I'm going to highlight two businesses that are some of the most highly rated stocks on the ASX with multiple buys.

Of course, just because analysts like a company doesn't automatically mean it's going to produce strong returns. Let's get into it.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 offers clients the Hub24 platform, which offers advisers and their clients a large range of investment options, including managed portfolio solutions and enhanced transaction and reporting functionality for advisers and clients.

It also has wealth accounting software called Class, as well as being a provider of client portals for accountants and financial advisers called MyProsperity.

There are currently 13 ratings on the business, with 10 buy ratings. Of those 13 ratings, the average price target is $108.71, which tells us where analysts think the share price will be within a year. The price target suggests a possible rise of 23% from where it is at the time of writing.

The ASX share is growing at a very strong pace – in the FY26 half-year result, total revenue grew by 26% to $245.9 million, while underlying operating profit (EBITDA) grew 35% to $104.9 million and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 60% to $68.3 million.

Those numbers show strong scaling and revenue and even faster profit growth as margins improve.

The projection on CMC Markets suggests the business could generate $1.616 of earnings per share (EPS). That means it's now trading at 54x FY26's estimated earnings.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

Sandfire is one of the largest copper miners on the ASX, with projects in Spain, Botswana, Australia and the US.

There have been 11 ratings on the business in the last three months, according to CMC Invest, with six of those being a buy. Of those ratings, the average price target is $18.92, which suggests a possible rise of 9% from where it is today.

But, the most optimistic price target is $21.24, which implies a possible rise of 22% within the next year, based on the share price at the time of writing.

The most recent update from the ASX share was its quarterly update for the three months to March 2026, which showed copper equivalent production of 34.5kt in the third quarter of FY26. For the nine months to 31 March 2026, copper production was 106.5kt.

It also had a cash balance of $76 million at 31 March 2026, with the $63 million increase from 31 December 2025 reflecting "strong underlying operating cash flow". In the FY26 half-year result, revenue grew 17% and net profit jumped 88%, showing the operating leverage of miners when revenue increases as a result of a higher copper price.

The projection on CMC Invests suggests its EPS could grow to $1.01 in FY26 and $1.64 in FY27. That means it's trading at 17x FY26's estimated earnings and under 11x FY27's estimated earnings.

With the long-term outlook for copper looking positive amid electrification, batteries and renewable energy, this ASX share could be one to watch.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In late morning trade on Thursday, two of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are outpacing the 0.1% losses posted by the benchmark index, while the other is trailing behind.

Here's what's happening.

DroneShield shares lift on growth outlook

DroneShield shares are outperforming today. Shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company are up 1.2% at the time of writing, trading for $3.49 apiece.

The stock is grabbing headlines again today following a market update highlighting the immense growth potential of its defence-oriented business model.

Indeed, the company estimates that the global counter-drone market is worth some US$60 billion, with both national defence and civilian customers seeking to secure potentially vulnerable assets.

Today's update follows yesterday's news that CEO Oleg Vornik was exiting the top role after more than 10 years at the helm. Angus Bean, who's been working as chief product officer, has stepped in as the new CEO.

DroneShield shares closed down 13.5% on Wednesday following the leadership shakeup, but remain up a whopping 315% since this time last year.

Sandfire shares sink amid weather woes

Unlike DroneShield shares, Sandfire Resources shares are taking a tumble today following the release of the miner's March-quarter results.

Shares in the ASX 200 copper miner are down 4.1% at the time of writing, trading for $17.39 each.

Sandfire reported copper equivalent (CuEq) production of 34,500 tonnes for the three months. The miner had a net cash balance of $76 million as at 31 March.

But Sandfire shares look to be under pressure, with the company citing persistent high rainfall and unplanned maintenance as likely seeing its full-year CuEq production come in towards the lower half of its guidance range of 149,000 to 165,000 tonnes.

Sandfire shares remain up 114% over 12 months.

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 stock grabbing headlines today.

Bendigo Bank shares rocket on earnings boost

Bendigo Bank shares are outperforming the benchmark and DroneShield shares today, following the release of the challenger bank's March-quarter trading update (Q3 FY 2026).

Bendigo Bank shares are up 8.3% at the time of writing, changing hands for $11.33 apiece.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 bank stock with Bendigo reporting unaudited cash earnings of $137.9 million for the quarter. That's up 7.6% from the quarterly average achieved in the first half of FY 2026.

On the bottom line, the bank reported a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $109.4 million.

Bendigo Bank shares are up 14% in 12 months.

The post Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Sandfire Resources report?

• Group copper equivalent (CuEq) production of 34.5kt in Q3 FY26, totalling 106.5kt for the nine months to 31 March 2026
• MATSA mine produced 21.7kt CuEq in the quarter; Motheo mine delivered 12.8kt CuEq
• Net cash balance of $76 million as at 31 March 2026, up $63 million from December 2025
• Group capital expenditure guidance for FY26 reduced by $15 million to $225 million
• Underlying operating costs: $86/t at MATSA and $44/t at Motheo, in line with guidance

What else do investors need to know?

Persistent high rainfall and unplanned maintenance limited MATSA's output in Q3, while Motheo's transition to higher grade ore was delayed. However, both mines recorded improvements in annualised ore mining and processing rates, with Motheo achieving a record 6.5Mt mined and 6.1Mt processed.

