WAM Leaders is a listed investment company (LIC) that targets large, quality businesses for its portfolio.

While BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) may be two of the biggest companies on the ASX, they're not necessarily the two that WAM is optimistic about. Let's look at two that WAM holds.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

WAM described Ampol as an integrated fuel and energy company with refining, distribution and retail operations across Australia and international markets.

The fund manager said that renewed tensions between the US and Iran during the month disrupted crude and refined oil supply, keeping the ASX blue-chip share's refining margins elevated.

WAM noted that Ampol recently gave the market a trading update which highlighted stronger earnings, supported by the heightened volatility over the period.

It was suggested by the investment team that the improved earnings outlook should support further debt reduction and a gradual strengthening of the balance sheet.

WAM said:

We remain constructive on the company's outlook given favourable trading conditions and following the recent acquisition of EG Group's Australian service station network (EG Australia), which significantly expands Ampol's convenience retail footprint?

Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)

Another ASX blue-chip share that WAM likes is Mirvac, a diversified Australian property group with exposure to residential development, office and retail assets.

WAM noted that the Mirvac share price was supported in July following the inflation number for the three months to June 2026 being lower than expected. This reinforced the fund manager's view that Australian interest rates are likely near their peak.

This dynamic has lifted sentiment towards real estate investment trusts (REITs), given their high sensitivity to interest rate expectations.

The WAM Leaders team believe the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will soon enter a rate-cutting cycle.

The fund manager notes that companies with residential exposure, including ASX blue-chip shares Mirvac and Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP), continue to trade at discounts to their net tangible assets (NTA). This valuation gap is "expected to gradually close as sentiment toward the real estate sector recovers and underlying conditions in the housing market continue to improve".

The post 2 ASX blue-chip shares experts rate as compelling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Ampol Ltd report?

• Group unaudited RCOP EBITDA of around $1,600 million for 1H 2026 (up from $649 million in 1H 2025)
• RCOP EBIT of about $1,350 million in 1H 2026 (1H 2025: $404 million)
• Lytton Refiner Margin averaged US$28.26 per barrel for the half, up 280% from 1H 2025
• Group refinery production rose 8.7% to 2,945 ML
• Australian fuel sales (Ex Net-sell) increased 2.8% year-on-year

What else do investors need to know?

Ampol's integrated trading, shipping, and supply chain proved resilient amid ongoing Middle East conflict, enabling stable fuel supply across Australia and New Zealand. Demand spikes and constrained crude supplies lifted regional margins and highlighted the company's operational flexibility.

The company completed its acquisition of EG Australia in June 2026, which is expected to deliver annual synergies of $65 to $80 million within two years, although no earnings from EG Australia are included in these first-half results. Ampol also supported government fuel security efforts by purchasing additional inventories in both Australia and New Zealand during this volatile period.

What did Ampol Ltd management say?

Ampol's CEO, Matt Halliday, said:

Throughout the disruption, our focus has been on keeping Australia and New Zealand moving. As demand surged and supply tightened, our integrated supply chain came under enormous pressure but remained resilient. Our people also responded exceptionally well, helping fuel continue to reach communities across the country.

What's next for Ampol Ltd?

Looking ahead, Ampol will begin a major maintenance program at the Lytton refinery in August 2026, expected to take until October and reduce production volumes by approximately 300 ML. The company plans to manage this with its diversified supply and trading capability to maintain product availability.

Ampol notes that elevated earnings were partly driven by favourable supply and hedging positions established prior to the conflict. The company will release further audited results for 1H 2026 on 24 August 2026, with attention on how ongoing geopolitical instability affects market conditions.

Ampol Ltd share price snapshot

The Ampol share price has been on form over the past 12 months, delivering a return of 45%. As a comparison, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) has only risen approximately 3.2%.

View Original Announcement

The post Ampol Ltd delivers huge earnings jump as supply chain supports profit growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 0.28% to 8,772.3 points over the week.

Oil and gas prices surged last week as Iran-backed Houthi militants attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

The Saudis have been piping oil across to the Red Sea port of Yanbu for export while the Strait of Hormuz is effectively shut down.

The Brent crude oil price increased 13% to US$99.80 per barrel on Friday.

The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price rose 11.5% to US$91.25 per barrel.

UK and European gas prices rose 8% and German gas prices increased 13%.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts said escalating tensions were raising fears of prolonged global energy supply disruptions.

The US launched a 13th straight day of strikes on Iran, with both sides ruling out near-term talks.

President Trump also threatened "major military punishment" against Iran and the Houthis over any further attacks on Red Sea shipping and said he was considering a "massive attack" on Iran.

Asian buyers have begun discussing rerouting Saudi crude shipments through the Suez Canal and around Africa.

Adding to supply constraints, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended crude loadings at its Black Sea terminal after tanker attacks, disrupting around 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports.

Six of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the red.

Let's recap.

