Tag: Stock pick

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another positive session this Thursday, adding to the gains we saw yesterday and pushing the ASX 200 back above 8,700 points. By the time trading wrapped up today, the index had added 0.29%, leaving it at 8,720.8 points.

    This happy day for the ASX comes after a more mixed morning up on the American markets.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a nasty time of it, dropping 0.94%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was spared that negativity though, rising by 0.16%.

    But time to return to the local markets now and check out how the different ASX sectors fared this Thursday.

    Winners and losers

    It was almost a greenwash on the ASX today, with only two sectors losing value.

    The first, and worst, of those sectors was gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) reversed some of the gains we saw yesterday, slumping 1.7%.

    Broader mining shares were also out of favour, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) retrating 1.23%.

    But it was all smiles everywhere else. Leading the charge higher this Thursday were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) rocketed 1.73% higher by the closing bell.

    Healthcare shares also saw some healthy gains, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 1.64% surge.

    We could say the same for consumer discretionary stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soared 1.35% this session.

    Its consumer staples counterpart was treated a little less enthusiastically, though, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) lifting 0.69%.

    Financial stocks came in just behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) bounced 0.66% higher today.

    Communications shares were also in that ballpark, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.65% vault upwards.

    Utilities stocks received some love from the market. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) ticked up by 0.56%.

    Industrial shares followed communications, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) adding 0.4% to its value this Thursday.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) got a look in too. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) jumped 0.3% by the end of trading.

    Finally, energy stocks didn’t miss out, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 0.29% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s winner was healthcare stock Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB). Mesoblast shares blasted 8.06% higher this session, closing at $2.95 each.

    This gain came despite no news from the company today, although there seems to be some momentum building here.

    Here’s how the winners landed their planes:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) $2.95 8.06%
    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) $3.42 7.21%
    Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) $7.80 5.55%
    Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) $31.56 4.71%
    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) $32.79 3.93%
    Block Inc (ASX: XYZ) $106.85 3.68%
    Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) $4.24 3.67%
    Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) $30.46 3.04%
    Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) $0.955 2.69%
    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) $174.45 2.62%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mesoblast Limited right now?

    Before you buy Mesoblast Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mesoblast Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, CSL, Catapult Sports, and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 12 ASX lithium shares rip to 52-week highs

    Three people jumping cheerfully in clear sunny weather.

    Scores of ASX lithium shares have reset their 52-week highs as lithium commodity prices continue to rise.

    Shares in the market’s largest pure-play lithium producer, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) lifted 1.2% to a new 52-week high of $4.89 today.

    The IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price rose 2.1% to a 52-week high of $8.95.

    Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares lifted 3.5% to a 52-week high of $2.10.

    The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price rocketed 24% to a two-year high of 36 cents.

    Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) shares rose 14.3% to a 52-week high of 16 cents.

    Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) shares increased 1.9% to a 52-week high of $9.

    Galan Lithium Ltd (ASX: GLN) shares rose 5.5% to a 52-week high of 38 cents.

    The Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI) share price lifted 8.5% to a 52-week high of 25.5 cents.

    Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) shares rose 10.3% to a 52-week high of 43 cents.

    Pmet Resources CDI (ASX: PMT) shares rose 11.3% to a 52-week high of 69 cents.

    The Winsome Resources Ltd (ASX: WR1) share price lifted 9.8% to a 52-week high of 56 cents.

    Midas Minerals Ltd (ASX: MM1) shares rose 10% to a 52-week high of 66 cents.

    Lithium prices have been steadily lifting since mid-2025 and leapt higher overnight.

    Let’s find out why.

    Why are lithium prices rising again?

    Trading Economics analysts say lithium prices are on the mend due to higher demand and lower supply worldwide.

    The lithium carbonate price rose 3.75% overnight to a 19-month high of US$19,793 per tonne.

    The Spodumene Concentrate Index (CIF China) Price lifted 1.69% to US$1,800 per tonne.

    The Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide price rose 3.6% to US$16,213.76 per tonne.

    There is greater demand globally for batteries and power infrastructure amid the green energy transition.

    Additionally, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in China are rising, with EVs outselling traditional cars for the first time last October.

    Trading Economics reports that ‘new energy vehicles’ in China rose 20.6% annually to a record of 1.823 million units in November.

    China has pledged to double EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.

    Amid higher demand for lithium, China is also seeking to stabilise lithium prices by implementing measures to avoid over-capacity.

