ASX

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX:CXO) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX:FLT) shares are among the most shorted shares on the ASX this week...

[ASX: FLT](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-flt/)) continues as the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 14.7%, which is up week on week. Short sellers may be targeting Chalice due to delays to the mineral exploration company’s scoping study. This high level of short interest may have been driven by concerns over Zip’s high debt and doubts over its ability to become profitable in the near term. One short seller, J Capital, is alleging that this lithium developer is having issues producing battery grade lithium at scale. [ASX: CHN](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-chn/)) has seen its short interest ease to 7.1%. Short sellers may be going after this appliance manufacturer due to fears that consumer spending on household goods could soften in 2023 due to housing market weakness and the cost of living crisis. This network as a service operator’s shares have come under pressure in recent months amid concerns over the capital intensive nature of its business and its cash flow generation. [ASX: BRG](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-brg/)) has seen its short interest edge lower to 7.4%. This betting technology company’s shares have been crushed over the last 12 months, but short sellers don’t appear to believe they have bottomed yet. The fund management industry is going through a difficult period right now as rates rise. [ASX: MP1](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-mp1/)) has seen its short interest ease slightly to 11.1%. [ASX: BET](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-bet/)) has seen its short interest rebound to 13%.

These ASX lithium shares are catching the attention of investors on Monday. Here's a look at what is fuelling the increased interest.

In fact, the investment in Warrego follows a $403 million [off-market takeover bid](https://www.fool.com.au/2022/12/16/why-is-the-norwest-energy-share-price-rocketing-31-on-friday/) of Norwest Energy NL ( [ASX: NWE](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-nwe/)) made in December. Barely a month into its listed life and Patriot Lithium Ltd (ASX: PAT) is already looking to spread its wings. According to the release, the land totals 909sq km in the greenstone belts of the Archean Superior Craton of Ontario. The Mineral Resources share price is catching a 3.1% rally today, lifting to $86.14. Meanwhile, IGO shares are being pushed 1.9% to the upside today, now trading hands at $14.28. [mining services](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/top-mining-shares/), [iron ore](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/iron-ore-shares/), and lithium businesses, it also dabbles in [energy](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/asx-energy-shares/). The sector feeling the most love so far today is materials, catching a 0.66% boost with the Fortescue Metals Group Limited ( [ASX: MIN](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-min/)) on Friday afternoon confirmed it had taken a 16.35% stake in Warrego Energy Ltd ( [ASX: WGO](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-wgo/)). Let’s explore the exact details behind the moves. [50 cents per share to acquire](https://www.fool.com.au/2023/01/09/why-is-asx-lithium-share-essential-metals-exploding-40-today/) Essential Metals Ltd ( [ASX: ESS](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-ess/)). [ASX: IGO](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-igo/)), has made it clear this morning it is looking for additional lithium resources. [ASX: FMG](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-fmg/)) share price being the odd one out.

On Stockhead today, Morningstar's Monday answers for what ASX sectors to best get you through the turbulence ahead. Also, is 2023 a gold year?

-13%

In currency markets, The Australian dollar added 0.2% to trade near 4-month highs as the greenback sold off following US jobs data. On the bond markets, ...

[FMG](/equities/fortescue-metals)) dipped 0.6% however after announcing the resignation of CFO Ian Wells. Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: [CXO](/equities/core-lithium-ltd?cid=947701)) also lifted 1.9% after reports that that the company will relocate its head office to Perth. [Saved Items](/members-admin/saved-items) [ASX 200 Futures](/indices/australia-200-futures) were pointing 0.3% higher. [S&P/ASX 200](/indices/aus-200) added 70.9 points or 1% to 7,180.5 after the first 100 minutes of Monday’s trade, extending gains of 1% in the previous week with investors tracking advances among U.S. [Materials](/indices/s-p-asx-200-materials) lifted 1.5% collectively as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: [BHP](/equities/bhp-billiton-limited)) added 1.6%, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: [RIO](/equities/rio-tinto-limited)) lifted 0.2%, Lake Resources (ASX: [LKE](/equities/lake-resources-nl)) added 0.6% and European Lithium Ltd (ASX: [EUR](/equities/european-lithium-ltd)) gained 2.6%.

