Tag: Stock pick

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed up 0.8% in the month just past, with Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares dragging on those gains while Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares helped lift the benchmark index. 

Closing on Friday trading for $21.72 apiece, Coles shares fell 1.8% in May.

Woolworths shares went the other way, gaining 2.4% to close the month at $35.23 each.

Here’s what’s been happening with the ASX 200 supermarket giants.

Woolworths shares rebound from 30 April crash

There was no fresh price-sensitive news out from Woolworths in May.

But the ASX 200 stock looks to have benefited from some bargain hunting in May following the big fall it suffered on 30 April.

Indeed, Woolworths shares closed down 7.8% on the last trading day of April as investors responded negatively to the company’s third-quarter (Q3 FY 2026) sales update. 

Positively, Woolworths reported a 4.5% year-on-year increase in total sales to $18.1 billion.

However, citing uncertainties and rising costs fuelled by the ongoing Middle East conflict, the company scaled back its expectations for its Australian Food earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) growth for FY 2026. While EBIT growth in Australia is expected to remain in the mid to high-single digits, management said they no longer expect earnings growth to come in at the upper end of that range.

“The conflict in the Middle East is creating greater uncertainty for our customers, suppliers and team at a time when cost-of-living pressures are already acute,” Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell said. 

Coles shares face legal setback

Coles shares kicked off the month outperforming Woolworths shares, gaining 3.7% on 1 May, while Woolies stock slumped 0.7%.

That strong start to the month followed the release of Coles’ own third-quarter (Q3 FY 2026) results. 

Highlight for the quarter included a 3.1% year-on-year increase in total sales revenue to $10.70 billion. eCommerce sales showed particularly strong growth, up 13.6% to $1.33 billion. 

Commenting on the quarterly results that helped boost Coles shares on the day, CEO Leah Weckert said:

Achieving consistent sales momentum for the period over multiple years demonstrates our commitment to remaining focused on long term outcomes whilst successfully navigating short term volatility in market conditions and supply chains.

However, Coles shares came under some pressure later in the month, falling 2.2% on 14 May, following the outcome of the legal action launched by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The ACCC alleged that Coles deceived its customers by marking products in its ‘Down Down’ sales campaign as discounted shortly after their original prices had been lifted. 

On 14 May, investors learned that the court found that 13 of Coles’ 14 Down Down tickets “were misleading”.

How have Coles and Woolworths shares performed in 2026?

Halfway through the first trading day of June, Coles shares are up 1.4% year to date, while Woolworths shares have gained 18.7% over this time. 

Atop those gains, both ASX 200 stocks have also already paid out their interim dividends in 2026.

The post Here’s how Coles and Woolworths shares stacked up in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 defensive ASX dividend shares I’d buy and hold
• Passive income investors: Term deposits or ASX dividend stocks in 2026?
• 6 ASX 200 shares just upgraded by the experts
• 2 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for reliable passive income
• 3 reasons to buy Woolworths shares at $34

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

June is here, and it could be as good a time as ever to put $3,000 to work in ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

I like ETFs because they can give investors instant exposure to a wide range of companies without needing to pick every stock individually. They can also make it easier to invest across themes, regions, and markets that are difficult to access through the ASX alone.

If I were choosing three Vanguard ETFs to buy in June, these would be high on my list.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The first Vanguard ETF I would consider is the Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF.

I like this ASX ETF because technology is no longer just one corner of the market. It is increasingly tied to how businesses operate, communicate, advertise, analyse data, automate work, and serve customers.

The VTEK ETF provides investors with exposure to global technology companies across software, semiconductors, cloud computing, devices, digital platforms, and internet services.

That includes holdings such as Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

I think this is a good option for investors who want exposure to innovation without trying to pick the single best tech winner.

There are risks. Technology shares can be volatile, especially when valuations are high or interest rates move against growth stocks. But with a long-term mindset, I think global technology remains one of the most attractive places to invest.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The second Vanguard ETF I would look at is the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF.

I think this fund offers something different from the usual US-heavy ETF exposure.

The VAE ETF gives investors access to Asian share markets outside Japan. That can include companies linked to e-commerce, financial services, manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, consumer growth, and digital platforms.

Asia can be more volatile than developed markets, and investors need to be comfortable with currency, political, and regulatory risks. But I think the long-term opportunity remains compelling.

The region is home to huge populations, rising middle-class wealth, major technology companies, and economies that could keep expanding over the decades ahead.

