Tag: Stock pick

It is easy to focus on short-term results in the share market.

Quarterly updates, shifting sentiment, and macro noise can dominate the conversation. But some of the most successful investments come from recognising businesses that are quietly building something much bigger over time.

Here are three ASX growth shares that could be doing exactly that.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX growth share that stands out is Breville.

At first glance, it is a kitchen appliance company. But that description does not fully capture what is happening beneath the surface.

Breville has been steadily building a global premium brand. Its products are not competing on price. They are competing on quality, design, and performance.

This positioning has allowed the company to expand successfully into international markets. As brand recognition grows, so does its ability to scale.

What makes this interesting is that brand-building takes time. But once established, it can become a powerful competitive advantage that supports long-term growth.

Morgans is a fan of the company and has a buy rating and $40.65 price target on its shares.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Another ASX growth share that could be destined for a big future is Lovisa.

The fast-fashion jewellery operator has successfully demonstrated it can replicate its store model across different regions with consistency. New stores are opening globally, and many are reaching profitability quickly.

This creates a repeatable growth engine. And Lovisa is not expanding slowly; it is moving aggressively into new markets, which could significantly increase its footprint over the next decade.

If that rollout continues successfully, the business could look very different in scale over time.

Morgans is also a fan of this one and recently put a buy rating and $36.80 price target on its shares.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A final ASX growth share that could be quietly building something significant is Xero.

It has already established itself as a leading cloud accounting platform. But the opportunity may extend well beyond that.

The company is increasingly becoming part of a broader ecosystem that connects small businesses, accountants, and financial services.

This creates multiple pathways for growth through new customers and by offering more services (like AI assistants) to existing ones.

As this ecosystem expands, Xero’s role in managing financial workflows could become even more central.

The team at Morgan Stanley is positive on the investment opportunity here. It recently put an overweight rating and $130.00 price target on its shares.

The post Are these the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 10 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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.

If you are looking for growth opportunities in 2026, it may pay to think beyond traditional sectors.

Some of the most powerful tailwinds today are coming from areas like defence technology and digital entertainment. These are industries evolving rapidly and attracting increasing global investment.

With that in mind, here are two ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be well positioned to benefit.

Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)

The first ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Global X Defence Tech ETF.

Defence is no longer just about tanks and aircraft. It is increasingly about technology.

This fund focuses on companies operating at the cutting edge of defence innovation, including artificial intelligence, drones, and cybersecurity. These technologies are becoming central to modern military capabilities.

Importantly, this is not a short-term theme. Global defence spending has grown steadily over decades and continues to rise as geopolitical tensions increase and nations prioritise national security.

The ETF includes major global players such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Rheinmetall (ETR: RHM), and Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR).

It also has exposure to local names like DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS). This means it gives investors a mix of international and Australian opportunities.

Overall, what makes the Global X Defence Tech ETF stand out is its focus on the future of defence. Rather than broad exposure, it specifically targets companies benefiting from the shift toward tech-driven security solutions.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Global X.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ASX ETF that could offer strong growth potential is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

Gaming is no longer a niche industry. It is a global entertainment powerhouse that continues to expand as technology improves and audiences grow.

This fund provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of companies involved in video game development, esports, and related hardware and software.

Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), Nintendo, and Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX).

It also includes Australia’s own Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), adding a local angle to the portfolio.

