Shaw has a buy recommendation on the shares and a very bullish price target on the company, which we'll come to shortly.

Exploration success

First, let's have a look at this week's news.

The company said that exploration drilling at the Bolt Cutter lithium discovery had shown that mineralisation extended more than 2.3km to the northwest and up to 800m to the northeast.

The Bolt Cutter discovery is 10km west of the Tabba Tabba project, which is in the Pilbara region of WA.

Some of the best drilling results from Bolt Cutter included 9.4m at 1.3% lithium oxide from a depth of 23.2m and 8.1m at 1.2% from a depth of 39.7m.

Wildcat said further drilling on Bolt Cutter would start soon to both extend the discovery and for infill purposes.

The company also said it remained well-funded with $48.5 million in cash as at the end of December.

The company said re the Tabba Tabba project:

The Tabba Tabba Project is an advanced lithium and tantalum development project that is located on granted Mining Leases just 80km by road from Port Hedland, Western Australia. It is nearby some of the world's largest hard-rock lithium mines. The Project was one of four significant … pegmatite projects in WA, previously owned by Sons of Gwalia. The others were Greenbushes, Pilgangoora and Wodgina which are now Tier-1 hard-rock lithium mines. Tabba Tabba is the last of these assets to be explored and developed for lithium mineralisation.

Shares looking cheap

The Shaw and Partners analysts said they expected demand for lithium to remain high.

They added:

Current high fuel prices have created a perfect storm for electric vehicle demand and we expect will tip the lithium market into deficit by the end of the year. With prices surging, Wildcat is poised to be producing lithium during the current cycle.

They were also encouraged by the drilling results from Bolt Cutter:

Results to date demonstrate strong potential for Bolt Cutter to grow in scale both laterally and at depth. Bolt Cutter is likely to be a key component of Wildcat's two-pronged strategy of exploration and development, with organic growth from discoveries providing a clear pathway for integration into broader development plans. Wildcat is moving quickly toward production, having made its major discovery on already granted mining leases. This unusual status, combined with a signed Native Title Agreement, significantly truncates the regulatory and permitting timeline, allowing the company to target first production in 2028. This will allow Wildcat to capitalise on the current lithium price cycle as the market moves into deficit later this decade.

Shaw has a price target of $1.20 on Wildcat shares compared with 39.5 cents currently. Wildcat is valued at $509 million.

The post Looking for an ASX lithium share with plenty of potential upside? This could be the one appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.05. This is despite news that the company has signed a strategic capital partnership with Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ). The Challenger partnership includes a whole-of-loan sale and a forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. Challenger's chief investment officer, Damian Graham, said: "We're pleased to have partnered with BOQ on this whole-of-loan sale and forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. The transaction establishes a strategic partnership with BOQ and provides Challenger with access to a high-quality, seasoned and highly diversified loan portfolio that will deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for Challenger and institutional investors."

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is down 3.5% to $1.31. This has been driven by the release of a uranium production update this morning. The company revealed that it will replace two newly installed electrical control panels in the drying and packaging area of its Kayelekera uranium mine due to fire damage sustained on Saturday. The incident is expected to result in production downtime of approximately three weeks for repairs, testing, and recommissioning. Lotus' managing director, Greg Bittar, commented: "Despite this delay, the progress in positioning Kayelekera for steady-state production this quarter has been encouraging, and we still expect to achieve this in Q2 CY2026. Reagent planning and inventories, mill performance and other key processing parameters all provide visibility on this."

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is down 6.5% to $1.99. This follows the release of a sales update from the biotech company today. Mesoblast revealed that net sales for Ryoncil reached US$30.3 million in the third quarter. This means that revenue since the Ryoncil launch is now approaching US$100 million. This may be softer than some investors were expecting. Ryoncil is the only FDA-approved cell therapy for children under 12 with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down almost 4% to 37.5 cents. This morning, the lithium explorer and developer released a drilling update. It revealed a ~300 metres northerly extension of interpreted spodumene mineralisation at Bolt Cutter Central. It is located ~10km west of Wildcat's Tabba Tabba Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The post Why Challenger, Lotus Resources, Mesoblast, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company drilled three diamond holes for metallurgical purposes and is continuing with drilling to hopefully expand the scale of the discovery.

A reverse circulation drilling program is also scheduled to start late in the current quarter, the company said in its statement to the ASX.

Dual deposit development a possibility

The Bolt Cutter prospect is just 10km west of Wildcat's Tabba Tabba project, for which the company released a prefeasibility study last year, indicating a probable 17-year mine life.

The company said this week that the lithium mineralisation at Bolt Cutter was quite coarse, which could be suited to a different processing method.

As the company explained:

Each of the completed diamond holes intersected mineralisation interpreted to contain spodumene and other lithium bearing minerals. Encouragingly, diamond core samples indicate that some interpreted spodumene crystals are quite coarse, exceeding 100mm in length. While the primary focus of the metallurgical test work is to assess the suitability of the pegmatite for processing through the existing Tabba Tabba flowsheet, due to the observations of coarse interpreted spodumene, the applicability of a dense media separation (DMS) workflow will also be evaluated.

Shaw and Partners have had a look at the results and said in a research note to clients that they were encouraging.

