The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the week in the red, falling 0.86% on Friday to close at 7,346.8 points. That leaves it down 1.17% week-on-week.

Today's tumble followed an equally disappointing overnight session on Wall Street. Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) slumped 1.3%, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) slipped 1.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) dumped 1.8%.

Back home, it was a bloodbath across much of the market today.

Tech was hit hardest, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) tumbling 2.3%. Its worst performer was the Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price, which fell 7.8%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) also suffered, falling 1.8% as coal producers spent a second day deep in the red after tumbling amid news of the NSW government's coal price cap policy yesterday.

There was a bright spot on the ASX 200 today, however. That was the S&P/ASX Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ), which rose 1%, driven by the Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price's 1.7% gain.

So, with all that in mind, which ASX 200 shares outperformed all others today? Let's take a look.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

The biggest gainer on the ASX 200 today was the QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price. It rose 7.4% to close at $14.39.

The insurer posted its full-year earnings this morning, detailing a 2.7% jump in net profit after tax (NPAT) and a 30-cent final dividend­ up 57% year-on-year.

These shares made today's biggest gains:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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 week is shaping up to be one to forget for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). It posted its second loss of the week today, falling 0.07% to close at 7,476.7 points.

It follows a similarly poor session on Wall Street overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) slumped 0.77% on Monday's session overseas, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) dropped 1.3% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) slid 2%.

It makes sense, then, that the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) posted the day's worst performance. It fell 1.3% on Tuesday, weighed down by the Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price's 25% tumble on the back of the company's quarterly earnings.

Mining shares also broadly suffered today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) falling 0.8%.

But not all was dire. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) posted the biggest gain, rising 2.3%.

So, with all that in mind, let's dive into the 10 shares outperforming all others on Tuesday.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top-performing ASX 200 share was none other than supermarket giant Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

It rose 3.77% to close at $36.08 amid news Credit Suisse upgraded the stock to outperform, slapping it with a $36.51 price target.

These shares made today's biggest gains:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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 month has been good to S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) investors, as have these ASX 200 dividend shares.

The index has lifted nearly 6% since the final close of October. Meanwhile, these three stocks each grew their payouts by up to 80% in November.

So, which ASX 200 shares have sent their dividend-focused investors jumping for joy recently? Let's take a look.

3 ASX 200 shares bolstering their dividends this month

First off the bat was CSR Limited (ASX: CSR). The ASX 200 industrial company released its half-year earnings on 4 November.

Within them, it revealed a 27% jump in after-tax profits, coming in at $110 million, and a 14% increase in revenue, reaching $1.3 billion.

CSR also posted a 16.5 cent interim dividend – marking a 22% year-on-year lift. That's certainly nothing to scoff at.

Next up was GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC). The company is, of course, in the grains business and that business appears to have been going well.

GrainCorp's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) more than doubled to $703 million last financial year. Its after-tax profit also jumped 174% to $380 million.

Meanwhile, the company declared a 16 cent per share final dividend – an 80% year-on-year increase. That also brought its total annual dividend to 54 cents – a 200% jump on the prior year's 18 cents.

The final share to up its dividends was ASX 200 software giant TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). It posted a 10.82 cent final dividend last Tuesday – marking an 8% year-on-year increase.

Not only that, but the tech stock also offered investors a 2-cent special dividend – bringing its total payout a notable 27% higher than that of the corresponding period.

The company also saw its revenue grow 18% to $369 million in financial year 2022 while its after-tax profit lifted 22% to $88.8 million.

TechnologyOne has now declared 17.02 cents of dividends per share in 2022. That's 22% more than 2021's 13.91 cents.  

The post 3 ASX 200 shares that announced supersized dividends in November appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

We're well and truly past August reporting season but some companies in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) operate on different financial calendars to the rest.

As a result, some ASX 200 shares have released their full-year results this month. And in the process, they've also declared dividends.

With every dividend comes an ex-dividend date, which marks the day that a company's shares no longer trade with rights to the recently-declared dividend.

In other words, investors who purchase shares on or after the ex-dividend date won't be eligible for the upcoming payment. 

But since shares typically drop on the day they turn ex-dividend, investors may be able to pick up shares at a reduced price.

Without further ado, here are three ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week.

GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

First up, GrainCorp handed in its full-year FY22 results last week and delighted shareholders by declaring a special dividend.