    Analysts at Trading Economics said:

    The Bureau of Natural Resources of Yichun, which includes the lithium mining hub in the Chinese Jiangxi province, stated it would cancel 27 mining permits early next year.

    The move was consistent with the earlier suspension of activity in CATL‘s Jianxiawo lithium mine as the Chinese government aims to reduce capacity in many goods industries to prevent the ongoing race-to-the-bottom that has stirred deflationary pressures.

    The post 12 ASX lithium shares rip to 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals Limited right now?

    Before you buy Pilbara Minerals Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pilbara Minerals Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    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.

  • Buy these ASX dividend stocks for 5% to 10% yields: Experts

    Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.

    For investors looking for passive income, the Australian share market has a multitude of options.

    To narrow things down, let’s look at three ASX dividend stocks that experts think could be in the buy zone right now.

    Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

    Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

    The first ASX dividend stock that could be a buy is Centuria Industrial REIT.

    It is one of Australia’s leading industrial real estate companies. At the last count, its portfolio comprised 87 high-quality, fit-for-purpose industrial assets worth a collective $3.89 billion. These assets are situated in key in-fill locations and close to key infrastructure.

    The team at UBS is feeling positive about the company and its outlook. It believes it is positioned to reward shareholders with dividends per share of 16.8 cents in FY 2026 and then 17.9 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.33, this equates to dividend yields of 5% and 5.4%, respectively.

    The broker has a buy rating and $3.95 price target on its shares.

    IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

    Another ASX dividend stock that experts are recommending is IPH.

    It is a global intellectual property services group that helps clients across the world protect their patents, trademarks, and intellectual property across multiple jurisdictions.

    The company’s defensive business, strong cash conversion, and disciplined capital management have allowed the company to pay generous dividends over the past decade.

    The good news is that Morgans expects this trend to continue. It is forecasting fully franked dividends of 37 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.60, this would mean dividend yields greater than 10% for both years.

    Morgans has a buy rating and $6.05 price target on its shares.

    Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

    A third ASX dividend stock that is rated highly by experts is Sonic Healthcare.

    It is one of the world’s leading healthcare providers with operations spanning laboratory medicine, pathology, radiology, and primary care medical services.

    After a tough period following the end of COVID testing, Bell Potter believes the company is now positioned for sustainable growth.

    This is expected to support the payment of partially franked dividends per share of $1.09 per share in FY 2026 and $1.11 per share in FY 2027. With Sonic shares trading at $22.14, this equates to dividend yields of 4.9% and 5%.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and a $33.30 price target on its shares.

    The post Buy these ASX dividend stocks for 5% to 10% yields: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Centuria Industrial REIT right now?

    Before you buy Centuria Industrial REIT shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Centuria Industrial REIT wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Ansell shares tumble to a 3-month low. Is this a buying opportunity?

    a group of surgeons in full surgery dress including masks, gloves and head coverings stands together with arms folded and smiling eyes as if happy with the outcome of their efforts.

    Shares in Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) are under pressure on Thursday after the company released a leadership update to the market.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 healthcare stock is down 7.03% to $33.09, marking its lowest level since late October. The pullback extends a softer run for the stock, with Ansell shares now down around 8% over the past month.

    While the sell-off follows a CEO transition update, investors are now assessing whether the sharp drop has left the stock oversold.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    CEO transition triggers short-term selling

    Ansell announced that long-serving CEO Neil Salmon will retire, with Nathalie Ahlstrom appointed as his successor. The transition will formally take place in February, following a short handover period.

    Mr Salmon has spent more than 13 years at the company, including several years as CEO, overseeing significant operational improvements and major acquisitions. Any leadership change at a $5 billion company can create uncertainty in the short term, which likely explains part of today’s market reaction.

    Importantly, the board framed the move as an orderly succession, with Mr Salmon remaining involved as a senior adviser until mid-2026.

    While this update may have unsettled some investors, it does not materially change Ansell’s underlying business outlook.

    The share price is flashing oversold signals

    From a technical perspective, Ansell shares are beginning to look stretched on the downside.

    The stock’s relative strength index (RSI) has slipped into oversold territory, suggesting selling pressure may be close to exhaustion. At the same time, the share price has pushed below the lower Bollinger Band, a signal that often appears during short-term capitulation moves.