Energy shares led the market last week

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price rose 6.27% over the week to $32.37 on Friday.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price lifted 3.78% to $7.97.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price rose 2.98% to $38.67.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price ascended 6.84% to $2.50.

The Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) share price rocketed 19.33% to $1.79.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares increased 2.84% to 91 cents apiece.

The Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price shot 14.96% higher to $9.68 on Friday.

The Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) share price rose 6.56% to $1.30.

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price jumped 12.87% to $6.05.

Whitehaven Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares rose 4.31% to $7.75.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 energy shares rise 6% as reignited US-Iran conflict continues appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's what's happening.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

AMP shares are up 0.7% at the time of writing, changing hands for $2.15 apiece.

That marks a multi-year high for the diversified financial services company, with the ASX 200 stock now trading at its highest levels since July 2019.

There's no fresh news out from AMP today. But the share price has enjoyed a strong run over the last week since the company lifted its first-half (H1 FY 2026) profit expectations last week.

On 16 July, management revealed they expect H1 underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to come in the range of $170 million to $180 million. That's a big increase from H1 FY 2025 NPAT of $131 million.

Management attributed the profit increase to a stronger contribution from AMP's China partnerships, favourable investment income spurred by rising interest rates, and the recognition of $13 million related to the partial sale of AMP's remaining assets within a legacy fund.

AMP shares closed up 9.8% on the day of the announcement.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

Also notching new one-year-plus highs today is Aussie fuel supplier Ampol.

Ampol shares are up 0.6% at the time of writing, trading for $39.17 each.

You'd have to go back to April 2024 to find the ASX 200 stock trading at higher levels.

Ampol shares are now up 49% since this time last year, boosted by increased profits and production.

Today's lift looks to be fuelled by the increasing oil price.

With attacks still ongoing in and around Iran, coupled with new Yemeni Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea, the Brent crude oil price is up 3.4% overnight to US$94.07 per barrel, according to data from Bloomberg.

The oil price is now up more than 31% since the beginning of July.

Which brings us to…

Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX)

Joining the list of ASX 200 stocks notching new 52-week highs is shopping centre owner and manager Vicinity Centres.

Vicinity Centres shares are up 0.4% at the time of writing, swapping hands for $2.65 each.

That's the highest level since November 2019.

There's also no fresh price-sensitive news out from Vicinity Centres. But after jumping from a one-year closing low of $2.26 a share on 12 March, investors have been reassessing the valuation of this ASX REIT.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing new 52-week-plus highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At one point this morning, the petroleum company's shares were trading as high as $38.33.

Today's increase means the shares are now up 19% for the year to date, and have rallied 40% higher over the past 12 months.

What has pushed Ampol shares to a multi-year high?

Ampol's shares have been driven higher by a combination of volatile global oil supply and company growth, including improved production and profit.

The company is Australia's largest transport energy distributor and retailer, with more than 1,800 Ampol-branded service stations across the country. 

Unsurprisingly, its shares have rocketed higher on the back of conflict in the Middle East and concerns about global oil supply.

Ampol shares have jumped 37% higher since the war between the US and Iran ramped up in late February.

The shares suffered a temporary lull towards the back end of June when it looked like the two nations had reached a peace deal. Even so, the ceasefire was unstable, and even though the Strait of Hormuz partially reopened, supply continued to be very constrained and unpredictable. 

But Ampol shares rocketed higher again this morning as the peace talks fell apart in early July and the region descended into war again.

According to Trading Economics, the price of WTI crude oil has also surged higher this month, and is trading over the US$83 per barrel mark at the time of writing. 

There is still some way to go before the price returns to the US$113 per barrel level seen in April, but it is still significantly higher than the US$60 per barrel levels seen earlier this year.

Prices for Brent oil, gasoline, heating oil, and Ethanol have also jumped higher over the past month.

It's not only oil supply and prices supporting this year's share price rise.

Ampol has also posted a few updates that have gathered investor attention. In June, Ampol received the green light, with conditions, from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a proposed acquisition of fuel and convenience store operator EG Australia. 

The company previously confirmed a 10% increase in refinery production, higher refiner margins, and increased production in its Q1 FY26 trading update.

What are brokers tipping for Ampol shares next?

It looks like we could see some more upside for Ampol shares over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on the shares. The $38.75 target price currently implies a potential 2% upside.

TradingView data shows something similar. Out of 10 analysts, eight have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. One more rates Ampol shares as a hold and one as a sell.

The average $38.29 target price implies a potential 1% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing. Whereas, the maximum $46.50 target price implies the shares have the potential to surge another 23%.

The post Ampol shares rallied 40% to hit fresh 2-year high. Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, the ASX 200 staged a late comeback and only just managed to finish in the green, gaining 0.028% for the day and finishing at 8,808.5 points.

This shaky start to the trading week for the Australian markets came after a happy finish to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, rising 0.29%.

In a rare event, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) also gained 0.29%.

But let's return to this week and the local markets to see how the various ASX sectors performed this session.