The company's FY26 copper equivalent production guidance remains at 149kt to 165kt, though full-year performance is now expected in the lower half of that range. Guidance for operating costs was reaffirmed, barring extended impacts from the Middle East conflict on freight and energy prices.

Sandfire also made its inaugural tax payment from Motheo and completed additional payments to Havilah Resources related to its Kalkaroo project. Management's next in-depth update will come with the full March 2026 Quarterly Report later this month.

What's next for Sandfire Resources?

Looking ahead, Sandfire expects an upswing in production volumes in the June quarter, particularly at Motheo as higher grade ore comes online. The company is aiming to meet the lower half of guidance ranges for both operations in FY26 and is keeping capital spending tightly managed following a slight delay in ramping up activity at Kalkaroo.

Management says FY26 cost guidance is on track for MATSA and Motheo, although external factors like freight and energy costs remain a watchpoint. Investors can expect a fuller financial and operational update with the upcoming official quarterly report release.

Sandfire Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Sandfire Resources shares have risen 153%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 21% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Sandfire Resources posts Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintains guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In afternoon trade on Wednesday, the ASX 200 is up 2.6% as investors digest news of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war.

And the copper miners are charging ahead of those gains. That's because a resolution in the Middle East conflict would reduce the forecast pressure on global growth and, accordingly, increase forecast demand for crucial industrial metals like copper.

Indeed, since the outbreak of the war at the end of February, the copper price has fallen by almost 8% to US$12,313 per tonne. Mind you, that's still up 41% since this time last year.

And with investors hopeful that the war could be nearing an end, here's how these three leading ASX 200 copper stocks are tracking today and over the past 12 months:

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are up 3.6% today at $54.84 and up 55.0% in 12 months
• Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) shares are up 10.5% today at $18.26 and up 108.3% in 12 months
• Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) shares are up 9.2% today at $12.46 and up 85.4% in 12 months

While Sandfire Resources and Canadian-based Capstone Copper are relatively pure play copper stocks, you may be surprised to see BHP shares on this list.

But when BHP reported its half-year results (H1 FY 2026) in February, investors learned that at US$8 billion, copper contributed more than half the miner's earnings for the six months, surpassing iron ore for the first time.

For the full 2026 financial year, BHP expects to produce between 1.9 million and 2.0 million tonnes of the red metal.

ASX 200 copper stocks facing 'near-term risks'

When it comes to the US and Israeli war with Iran, investors would do well not to be overly exuberant amid the early ceasefire news.

"Investors shouldn't mistake this pause for a resolution," eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert said.

"A two-week ceasefire window is welcome news for risk assets broadly, but the reality is we've seen patterns like this before, and the underlying uncertainty can persist," he added.

And ASX 200 copper stocks like BHP and Sandfire could prove particularly vulnerable to a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

That's according to the analysts at Goldman Sachs, who warn of potentially slumping global demand for the red metal, should the war persist (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

According to Goldman Sachs:

We see the near-term risks as skewed to the downside if strait flows remain disrupted for longer than our base case, which would keep energy prices higher for longer and likely slow global economic growth.

And the big one-year share price gains posted by BHP and its rival ASX 200 copper stocks may have been partly driven by overvalued global copper prices.

Goldman Sachs noted:

The copper price continues to trade well above our 2026 fair value estimate of about US$11,100 … which would fall below US$11,000 under our economists' severely adverse scenario of a 1.2 percentage point hit to global GDP growth from the energy price spike.

Our fair value estimate takes into account price support from the ex-US market balance and adds a 25% probability of broad strategic copper stockpiling. This means that the copper price is not being supported at the current level by fundamentals, making it vulnerable to another move lower should the economic outlook deteriorate and investors de-risk.

Stay tuned!

The post Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are 'vulnerable' appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the gold price have been weaker since the start of the war in late February, which can present a buying opportunity.

Volatility remains

The Canaccord team does say to proceed with caution however.

They said in a research note to clients this week:

With the US appearing to now be actively seeking an off-ramp, our central case continues to be that a resolution to the conflict will be struck over the coming weeks. However, the risk of an escalation in hostilities and more prolonged conflict is still a scenario that needs to be factored into the investment strategy equation. We remain well diversified given elevated levels of uncertainty; however, we are not bearishly positioned.

On the interest rates front, Canaccord said the recent, second rate rise in Australia, "with a bias to do more", increases the risk of a sharper slowdown in growth later this year.

They said further:

Higher interest rates will weigh on consumption and business confidence, while global uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions also threatens to dampen external demand over coming months. Governor Bullock acknowledged that a recession is not the Bank's central case and certainly not its objective but cautioned that failing to bring inflation under control would ultimately be more damaging to employment and long-term growth.

In terms of the equities they think could recover well in the case of the war scaling back, Canaccord has picked two miners and a financial company.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

Canaccord said that Evolution offers "clean leverage" to a recovery in the gold price, and to a lesser extent copper, underpinned by its "best in class" operational delivery.

