ASX:MFG 2 March 2026

ASX 200 today: Record close holds as oil shock lifts energy, banks stay on watch

The S&P/ASX 200 closed at a record 9,200.9 on Monday, led by sharp gains in energy stocks after oil prices surged on Middle East tensions. Financials dropped 1.8%, their worst session since November, while gold miners hit record highs. Magellan Financial announced a full buyout of Barrenjoey Capital Partners for A$1.62 billion. RBA Governor Michele Bullock is set to speak Tuesday ahead of key economic data releases.

2 March 2026

ASX:KAR·ASX:MFG·ASX:QAN·ASX:STO·ASX:WDS·Energy Sector·Stock Market

Avista (AVA) Stock Near Fair Value Amid Recent Price Decline
March 23, 2026, 4:42 AM EDT. Avista (AVA) shares have fallen 9.4% over 30 days but remain close to intrinsic value. The Dividend Discount Model (DDM) estimates Avista's fair price at $36.78 versus a recent close of $38.37, indicating around a 4.3% premium. The model factors in a dividend of $2.12, a return on equity of 7.1%, and a high payout ratio of 83%, which caps dividend growth at approximately 1.2% annually. Avista's 1-year return of 1.5% trails peers, reflecting sector sentiment shifts and regulatory updates impacting the integrated utilities space. On Simply Wall St's 6-point valuation scale, Avista scores 3 out of 6, signaling a mixed outlook. Investors should monitor valuation changes alongside market developments for timely decisions.