Building an ASX portfolio does not have to be difficult.

In fact, I think many investors could do very well by keeping things simple, spreading their money across a small number of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and letting time do the heavy lifting.

If I were starting today and wanted a simple long-term portfolio, I would consider using three ASX ETFs.

Start with a broad Australian base

The first ETF I would consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

This ETF provides investors with exposure to a broad basket of Australian shares, including the largest companies on the ASX.

That means a single investment can provide exposure to banks, miners, retailers, healthcare companies, infrastructure shares, and industrial businesses.

For me, the appeal is simplicity.

Instead of trying to pick the next winning bank or mining stock, investors can own a broad slice of the Australian market. That can reduce the risk of relying too heavily on one company.

The VAS ETF can also provide dividend income, which is one of the features many investors like about the Australian share market.

I would not expect it to be the fastest-growing part of the portfolio every year. But I think it can work well as a steady foundation.

Add global diversification

The second ETF I would consider is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

This is where I think the portfolio becomes much stronger.

Australia is a good market, but it is also quite concentrated. Banks and resources make up a large part of the local index, which means investors can miss out on other sectors if they only buy Australian shares.

The VGS ETF helps solve that problem.

It provides exposure to major global companies across developed markets, including large technology, healthcare, consumer, industrial, and financial businesses.

I think that is important because many of the world’s best companies are listed outside Australia.

A portfolio that only owns ASX shares may be missing out on global leaders in software, semiconductors, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, payments, and cloud computing.

That is why I would want the VGS ETF in the mix.

Add a growth tilt

The third ETF I would consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

This ETF is more concentrated and higher risk than the VAS or VGS ETFs, but I think it can play a useful role for investors who want extra growth exposure.

It gives investors access to many of the largest companies listed on the Nasdaq, including global technology and innovation leaders like Apple and Nvidia.

These businesses are exposed to themes such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and software.

Of course, the Nasdaq can be volatile. When interest rates rise or investors turn away from growth shares, the NDQ ETF can fall sharply.

But over the long term, I think owning some exposure to world-class technology businesses makes sense.

Foolish Takeaway

An ASX portfolio does not need 20 holdings to work.

I think a mix of the VAS, VGS, and NDQ ETFs could give investors a strong starting point. It provides exposure to Australian dividends, global businesses, and some of the world’s leading technology companies.

There will still be market downturns, and returns are never guaranteed. But for investors who want a straightforward way to build wealth over time, I think this three-ETF approach is hard to ignore.

The post How I’d build a simple ASX portfolio with just 3 ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Building wealth with ASX ETFs? Don’t make these errors
• I love the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ). Here’s why I sold it.
• How to build a $1,000 a month passive income from the ASX
• The best way to invest in AI on the ASX

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For many Australians, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer one of the simplest ways to grow wealth steadily over time. They provide instant diversification, relatively low fees, and exposure to hundreds — even thousands — of companies in a single investment.

Retiring early might sound ambitious, but building long-term wealth becomes far more achievable with the right investing strategy.

A balanced ETF portfolio can also help investors combine growth, income, and global diversification without needing to constantly pick individual shares.

Here are three Vanguard ASX ETFs that could form a strong long-term portfolio for investors aiming to retire earlier.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The VAS ETF is the most popular ASX ETF. The fund tracks the broader Australian share market and provides exposure to many of the country’s largest companies.

Its biggest holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

This ETF can play an important role for income-focused investors because Australian shares are known for relatively strong dividend yields and franking credits. It also offers broad exposure across banks, miners, healthcare companies, and consumer businesses.

The management fee remains low, making it an efficient long-term core holding.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Next is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. This ETF provides exposure to large companies across developed global markets outside Australia.

Two of its largest holdings are Microsoft and Apple.

Global diversification matters because the Australian market is heavily concentrated in financials and resources. This ASX ETF adds exposure to global technology, healthcare, industrials, and consumer brands that simply aren’t well represented locally.

For long-term investors, that broader diversification can help reduce portfolio concentration risk while tapping into global growth trends.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

Finally, investors could consider the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF. This ETF provides an all-in-one diversified portfolio with a strong focus on growth assets.

Its underlying holdings include broad exposure to Australian and international shares through funds that hold companies such as Nvidia and Amazon.

The appeal here is simplicity. Investors gain exposure to thousands of global securities across multiple asset classes in a single ETF. Vanguard also automatically rebalances the portfolio, helping maintain the target asset allocation over time.

Because the ETF leans heavily toward growth assets, it may suit younger investors or those with a longer investment horizon aiming to maximise capital growth before retirement.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line is that early retirement usually comes down to consistency rather than chasing quick wins.

