Tag: Stock pick

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XAO) shares are up 0.3% to 8,724.3 points on Thursday.

The market has endured much volatility in the calendar year-to-date (YTD).

We started the year with a major metals commodity sell-off in late January/early February.

Then the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February, leading to a world oil supply crisis that has raised inflation.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised interest rates three times in 2026 in an effort to curb resurgent inflation.

The market is pricing a 76% chance of another 0.25% hike when the RBA board meets again on 28-29 September.

Overnight, the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years.

The Fed increased its benchmark rate by 0.25% to a range of 3.75% and 4%, also due to persistently high inflation.

On top of that, bond yields have surged to multi-year highs in both Australia and the US over the past month.

Rising bond yields, especially at today’s level of 5% or more for 10-year bonds, can pull investment away from ASX shares.

Put all of this together and it’s not so great for the share market.

The ASX 200 was up 5.6% for the YTD just before the conflict in Iran began.

In the month following the first strike, the ASX 200 fell 8.9%.

There have been more fluctuations ever since.

Today, ASX 200 shares have slipped into the red for the YTD.

Here’s a visual aide.

Despite all of this, a large survey shows ASX shares investors are still buying stocks amid the volatility.

Investors still buying ASX shares

A survey of more than 8,500 Aussie investors and traders conducted by CMC shows continuing engagement in the ASX share market.

More than 55% said they were more cautious, but 87% plan to carry on investing the same amount, or more, over the next six months.

Fraser Allan, Head of Premium Client Management at CMC, said uncertainty in markets had not deterred investors this year.

Rather than stepping back, they appear to be reassessing how and where they participate, a measured response that reflects neither complacency nor retreat.

That’s a meaningful shift from what could be expected, given that uncertainty has in the past led some retail investors and traders to flee to cash.

This time, some investors and traders are staying in the market and adjusting how they participate.

ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were the most common way investors and traders had added to their portfolios this year.

About 48% increased their investment in ETFs, 38% raised their ASX shareholdings, and 21% increased their US stock positions.

The post ASX shares investors are still buying despite volatility: survey appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Aurizon, Car Group, Guzman y Gomez shares
• Could this evolving development smash ASX lithium shares like Liontown, Mineral Resources and PLS?
• Buy, hold, sell: Temple & Webster, Kelsian, Boss Energy shares
• Saudi oil crisis is about to hit Europe, could Australia be next?
• ASX 200 rebounds from recent lows. Is this just another false start?

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.

S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares are 0.4% higher at 8,659.1 points on Thursday.

On The Bull this week, Toby Grimm from Baker Young explains his views and ratings on three ASX 300 shares.

Let’s take a look.  

Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

The Aurizon share price is $3.73, up 0.5% today and up 16% over 12 months. 

Grimm has a buy rating on this ASX 300 industrials share. 

He commented: 

This coal and freight logistics firm delivered better than expected full year 2026 results, in our view. Revenue of $4.194 billion was up 6 per cent on the prior corresponding period and statutory net profit after tax of $362 million was up 19 per cent.

A highly encouraging performance at its containerised freight division provides a long term opportunity, in our view.

Strong global coal prices amid favourable weather conditions to date in New South Wales and Queensland should generate demand for export logistics.

While competition for haulage contracts may lower margins, the business outlook remains positive.

It was recently trading on an attractive dividend yield above 6 per cent.

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

The CAR share price is $23.91, down 0.5% today and down 37% over 12 months. 

Grimm has a hold rating on this ASX 300 communications share. 

He said: 

Australia’s premium online car trading platform posted reported revenue of $1.253 billion in full year 2026, up 6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported net profit after tax of $314 million was up 14 per cent.

Guidance for 2027 appears favourable relative to consensus expectations.

While the stock remains expensive relative to the broader market, its recent forward price/earnings ratio was trading at a significant discount to its average over the past four years.

The company expects revenue growth of between 11 per cent and 14 per cent in constant currency in full year 2027.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The Guzman Y Gomez share price is $24.91, up 0.2% today and down 1% over 12 months. 

Grimm has a sell rating on this ASX 300 consumer discretionary share. 

He explained: 

The share price has rallied strongly after a decision to exit loss making US operations in May, followed by encouraging full year results in August.

While there’s a near term benefit of withdrawing from the US, the decision also removes long term expansion potential. Also, it places more pressure on Australia, Singapore and Japan to perform to greater heights to justify what we consider a lofty price-earnings multiple.

