When people hear investing goals like $50,000, it can sound intimidating. But when you break it down into monthly habits rather than a lump sum, it becomes more achievable than most people realise.

If I were investing $500 a month into ASX shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), this is how I’d think about getting there and what I’d likely invest in along the way.

Building a habit

The most important part of this plan is consistency.

Putting $500 aside every month does two powerful things. First, it forces regular saving without relying on motivation. Second, it spreads your investing across market ups and downs, which reduces the risk of terrible timing. This is called dollar-cost averaging or DCA.

At $500 a month, it wouldn’t take as long as you might think to build a $50,000 nest egg.

Assuming a 9% average return each year, which I think is a fair and realistic target, an investment of $500 a month would grow to the target amount in just over 6 years.

It doesn’t happen in a straight line. Some years will feel slow. Others will surprise you. But the maths quietly does its job in the background.

How I would target a 9% annual return

A 9% return isn’t about chasing speculative stocks or getting lucky. It’s roughly in line with long-term equity market returns, assuming dividends are reinvested and you stay invested through cycles.

To give myself the best chance of achieving that, I’d stick to high-quality businesses and broad ETFs.

For example, a core holding like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) gives exposure to the largest ASX shares and captures dividends along the way. Pairing that with something global like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) helps diversify beyond Australia and adds exposure to sectors we lack locally.

Those two alone could comfortably form the backbone of a monthly investing plan.

Adding quality ASX shares over time

Alongside ETFs, I’d gradually add individual ASX shares to the portfolio when opportunities present themselves.

I’m not trying to buy everything at once. I’d rotate contributions based on value and conviction. Some months might go into ETFs. Others might go into a single high-quality stock.

Examples of the types of shares I’d be comfortable owning long term include businesses like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which offers stability and cash flow, and ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), which has structural growth drivers and strong execution. For higher growth exposure, something like HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) or Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) could make sense.

The key is that these are businesses I’d be happy to keep buying incrementally, rather than trying to time entries perfectly.

Foolish takeaway

Turning $500 a month into $50,000 doesn’t require perfect stock picks. It requires time, discipline, and a sensible approach to investing.

By consistently buying ASX shares and ETFs that represent quality businesses and broad market exposure, achieving a 9% average return over the long run is very achievable. Stay invested, reinvest dividends, and let compounding work quietly in the background.

It’s not flashy. But this style of investing has worked for decades.

The post How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
• Ord Minnett has a ‘strongly positive view’ on this ASX 200 star
• ASX shares going ex-dividend next week
• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Turning 45 can feel like a financial crossroads. For many Australians, it is the point where retirement stops being an abstract idea and starts to feel tangible.

There’s still time on your side, but not so much that progress can be left to chance.

Superannuation, whether you’ve been paying attention to it or not, is likely to be your largest asset outside the family home.

So where do Australians actually stand at this age, and how does that compare to what’s ultimately needed?

Why age 45 matters more than people realise

At 45, most people have been in the workforce for two decades or more. Contributions have had time to compound, but the really powerful years for super growth are still ahead.

This decade is often when incomes peak, debts start to shrink, and people have the greatest capacity to influence their final retirement outcome. That makes understanding your starting point especially important.

Before looking at the averages, it is worth stepping back and asking a bigger question. What are you aiming for?

What does enough actually look like?

According to the ASFA Retirement Standard, a comfortable retirement for someone who owns their home outright requires around $595,000 in super for a single person and $690,000 for a couple at retirement age.

This level supports everyday expenses, healthcare, transport, leisure activities, and regular social connection.

A modest retirement, which sits slightly above the Age Pension, requires far less. ASFA estimates that roughly $100,000 would be needed for singles and couples. But it comes with tighter lifestyle constraints and limited discretionary spending.

Those figures apply at retirement, not at 45. But they provide helpful context when assessing whether your current balance is doing enough heavy lifting.

So, what is the average super balance at 45?

There isn’t a precise data point for exactly age 45, but we can make a reasonable estimate using official age brackets.

Based on ASFA data, Australians aged 45–49 hold average superannuation balances of approximately $147,000 for women and $193,000 for men. At ages 40–44, they hold average balances of approximately $109,000 and $141,000, respectively.

Given that age 45 sits in the middle of these brackets, it’s fair to assume that the average 45-year-old woman has a balance of $128,000 and the average 45-year-old man has $167,000.

