In many ways, there are more similarities between ASX rare earths shares Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) and Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) than differences.

But if an investor was gearing up to snap up stock in just one of the critical minerals producers, which would be the better buy?

Top broker Goldman Sachs has delved into the pair and come up with a clear favourite. Let's take a look.

Lynas shares compared to Iluka stock

First, though, let's compare the ASX rare earths duo.

The companies are both mining the critical minerals in Australia.

They're also both at home on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) – Lynas has a market capitalisation of $7.15 billion, while that of Iluka is around $4.98 billion.

Lynas boasts its Mt Weld mine and operates the largest single rare earths processing plant outside of China in Malaysia. It's also expecting feed-on at its Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility to kick off soon.

Iluka, on the other hand, holds the world's largest zircon mine in South Australia, as well as the Cataby mining operating and a processing hub in Western Australia. It's also developing a number of resources and building a fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba, 300km north of Perth.

Looking at their share prices, Lynas has notably underperformed Iluka so far this year. The former stock has traded flat year to date while the latter has lifted 24%.

Over the last five years, however, Lynas shares have tripled in value while those of Iluka have 'only' doubled.

So, with all that considered, let's take a look at which ASX 200 rare earths share Goldman Sachs prefers and why.

This ASX rare earths share is the better buy: Broker

Considering the pair, the top broker has a clear favourite – Iluka. It rates the stock a buy and tips it to rise 9.5% to $12.80. The broker believed the stock was undervalued and offered attractive growth potential earlier this year.

Lynas shares, on the other hand, have been slapped with a neutral rating and a $6.90 price target – a potential 9.2% downside. The broker upped its price target on the stock last month after the Malaysian government extended the cut-off date by which the company must stop importing lanthanide concentrate into the country.  

The post Better ASX rare earths buy: Iluka or Lynas shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• Why Lynas could be one of the ASX's biggest winners again today
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

Warren Buffett is perhaps the world's most famous investor, which makes us fortunate that he is incredibly generous with his investing advice.

One of the key messages he routinely conveys is that, while the stock market has its hard times, it has historically pulled through – always eventually realising a bull market. He's widely quoted as having once said:

Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well.

So, with that, how does the multi-billionaire suggest one makes the most of the down time so to win out in the inevitably approaching bull market? Keep reading to find out.

Warren Buffett investing advice to make the most of the coming bull market

Buy companies you believe in

The first Buffett advice I'll dive into is this:

Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.

The man behind Berkshire Hathaway is a firm believer in long-term investing. He aims to hold his investments for the years and decades to come, only selling if the company grows to be an unattractive asset.

Of course, if you're not aiming to sell, it's important to only buy shares in companies you truly believe will outperform over the long term.

Look for those with competitive advantages and strong safety nets

But how can one determine if a company will outperform in the future bull market?

Well, another key piece of investing advice offered by Buffett is to buy shares with competitive advantages and wide 'moats'.

Competitive advantages can be easy to spot. They can present as a 'sticky' product (one that's hard for customers to relinquish) or a strong brand.

A moat on the other hand, relates to the durability of such advantages. A company with a wide moat might have plenty of cash tucked away in case of hard times or a low-cost production method, for instance.

Trust in your knowledge

But recognising such traits often demands a level of prior knowledge. As Buffett advises:

Never invest in a business you cannot understand.

Any company can be understood by anyone, given they put enough time into acquiring knowledge of its business model, industry, strengths, and weaknesses.

However, that time might be better spent seeking out stocks within a person's "circle of competence", as Buffett puts it.

That way, one will likely recognise an opportunity faster and, perhaps, earlier than the broader market.

And the final Buffett advice: Don't get bogged down in short-term volatility

The final piece of Buffet investing advice I'll point to is this pithy quote:

Remember that the stock market is a manic depressive.

The stock market can shoot higher one day on a seemingly insignificant tidbit and plummet the following day on another.

But other than the long term, it typically accurately weighs the value of the companies housed on it.

Shares in the best companies will likely surge when the next bull market comes, with investors who jumped on board during its approach winning out.

The post A bull market is coming: Here's Warren Buffett's investing advice to help you cash in on it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Stop 'saving', start investing! How to target a $1 million ASX share portfolio

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As sad as it is, the average Australian doesn't have enough cash in their superannuation account to fund a comfortable retirement. That means many might need to rely on their savings or investments (like a portfolio of ASX shares) to afford their lifestyle through their golden years.