    Adding to that, the current price level lines up with a key support zone that has held on several occasions over the past year. Historically, Ansell shares have attracted buyers when trading near this region.

    Taken together, these indicators suggest the recent decline may be more about sentiment than fundamentals.

    A high-quality defensive business

    Ansell remains a global leader in personal protective equipment, supplying healthcare and industrial customers across more than 100 countries. The company benefits from long-term structural demand, strong brand positioning, and exposure to defensive end markets.

    At current levels, Ansell is trading well below its recent highs, despite no deterioration in balance sheet strength or long-term growth drivers. The stock also offers a dividend yield of around 2.3%, providing some income support while investors wait for sentiment to stabilise.

    Should investors consider buying the dip?

    While short-term volatility may persist, the latest pullback appears to have pushed Ansell shares into oversold territory.

    For long-term investors, this weakness could present an attractive entry point into a high-quality ASX healthcare name with defensive characteristics.

    As always, a patient, long-term mindset could prove a winning strategy from here.

    The post Ansell shares tumble to a 3-month low. Is this a buying opportunity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ansell Limited right now?

    Before you buy Ansell Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ansell Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • $10,000 invested in QRE ETF a year ago is now worth…

    Two miners examine things they have taken out the ground.

    BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) is trading for $8.98 per unit on Thursday, down 0.8%.

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF) provides broad exposure to ASX mining shares at a time when many major commodities are soaring.

    Strong commodity prices led to the ASX 200 materials sector topping the 11 market sectors for capital growth last year.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by 31.71% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 36.21%.

    In the first week of 2026, many ASX mining shares are resetting their 52-week highs as metal and mineral prices continue their run.

    The big ones to watch are gold, silver, copper, and lithium, which have clocked 12-month gains of 66%, 160%, 36%, and 77%, respectively.

    By investing in the QRE ETF, you are buying exposure to 43 ASX shares.

    It’s heavily weighted to diversified miner BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), whose share price has lifted 20% over the past 12 months.

    BHP, which has exposure to iron ore and copper and is the largest miner on the ASX, makes up 34% of QRE’s investments.

    QRE is also invested in gold, copper, lithium, mineral sands, rare earths, and alumina producers.

    When we think about the ‘resources sector’, the mind naturally goes to ASX mining shares. But this ASX ETF is broader than that.

    QRE ETF also holds a significant number of ASX energy stocks, including oil & gas producers, as well as uranium and coal miners.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) is the fund’s third-largest holding at 6.4%.  

    ASX utilities share Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) is also in the mix at 2.8%.

    The ASX ETF pays distributions, or dividends, twice per year.

    The management fee is 0.34% per annum, which is one of the lowest on the market.

    Say you bought QRE ETF a year ago.

    While ASX mining stocks have done well since then, energy shares have struggled.

    So, how has this investment turned out for you?

    What is your investment worth now?

    On 8 January 2025, the QRE ETF closed at $6.73 apiece.

    If you had put $10,000 into the QRE ETF then, it would have bought you 1,485 units (for $9,994.05).

    There’s been a capital gain of $2.25 per unit since then, which equates to $3,341.25 worth of capital growth.

    Thus, your BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF holdings are now worth $13,335.

    In terms of distributions, the QRE ETF paid 10.1811 cents per unit in July and will pay 10.6539 cents per unit on 19 January.

    Altogether, that is just over $309 in annual income from your 1,485 QRE ETF units.

    Miners and energy producers tend to pay fully-franked dividends, so the average franking on this ETF is high at 88%, amplifying your yield.

    Total returns for the QRE ETF…

    Your capital gain of $3,341.25 plus your distributions of $309 gives you a total return in dollar terms of $3,650.25.

    Now remember, you invested $9,994.05 purchasing QRE ETF on 8 January last year.

    This means you have received a total return, in percentage terms, of 36.5%.

    While that’s a ‘wow’ of a return, we must remember that mining and energy shares are volatile in nature.

    We can see this in the long-run average annual total return after fees for this ASX ETF.

    Since inception on 10 December 2010, QRE ETF has delivered an average annual total return after fees of 4.85%.

    The post $10,000 invested in QRE ETF a year ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Resources Sector ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Resources Sector ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Resources Sector ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Coles, and PLS shares

    A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.

    There are a lot of shares to choose from on the ASX 200 index.

    To narrow things down for investors, let’s see what analysts are saying about these popular options.