All up, the ASX 200 agribusiness announced a fully franked final dividend of 30 cents per share, which will be paid on 14 December.

GrainCorp shares will turn ex-dividend for this payment on Tuesday. So, to be eligible for this dividend, investors must be on GrainCorp's share register by the closing bell on Monday.

FY22 was a record year for GrainCorp as net profit after tax (NPAT) rocketed by 173% to $380 million.

Each of the company's business segments delivered an increase in activity and volumes. This was driven by more grain handled and exported, higher oilseed crush volumes, and stronger food sales.

The company noted that against a backdrop of operational challenges, global demand for Australian grains, oilseeds, and vegetable oils remained strong throughout the year.

This helped GrainCorp to dish up a three-fold increase in its annual dividends to 54 cents per share, fully franked. With GrainCorp shares last trading at $8.27, this spins up a trailing dividend yield of 6.5%.

Taking out the special dividend, this yield comes in at 4.6%, which grosses up to 6.6%, including franking credits. 

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)

The next cab off the rank is ASX 200 slot machine and casino game manufacturer Aristocrat, which also released its FY22 results last week.

Aristocrat shares will be going ex-dividend on Wednesday, trading without claims to the company's fully franked final dividend of 26 cents per share.

Aristocrat doesn't have a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP), so all eligible shareholders will receive this payment in cash on 16 December.

FY22 was another year of growth for Aristocrat. On the top line, revenue climbed 18% to $5.6 billion, while NPAT jumped 30% to $1.0 billion.

The company said this growth reflected sustained investment in top-performing product portfolios, differentiating capabilities, increased operational diversification, and business resilience.

Aristocrat's North American gaming operations and global outright sales division were standouts.

Across the financial year, Aristocrat returned $660 million to shareholders through dividends and an on-market share buyback.

The ASX 200 gaming company dialled up its annual dividends by 27% in FY22, declaring total dividends of 52 cents. This puts Aristocrat shares on a trailing dividend yield of 1.5%, which grosses up to 2.1%.

Pendal Group Ltd (ASX: PDL)

Rounding out this trio of ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend next week is investment management business Pendal.

As of Thursday, Pendal shares will be trading without rights to the company's fully franked final dividend of 3.5 cents per share. 

Like GrainCorp and Aristocrat, Pendal isn't running a DRP for this payment. So, shareholders will have no choice but to receive this dividend in cash on 15 December.

It's been a busy year for Pendal, with its proposed takeover by Perpetual Limited (ASX: PPT) currently awaiting shareholder approval.

Perpetual first lobbed a bid for Pendal in April this year and there's been plenty of back and forth between the two parties since. 

Just last week, the terms of the offer were revised again, changing the split between cash and scrip.

If the deal proceeds, Pendal shareholders will receive one Perpetual share for every 7 Pendal shares, plus $1.65 cash. However, this cash component will be reduced by 3.5 cents to account for Pendal's FY22 final dividend.

Based on Perpetual's last closing price, this currently values Pendal at around $5.28 per share. In comparison, Pendal shares last swapped hands on-market for $4.83.

Pendal shareholders are set to vote on the proposal next month on 23 December.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares trading ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Despite posting a strong start to Monday's session, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the day in the red. As of today's close, the index was down 0.17% at 7,139.3 points.

Leading the fall were many ASX 200 miners. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) closed Monday's session 1.5% lower with Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG)'s 3.8% fall weighing it down.

The tech sector also underperformed, with the S&P/ASX 200 Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) plunging 1.5%. Giants Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) were among its worst performers.

Though, not all was dire on the Aussie bourse today.

The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) led today's gains, surging 1.8% higher.

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) also put out a decent gain, lifting 0.9%.

All in all, seven of the index's 11 sectors closed in the green on Monday. But which share rocketed higher to take out today's crown? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top-performing ASX 200 stock was AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL). Interestingly, there's been no news from the company since the dramatic outcome of its annual general meeting (AGM) last week.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the week in the green. The index closed Friday's session 0.23% higher at 7,151.8 points. That marks a week-on-week fall of 0.09%.

That was despite a weak performance from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ). It slumped 0.4% amid tumbling oil prices.

The Brent crude oil price fell 3.3% to US$89.78 a barrel overnight and the US Nymex crude oil price dumped 4.6% to trade at US$81.64 a barrel.