But what if you're approaching your last few decades in the workforce without either? If that's the case, it's likely you're not alone.

Plenty of Australians have faced tough financial times in their lives for any number of reasons.

Some might have struggled to realise an above-average wage, which can make saving difficult and consistently investing even harder.

Fortunately, if you're in your 40s, it isn't too late to kick-start your retirement fund. I'd personally turn to ASX shares to do so. Though, building a $1 million portfolio probably won't be easy.

Kick-starting a retirement fund at age 40

Building a $1 million portfolio of ASX shares from scratch in just a few decades will likely require consistency, resilience, and patience.

It might also demand you break a number of habits and form new ones. Particularly, if you're prone to spending large amounts on discretionary items.

The first step is to create a budget – and I think a good place to start is your current spending. By charting where your money is going now, you can begin adjusting your habits to keep more in your pocket.

The second step I would take is to build an emergency fund. That should be large enough to cover a few months of expenses if your income stream were to dry up suddenly.

Only then is it worthwhile to begin investing in ASX shares.

Building a $1m portfolio of ASX shares from scratch

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, the median Australian worker puts in 38 hours each week and brings home $805.

Let's assume a few lifestyle changes might see a person set aside a third of that. That means they could have around $265 a week to invest in ASX shares.

That would see them sinking a total of $344,500 into the stock market over the coming 25 years – a far cry from our $1 million goal.

But what would happen if our figurative investor realised the same average return offered by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the previous 10 years ­– 8.12% per annum in total, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices data?

Well, that would see them amassing slightly more than $1 million in retirement savings by 2050, if they started today.

It's never too late

Hopefully, the above sums help to clear any anxiety felt by Aussies looking to retire in the coming decades.

Building a $1 million portfolio of ASX shares isn't an easy feat, but it's far from impossible.

And while it might be daunting to begin your stock market investing journey after your fortieth birthday, it's no excuse not to give it a go.

The post 40 years old with no savings? Here's your path to $1 million in retirement with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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) traded in the green on Friday, closing the week 0.32% higher at 7,122.5 points. That sees it 0.32% lower week-on-week.

Today's gains came on the back of a strong session on Wall Street overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) rose 0.5% in Thursday's session while the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) climbed 1%.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) posted a 0.6% gain, officially putting it in bull market territory.

Back home, the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) recovered some of yesterday's losses, lifting 1.6%.

Meanwhile, mining stocks performed well, sending the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) 1% higher.

But it wasn't all green across the bourse. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ), for instance, ended the day 0.3% lower on the back of a dire night for oil prices.

So, with all that in mind, let's take a look at the ten ASX 200 shares that outperformed all others on Friday.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Taking out the top spot on the index in today's session was mining share Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC).

It gained 13% on news of a placement wherein new shares in the company were offered for $1.10 apiece.

These shares made today's biggest gains:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

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• Which ASX 200 tech stock has Bell Potter just downgraded?
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• Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys
• Are these the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 10 years?

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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, Idp Education, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Carsales.com, Hub24, and Idp Education. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It's a bright day on the bourse, with the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) lifting 0.37% at the time of writing. And its moves have been helped and hindered by three All Ords stocks posting some significant gains and falls.

The trio are on the move on the back of notable news. So, without further ado, let's dive into the announcements sending two stocks soaring – and one plunging – on Friday.

3 All Ords stocks on the move on Friday

Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

First up, is nickel mining company Nickel Industries. The All Ords stock is soaring 11.6% right now to trade at 96.5 cents.

It comes on news the company is raising more than $900 million through a placement wherein new shares are priced at $1.10 – a 27% premium to its previous close.

Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU)

Meanwhile, stock in All Ords biopharmaceutical company Imugene is leaping 7.5% to trade at 10 cents.

The company announced its phase one metastatic advanced solid tumours (MAST) trial, looking at the safety of its novel cancer-killing virus CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA), has progressed to the next cohort of the intravenous (IV) arms of both the monotherapy and combination study.

