• 3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors to watch in May

    A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop with a financial graph superimposed across the image.

    Growth investing is often about identifying where the next wave of expansion will come from.

    As May approaches, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital adoption continue to shape that landscape. But the opportunity is not limited to one part of the market. It is spreading across regions, industries, and layers of the technology stack.

    Here are three ASX ETFs that tap into that growth in different ways.

    BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    The first ASX ETF to look at is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

    This ETF focuses on major technology companies across Asia, a region where digital adoption is still accelerating.

    Its holdings include companies such as Meituan (SEHK: 3690), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and Samsung Electronics.

    Samsung offers a good illustration of the opportunity. As a global leader in semiconductors and electronics, it sits at the centre of multiple growth areas, from smartphones to memory chips used in data centres.

    As digital ecosystems continue to expand across Asia, this fund provides exposure to that ongoing growth.

    Global X Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)

    Another ASX ETF that stands out for growth investors is the Global X Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure ETF.

    While much of the focus in AI has been on software and chips, this ETF looks at the systems that make it all possible.

    Its holdings include companies such as Vertiv Holdings (NYSE: VRT), Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET), and Cameco Corporation (NYSE: CCJ).

    Vertiv is a good example of this layer. It provides cooling and power systems used in data centres, which are essential as AI workloads increase in size and complexity.

    The growth in AI is driving significant investment in infrastructure, with data centre spending expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

    By focusing on the physical backbone of AI, this fund captures a part of the theme that is often overlooked.

    Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI)

    A third ASX ETF worth keeping an eye on is the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF.

    This ETF takes a broader approach, investing across the full AI ecosystem, from hardware to software and applications.

    Its holdings include stocks such as SK Hynix, Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

    SK Hynix highlights how demand for memory and processing power is increasing as AI adoption grows. Its products are critical for handling the large volumes of data required by AI systems.

    The rapid commercialisation of AI is expanding its use across industries, from healthcare to agriculture, creating a wide range of growth opportunities.

    With exposure across multiple segments and regions, this fund provides a broad way to invest in the continued development of artificial intelligence.

    The post 3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors to watch in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF right now?

    Before you buy Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, Arista Networks, Broadcom, Cameco, and Vertiv. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Advanced Micro Devices and Arista Networks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Ten smiling business people wave to the camera after receiving some winning company news.

    It was another rough session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Tuesday. After yesterday’s lacklustre start to the trading week, things didn’t improve this session, as markets suffered another hefty drop.

    By the time trading wrapped up this afternoon, the ASX 200 had fallen 0.64%. That leaves the index at 8,710.7 points.

    This unhappy day for ASX investors follows a mixed start to the American trading week last night.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) gave up an early spike to close down 0.13%.

    Things were better on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) though, which pushed 0.2% higher.

    But let’s return to the local markets now, and take stock of how today’s miserable trading conditions filtered down into the various ASX sectors.

    Winners and losers

    There were only a handful of sectors that were spared a sell-down this Tuesday.

    But first, it was gold shares that were singled out for punishment today. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) took a 2.74% plunge by the time trading wrapped up.

    Consumer discretionary stocks were also hit hard, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) tanking 2.31%.

    Utilities shares were right in front of that. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) cratered 2.27% this session.

    Tech stocks were on the nose as well, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)’s 1.61% dive.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) had a day to forget, too. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) had taken a 1.26% plunge by market close.

    Healthcare shares were in a similar vein, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) losing 1.24% of its value.

    Next came communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was sent home 1.11% lighter.

    Mining shares weren’t finding friends either, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 0.89% retreat.

    Industrial stocks were in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) lost 0.85% of its value this session.

    Consumer staples shares were our last red sector, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) dipping 0.61%.

    Turning to the winners now, it was energy stocks that were exciting investors this Tuesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) soared 1.2% higher.

    Finally, financial shares managed to keep above water, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.06% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Coming out on top of the index this Tuesday was mining services stock Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN). Mineral Resources shares put on a healthy 4% this session, and finished at $61.37 each.

