But you don't have to let it sit idly in the meantime.

Instead, you can invest your superannuation balance and generate a regular source of passive income for when you've stopped working.

But exactly how much passive income could a $800,000 superannuation balance generate each year?

Let's investigate.

How much passive income can I generate from an $800,000 superannuation balance?

To calculate the potential passive income from an $800,000 superannuation balance, you need to multiply your total balance by the dividend yield of your portfolio.

It's a simple calculation, but the problem is that the answer varies depending on the yield of the stocks you pick.

For example, a 3% yielding portfolio needs to be twice the size of one that yields 6% to earn the same passive income.

Which also means that as your dividend yield increases, the passive income you can earn from your $8000,000 superannuation balance climbs higher. 

Here's a breakdown by yield. These figures are based on cash dividends before tax or franking credits. 

What can I earn from a 3% to 4% yielding portfolio?

If your superannuation portfolio has a dividend yield of around 3%, your passive income will be around $24,000 per year, because $800,000 x 3% = $24,000.

If your portfolio yields closer to 4%, your passive income could be closer to $32,000 every year ($800,000 x 4% = $32,000).

Major miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) yield around this level. As do banking giant Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and conglomerate Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

What passive income can I earn if my superannuation portfolio yields 5% or 6%?

If your superannuation portfolio yields closer to 5%, you could earn $40,000 every year in dividend payments off the same superannuation balance ($800,000 x 5% = $40,000).

At a 6% yield, you could earn an annual passive income closer to $48,000.

Classic dividend stocks like APA Group (ASX: APA), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), and JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) all pay around this level.

What about a portfolio yielding much higher, around 7% or 8%?

But if your portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield of around 7% or 8%, your passive income will go up again to around $56,000 or $64,000, respectively.

Again, it's possible to buy shares around this level, but there are fewer options.

Solvar Ltd (ASX: SVR), Waypoint REIT Ltd (ASX: WPR), and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN) all pay around this yield at the time of writing.

Is it possible to invest in ASX shares yielding 10% or higher?

It's possible, but generally, the higher the yield, the higher the volatility and risk associated with the stock. 

If high yield and high risk are what you're after, at a 10% yield, a $800,000 balance could earn around $80,000.

You could invest in ASX-listed stocks such as Tower Ltd (ASX: TWR) or Kina Securities Ltd (ASX: KSL). Another option is to invest your superannuation in a high-yielding exchange-traded fund (ETF), such as the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE) or the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX). These all yield 10% or more at the time of writing.

The post How much passive income can I earn off an $800,000 superannuation balance? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you're searching for steady dividends and long-term portfolio strength, two giants often come into focus: BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO). Both are titans in global mining with reputations for pumping out franked cashflows to shareholders, and their scale makes them regulars in most Aussie blue-chip portfolios. But when it comes to passive income—reliable, chunky dividend streams—how do the shares stack up for investors today? Here's my breakdown comparing BHP Group vs Rio Tinto shares, with a focus on the numbers that matter most for income seekers.

The case for BHP Group

BHP Group is a world-spanning mining powerhouse, headquartered in Melbourne and known for steelmaking ingredients like iron ore and copper, as well as coal, nickel, and potash. Following a restructure in 2022, it now sports a primary ASX listing, keeping things simpler for local shareholders. BHP's earnings and share price can swing with commodity cycles, but it's famed for its size, diversification, and disciplined capital returns.

A few key takeaways:

• Market cap: At $310.39 billion, BHP dwarfs most local peers and brings both scale and global reach.
• Dividend yield: Currently 3.96%, and crucially, with full 100% franking—the kind of income profile many Australian retirees crave.
• Dividend consistency: BHP's dividend history shows regular twice-yearly payments, typically fully franked, with occasional special dividends sprinkled in.
• YTD return: The shares have surged 39.5% year to date, indicating strong momentum, likely helped by resource price moves.

According to its company profile, BHP boasts a formidable global footprint with operations reaching from Australia to South America and across various high-demand commodities.

The case for Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is another Australian mining icon, originally founded in 1873 and now one of the largest metals and mining corporations worldwide. Its core businesses are iron ore, aluminium and lithium, and copper—products right at the heart of global electrification and decarbonisation trends. Like BHP, it benefits from scale and commodity diversification.

Here's what stands out:

• Market cap: Rio Tinto's value sits at $62.28 billion—substantial, though well below BHP's heft.
• Dividend yield: Also at 3.96%, and like BHP, fully franked, which is a major plus for Aussie income investors.
• Dividend per share: $6.63, higher than BHP's $2.42 per share (though both have different share prices and outstanding shares, so yield is what counts).
• Earnings per share: At $7.382, Rio has a higher reported EPS than BHP, reflecting mining cycles and possibly a leaner capital base.
• YTD return: Shares are up 18.6% in the year to date—a strong but more modest lift compared to BHP.

Rio Tinto's latest business description highlights a focus on growth areas like lithium and copper, putting it front and centre for big trends like electric vehicles, even as iron ore remains its engine room.

Valuation comparison

For passive income investors, yield and valuation are top-of-mind. Let's look at direct fundamentals:

A few nuances: Rio Tinto's lower P/E ratio could suggest it's trading on more cautious earnings expectations, relative to BHP. Both offer identical dividend yields (and franking), but Rio's higher dividend per share simply reflects its higher share price, not greater yield.

Note: BHP's reported P/E ratio and EPS combination suggests its P/E is calculated using a different earnings measure than the simple EPS figure, which is why they may appear inconsistent. The same logic applies to Rio Tinto.

Recent share price performance

Comparing the past month (21 August to 18 September 2026):

• BHP Group: Rose from $65.16 (21 Aug) to $61.05 (18 Sep), a decline of about 6.3% over the period, despite a strong YTD gain of 39.5%.
• Rio Tinto: Rose from $175.38 (21 Aug) to $167.49 (18 Sep), also down approximately 4.5% over the same period, with a YTD gain of 18.6%.
• Both showed volatility typical of diversified miners, driven by swings in commodity prices and broader market mood.
• These prices are as at September 18, 2026, and may have shifted since.

Which is the better buy?