Winners and losers

At the front of today's red sectors were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was hit hard, plunging 2.48%.

Gold stocks were also hit hard, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) cratering 1.89%.

Utilities shares were unpopular, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) saw its value tank 1.63% today.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven either, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.91% slump.

Mining shares didn't hold water. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) sank 0.65% this Monday.

Nor did healthcare stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) dropping 0.61%.

Industrial stocks were our final losers today. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slid 0.17% down.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the push higher were communications stocks, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.89% surge.

Consumer discretionary shares proved popular as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) jumped 0.86% today.

We could say something similar for financial stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) advancing 0.67%.

Energy shares also ran relatively hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) put on an additional 0.66% this Monday.

Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) only just got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.04% inch higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Biotech company Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) was the best share on the index. Mesoblast stock leapt 4.91% higher this Monday to close at $2.35. This was potentially a reaction to a bullish broker note, which we covered this morning.

Here's the rest of today's best: 

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

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

The US hit Iran following its attacks on vessels in the key global oil and gas shipping channel, the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran launched retaliatory strikes on US bases across the region.

The new strikes created uncertainty in global markets, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) falling 0.43% to 8,806 points last week.

Energy shares followed oil and gas prices higher.

The Brent crude oil price increased 5.7% over the week to US$76.01 per barrel on Friday.

The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price lifted 4.6% to US$71.89 per barrel.

US heating oil rose 8.3% over the week.

UK gas prices rose 13%, German gas lifted 11.8%, and European gas increased 8.7%.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts said:

Shipping traffic through Hormuz slowed sharply this week, with markets closely monitoring whether transit activity will normalize.

The strategic waterway continues to be a key sticking point in ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

Five of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the red.

Let's review.

Energy shares rise as US-Iran attacks resume

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price rose 4.23% over the week to $29.05 on Friday.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price lifted 7.32% to $7.62.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price rose 4.13% to $35.28.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price ascended 5.14% to $2.25 at Friday's close.

The Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) share price finished 1.07% higher at $1.42.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares lifted 4.17% to 88 cents apiece.

The ASX 200's largest uranium share, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN), rose 0.8% to $10.06 on Friday.

The Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) share price rose 6.3% to $1.35.

The Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) share price fell 2.36% to $1.45.

The market's largest ASX 200 coal share, Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) fell 2.16% to $5.44.

The Whitehaven Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price lost 2.24% to finish the week at $7.42.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 energy shares rebound after US-Iran peace deal falls apart appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That leaves the index at 8,803.9 points.

This tough Tuesday for ASX investors comes despite a much bubblier night of trading over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) remained in fine form, gaining 0.29%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, rising 1.12%.

Let's return to tour local markets now and take stock of how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's trading conditions.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's falls, there were a few sectors that put on weight this Tuesday.

But first, it was gold stocks that were first in the firing line. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was smashed this session, crashing down 4.28%.

Broader mining shares were hit hard as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 2.64%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) tanked 1.34% today.

Energy stocks were on the nose too, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 1.28% dive.

Utilities shares didn't escape the storm either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) cratered 0.55% this Tuesday.

Industrial stocks suffered a similar fate, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.45%.

Healthcare shares were unlucky too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sank 0.11% today.

Our last losers were consumer staples stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.03% slip.

Turning to the winners now, it was tech shares that were the stars of today's show. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) soared up 2.01% this session.

Communications stocks also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) surging 1.58%.

Financial shares got a reprieve as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) jumped 1.25%.

Finally, consumer discretionary stocks had a nice Tuesday, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.69% rise.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top index stock was financial share Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL). Netwealth stock flew 6.73% higher this session to close at $24.43 a share. 

This came after the company revealed its outlook for FY26, as well as some other developments.

Here's how the other winning stocks landed their planes: 

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

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

What did Ampol report?

• Launched a wholesale offer of a new A$400 million delayed-draw subordinated notes facility
• Facility can be drawn in two tranches: A$250 million and A$150 million
• ~9-month and ~24-month availability periods for the two tranches, respectively
• 12-year non-call period and a final maturity in 2058
• Net proceeds earmarked to refinance existing subordinated notes callable in 2027 and 2028
• Facility fully underwritten by a cornerstone institutional investor group

What else do investors need to know?

The delayed-draw feature means Ampol can access funding flexibly as needed, with the option to issue the facility in two parts and the right to cancel the second tranche if desired. The subordinated notes are structured to secure long-term capital at fixed pricing, supporting stability in Ampol's future refinancing plans.

Moody's Investors Service is expected to assign 50% equity credit to the new notes, in line with Ampol's existing subordinated debt. The offer is targeted only at institutional investors, with a closing date around 9 July 2026, subject to typical conditions.

What did Ampol management say?