    That’s despite no news or announcements out from the company today.

    Here’s how the other top stocks landed their planes:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) $61.37 4.00%
    Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) $2.37 3.95%
    Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) $8.00 3.90%
    Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) $2.01 3.88%
    Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC) $3.15 3.62%
    Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) $7.28 3.56%
    IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) $4.42 3.51%
    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) $18.71 3.48%
    Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) $2.39 3.46%
    Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) $7.75 3.33%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mineral Resources right now?

    Before you buy Mineral Resources shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mineral Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

  • Moelis is tipping these two ASX gold miners will deliver better than 40% returns

    a woman wearing a sparkly strapless dress leans on a neat stack of six gold bars as she smiles and looks to the side as though she is very happy and protective of her stash. She also has gold fingernails and gold glitter pieces affixed to her cheeks.

    There’s plenty of high-quality gold miners on the ASX, but when it comes to finding a company that might have some share price upside, it’s not a bad strategy to ask the experts.

    The analyst team at Moelis has run the ruler over two of the producers on the ASX and believes both represent good value at current levels.

    Let’s have a look at what they’re saying.

    Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)

    Alkane, in its quarterly report last week, announced that its cash pile had grown to $362 million, up $130 million for the quarter.

    The company reported record gold production of 45,776 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $ 2,928 per tonne, and maintained full-year guidance of 160,000 to 175,000 ounces of gold.

    Alkane Managing Director Nic Earner said it was “another great quarter” for the company.

    The Moelis team said Alkane “comfortably beat our production estimates while landing in-line with AISC forecasts for the March Quarter”.

    They added:

    At a group level, there was a slight increase in AISC primarily due to higher royalties (coinciding with higher realised gold prices) and the impact of diesel cost – albeit this only occurred later in the quarter. Reaching at least the bottom end of guidance looks to be a relatively simple target over the balance of the full year given the ~120koz gold equivalent produced to date.

    Moelis has a price target of $2.30 on Alkane shares compared with the current price of $1.54, implying potential upside of 49.4%.

    Black Cat Syndicate Ltd (ASX: BC8)

    This company also last week released its quarterly production report, which showed the company had cash flow of $61 million generated from 10,374 ounces of gold produced.

    Back Cat’s cash balance inched $1 million higher to $92 million, which the company said was a pleasing result considering its investments in growth programs.

    This included a $46 million spend on the Kal East mine ramp-up.

    Black Cat also said it was working on a new growth strategy, “focused on clearly articulating its capabilities, growth initiatives and capital deployment priorities, with an update expected within the next three months”.

    Following completion of this process, the company said it intended to provide annual guidance, including on AISC.

    Moelis said the quarter was softer than its estimates, “but in fairness, there has been relatively little laid out in the form of guidance and the nature of the operations at Kal East in particular have made predictions (and subsequent verification) challenging – up until now”.

    Moelis said the company was transitioning to mining and treating its own ore, and while cash build was soft, “excess operating cashflow has been redeployed across the business where we think there is low hanging fruit”.

    Moelis has a price target of $1.70 on Black Cat compared with $1.18 currently, implying potential upside of 44.1%.

    The post Moelis is tipping these two ASX gold miners will deliver better than 40% returns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Alkane Resources right now?

    Before you buy Alkane Resources shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Alkane Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

  • 3 oversold ASX shares to buy with $10,000

    Woman with a concerned look on her face holding a credit card and smartphone.

    When share prices fall sharply, it can sometimes reflect short-term concerns rather than long-term fundamentals.

    That can open the door for investors that are willing to look beyond the immediate noise and focus on the long-term opportunity.

    With that in mind, here are three ASX shares that have pulled back and could be worth a closer look if you have $10,000 to invest:

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

    Accent shares have been under pressure and are down 66% over the past 12 months.

    The company owns and operates a range of footwear and apparel brands, with a large store network across Australia and New Zealand. Like many retailers, it has faced softer consumer conditions following interest rate increases.