As they said:

Results to date demonstrate strong potential for Bolt Cutter to grow in scale both laterally and at depth. Bolt Cutter is likely to be a key component of Wildcat's two-pronged strategy of exploration and development, with organic growth from discoveries providing a clear pathway for integration into broader development plans. Wildcat is moving quickly toward production, having made its major discovery on already granted mining leases. This unusual status, combined with a signed Native Title Agreement, significantly truncates the regulatory and permitting timeline, allowing the company to target first production in 2028. This will allow Wildcat to capitalise on the current lithium price cycle as the market moves into deficit later this decade.

Shaw and Partners said the company should be well-placed to be in production in time to feed into what was an "overwhelmingly bullish outlook for lithium demand, fuelled not only by the global transition to electric vehicles, but also by the rapidly increasing power requirements of AI data centres and utility-scale energy storage systems''.

Shaw has a price target of $1.20 on Wildcat shares, compared with the current price of 38.5 cents, which would be a 211.7% return if achieved.

The post This lithium developer could deliver better than 200% upside Shaw and Partners says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

The Capstone Copper share price is up 7.5% to $15.69. Investors have been buying this copper miner's shares after it reported a record performance for FY 2025. Capstone Copper revealed that it achieved its annual copper production guidance for FY 2025, delivering record annual copper production of 224,764 tonnes. This was up 22% compared to FY 2024 and 37% compared to FY 2023. Capstone Copper's CEO, Cashel Meagher, said: "2025 marked an inflection point for Capstone, with the successful execution of several key catalysts delivering transformational copper growth. For the fourth year in a row, we achieved record consolidated copper production, driving a 22% increase in output year-over-year."

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Catalyst Metals share price is up 13% to $8.85. On Thursday, the gold miner released a strong quarterly update. Catalyst Metals produced 28,176 ounces of gold with an average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,565 per ounce. Looking ahead, it has retained its FY 2026 guidance of 100,000 ounces to 110,000 ounces of gold production at an AISC of A$2,200 to A$2,650 per ounce. In response, Bell Potter retained its buy rating with a vastly improved price target of $13.50. It said: "OP mining at Trident is expected to conclude in 2HFY26, transitioning to high grade UG operations. We forecast Trident UG to reach steady state of ~50kozpa by 2027. These five mines are to underpin CYL's 10-year ~200kozpa strategy, which we forecast to be achieved by FY29."

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 8% to $4.41. After the market close on Thursday, the counter drone technology company revealed that it has been selected for the Australian Government's Project LAND 156 C-sUAS Services Standing Offer Panel. It notes that the Panel arrangement enables Defence to procure DroneShield's counterdrone services through selective and limited tender. The company's CEO, Oleg Vornik, said: "We welcome the opportunity to support Defence through this Panel arrangement and stand ready to deliver battle-proven, software-defined C-sUAS solutions."

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is up 3.5% to 45 cents. This follows the release of the lithium developer's quarterly update. It advised that during the quarter, it advanced its Pilbara lithium portfolio through continued exploration success and development progress. This includes drilling at the Bolt Cutter Central Lithium Project, 10km west of Tabba Tabba, which expanded a large, stacked spodumene-bearing pegmatite system that remains open. Diamond drilling is planned for early 2026.

The post Why Capstone Copper, Catalyst Metals, DroneShield, and Wildcat shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The fast-rising stock in question is Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8).

Wildcat shares closed yesterday trading for 43.5 cents. In late morning trade on Friday, shares are swapping hands for 45 cents apiece, up 3.5%.

This sees the Wildcat Resources share price up 80% over 12 months, racing ahead of the 7.3% gains delivered by the All Ords over this same period.

And investors who bought the 20 June dip on the ASX All Ords lithium share will be sitting on gains of 246.2% at the time of writing.

Boom!

Here's what's catching investor interest today.

ASX All Ords lithium share lifts on quarterly results

The Wildcat Resources share price is charging higher again today following the release of the miner's December quarter update.

Over the three months to 31 December, the ASX All Ords lithium share continued to advance its Western Australian lithium assets.

Management highlighted the success at the company's Bolt Cutter Central Lithium Project, located in close proximity to its Tabba Tabba Project. They noted that exploratory drilling at Bolt Cutter "expanded a large, stacked spodumene-bearing pegmatite system that remains open".

Standout results from the reverse circulation (RC) drilling program over the quarter included: 12m at 1.65% Li2O from 90.0m; and 11m at 1.32% Li2O from 54.0m.

Wildcat intends to commence diamond drilling at Bolt Cutter in 2026.

And Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) work progressed at Tabba Tabba. The miner said that metallurgical test work had demonstrated the potential to unlock additional ore and by-product credits. The flagship project has a spodumene-dominant Mineral Resource of 74.1Mt at 1.0% Li2O (at a 0.45% Li2O cut-off grade) and a tantalum Mineral Resource of 1.2Mt at 482ppm Ta2O5.

What else happened over the quarter?

In other key developments over the quarter, the ASX All Ords lithium share acquired a tenement adjoining Tabba Tabba. The miner said it expects the new tenement holding to "materially improve mine layout flexibility and deliver potential operating and capital cost efficiencies".

Also moving Tabba Tabba closer to development over the quarter, Wildcat Resources executed a Native Title Agreement with the Nyamal native title holders, which management called "a critical milestone".

Turning to the balance sheet, as at 31 December, the ASX All Ords lithium share had $48.5 million in cash, leaving it well funded for the next stages of exploration.