With income in mind, here's how I see it: Both BHP Group and Rio Tinto currently offer a healthy 3.96% fully franked dividend yield, which will put a smile on most passive income seekers' faces. BHP is by far the bigger beast, with a greater global reach and a much fatter market cap, but size alone doesn't make BHP the better buy for dividend collectors.

The most meaningful real difference right now is in valuation and share price performance. BHP's shares have smashed out a bigger YTD gain (39.5% versus Rio's 18.6%), suggesting a stronger run of late and perhaps higher investor confidence. But that means BHP now trades on a higher P/E (22.4 vs. 16.08), so Rio looks the more "value-priced" choice for those worried about buying in at a peak.

Each company has a well-established record of fully franked dividends and a diversified mining footprint. In this context, with yields identical and both offering franking, I'd lean toward Rio Tinto as my passive income pick today: it's trading on a lower price-to-earnings multiple, offers the same headline yield, and has a strong track record. If BHP's valuation pulled back or its dividend yield moved ahead, I'd reconsider—but for now, Rio's combination of income and sensible valuation wins the day for me.

The post BHP Group vs Rio Tinto shares: Which pays better dividends? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Everyday Aussie investors often weigh Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) against APA Group (ASX: APA) when hunting for steady, passive income from shares. The two are giants in totally different fields — with Rio Tinto at the heart of mining, and APA Group a backbone for Australia's energy infrastructure. Both throw off regular dividends, but which one is more compelling for those wanting a reliable stream of cash flow? Here's how they stack up for income-focused portfolios.

The case for Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is one of the world's largest miners, producing iron ore, aluminium, lithium, copper, and more. This global giant has been a mainstay of the ASX for decades. Its revenue streams are deeply tied to commodity cycles, but the company's vast, low-cost assets and operational scale give it firepower for substantial and regular dividend payouts.

Looking at the latest numbers, Rio Tinto boasts a market cap of $61.76 billion and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.07. Its dividend yield stands at 3.99%, fully franked at 100%, meaning investors get the full benefit of franking credits. According to its most recent company profile, Rio Tinto has grown through many mergers and acquisitions, which has helped it become such a dominant force. Its scale, reliable cash flows, and tendency for occasional special dividends make it a go-to for income-seekers, especially those who value franking.

The case for APA Group

APA Group is Australia's top energy infrastructure company, running a sprawling network of gas, electricity, solar, and wind assets. It owns and operates much of the country's gas pipeline network and is steadily expanding into renewables. APA Group's revenues are less sensitive to the wild ups and downs of commodities, thanks to long-term contracts and regulated assets. This can make its dividends feel steadier to income investors.

APA Group's market cap is $14.27 billion, with a notably higher dividend yield at 5.39%. However, its P/E ratio is a lofty 68.36, which stands out compared to Rio Tinto's much lower multiple. The franking level on APA's dividends is well below Rio's: the latest is just 31.4%, and looking back, many past dividends have variable (often low) franking. As of its company overview, APA Group actively invests in renewable assets amid its historical strength in gas. Investors who favour essential services or lower volatility in earnings may prefer APA's business exposure and defensive qualities.

Recent share price performance

Here's how their shares performed between 18 August 2026 and 17 September 2026.

• Rio Tinto: YTD return of 17.8%. During this month, the share price was somewhat volatile, starting around $167, peaking above $179 in early September before easing back to $166.09.
• APA Group: YTD return of 23.4%. APA shares began the period near $9.85 and rose steadily, ending at $10.78, representing a much smoother upward trend compared to Rio's swings.

Which is the better buy?

For pure, reliable passive income, I'd lean toward Rio Tinto over APA Group. While APA Group boasts a punchier 5.39% yield and a record for steady dividends, its lower franking credit levels and extremely high P/E ratio (68.36) give me pause. By contrast, Rio Tinto's 3.99% yield may not look as high at first glance, but it is fully franked, so the return after tax is more compelling — especially for those who benefit from franking credits.

Rio's dividend history also shows substantial, ongoing payouts (plus occasional special dividends) backed by strong earnings and underlying cash flow. APA's payout, while reliable, comes with much less franking and looks more stretched against its underlying earnings.

APA Group may appeal to investors more focused on lower earnings volatility and the appeal of essential infrastructure. But when I focus on the net after-tax income into my bank account — and factor in value metrics and payout sustainability — Rio Tinto is my pick for better passive income.

The post Rio Tinto vs APA Group: Which is better for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

When you think of big-name Australian mining shares, it's hard to look past South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO). Both are resource powerhouses, but they've taken different approaches to growth, dividends, and the commodities they dig up. If you're weighing up South32 vs Rio Tinto shares for your portfolio, here's what stands out.

The case for South32

South32 emerged from BHP's 2015 demerger and now runs mining operations across ten countries, extracting everything from bauxite and aluminium to copper, silver, zinc, nickel, and manganese. According to its most recent company description, it employs around 9000 people and provides the raw materials crucial for construction, energy, renewables, and consumer products worldwide.

Among South32's fundamentals, a few things jump out. Its P/E ratio sits at 14.79, putting it in the reasonable valuation camp—neither super cheap nor stretched. The company's year-to-date (YTD) return is a real eye-catcher: up 38.07%, a hefty gain for any mining stock. Its dividend yield is a modest 1.94%, but it comes fully franked—a plus for Aussie income hunters. Over recent years, dividends have been consistently franked at 100%, and recent payouts, while not the highest, have shown reasonable regularity.

The case for Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto needs little introduction: this is one of the world's largest and oldest mining operations, tracing its roots to 1873. Listed on the ASX since 1962, Rio focuses on three major pillars—iron ore (its biggest earner), aluminium and lithium, and copper. The group also dabbles in other critical minerals through exploration and development, making it a true heavyweight in global resources.

Looking at Rio Tinto's metrics, scale is the first thing that stands out. With a market cap of $61.82 billion, it dwarfs South32. Rio also offers a more generous dividend yield at 4.07%, again fully franked. Earnings per share are much higher (7.382 vs South32's 0.235), consistent with its size and profitability. The P/E ratio is slightly higher at 15.94, but still sits in a similar band—a sign that you're not paying a huge premium for the blue-chip name. YTD, Rio's return is 16.56%: less blazing than South32's, but still a solid result considering its scale.

