Tag: Stock pick

If you had $5,000 ready to invest today, where would you put it?

Markets have been volatile, sentiment has swung sharply, and a number of high-quality ASX shares are still trading well below their peaks. For long-term investors, that combination can open the door to attractive opportunities.

Here are three ASX shares that could be no-brainer buys right now.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The first ASX share that looks very attractive at current levels is biotech leader CSL.

It is not often that a company of CSL’s calibre trades at a discount, but recent headwinds have created that setup. Concerns around the underperformance of its key CSL Behring business, a sudden CEO exit, and broader market sentiment have weighed on the CSL share price.

However, these challenges appear largely short-term rather than structural. CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies, with demand underpinned by ageing populations and rising healthcare needs. These are long-term drivers that are unlikely to change.

As its performance normalises and operational efficiencies improve, there is a clear pathway for margins to recover.

For patient investors, this could be one of those rare windows to buy a world-class business at a more attractive price.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is location technology company Life360.

Life360 is transitioning from just a user growth story into both a monetisation and user growth story. Its platform continues to grow globally, but the focus is now on improving revenue per user through subscriptions, partnerships, and new services.

At the same time, profitability is improving as the company demonstrates operating leverage.

This is often the phase where growth companies begin to rerate, as investors gain confidence in the sustainability of earnings.

If that shift in perception continues, the current share price may prove to be an attractive entry point.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

A final ASX share that could be a strong buy is WiseTech Global.

WiseTech is building what is increasingly becoming the operating system for global logistics. Its CargoWise platform is deeply embedded across supply chains, making it highly difficult for customers to replace.

The interesting part of the story right now is not the business itself, but how it is being priced.

Like many growth names, WiseTech has experienced volatility as investors reassess valuations and consider the impact of emerging technologies. Yet the company continues to expand globally, win larger customers, and deepen its product suite.

With logistics becoming more complex and digitised, WiseTech’s long-term opportunity remains substantial.

The post $5,000 to invest? 3 ASX shares that could be no-brainer buys right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are Life360 shares sliding to fresh lows today?
• 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now
• Better buy? CSL vs Rio Tinto shares
• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Life360, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Life360, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. 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 Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) has a number of positives going for it at the moment, which could make it a good investment.

Plenty of investors may already be utilising this exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy, so short- to medium-term issues may not matter when choosing to invest in it.

But for investors with a wide range of investment choices, there are supportive factors that could help the VAS ETF deliver good returns relative to many other ASX ETFs or individual companies. Let’s run through my thoughts on the appeal.

Bank exposure benefits from rising interest rates

ASX bank shares make up a significant part of the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) – that’s the index that the VAS ETF tracks. At the end of February 2026, approximately a third of the fund was invested in ASX bank shares.

We’re talking about names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ), and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN).

So, whatever happens with banks plays an important role in the index’s overall return.

Elevated inflation and higher interest rates are a headwind for plenty of companies’ earnings and their share prices. However, for banks, it could be a net positive.

While it may lead to higher arrears and bad debts with a few borrowers, the potential uplift in the net interest margin (NIM) is compelling. A higher RBA cash rate should mean banks can earn a higher loan interest rate on lending out transaction account fund balances (which pay little/no interest to customers).

Following the earnings performance of banks during the 2022 to 2024 period, I think this could be a useful time to have ASX bank share exposure.

Commodity price growth

Materials make up just over a quarter of the VAS ETF, with names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), and ASX gold shares all potential beneficiaries. ASX shares related to energy, like ASX lithium shares, ASX coal shares, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), could also see rising earnings.

I don’t know how long inflation will persist or how high it will go, but I think it is a longer-term tailwind for resource prices.

As an index with significant exposure to ASX mining shares, I think the VAS ETF could be a beneficiary in the foreseeable future.

Good dividend yield

The VAS ETF could be an appealing option for passive income, as it offers a stronger dividend yield amid rising household costs.

At the end of February 2026, the VAS ETF had a dividend yield of 2.9%, with franking credits a bonus on top of that.

If bank and miner dividends can grow amid rising profits, then the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF could deliver rising distributions for investors.

The post 3 reasons why the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) could perform strongly appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 Vanguard ETFs for Aussies to buy this month
• 3 simple ASX ETFs to start investing with $5,000
• How long does it take to become a millionaire with ASX shares?
• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Macquarie Group. 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.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares are edging lower today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy provider closed on Friday trading for $12.38. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $12.28 each, down 0.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.5% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Origin Energy shares have gained 21.7% over 12 months, handily outpacing the 15.1% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And that doesn’t include the 60 cents a share in fully-franked dividends the company has paid eligible stockholders over this time. Origin Energy stock trades on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 4.9%.

