Investors seemed to lose all of the optimism that defined the end of last week's trading, with the index opening sharply lower this morning. Although investors did have a temporary change of heart around lunchtime, sending the ASX 200 briefly back into positive territory, it wasn't to last. By the time the market closed, the index had lost 0.18% and closed at a flat 9,076 points.

This Garfield-esque start to the Australian trading week came after a similarly negative end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) gave up an early lead to finish down 0.018%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more decisive, losing 0.52%.

But let's return to this week and our local markets now for a closer look at how the broader market's pessimism affected the different ASX sectors this Monday.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's overall falls, we saw a few sectors make some hay.

But first, it was gold stocks that were hit the hardest this session. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was smashed down 4.33% by the closing bell.

Broader mining shares were also punished, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 2.02%.

Tech stocks were also shunned. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) cratered 1.39% today.

Healthcare shares didn't have a healthy time either, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.61% dive.

Our final losers this Monday were consumer discretionary stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) shrank 0.37%.

Let's turn to the winners now. It was financial shares that took the glory, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) soaring 1.14% higher.

Consumer staples stocks ran hot, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) bounced 0.91% higher this session.

Communications shares were also in high demand, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.78% jump.

Energy stocks found plenty of buyers as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) got a 0.54% bump.

Industrial shares got a reprieve as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) putting on 0.38%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also got out with a win. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) ended up adding 0.18% to its total today.

Finally, utilities shares got over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.07% improvement.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Property stock PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) was our top-performing stock on the index this Monday. Pexa shares surged 9.43% this session to close at $7.31 each. This leap higher came after Pexa reported its latest earnings, which investors clearly took a shine to.

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.

At the time of writing, the Reece share price is down 5.62% to $15.61. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 0.3% higher to 9,090 points.

The company reported higher revenue for FY26, although profit slipped. Reece also lifted its final dividend, giving shareholders some good news despite the drop in the bottom line.

So, does the result make Reece shares worth buying?

Let's take a closer look.

Reece lifts its final dividend 13%

Reece declared a fully-franked final dividend of 13.40 cents per share.

That is almost 13% higher than the 11.86 cents per share paid a year earlier.

Combined with the 5.44-cent interim dividend, Reece will pay total dividends of 18.84 cents per share for FY26. That's up 2.6% from 18.36 cents in FY25.

At the current share price of $15.61, the full-year payout gives Reece shares a trailing dividend yield of around 1.2% before franking credits.

Reece shares will trade ex-dividend on 6 October, with the record date on 7 October. The final dividend will then be paid on 21 October.

What did Reece report?

For the 12 months ended 30 June 2026, Reece reported sales revenue of $9.38 billion, up 4.5% from the previous year.

EBITDA was flat at $901 million, while EBIT fell 2.6% to $534 million. Net profit after tax (NPAT) declined 2.8% to $308 million.

Earnings per share (EPS) still increased 0.7% to 49.5 cents.

The Australian and New Zealand business was the stronger part of the result. Sales rose 8.3% to $4.2 billion, while EBITDA increased 7.3% to $532 million as volumes recovered.

Nonetheless, conditions were tougher across the US business. Sales increased 6.5% in US dollar terms, but EBITDA fell 4.5% as weak residential construction weighed on demand.

Reece also continued investing in its US network, opening 25 new branches during the year.

Are Reece shares a buy?

There were some positives in the result, particularly the recovery in Australia and New Zealand and the higher final dividend.

Management expects that momentum in ANZ to continue into FY27, helped by a solid pipeline of activity.

However, the US outlook remains less certain. Reece expects only modest growth there while residential new construction remains weak.

Investors also need to consider the price they are paying.

At $15.61, Reece shares are trading at around 32 times FY26 earnings. That's not cheap for a company that reported lower profit for the year and is still dealing with a weak US housing market.

And while the dividend increase is a positive, the 1.2% trailing yield is unlikely to attract investors looking mainly for income.

The post Reece shares sink despite dividend boost. Is it a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Reece Ltd report?

• Sales revenue up 4.5% to $9,378 million
• EBITDA flat at $901 million
• EBIT down 2.6% to $534 million
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) down 2.8% to $308 million
• Final dividend of 13.40 cents per share, fully franked
• Return on capital up five basis points to 11.9%

What else do investors need to know?