The post Guess which surging ASX All Ords lithium share is smashing the benchmark again today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Wildcat Resources shares closed yesterday trading for 41.5 cents. At time of writing, shares are changing hands for 42.5 cents each, up 2.4%.

Now, it was only back on 20 June that you could have picked up Wildcat shares for a mere 12.5 cents apiece. Brave investors who waded in and bought at the one-year lows on the day will now be sitting on gains of 240%.

That's enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $27,200. In less than seven months.

Here's what looks to be helping to boost the ASX All Ords lithium share again today.

ASX All Ords lithium share jumps on exploration results

Wildcat Resources shares are marching higher following an exploration update from the miner's Bolt Cutter Central lithium discovery.

Bolt Cutter is located in Western Australia, some 10 kilometres from the company's Tabba Tabba Project.

Today, the ASX All Ords lithium share announced the assay results from the remaining 14 drillholes of its 2025 drilling program at Bolt Cutter Central.

Top results from the full 2025 drill campaign included 20 metres at 1.70% lithium from 43 metres; and 12.8m at 2.02% Li2O from 45.3m.

Management said the latest results have significantly extended the interpreted strike extent of the mineralised pegmatite system.

According to Wildcat:

The scale of the discovery footprint highlights the potential for a large mineralised system with multiple stacked dykes of pegmatite which remain open in most directions. The final drilling completed during 2025 focused on completing a continuous drill section approximately 1.6 kilometres in length, aimed at defining the lateral extent of the mineralised pegmatite swarm.

The final batch of assay results confirmed mineralised pegmatite along the entire 1.6-kilometre section. Wildcat plans further exploration in what it labelled a highly prospective region.

What's ahead for Wildcat Resources shares in 2026?

Looking to the year ahead, the ASX All Ords lithium share plans to kick off diamond drilling at Bolt Cutter Central later in January. Wildcat aims to expand the scale of the deposit and to collect samples to support Phase 1 metallurgical test work.

The lithium miner also plans to commence a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program towards the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2026.

The RC program will explore a range of potential targets to further extend mineralisation, as well as conducting infill drilling to advance towards a maiden Mineral Resource estimate for the project.

The post Up 240% since June, guess which ASX All Ords lithium share is jumping higher again on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the market's largest pure-play lithium producer, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) lifted 1.2% to a new 52-week high of $4.89 today.

The IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price rose 2.1% to a 52-week high of $8.95.

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares lifted 3.5% to a 52-week high of $2.10.

The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price rocketed 24% to a two-year high of 36 cents.

Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) shares rose 14.3% to a 52-week high of 16 cents.

Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) shares increased 1.9% to a 52-week high of $9.

Galan Lithium Ltd (ASX: GLN) shares rose 5.5% to a 52-week high of 38 cents.

The Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI) share price lifted 8.5% to a 52-week high of 25.5 cents.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) shares rose 10.3% to a 52-week high of 43 cents.

Pmet Resources CDI (ASX: PMT) shares rose 11.3% to a 52-week high of 69 cents.

The Winsome Resources Ltd (ASX: WR1) share price lifted 9.8% to a 52-week high of 56 cents.

Midas Minerals Ltd (ASX: MM1) shares rose 10% to a 52-week high of 66 cents.

Lithium prices have been steadily lifting since mid-2025 and leapt higher overnight.

Let's find out why.

Why are lithium prices rising again?

Trading Economics analysts say lithium prices are on the mend due to higher demand and lower supply worldwide.

The lithium carbonate price rose 3.75% overnight to a 19-month high of US$19,793 per tonne.

The Spodumene Concentrate Index (CIF China) Price lifted 1.69% to US$1,800 per tonne.

The Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide price rose 3.6% to US$16,213.76 per tonne.

There is greater demand globally for batteries and power infrastructure amid the green energy transition.

Additionally, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in China are rising, with EVs outselling traditional cars for the first time last October.

Trading Economics reports that 'new energy vehicles' in China rose 20.6% annually to a record of 1.823 million units in November.

China has pledged to double EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.

Amid higher demand for lithium, China is also seeking to stabilise lithium prices by implementing measures to avoid over-capacity.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

The Bureau of Natural Resources of Yichun, which includes the lithium mining hub in the Chinese Jiangxi province, stated it would cancel 27 mining permits early next year.

The move was consistent with the earlier suspension of activity in CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine as the Chinese government aims to reduce capacity in many goods industries to prevent the ongoing race-to-the-bottom that has stirred deflationary pressures.

The post 12 ASX lithium shares rip to 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This ASX 200 mining stock operates the globally renowned Pilgangoora mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

However, a lesser-known ASX lithium stock also been quietly building momentum in the same geological terrane.

More specifically, Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) has recently entered the radar after delivering a series of notable milestones at its Tabba Tabba lithium project.

And Sydney-based investment firm Shaw and Partners is paying attention.

Budding ASX lithium stock

Wildcat's Tabba Tabba project lies some 50 kilometres from Pilbara Minerals' Pilgangoora mine.

Since acquiring the project in 2023, Wildcat has defined a 74 million tonne resource grading 1.0% lithium (Li2O).

And a recent pre-feasibility study (PFS) outlined an initial 17-year mine life and forecast $3.2 billion in free cash flow after tax.

In addition, exploration success at the nearby Bolt Cutter project appears to have strengthened Wildcat's growth profile.

