By the time trading wrapped up, the index had fallen 0.64% and finished at 8,727.9 points.

This unhappy hump day for the local markets followed a similarly downbeat session over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite hold on to an early lead, losing 0.35%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little better, but still lost 0.15%.

But let's return to ASX shares now and check out how the different ASX sectors handled today's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

There were only a handful of sectors that managed to make hay today.

But first, let's get through the red corners of the market.

Leading the losers were gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a shocker, crashing 1.93% lower.

Financial stocks weren't much chop either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) plunging 1.41%.

Mining shares also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 0.88% dive this session.

Industrial stocks couldn't escape the storm, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.71% slump.

Nor could consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) drifted 0.31% lower today.

Utilities stocks couldn't hold their ground, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) sliding 0.06% lower.

Our last losers this Wednesday were consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) slipped by 0.04%.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were real estate investment trusts (REITs), illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1% jump.

Communications stocks were also spared. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) had lifted 0.85% by the closing bell.

Energy shares were another bulwark against the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) climbing 0.8%.

Tech stocks fared decently as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) enjoyed a 0.35% bump this hump day.

Finally, healthcare shares managed to finish over the line, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.02% uptick.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our winner this Wednesday was shipbuilding stock Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB). Austal shares rocketed up 10.13% to close at $4.13 each today.

This big gain came after the company revealed another development in its long-running takeover saga.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

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

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

This disappointing midweek session for the Australian markets comes after a more upbeat morning on the US markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) overcame some early jitters to finish 0.18% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little more decisive, rising 0.45%.

But let's return to the local markets now and examine how today's trading conditions filtered down into the various ASX sectors this hump day.

Winners and losers

We had plenty of both winners and losers this Wednesday.

Leading the latter were financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was left out in the cold today, plunging 0.59%.

Mining shares had a rough one as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) sinking 0.2%.

Industrial stocks were also left out. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up retreating 0.17% this session.

Next came communications shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.14% downgrade.

Our last losers this Wednesday were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) ended up dipping 0.06%.

Let's get to the winners now.

Leading the charge were healthcare shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) roaring 1.09% higher.

We can say the same for gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) experienced a 0.94% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) ran hot too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.8% jump.

Consumer discretionary shares were also in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) lifted 0.47%.

Energy stocks were next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) advancing 0.45% this hump day.

Consumer staples shares held up well, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) had gained 0.11% by the closing bell.

Finally, tech stocks only just got across the line, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.01% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

This Wednesday's winner was the real estate investment trust Arena REIT (ASX: ARF). Arena units soared 12.98% higher today to close at $2.35 each.

This came after the REIT released a pleasing update regarding its childcare portfolio.

Here's how the other high flyers landed their planes:

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

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

This happy Tuesday for ASX investors follows a very rosy start indeed for the American trading week overnight.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, jumping 0.71%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining 2.26%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors fared amid this session's pleasant trading conditions.

Winners and losers

There were far more green sectors than red ones this Tuesday. But red ones there still were.

Leading the losses were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) had a rough one, tanking by 2.03%.

Energy shares were left out in the cold as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) sinking 1.16%.

Consumer staples stocks fared a lot better by comparison. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) drifted 0.17% lower today.

Financial shares were in the same boat, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.13% slide.

That's it for the red sectors, so let's turn to the green ones now.

At the front of the winners were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was on fire today, shooting 2.67% higher.

Consumer discretionary shares also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) surging 1.29%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) lifted 0.79% this session.

Healthcare stocks were close behind REITs, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.76% leap.

Next came mining shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) put on 0.58% this Tuesday.

Industrial stocks were a dead heat with miners, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) also getting bumped 0.58% higher.

Communications shares didn't miss out. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) added 0.32% to its total today.

Finally, gold stocks scraped home unscathed, illustrated by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)'s 0.11% edge higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Resource and services stock Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) was our best performer this session. Sunrise shares roared 12.71% higher over today's session to close at $20.48 each.

This big jump came despite no news or announcements from the company itself.