If your balance is around these levels, you’re broadly in line with the national average. If it is higher, you’re ahead of the curve. If it is lower, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed, but it does mean the next decade matters a lot.

How to close the gap in your 40s

For those who feel behind, age 45 is still a powerful reset point. Reviewing your investment option, checking fees, consolidating multiple accounts, and considering extra concessional contributions can all make a meaningful difference over time.

Even relatively small changes, consistently applied, can materially alter where you land by your mid-60s.

Readers can use the Rest Super calculator to work out their predicted superannuation balance at retirement based on what they have today.

Foolish takeaway

The average superannuation balance at 45 provides a useful reference point, but it is not a verdict.

What matters most isn’t how you compare to others today, but whether your super is positioned to grow over the next 10 to 20 years. With time still on your side, age 45 can be a turning point in your journey.

The post Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 45 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The hefty decline of the Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) share price has created a rare buying opportunity in one of Australia’s top shares.

Sell-offs are not common on the ASX share market, but when they happen, they can lead to a major reduction in the valuation. The Pro Medicus share price has dropped around 50% from October 2025, as the chart below shows.

I think Pro Medicus is one of the best ASX shares, so such a large correction means it’s much better value for investors.

Why it’s one of Australia’s top shares

The business provides a full range of medical imaging software and services to hospitals, imaging centres, and healthcare groups worldwide. Many of its main customers are located in the US and Europe.

Its profit margins are incredibly high – both the gross profit margin and operating profit (EBIT) margin. In the FY25 result, the company reported its underlying EBIT margin was 74%. That means a significant majority of its new revenue is being turned into usable profit that can be put towards growth activities or boost the bottom line.

The company’s finances are rapidly improving – in FY25, the revenue jumped 31.9% to $213 million, and net profit after tax (NPAT) climbed 39.2% to $115.2 million.

It certainly still has a high price-earnings (P/E) ratio, but the halving of the share price has helped push the company’s valuation back to a much reasonable level.

Analysts still expect the company’s profitability to soar in the coming years, which bodes well for the future, with earnings per share (EPS) predicted to grow to $1.50 in FY26, putting it at 104x FY26’s forecast earnings, according to CommSec’s projection.

The forecasts show that EPS is expected to rise another 29.5% in FY27 to $1.94, followed by a further 29.9% in FY28.

Those numbers imply the Pro Medicus share price is valued at 62x FY28’s estimated earnings.

There are great signs for this top share from Australia because of how it continues to win new clients, sell more modules to existing clients, and sign renewed contracts at a higher level of revenue.

Why I think this is a good time to invest in Pro Medicus shares

Market fears have been elevated by AI concerns about technology businesses.

It’s hard to say exactly how things will play out with artificial intelligence. But Pro Medicus has a number of elements of economic moat to help against competitors, including AI. I’m thinking of IP, a great reputation, relationships with clients, years of honing the software to meet client needs, and the long-term contracts it has signed.

Plus, Pro Medicus can utilise AI to help boost its offering and operations, rather than new technology being a complete negative (if AI were to significantly advance in abilities from here).

Plus, I like that this top share from Australia has a strong balance sheet (no debt) and is investing in expanding into different ‘ologies’ to boost its growth potential.

While it’s still not cheap, I think this is a wonderful time to look at the Pro Medicus share price. Investors may have been waiting for a better price – this is a rare opportunity to buy a piece of the company after a huge decline. The last time this happened was the quick sell-off in tariffs last year.

The post A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

When a share price hits a fresh 52-week low, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s a buy. Sometimes the market is flagging a real problem. Other times, sentiment simply overshoots reality.

On Friday, two well-known ASX shares touched new 52-week lows. What caught my attention is that in both cases, the long-term investment story still looks intact. That’s why I think they could be candidates for a rebound as the year unfolds.

Here’s why I’m watching them closely.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one of those ASX shares that rarely looks cheap, which is exactly why a 52-week low stands out.

The market has been cautious around Cochlear due to softer-than-expected growth, trade tensions, and margin pressures. None of these are insignificant, but they are largely cyclical rather than structural.

What hasn’t changed is Cochlear’s competitive position. It remains the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, with strong brand recognition among clinicians, deep relationships with hospitals, and a large installed base that supports ongoing service and upgrade revenue.