2022 was tough on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), but energy stocks – and coal shares in particular – bucked the trend.

It posted [two ordinary dividends and three special dividends](https://www.fool.com.au/2022/12/24/the-asx-200-share-than-turned-a-5000-investment-into-2400-of-passive-income-in-2022/) over the period, totalling approximately 59.75 cents per share. In September, it also posted a whopping profit for the last financial year. That’s compared to the ASX 200’s 5.5% tumble. [the six months ended 30 June](https://www.fool.com.au/2022/08/09/coronado-share-price-jumps-on-3200-earnings-surge/) – a 3,200% year-on-year improvement. [ASX: CRN](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-crn/)) takes out the bronze spot, coming in as 2022’s third best-performing ASX 200 coal share. [dividend](https://www.fool.com.au/definitions/dividend/) fans were likely pricked by this stock last year. [ASX energy stocks](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/asx-energy-shares/) – and [coal shares](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/asx-coal-shares/) in particular – bucked the trend. [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA)](https://www.fool.com.au/definitions/ebitda/). [ASX: WHC](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-whc/)) share price outperformed not only all fellow ASX 200 coal stocks in 2022, but [every other ASX 200 share as well](https://www.fool.com.au/2023/01/01/these-were-the-best-performing-asx-200-shares-of-2022/). [floods impacting production](https://www.fool.com.au/2022/11/09/whitehaven-share-price-dives-9-as-floods-hit-guidance/) at the company’s New South Wales open-cut mines. [ASX: NHC](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-nhc/)) share price also took off in 2022, rising from $2.23 on 31 December 2021 to $6.36 12 months later – a 185% gain. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) soared nearly 40% between the final close of 2021 and the end of 2022.

A rally on Wall Street has sent Australian stocks higher, while property values in the country have recorded the biggest fall in recent memory.

IGO gained 2.3 per cent. But there are solutions. "The same impact was not seen in building approvals through most of 2022. Total approvals are at their lowest level since January 2022." - South Australia (10.0 per cent) - Tasmania (75.7 per cent) - Queensland (-5.6 per cent) - Victoria (-12.7 per cent) By Samuel Yang - Bitcoin: up 1.4 per cent to $US17,166.00 - Nikkei: Up 0.6 per cent to 25,974 - ASX 200: Up 0.8 per cent to 7,163

Aussie shares are expected to open much higher this morning, extending its 1% gain last week. At 8am AEDT, the ASX 200 Jan futures contract was pointing up ...

Widgie says lithium exploration activities will be advanced across the entire Widgie tenure to identify further drill targets, in parallel with ongoing nickel programs. The latest drilling intersections and new electromagnetic (EM) results have demonstrated potential for a significant upgrade to the existing nickel sulphide resource. Further assays have reaffirmed a lithium discovery at Faraday. [Widgie Nickel (ASX:WIN)](https://stockhead.com.au/company/widgie-nickel-win/) Following a review of its corporate overheads, initiatives have been implemented that will see Board remuneration and recurring company costs significantly reduced, effective 1 January 2023. The welding tech company has received a Euro €385k purchase order from Ireland based Brewery Chemical & Dairy Engineering for its Linear Precision Grow Line Circumferential Welding System. [Sabre Resources (ASX:SBR)](https://stockhead.com.au/company/sabre-resources-sbr/) [Baston Minerals (ASX:BMO)](https://stockhead.com.au/company/bastion-minerals-bmo/) [K-TIG (ASX:KTG)](https://stockhead.com.au/company/k-tig-ktg/) Volpara says these agreements validate its focus on “elephant-sized” industry leaders for recurring revenue growth. The new contracts include some of the US’s leading healthcare providers: Bon Secours Mercy Health, Northside Hospital, Adventist Health, Duly Health and Care, and Onsite Women’s Health. [Volpara Health (ASX:VHT)](https://stockhead.com.au/company/volpara-health-technologies-vht/)

The Australian sharemarket climbed on Monday morning as several key metal prices lifted, and after Wall Street closed with broad gains on Friday.