Valuation comparison

There's enough difference across important metrics to pop them into a table for an at-a-glance check:

Rio commands a huge lead in size, dividends, and profit per share. South32 is a smaller, more diversified operator and has delivered outsized returns so far this year.

Recent share price performance

Let's look at how the share prices have moved in recent weeks. Both companies' price history data covers the same date range: from 18 August to 16 September 2026.

South32 started on 18 August at $4.82 and finished on 16 September at $5.01. That's a gain of about 3.9% over this short period, consistent with its strong year-to-date performance. Rio Tinto started this period at $167.40 (18 August), ending at $166.25 on 16 September—a slight drop of roughly 0.7%. While Rio had some up days, the overall trend recently has been a touch negative.

It's worth noting, South32 has enjoyed a positive burst inline with its year-to-date trend, while Rio has flattened out.

Which is the better buy?

If I had to pick between South32 and Rio Tinto right now, my lean would be toward South32. Here's why: Its huge 38% YTD gain stands out—it's been a clear outperformer, and the recent price momentum shows buyers remain enthusiastic. While its dividend isn't as juicy as Rio's, it's fully franked and shows reasonable consistency.

Rio Tinto is a true blue-chip, offering scale, stability, and a far bigger dividend—great reasons for conservative, income-focused investors to be interested. But its recent share price has drifted sideways or down, and it lags South32 in YTD returns.

For those seeking growth and recent market momentum, South32 is my pick. But if you value big, steady dividends and market dominance, I can completely understand going with Rio. With both stocks offering 100% franking and trading at similar valuations, the edge for me goes to South32 on its current performance and uptrend.

The post South32 vs Rio Tinto: 2 popular ASX mining shares compared appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you're looking to bank reliable passive income from the mining space, two big names on the ASX often get a close look: Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG). Both are true Australian heavyweights, attractively sized, and generous dividend payers—plus, their fully franked dividends can be a real drawcard for savvy local investors. But if you're weighing up Woodside Energy vs Fortescue shares, which is the better bet for building sustainable, hands-off income? Let's break it down.

The case for Woodside Energy Group

Woodside Energy is Australia's largest independent oil and gas company, and the largest operator of oil and gas production in the country. With roots going back to 1954, Woodside's business stretches across offshore platforms and international assets, strengthened by its recent high-profile merger with BHP's oil and gas portfolio. Listed since 1971, it now sits among the largest companies on the ASX.

What stands out about Woodside:

• It boasts a sizeable market cap of $63.25 billion, underscoring its scale and stability.
• The dividend yield is a strong 5.04%, fully franked, making its income stream friendly for local investors.
• Recent performance has been robust, with a 44.04% year to date return—a real contrast against some sector peers.

The case for Fortescue

Fortescue is one of the giants in iron ore production, sitting just behind BHP, Rio Tinto, and Vale globally. Its flagship operations cover major mining hubs in the Pilbara, a major port, and the world's fastest heavy-haul railway. Since debuting on the ASX in 1987, it's grown into a $50.93 billion titan, underpinning a massive chunk of global iron ore supply.

Numbers I'd call out for Fortescue:

• The current dividend yield is a hefty 6.66%, fully franked, comfortably outpacing Woodside.
• A lower P/E ratio of 12.46 could be pointing to better value at these levels.
• However, 2026's year to date return is -21.40%, showing headwinds for the share price.

Valuation comparison

Here's a side-by-side look at the key income and value metrics:

The key takeaway here: Fortescue offers the higher dividend yield for those hunting passive income, and sports a slightly cheaper earnings multiple. But Woodside is the larger company, with a higher earnings per share and a much better share price run lately.

Recent share price performance

All prices quoted are as of 16 September 2026. Woodside closed at $33.27, having climbed 2.84% that day, capping off a strong few weeks—with only minor dips and overall upward price momentum. Year to date, Woodside shares are up a very impressive 44.04%.

Fortescue, meanwhile, finished at $16.54 (up 1.97% that day), but the bigger story is in the negatives: its year to date return is -21.40%. Across the most recent weeks, Fortescue has seen sharper drops and less sustained upward movement than Woodside, reflecting trickier recent trading conditions.

Which is the better buy?

If I'm focused on pure passive income, I think Fortescue has the edge on yield alone—a 6.66% fully franked payout is nothing to sneeze at. That's a good margin above Woodside's 5.04%. But the picture isn't that simple. Woodside brings a larger, arguably more resilient business, higher earnings per share, and absolutely stellar recent share price performance. Fortescue's negative YTD performance, on the other hand, is a yellow flag—it's been a rough run for FMG shareholders lately.

Both stocks have given out big, fully franked dividends for years, but Woodside's price momentum suggests investors have more confidence in its near-term prospects. If my sole priority was maximising present yield, I'd take a good look at Fortescue. But factoring in total return and share price stability, my pick would be Woodside for a smoother and potentially more sustainable passive income ride. The lower headline yield is offset by the capital growth and big-company resilience, which count for a lot in this space.

The post Woodside Energy vs Fortescue: Which ASX mining share is best for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The mining giant has returned substantial amounts of cash to shareholders over the years.

At around $166.25 today, are Rio Tinto shares still worth considering for passive income?

Why miners can work for income investors

Rio Tinto and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) are regular fixtures in many income portfolios for good reason.

Both companies own large, long-life mining operations that can generate enormous amounts of cash when commodity markets are supportive.

For Rio Tinto, iron ore remains a key part of the business. Its Pilbara operations produce huge volumes and have historically generated substantial profits.

That cash can then be used to fund new projects, strengthen the balance sheet, and pay dividends to shareholders.

I also like that Rio Tinto is building out its exposure to copper. That gives the company another potential source of earnings as demand grows from areas such as electrification, power networks, and renewable energy infrastructure.

For income investors, I think that mix works well. Rio Tinto has major assets generating cash today while still investing for the future.

What could the dividend look like?

For passive income investors, Rio Tinto's dividend is one of the main reasons to consider the shares.

According to consensus forecasts, the miner is expected to pay fully-franked dividends of $6.34 per share in FY26 and $6.62 per share in FY27.

At the current Rio Tinto share price, that works out to be prospective dividend yields of around 3.8% and 4%, respectively.

Those yields may not jump off the page, but I think they are attractive when combined with the potential benefit of franking credits.