    Are they buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out.

    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

    The team at Ord Minnett is feeling bullish on this energy giant. It has a buy rating and $13.00 price target on its shares.

    The broker sees potential for AGL’s earnings to rise from higher Victorian wholesale prices. It said:

    The company has demonstrated solid momentum over recent times with the Tilt renewable asset sale, flexible capacity development at Bayswater, progress in its Western Australia operations and a series of power purchase agreements (PPAs), and we see further drivers to come from revaluation of its 20% stake in energy management platform Kaluza, a closure of Energy Australia’s Yallourn power station that will push Victorian wholesale prices, and thus AGL earnings, higher, and repricing of Tomago supply contracts.

    Post the investor day, we have raised our FY26 EPS estimates by 6.1% to incorporate wider electricity margins partially offset by higher growth capital expenditure, while our forecasts for FY27 and FY28 are trimmed 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Over at Morgans, its analysts have been pleased with the supermarket giant’s performance in FY 2026, despite softer than expected liquor sales.

    However, due to recent share price strength, the broker thinks its shares as fairly valued. As a result, it has a hold rating and $22.90 price target on its shares. Morgans feels that investors should wait for a better entry point. It said:

    COL reported a solid 1Q26 sales trading update driven by growth in its Supermarkets division. However, Liquor sales were softer than expected as consumers remain focused on value. Management indicated that Supermarkets sales growth in early 2Q26 has remained broadly in line with 1Q26, at ~4.8%. With Woolworths’ (WOW) Australian Food sales up ~3.2%, COL continues to outperform, although the gap is narrowing. The liquor market remains challenging.

    We decrease FY26-28F underlying EBIT by 1%, mainly on the back of lower Liquor forecasts due to the ongoing softness in the market. Our target price declines to $22.90 (from $23.45) and we maintain our HOLD rating. While Supermarkets momentum remains positive heading into the key Christmas trading period and execution continues to be strong, trading on 23x FY26F PE with a 3.6% yield, we view COL as fully valued. We would look to reassess our view should the share price weaken further.

    PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    Morgans has also been looking at lithium giant PLS Group, which was formerly known as Pilbara Minerals.

    It thinks its shares are overvalued following a strong gain. As such, it has put a sell rating and $3.10 price target on them. It said:

    Strong 1Q26 result with production, costs and revenue ahead of expectations. PLS continues to engage with the government following the Australia-US critical minerals framework. Management stipulated its preference for shared infrastructure initiatives over potential price floors. Following recent share price strength we believe PLS is now trading well ahead of fundamentals and we therefore move to a SELL rating.

    The post Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Coles, and PLS shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AGL Energy Limited right now?

    Before you buy AGL Energy Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AGL Energy Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • This ASX mining stock is up 120% in a year. Can the rally continue?

    asx copper share price represented by chunk of mined copper

    Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) has been one of the ASX’s standout performers over the past year.

    The Chalice share price is up 7.11% today to $2.56, extending a strong run that has seen the stock climb 16% over the past week.

    Zooming out, the gains are even more eye-catching. Chalice shares are up 45% over the past month and an impressive 120% over the past 12 months.

    After such a powerful run, the key question is whether there is still upside from here.

    Let’s break it down.

    Gonneville project continues to drive momentum

    The key driver behind Chalice’s share price surge is its Gonneville palladium-nickel-copper project in Western Australia.

    Gonneville is a globally significant critical minerals discovery, containing palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group elements. These metals are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

    Last month, Chalice released a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the project. The study outlined a long-life, large-scale operation with strong forecast economics.

    According to the PFS, Gonneville has the potential to generate substantial cash flow over its mine life, with relatively low operating costs and a competitive capital profile. Importantly, the study confirmed that the project remains technically and economically viable at current commodity prices.

    The project has also received strong government backing. Gonneville has been granted Major Project Status by the federal government and recognised as a Strategic Project by the WA government. That support can help streamline approvals and reduce development risk over time.

    Strong commodity backdrop adds support

    Chalice’s recent rally has also been helped by improving sentiment across key commodities.

    Copper prices have pushed towards record highs, driven by strong demand from electrification and data centre buildouts. Nickel prices have also surged to multi-year highs amid supply concerns and policy changes in Indonesia.

    This gives Chalice exposure to a mix of critical minerals that are seeing favourable long term demand trends.