Group Chief Financial Officer Greg Barnes said:

We're delighted to announce this new financing facility, which utilises the same delayed-draw feature from our previous issue in December 2025. Investor commitments and issue pricing will be fixed upfront. Market conditions remain attractive and provide an opportune time to secure long-term capital, which is linked to our future hybrid refinancing initiatives. The delayed-draw feature gives Ampol significant flexibility with regards to issue timing, as well as use of proceeds and cancellation rights. The transaction is another example of our proactive approach to capital management.

What's next for Ampol?

Ampol plans to use the facility to proactively refinance subordinated notes due in 2027 and 2028, aiming to optimise its balance sheet and preserve flexibility for future funding needs. Management is focused on securing stable, long-term capital to support its ongoing growth and sustainability initiatives, while enhancing its capital management strategy.

Ampol share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ampol shares have risen 29%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ampol launches new $400m subordinated notes facility appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also reached a four-year high of US$113 per barrel during the conflict.

Oil prices skyrocketed due to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world's oil and gas supply.

Today, all those oil price gains are gone.

Oil prices are back to pre-war levels, and ASX 200 energy shares are down sharply this week as a result.

What's the oil price today?

The Brent crude oil price is US$79.50 per barrel, and WTI is US$76.40 per barrel at the time of writing.

Brent Crude is down 9% for the week and down 24% over the month. WTI has fallen 10% this week and 22% over the month.

Oil prices began a rapid retreat in recent weeks after US President Donald Trump talked up an impending deal with Iran.

News of a US-Iran interim peace agreement earlier this week saw a final cascade in oil prices back to February levels.

The deal incorporates a 60-day ceasefire, the end of the US blockade of Iranian ports, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trading Economics analysts said the supply disruption caused by the 16-week war was the biggest on record.

Today, tankers are slowly moving out of the Strait of Hormuz.

The analysts said:

Tankers carrying previously stranded crude began exiting the waterway on Thursday, and Kuwait said it would begin increasing production.

As a result, oil prices have erased nearly all the gains recorded since the Middle East conflict began in late February.

While oil prices have slumped, many economists say we have yet to see the full inflationary impact of the supply shock.

In Australia, higher oil prices have contributed to three interest rate rises already this year.

What's happening with ASX 200 energy shares on Friday?

ASX 200 energy shares are in the red on Friday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) down 0.9%.

By comparison, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1%.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is up 0.1% to $28.66 today, but down 7.2% over the week.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price is 1.5% lower at $7.23, and has fallen 8.9% over five days.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is 1.4% lower at $32.88, and is 8.1% lower over the week.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price is down 0.5% to $2.14, and down 1.8% over five days.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are 2.3% lower at $1.41, and down 25.7% this week after production downgrades.

The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is 2.5% lower at 97 cents, and down 9.8% over five days.

The post Oil prices slump to pre-war levels as supply-risk premium evaporates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's check out three shares with new ratings from the experts. 

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The WiseTech share price is $37.11, down 3.4% today and down 46% in the calendar year to date (YTD). 

Bell Potter reiterated its buy rating on this ASX 200 tech share but cut its 12-month price target last week.

The broker said: 

WiseTech CEO Zubin Appoo said at the 1HFY26 result in February he was "confident and hopeful" that the company would migrate some of the remaining 5% of customers – representing c.30% of CargoWise revenue – across to CargoWise Value Packs (CVP) this financial year.

As of yet, however, there has been no announcement or indication that one or more of these customers have moved across so we suspect it is proving more difficult or at least more time consuming to achieve this outcome.

As a result we are modestly reducing our CargoWise revenue forecasts in the short to medium term given we expect this transition to provide a boost to revenue with the shift to transaction-based pricing.

We also see some risk that WiseTech may have to provide greater incentives for these customers to shift – such as transitional price
protection (TPP) or additional training – which would also have a negative impact.

Bell Potter reduced its 12-month price target from $78.75 to $71.75.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is $34.17, up 1.1% today and up 6% YTD. 

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has hold rating on this ASX 200 energy share. 

Wielandt commented on The Bull:

Ampol is Australia's biggest petrol and convenience network. It also owns the Lytton oil refinery in Queensland.

The Middle East crisis is positive for the company's refining margins and earnings growth is expected to continue moving forward. The convenience retail segment provides the benefit of diversification.

A significantly increasing share price in the past 12 months reflects market optimism, so ALD remains a hold at these levels.

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is 59 cents, up 1.2% today and down 72% YTD. 

Lotus Resources is a uranium producer. It is developing the Kayelekera mine in Malawi and the Letlhakane project in Botswana.

Elio D'Amato from EnviroInvest has a sell rating on this ASX uranium share. 

D'Amato explained: 

Uranium plays an important role in reducing global emissions and it's encouraging the Kayelekera mine is moving towards steady-state production.

However, the latest quarterly report highlighted several operational challenges, including lower-than-expected recoveries, re-agent shortages and the withdrawal of previously reported grade and recovery figures while reconciliation processes are reviewed.

The company remains well funded and believes these issues are manageable.