As gaming continues to evolve into a mainstream form of entertainment and a competitive global sport, the companies in this space could benefit from long-term demand.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 2 growing ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield, Electro Optic Systems, Palantir Technologies, RTX, Roblox, and Tencent and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts, Lockheed Martin, NetEase, Nintendo, and Rheinmetall. 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:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this gold miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $9.10. This follows the release of the company’s third-quarter update, which revealed production that was a touch short of the broker’s expectations. This was due to lower grades and recoveries. Nevertheless, the company remains on track to achieve the mid-point of its production guidance in FY 2026. In light of this, its quality, and attractive valuation, Macquarie thinks that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. The Genesis Minerals share price is currently trading at $6.54 on Friday.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $30.00 price target on this investment platform provider’s shares. Bell Potter highlights that Netwealth released its quarterly update this week. And while its funds under administration fell short of expectations, it notes that this was just to a $3.7 billion negative market movement. The good news is that with markets rebounding in April, Bell Potter believes that most of this miss has now been reversed. Outside this, it points out that Netwealth shares have de-rated to trade on 28x forward EBITDA, compares to 33x through-the-cycle. It believes there is scope for a re-rating in the future, which could make now a good time to buy. The Netwealth share price is fetching $25.42 at the time of writing.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating on this airline operator’s shares with a trimmed price target of $11.25. According to the note, the broker has adjusted its forecasts to reflect fuel price volatility. It notes that surging oil prices are expected to lead to a major increase in fuel costs in the near term, weighing on earnings in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Nevertheless, the broker remains positive, especially given how it sees opportunities for Qantas to offset some of the fuel costs increase. As a result, it continues to recommend the airline’s shares as a buy to clients. The Qantas share price is trading at $9.07 today.

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

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

ASX lithium shares are rising strongly on Friday after solid gains for lithium prices this week.

Four of the fastest rising 10 stocks on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today are lithium shares.

The best performer is diversified miner Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), up 6.1% to $62.97 per share.

Next is lithium and nickel producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO), up 5.7% to $9.23 per share.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price is 5.3% higher on Friday at $2.18.

The market’s largest pure-play lithium company, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), cracked a new record at $6.14 today.

The PLS Group share price is currently $6.01, up 5.3%.

Among the smaller players outside the ASX 200, Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) shares hit a 52-week high of $10.39.

The Elevra Lithium share price is currently $10.31, up 11.9%.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are up 9.4% to 37 cents apiece.

Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) shares are 7.6% higher at 9.9 cents.

What’s driving ASX lithium shares higher?

Experts say the Iran war and ensuing global oil shock are reminding us of the value of electric vehicles (EV).

The lithium carbonate price has risen 9% this week and is up 43% year to date (YTD), according to Trading Economics data.

Analysts at Trading Economics say lithium prices are rising on a bullish future outlook.

Chinese EV manufacturer BYD announced it expects to sell more EVs this year due to the oil shock.

BYD has raised its 2026 sales forecast to 1.5 million units, up from the January estimate of 1.3 million units.

The analysts said:

The surge in crude oil and product prices since the start of March supported the outlook for larger economies to favor new energy vehicles, which use batteries that take lithium as a major input.

Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently exemplified by the announcement of higher power storage spending.

This was combined with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027, supporting lithium-rich energy storage systems.

In the meantime, Zimbabwe suspended exports of lithium concentrates and other raw materials to stimulate refining in the country.

Oil shock a tailwind for lithium prices

Lithium prices were already rebounding from a painful two-year downward spiral before the war in Iran began.

We have seen a rapid turnaround in lithium prices from mid-2025.

Supply/demand rebalanced after a long period of oversupply last year.

We also saw the impact of the green energy transition finally bleed through to markets in 2025.

Other commodity prices joined lithium in an upward surge in 2025 as the world began building new power infrastructure at scale.

The lithium carbonate price lifted to a two-year high of about US$26,200 per tonne in January.

It endured a short, sharp fall to just below US$20,000 in early February as part of a broader metals and minerals rout.

Today, the lithium carbonate price is US$24,850, representing a 43% year-to-date gain.

Lithium spodumene is up from about US$600 per tonne in June 2025 to US$2,415 per tonne today.

The post ASX lithium shares rally as oil shock highlights EV appeal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Core Lithium. 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.

With copper prices expected to be strong over the long term due to increasing demand, having a little exposure to the base metal could be a good thing for a portfolio.

And while mining giant’s BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) offer an easy way to do it, the upside on offer there could be limited after they recently hit record highs.

Another way could be with the ASX copper stock in this article.

Which ASX copper stock?

Bell Potter has named AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M) shares as a buy this week.

It is a Western Australia-based copper production and exploration company focused on its 100%-owned Eloise Copper Project (ECP).

