Shane Langham

Shares of the in-demand chip maker hit an all-time high of US$502 on the back of a strong profit report, and analysts say it could be set for more gains, despite rising US bond yields complicating the outlook for equities and especially tech stocks.

A BlackRock bitcoin ETF could add an extra $100 million in daily demand for the cryptocurrency, pumping up the price. If US regulators approve the product as expected, analysts expect big tailwinds for the entire crypto ecosystem.

True to form, US stocks are outperforming Aussie shares on the back of a resurgence in technology-related company valuations. Economists warn against straying from diversification, however, with Aussie miners still offering investors capital returns on top of an underlying hedge against a US downturn.

For the world to meet climate targets, the supply of battery-grade lithium will have to ramp up greatly, prompting expectations that the price will keep rising for years to come. And Australian companies with proven lithium deposits could do well as M&A in the sector stays hot, analysts say.

ETFs have “well and truly taken over from actively managed funds” in investor preference for growth investments, advisers say – but when it comes to cash, they recommend eschewing the increasingly popular ETFs in favour of direct investments.

US technology stocks have suffered steep losses over the last year as interest rates have marched higher. But with the Fed now signalling reductions in future rate hikes, value could emerge in tech stocks with strong fundamentals.

Australians who consider themselves expert in financial investment knowledge are nearly as likely as beginners to speak with a financial adviser, a recent survey shows, reflecting the impacts of rising inflation and interest rates on investors’ confidence and highlighting an important role for financial experts.