Reece's Australian and New Zealand business delivered renewed momentum, with sales up 8.3% to $4.2 billion thanks to recovering volumes and investment in team capability. This was partly offset by softer conditions in the US, where ongoing weakness in residential new construction pressured growth despite a network expansion to 25 new branches.

Investors should note net debt increased to $744 million, mainly due to continued network growth and share buyback funding. However, the company's net leverage ratio remains conservative at 1.0x. Group capital expenditure was $174 million, supporting organic growth and digital transformation.

What did Reece Ltd management say?

Peter Wilson, Chairman & CEO, said:

FY26 was a year of improved momentum in our ANZ business as volumes recovered, while a weak residential housing market saw softer growth in the US. Throughout the year we focused on delivering our customer promise, progressing our innovation agenda and building out digital capabilities – all of which help us continue building a stronger business.

What's next for Reece Ltd?

In FY27, Reece expects continued momentum in Australia and New Zealand, supported by a strong project pipeline. In the US, the outlook is more subdued as residential construction remains a tough market, while the non-residential sector has been more stable.

Interest rate sensitivity and housing affordability pressures may create ongoing challenges, but management is optimistic about the long-term market fundamentals and the group's ability to lead on innovation, digital initiatives, and branch expansion.

Reece share price snapshot

The Reece share price has been among the best performers on the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a gain of around 40%.

View Original Announcement

The post Reece FY26 earnings: Revenue up, profit edges lower appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Let's take a look.

SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH)

The SGH share price is $43.42, down 1.2% today and down 16% over 12 months.

Toby Grimm from Baker Young has a buy call on this diversified industrials and investment company.

On The Bull, Grimm said: 

This diversified company has businesses across industrial services, energy and media.

Continuing demand for mining and infrastructure construction underpin a positive outlook for the WesTrac, Coates Hire and Boral businesses. SGH also has a 30 per cent interest in Beach Energy.

In our view, SGH is a high quality, long term cyclical stock supported by structural themes.

Potential exists for capital returns, either via a dividend or buy-back, when it reports full year results in August.

SGH will report its full-year FY26 results on 11 August.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The Genesis Minerals share price is $6.01, down 2.4% today and up 56% over 12 months.

Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities has a hold rating on this ASX 200 gold mining share.

Gable said: 

Genesis is a gold miner focusing on the Lenora and Laverton districts of Western Australia.

The gold price overshot earlier this year and has undergone a consolidation. This has also led to a pullback in the share price. Gold prices appear to be stabilising and central bank buying of gold is starting to resume.

I see substantial upside from GMD's merge with Vault Minerals, which is in close proximity, as the deal offers unique operational synergies and potential share price upside. The transaction is targeted to be implemented in November.

In CY25, the gold price surged 65%, following a 24% increase in CY24.

The gold price reached a record $US5,608 per ounce in January before a sharp three-day commodities rout at the end of the month.

Genesis Minerals announced its merger with Vault Minerals on 14 July.

Vault Minerals shareholders will receive 0.7629 Genesis Minerals shares and 47.5 cents in cash for every Vault share they hold.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is $16.21, up 0.4% today and up 19% over 12 months.

Grimm has a sell rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

He explained:

This plumbing supplies company operates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The stock has rallied from its lows in 2025 amid hopes of improved US trading and what was a strong Australian housing market.

But the Australian market is now experiencing subdued housing conditions following proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing announced in the Federal Budget.

In our view, elevated interest rates in the US is a headwind to construction and renovation market demand.

The stock was recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio of about 35 times and well above our valuation.

The post Buy, hold, sell: SGH, Reece, Genesis Minerals shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It was a rather unpleasant day to be an ASX investor this Thursday, with the Australian markets suffering a significant sell-off over the session. After a reprieve from the selling that we saw earlier in the week, yesterday, the bears were back on the ASX today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) staying in red territory all day and closing down a chunky 0.68%.

That leaves the ASX 200 at 8,748.7 points.

This lacklustre session on the ASX comes after a mixed night up on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in an accommodating mood, rising 0.35%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky, dropping 0.43%.

But let's return to the local markets now and dig down into what was happening with the various ASX sectors over today's trading.

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

I can understand why. Both have strong positions, long track records of success, and attract plenty of investor attention.

But quality does not stop there. There are other ASX shares with durable customer relationships, strong market positions, and the ability to compound over time.