    Risks investors should keep in mind

    Despite the strong share price performance, Chalice is still a pre-production company. Earnings remain negative, and the path to first production will require further studies, approvals and funding.

    It is also worth noting that Chalice shares can be volatile and sensitive to changes in commodity prices and broader market sentiment.

    Foolish bottom line

    Chalice Mining’s 120% rally has been driven by solid progress at Gonneville and a supportive commodity backdrop.

    While the easy gains may now be behind it, further upside could come from continued project de risking and strong metals prices.

    For investors with a long-term view and a tolerance for volatility, Chalice remains a stock worth watching closely.

    The post This ASX mining stock is up 120% in a year. Can the rally continue? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Chalice Gold Mines Limited right now?

    Before you buy Chalice Gold Mines Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Chalice Gold Mines Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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.

  • Why Ansell, Elsight, Ramelius, and SGH shares are falling today

    Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a decent session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.2% to 8,710.7 points.

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

    Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)

    The Ansell share price is down over 6% to $33.28. Investors have been selling this health and safety products company’s shares after it announced the exit of its CEO. Ansell revealed that Neil Salmon has decided to retire after 13 years with the company. Replacing Salmon will be Nathalie Ahlstrom, who brings strong global experience having served until recently as CEO and President of the Fiskars Group. Commenting on the appointment, Ansell’s chair, Nigel Garrard, said: “We are delighted to appoint Nathalie as Ansell’s next Managing Director and CEO. Nathalie brings exceptional leadership experience, a track record of delivering results in complex global markets, and a deep understanding of innovation and operational excellence.”

    Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS)

    The Elsight share price is down almost 3% to $3.48. This morning, this global provider of resilient connectivity solutions for unmanned systems announced a new contract win with a U.S.-based commercial customer in the public safety sector. However, the value of the contract is only US$460,000 (A$682,000). Though, Elsight’s CEO, Yoav Amitai, believes it is a positive signal. He said: “We see this as an early indicator of accelerating commercial momentum driven by regulatory progress in parallel to the continued growth in the defence market.”

    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

    The Ramelius Resources share price is down almost 3% to $4.14. This follows the release of a quarterly update from the gold miner. Ramelius reported gold production of 45,610 ounces for the three months. This was down 17% from 55,013 ounces in the previous quarter. The company also posted underlying free cash flow of $67 million for the three months, which was down from $129 million in the first quarter. Management believes it is positioned to meet its FY 2026 guidance of 185,000 ounces to 205,000 ounces.

    SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH)

    The SGH share price is down 2% to $48.01. This has been driven by news that BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) has rejected its takeover proposal. The company’s chair, Jane McAloon, said: “Let me be clear – this proposal was an attempt to take BlueScope from its shareholders on the cheap. It drastically undervalued our world-class assets, our growth momentum, and our future – and the Board will not let that happen. This is the fourth time we’ve said no, and the answer remained the same – BlueScope is worth considerably more than what was on the table.”

    The post Why Ansell, Elsight, Ramelius, and SGH shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ansell Limited right now?

    Before you buy Ansell Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ansell Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • 5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026

    Five candles on birthday cake.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index lifted 7.97% in 2025, with total returns (including dividends) of 12.05%.

    By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 6.8% and produced total returns of 10.32%.

    ASX financials were the third-best performer among the 11 market sectors last year.

    Looking ahead, here are five ASX financial shares that the experts are backing for price growth in 2026.

    5 ASX financial shares with new year buy ratings

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    The Hub24 share price rose by 38% to finish 2025 at $96.25 per share.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating on Hub24 shares with a price target of $125.

    On Thursday, the investment and superannuation platform provider is trading at $95.53 per share, up 2%.

    The broker’s price target suggests potential gains of 31% in the new year.

    Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)

    The Infratil share price fell 15.8% in 2025 to close at $9.74 on 31 December.

    Today, Infratil shares are $9.88 apiece, up 0.5%.

    Morgans has just initiated coverage on this ASX financial share with an accumulate rating.

    The broker has put a price target of $11.30 on the New Zealand-based investment company.

    This suggests a potential 14% upside over the new year ahead.

    Morgans said:

    Infratil (IFT) is a high quality, concentrated structural growth investor targeting 11-15% pa post fee returns. IFT’s investors have enjoyed c.18% pa returns over the last ~30 years.