By combining Australian income exposure, global diversification, and long-term growth assets through low-cost Vanguard ASX ETFs, investors can steadily build wealth over time while keeping their strategy simple.

The post How to retire early at 57 with these 3 Vanguard ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Building wealth with ASX ETFs? Don’t make these errors
• How to build a $1,000 a month passive income from the ASX
• 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade or more
• Where to invest $2,000 in ASX ETFs
• Why I’d buy these ASX ETFs if I had $500 spare

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Baker Young’s Toby Grimm recently ran his slide rule over two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) heavyweights.

And he liked what he saw.

Enough so that he issued a buy recommendation for engineering and professional services company Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR), which has a market cap of around $6.0 billion.

Grimm also has a buy recommendation on ASX 200 telco TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), which commands a market cap north of $8 billion.

Here’s why he expects their share prices, and market caps, are set to grow (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Worley shares today?

“Worley is an engineering and construction group,” said Grimm. “It recently stepped back from underlying earnings before interest and tax growth due to delays on Middle East projects.”

That news was delivered in a market update on 20 April.

While Worley reported that its projects in the Middle East have not been cancelled following the outbreak of hostilities, the ASX 200 heavyweight did say there were some delays.

As such, management forecast that the company’s full year FY 2026 earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) will take a hit in the range of $30 million to $40 million.

Despite these impacts, Worley said it still expects to achieve year on year revenue growth in FY 2026.

According to Baker Young’s Grimm:

We believe the longer-term outlook remains supportive. Structural trends, such as de-globalisation of supply chains and increasing investment in energy efficiency, align closely with WOR’s core capabilities.

Summing up his buy recommendation on the ASX 200 shares, Grimm said, “Earnings volatility and missed expectations have weighed on sentiment. But the company is trading on an undemanding valuation relative to its medium-term growth potential.”

Worley shares trade on an unfranked 4.1% trailing dividend yield. The stock is down just over 2% in 12 months.

Which brings us to…

ASX 200 telecom accelerating growth

Commenting on his buy recommendation for TPG Telecom, Grimm said:

Following several years of asset sales and restructuring, TPG has emerged as a more focused telecommunications provider with a stronger balance sheet and increasing exposure to the structurally attractive mobile segment, now contributing close to half of group revenue.

And he noted that the ASX 200 share’s strategic operational shift is starting to pay off.

According to Grimm:

Full year 2025 results highlighted accelerating subscriber growth and improving revenue per user, indicating positive operating momentum. The company’s strategic shift away from infrastructure ownership and lower-margin fixed line broadband positions it for higher quality earnings growth.

The stock screens as relatively attractive compared to peers.

TPG shares are down about 20% over 12 months and trade on a partly franked 4.4% trailing dividend yield.

The post Why these 2 ASX 200 heavyweights just got a big buy call appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Is this ASX 200 share a sell after announcing a $30-40 million EBITA hit?
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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to a number of broker notes being released.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $17.95 price target on the travel agent’s shares. This follows the release of a trading update last week, which revealed that the company has retained its guidance for FY 2026. Macquarie was pleased with the news and notes that this reflects a strong corporate performance, which is offsetting disruption in the leisure segment. Together with ongoing cost discipline and productivity gains, the broker believes the company is positioned to grow its earnings over the medium term. The Flight Centre share price ended the week at $10.74.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $41.72. This follows the release of a third-quarter result which Morgans thought was solid. The broker was pleased to see the company deliver double-digit revenue and earnings growth, further margin expansion, and strong cash flow generation. It also points out that investors seem to be focusing on variability in US device growth while pondering if the Noctrix acquisition is merely a plug to a slowing core. However, it views these concerns as myopic and manageable. As a result, Morgans thinks now could be a good time to buy shares. The ResMed share price was fetching $28.56 at Friday’s close.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have upgraded this enterprise software provider’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $31.75. This follows news that TechnologyOne has won a new contract with James Cook University. Bell Potter believes this is a major positive from a product perspective. That’s because it demonstrates the power of TechnologyOne’s Agentic AI product to win contracts. As a result, the broker has boosted its annual recurring revenue (ARR) forecasts for the medium term and is now forecasting ARR of $655 million in FY 2026. This equates to growth of 18% year on year, which is at the top end of the company’s 16% to 18% guidance range for the year. The TechnologyOne share price ended the week at $27.99.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in ResMed and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX dividend stock Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) is an incredibly underrated passive income idea. When you put its positives together, it has a decent claim to be one of the best options on the ASX.