Fortunately, the energy sector's suffering was offset by gains across the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ), the S&P/ASX 200 Communications Index (ASX: XTJ), and the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ). They lifted 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.7% respectively

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) traded flat amid news OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) will likely accept BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)'s increased takeover bid.

All in all, seven of the ASX 200's 11 sectors closed in the green. But which share outperformed all others to close the week on a high? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It might come as no surprise that the stock topping the lot on Friday was OZ Minerals.

It returned to trade this morning after a two-day trading halt on news BHP upped its bid for the company to $28.25.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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's been a big week of earnings and plenty of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have made the most of the action, with some declaring whopping dividends. One stock even upped its full-year dividends by an enormous 200%.

So, how much can shareholders look forward to receiving and how can market watchers get in on the action?

Here's all you need to know about the ASX 200 dividend shares revealing monster payouts this week.

3 ASX 200 shares upping their dividends this week

There have been earnings from plenty of ASX 200 shares this week, but these three stunned the market with soaring dividends.

First out the gates is agriculture company GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC).

It doubled its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) year-on-year, coming in at $703 million. On top of that, the company's after-tax profit jumped 174% to $380 million. It likely comes as no surprise then, that the ASX 200 share also upped its dividend significantly.

Astoundingly, its full-year dividends tripled, coming in at 54 cents per share – up from 18 cents per share in financial year 2021.

GrainCorp doesn't trade ex-dividend until 29 November. That means interested market watchers still have time to jump on board and receive the offering.

Next up is Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL).

The ASX 200 staple posted a 20% jump in normalised EBITDA, coming in at $1.85 billion, and a 31% increase in normalised after-tax profits, lifting to $1 billion in financial year 2022.

The company also posted a notably larger full-year dividend, coming in at 52 cents per share. That marks a 27% jump on financial year 2021's 41 cents per share.

Aristocrat Leisure trades ex-dividend on 30 November.

Finally, ASX 200 crop protection and seed technology company Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) more than doubled its full-year dividends this week.

Its underlying EBITDA soared 24% last financial year to $447 million while its profit jumped 65% to $107.4 million.

Meanwhile, the ASX 200 company offered investors 10 cents per share of dividends for the period – up 150% from financial year 2021's 4 cents per share.

The stock will be the first of the three to trade ex-dividend. New investors will miss out on the payout from 24 November.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares that announced supersized dividends this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)

The Aristocrat share price is down 5.5% to $35.74. This follows the release of the gaming technology company's full year results. Aristocrat reported operating revenue growth of 17.7% to $5,573.7 million and NPATA growth of 27.1% to $1,099.3 million. Goldman Sachs notes that the result was "in line with street; [but] ANZ gaming impacted by supply chain."

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is down over 2% to $104.18. This morning, the team at Credit Suisse responded to the banking giant's first quarter update by downgrading its shares to an underperform rating with a $97.50 price target. Its analysts appear to believe that CBA's net interest margin improvements will be offset by rising costs.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

The Core Lithium share price is down a further 4.5% to $1.50. Investors have been selling Core Lithium and other lithium shares over the last couple of sessions amid concerns over demand for the battery making ingredient in China. This follows a note out of Credit Suisse which highlights that a major cathode producer is believed to have slashed production targets.

GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The GrainCorp share price is down almost 3% to $7.77. This is despite the grain exporter releasing its full year results and reporting stellar earnings and dividend growth. Investors may be concerned by the company's outlook statement. Management warned that heavy rainfall was impacting east coast production.

The post Why Aristocrat, CBA, Core Lithium, and GrainCorp shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In afternoon trade, the grain exporter's shares are down 3% to $7.73.

This puts the GrainCorp share price among the worst performers on the ASX 200 index today.

Interestingly, this decline comes despite the company releasing its FY 2022 results today and supersizing its dividend.

The GrainCorp dividend

This morning, GrainCorp released its full year results and revealed a 174% increase in net profit after tax to $380 million. This was driven by a 127% increase in Agribusiness operating earnings to $624 million and a 63% lift in Processing operating earnings to $127 million.

In light of this strong performance, the GrainCorp board declared a fully franked final dividend of 14 cents per share and a special dividend of 16 cents share.

This took the company's dividends to a total of 54 cents per share for FY 2022, which is a whopping 200% increase on FY 2021's 18 cents per share dividend.

Eligible shareholders can look forward to being paid GrainCorp's final and special dividends next month on 14 December.

So why is the GrainCorp share price falling?