If I were looking beyond CBA and Wesfarmers, these are three quality ASX shares I would consider buying.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Reece is one of those businesses that can look plain from a distance and more impressive up close.

The company supplies plumbing, bathroom, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and waterworks products to trade customers. That may not sound glamorous, but the business sits inside an important part of the economy.

Plumbers and contractors need product availability, speed, reliability, and technical support. A delayed part can delay a job, upset a customer, and cost money. That gives a trusted supplier a meaningful role in the daily work of its customers.

I think that is one of Reece's strengths. It has spent decades building relationships, branch networks, systems, and product knowledge. Those things are hard to copy quickly.

The US opportunity also makes the story more interesting. Reece has a much larger market to pursue, and success there could support growth for many years.

Housing cycles will still affect demand, and international expansion is rarely smooth. But I like businesses that can keep improving through better service, better systems, and deeper customer relationships.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat is another quality ASX share I would consider.

The gaming company has built a global business around content, hardware, mathematics, design, and customer insight.

It is easy to think of gaming as purely a consumer business, but I see Aristocrat as a product development company with valuable intellectual property. It has to keep refreshing its content pipeline, improving cabinets, understanding player behaviour, and helping customers earn returns from their floor space.

It delivers on this by investing around 12% of revenue in R&D activities each year. And with Aristocrat consistently reporting a strong return on invested capital, this money isn't being wasted.

The balance sheet also gives Aristocrat flexibility. A strong financial position can support investment, acquisitions, and capital returns when conditions allow.

Regulation and digital competition remain important risks. Still, I think Aristocrat's track record, product engine, and global reach make it one of the more interesting quality businesses on the ASX.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is the wealth platform share I would include.

Australia's wealth management industry is still changing. Advisers need better tools, clients expect clearer reporting, and portfolios are becoming more personalised.

Hub24 is one of the businesses helping that shift happen. Its platform gives advisers a way to manage administration, reporting, managed accounts, and investment portfolios more efficiently. That can make advice practices easier to run and help clients receive a better experience.

I like that Hub24 is connected to a large pool of Australian wealth. Superannuation, retirement planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, and demand for advice can all support long-term platform growth.

The business is exposed to market movements and competition, so valuation discipline is still important. But I think Hub24 has the type of usefulness that can support a high-quality growth story.

Foolish takeaway

CBA and Wesfarmers deserve their reputations, but they are not the only ASX shares with quality characteristics.

That is why I like looking at businesses such as Reece, Aristocrat, and Hub24. They operate in very different markets, yet each has built a position that would be difficult to recreate quickly.

For long-term investors, quality can show up in many forms. It can be a trade supplier with deep customer relationships, a gaming company with a strong product engine, or a wealth platform becoming more embedded in adviser workflows.

Those are the kinds of strengths I think are worth paying attention to beyond the most familiar ASX names.

The post 3 quality ASX shares I'd buy (that aren't CBA or Wesfarmers) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With that in mind, these three would be on my list.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Reece is a plumbing and bathroom products business. 

It serves a large network of trade customers who need reliability, product availability, technical knowledge, and fast service. Plumbers, builders, and contractors are often working to deadlines. If a supplier can help them get the right product at the right time, that relationship can become sticky.

Reece also has a long operating history and has expanded beyond Australia into the United States. That market is much larger, which gives the company a long runway if it can keep improving its network, systems, and customer proposition.

The share price can be sensitive to housing cycles, renovation activity, and expectations around US growth. But I like businesses that can compound through thousands of small customer interactions rather than relying on one big product launch.

Reece is the kind of company that can look unexciting from a distance and much more impressive once investors consider the scale of the opportunity.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR Group is another ASX share I would consider buying for the long term.

The company owns digital automotive marketplaces, including carsales in Australia and other platforms overseas.

What I like about this business is the network effect. Buyers want to search where the listings are. Dealers and private sellers want to advertise where the buyers are. Over time, that can create a very strong position.

Cars are also a major purchase. People may browse casually, but when they are ready to buy or sell, the marketplace becomes highly useful. That gives CAR Group a valuable role in the transaction journey.

The company has also built data, finance, dealer tools, and international exposure around the core marketplace. That broadens the opportunity beyond simply listing cars online.

