S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 1.2% higher at 8,695.9 points on Friday.
The US and Iran are reportedly close to an agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the benchmark index remains in the red for 2026, down 0.3%.
Brokers have reduced their ratings on several stocks this week.
Let's take a look.
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AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)
The AGL share price is $8.64, up 0.1% today.
Over the past month, this ASX 200 utilities share has fallen 8.9%.
Ord Minnett downgraded AGL shares from buy to hold this week.
The broker cut its price target from $13.25 to $11.75.
This still implies a healthy potential upside of 36% ahead.
Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)
The Origin Energy share price is $10.85, down 0.4% today.
This ASX 200 utilities share has fallen 9.9% over the past month.
Ord Minnett also downgraded Origin Energy shares from hold to lighten this week.
The broker cut its 12-month price target from $11 to $10.40.
This indicates a possible 4% downside over the next year.
Ord Minnett explained the downgrades in a note:
Ord Minnett sees increasing downside risk to AGL Energy and Origin Energy as electricity market transition dynamics evolve less favourably than had been anticipated.
Our central thesis is that battery capacity in the National Electricity Market (NEM) is being deployed materially faster than required in the absence of corresponding coal-fired generation retirements.
This excess flexibility is suppressing price volatility, reducing the earnings potential for batteries and other flexible generation assets such as gas peakers and hydro.
Adore Beauty Group Ltd (ASX: ABY)
The Adore Beauty share price is steady at 31 cents today.
The ASX consumer discretionary share has lost 76% of its valuation in 2026.
Bell Potter downgraded Adore Beauty shares to a hold rating on Monday.
The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $1 to 39 cents.
This suggests a potential 26% upside ahead.
Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)
The Brambles share price is $16.74, up 1.1% today.
This ASX 200 industrial share has fallen 27% in 2026 so far.
Morgan Stanley downgraded Brambles shares to a hold rating this week.
The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $28 to $19.
This still suggests capital growth of 13% over the next year.
Abacus Group (ASX: ABG)
The Abacus Group share price is $1.02, up 3.6% today.
In 2026 so far, this ASX property share has fallen 15%.
Shaw and Partners downgraded Abacus Group shares to a hold rating yesterday.
The broker has a 12-month price target of $1.05, implying the stock is fully valued now.