And looking ahead, Shaw and Partners’ Jed Richards forecasts more outperformance to come (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Origin Energy shares today?

“Origin combines an attractive income profile with leveraged exposure to Australia’s evolving energy market,” Richards said.

Citing the first two reasons he’s bullish on Origin Energy shares, Richards said, “The company benefits from scale in electricity generation and retailing, while its yield remains appealing in a market still sensitive to income certainty.”

On the risk front, he added, “That said, regulatory risk and energy price volatility remain key risks.”

And the third reason you might want to buy the ASX 200 energy stock today relates to Australia’s ongoing sustainable energy push.

“We see Origin as well placed to balance defensive income characteristics with longer term opportunities tied to the domestic energy transition,” Richards concluded.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 energy stock?

Origin Energy reported its half-year results (H1 FY 2026) on 12 February.

Over the six months, the company noted that higher-than-expected earnings in its Energy Markets segment were offset by lower earnings in its Integrated Gas segment and a lower contribution from Octopus Energy.

This saw a 17.5% year-on-year reduction in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $1.589 billion. On the bottom line, underlying profit of $593 million was down 35.8% from H1 FY 2025.

Pleasingly, the ASX 200 energy stock upgraded its full-year underlying Energy Markets EBITDA guidance to between $1.55 billion and $1.75 billion.

“Origin’s first half results are solid, allowing an upgrade to full-year guidance for Energy Markets,” Origin Energy CEO Frank Calabria said.

Calabria added:

Retail performance continued to strengthen, grid-scale batteries added further portfolio flexibility, gas production was steady, and cost management remained disciplined as commodity prices softened.

Origin Energy shares closed up 3.9% on the day of the results release.

The post 3 reasons to buy Origin Energy shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares
• How much would I need to invest in ASX shares to earn $1,000 in passive income every month?
• Natural gas jumps 6% overnight. Which ASX gas giants stand to benefit?
• Passive income investors: These 3 ASX dividend shares pay 5% to 6%

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a reasonably poor start to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.45% to 8,921.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)

The Monash IVF share price is up 14% to 75.7 cents. This morning, the fertility treatment company revealed that it has received a new non-binding takeover proposal from a consortium that includes Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). The consortium had previously offered 80 cents per share. This has now been increased to 90 cents per share and “represents the highest amount the Consortium is prepared to offer as its Offer Price, absent a competing proposal emerging for all or a material part of Monash IVF.” The company advised that its board is assessing the proposal, including obtaining advice from its financial and legal advisers.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up 5% to $133.14. This morning, the health imaging technology company announced that it has signed a five-year contract renewal with Northwestern Medicine. Importantly, the $37 million contract has increased minimums and an increased fee per transaction. Commenting on the deal, Pro Medicus’ CEO, Dr Hupert, said: “We are extremely pleased that in addition to committing to a second five-year term at an increased fee per exam, NM have also committed to an increase in their minimums reflecting the growth in their exam volumes since standardising on our platform five years ago.”

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is up 8% to $15.87. Investors have been buying the radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares after it announced a major collaboration with US-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: REGN). The company notes that there is potential to earn up to US$2.1 billion in development and commercial milestone payments plus low double-digit royalties if Telix opts out of co-funding any program. Telix’s managing director and CEO, Christian Behrenbruch, said: “The collaboration with Regeneron reflects a highly complementary set of capabilities and a unique opportunity to explore what true ‘next gen’ biologics-based radiopharmaceuticals can potentially do for patients.”

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is up almost 3% to $34.19. This energy giant’s shares are rising today after oil prices jumped above US$100 a barrel. The catalyst for the jump was news that US President Donald Trump is threatening to blockade Iranian ports after initial peace talks between the two countries failed.

The post Why Monash IVF, Pro Medicus, Telix, and Woodside shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos are surging in Monday’s sinking market
• Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares
• Telix share price leaping higher today on $3 billion US news
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Why are Pro Medicus shares outperforming the market on Monday?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM) shares are back in the red on Monday amid another weak session on the ASX.

In early afternoon trade, the Metallium share price is down 3.94% to 61 cents.

The move leaves the stock down about 42% in 2026 as investors continue weighing its US scale-up timeline.

Despite today’s decline, the company’s quarterly update continued to show progress at its Texas campus.