Demographic tailwinds also remain firmly in place. Ageing populations across developed markets continue to drive long-term demand for hearing solutions. That demand doesn’t disappear, it just gets deferred. Cochlear is also busy with studies that it believes will support adoption, highlighting growing links between hearing loss and cognition in older adults.

After hitting a new low, the bar for positive surprise has come down. Even a modest improvement in procedure volumes or margins could be enough to shift sentiment. For a business of this quality, I think that makes the risk-reward more interesting than it’s been for some time.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster Group is a very different story, but one that I think the market may be too pessimistic about.

The ASX share has been under pressure due to higher interest rates, tech sector weakness, and the general slowdown in discretionary retail.

That said, the business model still stands out. Temple & Webster operates an asset-light, online-only platform with national reach. It doesn’t carry the same fixed costs as traditional retailers, which gives it flexibility when conditions are tough and leverage when they improve.

Importantly, housing turnover and consumer confidence don’t stay depressed forever. When conditions normalise, online penetration in furniture is likely to continue increasing. Temple & Webster is well positioned to benefit from that trend.

The share price hitting a new low reflects near-term caution, not a broken model. If demand stabilises and marketing efficiency improves, it wouldn’t take much to change the narrative around this stock.

Foolish takeaway

New year lows don’t guarantee a bounce, but they often create opportunity when sentiment has swung too far.

Cochlear and Temple & Webster operate in very different industries, yet both share a common theme. The long-term drivers are still there, but the market has focused heavily on short-term headwinds.

For investors willing to look past recent price action and think a little further ahead, these are two ASX shares that I think could be overdue a new year jump.

The post 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
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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 Cochlear and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Earning passive income from the share market is a goal many investors share.

The appeal is obvious. Regular income can help cover everyday expenses, supplement wages, or provide greater financial flexibility over time. But while the idea of earning $500 a month sounds achievable, the path to getting there is often misunderstood.

Rather than focusing only on the end result, it helps to break the journey into two parts. Those are the size of the portfolio required and the process of building it.

Understanding the passive income target

A passive income of $500 per month works out to $6,000 per year.

If an investor is able to generate a 5% dividend yield on a portfolio, that income level would require an investment portfolio of $120,000. This assumes dividends are paid consistently and excludes the impact of franking credits, which could further improve after-tax income for Australian investors.

Reaching this level does not require speculative investments or extreme risk. Many established ASX shares and income-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) have historically delivered yields in this range over time.

Examples include blue chip dividend payers like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), as well as diversified income ETFs such as Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).

How to build a $120,000 income portfolio

For most people, the bigger challenge is not maintaining a 5% dividend yield. It is getting to $120,000 in the first place.

This is where total return matters. If an investor can achieve an average 10% annual return (not guaranteed) by combining capital growth and dividends, the journey becomes far more manageable.

Rather than immediately targeting high-yield ASX shares, many investors start by focusing on quality ASX growth shares and broad-market ETFs. Shares such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), or ETFs like Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) and Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), have historically offered stronger growth potential.

By reinvesting dividends and adding regular contributions, a portfolio can compound steadily over time.

For example, starting at zero and adding $600 a month to an ASX share portfolio would grow to $120,000 in 10 years with a 10% per annum average return.

Transitioning to income

Once the portfolio approaches the $120,000 mark, the focus can gradually shift to passive income.

At that stage, investors could begin rotating some capital into higher-yielding ASX dividend shares or income ETFs. This transition does not have to be abrupt. It can happen slowly as opportunities arise or as personal income needs change.

The key is that the heavy lifting has already been done through compounding. The income becomes a by-product of years of disciplined investing rather than a rush to chase yield.

Foolish takeaway

Generating $500 per month in passive income is not about finding the perfect ASX dividend stock.

It starts with building a solid portfolio, aiming for strong total returns, and giving compounding time to work. With a target of around $120,000 and a patient approach that balances growth and income, this level of passive income is achievable for investors willing to stay the course.

The post Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, REA Group, ResMed, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, ResMed, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, ResMed, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, 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.

The Australian dollar has been performing strongly recently, with major tailwinds suggesting it will remain that way for a while.

So what does that mean for Australian shares, and which ones might be the victim of a higher dollar?

The analyst team at Wilsons Advisory recently put out a research note to their clients which sets out what some of the tailwinds are for the local currency.

Rates pushing the dollar higher

One of the major factors was the Reserve Bank of Australia’s board decision to raise interest rates this week, and the expectation that it might raise rates again in the near future.