This is not the type of ETF I would buy expecting a smooth ride every year. But I think it can offer a useful growth angle for investors seeking exposure beyond Australia, the United States, and Europe.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

The third Vanguard ETF I would consider buying with $3,000 is the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF.

This is one of the simplest ways to invest in the US share market through the ASX.

The V500 ETF seeks to track the S&P 500 Net Total Return Australian Dollars Index before fees, expenses, and tax. That essentially means it gives investors exposure to many of the largest listed companies in the United States.

I like the ETF because it captures a wide range of powerful global businesses. These companies are not only serving US customers. Many generate revenue across the world, with exposure to technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer brands, industrials, communications, and payments.

The V500 ETF also has a low management fee of 0.07% per annum, which is attractive for long-term investors.

It is unhedged, so currency movements can affect returns. But for investors seeking long-term capital growth, I think a low-cost US market ETF can be a very useful option.

Foolish Takeaway

The appeal of these Vanguard ETFs is that they each open a different door. One gives exposure to global technology. Another adds Asian growth. The third provides low-cost access to America’s largest listed companies.

That mix will not remove market volatility, and there will be periods when one area performs better than another. But for investors who want to put money to work with a long-term mindset, I think these ETFs offer a sensible way to do it.

The post Why I’d buy these Vanguard ETFs with $3,000 in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy to build a portfolio from scratch
• 3 top ASX ETFs for Gen Z investors to buy
• 2 ETFs that could be buys today for any ASX share portfolio
• Why I’d buy these ASX ETFs if I were a beginner
• 3 of the best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs over the last year

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Apple, Broadcom, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.1% as negotiations between the US and Iran continue today.

According to analysts at Trading Economics:

Over the weekend, both sides exchanged proposals seeking revisions to a draft deal that would prolong the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though it remained unclear whether meaningful progress had been achieved.

President Donald Trump also reaffirmed his demand that Iran halt its nuclear program and fully restore the strait’s status as an open international shipping route.

ASX 200 tech shares are rising strongly today, up 5%, followed by materials and mining stocks, up 1%.

Meanwhile, on The Bull, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has revealed his ratings on three ASX 200 giants.

Let’s take a look.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The Aristocrat share price is $50.20, up 0.2% today, and down 12.3% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on Aristocrat shares this week.

He explains:

The business is transitioning from a traditional gaming supplier into a global digital entertainment platform, with its social gaming division driving much of the growth momentum. This improves margins, lifts earnings visibility and reduces cycles over time.

Land-based gaming remains a stable cash generator, supporting re-investment and shareholder returns.

Management execution has been consistently strong, with disciplined capital allocation and successful integration of acquisitions.

The stock trades at a premium valuation, but, in our view, it’s justified by return on equity, offshore growth exposure and a structural earnings upgrade story that continues to play out.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers shares are $50.20, down 0.2% today, and down 3% YTD.

Athanasiou put a hold rating on Wesfarmers shares this week.

He comments:

The industrial conglomerate’s performance is supported by a diversified portfolio across retail, industrials and chemicals.

The group’s strength lies in disciplined capital allocation and its ability to generate steady returns across cycles. However, in our view, near term growth is likely to remain subdued as consumer spending normalises and retail conditions become more selective.

Hardware giant Bunnings continues to provide earnings stability.

The stock’s valuation appropriately reflects its quality profile, leaving limited re-rating potential in the absence of a stronger macro tailwind.

Wesfarmers remains a reliable long term holding, but it’s best viewed as a steady compounder rather than a growth catalyst.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price is $16.68, up 0.7% today, and down 27% YTD.

Athanasiou has a sell rating on Brambles shares this week.

He notes a steep decline in the ASX 200 industrial share’s valuation from $22.10 per share on 15 May to $16.68 today.

He says:

This supply chain logistics giant has moved from a premium defensive compounder to a more challenged operational story following recent earnings and sales revenue downgrades.

Disruptions in its United States pallet pooling network have exposed execution issues, resulting in higher costs.

While the CHEP business model remains structurally sound, short term performance is weighed down by operational inefficiencies and inflationary pressures.

The downgrade cycle has shifted sentiment, with the market now questioning the sustainability of mid term growth expectations.