Here, drilling revealed a series of encouraging lithium intercepts with 17 of 20 holes returning significant results.

This operational progress has not gone unnoticed by the market.

In the past six months alone, shares in this ASX lithium stock have bolted by 162% to $0.34 apiece at the time of writing.

For context, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has risen by 3.18% across the same period.

But this powerful rally could just be getting started, according to Shaw and Partners.

"World-class" lithium project

In a research note released last week, Shaw and Partners summarised Wildcat's plans to fast-track the "world-class" Tabba Tabba towards production.

Here, the broker noted that the thick mineralisation at the project could facilitate a long-life mining operation, with its location also flagged as a major strategic advantage.

Tabba Tabba lies about 80 kilometres from Port Hedland, offering the potential for highly competitive transport costs compared to peers.

Access to the Pilbara region's established infrastructure and skilled workforce may further enhance the project's commercial appeal.

Shaw and Partners also believes that Wildcat's development timeline could align with a broader recovery in the lithium market.

It stated:

Wildcat is moving quickly toward production, having made its major discovery on already granted mining leases. This unusual status, combined with a signed Native Title Agreement, significantly truncates the regulatory and permitting timeline, allowing the company to target first production by FY28. This will allow Wildcat to capitalise on the current recovery in lithium prices as the market moves back into a period of structural tightness.

The broker pointed to an "overwhelmingly bullish" outlook for lithium demand, driven by EV adoption, increased power requirements in AI data centres, and growth in utility-scale energy storage systems.

It added:

As the market establishes an upward price trajectory following the 2023 cyclical slump, high-quality, high-grade developers such as Wildcat are well-positioned to benefit from this shift.

Share price in focus

Shaw and Partners initiated coverage with a buy rating on Wildcat, setting a target price of $0.70 per share for this ASX lithium stock.

This implies 106% upside potential from $0.34 per share at the time of writing.

The post Up 162% in 6 months! Expert tips this surging ASX lithium stock to double again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) have ballooned by 93% since the start of the year, trading near 52-week highs at the time of writing.

Its ASX 200 peer Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) has performed even better, soaring by 168% since early January.

But in recent weeks, an emerging explorer has outshone both of these ASX 200 mining heavyweights.

More specifically, Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) has entered the spotlight following significant progress at its Bolt Cutter lithium discovery in Western Australia.

And shares in this ASX lithium stock have surged by 43% in just the past month, fuelled by a string of promising exploration results.

According to investment firm Euroz Hartleys Group Limited (ASX: EZL), the rally may still have a long way to run.

Let's take a closer look at what is driving the broker's bullish outlook for this ASX lithium stock.

Established ASX lithium stock

Wildcat is quickly cementing its place as a significant player in the Australian lithium space.

Its flagship Tabba Tabba project lies roughly 50 kilometres from Pilbara Minerals' globally renowned Pilgangoora mine.

And since acquiring the project in 2023, Wildcat has defined a 74 million tonne resource grading 1% lithium (Li2O).

A recent pre-feasibility study (PFS) for Tabba Tabba outlined an initial 17-year mine life and projected $3.2 billion in free cash flow after tax.

However, investor attention seems to have shifted to its nearby Bolt Cutter project in recent weeks, located just 10 kilometres from Tabba Tabba.

What happened?

This week, Wildcat unveiled a batch of encouraging lithium intercepts from exploration drilling at Bolt Cutter.

Notable hits included 9m at 1.84% lithium from 128m depth, and 7m at 1.03% lithium from 49m.

Overall, 17 of the 20 holes from this batch of drilling returned significant intercepts.

As a result, the mineralised strike at Bolt Cutter Central has now expanded to 1.4 kilometres in length, up from 900 metres just last month.

In addition, the lithium-hosting pegmatites remain open in most directions.

And Euroz Hartleys appears buoyant on how the discovery is shaping up.

Euroz Hartleys viewpoint

Commenting on the impact of the most recent drill results at Bolt Cutter, the broker noted:

The system is interpreted to be in a flat lying and stacked pegmatite system, on our early stage estimates we see the potential for Bolt Cutter to host mineralisation in the order of ~15-20mt at ~1% Li2O, and see it as a potential satellite operation to the flag ship Tabba Tabba project.  

More broadly, Euroz Hartleys has identified Wildcat as the "clear standout" amongst Australian lithium developers.

It pointed to the group's strong $51 million cash position and simultaneous progress at both Bolt Cutter and Tabba Tabba.

The broker believes the market has likely underestimated the significance of Wildcat's recent acquisition of neighbouring tenements.

It expects these moves to be reflected in a definitive feasibility study, projected for completion in 2026. 

Share price outlook for the ASX lithium stock

Euroz Hartleys has issued a speculative buy rating on Wildcat shares, setting a target price of $0.51 apiece.

This implies 59% upside potential from $0.32 per share at the time of writing.

The post Expert says this barnstorming ASX lithium stock could soar by another 59% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 12% to $1.86. This morning, the respiratory imaging technology company signed a significant expansion of its distribution agreement with Koninklijke Philips NV (NYSE: PHG). This is for its FDA-cleared, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) ventilation and perfusion imaging solution, CT:VQ. It is the world's first technology capable of extracting quantitative ventilation-perfusion (VQ) data from routine non-contrast CT scans. Management estimates that it has an addressable market of more than US$1.1 billion annually in the U.S. and over US$2.6 billion globally.

Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR)

The Dateline Resources share price is up 3.5% to 28.5 cents. This follows the release of drilling results from the 100%-owned Colosseum Gold and Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in California. Dateline advised that results from a further two reverse circulation holes drilled below the North Pit have provided gold assay results that exceed the mineral resource grade for the indicated blocks that they intercepted. Management expects this result to improve the mineral resource grade for the blocks.

Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI)

The Predictive Discovery share price is up 16% to 72.7 cents. This has been driven by news that Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) has tabled a superior takeover offer this morning. The gold miner has offered 0.136 new Perseus shares per Predictive Discovery share. This valued each Predictive Discovery share at 77.8 cents, which is a 24.5% premium to its last close and values its equity at $2.1 billion in total. Perseus advised that it expects the transaction to enhance its portfolio quality and the company's African gold platform.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is up almost 4% to 27.5 cents. This morning, the lithium explorer revealed that it has signed a Native Title Agreement over its 100% owned Tabba Tabba Project with the Nyamal native title holders. Wildcat's chair, Jeff Elliott, commented: "We thank the Nyamal people for their continued support of the Project and successful negotiation of the Native Title Agreement. We look forward to continuing a close relationship with the Nyamal people, to unlock the benefits from this exciting new project in the Pilbara."

The post Why 4DMedical, Dateline, Predictive Discovery, and Wildcat shares are racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.13%.

The gold price is currently $US3,312 per ounce, up 0.27%.

ASX All Ords gold shares rising on Tuesday

The gold price remains strong due to its safe-haven appeal amid geopolitical tensions, global economic uncertainty, and US tariffs.

But it's been trading below its record high for a couple of months now, as James Gerrish of Shaw and Partners points out.

The gold price hit a record US$3,500.05 per ounce on 22 April. Since then, the ASX All Ords Gold Index has been volatile.

Gerrish tips that "a period of ongoing consolidation is starting to unfold" for the gold price, with implications for ASX All Ords gold shares.

Niv Dagan of Peak Asset Management says the gold price is "facing key resistance".

He's concerned about the impact on ASX All Ords small-cap gold shares, in particular.

On The Bull this week, Dagan discusses his view on Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8), a small-cap lithium and gold explorer.

This ASX All Ords gold share has a market capitalisation of $215 million.

Its flagship asset is the Tabba Tabba lithium project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Its Mt Adrah Gold project is in the gold-rich Lachlan Fold Belt of New South Wales.

Wildcat Resources shares hit a 52-week low of 12.5 cents per share on 20 June.

The ASX All Ords gold share has rebounded strongly since, rising 28% over the past seven trading days to 16 cents today.

In terms of company news during this time, we learned that Wildcat has completed DFS metallurgical drilling at Tabba Tabba on 24 June.

On 25 June, Wildcat announced an on-market share buyback of up to $5 million.

But Dagan says investors would be wise not to wait around for a recovery in the Wildcat share price.

Expert's take on Wildcat Resources shares

Dagan has a sell rating on this ASX All Ords small-cap gold share.

He explains his sell rating:

In our view, the gold price is facing key resistance, and small market capitalisation gold exposure in the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries index is elevated.

Any US dollar strength or retreat in inflation could pressure these stocks.

It may be prudent to trim or sell WC8 ahead of any potential broader sentiment shifts in the gold sector.

How are the big ASX All Ords gold shares performing today?

Here's how the six largest ASX gold shares are trading today:

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are up 1.32% to $18.80

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares are up 1.22% to $7.89

Newmont Corporate CDI (ASX: NEM) shares are up 1.8% to $88.88

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares are up 0.7% to $4.33

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 0.29% to $3.41

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares are up 0.26% to $9.57

The post ASX All Ords gold share jumps 28% in 7 days – but fundie says don't hold on appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price is up over 2% to $11.98. This follows the release of promising preliminary results from its second clinical study investigating its drug afamelanotide as a treatment for arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS). Clinuvel's Chair, Prof Jeffrey Rosenfeld, said: "While considerable progress has been made in treating stroke with approved therapies, a large number of patients remain ineligible for existing therapies. Afamelanotide represents an innovative approach, taking a drug with a long-standing safety profile and evaluating whether a known mechanism of action may provide a therapeutic option for these previously untreated patients."

Orthocell Ltd (ASX: OCC)

The Orthocell share price is up 2.5% to $1.54. Investors have been buying the regenerative medicine company's shares after it announced the first sales of Striate+ in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Striate+ is the company's dental guided bone and tissue regeneration product. The global market opportunity for Striate+ is estimated to be approximately >US$730 million, with the EU and UK market contributing approximately US$180 million. Orthocell is targeting a 20% share of the global market.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 13% to $5.38. This follows news that its Phase One Lionheart Project has officially been recognised as a Strategic Project under the European Commission's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The CRMA aims to secure Europe's supply of critical materials like lithium, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Vulcan CEO, Cris Moreno, said: "Achieving Strategic Project status from the European Commission validates the importance of our integrated lithium and renewable energy project to European industry, and builds momentum for the delivery of Europe's first fully domestic and sustainable lithium value chain."