They went on to say:

Gold has pulled back sharply on higher real yields, USD strength, and liquidity-driven selling, with investors using it as a source of funds during recent volatility, creating a dislocation between price and medium-term fundamentals. Importantly, we remain constructive over the medium term, with key structural tailwinds intact, including longer-term USD debasement and strong central bank demand. As liquidity pressures ease and positioning normalises, gold should recover, with EVN providing leveraged exposure. Iran de-escalation represents a key near-term catalyst for a recovery in gold.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

Canaccord said as the ASX's largest copper-focused miner, Sandfire provides clean leverage to a recovery in copper.

They add:

The industrial metal has pulled back on cyclical growth concerns linked to the Iran conflict, creating an attractive entry point for investors willing to look through near-term uncertainty. While cyclical demand risks remain, structural drivers (EVs, energy storage, renewables) and a tight supply backdrop support a constructive medium-term outlook. Copper appears well placed to rebound over the coming months, assuming no prolonged escalation in Iran (not our base case), with Sandfire providing leveraged exposure

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

Canaccord said the recent pullback in Pinnacle shares represents an attractive entry point for investors looking to position themselves for a broader equity market recovery.

They say the recent weakness in the shares reflects its leverage to the broader equity market, alongside concerns around private credit.

Canaccord says the company remains a "compelling medium-term proposition, given its diversified stable of affiliates with strong funds under management growth prospects''.

The post Three ASX 200 stock picks to consider now, to drive gains as markets and the gold price recover appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX mining shares have been the worst hit by the war in Iran, with the materials sector losing 15.3% of its value since the conflict began.

Some investors took profits this month after a strong run for ASX 200 mining shares, amid fears that higher diesel prices and potential shortages could hurt earnings and production for 2H FY26.

ASX 200 mining shares have also declined alongside metals prices, with gold down 17%, silver down 22%, lithium carbonate down 8%, and copper down 7% over the month. Iron ore has demonstrated resilience, rising 7% over the period to US$106 per tonne on Friday.

With the US and Iran still negotiating a 15-point plan for peace, it is hoped this war and the ensuing global oil shock will be over soon.

This may have motivated some investors to take up new or enhanced positions in ASX 200 mining shares last week, given the bright long-term outlook for the sector and the opportunity to buy the dip.

Reflecting the miners' fightback last week, the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rose 4.4% while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1% to finish at 8,516.3 points.

Seven of the 11 market sectors finished in the green last week.

Let's recap.

ASX 200 mining shares fight back

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price increased 6.1% to close at $50.37 on Friday.

BHP shares reached a record $59.39 on 3 March before the war prompted investors to take profits.

Despite last week's rebound, the ASX 200's largest mining stock remains 13.8% lower over 30 days.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares lifted 4.3% to $153.23 last week, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) gained 6.5% to $20.19.

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price soared 9.7% to $56.69.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares increased 1.3% to $4.03 per share.

ASX 200 copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) lifted 1.8% to $15.88, while Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) edged 0.6% lower to $10.14.

ASX 200 lithium shares had a ripsnorter of a week, with PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) rocketing 21.8% to close at $5.15 on Friday.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price soared 20.9% to $1.77, and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) gained 11.9% to 24 cents.

Nickel and lithium producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) lifted 16.5% to $7.93 per share.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares closed the week 2.7% higher at $10.08 apiece.

Bauxite and alumina producer Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) lifted 3.5% to $85.95 per share.

What about ASX gold shares?

The market's largest ASX 200 gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 0.3% to close at $18.55 on Friday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price lifted 0.4% to $12.46, and Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) rose 3.1% to $146.85.

Among the mid-caps, Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares lifted 2.1% to $3.96, and Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) rose 1.1% to $6.26.

Gold and copper miner, Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) fell 3.5% to $9.76.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While that is disappointing for our portfolios, the short term pain could have created some compelling buying opportunities.

But which ASX 200 shares are buys? Let's take a look at five that Wilsons thinks have been oversold.

Wilsons says these ASX 200 shares have been oversold

Wilsons highlights that ASX growth shares and those linked to financial markets have undertaken a major de-rating.

This includes hearing solutions company Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), investment platform provider Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), and investment management company Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI).

Wilsons points out that these ASX 200 shares are now trading on lower than average PE ratios despite having positive outlooks. It explains:

Growth stocks and companies with earnings leverage to financial markets have de-rated as bond yields have risen and risk assets weakened, creating selective opportunities on a medium-term view. Pinnacle (PNI) and HUB24 (HUB) trade below five-year average P/E multiples while retaining strong structural growth and offering meaningful leverage to an eventual equity market recovery. Cochlear (COH) trades at a decade-low P/E, with its Nexa product cycle supporting medium-term earnings acceleration.

What else?

Also catching the eye of Wilsons is Amcor (ASX: AMC). Its shares are trading close to 52-week lows despite having defensive qualities and being well-placed for growth from just the synergies of the Berry acquisition. It adds:

Cyclicals outside mining have also weakened on global and domestic growth concerns. We remain cautious on domestic cyclicals given a soft backdrop and RBA tightening but see more compelling opportunities offshore. Amcor (AMC), while arguably a defensive given its consumer staples end-market exposure, has been impacted by cyclical packaging demand concerns. However, it remains well positioned to deliver double-digit EPS growth from Berry synergies alone. On this basis, its single-digit P/E appears attractive.