“As long as wage gains are coasting to a sustainable altitude, the Fed might continue to throttle back its rate hikes,” said Brian Jacobsen, senior investment strategist at Allspring Global Investments. Analysts warned trading may remain turbulent in the coming hours and weeks as investors keep trying to handicap whether the economy can avoid a recession. On the downside, it also showed hiring across the job market may still be too strong for the Fed’s liking, even after its fusillade of rate rises last year. It’s the smallest raise for workers since two summers ago, and it came despite economists’ expectations for an acceleration. On the upside for them, it showed workers’ wage gains are slowing, which could mean easing pressure on the nation’s high inflation. The S&P 500 rose 2.3 per cent, marking its first winning week in the last five.

The reinsurers – global companies offering insurance to insurers in big disasters such as floods or hailstorms – have been seeking massive price rises and ...

A gauge of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong climbed 1.8 per cent as of 10:27am local time, taking its gain for the year to more than 8 per cent. [well below a peak of 76 per cent in 2012](https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/bond-purchases-could-end-in-february-on-recovery-20211220-p59j39). Stocks in China have made a strong start to 2023 after being caught in a downward spiral for much of last year amid concerns over the economic toll from virus restrictions. [Read the full Monday fundie here.](https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/the-rba-has-one-chance-left-to-win-back-foreign-investors-20221208-p5c4vq) Gauges in Hong Kong and South Korea led gains in the session, while Japan was closed for a holiday. “Mr Davison did not prove substantial truth and he has no substantial truth or honest opinion defence. Accordingly, Mr Kumova is entitled to be vindicated and to be seen to be vindicated,” Justice Lee told the court in a decision on Monday. That’s after they both slumped about 19 per cent last year, their worst performance since 2008. [acted in partnership on lithium matters since late 2020](https://www.afr.com/companies/mining/igo-snares-stake-in-lithium-mine-plant-for-1-9b-20201209-p56lx4), agreed to pay $136 million to acquire lithium explorer Essential Metals under a plan to get a foothold in the lithium production zone between Kalgoorlie and Norseman. Treasury has around $900 billion of debt in circulation, and just under half is in the hands of non-Australian residents – down from 57 per cent before the pandemic, and The potential milestone marks a turnaround for the MSCI Asia gauge, which tumbled nearly 40 per cent from a peak in early 2021 as China stuck to its stringent COVID-zero policy and the region’s heavyweight chip stocks entered a downcycle on waning demand. [pay more to protect itself](https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/surge-in-iag-reinsurance-costs-hides-a-sting-for-anz-suncorp-deal-20230109-p5cb8g) from such catastrophes, in the latest example of massive pressure from reinsurers.

These five ASX 200 gold mining shares have all hit new highs today. Let's check them out and see what's behind these gains...

[ASX: GOR](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-gor/)). This [ASX 200 gold miner](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/asx-gold-shares/) has enjoyed a 2.17% bump so far today to $5.19. Although this isn’t a record high, it is the highest share price this company has seen in a decade. [ASX: NST](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-nst/)). [ASX: PRU](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-pru/)). But this gold miner hit a new 52-week high of $1.90 a share this morning soon after [market open](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/opening-hours-asx/). The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has kicked off the trading week with a pleasing gain. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has lifted by a healthy 0.98%, putting the index at just under 7,180 points. [ASX: CMM](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-cmm/)). [ASX: DEG](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-deg/)) is another ASX 200 gold miner that is on fire this Monday. [my Fool colleague James covered this morning](https://www.fool.com.au/2023/01/09/5-things-to-watch-on-the-asx-200-on-monday-138/), the price of gold jumped a substantial 1.6% at the end of last week to US$1,869.70 per ounce. [ASX 200 mining shares](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/top-mining-shares/) that are doing even better than that.

The new year could bring relief for those invested in S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares, according to forecasting by Citi.