Here's how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

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

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

Here are four ASX shares that brokers are forecasting could help drive the index higher over the next 12 months.

And one of them is tipped to soar up to 125%.

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

Silex Systems develops and commercialises laser technology to sort and separate different types of isotopes to prepare uranium for nuclear power plants.

At the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon, the ASX uranium company's shares are up around 4% to $4.61 a piece. The increase is great news for investors after the beaten-down stock tumbled 16% over the past month and is down 48% year to date.

The latest increase follows a recent announcement that Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), which is 51%-owned by Silex, has signed an exclusive Offtake Agreement with major partner Cameco Corporation. Under the agreement Cameco will buy all of the future production of GLE's planned Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF), in Kentucky.

A recent uptick in uranium prices has also likely supported Silex shares. Trading Economics data shows that the metal is trading around US$90 per pound, close to a six-month high.

Market Index data shows brokers are very bullish on the outlook for the stock. All brokers have a strong buy rating, and the $10.33 average target price implies an upside of around 125% at the time of writing.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip shares are also climbing around 1% higher on Tuesday to $2.26 at the time of writing. It's been a volatile ride for the buy now, pay later provider after the shares reached a multi-year high in October last year, and then tumbled to an annual low in March. The ASX shares started rebounding again, but the sell-off accelerated after the company posted its FY26 results last month. They're now down about 52% from a year ago.

Zip posted a record result, including a huge 57.9% increase in its cash EBTDA, a 24.7% increase in total revenue, and a 45.7% hike in its NPAT for FY26. For FY27, Zip is targeting a cash EBTDA of $340 million, up another 26%.

While the results were positive on the surface, many were underwhelmed by the company's growth outlook. 

But the news hasn't deterred brokers who still hold a unanimous strong buy rating, according to Market Index data. The $3.95 average target price also implies an upside of around 74% at the time of writing.

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

Deep Yellow is an ASX uranium development company with a portfolio of Australian and global projects. Like Silex, its shares are also climbing sharply on Tuesday afternoon, driven by a stronger uranium price and renewed investor confidence in uranium stocks.

At the time of writing, Deep Yellow shares are up around 4% and trading at $1.39. The current share price represents a 29% decline year to date and a 31% drop from 12 months ago.

Late last month, the company announced the completion of two major milestones at its flagship Tumas Project in Namibia. These included a long-term water supply agreement and finalisation of local ownership arrangements. The company is now focused on successfully progressing its Tumas Project towards a Final Investment Decision in Q4 2026.

Brokers are also bullish that the ASX shares can climb even higher over the next 12 months. Market Index data shows the majority have a strong buy rating, and the $2.28 average target price implies an upside of around 64% at the time of writing.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

Media giant Nine Entertainment posted its FY26 results late last month, including a 3% increase in revenue, a 17% increase in EBITDA, and a 7% increase in NPAT.

The result comes after the company underwent a strategic reshape of its business during the first half of FY26. Nine Entertainment sold its stake in Nine Radio and property platform Domain, restructured its NBN and Darwin TV operations, and acquired QMS Media. The strategy shifts the company's focus toward growth areas like streaming, outdoor, and digital publishing.

But it looks like investors weren't happy with the result. On the day of the announcement, the Nine Entertainment share price spiked by around 7%. But then it was soon followed by a sell-off. 

The shares have now fallen around 29% to just 75 cents at the time of writing. The latest crash means the ASX shares are now 36% lower than 12 months ago.

But it looks like brokers are still bullish that the company can recover this year. Market Index data shows the majority have a strong buy stance on the ASX shares. The $1.21 average target price implies a potential 63% upside ahead.

The post 4 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 63% to 125% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After ending last week on a somewhat sour note, investors came back from the weekend with a bit of a spring in their steps this morning. That enthusiasm faded somewhat over the day, but the ASX 200 still managed to close 0.056% higher. That leaves the index at 9,010.9 points.

This lukewarm start to the Australian trading week followed a far more downbeat end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a tough session, dropping 0.51%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared a little better, but still fell 0.29%.