Until execution stabilises and margins recover, Brambles lacks the earnings momentum required to justify a premium multiple, leaving risk skewed to the downside, in our view.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat Leisure, Brambles, Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Experts name BHP and these ASX 200 shares to buy this week
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in May
• Why did ASX 200 retail shares lead the market last week?
• Down 17%: Why I’d buy and hold Wesfarmers shares
• With no savings at 40, I’d follow Warren Buffett’s approach to build wealth

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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. 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) mining shares are up sharply on Monday, with the materials sector the second-best performer of the 11 sectors.

Materials shares are up 1% amid BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) setting a new all-time record at $62.95 per share today.

Australia is at the start of a new mining boom, with 5 key drivers behind a commodities super cycle underway today.

Several commodities have risen substantially over the past 12 months.

Gold has lifted 34%, silver has soared 117%, copper is 33% higher, iron ore is up 10%, and lithium has ripped 192%.

The new mining growth cycle became evident last year, with ASX 200 materials shares soaring 32%.

Let’s take a look at three ASX mining shares with buy recommendations from the experts.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $62.75, up 0.7% today, and up 37% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on this ASX 200 copper and iron ore giant.

Athanasiou comments (courtesy The Bull):

Iron ore sales continue to drive earnings, but the key long term story is copper, where demand is structurally supported by electrification, grid investment and artificial intelligence related infrastructure.

Consequently, it gradually shifts BHP from a traditional cyclical miner towards a more diversified industrial metals compounder.

Cash generation remains strong, supporting consistent dividends and capital management. The balance sheet is conservative, allowing flexibility through the cycle.

While iron ore is still exposed to Chinese demand volatility, BHP’s scale and low cost positioning provide downside protection.

Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL)

The Unico Silver share price is 62 cents, up 6% today, and down 29% YTD.

Philippe Bui from Medallion Financial Group has a buy rating on this ASX silver share.

Bui comments (courtesy The Bull):

This silver explorer is advancing high grade deposits in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province.

The Joaquin project recently delivered a 143 per cent resource increase to 167 million ounces of silver equivalent since acquiring it in October 2024.

The latest update was achieved from just 27,723 metres of drilling at a discovery cost of US11 cents per ounce. 

Silver demand is structurally supported by solar, electrification and green technology, giving USL direct leverage to a rising commodity.

With the resource growing rapidly and development progressing, the investment case is building.

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated CDI (ASX: SX2)

This ASX gold share is $10.32 apiece, up 6.7% today, and down 11.3% YTD.

Shaw and Partners gives Southern Cross Gold shares a buy rating with a 12-month price target of $14.40.

This implies a near-40% upside ahead.

Shaw and Partners analyst Alex Barkley said:

Our base case forecasts support our Buy Recommendation, with an implied ~40% stock upside.

We also find substantial project upside potential at Sunday Creek.

Geological extension potential could extend mine life or importantly, allow a larger mining capacity.

Any project expansion returns could be supercharged by the remarkable ~9g/t AuEq site grade.

Key upcoming catalysts include ongoing drilling, an Exploration Target update in Q2 CY26, and a maiden Resource in Q1 CY27. 

The post 3 ASX mining shares to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, PLS Group, CBA shares
• Experts name BHP and these ASX 200 shares to buy this week
• Why ASX mid-cap shares are finally about to have their moment: Expert
• I’d aim for $1 million in retirement buying just 10 ASX 200 shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Southern Cross Gold, Healius, Centuria Office REIT shares

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 8,722.2 points.

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

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up almost 5% to $4.16. Investors have been buying the respiratory imaging technology company’s shares after it announced a key acquisition. 4DMedical has signed a binding agreement to acquire Contextflow GmbH, which is an Austrian-based medical technology company specialising in lung cancer screening and advanced thoracic imaging solutions. Management notes that this means its European expansion is accelerated and provides boots on the ground in the market via an experienced Vienna-based team with established commercial, regulatory, and clinical infrastructure. Founder and CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: “4DMedical has expanded into Europe over the weekend. Upon completion of the transaction, we will have a European platform in a healthcare market approximately half the size of the United States, positioning 4DMedical across ANZ, North America and now Europe.”

IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX)

The IperionX share price is up 1.5% to $5.92. This has been driven by news that testing completed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) has validated the performance of IperionX titanium fasteners manufactured with advanced patented titanium technologies. IperionX’s CEO, Taso Arima, said: “These results represent a key independent validation milestone for IperionX’s high-performance titanium fasteners manufactured with our advanced patented titanium technologies.”

