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Image Credit: Pexels Core Lithium Ltd ( ASX: CXO ) is experiencing a substantial decline, with its shares down 8.5% to a new 52-week low of 26.5 cents in afternoon trade. The primary driver behind this weakness is a recent bearish broker note from Citi, which has not only downgraded the company's shares from neutral to a sell rating but has also significantly reduced its valuation, dropping the price target by nearly 24%, from 38 cents to 29 cents. Reasons Behind Core Lithium's Share Price Decline The downgrade from Citi stems from its belief that ASX Core Lithium's shares were overvalued in the context of current lithium spot prices. The broker is urging investors to consider alternative options, specifically recommending shares of Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS). Citi suggests that these alternatives possess more robust balance sheets, making them preferable investments in the current market environment. Citi's Rationale for the D...

Image credit: Pexels In the dynamic realm of the stock market, the BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) and the Rea Group Ltd (ASX:REA) have recently made waves. As of 2023, the BHP share price has experienced a notable 1.8% surge, while REA's share price hovers 5% above its 52-week low. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of these two companies, exploring their backgrounds, market standing, and future prospects. BHP Group Ltd: A Legacy of Diversified Natural Resources A Glimpse into ASX BHP's Origins Founded in 1885, BHP Group Ltd, formerly known as BHP Billiton, stands as a stalwart in the natural resources sector. The company has a rich history, carving its niche in mineral exploration and production. Business Focus Areas BHP's assets are strategically divided into three key areas:  1. Copper and Related Minerals: Gold, uranium, silver, zinc, etc. 2. Iron Ore: A cornerstone of their operations. 3. Coal: Metallurgical and energy-related coal ventures. Investment Appeal BHP...

Image Credit: Pexels In the dynamic realm of the S&P/ASX 200 Index, the mining sector has been a captivating arena, especially when it comes to dividend payouts. Recent years witnessed a remarkable surge in commodity prices, propelling several ASX mining shares, including those of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG), to new heights in terms of dividend payments. The Commodity Boom of 2021 and 2022 The years 2021 and 2022 were particularly lucrative for ASX mining stocks , with copper and iron ore prices experiencing unprecedented hikes. Notably, in June 2021, the iron ore price shattered records, surpassing the US$210 per tonne mark. A Temporary Setback in 2023 However, 2023 brought about a shift as many ASX 200 mining shares reduced their dividends amid a correction in commodity prices. In May, the iron ore price plummeted below US$100 per tonne. Despite this setback, the resilient iron ore market has rebounded, currently t...

Image Credit: Pexels Over the last year, ASX lithium shares have encountered significant headwinds, witnessing varied declines among major players like Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO), Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR), and Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA). A pivotal factor influencing these ASX lithium shares is the downturn in the spodumene concentrate price. Pilbara Minerals reported a substantial 47% YoY drop and a notable 31% QoQ decrease, spotlighting the present market dynamics. Despite this, Pilbara Minerals' CEO, Dale Henderson, remains positive, asserting sustained demand and emphasizing a resilient market amid necessary pricing adjustments. Looking forward, industry analysts, including Bank of America and Rystad Energy, anticipate a testing phase for the lithium sector in the coming years. Projections point toward an impending shift to oversupply in 2024/2025, potentially leading to challenges in e...

In the dynamic world of stock markets, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) faced a challenging Monday, experiencing a 0.55% decline to 7,002.1 points during afternoon trade. ASX Image Credit: Pexels Reasons Behind the Decline Four prominent ASX shares are at the forefront of this downward trend, each facing unique challenges that contribute to their falling values. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) Beginning with BHP Group Ltd, ASX BHP investors witnessed a 1.5% dip in the share price, settling at $46.58. The primary catalyst behind this decline traces back to weakness in iron ore prices on the preceding Friday, affecting not only BHP but other iron ore miners as well. Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) Core Lithium Ltd also felt the impact of ASX CXO , experiencing a significant 4% reduction in share price, now resting at 33 cents. The broader weakness in the lithium industry appears to be the driving force behind this slump, fueled by concerns over falling lithium prices. IGO Ltd ( ASX: IGO ) IGO ...