It’s not a famous business, but it gives exposure to one of the most important industries in Australia – farmland.

This is the only business on the ASX that focuses on owning farms and leasing them out, so it’s very attractive to gain a piece of that asset base.

Great farm portfolio

The business is invested across a number of farming assets, including almonds, cattle, macadamias, cropping, vineyards and more.

Rural Funds has locked in rental income for an extremely long time. In the FY26 half-year result, the business reported its weighted average lease expiry (WALE) was 13.2 years. Not many businesses have locked in their income that far in advance. Impressively, a large chunk of macadamia leases have been signed to FY64.

It has a number of large, high-quality tenants including Olam, JBS, Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV), Stone Axe, Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) and Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE).

I like how the ASX dividend stock regularly invests in its farming portfolio to improve the underlying value of the farm and increase its rental potential. Currently, it’s developing macadamia orchards.

Good passive income

Despite the challenges of higher interest rates, the business has been able to deliver investors a consistent level of passive income.

In the last few years, Rural Funds has given unitholders 11.73 cents per unit, annually.

It’s expecting to pay an annual distribution per unit of 11.73 cents in FY26, translating into a potential distribution yield of 5.75%.

Considering interest rates are rising again, I wouldn’t be surprised if the business pays another 11.73 cents per unit in the 2027 financial year. That would be another distribution yield of 5.75%.

Excellent discount

What’s a good price to pay for this business?

It’s hard to know what a property is worth unless you actually go to sell it.

Rural Funds regularly tells investors about what its underlying value is, called the adjusted net asset value (NAV). It’s ‘adjusted’ to take into account the market value of the water entitlements.

The ASX dividend stock reported its adjusted NAV was $3.10 at 31 December 2026, meaning it’s currently trading at a discount of around 34%, which is a great value to buy at.

The post Is this the best ASX dividend stock to buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX healthcare share sector is suffering through a difficult period following challenging conditions driven by competition and other factors. CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) are just two of the names that have suffered major declines. But, amid the pain, there could be a great dividend opportunity in the sector.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) may not be viewed as one of the most appealing blue-chip ASX dividend shares out there. But, it offers both a good dividend yield and regular dividend growth, which is a powerful combination for passive income.

Let’s look at those dividend positives.

Good dividend yield

The ASX healthcare share is forecast to deliver a larger dividend in the 2026 financial year, with a projected annual payment of 19.9 cents per share.

At the time of writing, that translates into a potential forward grossed-up dividend yield of 6.2%, including franking credits. Excluding franking credits, that’s a dividend yield of 4.3%.

That’s an attractive level of potential income. For me, I’d take that over a term deposit offering a fixed level of income.

Regular dividend growth

Since the business started paying a dividend per share in 2015, the business has regularly increased its payout. In fact, every year since then, there has only been one year (2020) when it didn’t increase its annual dividend per share, which is a great track record.

Dividend growth is not guaranteed, of course. But, the business has demonstrated an impressive ability to frequently increase its earnings each reporting period, while also increasing the dividend.

Is Medibank a buy?

According to CMC Invest, of seven ratings on the business, only two rate it as a buy and the other five ratings are holds.

However, the average price target of $5.11 suggests a possible rise of around 10% over the next 12 months. We can add the potential dividends to that possible return.

In a recent business update, the ASX healthcare share highlighted that APRA’s quarterly private health insurance statistics showed industry growth of 2.1% in the 12 months to 31 December 2025, which is a small but pleasing tailwind for policyholder growth. Medibank reported 1.1% growth in the nine months to March 2026.

Medibank noted that increasing participation among younger cohorts continues to support ongoing affordability and long-term industry sustainability, even if competition has increased.

The business appears to have defensive earnings – it highlighted that during periods of economic pressure, policyholders tend to prioritise private health insurance.

Medibank also noted that non-resident growth in student and worker segments saw growth in the FY26 third-quarter. This growth reflects improved lifecycle management and a greater focus on direct and digital consumer wins.

Finally, the Medibank Health business continues to grow in size at a pleasing rate – it saw operating profit growth of 30% in the third quarter of FY26 compared to the same period in FY25.

Overall, I think the ASX healthcare share would be a good one to buy for passive income and it has a promising future, though it’s not the only business I’d buy for dividends.

The post Is this ASX healthcare share a buy for its 6.2% dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price has been one of the best performers in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year.

As the above chart shows, it has been a rocket since the start of FY26. At the time of writing, it has risen just over 313% in the last 12 months.

The ASX lithium share has significantly benefited from a recovery of the lithium price after a period of weakness during the last couple of years.

Let’s look at how big the capital gains have been for a shareholder.