For me, the bigger point is that investors are getting a reasonable level of income from a company I would also be comfortable owning for the long term.

What does the valuation look like?

Consensus forecasts are for earnings per share of $12.07 in FY26 and $12.04 in FY27.

At the current share price, Rio Tinto is therefore trading on a P/E ratio of around 14 times forecast earnings.

I think that is a reasonable valuation for a business of this scale, particularly when the dividend is also part of the return.

Of course, Rio Tinto's earnings will always move with commodity prices.

Iron ore weakness could put pressure on profits and dividends, while stronger prices could have the opposite effect.

That variability is simply part of owning a large miner.

I would not rely on the dividend alone

Rio Tinto is not the type of income share where I would expect the dividend to rise neatly every year.

The payout can move significantly depending on profits and commodity markets.

For that reason, I would see Rio Tinto as one part of a broader passive income portfolio rather than relying on it to provide a fixed amount every year.

That would still leave plenty of room for the company to make a meaningful contribution when conditions are favourable.

Foolish takeaway

Yes, I would buy Rio Tinto shares for passive income.

The prospective yield is solid, the dividends are expected to be fully franked, and the valuation looks reasonable.

I also like that Rio Tinto can offer more than income alone, with its existing assets and growing copper exposure giving the business opportunities to create value over the years ahead.

The post Should I buy Rio Tinto shares for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But while both remain major iron ore producers, they have diversified their other income streams to the point where a different investment case can be made for each.

Major miners both kicking goals

Canaccord Genuity has just released a new research report into the companies, and said when it came to iron ore, it is no longer the majority revenue generator for each company.

The broker commented:

Nearly 60% of each company's EBITDA came from future-facing commodities over the six months to end-June 2026, with copper central to this transformation. This changes the investment case for BHP and RIO, which both increasingly provide upstream exposure to prominent structural growth thematics including electrification and the AI infrastructure build-out. In our view, their evolving earnings profiles also warrant a different valuation framework, with a greater contribution from copper supporting structurally higher earnings multiples.

Canaccord Genuity said BHP and Rio outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by about 50% over the past 12 months, despite iron ore tracking slightly lower.

The broking house said copper accounted for 57% of earnings at BHP and 36% at Rio, while aluminium accounted for 20% of Rio's earnings.

Lithium was also emerging as an important commodity for Rio.

 Canaccord Genuity said:

The shifts in both companies' earnings mixes reflect years of disciplined capital allocation through organic project development and selective M&A, including BHP's acquisition of OZ Minerals in 2023 and RIO's acquisition of Arcadium Lithium in 2025, alongside support from commodity price tailwinds.

Canaccord Genuity said copper was the central focus of BHP's organic growth strategy, with projects under development in South Australia, Chile and Argentina.

The broker said Rio's growth strategy was broader, "spanning copper, Simandou in iron ore, the Arcadium portfolio in lithium, and aluminium''.

Canaccord Genuity added:

BHP and RIO are targeting broadly comparable copper production growth of ~20–25% by 2030 relative to FY26 levels, supported by brownfield expansions, operational ramp-ups and the development of their respective copper portfolios.

Canaccord Genuity also noted that copper producers generally traded at higher multiples than iron ore companies, reflecting copper's more attractive long-term fundamentals.

The broker said it preferred BHP to Rio, despite both being compelling propositions, because BHP was the highest-quality diversified miner, with a strong track record of operational delivery.

They also preferred BHP because of the central role of copper.

Canaccord Genuity added:

As the world's largest copper producer, BHP provides one of the largest and lower-risk ways to gain leverage to our preferred commodity

The post BHP vs Rio Tinto: What's the better buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.91% to 8,669 points after touching an intraday low of 8,667 points.

That takes the ASX 200 to its lowest level in around 2 months and leaves it down almost 5% over the past month.

The index is now around 6.7% below its late August record high of 9,296 points, with selling picking up noticeably over the past week.

So, what is weighing on the market today?

A weak lead from Wall Street

Investors have had a negative lead to work with after US shares finished lower overnight.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) fell 0.48%, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) dropped 0.56%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) lost 0.29%.

Rising bond yields are another concern for markets.

The US 10-year Treasury yield briefly moved above 5% for the first time since 2023.

Investors are weighing higher inflation and the prospect of another interest rate rise from the US Fed Reserve.

A Reuters poll found 85% of economists expect the Fed to lift rates by 25 basis points this week.

Oil prices keep climbing

Oil is another thing investors are watching closely.

According to Trading Economics, Brent crude is trading around US$106 a barrel today as supply concerns remain in focus.

Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline is offline, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still heavily disrupted.

The pipeline can carry around 4 million barrels per day, which is roughly 4% of global oil supply.

Commercial vessel traffic through the strait also fell to single digits over the weekend.

And with oil above US$100 a barrel again, investors will be watching what that could mean for inflation and interest rates.

Miners and banks under pressure

Closer to home, some of the ASX's biggest companies are weighing on the index.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 2.34% to $59.18, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have fallen 2.69% to $163.67.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are down 2.96% to $21.96, and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares have dropped 3.52% to $4.26.

The banks are lower as well, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares down 1.65% to $152.41.

Selling is fairly widespread across the market, with 110 of the top 200 shares lower, 81 higher and 9 unchanged in early afternoon trade.

The post ASX 200 drops again as selling continues appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

One of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giants has smashed the 24.5% gains posted by the benchmark over the past three years (as at 10 September). The other has delivered far less.

So, which was the better investment?

Fortescue shares flounder

Well, it wasn't Fortescue.

Three years ago, on 8 September 2023, you could have bought Fortescue shares for $19.40 apiece.

So, for $10,000 you could have 515 shares.

On Thursday, shares were trading for $17.61 each, down 9.2% over three years.

But stockholders wouldn't have done quite that badly.

That's because if you held Fortescue shares for the past three years, you'd also have received the last six fully franked Fortescue dividend payments totalling $4.15 a share. (The final FY 2026 Fortescue dividend will be paid on 29 September.)

If we add that back into the recent share price, then the accumulated value of the shares you bought in September 2023 is now worth $21.76. And the 515 shares you picked up for $10,000 are worth an accumulated $11,207.

So, what about Rio Tinto?