Even so, in our view, operational uncertainty during a critical production ramp-up phase increases risk and warrants a more cautious approach.

The post Buy, hold, sell: WiseTech, Lotus Resources, Ampol shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) Aussie fuel supplier closed on Friday trading for $36.45. In early afternoon trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $34.21 apiece, down 6.2%.

For some context the ASX 200 is up 1.3% while the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is down 5.3% at this same time.

While many ASX shares are rallying today, ASX energy stocks are broadly underperforming amid news that the US and Iran have agreed to a peace deal to end the Middle East conflict.

With oil tankers potentially beginning to move through the critical Strait of Hormuz again later this week, the Brent crude oil price is down 4.9% to US$83.06 per barrel. This sees the Brent crude oil price down 25% from the US$110.40 per barrel it was trading for a month ago.

Despite today's underperformance, Ampol shares remain up 32.7% over the past 12 months, racing ahead of the 4.4% one-year gains delivered by the benchmark index.

And that's not including Ampol's two fully franked dividends, totalling $1.00 a share, which eligible stockholders will have received over this period.

Ampol trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.9%.

With this performance in mind, we return to our headline question.

Ampol shares: Buy, hold or sell?

DP Wealth Advisory's Andrew Wielandt ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 energy stock late last week, prior to the latest Middle East peace deal announcement.

"Ampol is Australia's biggest petrol and convenience network," he said (quoted by The Bull). "It also owns the Lytton oil refinery in Queensland."

Wielandt noted:

The Middle East crisis is positive for the company's refining margins and earnings growth is expected to continue moving forward. The convenience retail segment provides the benefit of diversification.

But taking into account the outsized gains already delivered by Ampol shares, Wielandt concluded, "A significantly increasing share price in the past 12 months reflects market optimism, so ALD remains a hold at these levels."

Consider this ASX ETF instead

Wielandt isn't ready to pull the buy trigger on Ampol shares at current levels.

But he sounded a bullish note on an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds ASX giants like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

Namely the BetaShares FTSE Rafi Australia 200 ETF (ASX: QOZ).

"This exchange traded fund offers a point of difference from many other ETFs," Wielandt said.

"It considers fundamental size or economic footprint of a business, rather than just its market capitalisation. Consequently, this ETF focuses more on value businesses," he added.

Summarising his buy recommendation on the ASX ETF, Wielandt concluded:

The ETF has posted returns of 10.87% per annum over the past five years and 19.12% in the past year to May 29, 2026. Consistent performance is appealing during volatile times.

The post Should I buy the dip on Ampol shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the index is up slightly by less than 0.1%, but it's still down around 1.5% year to date.

It's not all doom and gloom across the index, though. Some ASX 200 shares have significantly outpaced the index so far this year and are now trading at 52-week highs.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

Ampol shares are trading in the green again at the time of writing. The shares are up slightly by around 0.1% to a two-year high of $36.58.

For the year to date, Ampol shares have increased around 14%, driven higher by conflict in the Middle East and ongoing concerns around global oil supply.

Ampol has also posted a few recent updates that have gathered investor attention. Earlier this month, Ampol received the green light, with conditions, from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a proposed acquisition of fuel and convenience store operator EG Australia. 

The company previously confirmed a 10% increase in refinery production, higher refiner margins, and increased production in its Q1 FY26 trading update. 

Market Index data shows that all brokers are bullish on the price run for Ampol shares. All brokers rate the stock as a strong buy, and they tip around a 4% upside to an average target price of $37.84, at the time of writing.

Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

Aurizon shares are up around another 0.2%, to a six-year high of $4.34 a piece.

For the year to date, the shares are nearly 21% higher.

The rail freight operator, which hauls bulk commodities, including coal, iron ore, and agricultural products, has enjoyed a strong rally this year after it posted a stronger-than-expected half-year FY26 earnings result and announced an upsized dividend payment to shareholders in mid-February.

Aurizon reaffirmed its FY26 guidance in a business update last month, despite weather and fuel-cost headwinds. 

But after a share price surge earlier this year, it looks like brokers now consider Aurizon shares to be trading at, or even above, fair value.

TradingView data shows that the majority of analysts (eight out of 10) have a hold rating on the freight operator's shares. They forecast an average target price of $3.93, which implies a potential downside of around 9% at the time of writing.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban shares have been relatively stable throughout the highs and lows of a volatile start to the year. The toll road operator's shares are trading in the green again on Wednesday, up around 0.3% to a six-year high of $15.20 a piece.

The increase is small, but it means the shares are now around 7% higher year to date and 6% higher than 12 months ago. The share price has gone up and down throughout this period, swinging mildly anywhere between $13.37 and $15.20 so far in 2026. 

Transurban has benefited from a flight to defensive stocks during sharemarket volatility. Most of its toll roads are on an annual contract, which means Transurban has been able to continually increase its toll prices in line with rising inflation.

Clearly, investors are leaning towards Transbuban shares while defensive shares are back in focus, but brokers aren't as optimistic.