    That has weighed on sentiment, but the underlying business remains active. Accent continues to expand its store footprint and build out its brand portfolio, which includes both owned and licensed labels.

    Retail conditions can shift quickly, and any improvement in consumer spending could support a recovery in its performance.

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    Another ASX share that has experienced a significant pullback is Cochlear.

    It is a global leader in hearing implant technology, with products used in multiple markets around the world.

    Its shares are down 65% over the past 12 months, with a good portion of this coming this month following a poor update.

    Cochlear downgraded its FY 2026 underlying net profit guidance range to $290 million to $330 million (from $435 million to $460 million). Management revealed that this was due to softer trading in developed markets, which is being driven by hospital capacity constraints and a decline in referrals from the hearing aid channel.

    While this was disappointing, it doesn’t change the longer-term picture. Demand for hearing solutions is being supported by ageing populations and increasing awareness.

    In addition, Cochlear continues to invest in research and development, maintaining its position at the forefront of its field.

    So, with strong market positioning and long-term demand drivers, this could be an ASX share to buy while it is down.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Temple & Webster shares are also down around 65% over the past 12 months.

    It operates an online furniture and homewares platform, benefiting from the gradual shift toward ecommerce in its category.

    Spending on home-related items can be cyclical, influenced by housing activity and broader economic conditions. This can lead to periods of volatility in both performance and share price, especially when interest rates increase.

    Despite this, the long-term trend toward online retail remains in place and Temple & Webster is positioned to capture a larger share of the market. This could make it an ASX share to buy for patient investors.

    The post 3 oversold ASX shares to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Accent Group right now?

    Before you buy Accent Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Accent Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Accent Group, Cochlear, and Temple & Webster Group. 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 Accent Group, 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.

  • PLS shares are flying again. Here’s why they’re near record highs

    A smiling woman holds an arm in the air in triumph while also holding a graphic of a fully-charged battery in her other hand.

    It is getting harder to ignore what PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) is doing right now.

    The lithium stock is back on the move on Tuesday, adding to a run that has already turned heads this year.

    At the time of writing, the share price is up 2.78% to $6.095. Earlier in the session, it pushed as high as $6.13 before easing back as some profit-taking came through.

    Even with that pullback, the stock is sitting just below its record high of $6.14, which was set on 17 April.

    When you zoom out, the move looks even more impressive.

    PLS shares have climbed 44% so far in 2026. Over the past year, the gain is closer to 320%, which explains why the stock keeps getting attention.

    Momentum builds after strong quarterly result

    A big part of the latest move comes back to last week’s March quarter result, which gave investors little reason to step aside.

    PLS delivered another solid production result from its Pilgangoora operation, with output lifting 12% on the prior quarter. The increase came through improved plant performance and more consistent run times across the site.

    Sales volumes were softer, down 16% over the period, though that largely came down to shipment timing.

    However, pricing did most of the heavy lifting. The company achieved a realised price of US$1,867 per tonne, which fed straight into revenue and margins.

    That strength showed up in the cash numbers. Cash margin from operations jumped a massive 178% to $461 million for the quarter.

    The balance sheet also moved higher, with cash increasing 52% to $1.45 billion by the end of the period.

    What the market is telling us

    What is interesting is how the market has responded.

    PLS has delivered strong quarters before, but the follow-up has not always looked like this.

    This time feels a bit different. Higher production and better realised prices are getting picked up more quickly by the market.

    Lithium prices in China are sitting around CNY 175,000 per tonne, which is a 6% lift from where they were last month.

    And that is starting to show up in the numbers, with stronger realised pricing feeding into the company’s margins.

    At the same time, PLS is now generating some serious cash, which puts it in a different position. It has more room to fund growth, strengthen the balance sheet, and potentially return capital if conditions hold up.

    What to watch from here

    With the share price sitting just below record levels, investors will be closely watching what’s next for PLS.