Imugene managing director and CEO Leslie Chong commented:

As we continue to move through the cohorts at pace, we're aiming to have this high-quality science peer reviewed and recognised within publications or conferences befitting of its results and potential benefit to patients in need.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

Finally, plenty of eyes have been on ASX All Ords stock Appen lately. The company provides data and services to be used in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

Unfortunately, it isn't a good day for the tech share. It's tumbling 6% right now to trade at $3.28 on news the company has completed the retail component of its capital raise.

The offer closed on Tuesday and raised around $29.5 million, with new stocks offered at $1.85 apiece. That's a near-20% discount on where the stock was trading before the capital raise was announced.

Despite that, only around 55% of eligible shareholders took up the offer, raising $15.6 million and buying 8.4 million stocks, with the remainder allotted to sub-underwriters.

The post 3 All Ords stocks making major moves on big news today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Appen. 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 exciting news for fans of Wall Street: The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) entered a new bull market overnight. That's good news for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today. It's up 0.29% at the time of writing.

But is the Aussie index also gearing up to roar 20% above its recent lows? Let's take a look.

Wall Street rejoice! The S&P 500 has entered a new bull market

Yesterday was a big one for United States markets, as the S&P 500 officially entered a new bull market. That means it's covered 20% of ground since its most recent low.

The S&P 500 includes the 500 largest companies listed in New York – around 80% of the United States' available public market capitalisation.

Thus, its heavily weighted towards the nation's tech giants, such as Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN). Such stocks have regained plenty of lost ground in recent weeks amid a boom in investor sentiment surrounding AI.

The index continued its recent rally overnight, soaring 0.62% to close at 4,293.93 points. That's 20% higher than its October low of 3,577.03 points.

The S&P 500 is the last of Wall Street's three majors to reach the milestone.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) entered a bull market in November 2022, with the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) following suit last month.

Will the ASX 200 be next?

Sadly for Aussie investors, the ASX 200 still appears a ways away from a bull market.

The index closed at a two-year low of 6,433.4 points in September. That means it would have to reach 7,720 points to enter a new bull market. It closed yesterday's session at 7,099.7 points.

But, while the next bull market might not be on the ASX 200's doorstep, rest assured it's on the horizon. That's if history is anything to go by.

The market has always historically recovered from corrections, bear markets, and crashes to roar to new record highs.

I have no doubt that the ASX 200 will follow in the S&P 500 footsteps in the coming months, years, or decades, with patient investors winning out in the end.

The post The S&P 500 is officially in bull market territory. Is the ASX 200 next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
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• Alcoa posts Q1 2026 result

John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Amazon.com, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon.com and Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you've ever considered investing in ASX lithium shares, you've likely come across a diverse range of opinions on where the battery-making material's price will go next. It can seem like, for every bullish expert, there's a bearish peer waiting to rebut. Interestingly however, one lithium bear is still tipping Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares as a buy.

Here's why one might still consider snapping up the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium producer, even if they think the commodity's price could tumble.

Are Pilbara Minerals shares worth buying if lithium prices fall?

You don't have to look far to find an opinion on the future of lithium prices.

For instance, producers vehemently defended the material's value earlier this year. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs remains sceptical on lithium but it continues to see value in the sector, nonetheless.

And therein lies one reason I might still consider buying Pilbara Minerals shares, even if I expect lithium prices to tumble.

Like most mining stocks, the lithium giant's earnings are directly tied to the price it can command from its production. However, as long as that price remains higher than its costs, it can feasibly bring in a decent profit.

Broker Morgans has a buy rating and a $5 price target on the stock. It believes the company could deliver strong profits even if the commodity's price drops, my Fool colleague James reports.

Indeed, the company recorded a $919 million cash margin from operations and a $457 million increase in its cash balance in the March quarter. That was despite its realised lithium price slipping 15% and its costs rising 9%.

Beyond that, increasing its production will likely increase its earnings, even if that production sells for less than it previously did.

The company expects the commissioning of its P680 expansion to begin in the September quarter. That will bring its flagship Pilgangoora Project's capacity to around 680,000 tonnes per annum.

That's to be bolstered by 47% to 1 million tonnes per annum by 2025 under its recently approved P1000 expansion.

With all that considered, the potential that lithium prices could fall doesn't necessarily wipe Pilbara Minerals shares from the table in my eyes.