According to Market Index data, all brokers have a hold rating on the stock. However, after the latest rally, the $13.69 target price implies around a 10% downside at the time of writing.

The post Transurban, Aurizon, Ampol shares hit fresh multi-year highs: Buy, sell or hold today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Among the 11 market sectors, consumer staples is in the lead today, up 1%, while materials is the laggard, down 3%.

Meanwhile, let's check out three ASX 200 shares with new ratings from the experts.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is up 1.2% to $36.47 today, and up 15% over six months.

Last week, Ampol got the green light, with some conditions, from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a major acquisition.

Ampol is seeking to acquire EG Australia for $1.1 billion.

EG Australia owns about 500 petrol stations nationwide, and the deal will increase Ampol's network to more than 1,000 sites.

Following the news, JP Morgan reiterated its buy rating on Ampol shares.

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $39 on the ASX 200 energy share.

This implies a potential 7% capital gain over the next year.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

The Lendlease share price is $2.44, down 0.8% today and down 53% over six months.

Last week, the property developer announced the $250 million sale of its development rights to a mixed-use development in Italy.

However, management expects the deal to result in a $175 million post‑tax loss.

Lendlease is in the midst of a capital recycling program to release value tied up in long-dated and complex projects.

In a new note, Ord Minnett maintained a hold rating on the ASX 200 real estate share.

The broker said:

It appears to Ord Minnett that Lendlease did not stay abreast of conditions in the Italian market, which meant the value of the MSG North asset had not been written down to a more realistic valuation.  

The divestment continues the company's retreat from offshore markets to focus on Australia, but the MSG North sale has led us to adopt a more conservative view of the prices the capital release unit (CRU) – the arm established to divest its offshore assets – can realise for the other assets on the block. 

The broker cut its target price on Lendlease shares from $3.05 to $2.85 from $3.05.

This suggests just over 15% upside over the next year.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $59.51, down 2.8% today and up 35% over six months.

BHP shares rose to a record high of $65.04 last Wednesday.

The ASX 200's largest mining share has since tumbled on news of a major production lift at the giant Simandou iron ore mine in Africa.

Weaker demand and rising supply are already sending the iron ore price lower.

The iron ore price is US$101.05 per tonne on Tuesday, down 9.3% over the month.

On The Bull this week, Tony Locantro from Alto Capital says it might be time to take profits on BHP shares.

He explains his sell rating:

The company delivered a strong first half result in fiscal year 2026, reporting underlying EBITDA of $US15.5 billion, up 25 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

A major milestone was copper contributing 51 per cent of group EBITDA for the first time.

While the long term outlook for copper remains attractive, investor enthusiasm surrounding electrification and AI-related demand has contributed to a strong share price performance.

In our view, the strong operational result, elevated expectations and risk-reward balance support taking some profits.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Ampol, Lendlease, BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Amongst those shares, notable names included: 

• Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) rose 4%
• Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) hit a multi-year high
• New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) climbed 2%. 

There were various catalysts for the continued success of these ASX shares. Here's what investors were reacting to and what experts are saying moving forward. 

Ampol hits new 52-week high thanks to billion dollar deal 

It's been a great week for Ampol shareholders this week, as Australia's largest listed petroleum refiner and distributor has risen roughly 8% in the last two days. 

Investors have been gobbling up the company's shares after it announced that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved Ampol's acquisition of fuel and convenience retailer EG Australia.

The company said the approval is conditional on Ampol's divestment of 41 sites. 

Ampol said it has entered into a binding agreement to sell the 41 sites to Metro Petroleum.

Citing its strong balance sheet, Ampol said it will cash settle the scrip component of the purchase price. The seller of EG Australia will receive a net cash consideration of approximately $1.115 billion.

Its share price is now up 42% over the last 12 months. 

Much of this has come on the back of conflict in the Middle East and concerns about global oil supply earlier this year.

However it now appears the ASX stock is approaching full valuation. 

9 analyst forecasts via TradingView have a one year average price target of $37.89, which is just 4% higher than current levels. 

Aurizon hits multi-year high

Aurizon is Australia's largest rail freight operator hauling bulk commodities, largely coal, as well as iron ore and agricultural products.

Its share price climbed another 1% yesterday, taking it to new multi-year highs. 

Aurizon shares have now climbed over 20% year to date.

This has largely come on the back of positive earnings results and a subsequent dividend boost. 

Despite this, experts are largely looking at the company as a hold after hitting fresh 52-week highs. 

The average price target sits roughly 9% below current levels. 

New hope keeps rising

New Hope is an Australian thermal coal miner.

Like many ASX energy shares, it has enjoyed big returns in 2026. 

For the to date, its share price has climbed an impressive 52%. 

Yesterday, it hit fresh 52-week highs of $6.17 per share. 

However, it also appears to have climbed past fair value. 

Bell Potter recently placed a hold rating and $5.00 price target on its shares.