This contrasted, the Wilsons team said, with the US, where rates are expected to be cut “multiple times”.

A high interest rate creates demand for our dollar, as global investors can get better interest rates on their cash holdings if they move into Australian investments.

Wilsons went on to say:

This policy divergence is widening the AU-US interest rate differential, with futures markets currently implying the RBA cash rate will be 110 basis points higher than the Fed funds rate at year-end, enhancing the Australian dollar’s appeal to investors globally.

Support for the Australian dollar was also coming from ongoing strength in commodity prices, Wilson said, bolstered by “a resilient global growth outlook”, and also by general weakness in the US dollar against most major currencies.

Wilsons added:

On balance, our base macro view points to further moderate upside in the AUD from current levels.

Swings and roundabouts

The forecast strength in the dollar creates different effects depending on how a business is set up.

It’s a boon for those businesses buying goods and services in US dollars, while for those getting paid in US dollars, it’s a downside.

Wilsons said 40% of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) companies’ profits were derived offshore, but counterintuitively, resources companies, for example, tended to do well when the dollar was high, as commodity prices were often also high at the same time.

They added:

Additionally, Australian dollar strength often occurs amidst global risk-on environments, when positive investor sentiment encourages capital flows into Australian equities and other risk assets, providing support to valuations. Taken together, the impact of a stronger Australian dollar varies meaningfully across sectors and individual companies, creating a dispersion of winners and losers.

Companies that were exposed to the US dollar weakness in a negative fashion, Wilsons said, included ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Consumer-facing businesses were also at risk, with those exposed including Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), and Breville Ltd (ASX: BRG), while tech stocks such as Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) were also exposed.

Among the financials, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and insurer QBE Ltd (ASX: QBE) were exposed, as were Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Wilsons added:

These companies face near-term foreign headwinds to earnings (when considered in AUD terms), tempering our enthusiasm towards the group at the margin. However, we are sanguine that much of this impact is already reflected in valuations. P/E multiples have generally de-rated materially over the past six months, suggesting currency effects have been at least partially priced in by the market. Additionally, our preferred exposures – RMD, ALL, CAR, BXB and GMG – still offer attractive medium-term earnings growth prospects, even after accounting for adverse foreign impacts, which allows us to remain convicted in these names. Lastly, foreign exchange headwinds must be considered within the context of an otherwise broadly positive macro backdrop for offshore earners, with the currency impact to an extent offset by the superior US economic growth outlook and the prospect of multiple Fed cuts this year.

The post What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in CSL, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, ResMed, Treasury Wine Estates, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, Treasury Wine Estates, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Selloffs are rarely comfortable, but they can create opportunities for investors willing to look beyond the immediate fear.

This month, ASX technology shares have been hit hard as concerns grow around artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting traditional software business models. In response, many tech-focused stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been sold aggressively, dragging valuations lower across the sector.

For long-term investors, that weakness could represent an opportunity rather than a warning sign. Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering after the recent selloff.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF to consider after the selloff is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

It provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, a region that plays a critical role in global tech supply chains and digital services. Its portfolio includes businesses involved in semiconductors, ecommerce, gaming, and digital payments.

Recent weakness has been driven less by company-specific issues and more by broad concerns around global tech sentiment. However, many of the fund’s underlying holdings are not just software providers, but enablers of technology through hardware, platforms, and infrastructure.

As digital adoption continues across Asia and valuations reset, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers a way to gain exposure to long-term growth drivers at more attractive prices.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that looks interesting following the selloff is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund tracks Australia’s listed technology sector, which has been caught up in the broader global tech downturn. Fears that AI could lower barriers to entry or pressure margins have weighed heavily on local software names.

That said, many Australian tech companies, such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), operate in highly specialised niches with deep customer integration. These are not easily replaced overnight. In fact, AI may ultimately enhance productivity and expand addressable markets for some of these businesses rather than eliminate them.

With the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF trading well below recent highs, now could be an opportune time to invest. It was recently recommended by the fund manager.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A final ASX ETF to consider after the tech selloff is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

It tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which includes many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation-led companies. While software fears have weighed on the index, it is important to remember that Nasdaq leaders are often the ones driving AI adoption, not being displaced by it.

The index includes businesses that control cloud platforms, semiconductor design, and digital ecosystems, areas where AI investment is accelerating rather than slowing. Over time, these companies are likely to be beneficiaries of technological change rather than casualties.

