Retiring early will not happen by accident.

For most people, it takes years of investing, patience, and the willingness to keep putting money to work even when the share market feels uncertain.

But I think $500 a month can become a powerful starting point.

That amount may not feel like it could be life-changing at first. But if it is invested regularly into ASX 200 shares and allowed to compound over decades, it could make a major difference to someone’s financial future.

Here is how I would approach it.

Let the habit do the work

The first step is building the habit. 

If an investor put $500 a month into ASX 200 shares and achieved an average annual return of 9%, the portfolio could grow to more than $850,000 after 30 years. After 32 years, it could pass $1 million.

Those numbers are only examples. Actual returns will vary, and there will be years when the portfolio falls.

But the point is that early retirement is not only about finding the next great stock. It is about creating a repeatable process and giving that process enough time to matter.

A $500 monthly investment also has another advantage. It takes away some of the pressure of trying to pick the perfect moment to buy. Some purchases will happen when prices are high. Others will happen when fear is higher and valuations look more attractive.

Over long periods, I think that consistency can be more useful than waiting for the perfect entry point.

Buy businesses that can grow

If I were investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares, I would want a mix of companies with strong positions and room to get larger.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) is one example I would consider. 

It has built a global business around gaming content, gaming machines, digital products, and intellectual property. What I like is that the company’s success depends heavily on product quality and reinvestment. 

If it keeps creating content that venues and players value, I think it can remain a strong long-term compounder.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is another ASX 200 share I would look at. Its software is used by organisations that need reliable systems for finance, payroll, student management, local government, and other core operations. That kind of software can become deeply embedded in customer workflows, which can support recurring revenue and long-term growth.

I would also consider Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG). The business is now tied to a large pharmacy retail and distribution platform, with exposure to everyday health, beauty, wellness, and prescription needs. 

I like the repeat nature of the spending and the potential for scale to support supplier relationships, logistics, customer data, and broader category growth.

These are not the only ASX 200 shares I would buy. But they show the sort of qualities I would be looking for: relevance, scale, and a clear reason the business could be worth more in the future.

Stay focused on the end goal

The hardest part of this strategy may not be the maths. It may be staying patient.

A $500 monthly investment will not look meaningful in the early years. The portfolio may feel slow to move, and market falls can make the progress look even slower.

But compounding often becomes more visible later. Once the portfolio reaches a decent size, investment returns can start adding more than the monthly contributions in strong years.

That is when the early discipline begins to pay off.

Foolish takeaway

I think investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares could be a realistic way to work toward early retirement.

It will still take time, and investors need to choose businesses carefully. But the strategy does not need to rely on one lucky stock pick.

Regular investing, quality companies, reinvested returns, and patience can be a powerful combination.

For someone starting today, I think the best move is simply to begin. The earlier the habit starts, the more time compounding has to turn those monthly investments into something much more meaningful.

The post I’d invest $500 a month in ASX 200 shares to retire early appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX growth shares to buy next month
• These ASX gaming stocks are rebounding. Is it for real?
• How I’d invest $250 a week in ASX shares to aim for $700,000
• Healthcare shares led the ASX 200 last week. Is a sector comeback underway?
• How to build a $1 million ASX share portfolio for retirement

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) and the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) are two very popular but very different ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Both can be useful long-term investments, but they give investors exposure to very different parts of the share market.

One is focused on the Nasdaq 100 and many of the world’s most important technology and growth companies. The other gives broad exposure to the Australian share market, including banks, miners, healthcare companies, retailers, and industrial shares.

So, which one makes more sense for investors today?

What does the NDQ ETF offer?

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq.

This means the fund is heavily exposed to global technology and innovation.

Its holdings typically include businesses involved in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, software, digital advertising, ecommerce, streaming, and consumer technology, such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

This gives the NDQ ETF a strong long-term tailwind.

The trade-off is volatility. Growth and technology shares can fall sharply when interest rates rise, valuations are questioned, or investors become more cautious. But for investors with a decade-long time horizon, that volatility may be worth accepting.