Finally, Wilsons thinks copper miner Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) is an ASX 200 share that offers an attractive risk/reward following recent weakness in the mining sector. It commented:

The broader mining sector has sold off on cyclical growth concerns. While uncertainty remains elevated, miners appear well placed to rebound if the conflict de-escalates over the next few weeks. Within the sector, Sandfire Resources (SFR) offers an attractive risk/reward, supported by tight copper fundamentals, structural demand tailwinds, and valuation upside.

The post 5 oversold ASX 200 shares to buy according to Wilsons appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had gained a healthy 1.09% after initially rallying even harder this morning (up 2% at one point). This session's rise leaves the index at 8,692.6 points.

This happy Tuesday for the Australian markets follows an optimistic start to the American trading week in the early hours of this morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) returned from the weekend with a spring in its step, rising 0.5%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining a rosy 1.38%.

But let's return to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were lifted, or not, by today's market tide.

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

The ASX materials sector, which is dominated by the mega miners, is 2.3% higher, while the energy sector is down 3.5%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in recovery mode today, up 1%, after a surge in oil prices created a $90 billion rout yesterday.

While the war in Iran is dominating headlines, longer-term trends in our investment markets continue to play out.

One of them is a new commodities 'super cycle' that seems to be taking strong hold of our share market.

So, let's dig into the question posed in our headline today.

Is Australia now in a new mining boom?

Australia's last mining boom, from the early 2000s through to 2013, was primarily driven by China's rapid industrialisation.

This period saw a big increase in iron ore and coal prices, major investment in mining infrastructure, and a substantial lift in exports.

It appears we've now entered a new mining boom, but this one is not going to centre on iron ore, nor demand from just China.

This boom will centre on critical materials with industrial applications tied to electrification, power generation, and energy security.

Demand will come from many nations, underpinned by structural changes in the global economy that will take decades to play out.

Paul Wong and Jacob White from Sprott Asset Management name copper, uranium, lithium, rare earths, and silver as the commodities to watch.

In an article, Wong and White said:

[This is] a new kind of commodity supercycle.

The emerging bull market is not repeating past cycles, and is being driven by deglobalization, fiscal dominance and the global push for energy, infrastructure and strategic, domestic supply chains.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, also says we are embarking on "a new super cycle in commodities".

In a recent article, Dr Oliver said:

… the commodity price slump from their 2008-2011 highs looks to be over with commodities embarking on a new super cycle bull market driven by constrained supply after low levels of investment and electrification and rising defence spending driving increased demand for metals.

This will benefit Australia's resource stocks.

Iron ore is likely to feature less this time around partly reflecting slowing urbanisation in China and its property slump.

Commodity prices and ASX mining shares

The price of gold, silver, copper, lithium, and many critical minerals skyrocketed last year amid rising demand and low supply.

This pushed up the prices and returns of scores of ASX mining shares, with materials the top sector of 2025, returning a staggering 36%.

Gold is part of this mining boom, but for different reasons. Gold is benefiting from central bank buying and safe-haven investor demand.

Wong and White added:

After years of shrinking representation in global portfolios, commodities and resource equities have broken out above multi-year trading ranges, an action that, in our view, marks the developing stages of the new commodity bull market.

Impact on ASX mining shares

The new mining boom is already playing out in the Australian share market.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is up 31% over 12 months and 12.2% in the YTD.

BHP shares recently soared to $59.39 apiece, their highest level in 140 years, and the miner is once again the market's largest company.

Many other ASX mining shares have also hit new records.

These include Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares at $170.71 per share and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) at $31.96 per share.

Take a look at the 12-month change in these ASX mining shares below.

Foolish Takeaway

Wong and White emphasise that this mining boom will not be broad-based, and targeted exposure is important.

They said:

Broad commodity exposure may lack focus on the critical materials currently leading this cycle.

Investors are increasingly focusing on companies tied directly to critical materials and structural demand trends.

As an example, Wong and White point out that copper miners are outperforming diversified miners.

We can see this by comparing the performance of Global X Copper Miners AUD ETF (ASX: WIRE), up 84% over 12 months, to diversified ETF BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE), up 42%, and VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR), up 48%.

Wong and White conclude:

We see considerable room for continued outperformance from select commodities and the associated equities. 

The post Australia's next great ASX mining boom: Are we already in it? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Following on the United States and Israel's strikes on Iran, and Iran's ensuing retaliation in the Middle East, global copper prices have fallen 3.4% this week. The red metal is currently trading for US$12,902 per tonne.

Sandfire shares have fared even worse. Down a sharp 7.1% during the Friday lunch hour, trading for $17.56, the Sandfire share price has dropped 13.1% since last Friday's close.

Still, with the copper price remaining up 48% since 9 April, and Sandfire achieving plenty of success on and under the ground, shares in the ASX 200 copper stock are 115.8% since market close on 9 April.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Should you buy the ASX 200 copper stock today?

Fairmont Equities' Michael Gable ran his slide rule over Sandfire shares late last week, before the onset of the Middle East conflict.

"SFR is Australia's largest listed pure play copper producer," Gable said (quoted by The Bull). "I expect copper prices to climb in calendar year 2026 in response to increasing global demand."