Advertising markets can soften, and automotive conditions can shift with interest rates and household confidence. Even so, I think CAR Group has the kind of digital infrastructure that can remain valuable as even more of the car-buying process moves online.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is one of the more interesting consumer brands on the ASX.

The company sells kitchen appliances, but the real attraction is how it has built a premium position in categories people use regularly. Coffee machines are a good example. For many households, coffee is part of the daily routine, and a better machine can feel like a quality-of-life upgrade rather than a luxury purchase.

Breville's opportunity comes from design, product performance, brand trust, and international growth.

A strong product can travel well across markets. If Breville keeps launching appliances that solve real kitchen problems, the company could continue to grow long into the future.

And given that it invests a good portion of its sales into research and development each year, I believe this will be the case.

Consumer demand can be uneven, especially when household budgets are under pressure. But I like the way Breville combines physical products, brand loyalty, and global expansion. That gives it a different growth profile to many local retailers.

Foolish takeaway

I think long-term wealth creation often comes from owning businesses that become more valuable over time.

What I like about this group is that none of the investment cases depends on a single breakthrough moment. They are built around repeat customer relationships, marketplace strength, brand development, and the ability to keep improving over many years.

None of these companies needs to be the loudest story on the ASX to be worth owning. For patient investors, I think that quiet compounding potential is exactly what makes them worth considering.

The post 3 ASX shares I'd buy for long-term wealth creation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It was a bit of a wild session for the ASX 200 today, with the index dipping into the red at one point. But investors regained their optimism, and the index finished 0.57% higher at 8,653.3 points.

This successful session for Australian investors comes after a mixed night on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, rising by 0.17%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) went the other way, dropping a chunky 0.97%.

But let's return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what the different ASX sectors were up to today.

Winners and losers

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

After yesterday's nasty loss to start the week, investors were clearly more optimistic today, with the ASX 200 starting in the green and remaining consistent until market close. By that time, the index had finished with a 1.17% rise to 8,604.7 points.

This happy trading day for the local markets comes after a mixed start to the American trading week on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a good mood, rising 0.32%.

However, things were different on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which fell 0.51%.

But let's get back to the ASX now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors navigated today's fair trading conditions.

Winners and losers

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

The world is waiting for a fresh round of negotiations between the US and Iran to begin, as the global oil shock continues.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has warned of a global recession given the long-tail impact of energy supply shocks.

Amid this ongoing turmoil, brokers have reduced their ratings on six ASX 200 shares this week.

Let's take a look.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is $231.83, up 0.5% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has lifted substantially, up 19%.

UBS downgraded Macquarie shares to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker considers the stock almost fully valued, given its 12-month price target of $235.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is 7% lower on Friday at $4.91.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has skyrocketed 1,650% over 12 months.

Jefferies downgraded 4DMedical shares to a hold rating yesterday.

However, the broker believes this stock's value can continue to grow.

Its 12-month price target is $5.90, implying a potential 17% capital gain ahead.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

The QBE share price is $22.39, up 0.09% today.

The ASX 200 insurance share has lifted 13% in the year to date (YTD).

Macquarie downgraded QBE shares to a hold rating with a $25.10 price target on Friday.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $17.26, up 0.2% today.

The ASX 200 copper share has experienced a remarkable run over the past 12 months, rising 73%.

The copper commodity price climbed 42% in 2025 due to rising demand amid the green energy transition.

Sandfire Resources shares reached an all-time high of $21.75 per share in January.

Copper was sold off alongside other metals in February but has rebounded strongly since mid-March.

UBS downgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a sell rating today.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $17.70 to $16.75.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price is $28.64, down 3.8% today.

TechnologyOne lost a quarter of its valuation amid the tech wreck that began in 1H FY26.

The ASX 200 tech share is down 26% over the past six months but has rallied 4.5% this month amid a sector turnaround.

Morgans downgraded TechnologyOne shares to a hold rating today.

The broker has a price target of $31.20, implying a potential 9% upside ahead.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is $13.63, up 1% today.

This ASX 200 industrial share is down 12% year over year, but has lifted 13.6% over the past six months.

Morgans downgraded Reece shares to a hold rating today.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $17.70 to $14.10.

This still suggests a near-5% upside ahead.

The post 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let's find out.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Shaw and Partners has given its verdict on this banking giant. Unfortunately, it thinks CBA shares are a sell this week.

