts ranging from $90 to $144.99.

That implies an 18% downside from the current share price, although broker forecasts don’t always play out as expected.

It’s worth remembering that CBA is still making plenty of money.

The bank reported a record FY26 cash profit of $10.98 billion, up 7%, and paid shareholders $5.05 in fully franked dividends.

Nonetheless, I think $140 is a realistic level to watch if CBA breaks below its February low.

The post CBA shares hit their lowest level since February. Could $140 be next? 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) plunged below 8,650 points, shedding almost 120 points from Wednesday’s close.

Buyers have since returned, but the benchmark remains down 0.69% at approximately 8,705 points in early afternoon trade.

The selling has reached some of our biggest companies, leaving investors with little relief across several sectors.

And with another interest rate decision approaching, the next few sessions could prove very important.

So, is there more pain to come?

Wall Street gives investors little to cheer about

Aussie shares followed Wall Street lower after all 3 major US indices finished Wednesday’s session in negative territory.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) declined 0.68%, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) slipped 0.75%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) suffered the largest drop, falling 1.13%.

According to Reuters, rising oil prices and US Treasury yields weighed on sentiment, with the 10-year yield climbing above 5.1%.

That marked its highest level since 2007, as investors considered the possibility of further interest rate increases.

Mining heavyweights take a hit

Closer to home, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) has fallen 1.61% to $61.07 following an incident at its Escondida copper mine in Chile.

A worker reportedly died during maintenance work yesterday, prompting BHP to suspend all operational activities at the site.

The company hasn’t indicated when production will resume at the world’s largest copper mine.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), which holds a 30% stake in Escondida, is also trading lower, slipping 0.93% to $166.06.

Banking shares aren’t providing much relief either.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) has declined 0.84% to $149.775, and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is down 1.32% to $34.30.

Jobs data adds another twist

Today’s employment figures have given investors something else to consider ahead of next week’s RBA meeting.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that unemployment rose to 4.6% in August, compared with 4.5% in July.

Employment increased by 39,500 people, although all the growth came from part-time positions.

Full-time employment declined by 6,300, while the participation rate increased to 67.1%.

Higher unemployment shows the labour market is easing, which could give the RBA more reason to hold interest rates next week.

The RBA will announce its next interest rate decision on Tuesday, 29th September.

Can the ASX 200 hold 8,700 points?

The immediate test is whether the benchmark can stay above 8,700 heading into today’s close.

Another break below 8,650 would put this morning’s low back in focus.

With the RBA’s decision on Tuesday and inflation figures due next Wednesday, I wouldn’t be surprised to see further volatility.

The post ASX 200 slides as investors head for the exits. Is there more pain to come? 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Boss Energy vs Paladin Energy shares

With the global push for clean, reliable energy accelerating, uranium producers on the ASX have become a focus for Aussie investors. Two names leading the charge are Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) and Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN). Both companies aim to supply the growing demand for nuclear fuel, but their business scale, valuations, and recent share price histories diverge in interesting ways. If you’re weighing up Boss Energy shares versus Paladin Energy shares, here’s what stands out.

The case for Boss Energy

Boss Energy is an Aussie-based uranium producer with a 100% stake in the Honeymoon uranium project in South Australia, which came online in 2024. It also holds a minority stake in the Alta Mesa project in South Texas, operated by enCore Energy. Boss’s recent transformation from uranium developer to producer puts it in an exciting position as the uranium market heats up.

A few key metrics jump out:

• Market cap: $691.27 million – much smaller than Paladin Energy, making Boss a potential growth story if production ramps up successfully.
• P/E ratio: 263.93 – this reflects minimal reported earnings so far, as the Honeymoon mine is only just coming online.
• Dividend yield: 0.00% – Boss isn’t paying a dividend at present, which is no surprise for a company focused on ramping up production.
• Year-to-date (YTD) return: 9.9% – Boss’s share price has delivered a solid gain for investors this year.

For those who like early-stage producers with room to grow, Boss Energy represents a more agile uranium play compared to its much bigger rival.

The case for Paladin Energy

Paladin Energy is a seasoned operator in the global uranium sector, with its flagship Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia – one of the world’s largest uranium mines. According to its most recent public description, although Paladin put its mine on care and maintenance in recent years (due to softer uranium prices), it’s well-placed to capitalise as global nuclear demand returns.