What does the VAS ETF offer?

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is very different.

This ASX ETF gives investors exposure to the Australian share market through a broad basket of local shares.

That includes all the major banks, large miners, healthcare companies, supermarkets, infrastructure businesses, insurers, property groups, and other leading ASX companies, such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

The Australian market has historically been attractive for income investors because many large companies pay dividends and, in some cases, offer franking credits.

This is where it has an advantage over the NDQ ETF. Investors seeking growth with some income on the side may find the VAS ETF appealing.

Verdict

Both ASX ETFs look like buys for long-term investors.

The VAS ETF could be the better choice for investors who want Australian exposure, more dividend income, and a simpler way to own a broad slice of the local share market.

However, the NDQ ETF is my pick for investors chasing stronger capital growth over the next decade.

Its focus on global technology leaders gives it exposure to some of the most powerful trends in the world economy. While investors should expect ups and downs along the way, it could be the better option for those willing to accept more volatility in pursuit of higher long-term returns.

The post Should I buy the NDQ ETF or the VAS ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX investing strategy that could quietly make you rich
• 4 ASX ETFs to help you sleep through market crashes
• 10 amazing ASX ETFs for the next decade
• 3 easy ways to buy Nvidia stock on the ASX
• New to ASX ETFs? These 4 products could be a good start

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have delivered truly extraordinary returns over the past 12 months. Among the standout performers are Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) and 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX).

At the time of writing, Sunrise Energy shares have surged an astonishing 2,316% to $17.64, while 4DMedical shares have rocketed 1,715% to $4.72.

To put that into perspective, a $10,000 investment in Sunrise Energy a year ago would now be worth approximately $231,600. The same investment in 4DMedical would have grown to roughly $171,500.

After such incredible gains, investors may be asking a simple question: can these rocketing ASX 200 shares keep climbing?

Sunrise Energy: rich scandium resources

Sunrise Energy has emerged as one of the market’s hottest mining stories thanks to its exposure to scandium, one of the world’s rarest and potentially most valuable strategic metals.

Scandium is prized for its ability to enhance aluminium alloys, making them stronger, lighter, and more resistant to heat and corrosion. These characteristics make the metal highly attractive for aerospace, defence, fuel cells, and advanced semiconductor applications.

Australia hosts some of the world’s richest scandium resources, and New South Wales is widely regarded as the only region where scandium could potentially be mined as a primary commodity at scale. That gives the ASX 200 share a unique position in an emerging market with very few credible suppliers.

Investor interest accelerated earlier this year after Beijing imposed export controls on scandium and several other rare earth elements. The move heightened concerns about supply security and increased attention on alternative Western sources.

The challenge for investors is that analyst coverage on the ASX 200 share remains extremely limited. According to TradingView data, only one broker currently covers Sunrise Energy.

The good news is that the broker maintains a strong buy recommendation and a $20.00 price target. Based on the current share price, that implies upside of around 13%.

4DMedical: intersection of healthcare and AI

4DMedical develops advanced respiratory imaging technology that helps clinicians assess lung function in ways traditional imaging methods cannot. Using proprietary software and artificial intelligence, the company generates detailed functional images of the lungs, positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare technology and AI.

Investors have been encouraged by several growth initiatives.

A major recent development was the acquisition of Austrian AI imaging company Contextflow. The deal provides an immediate foothold in Europe, adds lung cancer screening capabilities, and expands the company’s addressable market by an estimated 50%.

Meanwhile, management of the ASX 200 share recently launched its CLEAR clinical program targeting acute pulmonary embolism. The company believes this could help unlock a US market opportunity worth around US$3 billion.

Of course, risks remain. The company is still in growth mode, adoption rates remain critical, and analyst coverage is sparse.

TradingView data shows analysts are divided on the ASX 200 share. Of the three analysts covering the stock, one rates it a buy, one a hold, and one a sell.

The consensus price target sits at $4.97, implying upside of around 5%. The most bullish broker, Bell Potter, sees 27% upside, while Ord Minnett has a $3.00 target, suggesting a downside of roughly 36%.