Buying $10,000 worth of Rio Tinto shares

Unlike Fortescue shares, Rio Tinto shares have strongly outperformed over the past three years.

On 8 September 2023, Rio Tinto shares were trading for $111.17 apiece. Meaning you could have bought 89 shares with a $10,000 investment, with $105 in pocket money left over.

On Thursday, shares were changing hands for $179.33 each, up 61.3% in three years.

Investors have also banked significant passive income from the ASX 200 mining stock along the way.

If you owned Rio Tinto shares for the past three years, you would have received, or will shortly receive, the past six fully franked dividend payments. (The interim 2026 Rio Tinto dividend will be paid out on 24 September.)

All told those six Rio Tinto dividends come out to a rounded $19.18 a share.

If we add that back into the recent share price, then the accumulated value of the Rio Tinto stock you picked up in September 2023 is now worth $198.51 a share.

And the 89 shares you bought for $10,000 are worth an accumulated $17,667.

So, for this time period at least, Rio Tinto clearly takes the prize over Fortescue shares.

How about in 2026?

As of Thursday, the ASX 200 has gained 0.7% year to date.

Over this same time, Rio Tinto shares have gained 21.5% and paid two dividends.

And Fortescue shares have tumbled 20.5% and paid two dividends.

The post $10,00 invested in Rio Tinto and Fortescue shares 3 years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Tariffs fears have been boosting prices

The copper price has been hitting record highs recently amid fears the US will impose tariffs in a bid to promote more home-grown mining and production.

Reports indicate that traders have been importing copper into the US and building up stockpiles ahead of the rumoured tariffs, helping push prices higher.

But a report from Reuters overnight suggested that the White House was still weighing up the higher costs tariffs could impose on the US' manufacturing sector against the benefits of encouraging more domestic mining.

Reuters quoted a White House official as saying all options remained on the table.

They said:

The administration continues to ​evaluate all options to reshore copper and other critical manufacturing back to the United States.

This has been interpreted by market watchers as suggesting tariffs may not be imposed, leading to sharp falls in the share prices of copper miners.

Among the Australian-listed producers, shares in Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) fell 9.6%, Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) fell 7.8%, and Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) fell 6.7%.

Shares in BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), which now derives more than half of its earnings from copper, fell 3.7%, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares were off 2.7%.

"No tariff" decision could ease prices

Morgan Stanley said the Reuters report gave slightly more weight to a "no tariff" scenario.  

They added:

Today's article does not constitute a decision but it arguably has driven the market to give slightly more weight to the "no tariff" scenario than before. Copper prices are up around 15% YTD with both benchmarks hitting all time highs in recent days, with much of this year's strength arguably attributable to strong US import demand ahead of potential tariffs. We estimate US excess imports have now exceeded 450 kt YTD, or 2.5-3% of global refined copper demand when annualised. However, if those imports were to slow down, the copper market would feel substantially looser in our view.

Morgan Stanley said the proposed tariffs would be 15% on refined copper from the start of January 2027, potentially rising to 30% in 2028.

The Reuters article confirmed that an update report on the US copper market, due on June 30, had been given to the US President.

Copper demand is expected to remain strong in coming years as the electrification of the economy gains pace.

The post Down almost 10%! Why are ASX copper shares tanking? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) dropped 3.45% to $173.15, and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) lost 2.41% to $17.19.

Overall, mining shares did much of the damage to the index on the day.

The question is whether a sub-US$100 iron ore price will lead to sustained declines for these miners.

Why BHP shares are less exposed than they look

The composition of BHP's earnings has changed.

Copper now accounts for 54% of group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

Iron ore is still enormous, but it is no longer the majority of the business.

The FY26 result showed what that mix produced.

Underlying EBITDA rose 27% to a record US$32.9 billion and underlying attributable profit climbed 30% to US$13.2 billion.

Net operating cash flow grew 17% to US$21.8 billion.

BHP determined US$8.7 billion of dividends, or 172 US cents per share, on a 66% payout ratio.

Net debt finished at US$8.7 billion, around 0.3 times EBITDA.

Management is guiding to 3% to 4% compound annual growth in copper equivalent volumes through to FY35, with capital expenditure steady near US$11 billion in FY27.

What the miners earn at these prices

Fortescue is the most pure iron ore exposure of the three.

The company's FY26 revenue grew 9% to US$17.0 billion and underlying EBITDA rose 9% to US$8.6 billion at a 51% margin.

Free cash flow increased 25% to US$3.2 billion and shipments hit a record 201.3 million tonnes.

The company's Hematite C1 unit cost was US$18.74 per wet metric tonne.

That cost number is one to watch.

At under US$19 a tonne to dig it out, Fortescue still makes very good money with iron ore near US$100.

FY27 guidance does show costs rising to between US$20.50 and US$21.75 a tonne.

What brokers make of BHP shares

Not everyone is convinced after the run.

Gray Perry Wealth Advisers' Blake Halligan has a hold recommendation on the miner.

BHP remains a high-quality diversified miner with large, low-cost assets and increasing exposure to copper.

His reasoning for holding was equally direct.

Commodity-price sensitivity and project execution risks support retaining BHP rather than increasing exposure.

That caution is understandable given the starting point.

Including dividends, BHP has returned about 62% over the past 12 months and reclaimed its position as the largest company on the ASX.

How the three compare today

The valuations tell three different stories.

BHP trades on a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.3 with a 3.87% fully franked yield after gaining 43% this calendar year.

Rio Tinto sits on 17.2 times earnings with a 3.81% yield and is up 24% year to date.

Fortescue is on 13.6 times with a 6.16% yield, and is down 15% for the year.

Foolish takeaway

Iron ore below US$100 matters most to the company that sells nothing else.

That is Fortescue, and it is also the cheapest of the three by a wide margin.

BHP shares are the highest quality and most expensive, and the copper transition provides valuable diversification benefits.

The post Iron ore is back below US$100. Are BHP and Rio Tinto shares still buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 1.68% to 8,762 points, pushing it to its lowest level in around 6 weeks.

The fall also leaves the ASX 200 roughly 5.7% below its record high of 9,296 points reached in early August. Over the past month alone, the index has fallen more than 5%.

The selling is also spread right across the market. At the latest check, 153 shares are falling, 36 are rising and 11 are unchanged.