And Gable was impressed with the ASX 200 copper stock's H1 FY 2026 earnings results. He noted:

The company's recent half year result for fiscal year 2026 delivered underlying earnings of US$107 million, which was above consensus. Analysts have been lifting their price targets, painting a brighter outlook.

But, citing the meteoric share price rise since, April Gable placed a hold recommendation on Sandfire shares.

"The share price has risen from $8.15 on April 9, 2025 to trade at $20.475 on February 26, 2026. At these levels, a hold recommendation is appropriate," he said.

Following on this week's selling pressure, the Sandfire share price is now down 14.2% since the 26 February level that Gable notes.

What's the latest from Sandfire Resources?

Sandfire reported its half year results on 19 February.

Atop the earnings beat Gable mentioned above, the ASX 200 copper stock achieved a 17% year on year increase in sales revenue to US$672.1 million.

And on the bottom line, Sandfire's net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$96.3 million was up 94% from H1 FY 2025.

As for what's ahead, Sandfire CEO Brendan Harris said:

Our business is increasingly well positioned with two high-margin operations in Spain and Botswana, producing the commodities the world needs, and the recent addition of another copper and gold development opportunity in South Australia that has the potential to underpin a large scale, long life and low-cost operation in a preferred jurisdiction.

The post Up 116% in 11 months, is this ASX 200 copper stock a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, shares in the copper miner are down 7.25% to $17.53.

The decline comes despite the stock's strong run over the past year. Sandfire shares are still up more than 50% over the past year after rallying strongly through 2025 and early 2026.

So, what is pushing the ASX copper stock lower today?

Let's take a closer look.

Copper price pullback weighs on the sector

The main driver behind today's decline appears to be a pullback in copper prices.

Copper is currently trading at US$5.78 per pound, down about 1.20%.

Prices have eased after inventories tracked by the London Metal Exchange climbed to a 16-month high following a rise in deliveries into US warehouses. Higher inventories can signal softer short-term demand or improving supply, which often pressures prices.

Copper futures have also been affected by a stronger US dollar, which tends to weigh on commodity prices. Ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have also added uncertainty to global markets.

While the recent move lower has rattled sentiment, it is important to keep the bigger picture in mind.

Copper prices are still up more than 20% over the past year. The gains have been supported by growing demand tied to electrification, renewable energy infrastructure, and electric vehicles.

Strong profit growth recently reported

The recent weakness also follows the release of Sandfire's latest financial results.

The company reported a 94% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to US$96.3 million for the first half of FY26.

Sandfire is one of the larger copper producers listed on the ASX and operates assets across several regions.

Its key operations include the MATSA copper operations in Spain and the Motheo copper project in Botswana.

These assets have helped drive a significant lift in production and earnings over the past year as the company expanded its global copper footprint.

What brokers are saying about the stock

Following the results, several brokers reviewed their outlook for Sandfire shares.

Morgan Stanley maintained a sell rating with a price target of $16.20.

Macquarie reiterated a hold rating with a target price of $20.10, while Morgans also kept a hold rating and lifted its price target to $20.40.

Meanwhile, Canaccord Genuity upgraded the stock to a buy rating and increased its price target to $21.

Sandfire shares reached a record high of $21.75 in late January, highlighting the strength of the rally before the recent pullback.

Foolish Takeaway

While the Sandfire share price has fallen today, the decline appears to be tied largely to short-term weakness in copper prices.

The broader trend for copper remains constructive, with demand supported by electrification, renewable energy projects, and growing power infrastructure needs.

With Sandfire heavily exposed to copper, movements in the metal's price will likely remain a key driver of the share price.

The post Why this ASX copper stock is sinking 7% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As usual, it was the major ASX 200 mining shares that propelled the sector higher.

The highlight was the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price ascending to its highest level in 140 years as a listed company.

BHP shares rose above their previous record of $54.55, set in mid-2021, on Monday; then lifted further to $58.29 on Thursday.

BHP also took back its title as the market's largest company from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) on Friday.

Meantime, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 1.29% to finish the week at a record high of 9,198.6 points.

Six of the sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's review.

ASX materials sector back in the saddle

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price lifted 2.47% to finish the week at $167.33.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price rose 5.49% to $21.14 after the miner revealed its 1H FY26 results on Wednesday.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares rose 19% to $60.98.

The ASX 200 mining share is riding a new wave of momentum after reporting record EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26, up 286%.

The South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price climbed 4.78% to $4.60.

Among the ASX 200 gold mining shares, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 6.88% to close at $30.28 on Friday.

The Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) share price increased 5.73% to $177.20.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares rose 10.17% to finish the week at $16.58.

The Evolution share price reached a record $16.99 in intraday trading on Friday.

ASX 200 copper pure-play Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) rose 7.17% to $20.19 on Friday.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares finished 4.48% higher at $14.70.

ASX 200 lithium mining share PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) soared 24.16% to close the week at $5.19.

PLS Group shares are also on an upward trajectory after the miner revealed a 241% EBITDA surge in 1H FY26.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price rose 5.25% to $1.71 on no price-sensitive news last week.

Among ASX 200 ASX rare earths shares, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) ripped 21.05% higher to $18.98.

Last week, Lynas Rare Earths reported a net profit of $80.2 million for 1H FY26, up from $5.9 million in 1H FY25.