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up 8% to $143.28. This health imaging technology company’s shares are storming higher today after it announced a new contract win. Pro Medicus has signed a five-year, A$28 million contract renewal with Allegheny Health Network (AHN). The new contract includes the addition of Visage 7 Workflow. Pro Medicus’ CEO, Dr Sam Hupert, said: “We are very pleased to have played such a key role in AHN’s growth over the past 10 years. AHN has now renewed for a third contract term, reflecting the strength of our long-standing partnership and the value our platform continues to deliver across their organisation.”

Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT)

The Ventia Services share price is up 2% to $6.33. This morning, this essential infrastructure services provider announced a five-year contract extension for the AMC-Common User Facility. It is valued at approximately $133 million. Ventia has managed the AMC-Common User Facility in Henderson for the Western Australian Government since 2022.

The post Why 4DMedical, IperionX, Pro Medicus, and Ventia shaares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX healthcare rocket is up 14% in a week. Here’s why investors are still buying
• IperionX gains U.S. Army validation as titanium fasteners outperform steel
• Why are Pro Medicus shares rocketing 12% today?
• Ventia secures $133m contract extension at Australian Marine Complex
• Pro Medicus renews $28m contract with Allegheny Health Network

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s looking like a pretty good day to own Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares this Monday. At the time of writing, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a rough start to the trading week, currently down 0.2% at around 8,715 points. In stark contrast, the Fortescue share price is pushing higher, presently enjoying a 0.9% lift to $22.52 a share.

As a mining share, many investors don’t just own Fortescue for the capital growth potential, though. The dividends are a big reason why many ASX investors purchase Fortescue shares in the first place.

On that note, they have rarely been disappointed in the past. Fortescue has always been a formidable dividend payer. The miner habitually spins off fat dividend payments, which, as an added bonus, tend to come with full-franking credits attached too.

So today, let’s discuss the dividend yield one may obtain if they purchase Fortescue shares today.

At the current share price, Fortescue is trading on a trailing dividend yield of 5.42%.

This is derived from Fortescue’s last two dividend payments. The first was the interim dividend from September 2025, worth 60 cents per share. The second, the final dividend that was paid out in March. That was worth 62 cents per share. Both dividends came fully franked.

That combined 12-month total of $1.22 per share gives Fortescue that 5.42% yield the company is displaying today.

Fortescue shares: Is that 5.4% yield for real?

However, as any good dividend investor knows, trailing yields reflect the past. Not what a company might yield in the future. There is no way to predict a company’s future dividends. But trying to anticipate what a miner like Fortescue will dole out is particularly fraught. Like any resource stock, Fortescue is at the mercy of fickle and volatile international commodity markets. The company is a low-cost producer of iron ore and is one of the best companies in the world at digging red gold out of the ground. Even so, Fortescue’s profits, and thus dividends, will always take a dramatic hit if the price of iron ore takes a dive.

We can see this playing out in Fortescue’s dividend history. 2025, for example, saw the company dole out an annual total of $1.10 in dividends per share. That was a far cry from the $3.58 per share that shareholders pocketed in 2021.

To make a long story short, investors shouldn’t buy Fortescue shares today thinking they are buying themselves a permanent 5.42% yield going forward.

Indeed, my Fool colleague Tristan recently looked at what experts are pencilling in for Fortescue, and the results weren’t pretty. Analysts are anticipating that the miner will only be able to afford annual dividends worth $1.03 per share over FY 2026, dropping to 79.3 cents by FY 2027.

That would still see shareholders receive a decent income stream, of course. But not 5.42% worth.

Keep that in mind before you rush out and buy Fortescue shares for the dividends today.

The post Buying Fortescue shares today? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Fortescue shares
• Buying Rio Tinto, BHP or Fortescue shares? Here’s why CMRG matters
• How do ASX dividend shares compare to savings deposit rates today?
• $10,000 invested in Fortescue shares 12 months ago is now worth…
• Fortescue shares outperforming today amid latest executive shakeup

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) shares are pushing higher on Monday after the medical imaging tech company announced a European acquisition.

At the time of writing, the 4DMedical share price is up 4.28% to $4.14, after reaching an intraday high of $4.29 in early morning trade.

The move adds to a huge run for shareholders, with 4DMedical shares now up around 14% over the past week and more than 1,100% since this time last year.

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

4DMedical pushes into Europe

According to the release, 4DMedical has entered a binding agreement to acquire contextflow GmbH.

Contextflow is a Vienna-based medical technology company focused on lung cancer screening and advanced AI-driven imaging.