The weakness in the GrainCorp share price today appears to have been driven by management's outlook commentary.

Although its CEO, Robert Spurway, believes "GrainCorp is well positioned for the new financial year," he warned that heavy rainfall has been impacting operations on the East Coast of Australia. (ECA).

He notes that "heavy rainfall across large parts of ECA has delayed the harvest by several weeks and continues to present challenges for growers, their communities and local businesses."

In addition, Spurway highlighted that "flooding will impact both yield and quality in parts of ECA" and that "exceptional margins achieved in the first half of FY22 moderated in the second half."

All in all, investors appear doubtful that GrainCorp will be able to build on this result in FY 2023 and are now expecting a sizeable earnings and dividend decline.

The post This ASX 200 company just supersized its dividend by 200% So, why is its share price falling? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the grain exporter's shares are down 4% to $7.65.

Why is the GrainCorp share price falling?

Investors have been hitting the sell button today after the company released its full year results.

Here's a summary of how it performed in FY 2022:

• EBITDA up 112% to $703 million
• Net profit after tax up 174% to $380 million
• Fully franked final dividend of 14 cents per share
• Special dividend of 16 cents per share
• Total dividends of 54 cents per share, up from 18 cents per share

What drove this strong growth?

GrainCorp's earnings growth was driven by strong performances from across the business.

The Agribusiness segment reported a 127% increase in EBITDA to $624 million. This reflects an increase in total grain handled (41.1mmt vs 34.4mmt) and strong supply chain margins for grain exports. GrainCorp CEO Robert Spurway advised that the company operated its "ports at close to full capacity in FY22, exporting 9.2mmt of grain and oilseeds to international markets."

This was supported by the Processing segment, which reported a 63% increase in EBITDA to $127 million. This was driven by strong oilseed crush margins and higher volumes driven by efficiency improvements at GrainCorp's Numurkah crush plant.

Crush margins were supported by strong demand for vegetable oils, arising from global production challenges in canola and soybean, disruption of supply out of the Black Sea region, and growing markets in renewable fuel feedstocks.

Outlook

GrainCorp has warned that inclement weather has been impacting operations. Spurway commented:

Recent heavy rainfall across large parts of ECA has delayed the harvest by several weeks and continues to present challenges for growers, their communities and local businesses.

While flooding will impact both yield and quality in parts of ECA, we have a high level of grain inventory in our network, and we expect a large export program to continue throughout FY23.

Spurway also confirmed that, as expected, margins softened in the second half of FY 2022. He explained:

The exceptional margins achieved in the first half of FY22 moderated in the second half as expected, as supply from the northern hemisphere improved. Pleasingly, domestic and global demand for feed and milling grades remains strong. Oilseed crush margins are expected to remain favourable, and we are well positioned to continue operating our crushing facilities at high utilisation.

Nevertheless, Spurway remains positive about the company's prospects in FY 2023. He concludes:

GrainCorp is well positioned for the new financial year, with our businesses performing well, a strong balance sheet and pipeline of growth opportunities.

The post GrainCorp share price falls despite soaring earnings and dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained on Tuesday as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hiked interest rates once more. The index closed 1.65% higher at 6,976.9 points.

The RBA lifted the nation's cash rate by 0.25% to 2.85% at its November meeting in a bid to crush soaring inflation. That was in line with the more dovish prediction thrown around by analysts, with others tipping a 0.5% hike.

The Australian consumer price index (CPI) rose to a 32-year high of 7.3% in the September quarter.  

And the RBA doesn't appear to be done yet. It flagged further rate hikes in coming months while inflation is forecast to peak at around 8% later this year.

Back to the market, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) led the way today, gaining 2.6%.

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was hot on its tail, lifting 2.1% despite falling oil prices.

The Brent crude oil price fell 1% to US$94.83 a barrel on Monday while the US Nymex crude oil price dropped 1.6% to US$86.53 a barrel.  

The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) both also outperformed, lifting 2.5% and 2.1% respectively.

At the end of Tuesday's trade, all 11 of the ASX 200's sectors were higher. But which share outperformed all others? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

The top-performing ASX 200 share today was none other than Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU).

Stock in the healthcare favourite jumped another 11% today, adding to the 6% surge it posted on Monday on the back of a clinical trial update.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.