For investors with a long-term horizon, its pullback could be an opportunity to add exposure to global innovation at a more reasonable entry point.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy after the brutal tech selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares have had a tough time this week.

The energy producer’s shares have fallen heavily after investors responded negatively to its half-year results.

Has this created a buying opportunity? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the company.

What did the broker say about its results?

Bell Potter was pleased with Beach Energy’s half-year results, noting that its underlying EBITDA was stronger than expected and its net profit was in line with expectations. It said:

BPT reported 1H FY26 underlying EBITDA of $558m (BP est $531m), underlying NPAT of $219m (BP est $218m) and reported NPAT of $150m (BP est $163m). An interim fully franked dividend of 1cps was declared (BP est. 3cps, pcp 3cps). The underlying versus reported result reflects costs associated with unutilised NWS capacity of $33m (incurred because of delays to Waitsia Stage 2), exploration of $61m (unsuccessful Hercules well) and Cooper Basin flooding costs of $8m.

The dividend payout (10% of pre-growth free cash flow) was well below BPT’s targeted range of 40-50%; the company referencing near-term capital requirements. As previously disclosed, BPT ended the quarter with net debt of $445m and funding liquidity of $925m. 1H FY26 free cash flow was $61m and pre-growth capex free cash flow $225m.

Another positive was that its guidance has been reaffirmed for the remainder of the year. It adds:

BPT maintained FY26 guidance, including production of 19.7-22.0MMboe and capital expenditure of $675-775m. One off expenses are now expected to total $41m (previously $24m) and have been incurred in the 1H FY26 result.

Are Beach Energy shares a buy?

Despite the above, Bell Potter believes that Beach Energy shares are fully valued now.

As a result, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $1.15 (from $1.10). This is in line with where its shares trade today.

The broker notes that the company is currently in a replacement cycle and should return to growth in FY 2027. Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

BPT is in a production replacement cycle with respect to exploration and appraisal. Production growth should return in FY27 and capex ease, enabling positive free cash flow to support balance sheet deleveraging and ongoing dividends. We are positive on BPT’s exposure to Australian east coast gas markets (around half of sales volumes) and cautious with respect to global oil markets.

The post Are Beach Energy shares a buy after its results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

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 right now:

Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have upgraded this construction materials, equipment and service provider’s shares to a buy rating with a $5.10 price target. This follows news that Maas has agreed to sell its construction materials (CM) division, pivoting the business to focus on digital, AI, and electrification infrastructure. Morgans highlights that the sale and a $100 million investment from Firmus will leave Maas with a $550 million cash balance, which management believes it can reinvest to deliver a 20% return on capital (ROC). Overall, at the current valuation, Morgans believes there is a meaningful margin of safety for investors. The Maas share price is trading at $3.99 on Friday.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $22.30 price target on this data centre operator’s shares. The broker highlights that Singtel and KKR have acquired ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for approximately S$13.8 billion ($15.5 billion). It estimates that this represents a 20x EV/EBITDA multiple, which is significantly greater than its 14.8x estimate for NextDC. In light of this, the broker continues to believe that NextDC shares are undervalued at current levels, making now an opportune time for investors to open positions. The NextDC share price is fetching $12.70 at the time of writing.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating and $3.60 price target on this agricultural chemicals company’s shares. According to the note, the broker was pleased with Nufarm’s annual general meeting presentation. It highlights that management’s comments were positive and point to a strong year. In addition, Bell Potter points out that Nufarm’s shares continue to trade at a material discount to global peers despite favourable indicators for omega-3 returns in FY 2026 and demand indicators in the higher margin northern hemisphere crop protection markets looking generally supportive. The Nufarm share price is trading at $2.13 this afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today

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

The gold price is recovering on Friday, up 0.8% to US$4,816 per ounce at the time of writing.

That’s still a long way off the record US$5,608 per ounce reached last month.

Analysts at Trading Economics said the gold sell-off earlier this week was triggered by the US President’s Fed chair pick, plus profit-taking.

Global asset manager, Sprott, runs one of the world’s largest gold bullion investment funds, the Sprott Physical Gold Trust (TSX: PHYS).

In an article last month, Sprott said gold was in a strong bull-run cycle with long-term tailwinds that are strengthening.

What got the gold price rising in the first place?

Let’s take a history lesson first.

Sprott explains that gold’s current bull cycle began in 2022 when Western authorities froze Russia’s foreign exchange reserves.