    Assuming delivery of target returns, post fees the Net Asset Value (NAV) should nearly double over the next five years and create substantial value for equity holders.

    The share price is currently trading at a 30% discount to NAV.

    Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

    Retirement and investment solutions provider Generation Development Group was the best performer of the financials sector in 2025.

    The Generation Development Group share price rose 66% to finish the year at $5.89.

    Macquarie gives Generation Development Group shares an outperform rating with a 12-month price target of $6.70.

    Today, the ASX financial share is trading for $5.90, up 0.3%.

    The broker’s target implies a potential upside of 14% for investors who buy the stock today.

    Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

    Navigator Global Investments shares increased 72% last year to close at $2.96 on 31 December.

    Ord Minnett has a buy rating on this ASX small-cap financial share with a price target of $3.50.

    Today, the alternative asset manager is trading at $2.98 per share, up 4.9%.

    The broker’s price target suggests potential gains of 17% in the new year.

    Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

    Challenger shares also performed strongly last year, rising 57% to finish the year at $9.41 apiece.

    Citi has a buy rating on this ASX financial share with a price target of $10.25.

    Today, the Challenger share price is $9.39, down 0.2%.

    The broker’s price target implies a potential upside of 9% for 2026.

    The post 5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Generation Development Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Generation Development Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Generation Development Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger, Generation Development Group, and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025

    A woman holds a tape measure against a wall painted with the word BIG, indicating a surge in gowth shares

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose by 6.8% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 10.32% in 2025.

    Here, we look at the 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025 for capital growth.

    Large caps have a market capitalisation of $10 billion or more. All the stocks below fit this category.

    Investors like large caps because they are typically older, well-established companies that pay reliable dividends every year.

    Let’s check out last year’s best performers.

    10 best ASX 200 large caps for share price growth

    1. Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

    The Evolution Mining share price rose by 164% to close the year at $12.68 apiece.

    ASX gold shares had a fantastic year due to a 65% rally in the gold price on top of a 27% gain in 2024.

    The gold price rose to a new record of US$4,533 per ounce in December.

    Evolution Mining shares are $12.92 apiece on Thursday, down 0.6%.

    2. Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)

    Newmont Corporation shares increased 152% to finish 2025 at $150.20 apiece.

    The ASX gold share continues to streak higher, hitting a new 52-week peak of $162.45 yesterday.

    The Newmont share price is $158.66 today, up 0.1%.

    3. Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

    The Lynas Rare Earths share price rose by 93.5% to $12.44 on 31 December.

    Today, the ASX 200 large-cap rare earths share is trading at $14.74, down 2.2%.

    Lynas shares were the market’s best performer yesterday amid improving sentiment about rare earths prices.

    4. PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    Formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, PLS Group shares lifted 93% to close the year at $4.22.

    The ASX 200 large-cap lithium share set a new 52-week high of $4.89 today.

    5. Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The share price of the ASX 200’s largest gold miner rose 73% to close the year at $26.73.

    The ASX gold share has fallen in the first week of 2026 to $24.88 today.

    An operational update released on 2 January prompted some investors to sell.

    6. Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

    Shares in this property fund manager ripped 71% higher to close out the year at $24.45.

    The ASX 200 large-cap real estate investment trust (REIT) is steady at $24.07 today.

    7. Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

    This ASX 200 large-cap mining share had a turbulent year due to governance issues and other factors.

    The Mineral Resources share price plunged to a 52-week low of $14.05 before commencing a recovery.

    Mineral Resource shares managed a 59% gain over the year to close at $54.38 apiece on 31 December.

    The Mineral Resources share price is $57.91 on Thursday, up 1.1%.

    8. Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

    Shares in the explosives manufacturer rose 46% to $24.28 in 2025.

    Today, Orica shares are trading at $25.85 apiece, down 0.1%.

    9. ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ

    The ALS share price rose 46% to $22.04 last year.

    ALS provides testing solutions to clients in a wide range of industries around the world.

    Today, the ALS share price is $22.79, up 2%.

    10. Bluescope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL

    The Bluescope share price lifted 29% to finish the year at $24.07.

    The steel maker is in the news this week after rejecting a takeover offer at $30 per share.

    A consortium comprising SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and Steel Dynamics, Inc (NASDAQ: STLD) made the offer.

    Today, Bluescope shares are $29.31, down 1.9%.

    The post 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd and Steel Dynamics. 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.