But let's get back to this week and our local markets now for an examination of how the various ASX sectors performed this Monday.

Winners and losers

We had plenty of winners and losers today.

Leading the latter were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had an awful time of it today, plunging 2.6%.

Gold stocks were also out of favour, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tanking 1.24%.

Utilities shares weren't much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) sank 0.99% this Monday.

Healthcare stocks weren't riding to the rescue either, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.81% dive.

Communications shares found themselves on the losing team as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was clipped by 0.76%.

We could say something similar for consumer staples stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) drifting down 0.6%.

Its consumer discretionary counterpart was in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) lost 0.46% this session.

Our last red sector was real estate investment trusts (REITs), as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.06% slip.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was energy stocks that shone the brightest. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) surged 1.78% higher this Monday.

Mining shares were in demand too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) enjoyed a 0.42% lift today.

Industrial stocks also fared well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) adding 0.2% to its total.

Finally, financial shares managed to close the day with a rise, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.15% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Property stock Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA) was our top stock this Monday. Ingenia shares rocketed 14.79% higher today and closed at $4.19 each. This sharp surge was sparked by a takeover offer from a private equity firm.

Here's the rest of today's best:

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

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

After a sour trading week last week, investors seem to have come back from the weekend with a little extra pep in the proverbial step, with the ASX 200 opening higher and staying in positive territory all day today. By the time the markets closed, the index had gained 0.49% to 9,103.1 points.

This happy start to the week's trading for the ASX followed a similarly buzzy end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in very fine form indeed, rising 0.98%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite as bubbly, but still gained 0.43%.

But let's return to this week and our local markets now for a closer look at what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's rise this Monday, a few sectors still missed out on gains.

Leading those losers were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was left out in the cold today, shrinking 0.95%.

Financial stocks also had a rough one, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) sinking 0.72%.

Utilities shares were shunned, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slid 0.48% lower this session.

Our last losers were communications stocks, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.44% slip.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was mining shares that fronted the winners. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) roared 2.43% higher this Monday.

Gold stocks ran hot as well, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soaring up 1.71%.

Tech shares also had a day to remember. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) enjoyed a 0.96% surge.

Healthcare stocks were in demand as well, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.62% lift.

Energy shares were next. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) jumped 0.47% today.

Then came real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) adding 0.12% to its total.

Industrial stocks managed a win. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) put on another 0.1% this session.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.09% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Beating out some stiff competition to take out top spot on the index this Monday was tech stock Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL). Data#3 shares rocketed 17.85% higher today to finish at $11.09 each.

This huge gain followed the company releasing its latest earnings, which clearly had a lot going for them.

Here's the rest of today's best:

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

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

In early 2026, ASX uranium share prices soared alongside the uranium price in a speculative rally that was short-lived.

The broker points out that over the past three months, ASX uranium shares were sold off despite a steady commodity price.

For example, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares have dropped 23%, and Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has fallen 12%.

The self-off was a global trend too, with the Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM) falling 30% over the three-month period.

Investors appear to have been spooked after the early-year rally took the uranium price above US$100 per tonne in late January.

The uranium price then plunged, alongside many metals and minerals commodities, in early February to about US$85 per pound.

Analysts at Trading Economics explained why ASX uranium share prices rose so strongly at the beginning of 2026.

They said:

Yellowcake prices were lifted by geopolitical tension driving power markets in major economies to be increasingly volatile, sparking interest in nuclear power by governments and power-hungry AI hyperscalers that develop data centers.

Italy was the latest to express interest to approve a legal framework to restore nuclear power, in line with measures from the US and Japan as power consumers expand sources for generation to account for the higher demand from data center projects.

Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft signed agreements to gain fresh nuclear capacity for their future AI data center operations.

Today, the uranium price remains around the US$85 per pound mark.

Shaw and Partners says uranium is experiencing "significantly improving sector fundamentals".

In a new note, the broker said it viewed the recent sell-off in ASX uranium shares as a buying opportunity.