The shares materially exceed our valuation. The shares have risen from $16 on May 20 to trade at $26.85 on September 10.

Investors may want to consider taking a profit at these levels given the Australian economy is dealing with a cost of living crisis.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aurizon, Car Group, Guzman y Gomez shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares forecast to fly 30% to 40% higher
• Up 67%! Is it too late to buy the rally in Guzman Y Gomez shares now?
• My top ASX passive income stocks for the next 10 years
• Experts name 3 top ASX shares to buy this week
• 3 ASX shares with dividend yields of between 6% and 11%

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 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.

After posting strong growth for much of the past full year, ASX lithium shares have come under selling pressure in recent months.

Over the last year, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has slipped 2.1%, with the All Ords having dropped 4.0% in the past month.

Here’s how the performance from these top ASX lithium shares compares:

• Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) are up 12.2% in a year and down 22.3% in a month.
• Pls Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares – formerly Pilbara Minerals – are up 85.2% in a year and down 17.9% in a month.
• IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are up 40.7% in a year and down 17.4% in a month.
• Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are up 224.6% in a year and down 6.1% in a month.
• And Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are up 41.7% in a year and down 19.0% in a month.

The common headwind battering all of the miners over the last month is the sharp retrace in global lithium prices.

While the lithium carbonate price remains up 79% since this time last year, it’s fallen 34% from its mid-May multi-year highs. And that fall accelerated in recent weeks, with the lithium price slumping 17% since 1 September.

A lot of that decline has come after global and Australian miners ramped up their production amid higher lithium prices, which looks to have quickly led to an oversupply situation.

But ASX lithium shares, and their stockholders, could have more to worry about than just an oversupply of lithium.

Indeed, investors would do well to keep one eye on sodium, an element widely available across the globe.

Will sodium batteries put more pressure on ASX lithium shares?

Lithium batteries aren’t the only way to store large amounts of energy.

Indeed, in potentially concerning news for ASX lithium shares, Chinese battery manufacturing giant CATL expects that sodium-based batteries could take a big slice of market share from lithium batteries.

Addressing the Australian Financial Review Asia Summit, CATL Australia chairman John Kwon said sodium-ion battery costs will likely be on par with lithium-ion batteries early in 2027.

While Kwon said lithium batteries would remain a superior choice for EVs, sodium batteries could be better for date centre power storage. He noted that sodium batteries aren’t as sensitive to temperature as lithium batteries. And they can be recharged more often.

“Sodium-ion is now moving from development towards commercial deployment,” Kwon said (quoted by the AFR).

He added:

Sodium-ion is an important development because it creates another pathway for scaling battery deployment using widely available raw materials and adding flexibility to global supply chains.

And ASX lithium shares could be facing that fresh competition soon, with Kwon forecasting that sodium batteries should be commercially available in Australia by mid-2027.

The post Could this evolving development smash ASX lithium shares like Liontown, Mineral Resources and PLS? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares could return 50% to 85%
• Is the PLS Group share price a buy in September?
• ASX 200 drops again as selling continues
• Buy, hold, sell: Magellan, Iluka Resources, PLS Group shares
• Which ASX lithium miners does Macquarie prefer?

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.

S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are down 0.3% to 8,904.6 points on Thursday.

Meanwhile, on The Bull this week, two experts share their views on three ASX shares.

Let’s take a look.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price is $4.35, down 0.8% today and down 82% over 12 months. 

Toby Grimm from Baker Young has a buy rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

Grimm said: 

We don’t regularly play high growth consumer discretionary stocks, but we see an opportunity emerging in this online furniture and homewares retailer.

The company delivered record revenue of $664.6 million in full year 2026, up 10.6 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

It’s worth noting that new chief executive Susie Sugden was previously the chief marketing officer during the company’s highly successful infancy between 2016 and 2020.

The company is focusing on improving margins, which, in our view, is conservative and prudent given the incredibly challenging conditions in the retail sector.

We believe new management deserves an opportunity to rebase expectations in a sector offering medium term upside.

Also, we believe accumulating a position is worth considering for those willing to take relatively high volatility risk.

Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS)

The Kelsian share price is $4.05, up 0.5% today and down 18% over 12 months. 

Grimm has a hold rating on this ASX industrials share. 

He explained: 

KLS is a global operator of bus, motor coach and marine services.