The post Up 1,700% and more, what’s next for these ASX 200 shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 stuck in the red as investors wait for US lead
• Growthpoint Properties Australia matches FY26 guidance with 18.4c distribution
• Centuria Capital Group launches $300m equity raising for AI Factory and real estate expansion

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares fell heavily yesterday, plummeting 18% to levels last seen back in 2021.

Media reports state that the Australian Federal Police are investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters, relating to a former cleaner at WiseTech.

It has been claimed that White exploited the woman’s immigration status and financial position and provided false information on a visa application.

WiseTech has not responded to the reports.

Why this is hitting WiseTech shares so hard

White’s continued prominence at the company makes today’s news particularly significant for shareholders.

WiseTech shares are now down more than 56% since the start of 2026 and around 70% lower than this time last year.

White co-founded WiseTech and served as chief executive until October 2024, before stepping down amid separate allegations relating to inappropriate behaviours.

He was later appointed Executive Chair and Chief Innovation Officer in February 2025 under a ten-year employment agreement. In this role, he retained significant influence over the company’s product development and strategic direction.

A pattern of governance concerns

Today’s allegations land on top of an already difficult governance backdrop.

In October 2025, the ABC reported that ASIC and the AFP had searched a WiseTech office as part of a separate investigation into alleged trading in WiseTech shares by White and three employees.

Macquarie noted that this investigation could take up to 18 months to resolve.

That earlier search triggered board turnover, including the resignation of four independent non-executive directors, and sustained media scrutiny that has weighed on investor confidence ever since.

The company is also midway through a major restructuring tied to AI-driven automation across the business.

Each of these issues alone could be manageable. Together, and now compounded by today’s allegations, they have eroded the institutional confidence that previously supported WiseTech’s premium valuation.

What the underlying business looks like

CargoWise generated US$682.2 million in revenue for WiseTech in FY2025. This is up 18% on the prior year, with growth continuing into FY2026 as first-half CargoWise revenue rose 12% to US$372.4 million.

CargoWise remains deeply embedded in the operations of major global freight forwarders. Switching away from the platform is expensive and disruptive for customers, providing a source of revenue stability even amid the governance turmoil.

The operational business and the governance crisis are, for now, two separate stories.

What happens next

The resolution of today’s news will depend heavily on the outcome of any AFP investigation and on how WiseTech’s board responds.

Bell Potter previously argued the worst was behind WiseTech following earlier governance issues. The broker noted that focus was returning to product momentum and a new commercial model, before today’s fresh allegations reset that narrative entirely.

Until clarity emerges on both the legal matter and the board’s response, WiseTech shares are likely to remain volatile, and investors should treat any near-term share price movements with appropriate caution given the seriousness and unresolved nature of the allegations.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s news is serious. WiseTech’s underlying logistics software business continues to perform, but the company’s governance challenges have now reached a new and more serious level.

Investors considering WiseTech shares may want to wait for greater clarity on both the AFP investigation and the board’s response before drawing firm conclusions about the path ahead.

The post WiseTech shares just crashed. Can investors look past the company’s governance issues? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Humm, Metcash, PLS, and WiseTech shares are sinking today
• WiseTech shares crash 12% as founder scandal deepens
• Down but not out: 3 ASX tech shares ripe for a rebound
• Is the only way up for WiseTech shares after a 65% fall?
• How to know when a beaten-down ASX share is worth buying

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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 ASX dividend shares to buy, then it could be worth considering the one in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes it has the potential to offer both major upside and a very generous dividend yield.

Which ASX dividend share?

The dividend share that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL).

It is a growing boutique asset manager that manages a number of alternative investment strategies, investing across hedge funds, growth equity, credit and royalties, and real and natural assets.

