13th December 2021
Morning Bell - Sophia Mavridis
This week, we’ll be bringing you the Morning Bell in audio format this week as our new office and studio are being built.
The market lost some ground last Friday, after what had been a positive week and closed 0.4% lower, with utilities up the most.
Online marketplace Redbubble (ASX:RBL) was the best performer on the ASX200, gaining over 10%. UBS initiated coverage of the stock, with a NEUTRAL rating and a $3.45 price target. Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) gained over 7%, amid a broader rally in the electric vehicle focused commodity sector. Meanwhile, Afterpay (ASX:APT) declined the most.
Bell Direct clients found the most value in Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX:ACDC), as well as CSL (ASX:CSL), Westpac (ASX:WBC), Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and AGL Energy (ASX:AGL).
On Friday US CPI data was released. Inflation rose 6.8% year-over-year, its highest rate since 1982. Despite inflation hitting a 39-year high, all three major benchmarks advanced. The S&P500 closed at a record, up 0.95%, the Dow up 0.6% and the tech heavy Nasdaq up 0.7%.
Australian shares are set to open higher. The futures are suggesting a rise of 0.18%.
What to watch today:
- Keep watch of Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG). On Friday the company announced its CEO, Elizabeth Gaines is stepping down and transitioning into the role of Non-Executive Director. FMG fell 0.8% on Friday, following the announcement.
- Oil gained traction to near $72 a barrel on Friday, attempting to fully recover from a 2% drop the day before. Gold is also trading higher, while the seaborne iron ore price is 1.4% lower, trading at US$105 a tonne.
Trading ideas:
- Bell Potter have a Speculative BUY rating on Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR), with a $2.15 valuation. The company is now funded to commence development at the Kathleen Valley lithium project and is in a stronger position to negotiate long term sales contracts. LTR last closed at $1.64, implying 31% share price growth in a year.
- Trading Central’s analysts have identified a bullish signal in Tietto Minerals (ASX:TIE). This bullish signal indicates that the stock price may rise from the close of $0.42 to the range of $0.48 - $0.50, within 18 days.