[ASX: CBA](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-cba/)) economists, meanwhile, expect the ASX 200 could end the year at 7,550 points. There is upside potential to the forecasts should Chinese authorities be successful in re-opening their economy. It’s said to have tipped the index to gain around 5% over the course of this year. While any gain’s a good gain, such a modest rise would see the ASX 200 remain lower than it was at the end of 2021. That’s 7% higher than where it closed in 2022. [real estate investment trusts (REITs)](https://www.fool.com.au/definitions/real-estate-investment-trust/) late in the year.

Australian shares are poised to jump 1.5 per cent, amid optimism the US Federal Reserve may slow the pace of rate rises after data showed ...

The International Monetary Fund warned this week that a third of the global economy could be in recession in 2023, while Federal Reserve Bank of St. A measure of US-listed Chinese shares had its best-ever start to a year after a relentless rout that erased more than half of its value over the last 24 months. [Sign up now](https://login.myfairfax.com.au/signup_newsletter/10104?channel_key=9ME3ACTT4ZYY1fEMfvR2EA&callback_uri=https://www.afr.com) [Andrew Hobbs](/by/andrew-hobbs-p4yvj9)is an online editor. The S&P 500 started the new year up 1.5 per cent on the week while the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.9 per cent over that period. If proven correct, it would suggest a deceleration in both measures with mean core at 5.8 per cent, from 6 per cent and the headline figure slowing to 6.7 per cent from 7 per cent, in a welcome result for the Federal Reserve. Crude’s weak start to the year has come as forward curves continue to signal signs of oversupply. [The RBA has one shot left to win back foreign investors](https://www.afr.com/link/follow-20180101-p5c4vq) UBS strategist Giulia Specchia says central bank predictability is key to winning the confidence of international investors, and the Reserve Bank is no different. Despite a sluggish dollar which tends to bolster the energy market, oil prices gave up earlier gains. That lowered the year-on-year increase in wages to 4.6 per cent, the smallest rise since August 2021, from 4.8 per cent in November. NAB expects a monthly rise of 0.8 per cent in CPI, taking annual inflation to 7.3 per cent. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3 per cent after gaining 0.4 per cent in the prior month. The pace of rate hikes is no longer relevant.”

The share market's positive start to 2023 looked set to continue after optimism about cooling inflation fuelled Wall Street's biggest rally of the new year.

The ‘Big Australian’ put on 4.28 per cent in US action and 2.6 per cent in the UK. The rules on debt and cash reserves were introduced in 2020 as several major developers teetered on the verge of collapse. The Australian dollar pushed up 0.1 per cent this morning to 68.85 US cents. A new quarterly US earnings season gets underway in earnest late this week with reports from several of the big banks. The yield on ten-year US treasuries dived around 15 basis points in anticipation of a lower terminal rate this year. Talk of easing restrictions on property developers helped lift the ASX 200 to a return of 0.65 per cent on Friday and inspired strong gains in US-listed miners later that night. Rio added 2.95 per cent in New York and 1.99 per cent in London. The S&P/ASX 200 has not managed a four-session win run since the first week of November. The rally helped the S&P 500 and Nasdaq seal their first weekly advances in five weeks. The Nasdaq Composite put on 264 points or 2.56 per cent. It’s a kind of a win-win for the economy. The S&P/ASX 200 will open 70 points or 1 per cent higher this morning, according to futures action.

Peter Milios from Finance News Network with all the news from today's morning trading session on the ASX.

Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Tim Spencer, Managing Director of Essential said; “We believe this transaction is a great outcome for Essential shareholders and for other stakeholders.” Shares are trading 37.68 per cent higher at $0.475 at noon. AstraZeneca leads this field and is looking to innovate its processes and set the standard for others to follow. In response, Sabre Resources CEO, Jon Dugdale, commented, “Significantly, the new EM anomaly is the strongest detected from surface to date. The best-performing large cap is South32 (ASX:S32), trading 4.12 per cent higher at $4.425. Fed’s Barkin pushed back against a tweak to the 2 per cent inflation target, noting it risks the central bank’s credibility. The worst-performing large cap is Computershare (ASX:CPU), trading 4.36 per cent lower at $24.55. Unemployment rate moved down to 3.5 per cent from the previous month’s 3.7 per cent, which was also the consensus. Consistent with yesterday’s final December Markit services PMI report (which ticked up to 44.7 from the flash 44.4 reading), which noted a sharp fall in business activity toward the end of the year. Fed’s Bostic said he expects the Fed to get rates to 5-5.25 per cent and hold them there. LBT CEO and Managing Director, Mr Brent Barnes said: “This partnership is really exciting for the Company. Labour-force participation also edged up to 62.3 per cent from November’s 62.1 per cent. The best-performing sector is Materials, up 1.55 per cent.

Healthcare and Information Technology were the only sectors lagging in today's session, whilst Energy and Real Estate led the day.

This indicates strong potential for additional massive sulphide discoveries in this new target zone.” Shares closed 21.43 per cent higher at $0.051.Commodities and the dollar [(ASX:SBR)](/company/asx-sbr) Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Tim Spencer, Managing Director of Essential said; “We believe this transaction is a great outcome for Essential shareholders and for other stakeholders.” Shares closed 39.13 per cent higher at $0.48. [(ASX:LBT)](/company/asx-lbt) [(ASX:QBE)](/company/asx-qbe) [(ASX:RMD)](/company/asx-rmd) [(ASX:CPU)](/company/asx-cpu) [(ASX:MEZ)](/company/asx-mez) [(ASX:JHX)](/company/asx-jhx) [(ASX:S32)](/company/asx-s32) Shares were 14.81 per cent lower at $1.15 at the day’s end. [(ASX:VHM)](/company/asx-vhm)

Aussie shares rose in a broad brushed rally, tracking the movements in New York on Friday. Energy and Miners led Monday's rally.

“The million-dollar question, though, is how quickly inflation will fall. Get the latest Stockhead news delivered free to your inbox. Get the latest Stockhead news delivered free to your inbox

Tianqi Lithium has proposed to takeover Essential Metals (ASX:ESS) for $136 million.

ESS shares were up 38.4 per cent trading at 47.8 cents and IGO shares were up 1.75 per cent trading at $14.26 at 11:24am AEDT. - ESS shares are up 38.4 per cent trading at 47.8 cents and IGO shares are up 1.75 per cent trading at $14.26 at 11:24am AEDT - The lithium JV entity between IGO (IGO) and Tianqi Lithium Corporation entered a scheme implementation agreement to acquire all the shares in ESS for 50 cents per share

Agriculture giant GrainCorp (ASX: GNC) has confirmed export delays caused by rail and road bottlenecks as countries including China try to secure food ...

[Core Lithium (ASX: CXO)](https://smallcaps.com.au/stocks/CXO/) has [completed its maiden shipment of lithium product](https://smallcaps.com.au/core-lithium-dispatches-maiden-shipment-nt-mine-completing-separation-plant/) from the giant’s Finniss operation on the Cox Peninsula located in the Northern Territory. It marks the company’s first shipment of lithium product from the operations and the company believes it marks a “significant” milestone in Core’s journey to deliver sustained shareholder value. “This first shipment of lithium product has also allowed our team to successfully commission the logistics chain linking Finniss to the Darwin Port,” he said. Core Lithium chief executive officer Gareth Manderson said he was proud of the combined efforts in enabling its operations at Finniss to further advance. The total of $45.3 billion funds under management signalled a $4.9 billion or 10% reduction since the end of November, with unfavourable foreign exchange movements said to have played its part in the downfall. “The company will now look to complete the 2,000tpa operation commissioning works and progress with ramping up toward steady-state production operations and producing battery quality lithium carbonate product.” [Argosy Minerals (ASX: AGY)](https://smallcaps.com.au/stocks/AGY/) has announced further developments at the Rincon lithium project, located in Argentina’s Salta Province, confirming 98% completion of its 2,000-tonne-per-annum lithium carbonate operation. Argosy managing director Jerko Zuvela said the company looks to continue its progress in 2023 and achieve “significant” near-term growth phase for the company. The company is targeting to complete the ramp-up phase and achieve steady-state production operations by end of the 2023 second quarter. [Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN)](https://smallcaps.com.au/stocks/MIN/) has opened its off-market takeover bid for oil and gas company [Norwest Energy (ASX: NWE)](https://smallcaps.com.au/stocks/NWE/), after [the deal was announced back in December](https://smallcaps.com.au/mineral-resources-norwest-energy-apm-human-services-everyday-independence-westpac/). Mineral Resources said the acquisition aims to decarbonise its mining operation with the use of natural gas, as well as contribute to new mineral product lines. The company said it will release a target statement sometime in January reassuring shareholders of its position.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) traded in the green on Monday, closing 0.59% higher at 7151.3 points.