The post If I'm bearish on lithium prices, why would I buy Pilbara Minerals shares right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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) slumped slightly on Thursday, falling 0.26% to close at 7,099.7 points.

It followed a mixed session on Wall Street overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) lifted 0.3% in Wednesday's session, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) fell 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) dropped 1.3%.

Back home, tech stocks didn't do any better. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) plunged 3.8%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) also suffered, falling 2.5%, while, on a more positive note, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose 0.6%.

Out in front of all the ASX 200's sectors today was the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ). It rose 1.3% alongside oil prices.

The Brent crude oil lifted 0.9% to US$76.95 a barrel overnight while US Nymex oil added 1.1% to reach US$72.53 a barrel.

So, with all that in mind, let's dive into the 10 top-performing ASX 200 shares of Thursday's session.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Taking out today's top spot is the New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price. The coal producer's stock gained 8.6% despite no news having been released by the company.

These shares made today's biggest gains:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Costa Group and Metcash. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There was a period, not all that long ago, that the AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price looked like it might never bounce back. Indeed, the company behind the stock was nearly sawn down the middle just last year.

But all that's behind us now. The AGL share price has rebounded in recent months, climbing 24% so far this year to pass $10 on Thursday for the first time since early 2021.

The stock hit a multi-year high of $10.01 in late morning trade. It has since slipped slightly to trade at $9.98 – 3% higher than its previous close.

So, has the tide finally turned for the embattled S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy producer and retailer? And does that make its stock worth considering right now? Let's take a look.

AGL share price returns to long-forgotten heights

The last few years have been pivotal for the AGL share price and the company's business.

Just a few years back, it was focused on producing coal-fired power. Today, it's aiming to shut down its final coal operation by 2035.

That's expected to see the company that's currently Australia's largest emitter reach net zero.

Not to mention, its leadership team looks notably different today than it did just 12 months ago.

Former chair Peter Botten and former CEO Graeme Hunt each stood down from their roles last year. They were replaced by Patricia McKenzie and Damien Nicks respectively.

On its board, four directors proposed by major shareholder Mike Cannon-Brookes joined the table despite the company only recommending one of them.  

And things seem to be progressing well despite the new directors having joined in a way McKenzie labelled "slightly unusual", as per the Australian Financial Review.

Speaking at the publication's recent ESG Summit, the AGL chair reportedly said:

In my opinion, the board is working really well, these are all professional directors … they have demonstrated their independence, they bring a fantastic range of skills and experience and we are working together.

But is it a buy?

In my opinion, AGL still represents a risky investment. After all, the company is in the middle of a notable transformation.

Though, if all goes as expected, the future appears bright for the AGL share price.

Insiders have been snapping up plenty of the company's stock lately, perhaps suggesting those in the know are bullish.

Not to mention, UBS has a buy rating on AGL, though its price target is just $9.60, as my Fool colleague Bronwyn reported last month. That's 3.8% lower than where the ASX 200 stock is trading right now.

Not to mention, the company offers considerable potential for dividend growth, as The Motley Fool Australia's Tristan explored recently.

The post The AGL share price just hit a new multi-year high. Should I buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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.

Stock in S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) analytical and testing services provider ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) roared to a 52-week high of $13.48 in April before coming off the gas.

It has since slumped nearly 14% to trade at $11.67 right now.

But there's a silver lining. The tumble might have brought about a buying opportunity.

That's suggested by an insider purchase that saw the ASX 200 company's chair snap up more than $500,000 worth of its stock.

An insider just sunk more than $500k into this ASX 200 stock

ALS chair Bruce Phillips has sat on the company's board for nearly eight years, heading the table for close to seven of those.

One might assume his time running the ship sees him with a good understanding of the company's strengths and weaknesses.

Thus, some market watchers are likely intrigued by a recent purchase undertaken by the director.

Phillips indirectly purchased 50,000 stocks in the ASX 200 industrials company on the market earlier this week.

He paid around $11.68 per share to do so, forking out a total of approximately $584,000.

That same day, independent non-executive director Peter Possemiers also splurged on the market. He paid nearly $20,000 to bolster his parcel of ALS shares.

That saw him buying 11,470 securities for $11.46 apiece on the market – positively a bargain compared to his previous purchase.