The broker was pleased with the ASX copper stock’s recent quarterly update, highlighting that it once again met its guidance. It said:

A1M has extended its track record of meeting production and cost guidance, now established for eleven consecutive quarters. At its Eloise Copper Mine in QLD, production for the March 2026 quarter was 3,432t copper in concentrate plus 1,591oz gold at All-In-Sustaining-Costs (AISC) of A$4.18/lb (vs BPe 3,024t Cu in concentrate plus 1,591oz Au at A$4.62/lb). Lower mining volumes and mill throughput were more than offset by higher head grades as the mine plan took in higher grade zones.

A1M is tracking to beat FY26 production and cost guidance, which remains unchanged at 12.8-13.1kt Cu plus 6.0-6.5koz gold at AISC of A$4.85-A$5.25/lb. Cost inflation risks of ~A$0.40/lb-$0.50/lb have been flagged for the June 2026 quarter due to increasing diesel costs. Allowing for this, we still forecast the lower end of AISC guidance to be met or beaten.

Overall, the broker has described the performance as “excellent” and highlights that it beat guidance and its own forecasts despite inclement weather. It adds:

This was an excellent result, beating both guidance and our forecasts in a heavily rain-affected quarter that disrupted other mines and logistics in the region. A1M has built an exceptional track record of delivery, particularly for a single-asset company operating a relatively small-scale mine. The quarter also included a meaningful Resource and Reserve upgrade which has allowed us to add 18 months to our assumed life-of-mine. The new Jericho underground is progressing ahead of schedule and achieved the milestone of first ore production during the quarter.

Time to buy?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX copper stock with an improved price target of 85 cents (from 80 cents).

Based on its current share price of 62 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 37% for investors.

The broker concludes:

A1M represents leveraged copper exposure via its Eloise Copper Project with a clear, organic growth strategy being advanced. The current share price, in our view, represents attractive value for a well-managed, Australian-based copper producer. We retain our Buy recommendation on an increased, NPV-based target price rounded to $0.85/sh.

The post This ASX copper stock could be cheap compared to BHP and Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

A recent run higher has hit a pause for Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) shares on Friday.

The move comes as the market digests new information from one of its key assets.

At the time of writing, the Newmont share price is down 0.28% to $156.61. That follows a weaker stretch over the past week, with the stock now down almost 7% over that period.

The pullback sits against a solid 12-month run. Over the past year, the shares are still up close to 80%.

With the stock sitting near recent highs, even smaller updates are getting more attention.

And that appears to be the case today.

Cadia operations update draws focus

According to the release, Newmont provided an update on its Cadia operation in New South Wales following a magnitude 4.5 earthquake earlier this week.

The company said all personnel were accounted for, with safety protocols activated immediately after the event. Underground workers were moved to designated safe areas and later returned to the surface under standard procedures.

Initial inspections identified some damage in certain underground sections, though it has been described as limited in scale.

Processing operations have continued and are being ramped back up to normal throughput levels.

Production impact expected to be limited

Newmont also confirmed that surface infrastructure, including tailings facilities and dams, was inspected following the earthquake.

No damage has been identified across those critical assets at this stage.

Based on current assessments, near-term production from Cadia is not expected to be materially impacted.

Work is still ongoing underground to determine the full recovery timeline and whether there could be any longer-term effects on output.

Cadia is a key asset, so any disruption will draw attention, especially when early signs point to a minor operational impact.

Recent weakness comes after strong run

After a strong rally through the past year, the stock was trading near recent highs before easing back this week.

Moves like this are common after a large run, especially when new information adds some uncertainty, even if the impact is limited.

Gold price movements have also played a part, with prices holding near recent highs after a steady rise in recent months.

Foolish Takeaway

The update points to limited damage and no clear hit to near-term production, which takes some pressure off.

Even so, the stock has already had a decent run, and short-term moves can turn quickly when sentiment shifts.

Personally, I would be comfortable watching this one rather than chasing it here, especially with the current volatility.

The post Newmont shares slip as Cadia update puts investors on alert 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.

Orthocell Ltd (ASX: OCC) has capped a strong week on the ASX with a key milestone in the company’s US rollout.