This indicates a downside of 19%. 

The post Can these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After opening sharply lower compared to yesterday's close, the ASX 200 remained in red territory all session and ended up closing down 1.13%. That leaves the index at 8,686.1 points.

This tough day on the local bourse for Australian investors came after a similarly bearish session on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a foul mood, dropping 1.21%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't much better, falling 0.89%.

But let's return to ASX shares now and take a look at how today's tough trading conditions percolated down into the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

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

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are charging higher:

Acrow Ltd (ASX: ACF)

The Acrow share price is up 9.5% to 97 cents. This morning, this smart integrated construction systems provider announced that the Industrial Access division's revenues will exceed $200 million for FY 2026. It notes that this represents a significant milestone in the division's growth and profitability. The company's CEO, Steven Boland, said: "Our strategy to build a substantial Industrial Access division to complement our market leading Construction Services division, is delivering strong results. The recurring nature of earnings from this division, combined with its growth trajectory, has delivered at a time when activity in our Construction Services division has softened, ensuring that the Company continues to prosper."

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Ampol share price is up 2% to $34.53. This has been driven by news that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved its acquisition of EG Australia. As part of the deal, Ampol has agreed to sell 41 sites to Metro Petroleum. Ampol's CEO, Matt Halliday, said: "This transaction is a major step in delivering Ampol's strategy by strengthening our retail network and enhancing our segmented customer offer. The performance of our existing U-GO sites also gives us greater confidence in delivering the expected synergies from the transaction and creating value for Ampol shareholders."

Medallion Metals Ltd (ASX: MM8)

The Medallion Metals share price is up 11% to 45 cents. This morning, this gold explorer announced more exceptional high-grade gold results from the Lounge Lizard deposit at the Forrestania Gold Project (FGP). The company's managing director, Paul Bennett, commented: "This latest phase of validation continues to strengthen our understanding of the Lounge Lizard mineralised system and the continuity of high-grade mineralisation beneath the historical open pit."

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 5% to $22.10. Investors have been buying this gold miner's shares after it announced its latest mineral resource and ore reserve estimate. Northern Star revealed that its group mineral resources have increased to 88.9 million ounces. This represents an increase of 18.2 million ounces, or 26%, after mining depletion. A key driver of this increase was the first inclusion of the Hemi Project following Northern Star's acquisition of De Grey Mining.

The post Why Acrow, Ampol, Medallion Metals, and Northern Star shares are racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Ampol share price is up 2.28% to $34.57 at the time of writing.

It continues a strong stretch for the fuel and convenience retailer, with the stock now up around 8% in 2026 and 36% over the past year.

Today's move comes after Ampol received the approval it needed to push ahead with a major acquisition.

Let's take a closer look at the release.

What was announced?

In a statement to the ASX, Ampol said the ACCC has approved its $1.1 billion acquisition of EG Australia, although the deal comes with conditions.

Under the agreement, Ampol will sell 41 sites to Metro Petroleum. The ACCC has also approved Dib Group, trading as Metro Petroleum, as the buyer of those sites.

The decision follows a longer competition review after the regulator raised concerns earlier this year.

Back in January, the ACCC said the deal could reduce competition in several petrol and diesel markets. It had identified 115 EG sites where local competition concerns could arise.

Ampol had first offered to sell 19 sites, but the final package is now much larger.

The regulator has accepted the sale of 41 sites as a remedy, allowing the transaction to move ahead.

Ampol said it expects the acquisition to complete on 30 June 2026.

Why investors are buying

The buying today looks partly driven by relief, with Ampol now closer to completing a deal that has been under review for months.

EG Australia is a major fuel and convenience retailer, with around 500 sites nationwide. Ampol said the acquisition will lift its owned-sites footprint to more than 1,000 locations.

The deal also gives Ampol a bigger base in convenience retail, which has become a larger part of its growth plan.

Management has previously pointed to the rollout of Foodary, U-GO, and Everyday Rewards as part of the wider strategy.

Ampol is also targeting $65 million to $80 million in synergies from the deal.

Those savings are expected to come from overhead reductions, U-GO conversion benefits, and a larger operating network.

The company said the acquisition is expected to add to earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow per share once fully integrated.

Foolish takeaway

The ACCC approval removes a major overhang for Ampol after months of waiting.

The deal still requires site sales and integration work, but investors now have more certainty it will proceed.

The next test is whether the larger retail network can deliver the earnings and cash flow benefits Ampol is targeting.

The post Ampol shares jump as $1.1 billion deal clears a major hurdle appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As we eye the Wednesday lunch hour, two of the ASX 200 heavyweights are charging ahead of the 0.4% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) while one remains in a trading halt.

Here's what's capturing investor interest.

Northern Star shares leap on gold resource boost

Northern Star shares are up 5.3% at time of writing, changing hands for $22.15 apiece.

This strong performance follows the release of the ASX 200 gold stock's mineral resource and reserve estimate update.