If the current decline holds into the close, it would also be the ASX 200's worst session in around 3 months.

Oil above US$100 rattles investors

One of the biggest concerns today is the jump in oil prices.

Brent crude is currently at US$101.60 a barrel, as tensions involving the US and Iran continued to push energy prices higher.

Higher oil prices are adding to inflation concerns, which is pushing bond yields higher and making the outlook for interest rates less comfortable.

The US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to around 4.84% overnight, its highest level since 2023, while Australian bond yields have also moved higher.

Markets are now pricing around a 70% chance of another Reserve Bank of Australia rate hike at its 29 September meeting.

Heavyweights are getting hit

The weakness is spread across the market, with every sector trading lower earlier on Thursday.

Mining stocks are doing plenty of damage after iron ore slipped back below US$100 a tonne.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 2.81% to $62.77, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have fallen 3.03% to $173.90.

The banks are also lower, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares down 1.71% to $152.60 and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares falling 1.91% to $37.54.

What should investors watch now?

One level worth watching is the ASX 200's 200-day moving average, which was sitting around 8,816 points before the market opened.

The index has now dropped below that level, which could put more attention on the 8,800 area after the strong breakout above 9,000 in August failed to hold.

The next few sessions are likely to depend heavily on oil prices, bond yields and the upcoming US inflation data.

The ASX 200 is still slightly higher in 2026, so I wouldn't call this a major correction yet.

But with the index now 5% below its August record high, investors should expect more short-term volatility.

The post ASX 200 dives to a 6-week low. What's behind today's sell-off? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the shares are up around 2% for the day, and are trading at $179.98 each.

Today's increase means the ASX mining stock is now up 21% higher for the year-to-date, and they're 53% higher than 12 months ago.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down slightly, by around 0.2% at the time of writing, and around 1% higher than a year ago. 

What is causing the Rio Tinto share price rally?

Copper prices are reaching fresh record highs this week as supply struggles to keep up with rising demand from data centers, renewable energy projects and power grids.

According to Trading Economics data, copper futures have climbed to around US$6.8 per pound, up significantly from around US$4.5 per pound around 12 months ago.

Major copper-producing countries in South America have also faced operational challenges this year, contributing to weaker output and exports. And at the same time fears about potential US tariffs has encouraged traders to ship directly to US warehouses, tightening supply elsewhere in the market.

And the increase is good news for Rio Tinto. The company has diversified away from its heavy reliance on iron ore, becoming a major player in the copper market.

The shift has boosted the company's earnings too. For the first half of FY26, Rio Tinto reported a 28% increase in its underlying EBITDA. 

And underlying EBITDA for the company's copper business surged 84% to US$5.7 billion, making up roughly 36% to 39% of total group earnings. Copper, aluminium and lithium now contribute more than half of the miner's underlying EBITDA.

Rio Tinto's underlying fundamentals are clearly very strong. But now the question is, can the shares keep climbing higher, or have they reached fair value?

Are the mining shares a buy, sell or hold now?

After an impressive rally over the past 12 months, it looks like Rio Tinto shares could be trading around fair value.

TradingView data shows that the experts are divided about their outlook for the shares. Out of 15 analysts, six have a buy/strong buy rating and another six have a hold rating on the shares. Another three have a strong sell rating.

But after the latest rally, the average $171.92 target price now implies a potential 4% downside, at the time of writing. Although some still tip an upside of up to 10%, to $198.01 over the next 12 months. 

The team at Morgans has a hold rating on the mining shares. The broker notes that iron ore remains the primary earnings driver for Rio Tinto, leaving profits exposed to movements in commodity prices and Chinese demand. It added that, given this balance of quality and cyclical risk, the shares now look to be trading at fair value.  

The post Up 54% in a year: Are Rio Tinto shares a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's the middle ground which can act as a solid base, but it's not quite enough to live off.

But what if you didn't need to live off your superannuation balance alone? What if your superannuation generated enough passive income to partially, or even fully, support you when you quit work?

So, how much passive income could a $550,000 super balance realistically generate each month?

Let's take a look.

What passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?

To calculate your passive income, you need to multiply your total superannuation balance by the overall dividend yield of your portfolio.

The tricky part is that the answer varies widely depending on what dividend yield you pick.

So, as your dividend yield increases, the passive income you can earn off your $550,000 superannuation balance also goes up.  

Also note, the figures are based on cash dividends before any tax or franking credit benefits.

What can I earn off a 2% to 3% yielding portfolio?

If your portfolio yields 2% or 3%, you'll earn around $11,000 or $16,500, respectively.

That's because $550,000 x 2% = $11,000 per year in dividend payments, and $550,000 x 3% = $16,500 in dividends.

Around this level, you could invest in major long-standing ASX blue-chip companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). These all yield around the 2% to 3% level at the time of writing.

What can I earn if my portfolio yields around 4% or 5%?

If your portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield, closer to 4% or 5%, you could earn a much higher dividend income of around $22,000 or $27,500, respectively.

There are still plenty of good-quality stocks yielding around this level. For example, mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO). Major banks National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) also yield around the 4% to 5% range. As do energy majors Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and APA Group (ASX: APA). 

What if I want to invest my superannuation in high-yielding shares around 10% or even higher?

If you have the stomach to withstand the volatility and elevated risk, you could earn a much higher passive income from high-yielding stocks.

At a 10% yield, a $550,000 balance could earn about $55,000.

And there are still several options paying around this level too. If you're after a single stock, then GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) and IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) both yield above 11% at the time of writing.

Another option is to invest your super into an ETF like the BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX), the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK), or the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). These all yield 10% or higher at the time of writing.

The post How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The move is fairly modest compared with the stock's performance over the past year.

Rio Tinto shares are up almost 20% in 2026 and around 49% over the past 12 months. The stock also traded as high as $182.70 late last month, putting it close to its 52-week high.

So, investors have had plenty to cheer about.

But there's a new development out of China that could be worth keeping an eye on.

China is pushing harder on iron ore

According to The Australian, China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) has told some steel mills to stop buying Rio Tinto's flagship Pilbara Blend while contract negotiations continue.

CMRG has been negotiating iron ore purchases on behalf of China since 2022, with the aim of using the country's huge buying power to push for better prices and terms.