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is up 6% to 18 cents. Investors have been buying the lithium explorer's shares following the release of a drilling update from its Tabba Tabba Lithium Project in Western Australia. Wildcat Geology Manager Torrin Rowe said "Exploration is a part of Wildcat's DNA, resulting in the successful discovery of the flagship Tabba Tabba lithium deposit. While progressing the newly defined resource through a PFS, the team continues to advance targets with exploration drilling planned in the Pilbara, WA as well as at Mt Adrah, NSW."

The post Why Clinuvel, Orthocell, Vulcan, and Wildcat shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV)

The Amotiv share price is down 8.5% to $9.72. Investors have been selling this auto products company's shares following the release of its half year results. Amotiv reported a 2.3% lift in revenue to $503.7 million but a 35.8% decline in statutory net profit after tax to $33 million. The latter includes a $9.4 million impairment of the Fully Equipped New Zealand (NZ) business, as well as $1 million of other brand impairments following restructuring activities. A slightly stronger second half financial performance is expected, but investors aren't sticking around to find out if that is the case.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

The Dexus Industria share price is down over 2% to $2.67. This morning, this industrial warehouse focused property company released its half year results. It reported a statutory net profit after tax of $53.7 million for the six months, which is up from a loss of $10.2 million in the prior corresponding period. Management also reiterated its FY 2025 guidance. It continues to forecast FFO per share of 17.8 cents and distributions per share of 16.4 cents. Some investors may have been looking for an upgrade to this guidance.

St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM)

The St Barbara share price is down over 7% to 25.5 cents. Investors have been selling this gold miner's shares after it made a couple of announcements. This includes plans to separate its Atlantic Gold Operations from the company. Management hasn't finalised the plan but advised that the separation could include a sale, vend-in, or demerger. Post-separation, St Barbara will be focused on the Simberi Gold Operations in Papua New Guinea and the development of the Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project. St Barbara paid $780 million to acquire Atlantic Gold in 2019. The combined company now has a market capitalisation of just $278 million.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down a further 4% to 20 cents. This lithium explorer's shares have come under significant pressure this week along with other ASX lithium stocks. This has been driven by concerns that Chinese lithium producers could be about to bring more supply to the market, which may reduce the chance of lithium prices rebounding.

The post Why Amotiv, Dexus Industria, St Barbara, and Wildcat shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)

The Iluka share price is down almost 9% to $4.86. This follows the release of weak fourth quarter update from the mineral sands company. This weak performance led to the company reporting an 8.9% decline in mineral sands revenue to $1,128 million for the full year. Things will be worse for its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), which is expected to be in the range of $330 million to $340 million (excluding a contribution from Deterra). This will be down from $492.3 million in FY 2023 (including a $27.3 million contribution from Deterra).

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is down 4% to $2.67. Investors may be taking profit after some strong gains over the past 12 months. Thanks to its proposed merger with Chemist Warehouse, Sigma's shares have rallied 180% since this time last year. Voting on the merger will take place next week on 29 January.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down 3% to 24.7 cents. This follows the release of the lithium explorer's quarterly update. Commenting on the quarter, management said: "During the quarter the Company delivered its inaugural Mineral Resource estimate "MRE" for the Tabba Tabba Lithium Project. The MRE is a significant milestone and demonstrates the Company's ability to rapidly progress the Project from discovery through development." Wildcat ended the period with a cash balance of $63.6 million.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is down almost 2% to $25.25. Investors have been selling the energy giant's shares following the release of its fourth quarter update. Woodside reported a 3% decline in quarterly production to 51.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). This reflects the unplanned shutdown at Woodside's Pluto project and led to quarterly revenue falling 6% to US$3.47 billion. Woodside's CEO, Meg O'Neill, was pleased with the quarter. She said: "Our high-quality assets continued to deliver outstanding performance in the quarter, underpinned by Sangomar producing 75 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day at 95% reliability, driving record annual production of 194 million barrels of oil equivalent."

The post Why Iluka, Sigma, Wildcat, and Woodside shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's a pleasing overall market return in anyone's language.

But for some stockpickers, it was a hard year.

Investors in the following five ASX All Ordinaries shares endured a teeth-gritting 12 months in 2024.

5 ASX All Ordinaries shares that plunged in value in 2024

Here are the five ASX All Ordinaries companies whose share prices declined the most in 2024.

1. Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR)

ASX All Ordinaries lithium share Liontown was the worst performer of the year in terms of price change.

The Liontown share price fell 67.88% to close at 53 cents on 31 December.

Operationally, last year was a momentous one for Liontown Resources.

In July, it officially transitioned from developer to producer with the first production of spodumene concentrate at its flagship Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in July.

But like all lithium miners, Liontown was negatively impacted by weak commodity prices last year.

2. Patriot Battery Metals Inc. CDI (ASX: PMT)

Patriot is the second lithium share comprising the five biggest losers of the ASX All Ordinaries in 2024.

The Patriot Battery Metals share price fell 63.72% in 2024 to close out the year at 41 cents.

Investors were dismayed when nothing came of discussions with US lithium giant Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB) last year. The companies ceased talks in May after spending nine months assessing partnership opportunities for a downstream lithium hydroxide plant for Patriot's Corvette Lithium Project in Canada.

3. Imugene Ltd (ASX: IMU)

ASX All Ordinaries healthcare share Imugene lost 63.64% in 2024 to close out the year at 4 cents.