Image Credit: Pexels In the ever-changing landscape of stock prices, astute investors find opportunities to acquire shares at discounted prices. Contact Asset Management, known for its strategic insights, highlights two S&P/ASX 200 stocks currently trading at a significant discount, making them enticing prospects for investors looking for value. Contact Australian Ex-50 Fund: Striking a Balance Between Growth and Dividend Income The Contact Australian Ex-50 fund is on a mission to achieve a total return exceeding 10% per annum, emphasizing a portfolio of high-quality Australian companies situated outside the S&P/ASX 50 Index. In its latest monthly update, the fund manager identifies two stocks that present intriguing opportunities: 1. Vicinity Centres ( ASX: VCX ) As a prominent retail property group, Vicinity Centres recently made headlines by acquiring the remaining 49% interest in Chatswood Chase for $307 million. This strategic move aligns with the company's focus on ...

Image Credit: Pexels BHP Group Ltd ( ASX: BHP ) has witnessed a 7% increase in shares over the past 12 months, accompanied by robust dividends. In FY 2023, the mining giant, listed on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), distributed a total of $2.62 per share in fully franked dividends, resulting in a trailing yield of 5.6% at the current BHP share price of $46.80, with potential tax benefits from franking credits. Factors Behind FY 2023 Dividend Decrease The decline in key financial metrics, including a 17% drop in revenue to US$53.8 billion, a 31% decrease in underlying EBITDA to US$28 billion, and a 37% year-on-year slump in underlying attributable profit to US$13.4 billion, contributed to the reduction in the BHP dividend payout for FY 2023. The main challenges included inflationary cost pressures and a significantly lower price for iron ore, BHP's primary revenue source. In the context of ASX dividend Stock , BHP's financial setbacks underscore the impact of external fact...

Image Credit: Pexels James Bay Minerals Ltd (ASX: JBY), a newcomer to the ASX lithium stock since its debut on September 12, has been making waves. Trading at an IPO price of 30.5 cents, the stock surged by 100% in its first two days, closing the debut week at 52 cents per share. With the lithium sector's inherent volatility, James Bay experienced a low of 24 cents last month, but recent developments suggest a positive turnaround. Recent Performance The ASX lithium stock has rebounded impressively, marking a 40% increase over the past four weeks. On Friday, it recorded a 5.26% uptick, reaching 40 cents. This resurgence follows the company's IPO, where enthusiastic investors expressed excitement about the prospects of the new entrant. Read more: Top News: 3 ASX 200 Banks Making Waves This Week Director's Confidence Noteworthy developments include two directors actively increasing their personal holdings in James Bay Minerals. Executive Director Andrew Dornan, the largest sh...

Image Credit: Pexels It won't be long until a considerable number of ASX 200 shares undergo the ex-dividend process, marking a crucial juncture for investors anticipating their next payouts. When the ex-dividend date for ASX Dividend Stocks is reached, it signifies that new investors are no longer entitled to partake in the forthcoming dividend. Consequently, investors find themselves with a window of opportunity until the conclusion of the trading day preceding the ex-dividend date, during which they can acquire shares to ensure eligibility for the impending payout. Here's an in-depth look at four prominent ASX 200 shares slated to go ex-dividend next week: Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) This gaming technology company's shares are scheduled to go ex-dividend on Thursday, 30 November, offering investors a fully franked dividend of 34 cents per share. Eligible shareholders can anticipate receiving this payout in the subsequent month, precisely on 19 December. Grainco...

Image Credit: Pexels In the challenging landscape of 2023, The Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS) has emerged as a standout ASX small-cap stocks performer, defying market conditions to achieve remarkable profits and earnings growth. Positive Trajectory in 2023 Since January 3rd, The Reject Shop has exhibited an impressive ascent, with its shares witnessing a substantial 21% increase. This outperformance stands in stark contrast to the more modest 2% growth observed in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) during the same period. Fund Manager's Bullish Outlook Leading fund manager Michelle Lopez, Head of Australian Equities at Pie Funds Management, sees further potential for outperformance in this ASX small-cap stock. Lopez emphasizes that The Reject Shop's focus on discount retailing aligns well with consumer trends amid economic challenges, positioning it as "right for the times." She anticipates margin uplift potential, foreseeing robust organic earnings growth throughout 20...