Bell Potter is positive on the company’s outlook and has lifted its earnings estimates to reflect its expectation for further funds under management growth. In fact, it believes the ASX dividend share could grow earnings in the teens over the medium term. It explains:

We upgrade EPS and retain our Buy rating. Regal Partners is an alternative investment manager, housing eight separate primary brands with a heritage in long/short equities. Strategies have track records that predate the global financial crisis. The Group controls $21bn in funds under management. We see further growth, driven by positive net inflows, investment performance, acquisitions and exposure to secular asset classes. This is supported by an aspirational blueprint to double offshore client capital.

Successful execution, in our view, provides a pathway to teens growth over the medium term, enhanced through operating leverage. A strong balance sheet further de-risks that view. Regal Partners has $250m in available capital. We see it well positioned to recycle capital, generating higher return, locking in gains and distributing this to shareholders.

Time to buy

According to the note, Bell Potter has reinstated its buy rating and $4.70 price target on the ASX dividend share.

Based on its current share price of $2.91, this implies potential upside of over 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in FY 2026, 19 cents per share in FY 2027, and then 22 cents per share in FY 2028. This equates to big dividend yields of 6.2%, 6.5%, and 7.6%, respectively.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy is reinstated, and we hold our target price at $4.70/sh based on a DCF. We use global asset manager P/E multiples as a cross-check, with the cohort trading on an average 15x including 11x for long-equities, 15x for private markets/credit and 19x for comparable multi-boutiques and hedge funds. To that end, we see the valuation as undemanding.

Trading on 10x earnings, RPL does not screen as an alternative investment manager. We view the emerging evidence of performance fees, capital management and broadening investment strategies as an opportunity to narrow the discount and drive a re-rating in the stock.

The post Could this be the best ASX dividend share to buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d aim for $10,000 a year in superannuation boosting passive income buying ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 All Ords healthcare share Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) has enjoyed a solid rebound since getting hammered in March and April 2025.

Trading for 72 cents a share in late afternoon trade on Monday, Monash IVF shares have gained more than 22% since market close on 19 November. For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 3.6% over this same time.

Atop that share price rebound, Monash IVF also paid out a 1.2 cent per share fully franked dividend to eligible stockholders on 10 April.

If we add that back in to Tuesday’s share price, then the accumulated value of the stock is up 24.1% since 19 November.

Looking ahead, however, Bell Potter Securities’ Christopher Watt forecasts a more difficult run over the coming months (courtesy of The Bull).

Time to exit this ASX All Ords healthcare share?

“The fertility services company recently downgraded fiscal year 2026 guidance,” Watt said. “It now expects underlying net profit after tax [NPAT] to range between $17 million and $18 million.”

Monash IVF reported that adjustment, down from prior FY 2026 NPAT guidance of $20 million, on 12 June.

Management noted that the primary driver for the lowered FY 2026 earnings outlook was lower than expected Australian assisted reproductive technology (ART) market activity in the second half of the financial year.

Addressing the slowdown, Monash IVF CEO Victoria Atkinson said “Monash IVF has increased its Australian stimulated cycle market share during this period and has taken steps to reduce costs and improve operational performance.”

But Bell Potter’s Watt still foresees potential headwinds over the medium-term.

Summarising his sell recommendation on the ASX All Ords healthcare share, Watt said:

Across the Australian market, stimulated cycle volumes were down 4.7% on a rolling three-month basis to the end of April when compared to the prior corresponding period. Cost-of-living pressures and declining birth rates are structural headwinds for the whole industry.

New leadership has a genuine reset opportunity, but until there’s evidence of an industry-wide recovery, I remain cautious.

Consider this surging ASX stock instead

Rather than buying ASX All Ords healthcare share Monash IVF, Watt recommended that investors consider buying ASX energy services provider GenusPlus Group (ASX: GNP)

“GNP appeals following the acquisition of MPC Kinetic Holdings, which broadens the business beyond electrical infrastructure and into gas, water and renewable energy services,” he said.

Summarising his buy recommendation on GenusPlus shares, Watt concluded:

The deal adds scale, recurring customer relationships and complementary civil capability, while also improving the earnings outlook. With upgraded guidance, manageable leverage and exposure to major infrastructure investment, GenusPlus remains well placed to deliver growth from existing operations and future contract wins.