With shares up 26% this week at the time of writing, and just days after securing access to major US military and veteran hospital networks, the company has already completed its first surgical case using Remplir within the system.

The announcement reinforces the view that Orthocell is beginning to convert strategic wins into real-world clinical use.

Early signs of execution

Earlier this week, Orthocell announced it had secured approval to supply Remplir into the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital networks, which together span more than 220 hospitals.

Now, the company has followed through quickly, completing its first procedure at a military hospital in Ohio, and the speed matters. In medtech, there is often a long lag between approval and adoption, but Orthocell appears to be compressing that timeline significantly.

This suggests the company’s groundwork in preparing for distribution was already well advanced before access was formally granted.

What did management say?

Managing Director Paul Anderson emphasised the importance of speed, noting that the milestone validates Orthocell’s commercial strategy, surgeon engagement, and distribution capability.

He also highlighted that early uptake in military and veteran systems (where complex injuries are common) is an encouraging sign as the company expands activity across these hospitals.

The message is clear: access is only the first step, and Orthocell is now focused on execution.

Foolish bottom line

Orthocell’s 26% rise this week reflects growing investor interest in its US opportunity. More importantly, the latest update shows the company moving beyond announcements and into delivery.

Early surgical adoption, just days after approval, suggests that Orthocell’s US strategy is gaining traction. The next phase will be about consistency in turning initial traction into repeat usage and sustained revenue growth.

The post Orthocell caps 26% surge this week with first US Military Surgery appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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 Orthocell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR) shares are heading lower on Friday, giving back recent gains as conditions across energy markets shift.

At the time of writing, the Stanmore share price is down 8.80% to $2.28. That leaves the stock roughly 14% lower over the past week.

The pullback follows a strong period earlier this year, when higher coal prices and supportive sentiment helped drive the shares higher.

Here’s what is behind the move.

Ceasefire cools energy trade

The selling has been driven by a shift outside the company itself.

A ceasefire between the United States and Iran has reduced concerns about supply disruptions across global energy markets.

That change has seen money move out of energy stocks, including coal producers, as some of the recent risk premium fades.

Oil prices have already started to ease after trading near recent highs, pointing to a broader reset in the sector.

Coal prices have held up better, but listed producers are still getting caught in the same move.

Coal prices remain elevated over the year

Despite the recent pullback in the share price, the underlying commodity backdrop still looks relatively firm over a longer period.

According to Trading Economics, coking coal is still trading around US$226 per tonne in mid-April. That leaves prices modestly higher over the past month and up close to 19% over the past year.

Demand from steelmakers has also remained steady, particularly across Asia, where metallurgical coal is still widely used.

But it’s the gap that stands out. Prices have held up, yet sentiment has shifted quickly, and that is driving the recent volatility in coal stocks.

Recent performance shows the shift

Over the past week, Stanmore shares have fallen close to 14%, giving back part of the gains built earlier in the year.

Even so, the stock remains up roughly 24% over the past 12 months.

The move has tracked what has been happening across energy markets. Oil prices have eased back toward US$93 per barrel as tensions in the Middle East cool, taking some momentum out of the trade.

Foolish bottom line

The ceasefire has taken some urgency from energy prices, and that has been enough to trigger selling after a strong run.

Coking coal prices are still holding up over the year, but the focus has shifted to what comes next for the sector.

Personally, I would stay on the sidelines here.

The stock is moving with macro headlines rather than company updates, and that can change very quickly.

There are cleaner opportunities elsewhere on the ASX where geopolitics is less likely to drive the share price.

The post Why this ASX coal stock is sinking 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week’s slumping market

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.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) shares are pushing higher on Friday, with buying picking up as the stock moves back toward a key level.

At the time of writing, the Tabcorp share price is up 7.22% to $1.003. That leaves the stock up around 80% over the past 12 months and within reach of its multi-year high.

That previous peak of $1.095 was set in October 2025. The latest move puts that level back in focus.

Here’s what investors are watching.

Recovery trend puts prior highs back in sight

The recent move looks different when set against the past 2 years.