But which stock posted the biggest gain? All in all, nine of the ASX 200’s 11 sectors closed higher on Monday. [ASX: PDN](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-pdn/)). On the other hand, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) posted a 1.4% gain, while the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) lifted 1%. It followed a strong Friday session on Wall Street. [a 5.5% tumble](https://www.fool.com.au/2023/01/09/why-amp-computershare-iag-and-telix-shares-are-dropping-today/) posted by the Computershare Limited ( [ASX: CPU](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-cpu/)) share price.

By Oliver Gray. Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 added 41.7 points or 0.6% to 7,153.8 during Monday's trade, extending gains of 1% in the previous week and ...

[Energy](/indices/s-p-asx-200-energy) added 1.4% amid recovering [oil](/commodities/brent-oil) prices as China’s economy continues its reopening. [Gold miners](/indices/s-p-asx-all-ord-gold) were also boosted as [spot](/currencies/xau-usd) prices lifted 0.6% to 8-month highs. [Saved Items](/members-admin/saved-items) Woodside Energy Ltd (ASX: [WDS](/equities/woodside-petroleum-limited)) added 1.2%, Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: [BPT](/equities/beach-petro)) lifted 1.6%, Santos Ltd (ASX: [STO](/equities/santos-limited)) lifted 1.3% and Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: [VEA](/equities/viva-energy-group)) gained 2.1%. Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: [NCM](/equities/newcrest-mining-limited)) gained 2.8%, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: [NST](/equities/northern-star-resources)) added 1.7%, Chalice Gold Mines Ltd (ASX: [CHN](/equities/chalice-gold-mines)) lifted 1.5% and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: [SBM](/equities/st-barbara)) gained 0.6%. [Materials](/indices/s-p-asx-200-materials) added 1% overall as Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: [RIO](/equities/rio-tinto-limited)) eased 0.7%, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: [BHP](/equities/bhp-billiton-limited)) added 1%, Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: [CIA](/equities/champion-iron-ltd)) shed 4.8% and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: [PLS](/equities/pilbara-minerals-ltd)) fell 0.8%.

ASX futures were down 3 points to 7097 near 7.30am AEDT. US stocks failed to hold a strong early morning rally with the Dow turning negative late and the S&P ...