That event shattered the assumption of reserve neutrality and triggered a reassessment of what constitutes “safe” assets.

Gold, as a non-sovereign, non-liability asset, regained strategic importance for central banks seeking to insulate themselves from geopolitical risk.

Central bank purchasing is the primary reason why gold remains in a bull cycle amid a strong global debasement trade today.

In 2023 and 2024, China emerged as the dominant buyer.

Faced with severe stress in its property sector and mounting debt burdens, Beijing adopted a dual strategy: accumulate gold and allow the yuan to weaken against it.

The scale of Chinese purchases during this period was unprecedented, signaling a structural shift in reserve management priorities.

Last year marked “another turning point” for the gold price, according to Sprott.

Global trade and tariff wars intensified, deepening deglobalization and eroding trust among central banks.

The fragmentation of financial systems elevated gold’s status as the ultimate neutral reserve asset.

By mid-year, the narrative broadened, as investors woke up to the systemic debasement of fiat currencies and bonds underway.

Over the last four months of 2025, gold surged as the debasement trade gained momentum, driven by liquidity injections, monetary inflation, and a decline in confidence in traditional hedges.

What is the debasement trade?

Debasement occurs when the purchasing power of currencies is eroded. We’ve seen this play out with the US dollar.

The Australian dollar briefly traded at a three-year high of 71 cents last month. A year prior, the AUD was worth about 62 US cents.

The ‘debasement trade’ is an investment strategy whereby investors rotate out of paper assets, like bonds, and into hard assets, like gold, to protect against inflation and lower currency values.

Persistent geopolitical tensions and broader economic uncertainty also continue to support the gold price.

Sprott comments:  

Looking ahead to 2026, fiscal dominance is entrenched, with governments prioritizing debt sustainability over price stability, thereby ensuring that monetary inflation continues to grow.

Central bank diversification away from the U.S. dollar is expected to continue, with emerging markets likely to accelerate their gold accumulation as geopolitical fragmentation persists.

Investor flows into gold ETFs and physical holdings are likely to remain strong, supported by portfolio rebalancing away from long-duration bonds and into real assets. 

Will the gold price continue to run?

Bank of America is forecasting gold to reach US$6,000 per ounce.

In a note to clients, BoA analyst Michael Hartnett said (courtesy Kitco News):

History no guide to future, but avg gold jump past 4 bull markets ≈ 300% in 43 months which would imply gold reaching $6,000 by spring.

Some analysts are even more optimistic.

Julia Du from ICBC Standard Bank thinks the gold price could crack the US$7,000 per ounce mark, commenting:

I expect 2026 to be a year of heightened geopolitical risk and strong safe-haven demand, allowing gold to continue the volatile yet upward trend.

Central banks are likely to keep adding to reserves, institutional investors will increase portfolio allocations, and retail demand – especially in Latin America – should remain robust.

Combined with continued Fed rate cuts, these forces support a bullish bias.

Other experts are less ambitious with their forecasts.

Last month, Goldman Sachs raised its year-end forecast for the gold price to US$5,400 per ounce.

Sprott says:

While gold’s 2026 price action may not match its remarkable 2025 rally, the risk skew remains to the upside, particularly under renewed liquidity waves or geopolitical shocks.

What does this mean for ASX gold shares?

Australia is the world’s third-largest gold producer.

ASX gold miners are well-placed to continue benefiting from the gold bull run, which has driven their share prices higher.

The Minerals Council of Australia says gold exports rose 42% to $47 billion in 2024-25, and are forecast to grow a further 28% to $60 billion in 2025-26, before stabilising in 2026-27.

That will make the yellow metal our second-largest export behind iron ore, surpassing coal and natural gas.

Council CEO Tania Constable said:

This unprecedented surge is being driven by record global prices and expanding mine output, combining to deliver a renewed period of strength for Australia’s gold industry.

The council expects production to rise from 293 tonnes in 2024-25 to 369 tonnes in 2026-27.

New and expanded projects across the country – including mill upgrades, extensions and new mines – are set to add around 67 tonnes to national production.

Meantime, ASX gold shares have soared.

Over the past 12 months, the Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price has risen 48%.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has increased by 142%.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares are 117% higher.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 85% over 12 months.

The post Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Amcor, Brazilian Rare Earths, Northern Star, and Pinnacle shares are racing higher today

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.