The broker said the uranium price could potentially rise to at least US$200 per pound in a coming super-cycle, before reverting to a long-term sustainable price of US$120 per pound in the next decade.

Shaw and Partners said:

We view the pullback as an excellent buying opportunity.

Despite the pullback, we upgrade our price targets on a higher for longer uranium price.

The equities are pricing uranium at US$70-80/lb, so well below our US$120/lb LT forecast. 

What's driving demand for uranium today?

The broker said the drivers of uranium demand continue to grow.

Nuclear energy has returned to favour with governments focused on energy security and decarbonisation.

The conflict in the Middle East adds additional focus on energy security.

On top of that, demand for clean, baseload energy for data centres and AI will add further demand for nuclear power.

The US, China, and India have all set ambitious targets to expand their nuclear industries.

There are now 38 countries pledged to triple nuclear energy by 2050. 

Shaw and Partners said sovereign strategic buyers have recognised the urgency to lock in nuclear fuel supply for the next decade.

India and China are leading the way, and we expect the US to follow suit. India has signed offtakes with Kazatomprom and Cameco.

China is directly investing in offshore uranium assets (e.g. Etango). 

In our view, the price of uranium needs to be substantially higher than US$100/lb to incentivise the next wave of supply. 

Which ASX uranium shares are a buy?

Shaw and Partners recommends an overweight position in ASX uranium shares.

Here are the broker's preferred stocks and 12-month price targets.

The post 6 ASX uranium shares to buy ahead of yellow cake rising to US$200 per pound: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, sentiment cooled off throughout the trading day, and the ASX 200 was lucky to finish ahead, eventually recording a rise of just 0.1%. That leaves the index at 8,976.8 points as we head into the weekend.

This lukewarm end to the Australian trading week followed a much more upbeat night up on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 1.19%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did much better again, gaining a euphoric 2.78%.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and take a closer look at what was happening within the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

We had plenty of both red and green sectors this Friday.

Leading the former were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was hit hard, slumping 1.85%.

Consumer staples shares provided no cover either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) cratering 1.26%.

Communications stocks were on the nose, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value dive 0.73% today.

Financial shares also fared poorly, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.37% dip.

Consumer discretionary stocks were looked over, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) sank 0.24% this session.

Industrial shares were our last losers today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sliding down 0.04%.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was gold stocks that, fittingly, got the medal. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared 1.62% higher by the end of trading.

Broader mining shares also ran hot, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 1.43% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) saw its value vault 0.69% higher.

Tech stocks enjoyed another positive day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) lifting 0.56%.

Utilities shares were close behind. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) got a 0.54% bump.

Finally, energy stocks got over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.37% rise.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our best share to close out this Friday was healthcare stock 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX). 4DMedical shares rocketed 13.08% today to close the week at $3.63 each. This significant jump came after the company released a quarterly activity report this morning.

Here's the rest of today's best: 

Enjoy the weekend!

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

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

The broker has this week published a research report naming its top picks in the sector and share price targets for each, which we'll get to shortly.

First, let's see what they're saying about the sector overall.

Energy security driving uranium demand

To start with, Shaw and Partners said there is a divergence between company share prices and the improving uranium price.

They said:

The Global X Uranium ETF is down 31% over the past three months and has given back the gains in Jan/Feb to be down 9% in CY26. That is despite the long term uranium price improving to US$95.5 per pound – a record high, and with strong momentum to move higher. We view the pullback as an excellent buying opportunity.

Shaw and Partners said the drivers behind the strong uranium price continued to strengthen.

They said:

Nuclear energy has returned to favour with governments focused on energy security and decarbonisation. The conflict in the Middle East adds additional focus on energy security. On top of that, demand for clean, baseload energy for data centres and AI will add further demand for nuclear power. The US, China and India have all set ambitious targets to expand their nuclear industries. There are now 38 countries pledged to triple nuclear energy by 2050.

The broker said the World Nuclear Association estimates there are currently 372 gigawatts of nuclear capacity online; however, this is expected to grow to 686 gigawatts by 2040.