    Production guidance remains in place for FY26, with the company targeting between 820kt and 870kt.

    From here, a lot still comes back to lithium pricing and whether it can hold around current levels.

    The post PLS shares are flying again. Here’s why they’re near record highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pls Group right now?

    Before you buy Pls Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pls Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

  • 5 years ago, $10,000 bought 112 CBA shares. How many would it buy now?

    Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknotes in his hands, symbolising dividends.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have been incredibly resilient so far this year.

    After posting an unexpectedly positive half-year result in February this year, the banking giant’s shares jumped over 12%, and they’ve remained relatively consistent ever since.

    At the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon, CBA shares are up 0.3% to $173.60. 

    For the year to date, the shares are nearly 8% higher, and they’re up 6.6% on this time last year.

    The gains go even further back, too.

    CBA shares have risen mostly consistently since joining the ASX back in 1999.

    How many shares could I have bought with $10,000 five years ago?

    On this day five years ago, CBA shares were trading at $89.04 each. That means that $10,000 invested in CBA shares five years ago would have bought 112 shares.

    What would that investment be worth now?

    CBA shares have increased 95% over the past five years. That means that $10,000 invested in April 2021 would be worth $19,500 today.

    And how many CBA shares would I get with the same $10,000 investment today?

    While a $10,000 investment would have bought 112 shares in April 2021, today it would only buy 57 shares.

    Are CBA shares still a buy today?

    Not according to the experts. Analysts widely comment that the bank’s share price is overvalued relative to its peers, and that its bumper price tag isn’t supported by its business fundamentals. 

    Brokers are mostly bearish on the outlook for CBA shares, with consensus of a steep share price downturn ahead.

    TradingView data shows that 14 out of 16 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on the stock. Another two rate CBA shares as a hold.

    The average target price is $129.98, which implies a 25% downside at the time of writing. But some think the share price could crash 48% to just $90 within the next 12 months.

    Are CBA shares worth buying for passive income?

    While the 12-month outlook for CBA shares doesn’t look too positive, and a sharp correction is expected ahead, it’s worth remembering that the banking giant is a classic defensive stock. 

    This means it is able to remain stable in times of economic crisis. Because of this, it generally has strong and consistent operational performance and earnings, even when markets are mostly weak.

    Also, the bank is huge, dominant, and highly profitable, which means investors are struggling to see it as anything other than a safe haven during times of volatility. And so far in 2026, the sharemarket has been very volatile.

    The best part is that because CBA is generally stable and defensive in nature, it is able to pay a reliable passive income to investors. 

    CBA has paid dividends twice per year consistently since 2006. The bank last paid a fully-franked dividend of $2.35 per share to investors in late March.

    The post 5 years ago, $10,000 bought 112 CBA shares. How many would it buy now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank Of Australia shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Commonwealth Bank Of Australia wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

  • Morgans says hold BHP shares and buy this ASX 200 stock      

    A happy person clenching fists in celebration sitting at computer.

    Morgans has given its verdict on a few popular ASX 200 stocks this week, courtesy of The Bull.

    Let’s see how it rates them:

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    Morgans is a fan of this mining giant. It likes its diversified operations, strong balance sheet, and disciplined capital management.

    However, the main attraction appears to be copper, which the broker expects to be a key earnings driver thanks to the electrification megatrend.

    However, given recent strength in BHP shares, Morgans thinks that they are fairly valued rather than offering a compelling buying opportunity. As a result, the broker has named BHP as a hold this week.

    Commenting on its recommendation, Morgans said:

    BHP provides diversified exposure to iron ore, copper and future-facing commodities, backed by a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management. Copper offers long term appeal through electrification, while iron ore continues to drive near term earnings. However, results remain sensitive to global growth and Chinese demand.

    With commodity prices reflecting mixed economic signals, BHP’s valuation looks fair rather than compelling. BHP suits investors seeking stability and income, but upside appears balanced by cyclical risk, supporting a hold rating.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

    Morgans is far more positive on the investment opportunity with Sigma Healthcare shares.