Here’s what stands out in the numbers:

• Market cap: $4.57 billion – Paladin is much larger than Boss, commanding a major presence among global uranium players.
• P/E ratio: 575.80 – Paladin’s earnings are still slim relative to its price, likely reflecting its transitional state, ramp-up costs, or perhaps adjustments for underlying earnings.
• Dividend yield: 0.00% – like Boss, Paladin isn’t returning cash to shareholders just yet.
• YTD return: 2.5% – shares have risen modestly this year, trailing Boss’s performance but reflecting the bigger, steadier nature of the business.

Paladin’s established global asset base may appeal to those who want scale and operational experience in uranium, albeit at a bigger company valuation.

Valuation comparison

Comparing these two uranium producers uncovers stark gaps:

Metric	Boss Energy Ltd	Paladin Energy Ltd
Market Cap	$691.27 million	$4.57 billion
P/E Ratio	263.93	575.80
Earnings per Share (EPS)	0.006	0.012
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%
YTD Return	9.9%	2.5%

Note: Both companies’ reported P/E ratios are extremely high, reflecting the fact that each is in the early stages of commercial production, with limited earnings against their market valuations. Paladin’s P/E is nearly double that of Boss, but in both cases, current earnings are so slim that these multiples should be interpreted with caution. Also, note that the P/E ratios may be based on differing earnings measures, which could explain the disconnect with the corresponding EPS figures.

Neither company is offering dividends, so for now their investment appeal is about growth and positioning.

Recent share price performance

Comparing recent share price momentum:

• Boss Energy shares rose from $1.42 (31 Aug 2026) to $1.67 (21 Sep 2026), representing a bumpy but upward trend with some sharp swings.
• Paladin Energy shares fluctuated from $11.61 (31 Aug 2026) to $10.16 (21 Sep 2026), experiencing some big down days, including a -9.59% move on 11 Sept, before stabilising near $10.
• YTD, Boss is up 9.9%, while Paladin has returned just 2.5% according to the figures supplied.

Which is the better buy?

Based on the data discussed, I’d pick Boss Energy. Here’s why: Boss offers a smaller, more nimble uranium pure-play with a recent production start-up, stronger share price momentum this year, and a valuation multiple (while still sky-high!) that is lower than Paladin’s. Both companies currently offer zero yield and trade on lofty earnings multiples due to their early-stage or transitional earnings, but Boss appears to have delivered better recent returns and could have more upside if its Honeymoon ramp-up goes well.

Paladin, with its mega-market cap and established Namibian asset, offers scale and operational pedigree – and may ultimately prove the steadier uranium bet over time. But given the contrast in YTD returns and relative valuation, I think there’s more excitement and growth potential in Boss Energy at current prices.

The post Boss Energy vs Paladin Energy: Which ASX uranium stock wins? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) hit a fresh 12-month low on Thursday, but to discern why, you need to look beyond the company’s announcements.

Indeed, the company didn’t release any news to the ASX on Thursday, raising the question of what has driven the shares down more than 6%.

Key personnel jumping ship

The answer likely lies in the loss of two senior executives across both the company’s broadcast and print journalism divisions.

Firstly, Amanda Laing, who oversaw the company’s streaming and broadcast division, is leaving just 18 months after taking on the role.

Ms Laing is a seasoned executive, having worked at Foxtel, ACP Magazines, and formerly as general counsel for Nine.

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) is reporting that Ms Laing’s role will no longer exist going forward.

Separately, the Editor-In-Chief of the AFR, James Chessell, has jumped ship to former AFR journalist Joe Aston’s start-up Rampart.

Rampart said:

As well as leading Rampart’s growing editorial team, James will write a regular column and co-host Rampart’s new weekly news vodcast with Joe, launching in early 2027.

Launched by Aston about 18 months ago, Rampart produces regular long-form business articles as well as podcast interviews.

Aston revealed last month that Rampart had accepted $2.3 million in investment from five partners, including former Nine Chief Executive Officer David Gyngell and Ellerston Capital Executive Chair Ashok Jacob.

The deal values the company at $28.75 million.