They added:

Existing mine production is only about 150Mlb of U3O8, so we need to add ~240Mlb of new mine supply in the next 14 years. When you consider depletion of existing mines, the required new supply is more likely to be >350Mlb. It is difficult to see where more than 150Mlb of that supply will come from. Sovereign strategic buyers have recognised the urgency to lock in nuclear fuel supply next decade. India and China are leading the way, and we expect to the US follow suit.

Massive share price upside for ASX uranium companies tipped

In terms of the Australian companies they like, they are: NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) with a price target of $24.80, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) with a price target of $19.10, Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) with a price target of $14.30, Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) with a price target of $7.60, Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) with a price target of $3.08, Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN) with a price target of 81 cents, and Atomic Eagle Ltd (ASX: AUE) with a price target of $1.70.

The post 7 ASX uranium stocks one broker says have massive upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Uranium technology delivering results

The company is focused on commercialising the Silex laser isotope separation technology, which can be used to produce different grades of fuel for the nuclear power industry.

The company held an investor day recently where it invited analysts, including those from Shaw and Partners, to visit its facilities at Lucas Heights in New South Wales.

Shaw and Partners said in a note to clients following the visit:

Silex management outlined the progress post achieving Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) last year. The first phase of commercialisation is reprocessing tails at the Paducah facility in Kentucky. Silex is on track for first production of uranium in 2030. On the site visit we also saw the zero spin silicon enrichment project in dry commissioning.

The Silex technology is owned by a joint venture company, Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), which is 51% owned by Silex and 49% owned by uranium major Cameco.

Shaw and Partners said the achievement of TRL-6, "started the clock ticking on Cameco's option to acquire a 26% stake in GLE to move to 75% ownership''.

They added:

Cameco now has 30 months to make a decision. We note that Cameco is making increasingly optimistic comments about GLE on its result calls. We hosted a call with Cameco early this week at which Cameco repeated its optimism on the GLE technology.

Shaw and Partners said the Silex technology had the potential to re-enrich about 150 million pounds of previously processed uranium tailings back into mine-grade uranium.

They added:

One way to think about this opportunity is that (the Paducah facility) I will be a 5Mlb/yr uranium mine producing uranium at a cash cost of less than US$30/lb. For reference, Paladin's Langer Heinrich operation is expected to produce 5-6Mlb of uranium at a cash cost in the high US$30s/lb once at full operation.

Silicon also a potentially large oppportunity

The company also announced on 29 June the construction of the world's first laser-based silicon enrichment plant.

The company said:

Enriched silicon-28 in the form of high-purity Q-Si is required for next-generation silicon-based quantum computers being developed by advanced semiconductor companies around the world. Quantum computers, the first of which are expected to be commercialised by the end of the decade, could revolutionise the computing industry by providing an immense increase in computing power, compared to today's most advanced classical chips made by companies such as Nvidia, Intel, IBM and AMD. Quantum computing is therefore expected to underpin a transformational performance uplift in the emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry.

Shaw and Partners has a price target of $12.80 on Silex shares compared to $5.74 currently.

The company is valued at $1.59 billion.

The post This ASX uranium company could jump more than 100% in value: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After some initial wobbles, the ASX 200 spent most of the day in green territory and ended up closing a happy 0.5% higher. That leaves the index at a flat 8,806 points as we head into the weekend.

This optimistic Friday session for Australian investors follows a similarly bullish night on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was cautiously optimistic, rising by 0.27%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was much more decisive, though, gaining a healthy 1.3%.

But let's return to the local markets now for a discussion of how the different ASX sectors handled today's warm trading conditions.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's sunny disposition today, there were still more than a few sectors that lost ground. 

Chief amongst those were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was hit hard today, slumping 1.96%.

Consumer discretionary shares were on the nose as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) sinking 1.13%.

We could say something similar for communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) drifted 0.83% lower this session.

Tech shares weren't in the good books either, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.6% tumble.

Consumer staples stocks were in a similar ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) shrank by 0.5% this Friday.

We could say the same for industrial stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.39%.