The main reason for this is its current valuation. The broker sees little margin for error and better value elsewhere in the sector. It said:

The CBA remains a high quality banking operation, but its valuation is increasingly difficult to justify. The stock trades at a significant premium to global peers despite a mature domestic banking market and limited growth potential, in my view.

While earnings remain stable, we see better value elsewhere in the sector. We believe the current share price leaves little margin for error, supporting a sell recommendation on valuation grounds. The shares have risen from $158.74 on February 10 to trade at $181.65 on April 9.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Over at DP Wealth Advisory, its analysts have named this plumbing parts company's shares as a sell.

It highlights supply and demand pressures as a reason to be cautious, as well as a premium valuation. It explains:

This plumbing supplies company operates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. It's exposed to cyclical forces within the building industry, including supply and demand pressures. While sales revenue was up 6 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to the prior corresponding period, net profit after tax fell 20 per cent. EBITDA declined 6 per cent in response to elevated costs.

The company is re-investing to drive longer term cost efficiencies and growth opportunities. However, the company is trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio compared to peers. In my view, Reece is exposed to supply chain and cost issues if the Middle East turns into a prolonged conflict.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Shaw and Partners is a little more positive on Bunnings owner Wesfarmers. It has named its shares as a hold this week.

While the broker is a fan of the company, it believes its share price is fully valued now and offers only limited upside. It said:

This company continues to deliver reliable earnings through its diversified portfolio of quality retail and industrial businesses. Company net profit after tax rose 9.3 per cent in the first half of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Revenue was up 3.1 per cent. Hardware giant Bunnings lifted total sales by 4 per cent. Total sales at Officeworks were up 4.7 per cent.

Strong balance sheet discipline and management execution support resilience across economic cycles. Much of this is already reflected in the share price, limiting near term upside, in my view. While it remains a high quality core holding, we believe a hold rating is appropriate until a lower share price or growth catalyst emerges.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Reece, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are acting as a drag on the market today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope share price is down 5.5% to $5.00. Investors have been selling this coal miner's shares following the release of its half-year results. New Hope posted a 20.1% decline in revenue to $814.4 million and an 84% decline in net profit after tax to $54.3 million. This was driven by a 20.4% decline in its average realised selling price, its exposure to increased prime overburden movement, and lower non-regular gains. In light of New Hope's falling profits, the company slashed its fully franked interim dividend to 10 cents per share (from 19 cents per share a year ago).

Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM)

The Pepper Money share price is down 10% to $1.90. This follows an announcement from Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) relating to its takeover approach. The annuities company revealed that it has amended its takeover offer and reduced the offer price from $2.60 per share to $2.25 per share. This is less the final fully franked Pepper Money 2025 dividend of 7.8 cents per share and any special dividend. Challenger notes that the revised proposal represents its best and final offer, in the absence of a superior proposal. Pepper Money's independent board committee advised that it will consider the revised proposal.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is down 3% to $127.50. This is despite there being no news out of the health imaging technology company. However, it seems that AI disruption concerns are continuing to weigh heavily on the tech sector on Tuesday. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Technology Index underperform with a 1.3% decline this afternoon.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is down over 2.5% to $14.11. The catalyst for this has been the plumbing parts company's shares going ex-dividend today for its latest payout. Last month, Reece released its half-year results and declared a fully franked 5.4 cents per share dividend. This will be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 1 April.

The post Why New Hope, Pepper Money, Pro Medicus, and Reece shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to rebound

The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Tuesday following a decent start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 43 points or 0.5% higher. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.8%, the S&P 500 is up 0.95%, and the Nasdaq is 1.1% higher.

Oil prices sink

It could be a poor session for ASX 200 energy shares Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 4.75% to US$93.89 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.7% to US$100.31 a barrel. This was driven by news that Donald Trump is pressuring allies to protect tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

RBA meeting

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares will be on watch on Tuesday when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) makes its decision on interest rates. According to the latest cash rate futures, the market is pricing in a 71% probability of the RBA lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1%.

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a subdued session on Tuesday after the gold price softened overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.85% to US$5,019.4 an ounce. Inflation fears have been weighing on the precious metal.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend today and could trade lower. This includes job listings company Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK), plumbing parts company Reece Ltd (ASX: REH), and debt collector Credit Corp Ltd (ASX: CCP). With respect to Seek, it will be rewarding its shareholders with a fully franked 27 cents per share interim dividend on 1 April.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

As we've reported, some of the biggest dividend increases among ASX mining shares this season came from the gold miners.