    It believes the Chemist Warehouse owner is well-placed to deliver margin improvement through own label expansion and exclusive products.

    The broker also sees opportunities for the company to improve operating leverage with supply chain efficiencies and the consolidation of distribution centres following its merger.

    So, with Sigma Healthcare shares trading closer to their 52-week low than their 52-week high, Morgans thinks now could be an opportune time to snap up shares. As a result, it has named the company as a buy this week.

    Commenting on the opportunity, the broker said:

    SIG is a leading wholesale distributor and retail pharmacy franchisor with operations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. It has a solid balance sheet with conservative leverage and strong operating cash flows. We believe SIG can continue to widen margins through expanding labels it owns and exclusive products.

    We expect improving operating leverage through efficiencies in the supply chain and consolidation in distribution centres. A softer share price provides a compelling buying opportunity for long term focused investors.

    The post Morgans says hold BHP shares and buy this ASX 200 stock       appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • CSL shares crash to a 9-year low. Is it time to sell off my shares?

    ASX share investor sitting with a laptop on a desk, pondering something.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have continued their downward momentum yet again in Tuesday afternoon trade.

    At the time of writing, the beaten-down ASX biotech stock has fallen another 2.53% to $128.48, marking the lowest trading price since August 2017.

    The shares are down 25% for the year to date and 47% lower than this time last year.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.55% at the time of writing, and down 0.1% for the year to date. 

    Why are CSL shares still falling?

    ASX healthcare shares have lagged most other sectors on the index this year after a sharp, broad-based sell-off. 

    Investors have shied away from healthcare shares this year and instead repositioned themselves towards ASX energy stocks, resources, and defensive assets. 

    At the same time as a sector-wide sentiment shift, investors have also lost confidence in CSL as a business.

    The biotech company was once widely regarded as one of the most dependable growth stocks on the ASX. But over the past few years, it has experienced a notable slowdown in earnings growth and operational challenges. More recently, CSL has faced headwinds such as lower vaccine demand, a surprise restructure, and even a shock CEO exit.

    And the headwinds keep coming, too.

    Earlier this month, CSL was hit by fresh policy changes out of the US. News that the US military has scrapped its annual flu shot requirement for service members significantly changes the demand outlook for CSL. The company generates a large portion of its revenue from the US, with its influenza vaccines forming part of that exposure.

    Now investors are worried that lower vaccine uptake could weigh heavily on CSL’s future sales, especially in its segments where demand was driven by mandates.

    Does this mean it’s time to sell my shares?

    CSL shares are still struggling to stabilise, and confidence has been crushed. But I think that calling it quits on the biotech shares still looks premature.

    While the company’s vaccine segment looks to be facing some new headwinds, it isn’t the core profit area for CSL. 

    The bulk of CSL’s profits and earnings come from its plasma therapies division, CSL Behring. This segment includes plasma-derived medicines, including immunoglobulins, albumin, and clotting factors. The company’s blood plasma division dominates the market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products. Demand in this sector is growing significantly. 

    What do analysts expect next from CSL?

    Analysts continue to be very bullish on the outlook for CSL shares. TradingView data shows that 12 of 18 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock, with an upside of up to 109% to $268.84 per share over the next 12 months.

    Even the minimum $153.06 target price implies a 19% upside at the time of writing.

    The post CSL shares crash to a 9-year low. Is it time to sell off my shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

  • This ASX biotech hit a 90% success rate. Can it unlock commercial growth?

    Six smiling health workers pose for a selfie.

    Shares in small-cap biotech Orthocell (ASX: OCC) edged higher today (around 4% at the time of writing) after the company released a clinical update that could prove more important than the market initially realised.

    At the centre of the announcement is Remplir, Orthocell’s nerve repair product, which continues to deliver strong clinical outcomes.