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

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The Graincorp share price is up 5% to $8.79. Investors have been buying this grain exporter's shares after wheat prices stormed higher. This is the second day in a row that the Graincorp share price has been racing higher, stretching its week to date gain to 13%.

Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN)

The Nanosonics share price is up almost 3% to $4.23. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded this infection prevention company's shares to add rating with a $4.87 price target. The broker made the move on valuation grounds following recent share price weakness.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The NextDC share price is up 6% to $8.83. This morning the team at Macquarie reiterated its outperform rating on this data centre operator's shares with a trimmed price target of $11.40. The broker notes that the NextDC share price has fallen heavily this year, creating a buying opportunity.

Readytech Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDY)

The Readytech share price is up 27% to $4.12. Investors have been scrambling to buy this enterprise software company's shares after it received a takeover offer. Readytech has received a conditional, non-binding indicative proposal from funds managed or advised by Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) to acquire it by way of a scheme of arrangement at an offer price of $4.50 per share. This was a 38.9% premium to its last close price.

The post Why Graincorp, Nanosonics, NextDC, and Readytech shares are racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recovered from Friday's 0.87% fall, and then some, today. The index closed 1.15% higher at 6,863.5 points.

It followed a strong Friday session on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) lifted 2.6% to post its fourth consecutive weekly gain. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) rose 2.5% and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) gained 2.9%.

Such gains didn't rub off on all ASX 200 sectors today, however. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) slipped 0.4% amid falling oil prices.

The Brent crude oil price fell 1.2% to US$95.77 a barrel on Friday while the US Nymex crude oil price slipped 1.3% to US$87.90 a barrel.

On the other end of the market, the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) jumped 2.6% despite broad expectations the Reserve Bank of Australia could hike rates by between 0.25% to 0.5% tomorrow.

Mining stocks also had a reasonable day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) gaining 0.1%.

All in all, 10 of the ASX 200's 11 sectors closed higher on Monday. But which share outperformed all others? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top-performing ASX 200 share was Home Consortium Ltd (ASX: HMC). It gained close to 8% despite only silence from the property group on Monday.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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 Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price is taking off on Monday amid a spike in wheat prices.

Chicago wheat futures have lifted more than 5% today after Russia exited the Black Sea grain deal over the weekend.

And the Graincorp share price is along for the ride. The ASX agriculture company's bottom line is closely tied to grain prices, meaning an increase in the price of wheat could boost profits.

The stock is up 7.99% right now, trading at $8.38. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted 1.07%.

Let's take a closer look at what might be bolstering the Graincorp share price on Monday.

Russia suspends Black Sea grain deal

The Graincorp share price is gaining as news Russia has backed out of a United Nations-brokered trade deal appears to drive wheat prices higher.

The agreement was designed to allow Ukraine to export grain from the Black Sea without risking attacks on merchant ships, the Guardian reports. Russia could also export food and fertiliser under the deal.

However, Russia ditched the agreement following a drone attack on Sevastopol, its Black Sea naval base. The nation attributed the action to Ukraine.

The Russian defence ministry said, via Russian news outlet Tass, the attack targeted the nation's Black Sea Fleet and other ships involved with the grain corridor. It also said a drone might have been launched from a vessel carrying Ukrainian agricultural production.  

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the UN and G20 to respond to Russia's exit from the deal and the establishment of what he called a "blockade" in the grain corridor, saying:

This is an absolutely transparent intention of Russia to return the threat of large-scale famine to Africa and Asia.

Graincorp share price soars alongside wheat prices

If the Graincorp share price's current gains hold out until close, the stock will post its second-largest single-session gain of the last 12 months.

Today's lift hasn't proven enough to pull the agriculture share back into the longer-term green, however. It has dumped nearly 20% over the last six months.

That's despite the company upgrading its guidance in August.

Graincorp expects to declare between $680 million and $730 million of underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for the financial year 2022. It will release its full year earnings on 16 November.

The post Wheat woes: Why the Graincorp share price is charging 8% to the upside today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dumped early gains today to end the day in the red. The index closed 0.34% lower at 6,645 points.

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was the market's biggest weigh, falling 1.6% amid lower oil prices. The Brent crude oil price fell 1.8%to US$96.19 a barrel while the US Nymex crude oil price dropped 1.6% to US$91.13 a barrel.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) also slumped 0.1% following a rough night for the iron ore price. Iron ore futures fell 1.8% as most Australians slept to trade at US$97.35 a tonne. Meanwhile, gold futures dumped 2% to US$1,675.20 an ounce.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) slipped 0.03% and 0.16%, respectively, amid the latest Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) consumer sentiment data, finding the measure fell by 0.9% to a near historic low of 83.7 in October.