How much a $10,000 investment has grown

A year ago, the PLS Group share price was $1.47 – it has come a long way since then, more than quadrupling in value.

If someone owned $10,000 of PLS Group shares a year ago, it would now (at the time of writing) be worth approximately $43,000. I think almost every investor in the world would be happy with that level of return.

However, when it comes to huge gains like that, it’s very important to remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Is the PLS Group share price a buy right now?

According to CMC Invest, there have been 12 recent buy ratings on the ASX lithium share, with six of those being a buy, four being a hold and two being a buy.

While analysts are mixed on their view on the business, the average view on the share price is fairly negative.

Of those 12 ratings on the ASX lithium share, the average price target is $5.57. That means, at the current PLS Group share price, it could fall by more than 12%.

The most optimistic analyst has a price target on the business of $6.78, suggesting a single-digit rise for the company, in percentage terms, over the next year.

Its financials are certainly in a much better place.

In the FY26 third-quarter update for the three months to March 2026, the company reported that compared to the three months to December 2025 – just three months prior – revenue jumped 52% thanks to a 61% increase in the realised price for its lithium to US$1,867 per tonne.

Thanks to this jump, its cash margin (profit) from operations increased 178% to A$461 million, underpinned by stronger pricing and lower production costs. The cash balance increased 52% to A$1.45 billion.

It’s clear to see why the PLS Group share price has risen so much – its ability to make profit is significantly higher now. The lithium price will determine what happens next – there are good reasons why it could rise or fall amid the Middle East uncertainty.

But, I think there are other ASX shares that could be a better value buy, considering how far the ASX lithium share has risen.

The post $10,000 invested in PLS Group shares 12 months ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 materials led the market sectors last week, rising 4.26%, as several miners set new records or multi-year highs.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.91% to close at 8,744.4 points, marking the benchmark’s first weekly gain in four weeks.

The long-term outlook for Australian mining is strong, with 5 key drivers behind a new commodities super cycle now underway.

However, the war in Iran and the global oil shock remains a short-term headwind that is expected to drive miners’ costs higher in 2026.

As the world awaits Iran’s response to the latest peace plan proffered by the US, share markets remain volatile.

Last week, only four of the 11 market sectors finished in the green.

Let’s review.

Higher commodity prices boost ASX 200 mining shares

Several ASX 200 mining shares hit new records or multi-year highs as key commodities lifted over the week.

On Friday, the iron ore price was US$110.95 per tonne, up 3.5% over the week, due to strong buying from mainland China.

Trading Economics analysts said:

Sentiment was further lifted by a continued drawdown in steel inventories, which have now declined for seven consecutive weeks, pointing to potential restocking demand for raw materials.

On the macro front, China’s manufacturing PMI remained in expansion territory, while policymakers in Beijing continued efforts to stabilize the real estate sector, improving the broader economic outlook.

Also last week, the gold price rose 2.2% to US$4,730 per ounce, and silver lifted 6.3% to US$80.61 per ounce.

The copper price increased 3.7% to US$6.25 per pound.

ASX 200 lithium shares had a strong week as lithium prices continued their recovery.

Lithium prices finally bottomed out in mid-2025 after a devastating two-year downward spiral.

Since then, the lithium spodumene price has more than quadrupled to US$2,792 per tonne on Friday.

The lithium carbonate price also reached its highest level since 2023 at US$28,949 per tonne, up 3.5% for the week.

Which ASX mining shares hit new highs last week?

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price increased 5.48% to close out the week at $57.95.

BHP shares reached a 10-week high of $58.71 on Thursday, their highest level since the stock hit a record $59.39 on 3 March.

BHP is now a whisker away from re-taking its traditional crown as the largest company on the ASX 200.

For now, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) remains at the top with just $2.6 billion in market cap separating it from BHP.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price lifted 3.93% to close at $178.72 after reaching a new all-time high of $180.33 on Friday.

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price rose 4.27% to $69.55, after reaching a two-year high of $71.62 on Friday.

The market’s largest ASX 200 lithium share, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) rose 1.95% to $6.26 on Friday.

PLS Group shares also set a new record last week at $6.38 apiece.

Other impressive gains among the miners

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares gained 6.3% to finish the week at $21.27.

ASX 200 copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) lifted 7.33% to $18.01.

The Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) share price gained 4.3% to $12.37.

Nickel and lithium producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) lifted 8.59% to $8.34 per share.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares closed the week 1.57% higher at $19.44 apiece.

What about ASX gold shares?

The gold price was US$4,730 per ounce on Friday, up 2.2% over the week and up 9.1% in the calendar year to date.