    Strong treatment success rate

    Orthocell reported an overall treatment success rate of 89.7% across 66 patients and 78 procedures, based on its ongoing real-world evidence study. That’s a strong headline number with solid supporting evidence.

    In motor nerve repair procedures, more than 90% of procedures resulted in functional muscle recovery. Meanwhile, in nerve decompression procedures (which are typically used to treat chronic pain, numbness, and tingling) 89% of patients experienced significant improvement or complete relief.

    Importantly, these results were achieved across a broad patient group, covering different types of nerve injuries and age ranges. That kind of consistency suggests the product’s effectiveness isn’t limited to narrow use cases.

    Just as critical is the safety profile. The study reported no post-treatment complications or adverse effects, reinforcing confidence for surgeons considering adoption.

    Why this matters

    For investors the focus is on what this means commercially.

    Orthocell is already seeing growing adoption, with more than 300 surgeons across over 220 hospitals in Australia using Remplir. Early traction is also building in the US, including procedures within a Department of Defense hospital network.

    These are all emerging signs of real value being created which can hopefully translate into repeat usage, broader adoption, and ultimately, strong revenue growth.

    Orthocell is now pushing into larger markets, with US expansion underway and Europe and the UK firmly in its sights. Regulatory approval in those regions is targeted for 2026, which could significantly expand its addressable market.

    If the current clinical outcomes continue to hold and surgeon adoption keeps building, Orthocell may be moving closer to that key inflection point where a promising product becomes a scalable commercial business.

    Foolish bottomline

    Orthocell’s latest update strengthens the case that Remplir can be widely adopted. For investors, that’s a critical datapoint and if momentum continues, this could be the early stages of a much larger growth story.

    The post This ASX biotech hit a 90% success rate. Can it unlock commercial growth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Orthocell right now?

    Before you buy Orthocell shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Orthocell wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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 Orthocell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Experts name 1 ASX bank share to buy and 2 to sell       

    Nervous customer in discussions at a bank.

    If you are searching for ASX bank shares to buy, then read on.

    That’s because analysts have named one to buy and two to sell this week, courtesy of The Bull.

    Here’s what they are recommending:

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    Analysts at Morgans are bearish on CBA shares and have named them as a sell this week.

    The broker has concerns over its valuation and believes there are better opportunities elsewhere. It said:

    CBA is Australia’s strongest major bank, with a leading retail franchise and consistent profitability. However, the market fully recognises these strengths. The shares were recently trading at a significant premium, leaving limited upside as interest rate benefits fade and competition increases. While the business remains high quality, future returns are likely to be more modest, in our view. With the company’s valuation pricing in a lot of good news, we see better value elsewhere, supporting a sell view.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

    Morgans is also recommending Westpac shares as a sell this week.

    While the broker has been pleased with its business simplification progress, it isn’t enough to justify a more positive stance. This is especially the case given how growth drivers are limited in the current environment. It explains:

    Westpac has made progress simplifying its business, but returns continue to lag peers. Growing revenue is a challenge in a competitive and mature banking market, while execution risk persists. Cost control and balance sheet strength offer some support, but growth drivers are limited in a slowing credit environment. The valuation doesn’t offer a clear margin of safety given these challenges. Income may appeal to some investors.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

    One ASX share that is in favour is investment bank Macquarie. MPC Markets has named it as a buy this week.

    It likes the company due to its strong track record and potential to outperform in the volatile markets we are experiencing at present. It said:

    This global financial services company operates in more than 30 markets. Businesses include asset management, banking and financial services and commodity and global markets. Its diversification appeals to investors, particularly in volatile markets.

    The trading desk has been a driver of growth in previous years and we suspect it will feature prominently at the company’s full year results due in May. The shares have surged from $191.53 on March 4 to trade at $229.95 on April 23. We believe the company’s outlook is bright. The company’s solid track record has stood the test of time.

    The post Experts name 1 ASX bank share to buy and 2 to sell        appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank Of Australia shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Commonwealth Bank Of Australia wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Fetching Disclosure…