The weaker share price appears more tied to the softer ASX backdrop, which has weighed heavily on small-cap stocks.

Here’s what investors are looking at.

Texas commissioning keeps moving forward

According to the release, Metallium’s March quarter report showed continued progress at its Gator Point Technology Campus in Texas. Its flash joule heating platform is being scaled at the site.

During the quarter, more than 40 processing campaigns were completed across printed circuit boards and catalytic converter scrap, with management reporting better throughput, improved recoveries, and stronger system performance.

The next key milestone is the parallel operation of multiple reactors, targeted for the June quarter.

That would mark a major step toward the company’s planned 8,000 tonnes per annum run-rate demonstration and remains central to Metallium’s long-term plans.

The quarter also brought commercial progress.

The company secured its first long-term binding e-scrap feedstock agreement with Glencore for up to 2,400 tonnes per annum. It also locked in a long-term offtake agreement with Indium Corporation covering gallium, germanium, gold, copper, tin, and indium.

Broader ASX weakness may be driving the slide

Monday’s share price drop looks to have less to do with Metallium’s quarterly and more to do with the broader market backdrop.

The ASX opened lower after weekend US-Iran negotiations broke down. That has reignited concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and pushed brent crude back above US$101 a barrel.

That broader risk-off mood has weighed heavily on smaller ASX growth stocks. This is especially true for companies still moving from pilot success toward scaled commercial operations .

Metallium appears to be getting caught in that broader sell-off.

Foolish Takeaway

The company’s latest quarterly update continues to show steady progress across Texas commissioning, commercial partnerships, and its broader US strategy.

But today’s share price weakness looks more closely tied to the softer ASX backdrop and renewed geopolitical nerves.

The next major milestone remains the June quarter multi-reactor demonstration. This could become the next major catalyst if successfully delivered, and potentially send the Metallium share price soaring.

The company is currently valued at $449 million.

The post This beaten-down ASX small cap is sliding again despite a major US milestone appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why A2 Milk, Metallium, Northern Star, and St Barbara shares are sinking today
• This ASX critical minerals company could more than double in value: Broker
• Another US milestone, another share price drop: What’s going on with this ASX stock?
• This ASX stock just landed a 10-year US deal and investors are buying in
• Why this ASX stock just dropped 7% after today’s announcement

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.55% to 8,912.2 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are tumbling:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk Company share price is down almost 15% to $7.90. Investors have been selling the infant formula company’s shares after it downgraded its guidance for FY 2026 due to supply chain disruptions. A2 Milk now expects revenue growth in the low to mid double-digit range, which is down from its previous guidance of mid double-digit growth. Furthermore, its EBITDA margins are now expected to be between 14% and 14.5% in FY 2026. This is down from its prior guidance of 15.5% to 16%. In light of this, the company’s net profit after tax is now expected to be similar to or lower than in FY 2025. Another negative is that cash conversion is expected to fall significantly to around 50%. This is down from prior expectations of 80% for the financial year.

Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM)

The Metallium share price is down 4% to 61 cents. This morning, the metals recovery company released its quarterly update and reported an operating cash outflow of $5.7 million and an investing activities outflow of $15.2 million. However, thanks to a $75 million capital raising, the company finished the period with cash and equivalents of $82 million.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is down 3.5% to $23.60. Investors have been selling Northern Star and other ASX gold stocks on Monday after the gold price pulled back following the failure of peace talks between the US and Iran. And with the US now threatening to blockade Iranian ports, causing oil prices to surge beyond US$100 a barrel again, there are concerns that inflation could rise and lead to interest rate hikes. The latter is seen as a negative for gold.

St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM)

The St Barbara share price is down 3% to 70.2 cents. Not even the release of this gold miner’s quarterly update this morning has been able to offset weakness in the gold industry. St Barbara reported a 49% jump in gold production to 13,522 ounces. This underpinned gold sales of 11,974 ounces at an average sale price of A$6,892 per ounce. The company has not finalised its all-in sustaining costs for the third quarter. However, it revealed that it expects a fourth-quarter AISC in the range of $4,100 to $4,500 per ounce.

The post Why A2 Milk, Metallium, Northern Star, and St Barbara shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 194% in a year, ASX 300 gold stock gets ‘big confidence boost’ from Canada
• Why are A2 Milk shares sinking 18% today?
• The a2 Milk Company lowers FY26 guidance amid supply chain challenges
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares

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 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) energy stocks are jumping higher on Monday even as the broader market is in retreat.