Possemiers joined the company's board in November last year. Soon after, he forked out close to $30,000 to buy 2,470 of the ASX 200 constituent's stocks for $12.14 apiece.

The most significant news weighing on the ALS share price in recent weeks appears to have been the company's full-year earnings.

The ASX 200 stock tumbled 4% late last month despite the company posting a 23% jump in net profit after tax (NPAT), surging above previous guidance, and a 19% increase in revenue.

The post This ASX 200 stock is down 14% since April, and a director just bought over $500k worth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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.

Those hoping to buy shares in S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare giant CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) for under $300 apiece appear to have missed their window. At least for now.

The stock bounced above the milestone last month after dipping as low as $273.40 earlier this year and to $254.30 in June 2022.

Today, the CSL share price is trading at around $305.26.

So, with those gains under its belt, could the biotechnology icon's stock be spent, or is it just warming up?

What's been going right for the ASX 200 healthcare giant?

Shares in CSL have long been considered defensive. That means the company's earnings will likely keep coming despite a broader economic slowdown.

Perhaps that's part of the reason why investors have been bidding the stock higher as of late. Rising rates and persistent inflation have likely left many turning towards the defensive end of the ASX.

Another reason behind the CSL share price's recent gains could be the company's earnings.

It grew its revenue by 19% in the first half and bolstered its interim dividend by 3% to $1.622 per share. Though, its net profit after tax (NPAT) slipped 8%.

And, fortunately for eager would-be investors, brokers think the ASX 200 healthcare share could continue growing from here.

Brokers remain bullish on CSL shares

Many brokers are expecting more gains from CSL shares in the coming months and years.

Morgans is one such broker. It tips the stock to surge to trade at $337.92 – a potential 10.7% upside, my Fool colleague James reports. The broker is said to have commented:

A key portfolio holding and key sector pick, we believe CSL is poised to break-out this year, a COVID exit trade, offering double-digit recovery in earnings growth as plasma collections increase, new products get approved and influenza vaccine uptake increases around ongoing concerns about respiratory viruses, with shares offering good value trading around its long-term forward multiple of ~30x.

Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley forecasts the stock to rise to $339 – 11% higher than it currently sits – amid growing plasma collection volumes.

Finally, UBS is hopeful, though less so. It was recently said to expect the CSL share price to rise to $330– representing a potential 8.1% upside.

The post I missed out on CSL shares under $300. Is it too late to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to build a Warren Buffett-inspired ASX share portfolio
• Down 38% this year, is it finally time to buy low on CSL, ResMed and Pro Medicus shares?
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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 CSL. 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.

If you're in your 20s and considering making some choice investments, chances are you're setting yourself up for your best financial future.

Generally, the earlier a person begins their investing journey, the more wealth-building opportunities they'll be presented with.

So, with that in mind, let's dive into what I think are some of the best, most rewarding investments a person in their 20s can make.

I think these are some of the best investments Aussies in their 20s can make

Education

It's probably no surprise that education makes this list. The best investment one can often make is in themselves and your 20s can be a period of abundant education opportunities.

But, like any other form of education that sparks your interest, investing in your financial education is generally incredibly worthwhile.

A solid understanding of how to save and budget and of the taxation and superannuation systems can be worth its weight in gold.

Your 20s can also be a great time to learn the pros and cons of investing in various assets and consider what forms of income (passive or active) you might like to aim for in the future.

Financial security

That leads us to my second investment: Financial security. If your 20s are anything like mine, financial independence might still be some time away.

However, setting up an emergency fund can provide valuable peace of mind and, potentially, get you out of a sticky situation later on.

After all, there's little point investing in, say, ASX shares if you're forced to sell your holdings on the arrival of an unexpected bill.

ASX shares

ASX shares are likely among the best, most accessible investments someone in their 20s can make.

Unlike property, they don't demand a lump sum of cash to buy. And with the rise of robo-advisors, professional advice on the stock market can be quite affordable.

Your 20s is also a prime time to take greater risks, if you're comfortable doing so.

As per the rule of risk vs reward, taking a chance on ASX growth shares, as an example, or investing in an up-and-coming sector could spawn some notable gains.

Good times

Finally, spending the decade building a portfolio filled with the best investments you can find may well be an incredibly rewarding foray. But so could kicking back and enjoying one of life's most pivotal decades.