With a strong contracted position and the tailwind of tighter east-coast gas, I believe there’s still upside to consensus.

As of late trade on Monday, GenusPlus shares are up 180% over the past 12 months.

The post Up 21% since November, should I buy this dividend paying ASX All Ords healthcare share today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX healthcare shares to sell despite signs of sector rebound
• Down 50%: Is this ASX stock a buy?
• Up 200%! Is it too late to buy this ASX stock? Bell Potter says it isn’t

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 GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There is a number that haunts Australian retirement planning. For years it was $1 million. Now it is the ASFA benchmark. Either way, the message lands the same: you are probably behind.

So when your superannuation balance reads $500,000, it is easy to assume the answer is no.

But that headline figure hides something important.

The benchmark everyone quotes assumes you fund your entire retirement yourself. Most Australians do not.

The benchmark only tells half the story

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) says a single homeowner needs about $630,000 in super for a comfortable retirement, while a couple needs roughly $730,000. Those targets buy a genuinely good lifestyle: private health cover, a reasonable car, the odd holiday, and regular dinners out.

On paper, $500,000 falls short of the single figure.

Here is the part the benchmark quietly builds in. Those numbers already assume you receive a part Age Pension on top of your own drawdown. The pension is not a backstop you hope to avoid. It is baked into the maths.

And it is more generous than many people expect. From 20 March 2026, the maximum single rate is around $31,200 per year, while a couple can receive close to $47,000 combined, including supplements.

That changes the conversation entirely.

Single or couple changes everything

This is where $500,000 splits into two very different stories.

A single homeowner with $500,000 sits above the full-pension assets threshold of $321,500, but well below the part-pension cut-off of $722,000. They would draw a part Age Pension, then top it up from their super. Combine a sensible drawdown with that pension and the result lands comfortably above a modest lifestyle, though still shy of the full comfortable benchmark.

A couple with $500,000 between them is a different picture. Their combined balance sits just above the full-pension assets threshold of $481,500. That points to close to the full couple Age Pension, plus drawdown from their super. Together, that can push annual income within striking distance of the comfortable couple standard.

Same balance. Two outcomes. The difference is simply who is drawing on it.

The real variable is you

Numbers like these are starting points, not verdicts.

Owning your home outright matters enormously, because rent in retirement can swallow a large share of any budget. Retiring at 67 rather than 60 matters too, since every early year is a year you fund alone before the pension begins.

Then there is the question only you can answer. What does your version of comfortable actually cost?

Some retirees are content below the ASFA comfortable line. Others want more travel and more margin for the unexpected. $500,000 can stretch a long way for one person and feel tight for another.

The case for aiming higher

None of this is an argument to stop at $500,000.

A larger balance is not about luxury. It is a margin of safety. The cost of living rarely moves backwards, and a bigger buffer absorbs the steady climb in groceries, energy, and healthcare without forcing you to cut back.

The years before you finish work can be the most powerful stretch of your investing life. Invest well through them, and over the long run the share market has rewarded those who stay the course.

The Foolish takeaway

So, can you retire on $500,000 of super in 2026?

For some Australians, the honest answer is yes, with help. The Age Pension does far more heavy lifting than the headline benchmarks suggest, especially for couples who own their home.

It may not fund a luxurious retirement, and markets will never move in a straight line. But comfortable and secure is well within reach for plenty of people sitting on this balance.

The figure that matters is not the one the headlines fixate on. It is the income your super and the pension generate together, set against the life you want to live.

$500,000 is not the finish line everyone fears. For some, it is already enough.

The post Can you really retire on $500,000 of super in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d invest $500 a month in ASX 200 shares to retire early
• Should I buy the NDQ ETF or the VAS ETF?
• Up 1,700% and more, what’s next for these ASX 200 shares?
• WiseTech shares just crashed. Can investors look past the company’s governance issues?
• Could this be the best ASX dividend share to buy now?

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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 iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a small decline. The benchmark index dropped 0.15% to 8,816.1 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Tuesday despite a relatively poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.3%, but the S&P 500 dropped 0.4% and the Nasdaq sank 1.3%.