In late morning trade on Monday, the ASX 200 is down 0.4%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is up 2.8%.

Here’s how these leading Australian oil and gas producers are tracking at this same time:

• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 3.6%
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are up 2.7%
• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are up 5.6%
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are up 6.0%

Now, here’s why investors are flocking to the energy sector today.

ASX 200 energy stocks lift off on unsuccessful peace talks

Aussie investors went into the weekend with hopes, albeit faint ones, that peace talks between the US and Iran might lead to a rapid end to the war.

By market open this morning, investors knew that those talks had failed to reach an agreement. Investors also learned that a disappointed President Donald Trump said the US will now implement a blockade on all ships using Iranian ports. That blockade will reportedly commence on Monday night Aussie time.

With the potential loss of some two million barrels a day of Iranian oil that had still be passing through the Strait of Hormuz, global oil and gas prices rocketed on the news, offering a boost to ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares today.

Brent crude oil is up 7.7% overnight, currently trading back at US$102.54 per barrel.

What are the experts saying?

Commenting on the expected US blockade on vessels using Iranian ports, Mona Yacoubian, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said (quoted by Bloomberg):

It strikes me that that is quite an ambitious endeavour, and it doesn’t solve the problem of disruption… Experience suggests that the Iranians will not concede but will respond in kind.

Haris Khurshid, chief investment officer at Karobaar Capital, noted that investors may have been overly optimistic heading into the peace talks, which is pressuring the broader market today while lifting ASX 200 energy stocks.

“The market got ahead of itself on de-escalation,” Khurshid said.

Prior to the blockade announcement, Dionissios Kontos, co-founder of Meyka AI, sounded a moderately positive note.

“The nuance is worth watching,” Kontos said. “Iran’s foreign ministry left the door open for further talks, so this isn’t a full collapse, just prolonged uncertainty.”

How have these ASX 200 energy stocks been tracking?

With the overnight surge in global energy prices, the Brent crude oil price is up 68.5% in 2026.

Here’s how the above four ASX 200 energy stocks have performed year to date (compared to a 2.4% gain posted by the benchmark index):

• Woodside shares are up 45.7%
• Santos shares are up 31.8%
• Beach Energy shares are up 9.6%
• Karoon Energy shares are up 35.6%

The post How ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos are surging in Monday’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares
• 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning in April 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
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• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Magellan, and Woodside shares

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.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN) shares are edging lower on Monday despite another steady production and cash update from the gold miner.

In late morning trade, the Kingsgate share price is down 0.96% to $5.17.

The weakness comes amid a softer session for the broader ASX after failed weekend talks between the United States and Iran. This appears to have weighed on market sentiment and pushed investors away from risk assets.

Despite today’s dip, Kingsgate shares are still up more than 233% over 12 months, ranking among the ASX’s best-performing gold stocks.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s update.

Another strong quarter keeps FY26 on track

According to the release, Kingsgate reported March quarter production of 21,036 ounces of gold and 182,549 ounces of silver.

That marks the 5th consecutive quarter of gold production above 20,000 ounces and takes year-to-date output to 65,915 ounces of gold and 545,932 ounces of silver.

The company also lifted its total cash, bullion, and dore balance to $213 million at 31 March, up roughly 19% from the December quarter.

Management said the result reflected another solid quarter from the Chatree mine in Thailand, supported by a new monthly production record in March after an additional excavator joined the fleet.

The result also follows the recent payment of an interim dividend, with management reiterating that full-year guidance remains unchanged.

So, why is the market still cautious today?

The softer share price move likely reflects profit-taking and broader ASX weakness rather than disappointment with the release itself.

After rallying more than 200% over the past year, Kingsgate shares had already priced in a lot of operational momentum.

That can make even a solid quarterly update less likely to drive fresh buying unless the result materially exceeds market expectations.

Gold stocks are also seeing some mixed sentiment today as investors weigh safe-haven demand against broader market selling pressure across the ASX.

The stock also remains well below the low-$7 levels reached earlier this year, suggesting some investors are locking in gains after the strong run.

Foolish Takeaway

Kingsgate continues to deliver steady results from its established gold operation.

Production remains consistent, cash generation is building, and the balance sheet continues to strengthen even after dividend payments.

While today’s share price dip looks more like a reflection of weaker ASX sentiment and short-term profit-taking, the company’s operating momentum remains solid.

Based on the current share price, Kingsgate has a market capitalisation of around $1.39 billion.