For some, embarking on that long-awaited backpacking trip across the world could pay endless dividends, in the form of life experiences.

For others, taking the risk to move to a more expensive city might bring more happiness than a share portfolio ever could.

Getting the balance between financial health and a fulfilling life isn't easy, but your 20s is as good a time as any to start trying.

The post The 4 best investments for Aussies in their 20s appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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) traded relatively flat for most of Wednesday, ultimately falling 0.16% to close at 7,118 points.

It followed yesterday's news that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has hiked interest rates for the twelfth time since May 2022, lifting the nation's cash rate by 0.25% to 4.1%.

The market also heard the news that Australia's gross domestic product (GDP) growth is slowing, rising 0.2% over the March quarter and 2.3% over the 12 months prior, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.

Leading the Aussie bourse today was the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ), rising 0.8%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) also performed strongly, gaining 0.6% and 0.4% respectively.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) posted the biggest fall, dropping 0.7%.

So, with all that in mind, let's take a look at which ASX 200 shares saw the biggest gains in Wednesday's session.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top-performing ASX 200 share was medical device company Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV). It announced it saw a record $7 million in sales in May.

These shares made today's biggest gains:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Block, Idp Education, PolyNovo, and Reliance Worldwide. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Idp Education and Reliance Worldwide. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

These three All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are roaring ahead of the index on Wednesday on the back of important announcements.

They're each leaping more than 10% while the index remains relatively flat, having gained just 0.1% at the time of writing.

So, what's put a spring in the All Ords shares' steps? Let's take a look.

3 ASX All Ords shares roaring higher on big news

Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

The first All Ords share surging higher today is medical device developer Polynovo. It's gaining 13% right now to trade at $1.645.

It comes on news of a record month of sales at the company. It recorded $7.2 million of sales in May.

Of those, $5.2 million came from the United States – a 97% increase on the prior comparable period – while another $1.9 million came from elsewhere – a 189% jump.

Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE)

Next up is shares in All Ords aged care facility operator Estia Health. They're surging 13% right now to swap hands for $2.905.

It comes on news the company has received a revised takeover bid from suitor Bain Capital. The private investment firm put forward a $3 per share bid in March.

It has now upped that offer to $3.20 per share, less any dividends paid by the All Ords share after the proposal.

The bid represents a 50% premium on the stock's most recent undisturbed closing price.

Novonix Ltd (ASX: NVX)

The final All Ords share taking off on Wednesday is battery materials and technology icon Novonix. It's roaring 11% at the time of writing to trade at $1.08.

The company today announced an agreement with battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution.

The deal will see them jointly researching and developing artificial graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Meanwhile, Novonix will issue US$30 million of convertible notes to LG Energy Solution under a separate agreement.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares rocketing over 10% on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 PolyNovo. 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.

A $10,000 investment in ASX shares can provide a substantial passive income given time to grow. In fact, such an investment could bear as much as $500 per month in dividends.  

Here's how I'd aim to turn a respectable lump sum into a considerable income stream, using only ASX shares.

Realising a $500 monthly passive income from ASX shares

Many companies listed on the ASX routinely rake in more cash than they need. So, rather than stash it in a bank account somewhere, they hand bite-sized parcels of money to shareholders – known as dividends.

While the amount usually offered might seem small, it can add up quickly.

Particularly if I were to use my dividends to buy more shares, thereby compounding my returns and essentially snowballing my portfolio.

And that's exactly how I'd aim to turn a $10,000 investment into a portfolio of ASX shares capable of providing $500 of passive income a month.

Growing my ASX passive income portfolio

But my strategy will take time.

Assuming I could realise a consistent 8% dividend yield, my $10,000 investment would bring in $800 of dividend income each year. That's nothing to scoff at, but it's a far cry from my goal.

To bring in $500 of passive income a month – or $6,000 a year – my portfolio of ASX shares would need to be worth $75,000, assuming an 8% dividend yield.

And fortunately, I needn't fork out any more to get there.

If I were to reinvest all the dividends I receive, I could grow my $10,000 portfolio into $75,000 worth of ASX shares in just under 27 years. That's not bad for very little effort.

Though, it might be a little long for my investment horizons.

Speeding up the process

To speed things up, I might decide to invest my spare cash as well. I think I could spare $100 a week, or $5,200 a year.

