S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.1% to 8,629.2 points on Friday.
Among the 11 market sectors, technology is the fastest riser, up 3.7%, after a strong lead from Wall Street.
The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) has been on a tear, up 11% in a month, and hit a new record overnight.
The materials sector is the laggard, down 2.7%, due to falling gold, silver, copper, iron ore, and lithium prices today.
Let's check out some new ratings from the experts.
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Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN)
The Hansen Technologies share price is $4.80, up 1.6% today and down 19% over six months.
Hansen is a global provider of software and services to the energy, water, and communications industries.
Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on this ASX tech share after the company presented at its TechRise Conference.
The broker said:
Management reiterated FY26 remains weighted to a stronger 2H, with DigiTalk contributing ~$10–11m revenue and FX remaining a top-line headwind.
Margin commentary was incrementally more confident, with management suggesting "30% plus" margins are realistic over the medium term, supported by AI-driven productivity gains.
Large telco opportunities and proof-of-concepts continue progressing positively, while AI discussion was materially more commercially focused and increasingly framed as an opportunity.
HSN also expects to be net cash positive later this calendar year, supporting further disciplined M&A. Reiterate Buy.
Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC)
The Superloop share price is $3.51, up 0.3% today and up 38% in the calendar year to date.
Nathan Lodge from Securities Vault has a hold rating on this ASX telecommunications share.
Lodge explained his rating on The Bull this week:
This internet service provider is a strong performer, benefiting from increasing data demand and network utilisation. The company is executing well on its fibre and broadband strategy, and earnings momentum has improved.
However, much of the near term upside appears priced in. The market is recognising its infrastructure value and, accordingly, valuation multiples have expanded.
While structural demand for connectivity remains intact, the competitive telecommunications environment in Australia limits pricing power. Growth is likely to continue, but at a more measured pace.
Investors already positioned in SLC should hold, but fresh capital may find better risk-reward opportunities elsewhere.
Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV)
The Select Harvests share price is $3.62, up 1.4% today and down 27% in 2026 so far.
Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on this ASX agriculture share this week.
The broker said Select Harvests is the world's No. 5 almond producer and exports more than 80% of its almonds.
It noted favourable supply and demand dynamics, including growing almond prices, up 7% over the four weeks to 6 May alone.
Shaw and Partners said:
The confirmation of high demand and tight Californian (and Australian) supply, alongside yesterday's Blue Diamond's detailed report on the higher Californian cost base (up to US$3.00/lb) should push almond price up at least 7% to US$3.41/lb.
We rate Select Harvests Limited (ASX:SHV) and Buy for the 64% return over the next 12-24 months from a 57% lift in EBITDA in FY'26F, re-start of dividend in 2HFY'26F, and cash flow platform.