The post Gold output rises again, but this ASX miner is slipping with the market today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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 300 Index (ASX: XKO) gold stock St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) is slipping today.

St Barbara shares closed Friday trading for 72.5 cents. In morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for 71.0 cents apiece, down 2.1%.

For some context, the ASX 300 is down 0.4% at this same time. And, in a better comparison of golden apples to golden apples, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down a steeper 3.4%.

That comes as the gold price fell 2% to US$4,668 per ounce overnight after failed peace talks with Iran saw US President Donald Trump vow to blockade the Strait of Hormuz to starve Iran of funds.

Despite today’s dip, the St Barbara share price remains up a very impressive 193.8% over 12 months.

Now, here’s what the Aussie gold miner just reported.

ASX 300 gold stock gets restart green light

Before market open, St Barbara announced that the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) had approved amendments to the Industrial Approval permit conditions to allow the Touquoy Restart.

The ASX 300 gold stock expects to recommence ore processing at its Touquoy gold mine, located in Canada, by the end of calendar year 2026.

In early February, St Barbara earmarked C$2.9 million (AU$3.0 million) to accelerate the refurbishment of the Touquoy processing facility.

The gold miner forecasts operating cash flow from the Touquoy Restart will be C$118 million at US$4,000 per ounce over a 13-month period. St Barbara said it anticipates gold production of 38,000 ounces over this time, stemming from 3.0 million tonnes of stockpiles grading 0.4 grams of gold per tonne.

“This will be a big confidence boost to the industry,” St Barbara CEO Andrew Strelein said.

Strelein added:

We are very pleased to have received approval of Industrial Approval permit conditions necessary for the restart of Touquoy. This approval has been received within the Province’s target timeframe for approvals and demonstrates the constructive engagement and sense of urgency of the new Large Infrastructure File Team within the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

St Barbara quarterly gold production surges

In a separate price sensitive release this morning, the ASX 300 gold stock reported its preliminary third quarter (Q3 FY 2026) results.

Highlights for the three months included gold production of 13,522 ounces, up 49% quarter on quarter. Gold sales in the March quarter came to 11,974 ounces. St Barbara received an average sale price of AU$6,892 per ounce.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, the ASX 300 gold stock forecast gold production in the range of 14,000 to 17,000 ounces from the New Simberi Gold Project, located in Papua New Guinea. St Barbara’s anticipated 40% attributable share of gold production is forecast to be in the range of 5,600 to 6,800 ounces in Q4.

The post Up 194% in a year, ASX 300 gold stock gets ‘big confidence boost’ from Canada appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This beaten-down ASX gold stock just cleared a major hurdle. So why are investors selling?
• Guess which newly minted ASX 300 gold stock is lifting off today on $500 million news
• Up 148% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock sinking today amid $370 million news

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.

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what Shaw and Partners is saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells this week? Let’s find out:

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

Shaw and Partners currently rates this energy giant as a hold.

While there are positives, it has concerns over the challenges that AGL Energy faces with respect to asset transitions and evolving policy settings. It explains:

AGL provides exposure to Australia’s energy sector during a period of structural change. The company benefits from its scale and essential service positioning, but faces ongoing challenges as it navigates asset transitions and evolving policy settings. Earnings stability has improved, yet execution risk still remains. In our view, AGL warrants a hold rating, balancing its strategic importance against longer term capital requirements.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

Shaw and Partners is far more positive on rival Origin Energy. This week, the broker has put a buy rating on its shares.

It likes the company due to its attractive income profile and exposure to the domestic energy transition. However, it warns that an investment is not without risk. Shaw and Partners said:

Origin combines an attractive income profile with leveraged exposure to Australia’s evolving energy market. The company benefits from scale in electricity generation and retailing, while its yield remains appealing in a market still sensitive to income certainty. That said, regulatory risk and energy price volatility remain key risks. We see Origin as well placed to balance defensive income characteristics with longer term opportunities tied to the domestic energy transition.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, Shaw and Partners rates Woodside shares as a sell this week.

The broker believes investors should be taking advantage of a strong rise in its share price to sell at current levels. It explains:

This energy giant has historically struggled to consistently meet market expectations. While the current commodity environment has supported its share price, we see this as an opportunity to exit. Capital intensity, project execution risk and long dated development timelines remain my concerns.

Investors may want to consider taking advantage of its recent valuation and improved sentiment. The shares rose from $23.59 on January 9 to $35.80 on April 7. The shares were trading at $33.37 on April 9. The shares are also responding to volatile crude oil prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.

The post Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.