In our view, it delivered highly respectable 2026 results, but was marked down on doubts surrounding the sustainability of its impressive US performance and the withdrawal of the SeaLink Rottnest Island ferry from the sale of its planned tourism portfolio.

However, we do see value at recent levels for what will ultimately be a far less volatile business moving forward.

It was recently trading on modest forward earnings multiples.

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is $1.59, up 4.1% today and down 17% over 12 months. 

Joshua Baker from RaaS Group has a sell rating on this ASX uranium share. 

Baker said: 

Boss is a multi-mine uranium producer. It owns the Honeymoon project in South Australia and has a 30 per cent stake in the Alta Mesa project in South Texas.

The Honeymoon project has presented challenges, with the company cutting production guidance in response to bad weather in the third quarter of 2026. A resource downgrade has since followed.

The company posted a net profit after tax of of $2.544 million in fiscal year 2026, up from a loss of $34.168 million in the prior year.

The shares have fallen from $4.62 on June 23, 2025 to trade at $1.53 on September 10, 2026.

Other stocks appeal more at this stage of the cycle.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Temple & Webster, Kelsian, Boss Energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Lovisa vs Temple & Webster: Which ASX retailer is the better growth stock today?
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Boss Energy and Fortescue shares
• Experts name 3 top ASX shares to buy this week
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Energy shares rose while the ASX 200 slumped last week. Here’s why

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

Europe’s latest oil problem might feel a long way from Australia.

But I wouldn’t be so quick to ignore it.

Saudi Arabia has been forced to cut some crude shipments to Europe after drone attacks damaged its East-West Pipeline.

That pipeline carries oil from the kingdom’s eastern fields to the Red Sea.

The route has become especially important because it allows Saudi crude to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

However, that backup route has now been shut off.

And while Australia doesn’t rely heavily on Saudi oil, we could still end up feeling the impact here.

Europe is already scrambling

Saudi Aramco has reportedly cancelled some September cargoes to European customers, while others have been delayed.

Polish refiner Orlen responded by securing 16 replacement crude cargoes from suppliers including Norway, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the Americas.

That shows us just how quickly buyers are having to look elsewhere. And the more refiners chasing replacement barrels, the more competition there is for the same supply.

Brent crude is still trading above US$100 per barrel after jumping earlier this week, although prices have pulled back from their recent highs.

One reason is that Saudi Arabia has found another way to move some of its oil.

The kingdom has been offering more crude to Asian refiners through ship-to-ship transfers near Oman, while loadings from Saudi Gulf ports have increased.

Could Australia feel it next?

Yes, but the impact here won’t necessarily be fuel shortages.

Australia imports fuel from a number of countries across the Asia-Pacific. Its two remaining refineries in Brisbane and Geelong produced around 20% of the country’s annual fuel needs in 2025.

That means Australia isn’t in the same position as European refiners trying to replace lost Saudi supply.

The bigger risk for us is price.

Most of our imported refined fuel comes from Asia, while local petrol and diesel prices are heavily influenced by Singapore fuel benchmarks and the Aussie dollar.

So, if higher crude prices push fuel prices up across Asia, Australian motorists could end up paying more at the pump.

And it may not take very long.

The ACCC says changes in international benchmark prices can take around 2 weeks to flow through to fuel prices in Australian cities.

We have some breathing room

Australia does at least have some protection if the situation gets worse.

During the June quarter, our fuel stocks averaged around 44 days of petrol, 36 days of diesel, and 31 days of jet fuel.

The government is also working towards a one-billion-litre strategic fuel reserve, along with higher minimum stockholding requirements.

So, I don’t think Australia is about to run out of fuel any time soon.

But if the problems in the Middle East drag on, Australians will end up paying more at the petrol station.

The post Saudi oil crisis is about to hit Europe, could Australia be next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX shares investors are still buying despite volatility: survey
• Buy, hold, sell: Aurizon, Car Group, Guzman y Gomez shares
• Could this evolving development smash ASX lithium shares like Liontown, Mineral Resources and PLS?
• Buy, hold, sell: Temple & Webster, Kelsian, Boss Energy shares
• ASX 200 rebounds from recent lows. Is this just another false start?

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) is finally having a better day on Thursday, although it has already given back some of its early gains.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up 0.39% to 8,730 points after climbing as high as 8,787 points earlier in the session.

That puts the index a little further away from Tuesday’s intraday low of 8,657 points, but there’s still plenty of damage to repair.