China issued a fresh batch of crude oil import quotas, a signal that the world’s largest purchaser is gearing up to meet higher demand. [Productivity Commission takes on Labor over waterfront](https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/productivity-commission-calls-for-greater-fines-for-waterfront-unions-20230109-p5cbc4) The Productivity Commission has questioned whether the Albanese government new workplace laws will do enough to counter the excessive bargaining power of the Maritime Union. He said the Fed was committed to tackling high inflation and this warrants raising interest rates into a 5 per cent to 5.25 per cent range to squeeze excess demand out of the economy. “We look for price dispersion to rise over the next about 6 weeks as it has done throughout prior earnings seasons. [As pandemic measures expire, banks face more expensive funding](https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/as-pandemic-measures-expire-banks-face-more-expensive-funding-20230109-p5cbbj) The big banks are hitting the funding markets in size in 2023. [Panel clears route for carbon price](https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/carbon-credit-scheme-fraud-claims-overstated-chubb-review-20230109-p5cb7c) Australia is on the cusp of entrenching a price on carbon as the Albanese government prepares to impose a mandatory cap on big industrial emitters. Connect with Timothy on [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) “With both sell and buy side consensus so aligned—i.e., weak first half, better second half—everyone is starting to wonder how this view could be wrong. He is the overnight markets editor and writes Before the Bell. [Chanticleer: Stock Swami leaves a dirty stain on citizen journalism](https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/stock-swami-leaves-a-dirty-stain-on-citizen-journalism-20230109-p5cbbn) Tolga Kumova’s comprehensive defamation victory against Alan Davison, also known as Stock Swami, in the Federal Court, puts citizen journalists on notice. The NYSE Fang + Index was up 2.6 per cent; it was more than 4 per cent higher earlier. [Risk of even more rate rises as bank funding costs bite](https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/risk-of-even-more-rate-rises-as-bank-funding-costs-bite-20230106-p5cass) Mortgage rates could rise by even more than official increases this year, as funding costs soar and banks repay $188 billion of emergency money.

Key points · I think the ASX 200 will finish higher in 2023 with bank and mining shares playing a significant role · ASX tech shares could be among the strongest ...

But, with a number of stocks down between 25% to 50%, I think some of them can deliver outperformance this year. [ASX: WDS](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-wds/)), Wesfarmers Ltd ( [ASX: WES](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-wes/)), Telstra Group Ltd ( [ASX: TLS](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-tls/)), Transurban Group ( [ASX: TCL](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-tcl/)) and Coles Group Ltd ( [ASX: COL](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-col/)). [ASX: XRO](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-xro/)), REA Group Limited ( [ASX: REA](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-rea/)) and Altium Limited ( [ASX: ALU](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-alu/)). But, it will need to have a solid year to get back to December 2021 levels. It’s not often that the share market goes backward by that much over a 12-month period. [ASX bank shares](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/bank-shares/) like Commonwealth Bank of Australia ( [ASX: CBA](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-cba/)), Westpac Banking Corp ( [ASX: WBC](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-wbc/)), National Australia Bank Ltd ( [ASX: NAB](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-nab/)) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd ( [ASX: ANZ](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-anz/)). [ASX mining shares](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/top-mining-shares/) such as BHP Group Ltd ( [ASX: BHP](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-bhp/)), Fortescue Metals Group Limited ( [ASX: FMG](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-fmg/)) and Rio Tinto Limited ( [ASX: RIO](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-rio/)). But then again, almost every year is eventful in some way. However, we can identify opportunities during [ASX growth shares](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/growth-shares-2/) that are expected to grow over the long term. [ASX tech share](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/technology/) sector is ripe for a recovery in 2023, in my opinion. [volatile times](https://www.fool.com.au/definitions/volatility/).

The key earnings generator for most of the banks on the ASX is lending. So, the interest rate can play a key role in the profitability of banks. A bank lends ...

NAB is projected to pay a grossed-up Under this environment, is the outlook for the sector promising? So, the interest rate can play a key role in the profitability of banks. [ASX: CBA](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-cba/)), Westpac Banking Corp ( [ASX: WBC](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-wbc/)), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd ( [ASX: BEN](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-ben/)) and MyState Limited ( [ASX: MYS](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-mys/)). [ASX: BOQ](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-boq/)) share price has fallen around 17% over the last year. A bank lends money out for a certain interest rate. [ASX: ANZ](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-anz/)) share price has dropped around 15% over the last year. [ASX: NAB](https://www.fool.com.au/tickers/asx-nab/)) share price has managed a slight gain over the past 12 months. [price/earnings (P/E) ratio](https://www.fool.com.au/definitions/p-e-ratio/) than other banks. Is this where investors should be looking? The difference between the lending rate and the cost (eg the rate for savers) is known as the net interest margin (NIM). [ASX bank shares](https://www.fool.com.au/investing-education/bank-shares/) are under the spotlight this year as the effect of higher interest rates comes through in the results.