Scores of ASX 200 shares have ex-dividend dates next week. Check them out here.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 materials sector leads as earnings season ends with a record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This follows all three companies releasing their 1H FY26 earnings.

Let's take a look.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is up 0.8% to $53.66 on Friday.

BHP is the largest ASX 200 mining share on the market. The company is a major iron ore and copper producer.

This week, BHP reported a 28% profit lift to US$5.64 billion for 1H FY26, and also announced a US$4.3 billion silver streaming agreement.

The news sent the BHP share price to a near-record high of $54.20. The all-time high is $54.55, set in mid-2021.

Following the 1H FY26 report, brokers reviewed their ratings and 12-month price targets for BHP shares.

Bank of America reiterated its buy rating and raised its target from $57 to $60.

Morgan Stanley kept its buy rating but cut its target from $56.50 to $55.50.

Ord Minnett retained its buy rating and lifted its price target from $51 to $54.

RBC Capital reiterated its hold rating on the ASX 200 mining share and lifted its target from $51 to $55.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating and lifted its price target from $51 to $52.

UBS kept its hold rating but increased its target from $47 to $52.

Citi also kept its hold rating and raised its price target from $48 to $52.

Morgans maintained its hold rating and lifted its target from $48.60 to $49 per share.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is down 0.63% to $18.85 on Friday.

Sandfire is the largest ASX 200 copper mining share on the market.

This week, Sandfire reported a 94% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to US$96.3 million for 1H FY26.

After reviewing the numbers, several brokers have revised their ratings and 12-month targets.

Morgans kept its hold rating on Sandfire Resources shares and increased its price target from $18.90 to $20.40.

Macquarie reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $20.10.

Morgan Stanley kept its sell rating on the ASX 200 copper mining share with a price target of $16.20.

Canaccord Genuity upgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a buy. The broker lifted its 12-month target from $19.50 to $21.

UBS maintained its sell rating and raised its target from $17.75 to $18.05.

The Sandfire Resources share price hit a record high of $21.75 last month.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is down 0.8% to $4.35 at the time of writing.

PLS Group, formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, is the largest ASX 200 lithium mining share on the market.

This week, PLS Group reported a 241% lift in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $253 million for 1H FY26.

The positive result prompted brokers to rethink their ratings and 12-month price targets.

Citi reiterated its hold rating with a price target of $5.25.

Morgan Stanley retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 lithium mining share with a price target of $5.

Bell Potter maintained its hold rating with a price target of $4.60.

RBC Capital reiterated its buy rating and lifted its PLS Group share price target from $5.10 to $5.20.

The PLS Group share price reached a two-and-a-half-year high of $5.16 last month.

The post Brokers review 12-month price targets for 3 ASX 200 mining shares post-results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Sandfire Resources report?

• Group sales revenue of US$672.1 million, up 17% on the prior corresponding period
• Net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$96.3 million, up 94%
• Underlying EBITDA of US$304.5 million, up 19%, with a margin of 45%
• Underlying earnings more than doubled to US$107.1 million
• No interim dividend was declared
• Net cash position of US$13.2 million at 31 December 2025 (compared to net debt of US$288.2 million last year)

What else do investors need to know?

Sandfire's result was driven by robust operational performance at MATSA and Motheo, higher copper and precious metal prices, and a significant reduction in global treatment and refining charges. The company maintained its annual production, cost, and capital expenditure guidance for its key operations.

The company continued to invest in growth, committing US$112 million to capital expenditure, with a focus on drilling to extend resources and early works for a new tailings facility. After the half year, Sandfire struck an agreement to advance the Kalkaroo Copper-Gold Project in South Australia and increased capital guidance slightly to support new exploration.

What did Sandfire Resources management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Brendan Harris said:

We closed H1 FY26 with a TRIF of 1.3, down from 1.7 at the end of FY25. While it's pleasing to achieve an outcome that moves us closer toward our goal of having a workplace that is injury free, the number of high potential incidents remains a concern and underlines the importance of the work we're doing to establish repeatable systems and processes that will further strengthen our internal system of risk management and control. Our business is increasingly well positioned with two high-margin operations in Spain and Botswana, producing the commodities the world needs, and the recent addition of another copper and gold development opportunity in South Australia that has the potential to underpin a large scale, long life and low cost operation in a preferred jurisdiction.

What's next for Sandfire Resources?

Sandfire reaffirmed production, cost and capital expenditure guidance for MATSA and Motheo, with group copper equivalent output weighted to the second half. The company expects higher grades and improved availability at both major mines in H2 FY26. Planned ramp-up at the newly acquired Kalkaroo project in South Australia, and continued targeted exploration, will see total group capital and exploration outlays rise modestly.

The strong balance sheet leaves the company well placed to fund growth, progress development projects, and potentially return capital to shareholders in the future.

Sandfire Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Sandfire Resources share have risen 76%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

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The copper price surged to a new closing price record of US$13,694 per tonne last month.

It then plunged to a low of US$12,763 per tonne on 5 February before rebounding to US$13,117 per tonne today.

The rout was sparked by the US President's nomination of Kevin Warsh to be the new Federal Reserve chair.

Warsh is seen as hawkish, so his selection strengthened the US dollar, which led to a metals sell-off as investors scrambled to take profits.