Aston said further:

Rampart didn’t need external capital to continue on its already steep trajectory as one of Australia’s fastest growing media brands. The company was profitable in financial 2025, profitable again in financial 2026, even after the rapid growth in our headcount in recent months, and would’ve been profitable in 2027. But with our business model now well-proven, I decided there is no time like the present to turbocharge investment in Rampart’s journalism (which in turn will boost our audience and revenue growth); to establish an external market valuation for the company; and to advance our next phase with an incredibly high-quality group of equity partners.

Nine forecasting profit growth

For its part, Nine reported revenue of $2.19 billion in FY26, up 3%, and net profit of $147.2 million, up 11%.

On the outlook, the company said:

The change to our portfolio mix, implemented over the past 12 months, has resulted in Nine’s growth assets (Streaming – Stan and 9Now, Outdoor and Digital Publishing) expected to contribute more than 60% of Revenue and c70% of EBITDA in FY27. As a result, Nine expects to report another year of pro forma revenue and EBITDA growth in FY27. Driving this performance, will be further growth from Nine’s subscription businesses of Stan and Digital Publishing, as well as Outdoor (QMS).   

Nine Entertainment shares on Thursday hit a 12-month low of 66 cents before recovering slightly to be 6.2% lower at 68 cents.

The company is valued at $1.15 billion.

The post Why did Nine Entertainment shares hit a 12-month low today? 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 recommended Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The latest jobs figures are out, and the result wasn’t quite what economists had expected.

While unemployment has climbed again, the economy is still adding jobs, giving the RBA plenty to consider ahead of next week’s interest rate decision.

The central bank has already lifted rates three times this year, with another increase widely expected on Tuesday.

So, could today’s jobs data give the RBA a reason to hold off?

More jobs, but unemployment keeps climbing

According to the ABS release, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in August, up from 4.5% in July.

The number of unemployed Australians increased by 28,200 to approximately 722,900, despite the economy adding 39,500 jobs during the month.

The increase in employment came entirely from part-time work, which jumped by 45,800 positions. Full-time employment fell by 6,300.

The participation rate also climbed from 66.9% to 67.1%, meaning more Australians were either working or actively looking for a job.

There were some encouraging signs, though, with total hours worked increasing 0.7% and the underemployment rate easing slightly to 6.2%.

Will the RBA change its mind?

With the cash rate currently at 4.35%, another 25-basis-point increase on Tuesday would take it to 4.60%.

Speaking at a CEDA event earlier this week, RBA Governor Michele Bullock said unemployment between 4.5% and 5% would probably help ease inflation pressures.

However, Bullock wasn’t giving anything away about next week’s decision.

She also pointed to elevated oil prices, excess demand and inflation expectations as continuing concerns for the central bank.

At the same time, financial markets were pricing in a 95% chance of another rate hike ahead of today’s employment report.

The RBA has also acknowledged that previous interest rate increases are yet to have their full effect on the economy. It said it expects unemployment to continue rising gradually.

What happens next?

The RBA will have to make Tuesday’s decision without another inflation reading.

August’s consumer price index isn’t due until Wednesday, 30 September, a day after the board meets. The next jobs report won’t arrive until 15 October.

In its August forecasts, the RBA expected unemployment to reach 4.6% by June 2027 and 4.8% by mid 2028.

It also expects inflation to return to the midpoint of its target range in early 2028.

With unemployment climbing, I think the RBA has more reason to leave rates at 4.35%. However, another increase wouldn’t surprise me given its ongoing concerns about inflation.

We’ll find out at 2.30pm AEST on Tuesday, 29 September.

The post Unemployment hits 4.6%. Could the RBA hold off on another rate hike? 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.

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) shares have fallen around 2% to a multi-year low of 17 cents a piece, at the time of writing.

This is the lowest price the stock has traded at since April 2020.

The shares are now down 64% year to date and 63% lower than 12 months ago.

It’s been a pretty consistent tumble, too.

The shares hovered around an annual high of 49 cents between October last year and January. But then they fell by around 53% into late May. There was a brief rebound through June before the share price resumed its downward trend.

What has happened to Myer shares?

The company faced operational issues and profitability headwinds in late 2025. And investor confidence only fell further this year.