Utilities shares got no reprieve. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slid down 0.33% this session.

Our final losers were energy shares, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.21% slip.

Turning to the winners now, the hottest corner of the market was gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up soaring 2.65% higher.

Broader mining shares were also in demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) surging 2.32%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little tamer. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) still managed a 0.59% addition, though.

Finally, financial stocks got home safe, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.55% bounce.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Uranium company Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) was today's index topper. Silex shares rocketed 9.4% higher to close at $5.70 each this Friday.

This decisive move came despite no obvious catalysts out from the company itself.

Here's the rest of today's best: 

Enjoy the weekend!

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

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

It was an unhappy hump day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday, as investors doubled down on the selling that we saw yesterday. Despite opening in the green this morning, investors quickly sent the market into negative territory, where it stayed for the rest of the day. By the time the markets closed, the ASX 200 had lost 0.64%, leaving the index at 8,722.9 points. 

This rather woeful Wednesday session for ASX investors came after a much more optimistic session over on Wall Street. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) continued to push higher, rising 0.26%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining 1.52%.

But let's get back to the local markets now for a closer look at what the various ASX sectors were doing this Wednesday. 

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

After recording losses at the start of the week, investors seemed to find their sense of optimism today, with the ASX 200 staying in green territory all session, and closing 0.7% higher. That leaves the index at 8,785.7 points.

This turn of fortunes for Australian investors followed an upbeat night over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) recovered from an early slump to finish 0.45% higher.

Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) only just managed to get over the line, gaining just 0.026%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this hump day.

Winners and losers

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

After some morning wobbles, the ASX 200 spent most of the session in green territory, and ended up closing with a happy 0.69% rise. That leaves the index at 8,717.7 points.

This pleasant Wednesday session for Australian investors comes after a mixed return to trading for the American markets last night, following Monday's public holiday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) gave up some initial optimism to close down 0.23%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared better, gaining a solid 1.19%.

But let's return to the local markets now and look a little closer at what was happening with the different ASX sectors this hump day.

Winners and losers

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

After spending the entire session in green territory, the ASX 200 ended up closing 0.41% higher today. That leaves the index at a flat 8,657 points as we head into the weekend.

This pleasing end to the Australian trading week follows a bullish session on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to overcome some early jitters to rise 0.55%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't quite as optimistic, though, and inched 0.087% higher.

But let's return to ASX shares now for a discussion on what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this Friday.

Winners and losers

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

The ASX 200 spent today's entire session in red territory and ended up closing down 0.49%. That leaves the index at 8,701.8 points.

This rough start to trading this week for Australian investors comes after a more positive end to the American week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) barely broke even, inching just 0.025% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more confident, though, rising a happy 1.71%.

But let's get back to this week and the local markets now for a look at what was happening with the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

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

This impressive showing from the local markets comes after a similarly jubilant night over on the American boards.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire last night, shooting 1.2% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even hotter, rising 2.02%.

But let's return ot the ASX now and check out how today's optimism filtered down into the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

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

This disappointing session on the local markets comes despite a far rosier night over on the American boards.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was playing nice, rising 0.69%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining 1.64%.

But let's get back to the ASX now and check out how today's market losses affected the different ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a volatile, yet negative, session this Tuesday. After initially spiking in early trading this morning, the ASX 200 spent the rest of the day in negative territory. Saying that, it could have been a lot worse, with the index eventually closing down just 0.044%, leaving it at 8,949.4 points.

This miserly trading day for Australian investors comes after a similarly lacklustre start to the American trading week last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite clinch a rise either, dropping by a tiny 0.0099%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little more decisive, though, falling 0.26%.

But let's get back to the ASX now for a look at how the different ASX sectors handled today's interesting trading conditions.

Winners and losers

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

This optimistic session for the local markets followed a mixed start to the American trading week over on Wall Street in the early hours of this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat, rising by 0.11%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky, though, falling 0.73%.

But let's return to Australian shares now and take stock of how today's indecisiveness affected the various ASX sectors this session.

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