A2 Milk shares given hold rating

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are fully valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $6.90 (from $6.75). It said: ” At current share price levels the stock sits at the more expensive side of the consumer sector (on a FY25-28e PEG ratio) and is likely to be materially more volatile given the polarising views on earnings expectations into the August guidance statement. Our forecasts largely split the divide and for this reason our Hold rating is unchanged.”

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.8% to US$75.19 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.8% to US$78.33 a barrel. This follows reports that US-Iran talks are going well.

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft session after the gold price weakened overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1% to US$4,205.3 an ounce. Inflation and rate hike concerns continue to weigh on the precious metal.

Buy EOS shares

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are good value according to Bell Potter. In response to the announcement of a US$124 million (A$175 million) Slinger counter-drone contract, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $12.50 (from $10.60). It said: ” We retain our Buy rating and raise our TP to $12.50/sh. EOS is positioned as a market leader across many C-UAS verticals and is leveraged to increasing defence budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. The conditional JV announcement presents a clear path towards producing HELW systems at scale and is therefore a significant development. We expect further JV’s to be signed over the coming years. The agreement suggests there is a strong likelihood of major HELW order intake over the next 12 months from the UAE.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 1,700% and more, what’s next for these ASX 200 shares?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 stuck in the red as investors wait for US lead
• With the gold price up on Monday, are Northern Star shares a good buy now?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has come off the boil.

The mining giant is trading around $60.34, down from its 52-week and record high of $65.98. That puts the BHP share price about 8% below its recent peak.

For a company of BHP’s size, that is a meaningful pullback. It also raises a fair question for investors: is this a chance to buy? I think it could be.

The Jansen update was disappointing

Part of the recent weakness can be linked to BHP’s update on its Jansen potash project.

The company has completed a detailed review of Stage 2 and now expects the total investment estimate to rise from US$4.9 billion to US$6.9 billion, including contingencies. First production is now expected in late FY31, two years later than planned.

That is clearly disappointing.

A US$2 billion cost increase is substantial, and the timing shift means investors will have to wait longer for the next stage of Jansen to contribute. BHP said the majority of the increase relates to additional construction hours, more materials, and escalation identified through its review.

I do not think investors should simply brush that aside. Large mining projects are complex, and cost discipline is important.

At the same time, I do not think the update changes the entire investment case for BHP.

The company still expects Jansen Stage 2 to deliver approximately 4.36 million tonnes per annum of production. After ramp-up, combined output from Jansen is expected to be 8.5 million tonnes per annum, which BHP says would represent around 10% of total global potash production.

The project is now taking longer and costing more, but it still gives BHP exposure to a commodity tied to food security and agricultural productivity. I see that as a useful future boost rather than the main reason to own the stock today.

Copper remains the bigger attraction

For me, the strongest reason to stay positive on BHP is copper.

The world is becoming more electricity-intensive. Power grids, renewable energy, data centres, electric vehicles, industrial systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure all require more copper.

At the same time, copper supply can be difficult to bring on quickly. New mines require huge capital, long approvals, technical expertise, and often many years of development.

That is a powerful position for a company with BHP’s scale.

Iron ore remains important to group earnings, and commodity prices will always move around. But I think BHP’s copper exposure is becoming more valuable as investors look further ahead.

If copper prices remain elevated over the long term, BHP could be well placed to keep producing strong cash flows.

Valuation and income

The pullback also makes the valuation a little more interesting.

According to CommSec, consensus estimates point to earnings per share of $3.55 in FY26 and $3.81 in FY27.

At a share price of around $60.34, that puts BHP on a price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 17 times FY26 earnings and 15.8 times FY27 earnings.

That is not a screaming bargain for a cyclical miner, but it looks reasonable if investors believe copper, iron ore, and future-facing commodities can support stronger earnings over time.

The dividend also remains part of the appeal. CommSec forecasts dividends per share of $2.12 in FY26 and $2.02 in FY27, implying dividend yields of around 3.5% and 3.3%, respectively.