Some investors feel concerned about Imugene's financial position. The Imugene share price fell 20% on 31 October when the cancer immunotherapy company released its September quarter cash flow report.

The report revealed a significant cash burn that reduced Imugene's cash reserves from about $93 million to $54 million. That left the ASX biotech will only 2.3 more quarters of funding.

4. Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR)

The Star Entertainment share price crashed 63.46% in 2024 to finish at 19 cents on 31 December.

The casino and resorts operator reported a $1.68 billion statutory loss for FY24. Star faced ongoing regulatory scrutiny last year, including a second inquiry into its suitability as a casino licence holder.

5. Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) 

Finally, we have a third ASX All Ordinaries lithium share making up the bottom five stocks of the index.

The Wildcat Resources share price tumbled 60% to finish the year at 28 cents.

Regulatory scrutiny, weak commodity prices, and general market volatility impacted the mineral explorer.

In November, Wildcat refuted a news report of raids by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). However, it confirmed that ASIC had previously issued notices requesting documents.

On a brighter note, check out the 5 biggest risers among ASX All Ordinaries shares in 2024.

The post 5 worst ASX All Ordinaries shares of 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)

The Brainchip share price is up almost 10% to 40 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the semiconductor company. However, this strong gain is a continuation of a recent uptrend in its share price on the back of no news. In fact, at the end of last week, Brainchip was hit with a speeding ticket because of its gains. The Australian stock exchange operator asked: "Is BRN aware of any information concerning it that has not been announced to the market which, if known by some in the market, could explain the recent trading in its securities?" It simply answered "No". It also gave the same response to the follow up question: "is there any other explanation that BRN may have for the recent trading in its securities?"

Imricor Medical Systems Inc (ASX: IMR)

The Imricor Medical Systems share price is up 9% to $1.28. This morning, this medical device company announced its first order from the Middle East. Imricor's Chair and CEO, Steve Wedan, said: "The Middle East is an exciting market for Imricor where there is a focus on adopting leading healthcare technologies supported by world class physicians. We are looking forward to establishing the first iCMR lab in Qatar and expanding into Saudi Arabia and beyond in 2025." Imricor Medical Systems is a developer of MRI-compatible products for cardiac catheter ablation procedures.

Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX)

The Strike Energy share price is up 1% to 20.25 cents. This follows the release of an announcement relating to the logging and evaluation program at the Walyering East-1 exploration well. Management advised that it has been completed with independent petrophysical assessment indicating a potential gas discovery in the Cattamarra Formation. This is subject to retrieving gas samples.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is up 2% to 26.5 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium explorer. However, with its shares down 60% year to date, it seems that some investors believe that a buying opportunity has been created. Wildcat is exploring the Tabba Tabba Lithium Project in Western Australia.

The post Why Brainchip, Imricor, Strike Energy, and Wildcat shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Thanks to this bullish environment, stocks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) have climbed to new record highs.

Yet this rising ASX tide hasn't lifted all boats. In fact, some ASX shares are down by as much as 50% this year.

Six ASX stocks down more than 50% in 2024

Take luxury e-commerce stock Cettire Ltd (ASX: CTT). Formerly a bit of a market darling, Cettire has had an awful 2024. The company has dropped over 57% from the $2.92 it started at back in January to the $1.24 share price it is commanding today.

It's a similar story for lithium stock Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA). Another former favourite of investors, Sayona has seen its share price collapse this year, going from 7 cents a share to the current 3.2 cents.

It's been even worse for graphite company Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR). The Syrah share price has tanked this year, falling from 66 cents in January to the current 23 cents. That's a drop worth 65%.

Syrah's story mirrors that of lithium hopeful Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8). Wildcat has also suffered a 64.4% decline and is currently trading at just 24 cents.

A familiar tale for many investors would be the story of the Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) share price. Star has had a horror year so far, with the company's shares losing more than 56% of their value since the end of 2023.

Imugene Ltd (ASX: IMU) is another former market darling that came back to earth this year. Imugene shares were asking 11 cents apiece back in early January. But today, those same shares are worth 64.5% less than that at just 3.9 cents each.

Time to buy?

Some investors, particularly those with a value investing bent, might be looking at these 'cheap' ASX shares and thinking that there might be a potential bargain to be found.

After all, if a company can stage a recovery from a drop of this magnitude, it can be very lucrative indeed. If a company drops 64.5%, for example, to 3.9 cents a share but then rises back to 8 cents, it would mean a 100% gain for investors buying today.

However, I would urge any investor entertaining these thoughts to exercise a very high degree of caution. If a company drops by more than 50% during such a bumper year for the markets, it means that investors are pricing in disaster.

For you to make money on a cheap ASX share in this situation, the markets need to be making a colossal oversight.

Investors are clearly anticipating that Star Entertainment, for example, will not return to its former glory days anytime soon. That's probably thanks to the company's ongoing losses and arguable failure to convince governments that it is suitable to operate its casinos.

The only way that one can make a conceivable profit with this company is to make a bet that this isn't the case.

Imugene is another example. Back in October, we discussed how Imugene had 2.3 quarters of funding left before its money runs dry. If you possess an in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, you might be able to see a path forward.

But that path better be there because the market seems to be betting that it isn't. The only way you can win here is for the company to prove it wrong.