The copper price rose by 42% in 2025 and is 4.8% higher in 2026-to-date.

The red metal's ascendancy has pushed many ASX copper shares higher.

Last month, the Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) share price soared to a record high of $21.75.

Today, Sandfire shares are $19.43, up 0.3%.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares also hit an all-time high of $17.83 per share last month.

On Tuesday, Capstone Copper shares are $16.60, up 3.6%.

The Global X Copper Miners AUD ETF (ASX: WIRE) also reached a record $28.98 per unit in January.

Today, WIRE ETF is $25.55 per unit, up 3.2%.

Why is the copper price rising?

Copper is benefiting from increasing global demand due to the energy transition.

Copper is essential for electrification in the major infrastructure being built to create a greener energy supply, such as wind turbines.

Top broker Goldman Sachs says new grid and power infrastructure built in 2025 required more than 11,300 kilotonnes of copper.

On top of that, electric vehicles (EVs) and renewables required 4,118 kilotonnes.

The building industry in China used 3,471 kilotonnes of copper last year, and data centres ate up 369 kilotonnes, the broker said.

The copper price is also being pushed higher by the debasement trade.

A debasement trade occurs when currencies weaken.

This inspires investors to move from paper assets, like cash and bonds, into hard assets, like metals, and particularly gold.

The most notable currency losing value right now is the US dollar, which is the world's primary reserve currency.

Reflecting rising interest in copper, leading global metals specialist, Sprott, launched the world's first physical copper fund in mid-2024.

After 18 months of trading, the Sprott Physical Copper Trust (TSE: COP.U) has a net asset value of $190 million at US$11.87 per unit.

Sprott says:

Demand for electricity is estimated to increase 157% by 2050 as middle classes grow in the East, clean energy technologies proliferate, electric vehicles (EVs) gain market shares and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers provide a new demand shock for copper markets.

Amid rising long-term demand, the copper price is also supported by restricted long-term supply.

Sprott analysts Paul Wong and Jacob White say it takes an average of 17 years to develop a copper mine from discovery to production.

Sprott says:

While Chile is the world's largest copper producer, ore grades are declining and supply disruptions are common.

Major new copper discoveries are infrequent, and lead times and costs to develop new mines are significant.

Based on projections, copper supplies are not expected to keep up with the growing demand for copper over time.

In the short-term, Goldman Sachs noted a 600 kilotonne (kt) surplus of supply in 2025, the largest absolute surplus since 2009, after miners ramped up production to meet rising demand.

But in the long term, Goldman acknowledges the 'unique constraints' in copper mining production.

What's next for the copper price?

In a recent report, Goldman Sachs Research increased its copper price forecast for the first half of 2026.

The team expects the copper price to remain about $13,000 per tonne before declining to $11,200 per tonne by the end of the year.

The decline relies on the assumption that the US will announce a 15% tariff on refined copper by mid-2026, to be implemented in 2027.

Analyst Eoin Dinsmore said US buyers have been stockpiling copper to get ahead of the possible tax.

But there is uncertainty as to whether a tariff will eventuate — either this year or at all — particularly given that affordability remains a key focus in the lead up to US mid-term elections in November.

This uncertainty continues to support the copper price at current levels.

Dinsmore said:

We are very likely in the late stages of this rally, but US economic growth, AI spending, and US stockpiling will likely remain supportive in the coming months.

However, Dinsmore said the copper price had "overshot its fair fundamental level" and a decision on tariffs should provide a "catalyst for a correction".

That's the short-term picture.

In the long term, Goldman favours copper over other industrial metals like aluminium, lithium, and iron ore.

In its 2026 Commodities Outlook, the broker said:

Despite the recent rally in copper prices and our expected consolidation in 2026, it remains our 'favorite' industrial metal, especially in the long-run, as electrification — which drives nearly half of copper demand — implies structurally strong demand growth and as copper mine supply faces unique constraints.

The post Copper price forecast for 2026: Goldman Sachs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

All three of the top performers on my list this week earn their keep digging and drilling commodities from the earth. And all three have enjoyed a sizeable uptick in the price of those commodities.

So, which three stocks are racing ahead of the benchmark this week?

Read on!

Santos shares surge amid rising oil price

The first ASX 200 stock racing higher this week is Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).

Santos shares closed last Friday trading for $6.46. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $6.98 apiece. This puts the Santos share price up 8.1% for the week.

With no fresh price-sensitive news out this week, investors look to be bidding up Santos shares as growing concerns of military conflict between the United States and Iran have pushed global oil prices higher.

The Brent crude oil prices gained 3.4% overnight and are now trading for US$70.71 per barrel, their highest level since July. The Brent crude oil price is up 9.5% since last Friday.

Santos shares have been in a strong uptrend since the company reported its December quarter results last Thursday, 22 January. Among the highlights, Santos reported sales revenue of $1.23 billion, up 9% from the September quarter.

Which brings us to…

Two ASX 200 stocks riding the copper boom

The top two performing ASX 200 stocks on my list for the week are both enjoying tailwinds from the ongoing boom in global copper prices.

Demand growth for the non-corrosive, conductive metal – critical in the global energy transition as well as its more traditional uses in construction and plumbing – continues to outpace supply growth.