The benchmark remains down 4.22% over the past month, while trading around 6% below its 52-week high of 9,296 points.

So, is this another short-lived bounce or can the rally keep going?

Bank shares drive the rebound

The big four banks are doing plenty of the work today.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 1.29% to $153.49, while National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have climbed 1.96% to $38.77.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are 1.63% higher at $34.99, and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are up 1.78% to $37.67.

There is some help coming from healthcare as well, with CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares rising 1.41% to $176.86.

The gains are reasonably widespread, too.

At the latest check, 109 ASX 200 stocks are rising, compared with 84 falling and 7 unchanged.

The next few sessions will tell us more

Today’s bounce is encouraging, but I’d be a little careful about reading too much into one session just yet.

Wall Street finished lower overnight after the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75% to 4%.

It was the Fed’s first-rate hike since July 2023.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fell 1.21%, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) dropped 0.45%.

The Fed also left the door open to further rate hikes as it continues trying to get inflation back towards its 2% target.

There is plenty happening locally as well.

The RBA cash rate is currently 4.35% after three hikes in 2026, with its next interest rate decision due on 29 September.

Energy stocks are also weighing on the market today as oil prices pull back.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are down 1.95% to $32.62, while Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares have fallen 2.92% to $8.48.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s rebound is a welcome change, but I don’t think it tells us much on its own.

The ASX 200 was more than 1% higher earlier this morning before giving back a decent chunk of that gain. That shows buyers are not completely in control just yet.

I’d be more interested to see whether the index can string together a few positive sessions and work its way back above 8,800 points.

The post ASX 200 rebounds from recent lows. Is this just another false start? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget CSL shares, I’d buy this ASX biotech stock instead
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy for income and growth in retirement
• CSL acknowledges “disappointing” results but aims to do better
• The Fed just hiked rates for the first time in 3 years. What does it mean for ASX investors?
•  If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in FY27?

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 positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. 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) has climbed higher again on Thursday morning, up around another 0.5%. The increase is great news after the index suffered consecutive declines over the past month. And now many investors are focused on ASX 200 shares that can continue climbing higher from here.

Here are three ASX 200 shares that broker forecasts suggest could jump up to 40% over the next 12 months.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The ASX 200 airline shares were smashed lower earlier this year as conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel prices put airlines under pressure. There was a brief rebound around July, but recent renewal of geopolitical tensions has seen the share price tumble again over the past month.

Jet fuel (refined from crude oil) is the highest operating cost for airlines. That means that when oil prices increase amid tight supply and geopolitical tensions, jet fuel prices also jump. And this means that airlines, such as Qantas, face higher operating costs.

But despite the higher fuel costs, the company expects to see unit revenues grow by 8% to 10% in the first half of FY27.

And the experts appear to be bullish that the ASX 200 shares could be a turnaround story for FY27. Market Index data shows all brokers have a strong buy rating on Qantas shares. And the $11.31 average target price implies a potential 30% upside at the time of writing.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Paladin Energy shares are rebounding on Thursday after a steep selloff over the past week.

The decline is likely due to a number of factors. These include geopolitical uncertainty and a drop in confidence for ASX uranium shares.

Renewed conflict in the Middle East, higher inflation data, and concerns about more interest-rate rises has seen some investors reduce their exposure to higher risk shares.

But despite the latest investor loss of confidence and share price declines, it looks like the experts are still very bullish about the outlook for Paladin Energy shares over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers still have a buy rating on the ASX 200 shares. At the $12.83 average target price implies an upside of around 35% at the time of writing.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

Shares in the ASX 200 technology company, which runs online global marketplaces for cars, motorcycles, boats and commercial vehicles, have tumbled around 20% over the past month.

The company has been hit by broad market volatility and investors taking their gains off the table after a rally following its FY26 results last month.

CAR Group’s FY26 results overall were positive. It reported FY26 revenue of $1.253 billion, up 6%, and NPAT of $314 million, up 14% on the prior year. Reported adjusted EBITDA was up 8% to $667 million. 

And looking ahead to FY27, CAR Group said it expects revenue growth of 11% to 14% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 10% to 13% on a constant currency basis. The company also plans for high single-digit revenue growth in Australia and double-digit growth in North America, Latin America and Asia.

The shares spiked around 10% on the day of the announcement, but have since tumbled back towards an annual low. 