The deal gives 4DMedical an immediate commercial and clinical platform in Europe, adding a third major region to its existing operations in North America and Australia and New Zealand.

The acquisition includes a CE-marked lung cancer screening product already deployed in Europe. It uses nodule detection technology and is expected to sit alongside 4DMedical’s existing lung imaging software.

Management said the deal gives the company an immediate entry point into Europe’s respiratory and thoracic imaging market, which it estimates at US$1.5 billion to US$2 billion.

More on the European deal

The deal also looks relatively small against 4DMedical’s current cash position.

4DMedical will pay 1.12 million euros, or about $1.86 million, in cash, along with 56,235 shares upfront.

The agreement also includes a potential earnout of up to 2.59 million zero-exercise-price options if performance milestones are met.

The upfront cash component will be funded from 4DMedical’s existing cash reserves, while the acquired business is expected to retain 19 million euros, or about $30.8 million, in accumulated tax losses.

Those losses may be used to offset future taxable income generated by the Austrian business.

Management described the acquisition as a capital-efficient way to enter a large healthcare market.

Founder and Managing Director Andreas Fouras said the deal gives 4DMedical a European platform in a market roughly half the size of the United States.

He also said the acquisition increases the company’s market opportunity by about 50%, while using only 6.5% of its existing cash balance.

Foolish Takeaway

4DMedical has become one of the ASX’s standout healthcare stocks over the past year.

The company now has a market capitalisation of about $2.46 billion, even though it remains loss-making on an earnings per share (EPS) basis.

The next test is whether 4DMedical can turn its growing footprint into stronger commercial adoption across the US, Europe, and ANZ.

The post This ASX healthcare rocket is up 14% in a week. Here’s why investors are still buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why 4DMedical, Elsight, Judo Capital, and Northern Star shares are racing higher today
• 4DMedical shares jump 11% as investors cheer major US agreement
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

After the smoke cleared from a decidedly turbulent month, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed May up 0.8%, with ASX 200  energy stocks like Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) dragging on those returns.

Indeed, Woodside shares fell a sharp 8.6% in the month just past, closing May trading for $30.66 apiece.

Santos shares fared the best among the big ASX 200 oil and gas stocks, sliding 2.4% in May to close on Friday trading for $7.81 each.

Rounding out the list, Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares slumped 8.5% in May to $1.08, while Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares trailed the pack, sinking 10.5% over the month to close on Friday trading for $1.96 apiece.

Why did ASX 200 energy stocks tumble in May?

The common headwind battering all of the ASX 200 energy stocks in May was the big retrace in global energy prices.

As you’re likely aware, oil and gas prices went through the roof in the weeks following the outbreak of the Iran war at the end of February. Indeed, Brent crude oil rocketed from US$72 per barrel on 27 February and was still trading for US$114 per barrel on 30 April.

That big lift saw investors piling into the likes of Woodside shares – which I should note remain up more than 29% year to date despite the May decline. And that’s not including the 83.5 cents per share final fully franked dividend Woodside paid eligible stockholders on 27 March.

But with the United States and Iran actively engaged in peace negotiations in May, Brent crude oil fell almost 20% over the month to US$92 per barrel, according to data from Bloomberg. And investors reacted by trimming their positions in the big ASX 200 energy stocks.

Why did Santos shares outperform in May?

Santos shares – also still up 26.8% year to date without including the final dividend payout – lost significantly less than the other ASX 200 energy stocks over the month just past.

This outperformance over Beach, Karoon and Woodside shares may have been driven by a few positive updates from the company.

On 18 May, for example, Santos shares closed up 2.7% after the company announced the first oil production from its Pikka phase 1 projected, located in the US state of Alaska.

With first oil flowing, Santos said it was working to increase production to 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) over the following weeks.

“Alaska has a huge runway ahead of it which will underpin value-accretive production growth for Santos for the long term,” Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher said.

“The Pikka phase 1 project has demonstrated Santos’ capability to develop this world-class resource safely, responsibly and efficiently.,” he added.

The post Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos got hammered in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 2 brokers have tipped this ASX energy stock to jump by more than 60%
• 5.4% dividend yield: Are Woodside shares a buy for income today?
• Macquarie names 3 ASX 200 stocks to buy right now
• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

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 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.2% on Monday as the world waits for further news on a potential US-Iran deal.