Northern Star reported that its total mineral resources increased by 18.2 million ounces of gold to 88.9 million ounces, after mining depletion.

And the Aussie gold miner's ore reserves increased by 6.1 million ounces of gold to 28.4 million ounces.

Northern Star shares also look to be catching investor interest, with the miner revealing that it was able to grow its resource at a low-end discovery cost averaging less than $23 per ounce.

Commenting on the growth, Northern Star managing director Stuart Tonkin said:

For the first time, the Hemi Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves have been reported under the Northern Star methodology and economic framework, establishing a consistent, portfolio-wide approach that enhances comparability and underpins future growth opportunities.

Ampol shares gain on ACCC acquisition greenlight

Ampol is also grabbing investor interest today.

Ampol shares are up 2.5% at $34.63 each after the Aussie fuel supplier announced that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved Ampol's acquisition of fuel and convenience retailer EG Australia.

The company noted that the approval is conditional on Ampol's divestment of 41 sites. Ampol said it has entered into a binding agreement to sell the 41 sites to Metro Petroleum.

Citing its strong balance sheet, Ampol said it will cash settle the scrip component of the purchase price. The seller of EG Australia will receive a net cash consideration of approximately $1.115 billion.

"This transaction is a major step in delivering Ampol's strategy by strengthening our retail network and enhancing our segmented customer offer," Ampol CEO Matt Halliday said.

Ampol expects to complete the acquisition of EG Australia on 30 June.

Which brings us to…

Megaport shares in second day of trading halt

Joining Ampol and Northern Star shares in making waves today we find Megaport.

Shares in the ASX 200 network services company entered a trading halt yesterday and remain frozen today as the company conducts an $827 million capital raising via a fully underwritten entitlement offer.

Today, the company also reported that is has inked four new AI infrastructure contracts valued at $459 million.

Megaport also narrowed its full year FY 2026 revenue guidance range to between $307 million and $315 million.

The post Why is everyone talking about Megaport, Ampol and Northern Star shares on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's the latest update from each energy stock, and what brokers expect next.

Buy Ampol shares

Ampol shares are trading in the red on Wednesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the petroleum distribution and retailer's shares are down around 0.4% to $33.57. The shares have now slumped nearly 5% since the ASX opened on Monday morning. 

For the year-to-date, however, Ampol shares are up over 4%, and they're 30% higher than this time last year.

The company's shares climbed higher on the back of conflict in the Middle East and concerns about global oil supply earlier this year. 

Ampol has also posted a few recent updates that have gathered investor attention. In April, the Aussie fuel supplier said it had submitted a formal remedy offer to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about a proposed acquisition of fuel and convenience store operator EG Australia. 

The company also confirmed a 10% increase in refinery production, higher refiner margins, and increased production in its Q1 FY26 trading update. 

Ampol has locked in diesel and jet fuel supply through to the end of May, and gasoline supplies to the end of June, despite rising landed crude costs. 

Brokers rate the stock as a strong buy, and the $35.80 average target price implies a potential 7% upside from here.

Hold Woodside shares

Woodside shares have also slumped slightly on Wednesday, down around 0.5% to $30.58 at the time of writing.

The shares have been resilient this year, however, climbing over 29% for the year-to-date and 43% over the past 12 months.

Unsurprisingly, the oil and gas giant's share price rally accelerated in early March, as conflict between the US and Iran intensified.

Woodside shares have rallied off the volatility around oil supply concerns, and even though conflict in the Middle East has cooled, the area is still highly volatile, and the movement of oil in the region is still uncertain.

It's not just market demand driving the company's shares higher, either. Woodside grabbed headlines in April when it posted a 7% quarter-on-quarter increase in operating revenue and a 8% hike in revenue for the first quarter of FY26. 

But it looks like analysts are concerned that the share price could be at, or approaching, its peak. If the US and Iran strike a deal to resume oil movement in the Middle East, it could have a headwind effect on Woodside shares.

They rate the stock as a hold with an average 10% upside to $33.34, at the time of writing. 

Sell Beach Energy shares

Beach Energy shares are also in the red at the time of writing, down around 1% to $1.08 a piece. While the oil and gas explorer and producer's shares flew higher off the back of geopolitical tensions in March, they tumbled just as quickly.

The shares are now down over 7% year-to-date and around 18% lower than this time last year.

Beach Energy posted its third-quarter update in April, which revealed softer sales, a guidance downgrade, and ongoing operational disruptions. The update spooked investors, and now many are worried about whether the company can consistently grow earnings from here.

Even news this week that it has agreed to sell its 60% operated interest in licence VIC/P35, which includes the Artisan gas discovery, hasn't slowed the selloff. 

Brokers aren't thrilled either. 

They rate the stock a sell, with an average target price of $1.12. That implies around a 2% downside at the time of writing.

The post Beach Energy, Ampol and Woodside shares: 1 to buy, 1 to hold and 1 to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.