But broker forecasts suggest the selloff was overdone and that the shares have the potential to rebound in the near future. Market Index data shows all brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX 200 shares. And the $33.64 average target price implies an upside of around 40% at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares forecast to fly 30% to 40% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares could return 50% to 85%
• Down 17% in a week: What has happened to Paladin Energy shares?
• Could I retire comfortably with $800,000 in superannuation?
• Why I’d invest $10,000 into Qantas shares today
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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

Shares in Echo IQ Ltd (ASX: EIQ) jumped more than 10% after the company said it believed there was a “clear path” to obtaining regulatory approval in the US for its EchoSolv HF technology.

US roadblock not a dead end

Echo IQ shares fell almost 50% last week when the company revealed that the US Food & Drug Administration had issued a Not Substantially Equivalent determination for the company’s application for the approval of clinical use of EchoSolv HF.

But the company, having reviewed the situation, said on Thursday that work was underway with regulatory consultants and legal counsel about attaining regulatory approval.

The company said it “believes there is a clear path forward to obtaining FDA clearance for EchoSolv HF and it’s progressing this as a priority”.

The company added that the approval could be granted “over the coming quarters”.

Echo IQ said regarding the issue:

Following a review of the FDA’s feedback, the Company considers the matters cited to be limited to aspects of statistical analysis supporting the clinical validation. The Company’s assessment has not identified concerns relating to the underlying technology or core functionality of the EchoSolv HF device, and Echo IQ remains confident that clearance remains achievable under the 510(k) route. Echo IQ has identified multiple potential pathways to progress EchoSolv HF towards FDA clearance, including an administrative appeal of the NSE determination, seeking review through the FDA Ombudsman, or submitting a new 510(k) application.

The company said the timelines for an administrative appeal were not strictly defined, “and, in certain circumstances, may be shorter than 90 days”.

Echo IQ added:

If the Company were to file an administrative appeal, it may result in the NSE determination being overturned, the FDA reopening its review and potentially providing clearance of EchoSolv HF, or the FDA requesting that the Company resubmit a 510(k) for clearance, providing clarity on the matters Echo IQ must address to resolve the FDA’s previously identified concerns and obtain clearance.

EchoSolv HF is software that aims to improve the identification of patients at risk of heart failure.

The company recently said it remained well-funded, with more than $105 million in cash.

Shares bouncing back

Despite falling sharply on the recent news, Echo IQ shares have still appreciated 128% over a 12-month period.

The company’s shares were 10.7% higher at 57 cents on Thursday. They have traded as high as $1.87 and as low as 16.5 cents over the past year.

The company is valued at $381.6 million.   

The post Shares surge as ASX biotech charts road to redemption appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Echo IQ, James Hardie, Woolworths shares
• 6 ASX shares downgraded by brokers this week
• Morgans says these ASX shares could return 48% to 95%
• EchoIQ shares just crashed 48%. What happens now?
• Why has this ASX biotech fallen nearly 50% today?

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

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have climbed into the green in Thursday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing the ASX biotech shares are up around 1% and are changing hands for $176.50 each.

The shares have now jumped about 31% over the past month alone after rebounding strongly in August following the company’s FY26 results announcement.

CSL reported total revenue of US$15.8 billion and NPAT of US$2.6 billion. It also recorded a net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion for FY26, coming from pre-tax impairments and restructuring costs. The result came in way ahead of guidance and CSL management described FY26 as a ‘reset year’, with FY27 marking a return to growth.

A sectorwide rotation back into ASX healthcare shares has also helped boost CSL shares higher recently.

I think there is a lot of potential for the company to grow over the next few years. CSL is operating in a high-growth market, and its blood plasma division dominates the market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products.

Analysts sentiment has also turned more positive. Market Index data shows the majority have a buy rating on CSL shares. But after the latest rally, the $159.86 average target price now implies a potential 8% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

The past month has seen CSL go from strength to strength, and the share price rebound is impressive.

But there is another ASX biotech stock I’d buy instead.

The ASX biotech stock I have my eye on right now

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) is a little different from CSL. The two businesses are major Australian biotech companies but have a vastly different focus, scale, and market position.

CSL focuses on plasma therapies while Telix focuses on radiopharmaceuticals. In terms of size, CSL is a global industry giant with multi-billion-dollar revenues but Telix is a mid-size company in the midst of strong growth.

It’s Telix’s growth opportunities which I find most appealing. 