Next week, two of them go ex-dividend.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share on 15 April.

This exceeds the company's commitment to pay a minimum annual dividend of 2 cents per share for FY26.

Ramelius Resources reported a 13% increase in EBITDA to $347.7 million but a 6% fall in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $160 million.

The ASX gold share goes ex-dividend on Monday.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares will pay a maiden fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

The gold miner reported a 130% jump in underlying NPAT to $144.8 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX gold share also goes ex-dividend on Monday.

Here is a sample of the other ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

The post 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had given up a morning lead to close down 0.041%. That small drop leaves the index at 9,022.3 points.

This miserly session for the ASX follows an even nastier start to the American trading week on Wall Street in the early hours of this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was crushed, dropping 1.66%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared slightly better, but still lost 1.13% of its value.

But let's return to the local markets and take stock of how the different ASX sectors fared amid today's tough trading conditions.

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

After a strong start at market open, the ASX 200 fell into negative territory mid-morning and never recovered, closing down a hefty 0.61%. That leaves the index at a flat 9,026 points.

This painful start to the trading week for the Australian markets comes after a far rosier end to the American trading week on Saturday morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, cruising 0.47% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did one better, gaining 0.9%.

But let's get back to this week and the local markets now, though, for a deeper dive into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this session.

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

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

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

The Clarity Pharmaceuticals share price is up 12% to $3.92. This morning, the company announced another patient in its SECuRE Phase II trial achieved undetectable disease following treatment with its 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA therapy. Clarity's executive chair, Dr Alan Taylor, said: "The momentum of data we are generating with our lead SAR-bisPSMA product in both theranostic and diagnostic trials is strong, with excellent results to date on all fronts. We are beyond excited to see yet another patient achieve undetectable disease following their 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA treatments."

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price is up 17% to $8.57. This follows the release of the defence company's FY 2025 results. EOS reported revenue from continuing operations of $128.5 million, which is down 27% year on year. However, looking ahead, management revealed that its unconditional order book stood at $459 million on 31 December 2025. This is up 238% from $136 million a year earlier. Importantly, EOS aims to realise 40% to 50% of the current order book during 2026.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up 16% to $1.58. Investors have been buying this investigative analytics and intelligence software provider's shares after it released its half-year results. Nuix reported an 8.4% increase in annualised contract value (ACV) to $234.4 million. A key driver of this has been the Nuix Neo offering, which reported ACV growth of 148% year on year to $46.8 million. It now represents 20% of the company's total ACV. Commenting on the AI threat, Nuix's interim CEO, John Ruthven, said: "The rapidly evolving AI landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for enterprise software companies. Nuix is well positioned to capitalise on these dynamics through our BYO AI framework, which allows customers to integrate their preferred AI models whilst Nuix Neo provides the critical enterprise infrastructure required by regulated industries."

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

The Reece share price is up 16% to $16.15. This follows the release of the plumbing parts company's half-year results. Reece reported a 6% increase in revenue to $4,648 million but a 20% decline in net profit after tax to $144 million. The latter is better than Morgans was expecting. It was forecasting a 22.9% decline in net profit to $139.5 million.

The post Why Clarity Pharmaceuticals, EOS, Nuix, and Reece shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Reece report?

• Sales revenue up 6% to $4,648 million
• EBITDA down 6% to $448 million
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) down 20% to $144 million
• EPS down 19% to 22.7 cents
• Interim dividend of 5.44 cents per share, fully franked
• Capex to sales ratio of 1.8%

What else do investors need to know?

Reece's results reflect ongoing subdued conditions in the housing and construction markets across both Australia/New Zealand and the United States. Like‑for‑like sales were flat, with the company's network expansion contributing to overall revenue growth.

The business remains focused on three key strategic priorities: operational excellence, accelerating innovation, and investing for profitable growth. During the half, Reece added 23 net new branches across its ANZ and US networks, introduced new products, and enhanced digital capabilities for both team members and customers.

Net debt increased to $1.0 billion due to lower operating cash flow and partially funding the share buyback. A total of $401 million was returned to shareholders through these buybacks.