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) edged 0.05% lower to $21.16 last week.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price lifted 7.4% to $13.05, and Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) rose 4.33% to $160.35.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) and Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) announced their merger last week.

The Regis Resources share price lost 2.97% to close at $6.85 while Vault Minerals lifted 3.98% to $4.70 per share.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	4.26%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.02%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	0.79%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	0.08%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.19%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(0.97%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(2.64%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(2.92%)
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	(3.56%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(4.46%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(7.62%)

The post ASX 200 mining shares smash multi-year highs as key commodity prices rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for the top ASX dividend shares to buy, then read on.

That’s because the two listed below have just been named as buys by the team at Bell Potter. Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)

The first ASX dividend share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy this month is the DigiCo Infrastructure REIT.

It is a data centre focused property company with a focus on the Australian and US markets.

Bell Potter was pleased with the announcement of an asset sale last week, which has strengthened its balance sheet. It said:

Today’s announcement is a clear positive for DGT in removing balance sheet overhang given the substantial level of debt on foot, risk from increasing marginal cost of debt, and ability to fund its SYD1 development expansion which is its best use of capital given company-stated 15% incremental yield on cost.

Subject to completion, and LAX asset disposals (US$71m book value) which are a drag on the balance sheet (non yielding), the pay down of debt, and usage into SYD1 improves the forward earnings profile which could see upside given the lack of Aus market supply short term.

In the meantime, Bell Potter expects dividends of 12 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 20 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.77, this would mean dividend yields of 4.3% and 7.2%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $3.40 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 22%.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is Universal Store.

It is a leading youth focused fashion retailer operating the Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills brands.

Bell Potter thinks the company’s shares are undervalued, which has created a buying opportunity for income investors. It said:

At 13x FY27e P/E (BPe), we see an entry opportunity to a high-quality retailer as we remain optimistic on UNI’s performance in 4Q26 given supportive comps and look forward to FY27e in delivering continued execution driven market share expansion across retail banners. In line with selective consumption trends across the broader sector, we retain our views of the youth customer prioritising on-trend streetwear and expect UNI to benefit with their leading position. Maintain BUY.

As for income, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends of 36.9 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 39.3 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $6.99, this would mean dividend yields of 5.3% and 5.6%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $9.30 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 33% for investors.

The post These ASX dividend shares offer big yields and potential upside of 20%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have had a year to forget.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) biotech giant closed down 1.0% on Friday, trading for $120.84 apiece.

That sees the stock down a painful 49.6% over the past 12 months, relative to the 6.4% gains posted by the benchmark index over this same time.

Now CSL does pay dividends twice yearly. But the $4.26 a share in unfranked dividends the biotech company paid out over the last year fall far short of making up for the steep capital losses.

At Friday’s close, CSL shares trade on a 3.5% unfranked trailing dividend yield.

Looking ahead, however, Mans Carlsson, a co-portfolio manager at Ausbil Investment Management, believes the ASX healthcare stock is well-placed for material recovery (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

Should you buy CSL shares today?

Noting that his fund is overweight CSL shares, Carlsson said:

CSL is a quality business and while the company has had its issues recently, the business ultimately benefits from strong underlying demand and has a leading position in its core plasma business.

The second reason Carlsson is bullish on the biotech stock is the recent leadership shakeup.

Carlsson noted:

The new chief executive, Gordon Naylor, has come in after a period of challenging performance. He is a veteran, with over 30 years of experience in the company, having previously served as chief financial officer, and with a mandate to accelerate CSL’s strategic transformation.

CSL announced the leadership change on 10 February. The handover from outgoing CEO Paul McKenzie, who served in the top role for three years, was effective immediately.

Commenting on his appointment on the day, Naylor said:

I have had a long association with CSL. It is a great company with innovative platforms, world-class people, as well as differentiated medicines and vaccines essential for patients and communities globally.

My immediate priority will be to work closely with the board and leadership team on executing our strategic transformation and delivering for our patients, public health and shareholders.

Which brings us to the third reason you might want to buy CSL shares today.

According to Ausbil’s Carlsson:

We believe the current valuation to be more moderate relative to its own history and some market cap peers. In our view, it will not take too much of a positive surprise in the future for the stock to re-rate back to a higher multiple again.

The post 3 compelling reasons to buy CSL shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Money to invest? I’d follow Warren Buffett to get rich
• ASX share volatility is rising, are you making this mistake?
• 8 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• CSL shares hit a 9-year low, time to buy or stay away?
• The Aussie dollar just hit a 4-year high. Which ASX shares will benefit?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.