All in all, two of the ASX 200's 11 sectors closed in the green today. But which share topped all its peers? Keep reading to find out.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top-performing ASX 200 share was none other than newbie Johns Lyng Group Ltd (ASX: JLG). The company was added to the index in the September rebalance.

Today's biggest gains were made by these shares:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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's hard enough to consistently beat the market, whether that be the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), or the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO). But doing so without ASX energy shares over 2022, in particular, is a hard ask indeed.

After all, the ASX 300 has lost around 9.7% year to date. But the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) has gained a whopping 34.3%.

That's been helped by ASX energy shares like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), which is up by around 50% in 2022 thus far. Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares have gained an extraordinary 224% or so over the same period.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as rising global inflation, has pushed energy prices up to historically high levels this year, to which any motorist would be able to attest.

And yet, the Ethical Partners Australian Share Fund has managed to beat the market. And without investing in fossil fuel shares at all. As an ethical fund, this fund manager excludes any fossil fuel-producing shares from its investing universe.

That's along with any company involved with gambling, alcohol, tobacco, uranium, weapons or predatory lending, as per the fund's environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing framework.

According to the fund manager, the Fund's C class units have delivered a loss of just 13.5% over the year to 31 August. That's an outperformance of almost 4% against the ASX 300 Index.

So how has this managed fund done it?

Beating the market without ASX energy shares

Well, let's look at what kind of shares the Ethical Partners Australian Share Fund currently holds for an idea. So Ethical Partners fund manager Nathan Parkin recently sat down for an interview with the Australian Financial Review (AFR). He named several of the fund's winning ASX 300 shares.

The first is Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC). Graincorp shares are up more than 32% over the past year, and rose around 30% between January and May on the back of rising food prices. Here's what Parkin said on the fund's Graincorp position:

You've got to look in different places… There's a shortage of energy in the world, but there's also a shortage of wheat. It's somewhat of a hedge. The things that are affecting oil and gas are also affecting wheat.

Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) is another company that Parkin likes. He pointed out how Qantas is "committed to reducing carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2030 from 2019 levels". Qantas shares have gained more than 26% over the past two months or so.

So this just goes to show that funds can deliver outperformance, even when they actively exclude what might be one of the best-performing sectors on the ASX 300 Index.

The post How this fundie is beating the ASX 300 without fossil fuels appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) took its lead from Wall Street on Wednesday, plummeting to a seven-week low. The index closed 1.42% lower at 6,729.30 points.

It came after the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) and Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fell 0.4% and 0.5% respectively overnight. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) slipped 0.7%.

Leading the ASX 200's downfall was the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ), falling 2.9%. It followed a mixed night for oil prices.

The Brent crude oil price fell 3% to US$92.83 a barrel overnight while the US Nymex crude oil price  lifted 0.1% to US$86.88 a barrel.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) also plunged 2% after iron ore futures slid 0.9% to US$97.61 a tonne and gold futures lifted 0.6% to US$1,712.90 an ounce.

Only two sectors recorded a gain on Wednesday. The biggest lift was posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ). It rose 0.3% despite the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite's Tuesday losses.

But which share outperformed all others on Wednesday? Let's take a look.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top performing ASX 200 share was ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD). Find out more about the medical device and software developer and what it's been up to lately here.

Today's biggest gains were made by these ASX shares:

Our top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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 hectic reporting season and prophetic words from the US Federal Reserve chair shaking confidence in ASX shares, there are plenty of bargains out there.

Fortunately for long-term investors, some experts have nominated which stocks they'd buy for cheap right now:

An ageing population will happen regardless of economy

Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX) shares have dipped more than 13% since 5 August.

If one goes back to the start of the year, the healthcare stock has lost almost 40%.

But that just makes it a golden buying opportunity, as far as Fat Prophets chief executive Angus Geddes is concerned.

"Integral Diagnostics provides medical imaging services across Australia and New Zealand. The company's hub and spoke model generates efficiencies," he told The Bull.

"The diagnostics sector has long-term appealing trends given an ageing population and patients returning for medical examinations and treatments."

The wider analyst community is divided on this one.