As a fashion retail stock, Myer shares have been heavily affected by key 2026 themes of market volatility, high inflation, and interest rate fears. A higher cost-of-living has meant Australians have been tightening their purse strings and are spending less on discretionary items.

The retailer posted solid first-half financial results in March, suggesting that the business has its operating costs under control and that its strategic initiatives are gaining traction. But investors weren’t convinced.

In an update to the market in late July, the company confirmed that cost-of-living pressures and challenging trading conditions had flowed through to its bottom line. Myer reported total sales for the financial year to the end of June of $4.089 billion, up 11.3%.

At the time, the company said that it expects to report operating gross profit for the full year in the range of $1.601 to $1.607 billion.

Myer posted its FY26 results yesterday, confirming that operating gross profit came within the guided range at $1.603 billion for the 12 months to the 25th of July. Reported total sales climbed 0.7% to $4.09 billion, from FY 2025 on a comparable basis.

But management also announced a 7% decline in its underlying EBIT on an actual basis, and 23.5% lower on a pro forma basis. The store also reported a 2.9% drop in underlying NPAT on an actual basis, and a 32.1% decline on a pro forma basis.

The board also decided not to pay shareholders a final dividend for FY26.

Myer shares initially leapt higher immediately following the results announcement, but closed the day flat. 

Today, more investors have sold up their holdings.

Can the shares rebound from here?

Despite the strong headwinds this year, experts seem confident that Myer shares can recover some of their losses over the next 12 months.

TradingView data shows the majority (four out of five) brokers have a strong buy rating on the consumer discretionary shares. Another one has a hold rating.

They all agree there will be some element of upside ahead. The average 38.5-cent target price implies a 119% potential upside over the next 12 months at the time of writing. And some more bullish brokers think the shares have the potential to rebound 214% to 55 cents a piece. 

The post Down 64%: Has the market lost interest in Myer shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The latest Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), or Soul Patts, has just announced its dividend for its FY26 results.

It may not have the biggest dividend yield on the ASX, but the investment conglomerate has been incredibly consistent for shareholders.

Soul Patts has rewarded shareholders with another good dividend increase, to add to the payout growth the company has already delivered this decade.

Let’s take a look at what the next payout will be for investors.

Soul Patts dividend

The board of directors declared a final dividend of 63 cents per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.8%.

This brought the full-year dividend per share to $1.11, an increase of 7.8% from FY25.

A key driver of the company’s dividend is its net cash flow from investments (NCFI). The NCFI increased 11.5% to $572 million, driven by credit (a larger credit book and strong results), private companies (continued cash generation) and real assets (industrial property). On a per-share basis, NCFI increased by 8.3% year-over-year. So, the company has passed on nearly all of the NCFI increase to shareholders in the form of a higher dividend.

Soul Patts revealed that the FY26 annual dividend is 73% of NCFI, which is both rewarding and sustainable for shareholders.

Its annual dividend has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% over the last five years. Impressively, the business has raised its regular annual dividend for the last 28 years, with dividend growth at a 10.4% CAGR.

At the time of writing, the annual dividend of $1.11 equates to a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.4%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

When will this be paid?

The business has only just announced the dividend, but it won’t be long before the company pays it out to investors.

Before we get to the payment date, we need to look at the ex-dividend date. That’s the cut-off date for entitlement to this payment.

Soul Patts has stated that the ex-dividend date is Monday, 12 October 2026, which is less than three weeks away. That means investors need to own Soul Patts shares by the end of trading on Friday, 9 October 2026, to be entitled to this dividend.

Following that, the payment date for the final dividend is 5 November 2026.

Shareholders can also decide to receive new Soul Patts shares rather than cash as their dividend, if they take part in the dividend re-investment plan (DRP). Investors need to elect to join the DRP by 5pm on 14 October 2026.

The post Everything you need to know about the Soul Patts dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are down 0.6% to 8,900.2 points on Thursday.

The energy sector is leading today, up 1%, after Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian gave a speech at the UN General Assembly.

Pezeshkian said Iran would not allow ships through the Strait of Hormuz as long as the US blockade and sanctions remained in place.

The real estate sector is the laggard today, down 1.7%, as the market continues to anticipate an 0.25% interest rate rise next week.