Those yields are useful, especially alongside the potential for capital growth if commodity markets remain supportive.

Foolish takeaway

I think the BHP share price remains a buy for long-term investors.

The Jansen update is frustrating, and it reminds investors that even world-class miners can face cost and schedule pressure on major projects. But BHP’s broader position remains attractive.

The company has scale, a strong asset base, iron ore cash generation, and growing exposure to copper. Potash still adds a longer-term option, even if the timeline has moved further out.

After an 8% pullback from its record high, I think the BHP share price offers a reasonable entry point for investors who can handle the ups and downs that come with owning a global miner.

The post Down 8%, is the BHP share price a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s where I would invest $5,000 in ASX shares
• 4 ASX ETFs to help you sleep through market crashes
• Close to retirement? 4 ASX shares for decades of income
• 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy if I were starting from scratch
• BHP shares sink as investors react to $2.8 billion cost blowout

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Investors searching for ASX growth shares often look for the same ingredients: market leadership, a strong competitive moat, and a share price that doesn’t fully reflect future potential.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) and Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) fit that description.

Both companies have faced significant share price pressure over the past year. Telix shares are up 26% year to date but remain down 43% over 12 months. Catapult has fared even worse, falling 28% in 2026 and 47% over the past year.

Despite those declines, analysts see substantial upside ahead for the ASX shares. Here’s why.

Telix Pharmaceuticals

Telix develops radiopharmaceutical products used to diagnose and treat cancer. Its flagship products target some of the largest oncology markets globally, giving the company exposure to a rapidly growing area of healthcare.

One of Telix’s biggest strengths is its moat. Developing radiopharmaceuticals requires specialised expertise, manufacturing capabilities, regulatory approvals, and distribution networks that are difficult and expensive to replicate. Those barriers help protect established players such as Telix.

After a difficult period, the ASX growth share appears to have found its groove since February. The rebound began when the company confirmed it had filed for a key regulatory approval in Europe.

Momentum continued into April. Telix announced that the US Food and Drug Administration had accepted its New Drug Application for TLX101-Px (Pixclara®), an important milestone for the business. It also revealed a major collaboration with US biotechnology giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, further strengthening confidence in its long-term prospects.

Analysts remain highly optimistic. TradingView data shows the majority of brokers rate the $5 billion ASX growth share as a strong buy. The most bullish price target sits at $31.64 per share, implying upside of approximately 123% from current levels.

Morgans is also positive on the stock, with a $24.33 price target, which suggests a 71% upside. The broker recently noted that increasing consolidation across the healthcare sector could generate additional interest in Telix shares.

Catapult Sports

Catapult develops athlete performance and analytics technology used by professional sporting teams around the world.

Its solutions help coaches and performance staff monitor player workloads, reduce injury risks, analyse performance, and improve decision-making. The technology is widely used across major sporting organisations, including teams in the AFL, NRL, Premier League, NFL, NBA, MLB, and international rugby competitions.

That extensive customer base gives Catapult a significant competitive advantage. Once teams integrate the company’s hardware, software, and performance data into their operations, switching providers becomes difficult. This creates sticky customer relationships and recurring revenue streams.

Despite these strengths, investors have remained cautious, helping drive the share price of the ASX growth share sharply lower over the past year.

Analysts, however, remain overwhelmingly bullish. TradingView data shows every analyst covering Catapult currently rates it as either a buy or strong buy. The average price target stands at $5.72, implying upside of approximately 94% from current levels. The most optimistic forecast suggests the ASX growth stock could rise by as much as 175% over the next year.

Morgans has a buy rating and a $5.40 target price. Based on the current share price of $2.95, that points to potential gains of roughly 83%.

The post 2 ASX growth shares that could double your money appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Healthcare shares led the ASX 200 last week. Is a sector comeback underway?
• Why these 2 battered ASX tech shares look ready to surge
• 3 top ASX 300 shares tipped to jump 30% to 50%
• 3 incredible ASX growth shares tipped to rise 20% to 70%

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Catapult Sports and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.