At that rate, and assuming I still compounded my returns, it would take me just eight years to reach my goal of holding a passive income portfolio worth $75,000, despite having invested just over $41,000 to build it.

Of course, that assumes my dividend yield stays at 8% – an unlikely happening given the market's ups and downs, and past performance isn't an indication of future performance.

Though, it also assumes my shares won't appreciate in value, while the market has historically always gone up.

3 ASX 200 shares offering an average 8% dividend yield

While dividend yields of around 8% are generally difficult to rely on as the passive income they provide is often unstable, they're not as rare as they might seem.

For instance, ASX 200 shares Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL), Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG), and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) currently offer an average yield of 8.4% between them.

Thus, finding notable ASX passive income shares might not take all that much time or effort.

The post Turning a $10k ASX shares portfolio into a passive income of $500 a month! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price soared to a record high in May before handing back its gains.

After finishing April trading for $2.74, stock in the company behind the Kathleen Valley lithium project rocketed to a peak of $3.02 on 12 May. But the record high wasn't to last.

The Liontown share price closed last month back at $2.76 – just 0.73% higher than it was 31 days prior.

In the meantime, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 3% over the course of last month.

So, what drove shares in the lithium favourite to pop then drop in May? Let's take a look.

What happened to the ASX 200 lithium favourite in May?

This year has been a wild ride for those invested in Liontown shares.

The company was the subject of a $2.50 per share takeover bid from New York-listed lithium giant Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) in March.

While the bid was quickly rejected, it saw the market send the Liontown share price 68% higher in a single session – a gain it hasn't yet lost.

And more takeover talk surrounded the ASX 200 stock last month.

Reports a second suitor was scoping it out emerged in early May, with a bid of around $2.75 per share rumoured to be in the works.

But investors' excitement was short-lived. The company dismissed the reports, saying Albemarle's was the last offer presented to it.

That was the last time the market heard price-sensitive news from the company.

Though, it also released an investor presentation and announced it's awarded the full mining services contract for Kathleen Valley's Corner and Mt Mann open pits.

Iron Mine Contracting was the lucky company signing the contract. The contract is valued at around $240 million over its three-year term.

Liontown share price snapshot

This year has been a ripper one for the Liontown share price.

The stock has more than doubled since the start of 2023, rising 123% in that time. It's also 126% higher than it was this time last year.

Meanwhile, the ASX 200 has gained 3% year to date and 1% over the last 12 months.

The post What happened to the Liontown share price in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price has underperformed the market over the last three years.

At this point of 2020, a $5,000 investment likely would have seen one boasting 317 shares in the supermarket operator, having paid $15.76 apiece.

That parcel would have been worth $5,617.24 as of the stock's most recent close. The Coles share price finished Tuesday's session at $17.72 – 12% higher than it was in June 2020.

Comparatively, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen 19% in that time.

But share price gains aren't the only thing our figurative investment has provided over its life. The company has also been handing shareholders biannual dividends.

All dividends paid to those holding Coles shares since 2020

Here are all the dividends Coles shares have provided over the last three years:

As the above chart shows, each Coles share has provided $1.875 of dividend income. That leaves our $5,000 parcel having yielded $594.375 over its life.

Considering both the passive income and the capital gains provided by the supermarket stock, an investor has likely realised a 24% return on investment (ROI).

And that might have been bolstered if one had used their dividends to buy more shares, thereby compounding their returns. Perhaps, by participating in the company's dividend reinvestment plan (DRP).

Not to mention, all the dividends ever paid to those invested in Coles shares have been fully franked. Thus, they might have brought extra benefits to some shareholders come tax time.

At the time of writing, stock in the supermarket favourite is trading with a 3.7% dividend yield.

The post Invested $5k in Coles shares in 2020? Here's how much dividend income you've earned appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Coles 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) tumbled on Tuesday, falling 1.2% to close today's session at 7,129.6 points.

Its fall came amid the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA's) latest rate decision, handed down this afternoon.

The central bank has upped the nation's interest rate by 0.25% in June, leaving the cash rate at 4.1%.

It comes as inflation continues to persist, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics last week revealing the measure lifted 6.8% over the 12 months to April.

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) led the bourse's falls, dropping 2.2%. Its suffering might have been due to expectations Aussies could tighten their purse strings following the hike.