After trending lower through much of 2024, Tabcorp found support and has gradually worked its way higher into 2026. The move hasn’t been tied to a single update, but rather a series of smaller developments that have improved confidence in the earnings outlook.

That includes tighter cost control, more stable wagering conditions, and signs that margins are holding up better than expected.

Broker commentary has also helped support sentiment. Following the latest half-year result, analysts pointed to EBITDA coming in ahead of expectations, supported by disciplined costs and steady revenue growth.

Some brokers now see scope for earnings to lift more quickly if wagering turnover continues to improve, given the operating leverage in the business.

Small revenue gains are flowing through to earnings

One of the key drivers behind the move is how quickly earnings respond to changes in turnover.

Broker estimates suggest even modest growth in wagering activity can lead to a stronger lift in EBITDA. And it stands out more when costs are being kept under control.

Digital channels are also contributing. Higher turnover from online activity and younger users has been noted in recent updates.

The balance sheet is in better shape as well. Lower net debt and consistent cash flow provide more flexibility around spending and capital management.

That helps explain the stock’s re-rating over the past year.

Foolish Takeaway

The move back toward $1 puts Tabcorp within striking distance of a level that has previously capped the share price.

A clean break above $1.095 would likely draw further attention, especially given the strength of the past 12-month run.

From my perspective, a lot of the easier gains look to have already played out after such a strong rally.

I would rather wait and see how the business tracks through the next set of results before getting involved, particularly with the chart sitting near prior highs.

The post Guess which ASX stock is closing in on its multi-year high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX coal stock is sinking 9% today
• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
• Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says
• Why Dateline Resourcs, Northern Star, Rox Resources, and Wesfarmers shares are dropping today
• 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week’s slumping market

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.3% lower amid fresh hopes that the war in Iran will soon be over.

US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to several demands during further talks between the two nations.

Meanwhile, the US continues its blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, and Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire.

Amid this week’s ongoing turmoil, brokers have reduced their ratings on six ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s take a look.

Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC)

The Lynas Rare Earths share price is $20.76, down 0.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mining share has lifted 3.7%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded Lynas shares to a hold rating on Wednesday.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $18.50 to $20.45.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is $5.98, up 4.8% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 lithium share has rocketed 28%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded this stock to a hold rating this week.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $5.30 to $5.25.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $39.58, down 1.1% today.

Over the past month, the ASX 200 bank share has fallen 4.6%.

Morgans downgraded Westpac shares from a trim to sell rating this week.

The broker has a $34.04 target on the financial stock.

Morgans said:

WBC published a trading update ahead of its 1H26 result due for release on 5 May.

Implied revenues were weaker, costs lower, and credit impairment charges higher than our and market expectations.

We revise our rating from TRIM to SELL as total return expectations at current prices have fallen below the -10% trigger.

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

The Bank of Queensland share price is $7.29, up 0.2%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has lifted 5.3%.

Morgans downgraded the bank share to a hold rating on Wednesday.

The broker has a $7.39 target price on Bank of Queensland shares.

Morgans said:

We expect a material decline in 1H26 earnings, with recent share price strength driven by the expected capital return from the equipment finance whole-of-loan sale.

Share price strength has compressed total return potential to c.5%.

As such, we moderate our rating from ACCUMULATE to HOLD.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

The Seek share price is $15.54, up 1.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX communications share has increased 6.4%.

Jefferies downgraded Seek shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $24.80 to $15.90.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price is $62.47, up 5.3% today.

The ASX 200 mining share is 13.3% higher over the past month.

Morgans lowered its rating from buy to accumulate this week.

The broker has a slightly reduced 12-month price target of $67.

Morgans said:

We have updated our 2H26 forecasts to reflect weather impacts in 3Q26, which we expect to have a modest effect on Onslow iron ore shipments, alongside minor increases to cost and capex assumptions driven by inflation in shipping and fuel.

We have also incorporated our revised LT iron ore price of US$85/t (previously US$80/t).

… we move to an ACCUMULATE rating (previously BUY) as recent share price strength has reduced valuation upside.

The post 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Jefferies Financial Group. 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.