Foolish takeaway

When a share falls 50% or more in a good year for the markets, it's usually for a very good reason. Even if you think the market is wrong, it is a high-risk game to bet money on it. So, if you do think there is a case for any of these 'cheap' ASX shares to stage a recovery, you'd better make sure your thesis is watertight.

The post 6 ASX shares down 50%+ in 2024. Are they cheap? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price is down 17% to $1.32. Investors have been selling this healthcare company's shares following the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. At the event, management said: "In terms of a trading update – Pathology volumes have increased by 4.5% for the year to date, with revenues growing by 5.9%. While this is pleasing, it is worth noting that this does not translate immediately to earnings due to our investment in growing revenues as a key pillar of our strategy, along with labour cost pressures for EBAs and other inflationary increases."

Opthea Ltd (ASX: OPT)

The Opthea share price is down 7% to 65 cents. This is despite the clinical stage biopharmaceutical company announcing that it has received a major research and development (R&D) tax credit from the Australian Taxation Office. Opthea has received A$15.9 million (US$10.4 million) for research and development costs incurred in the 2023/2024 financial year. This is in line with the amount disclosed as a current tax receivable in the company's audited financial statements.

Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN)

The Peninsula Energy share price is down 23% to 6.4 cents. This follows the release of an update on the ramp up of the Lance Project. Management notes that delays in preconditioning together with flow rate variability has led the company to further downgrade its projected production guidance for the initial year of production ramp-up in 2025 to approximately 600,000 pounds U3O8. It has also withdrawn all other guidance in relation to 2025. Positively, it doesn't expect 2026 and 2027 to be impacted by these issues.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down a further 11% to 28 cents. Investors have been selling this lithum explorer's shares this week amid reports that it was raided. However, Wildcat has denied the report, though it advised that it has been issued notices from ASIC. The release states: "The Company has not been raided and no Company property was seized by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and is not aware that the Company is the subject of an ASIC investigation. The Company can confirm that ASIC previously issued notices to the Company requiring it to produce certain books and provide assistance in relation to trading in the Company's securities in 2023. The Company has complied with these requests."

The post Why Healius, Opthea, Peninsula Energy, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is down 3.5% to $8.54. Investors have been selling this grain exporter's shares after it released its full year results. Graincorp reported an underlying net profit after tax of $77 million, which is down sharply on the $250 million reported a year earlier. Graincorp CEO Robert Spurway commented: "We responded well to challenging global market conditions and variable crop production across the East Coast of Australia (ECA). Our result demonstrates discipline in operational performance and effective cost management."

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

The Light & Wonder share price is down 4% to $146.01. Investors have been selling the poker machine developer's shares since the release of its second quarter update. Commenting on the update, Goldman Sachs said: "NA Gaming Ops net adds of +585 remained resilient however, saw a 1-week impact from the DT 1.0 preliminary injunction – headwinds are expected to carry through to 1Q25 before accelerating to >500 net adds per quarter; […] We revise LNW FY25-FY27E AEBITDA -1% to -2% and EPSA -2% to -3%." Nevertheless, the broker has retained its buy rating with a slightly trimmed price target $171.90.

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

The Orica share price is down 2% to $17.23. This is despite the release of a solid full year result from the commercial explosives company this morning. Orica reported a 15% increase in EBIT to $806 million for FY 2024. Even management guiding to further EBIT growth in FY 2025 wasn't enough to satisfy investors.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down 12% to 32.7 cents. This follows reports that the lithium explorer was raided. Wildcat denied the report but advised that it has been issued notices from ASIC. It said: "The Company has not been raided and no Company property was seized by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and is not aware that the Company is the subject of an ASIC investigation. The Company can confirm that ASIC previously issued notices to the Company requiring it to produce certain books and provide assistance in relation to trading in the Company's securities in 2023. The Company has complied with these requests."

The post Why Graincorp, Light & Wonder, Orica, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL)

The Bellevue Gold share price is down 2% to $1.50. This is despite there being no news out of the gold developer today. However, it is worth noting that Bellevue Gold's shares have been on fire in recent weeks. So much so, they remain up 32% since this time two months ago. This could mean that some investors are taking a bit of profit off the table today.

Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG)

The Domain share price is down almost 7% to $2.84. Investors have been selling this property listings company's shares following the release of an update at its annual general meeting. Domain revealed that it delivered solid depth revenue growth of 15% year-on-year during the first quarter. This underpinned total residential revenue growth of 12%. Whereas Digital revenue was up around 9% year-on-year. This ultimately led to total revenue increasing around 8% year-on-year according to management. Pleasingly, October new listings growth has continued to accelerate, underpinning year-on-year depth revenue growth of 19% on a like-for-like basis. Margin guidance has also been reiterated. Despite all this, it seems that some investors wanted more from Domain.

Skycity Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SKC)

The Skycity share price is down 5% to $1.22. This casino and resorts operator's shares are falling today despite there being no news out of it. Though, it is worth noting that its shares have been under pressure for some time. So much so, they are now trading within a whisker of a multi-year low. This means they are now down by a disappointing 30% over the past 12 months.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down 2.5% to 31.2 cents. This is also despite there being no news out of the lithium developer. However, quite a lot of lithium shares are missing out on the market rally today. This appears to have been driven by a relatively subdued session on Wall Street for miners of the battery making ingredient. Following today's decline, Wildcat shares are now down by over 50% since the start of 2024.

The post Why Bellevue, Domain, Skycity, and Wildcat shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.