This week Citi and Goldman Sachs cut their price targets, while Jefferies and Macquarie both raised their price targets.

'Tight employment market' favours this stock

Baker Young managed portfolio analyst Toby Grimm likes the look of jobs classifieds site Seek Limited (ASX: SEK).

"This employment and education company delivered better than expected revenue and earnings growth in fiscal year 2022. However, Seek's share price has recently retreated."

Indeed the stock has lost 17% over the past 19 days, while it's been a 39.9% slide down since the start of the year.

This betrays the quality of the business, according to Grimm.

"The company operates a dominant job advertising site, and we expect it to benefit in an exceptionally tight employment market. A value opportunity exists at these price levels."

Some of the sell-off this month seems to have occurred after UBS and JP Morgan both cut their price targets.

However, 10 out of 16 analysts surveyed on CMC Markets currently rate Seek as a buy, with nine of them recommending it as a strong buy.

Above-average east coast crops expected next year

Marcus Today analyst Layton Membrey currently favours Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) after an 18.3% drop since early June.

"This diversified Australian agribusiness recently upgraded earnings guidance for the full year ending September 30, 2022," he said.

"It expects underlying net profit after tax to range between $365 million and $400 million. It was previously forecasting NPAT to range between $310 million and $370 million."

The outlook for the next financial year is positive too.

"Graincorp is expecting another east coast Australian crop to be above average in fiscal year 2022/23."

Graincorp shares seem to have also been recent victims of a downturn in sentiment from some analysts.

Earlier this month Morgans, Macquarie, Wilsons, Bell Potter and UBS all reduced their price targets in response to the very financial update that Membrey is positive on.

The share price for Graincorp is up 1.5% year to date, and pays out a 2.57% dividend yield.

The post 3 ASX shares now at a golden buying opportunity: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares have been among some of the strongest performers on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year.

Since 23 August 2021, Graincorp shares have gained 41%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 6% over the 12 months.

And today marks another day of outperformance for the integrated grain and edible oils business, with shares up 0.7% to $8.61, as the ASX tumbles 0.86%.

Even with the big share price gains, Graincorp's trailing dividend yield remains at a healthy 2.6%, fully franked.

But after such a strong run, is it too late to buy Graincorp shares in 2022?

Food prices join energy prices in shooting higher

It's not just energy prices that have gone through the roof this year. Grains and most food prices have shot higher as well.

Part of those price hikes are linked to higher energy costs, as most farming requires a fair bit of energy input, even before the final, processed products need to be transported to market.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine also contributed to fast-rising prices. While Ukraine is again exporting grain, the levels are far below the five to six million tonnes the nation was exporting before the war.

Higher grain prices and people's need to keep eating should continue to offer tailwinds for Graincorp shares.

Saxo Bank's country head of direct sales David Harvie is bullish on the outlook for the company.

Speaking to my Fool colleague Mitchell Lawler in Brisbane last week, Harvie said that the ASX agriculture share is one both he and Saxo like the look of.

"I'll always start with the fundamentals," he said. "And that's why from an investment standpoint, I'd probably pick something like a Graincorp. That thematic of food requirement and surety of production over time."

Graincorp shares lifted by upgraded guidance

Earlier this month, Graincorp shares got a big lift after the company upgraded its earnings guidance for the period ending 30 September.

The company's new forecast envisions earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) in the range of $680 million-$730 million, up from previous guidance of $590 million-$670 million.

Graincorp also increased its net profits after tax (NPAT) guidance from $365 million-$400 million, up from the previous guidance of $310 million-$370 million.

The post Up 41% in a year, is it too late to buy Graincorp shares in 2022? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped on Wednesday, weighed down by tech shares. The index was 0.53% lower at 6,992.70 points at the market's close.

A poor trade on Wall Street and rising bond yields might have weighed on the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) today. It dumped 3.8%.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fell 1.2% overnight while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) slipped 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.

But it wasn't all bad across the bourse. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) lifted 0.9% and 0.5% respectively.

It came as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) released its full year earnings, detailing a $10.77 billion after tax profit.

At the end of today's session, two of the ASX 200's 11 sectors were trading in the green.

Keep reading to find out which stock outperformed all others on Wednesday.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

The Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU) share price topped the lot on Wednesday, gaining 9% on the back of an update on its clinical trial. Find out more about what Imugene's been up to here.

Today's biggest gains were made by these ASX shares:

Our top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making 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.