Also struggling was the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) – dropping 1.5% and 1.4% respectively.

But not all was dire in today's session. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) was alone in the green, rising 0.5%.

So, with all that in mind, let's dive into today's top-performing ASX 200 shares.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Outperforming all others on Tuesday was ASX 200 energy stock Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC). It rose 4.38% despite no word being released by the company.

These shares made today's biggest gains:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Megaport and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk and Megaport. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Attention fans of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dividends: These three stocks have dived to long-forgotten lows.

Today's price is the lowest that investors have been able to snap up the stocks in more than 12 months.

So, what's weighing on the passive income-providing ASX 200 stocks? Let's take a look.

3 ASX 200 dividend stocks plunging to 52-week lows on Tuesday

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

First up is shares in the market operator itself. ASX stock is tumbling today, falling 12.5% to a low of $59.06 – the lowest it's been since 2018.

Driving the slump is news the company will drop its dividend payout ratio from next financial year, lowering it from 90% of underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to between 80% and 90%.

That's just part of a five-year strategy outlined to the market this morning. Meanwhile, it upped its cost expectations for this fiscal year and next – the former on the back of CHESS-related costs, as my Fool colleague Bernd reports.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Joining the ASX share price in posting a new 52-week low is stock in ASX 200 dividend-paying drink retailer and hotel operator Endeavour. It slumped 2.1% to $6.07 earlier today – a near-two-year low.

The stock might be being impacted by anticipation of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA's) next rate decision, to be handed down later this afternoon.

Meanwhile, its home sector ­ – the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XJO) – is down 1.1% right now.

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN)

Finally, an ASX 200 stock with a notable dividend yield of 9.1% at the time of writing – Harvey Norman ­– also hit a new 52-week low today.

The retailer saw its share price fall to its lowest since 2020 to trade at $3.31 earlier today.

The RBA's upcoming announcement could also be weighing on its stock and those of its S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) peers. The sector has slipped 1.3% at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX 200 dividend stocks that just hit new 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For most Aussies, their 60s is the time their investments begin to pay off, setting them up for their best second life.

If you're in, or approaching, your sixth decade, you're likely eyeing the retirement horizon, looking forward to putting career stresses behind you and gearing up for a life of relaxation or adventure.

So, what could be the best investments for these exciting years? Here are four investment ideas I think could be worthwhile for Aussies in their 60s.

Of course, all advice is general in nature and doesn't consider your individual circumstances.

4 of the best investment options for Aussies in their 60s

Time to contemplate

It mightn't initially sound like a winning investment, but I think setting aside the time to consider the future – in other words, intentional retirement planning – could pay dividends.

Many people might benefit from seeking professional advice here – an investment in itself.

Others might choose to set aside a chunk of time, brew a few cups of tea, and really contemplate what they want out of retirement. From there, it would likely pay to work out how much your vision could cost and how you might afford it.

You never know, the answers to such questions might reveal a few last-minute financial changes that could ensure a more rewarding retirement.

ASX shares

As a fan of ASX investing, I think snapping up the right shares could prove a winning investment for Aussies in their 60s.

Those approaching retirement might turn to ASX blue chip stocks that pay dividends. Such shares can provide passive income while offering lesser risk than, say, buying growth stocks.

Not to mention, a sizeable ASX portfolio could see one can employing the 4% rule through their retirement to bolster their cash balance.

Risk management

But that's not to say ASX shares should be a person's only investment. Diversification is a simple way to reduce the risks associated with investing.

I would suggest an Aussie in their 60s consider spreading their wealth over cash, bonds, stocks, or even property, to name a few investment options.

Further, buying shares in various companies operating in various sectors can also diversify your investment portfolio.

Superannuation

Finally, if you're in your 60s and haven't yet retired, or if you find yourself with a lump sum of cash, it might be a good time to bolster your superannuation balance.

Doing so can have some notable tax benefits and could contribute to your future financial health.

The post The 4 best investments Aussies in their 60s can make appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree's dream
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• How many shares in this high-dividend toll road stock do you need for a $10,000 income stream?
• Which ASX 200 tech stock has Bell Potter just downgraded?
• Stop 'saving', start investing! How to target a $1 million ASX share portfolio

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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.