And Rio Tinto isn't the first miner to feel the pressure. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) only reached a deal with CMRG in April after around 7 months of negotiations, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) has also faced tougher talks with the state-backed buyer.

Iron ore is still Rio Tinto's biggest earnings contributor, and China buys a huge amount of what it produces. If the dispute drags on and Chinese mills continue holding back purchases, it could eventually start weighing on sales volumes or the prices Rio Tinto receives.

At this stage, there is no suggestion it will get that far, but it's still something investors will want to follow closely.

Copper is closing the gap

The good news is the business is becoming much more balanced.

In the first-half of 2026, iron ore generated US$6.8 billion of EBITDA. Copper was close behind at US$5.7 billion, while aluminium and lithium contributed another US$3.3 billion.

Copper EBITDA jumped 84% from the first-half of 2025, helped by stronger prices and higher production from the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.

The overall result was strong too. Underlying EBITDA rose 28% to US$14.8 billion, underlying earnings climbed 43% to US$6.85 billion and free cash flow increased 75% to US$3.8 billion.

Rio Tinto also lifted its interim dividend by 43% to US$3.4 billion.

And then there's the AI boom

There could also be another source of demand coming from the huge amount of money being spent on AI and data centres.

CEO Simon Trott recently pointed out that the raw materials Rio Tinto produces can make up "up to 70 per cent of the value" of the materials used in a data centre.

That could become a much bigger opportunity, with spending by hyperscalers forecast to approach US$1 trillion next year.

Copper is an obvious beneficiary, but aluminium and lithium could also benefit as more data centres are built and electricity demand continues to grow.

The post Is China about to become a problem for Rio Tinto shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's tax effective too, and you can also use your superannuation to build a passive income to live off in your retirement years.

But by investing your superannuation wisely, you will benefit from lower tax rates, compound growth, and then eventually a retirement lifestyle boosted by a tax-free passive income.

The question is, how much do you actually need in your superannuation to receive the passive income you want?

Let's break it down, using $10,000 per month as an example.

How much superannuation do I need to earn $10,000 of monthly passive income?

First, you need to work out what $10,000 in passive income every month totals over the year. 

So, $10,000 x 12 = $120,000.

Then you need to divide your annual passive income by the dividend yield of your overall portfolio. 

For example, $120,000 ÷ 2% = $6 million (that's the portfolio size you'd need).

The only catch is that the answer varies depending on your dividend yield.

That means a super portfolio with a dividend yield of around 4% only needs to be half the size of one with a dividend yield of around 2% to generate the same level of passive income.

Which is good news because a $6 million superannuation balance is out of reach for the majority of Australians.

Ok, so how much do I need to earn $10,000 off a 4%, 5% or 6% yielding portfolio?

We already know what portfolio size you'd need to earn $12,000 per year (the equivalent of $10,000 per month) off a 2% yielding account.

But if your overall portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield of around 4%, you'll need a balance of around $3 million to earn the same $120,000 per year in passive income.

If the yield of your portfolio is higher still, at around 5% for example, your balance would need to be closer to $2.4 million to earn the same dividend income.

For a 6% yielding portfolio, you'd need a superannuation balance closer to $2 million to earn the same amount again.

And so on…

You'd still earn $120,000 per year in passive income from each of these superannuation balance sizes.

I'm aiming for a 5% yielding superannuation portfolio, which ASX shares can I invest in?

To earn a $120,000 passive income off a 5% yielding portfolio, you'd need around $2.4 million saved. 

But note, if you want a portfolio yielding around 5%, it doesn't mean that every investment in your portfolio has to yield that level. It can be a combination that yields 5% overall.

These are my top picks.

Defensive shares like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL), Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) or Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC) are a solid choice for income-seeking investors. These all yield around the 5% to 6% level, at the time of writing.

Non-discretionary ASX consumer staples stocks are also naturally defensive, but many of them yield slightly less. Supermarket giants like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) can generate stable cash flow across all phases of the economic cycle. This translates to consistent dividends for shareholders. These shares pay around 3%, at the time of writing. 

Then there are your popular ASX mining shares. These are more cyclical, but such stocks usually rebound strongly during recovery. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) are popular options. These yield anywhere between 3.5% and 6.5% at the time of writing. 

The post How much do I need in my superannuation to earn $10,000 passive income every month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Remember, the exchange rate really prices the value of our currency, which naturally has far-reaching consequences across our economy. There are countless factors that pay into what one currency trades at compared to another. I won't pretend to know everything that has caused our dollar to appreciate by close to 5% over the past two months or so. But there's little doubt that inflation (and interest rate) expectations, the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Europe, as well as concerns about the mounting levels of debt in the United States, are all playing a part.

What moves a dollar?

So what does a higher dollar mean for ASX investors, aside from the odd case of a healthy bout of nationalistic pride?

Well, at a simple level, the primary outcome from an increase in the value of the Aussie dollar is that exporting goods or services becomes cheaper for consumers and companies, while importing becomes more expensive. To illustrate, let's say an agricultural company has to buy fertiliser every month for US$100 a bag. Back in July, that bag would have cost roughly $144.50. Today, that same bag would only set the buyer back by $138.90.

However, let's say that a bushel of wheat that could be grown using that fertiliser costs US$700. Back in July, our company would have received over $1,000 in our local currency. Today, they would get just over $972.

Which ASX shares prosper from a higher Aussie dollar?

A higher Aussie dollar benefits companies that import more goods or services than they export, and punishes companies that export more than they import.

As such, it's clear that the biggest losers from a higher Aussie dollar are our major exporters. Namely, our largest mining stocks. The likes of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Northern Star Ltd (ASX: NST) are arguably some of the companies most exposed. So to are companies that report their earnings in US dollars. That includes CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

Conversely, net importers will be lining up to enjoy the benefits of a higher Aussie dollar. That might be Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), which imports petroleum products to refine or on-sell. It could be Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which receives a huge amount of its stock for Bunnings and OfficeWorks from overseas. Ditto with JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) or Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN). It could even give Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) a bit of a margin boost on any food or drinks that are grown or manufactured beyond our shores.