Meanwhile, the experts have reduced their ratings on numerous ASX shares.

Let’s see a sample.

Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG)

The Resolute Mining share price is $1.20, down 2.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 gold share has fallen 11%.

Macquarie downgraded Resolute Mining shares to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker lowered its 12-month price target from $1.45 to $1.35.

This implies a potential 12% upside ahead.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The Elders share price is $6.46, up 0.8% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has ascended 11%.

Citi downgraded Elders shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $6.60.

This suggests a potential 2% upside ahead.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope Corporation share price is $5.84, down 0.2% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 coal share has fallen 1%.

Morgans downgraded New Hope shares to a hold recommendation this week.

The broker said: 

Strong run, balanced view – NHC shares have rallied 60% YTD, supported by stronger coal prices and improving market sentiment. While we remain constructive on thermal coal fundamentals, the recent share price performance may provide an opportunity for investors to crystallise some gains.

Cash surprise drives dividend beat – Strong operational delivery and a year-end cash balance of A$485m supported a fully franked 30cps final dividend, materially ahead of MorgansF (20cps) and consensus (14cps).

Operational performance exceeded expectations – NHC delivered record saleable coal production of 11.5Mt and coal sales of 11.8Mt, exceeding the top end of guidance and demonstrating the resilience of its operations despite disruptions throughout the year.

AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M)

The AIC Mines share price is 88 cents, down 4% today.

Over the past month, this ASX mining share has risen 8%.

MA Financial Group downgraded this gold and copper miner to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from 77 cents to 89 cents.

This implies a potential 1% gain over the next year. 

The post Which ASX shares just got downgraded by brokers? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Bought $5,000 worth of New Hope and BHP shares 5 years ago? Guess how much passive income you’ve already earned!
• Soul Patts vs BHP: Which ASX share is best for beginners?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders, Ma Financial Group, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.8% lower at 8,691.8 points on Thursday.

Here are some new expert recommendations on three ASX stocks.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

The Lovisa share price is steady at $24.52 today, and down 36% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter upgraded this ASX consumer discretionary share from hold to buy.

The broker kept its price target at $27.

Analyst Chami Ratnapala said: 

While we remain cautious on the current weak consumer landscape and investments into market share & store refits to mitigate competitive pressures in key markets, we see a higher tolerance re accessibility from a low price point perspective together with a strong gross margin.

Post the market sell-off, we think the current valuation at ~22x FY27e P/E (BPe) which is a ~20% discount to LOV’s recent mid-cycle P/E as BPe of 28.5x appears attractive, and we upgrade our recommendation to BUY.

BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)

The Bluescope share price is $30.44, up 1.4% today and up 35% over 12 months. 

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a hold rating on this ASX 200 materials share. 

Wielandt said (courtesy The Bull):  

BlueScope delivered a strong result in full year 2026. Underlying earnings before interest and tax increased to $1.273 billion, supported by stronger US steel production, margins and a record Southeast Asian performance.

Management delivers disciplined cost management. We expect free cash flow to improve and and support total shareholder returns.

However, BSL remains a cyclical business. Despite the business performing well, the operating environment remains volatile, which is behind our hold recommendation.

Echo IQ Ltd (ASX: EIQ)

The Echo IQ share price is 69 cents, up 7% today and up 260% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter downgraded this ASX tech share from speculative hold to speculative sell.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $1.75 to 30 cents.

Analyst John Hester said:

The company’s 510(k) application for registration of EchoSolv HF has been rejected by the FDA.

The agency issued a detailed ‘Not Substantially Equivalent’ notice which describes the reasons for its decision.

The company revealed little regarding the contents of the NSE and only highlighted disagreement on matters of statistical
analysis.

EIQ intends to hold further dialogue with the Agency in order to determine if there is a path forward, hence it created an expectation for a future approval either via a resubmission of the 510(k) or alternative registration pathway.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Echo IQ, Bluescope Steel, Lovisa shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top broker names 2 growing ASX dividend shares to buy now
• Down 65%: Is it a good time to buy this exciting ASX tech stock?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Lovisa vs Universal Store shares: Which ASX retail stock is the better buy today?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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