Its shares are in the spotlight this week after the company announced that its brain cancer imaging drug, Pixclara, has received approval from the US FDA. This makes it the first FET-PET imaging drug cleared for use in glioma and expands Telix’s precision medicine portfolio.

Telix says Pixclara is already the subject of a Phase 3 trial for diagnosis in additional brain conditions, with potential expansion to brain metastases. 

The company said it plans to target market leadership in both imaging and treatment for several high-need cancers.

Telix’s broader pipeline includes late-stage assets in prostate, kidney, and glioblastoma cancers, with a focus on bringing further precision medicine products to both existing and new markets worldwide.

The update came off the back of several other good-news announcements out of Telix so far this year, including an application for key regulatory approval in Europe, several announcements about its growth and development plans, news that FDA had accepted its NDA for TLX101-Px (Pixclara®), and the announcement of a major collaboration with US-based biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. 

Telix also posted an impressive first-half FY26 result last month. Highlights include a 22% increase in revenue to US$477 million, and a strong gross margin improvement to 55%. Adjusted EBITDA also surged 146% year-on-year to US$52 million.

What do brokers tip next for Telix Pharmaceuticals shares?

I think there is plenty more room for Telix shares to run higher this year. And it looks like brokers agree too.

TradingView data shows that 14 out of 16 analysts have a buy/strong buy rating on the shares. The average $25.48 target price implies a potential 45% upside, while the maximum $30.99 target price suggests the stock could climb 76%, at the time of writing.

The post Forget CSL shares, I’d buy this ASX biotech stock instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CSL acknowledges “disappointing” results but aims to do better
• CSL, Resmed, and more. See which ASX health stocks RBC Capital Markets has upgraded
• 4DMedical vs Telix Pharmaceuticals: ASX health tech share showdown
• Two broker upgrades put CSL shares back in focus
• Are Telix shares a buy after its big US FDA news?

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

Superannuation funds have had a solid start to the financial year, with the median growth fund growing by 1.1% over the first two months, according to industry research company Chant West.

Volatility not hindering superannuation returns

Chant West said despite concerns around inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions, superannuation funds gained ground in August with the median growth fund, with 61% to 80% of its funds in growth assets, gaining 0.9%.

Chant West Head of Superannuation Investment Research Mano Mohankumar said the healthy return for August was driven by domestic and global share markets, which in aggregate account for about 55% of a typical growth portfolio.

He added:

Despite some volatility towards the latter part of August, over the full month, developed market international shares advanced 2.5% in hedged terms led by the US. Markets were supported by strong corporate earnings and the tech sector regained momentum after some AI-related companies had been sold down in July. The Australian dollar appreciated over the month, which pulled the 2.5% hedged return back to 0.5% in unhedged terms. On average, super funds have about 70% of international shares unhedged. Emerging markets also finished higher, returning 1.3%.

Mr Mohankumar said Australian shares gained 1.6% over August, falling short of international markets but still a solid result.

A stronger resources sector offset weakness among financial shares, he said.

High growth portfolios led the gains over August with 1.2% growth, with all growth second with 1.1%, and growth third on 0.9%.

Mr Mohankumar said over the long term, superannuation had outperformed its aims.

Since the introduction of compulsory super in July 1992, the median growth fund has returned 8% p.a. The annual CPI increase over the same period is 2.7%, giving a real return of 5.3% p.a. – well above the typical 3.5% target. Even looking at the past 20 years, which includes three major share market downturns – the GFC in 2007-2009, COVID-19 in 2020, and the high inflation and rising interest rates in 2022 – super funds have returned 6.9% p.a., which is still ahead of the typical objective.

Time for a superannuation check-up?

If you’re looking to top up your super, it’s worth reading up on concessional contributions.

Concessional contributions include the amount contributed by your employer, but can also include extra amounts paid into your super on top of that.

This can be tax-effective, as these contributions are taxed at just 15%, meaning you could get tax back at the end of the year if your tax rate is higher than this.

The cap for such contributions, including your employer’s contribution, salary sacrifice amounts, and extra contributions, is $32,500 per year.

The post Superannuation has had a strong start to the year. See how much it’s up already appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shares surge as ASX biotech charts road to redemption
• Forget CSL shares, I’d buy this ASX biotech stock instead
• 5 ASX shares I’d recommend to beginners
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy for income and growth in retirement
• James Hardie says it doesn’t need a US housing recovery. Can it prove it?

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