Not all companies are winners or losers, though. Changes in our currency would have little to no impact on the earnings of something like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) or Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

Changes in the Aussie dollar can have a tangible impact on one's ASX share portfolio. Keep that in mind if you're wondering why one of your investments has been a bit of a laggard of late, or has jumped in value with no other obvious catalysts.

The post These ASX shares benefit from a high Aussie dollar appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Recently trading for $173.18, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant have surged 51.3% in 12 months, smashing the 0.6% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And that's not including the two fully franked dividends, totalling $6.70 a share, that Rio Tinto paid (or shortly will pay) over the full year.

If we add that back into the recent share price of $173.18, then the accumulated value of Rio Tinto shares has rocketed 57.2% in 12 months.

But with those kinds of outsized gains already in the bag, should I still buy the ASX mining stock today?

Rio Tinto shares: Buy, hold or sell?

Morgans' Damien Nguyen recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 mining giant (courtesy of The Bull).

"Rio Tinto continues to generate strong cash flow from its world class iron ore operations, while building exposure to copper and lithium," Nguyen said.

"The company maintains a robust balance sheet and offers attractive shareholder returns, supported by low-cost assets," he added.

But amid concerns over the miner's heavy weighting towards iron ore and its strong run higher, Nguyen issues a hold recommendation on Rio Tinto shares.

He concluded:

However, iron ore remains the primary earnings driver, leaving profits exposed to movements in commodity prices and Chinese demand. Given this balance of quality and cyclical risk, we see Rio Tinto as fairly valued at recent levels.

What's the latest from the ASX 200 mining stock?

Rio Tinto shares were in sharp focus on 29 July following the release of the company's half year results (H1 2026).

Highlights included a 15% year on year increase in revenue to US$31.0 billion. And earnings surged 28%, with the miner reporting underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$14.8 billion.

On the bottom line, Rio Tinto reported a half year net profit of $6.7 billion, up 48.9% from H1 2025.

With profits surging, management declared a $3.029 per share fully franked interim dividend, up 36.4% from last year's interim payout.

The stock traded ex-dividend on 13 August. If you held shares on 12 August, you can expect that passive income to land in your bank account on 24 September.

"Our strong performance is underpinned by accelerating productivity across the business," Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott said.

Rio Tinto shares closed up 3.7% on the day of the results announcement.

The post Up 57%! Should I still buy Rio Tinto shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The shares are up around 20% since the start of the year and more than 50% over the past 12 months.

The shares climbed as high as $195.84 earlier this year before falling back towards $160 in late July. Since then, the stock has worked its way higher again and is trading at $175.65 on Friday, down 0.82%.

So, do Rio Tinto shares still look like good value?

The shares aren't exactly cheap

I don't think the shares look especially cheap at current levels, but I also wouldn't call them expensive.

Consensus forecasts point to earnings per share (EPS) of around $12.07 in FY26 and $12.04 in FY27. At today's share price, that puts Rio Tinto on roughly 14.5 times forecast earnings.

There isn't much growth in those numbers, although that is hardly unusual with a miner. Earnings can move around a lot from year to year depending on commodity prices.

The latest half-year result was also pretty strong.

Revenue rose 15% to US$31 billion, while underlying EBITDA increased 28% to US$14.8 billion. Underlying earnings climbed 43% to US$6.85 billion and operating cash flow rose 75% to US$9.8 billion.

That also allowed Rio Tinto to lift its interim dividend by 43% to US$2.11 per share.

There's more than just iron ore

Iron ore is still the biggest part of Rio Tinto's business, so earnings will always be sensitive to commodity prices and demand from China.

But the company is gradually becoming less reliant on it.

Copper, aluminium and lithium contributed more than half of underlying EBITDA in the first-half, while copper production from Oyu Tolgoi jumped 31%.

That gives Rio Tinto an interesting growth story, especially with copper demand expected to remain strong over the longer term.

And there is also more production still to come. Oyu Tolgoi continues to ramp up, while the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea is another major development that could add to volumes over the next few years.

What do brokers think?

This is where things get a bit more mixed.

TipRanks shows an average 12-month price target of $174.28 across 10 analysts, which is almost exactly where the shares trade today.

JPMorgan is the most bullish with a $207 target, while Ord Minnett and Jefferies are both at $187. Goldman Sachs has a target of $181.90 and Macquarie is at $180.

At the other end, Morgan Stanley has a 'sell' rating and $150 target, while RBC Capital is even more cautious at $143. Citi is at $171 and UBS at $177.

I think Rio Tinto still looks reasonably priced, but I wouldn't be rushing in after a 20% rise this year. I'd rather wait for another pullback below $150 before buying around these levels.

The post Up 20% this year, are Rio Tinto shares still good value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.12% to 9,031 points, after briefly climbing above 9,060 earlier this morning.

That follows Thursday's 0.46% gain, which snapped a 3-day losing streak and helped the market recover some of Wednesday's 0.97% fall.

The positive start is being seen across much of the market. At the latest check, 126 ASX 200 shares were trading higher, compared with 57 fallers and 17 unchanged.

So, what is driving the market higher today?

US markets set the tone

The biggest support came from Wall Street, where US stocks finished higher overnight.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) rose 1.18%, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) lifted 1.06% and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) shot up 1.40%.

The rally came after US Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he would support keeping interest rates unchanged this month if upcoming data shows inflation is continuing to cool.

That saw markets reduce the chance of a September rate hike to around 50%, down from more than 63% a day earlier.

But investors will get another important piece of data tonight when the latest US jobs report is released.

Economists expect the US economy added around 56,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.1%.

Banks and gold stocks move higher

Back home, the major banks are helping push the market higher this morning.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 0.85% to $161.95, while ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) is 0.97% higher at $38.38.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have gained 0.56% to $39.49, and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is up 0.63% to $35.13.

Gold miners are also having a strong morning after the gold price rose around 2.54% overnight to roughly US$4,480 an ounce.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are up 1.99% to $23.63, while Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has gained 1.50% to $15.24.

BHP and Rio Tinto weigh on ASX 200

Not everything is moving higher today, with weakness among the big miners holding the ASX 200 back.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 1.73% to $62.68, despite its US-listed shares pointing to a stronger start before the opening bell.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is also down 1% to $175.34, although Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is moving the other way, up 1.65% to $17.23.

The post What's driving the ASX 200 higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.