Meanwhile, on The Bull, three experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s check them out. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $62.72, up 0.7% on Monday, after matching its record high of $62.89 in earlier trading.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on BHP shares.

Athanasiou explains:

Iron ore sales continue to drive earnings, but the key long term story is copper, where demand is structurally supported by electrification, grid investment and artificial intelligence related infrastructure.

Consequently, it gradually shifts BHP from a traditional cyclical miner towards a more diversified industrial metals compounder.

Cash generation remains strong, supporting consistent dividends and capital management. The balance sheet is conservative, allowing flexibility through the cycle.

While iron ore is still exposed to Chinese demand volatility, BHP’s scale and low cost positioning provide downside protection.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is $6.65, up 2.9%, after also matching its record high of $6.67 today.

Lithium commodity prices are recovering after a dramatic two-year decline that finally ended in mid-2025.

The lithium carbonate price, for example, is up 50% in 2026 alone.

For now, Dylan Evans from Catapult Wealth gives this ASX 200 lithium share a hold rating. 

Evans comments:

PLS has a solid balance sheet. Revenue of $624 million in the first half of 2026 was up 47 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Driving growth is a combination of increasing demand for lithium and near term supply constraints. Demand is fuelled by growing battery and electric vehicle adoption, which has been boosted by the conflict in Iran and crude oil disruptions.

The strong balance sheet and free cash flow should enable PLS to fund its expansion plans.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA shares are $162.89 apiece, down 1.3% on Monday, and down 5.9% over the past month.

Philippe Bui from Medallion Financial Group has a sell rating on Australia’s biggest bank stock.

Bui said:

Australia’s largest bank carries a premium valuation. Slowing credit growth, sticky inflation and proposed property tax changes are headwinds for this mortgage heavy business.

Sentiment took a material hit recently when the stock posted its largest single-day decline of about 10 per cent since listing in 1991 following a disappointing trading update.

Earnings momentum is fading and the valuation is still trading at a significant premium to peers.

The post Buy, hold, sell: BHP, PLS Group, CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why did CBA shares sink 5% in May?
• Should I buy CBA shares for their ‘reliable’ passive income?
• Experts name BHP and these ASX 200 shares to buy this week
• How much could the PLS Group share price rise in the next year?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued start to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 8,713.9 points.

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

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is down 10.5% to $3.03. This is despite there being no news out of the counter-drone technology company on Monday. However, it is worth noting that there is optimism that the US and Iran will soon sign a peace deal. This could mean that investors are fearing that demand for DroneShield’s products will soften.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

The Lendlease share price is down over 3% to $2.63. Investors have been selling the property developer’s shares following the announcement of a divestment. The company has agreed a $250 million sale agreement for its MSG North development rights. However, this deal is expected to result in a $175 million post‑tax loss. Management notes that the transaction is part of Lendlease’s ongoing capital recycling program, which is intended to release value tied up in long-dated and complex projects. Lendlease’s CEO, Tony Lombardo, said: “The sale of the commercially challenged MSG North project is consistent with our strategy to reduce long-dated international development capital and simplify the Group.”

Playside Studios Ltd (ASX: PLY)

The Playside Studios share price is down 30% to 16.5 cents. This has been driven by news that tech giant Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) is terminating its agreement for outsourced development contracts on the Horizon Worlds social platform. Management anticipates the revenue impact from the loss of this work will be approximately A$4 million in FY 2027. It said: “This is a counterparty decision and is not a reflection of the work PlaySide employees have delivered on an engagement that has consistently grown in value and scope since initial work began with Facebook in 2021. However, the loss of this work is a setback to the Company’s External Projects pipeline, and rebuilding that pipeline is (and has been) the immediate priority. Over the past six months we have built out the Company’s Business Development function from one person to four, significantly expanding the Company’s reach with international clients, and that team is focused on the work ahead.”

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

The ResMed share price is down 7% to $26.63. This follows a sharp decline by the sleep treatment company’s NYSE-listed shares on Friday night. There does not appear to have been any obvious company-specific catalyst for the weakness on Wall Street.

The post Why DroneShield, Lendlease, PlaySide, and ResMed shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guess which ASX 200 stock is crashing 8% today on $250 million divestment news
• Lendlease reports $250m MSG North sale and FY26 loss
• What happened to DroneShield shares in May?
• 3 ASX shares that brokers tipped to soar in the next 12 months
• ASX investors: Are you overinvested in the Magnificent 7 without knowing it?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield, Meta Platforms, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.