What did Reece management say?

Chair & CEO Peter Wilson said:

Our half year result reflects the challenges we outlined last year, with subdued housing markets continuing to impact demand resulting in flat sales on a like for like basis. In our ANZ business, we have seen signs of a gradual recovery emerging, but performance remains mixed across states. In the US, the residential new construction market is still being impacted by affordability pressures.

While it's a challenging environment, we want to do better. We're focused on actions that position us well when conditions improve – showing up for customers, delivering on our 2030 strategy and building a stronger business for the long-term.

What's next for Reece?

Reece expects subdued trading conditions to persist for the rest of FY26 and does not anticipate a material shift in demand in the short term. The business remains cautious about the pace of any recovery, but continues to invest strategically to position itself for long-term growth.

Management forecasts group EBIT for FY26 in the range of $520–$540 million. The board has declared a fully franked 5.44 cent interim dividend to be paid on 1 April 2026.

Reece share price snapshot

Over the pat 12 months, Reece shares have declined 27%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Reece HY26 results: Profit falls despite higher sales revenue appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a decent start to the week following a good finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.45%, the S&P 500 rose 0.7%, and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher. However, the announcement of US tariffs over the weekend could add some volatility to today's session.

Oil prices edge higher

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.1% to US$66.48 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.15% to US$71.76 a barrel. Oil prices have been rising after the US weighed up military strikes on Iran.

Half-year results

A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch today when they release their half-year results. Among them are NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF), Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT), and Reece Ltd (ASX: REH). With respect to the latter, Morgans expects the plumbing parts company to report a 22.9% decline in net profit to $139.5 million. It said: "Management noted that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging across ANZ and the US and expects activity in both regions to stay subdued in the near term."

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.7% to US$5,080.9 an ounce. This was driven by the release of soft US economic data which supported interest rate cut hopes.

Buy Telix shares

Bell Potter thinks investors should buy Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares following the release of its half-year results. It has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $19.00. It said: "FY25 was a challenging period by virtue to the two CRLs from the FDA and a stream of negative news flow – most recently the sudden resignation of the Chairperson. Nevertheless, the clinical programs are ongoing, and the company is well funded to continue these."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These companies experienced share price falls of 4.4% and 4.6% respectively. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.24%. 

Lets see what was behind the fall and if now is a good time for investors to scoop them up. 

Treasury Wine Estates

Treasury Wine Estates is among the world's top five wine producers and owns a portfolio of more than 70 brands including Australian labels such as Penfolds. 

Its share price tumbled 4.6% yesterday following a 5% fall on Monday.

It seems investors are exiting the ASX 200 stock following the release of its half-year results.

The company reported profits that were down substantially from the prior corresponding period.

It reported: 

• Net Sales Revenue (NSR) down 16.0% to $1.3 billion.
• EBITS dropped 39.6% to $236.4 million; EBITS margin shrank to 18.2% from 25.3%.
• NPAT before material items and SGARA was $128.5 million, down 46.3%.
• Statutory NPAT loss of $649.4 million

Perhaps the most disappointing part of the announcement was the suspension of dividends.

Its share price is now down more than 50% over the last year. 

Reece

For those unfamiliar, the company is a supplier of plumbing, bathroom, heating ventilation, and air-conditioning products.

This ASX 200 stock also lost significant ground during Tuesday, falling 4.4%.

However unlike Treasury Wine Estates, there was no price sensitive news out of the company. 

Reece Ltd has endured a tough 12 months, down roughly 36% in that span. 

It is now sitting close to its 52-week low.

Is either ASX 200 stock a buy low candidate?

With both stocks being down significantly in the last 12 months, it could be an opportunity for investors to buy. 

Recent valuations from experts suggest investors should wait for further drops before entering. 

A recent note out of UBS included a share price target of $4.75 for Treasury Wine Estates shares. 

That is right around the current levels. 

Morgans had a recent price target of $5.25 on the ASX 200 stock on the back of disappointing US performance in January. 

This indicates a modest upside after the recent fall, however general sentiment is negative/neutral on Treasury Wine Estates shares. 

It's unfortunately a similar story for Reece shares. 

Analysts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $13.28 on this ASX 200 stock. 

That's roughly 4.5% below current levels. 

The post These 2 ASX 200 stocks crashed yesterday – should investors swoop in? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.