The copper price leapt another 4.1% overnight, with the red metal currently fetching a record high US$13,618 per tonne. This sees the copper price up 6.8% since last Friday and up a whopping 50% in a year.

Investors are taking note, with shares in Aussie copper producer Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) gaining 8.9% this week. Sandfire shares are currently trading for $20.75 each.

Rival copper producer Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) is also grabbing plenty of investor interest this week.

The ASX 200 stock closed last Friday trading for $14.95. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $16.97 each. This puts the Capstone Copper share price up 13.5% over the week.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Copper is benefiting from rising demand for real assets amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties and a rapidly falling US dollar.

Today, the Australian dollar is trading at 71 US cents, a three-year high.

Trading Economics analysts explained why copper rose so strongly today:

In recent developments, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with military strikes far more severe than the attack he ordered in June unless the country agrees to a trade deal with Washington.

Trump's tariff threats against other nations, coupled with his apparent indifference to the dollar's weakness, further fueled the flight to metals.

Copper is also being supported by recurring supply tightness and robust industrial demand, particularly driven by the global transition to renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, copper inventories in Shanghai, London, and New York have risen in recent weeks, pushing combined holdings above 900,000 tons.

Copper is in high demand as the green energy transition begins showing its impact in strongly rising commodity prices.

The red metal is essential for electrification.

It is a key input in much of the new infrastructure required for the energy transition and artificial intelligence systems.

It offers high ductility, malleability, and thermal and electrical conductivity, and is resistant to corrosion.

Copper is in wiring, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic products.

The US added the red metal to its Critical Minerals List in November.

What happened with ASX copper shares today?

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), now the world's largest copper producer, rose 2.1% to a two-year high of $51.66 per share.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price ascended 1.6% to a record $157.24.

The ASX 200's largest pure-play copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) reached a record $21.30, up 5.2%.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares soared 5.1% to a record $17.64 per share.

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares lifted 2.9% to a 52-week high of 70 cents.

The Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) share price rose 2.2% to $5.65.

ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE) lifted 7.8% to a record $28.95.

However, not all ASX copper shares were buoyed by the commodity's surge today.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price fell 0.86% to $13.77.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares fell 2.5% to $17.89.

Amid volatile geopolitics, investors are seeking safety in base metals like copper and precious metals like gold and silver.

The weaker US dollar is supporting these commodities.

Trading Economics analysts explain:

A softer dollar makes commodities priced in greenbacks, including copper, gold, and silver, more affordable for buyers using other currencies.

The gold price also surged to above US$5,600 per ounce today.

The analysts said:

Momentum picked up after President Trump dismissed the dollar's slide to four-year lows, signaling tolerance for currency weakness despite ongoing tariff threats and renewed criticism of the Federal Reserve's independence.

Meantime, the silver price ripped to above US$117 per ounce on the same tailwinds.

Gold is up 29% and silver is up 66% in the year to date.

The post ASX copper shares surge as commodity hits record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

WIRE ETF is soaring due to rising demand for copper as the green energy transition starts showing itself in rising commodity prices.

But WIRE's performance since inception in November 2022 is also impressive at an average 34.23% per annum.

Last year was particularly strong amid the copper price soaring 42%.

The red metal traded above US$6 per pound for the first time earlier this month.

Copper is essential for electrification and is a key ingredient in much of the new infrastructure being built for the energy transition.

It offers high ductility, malleability, and thermal and electrical conductivity, and is resistant to corrosion.

Copper is used in wiring, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic products.

The red metal was added to the US Critical Minerals List in November 2025.

The weaker US dollar is also supporting the copper price as investors seek safety in base metals like copper and precious metals like gold.

Trading Economics analysts explain:

A softer dollar makes commodities priced in greenbacks, including copper, gold, and silver, more affordable for buyers using other currencies.

Investment demand has also picked up, with Chinese merchants offering 1-kilogram investment-grade copper bars despite challenges in the secondary resale market.

Additionally, physical buyers are front-loading copper deliveries ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in China and potential US tariffs on refined metal, further tightening global supply.

Elsewhere, robust consumption driven by the global shift toward renewable energy and artificial intelligence applications continues to support copper demand.

Nitty-gritty on WIRE ETF

WIRE seeks to mirror the performance of the Solactive Global Copper Miners Total Return Index before fees.

WIRE holds 39 stocks and offers good geographical diversification.

This mix is 37% Canada, 11% US, 10% Australia, 10% Hong Kong, 7% Japan, 6% Poland, 5% Sweden, and the list goes on.

The ASX copper shares among WIRE's investments include the market's biggest copper pure-play, Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), at 3.2%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), now the world's largest copper producer, makes up 4% of WIRE's investments.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares provide another 3%, and Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) makes up 0.36%.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares are in there, too, at 0.2%.

Last month, James Gerrish from Shaw and Partners said WIRE was his team's preferred copper exposure among ASX ETFs.

Gerrish said:

The ASX-listed Global X Miners ETF (WIRE) remains one of our preferred vehicles for broad exposure to global copper producers.

From a regional perspective, it only has 11% exposure to Australia, with Canada providing the main holdings.

It has a decent $400mn market cap, while its fees are okay at 0.65%.

The post This ASX ETF has returned 34% annually since inception appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.