It was a volatile and ultimately negative start to the trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and ASX investors this Monday.

After starting the week’s trading at an opening loss this morning, the ASX 200 spent most of the day bouncing around, but ended up closing down 0.026%. That leaves the index at 8,729.4 points.

This cold-shower start to the trading week for Australian investors follows a rosier finish to the American week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in decent form, rising a confident 0.72%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn’t quite as enthusiastic, but still managed a 0.2% gain.

But let’s get back to this week and the local markets now, and check out how the various ASX sectors traversed today’s tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

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

More reading

• 3 ASX tech shares I’d buy as they rebound from the AI selloff
• Worried about capital gains tax and ASX shares? Here’s why you shouldn’t be
• Why 4DMedical, IperionX, Pro Medicus, and Ventia shaares are storming higher today
• IperionX gains U.S. Army validation as titanium fasteners outperform steel
• Why are Pro Medicus shares rocketing 12% today?

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 positions in and has recommended Aussie Broadband, Life360, Megaport, SiteMinder, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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 Life360, SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aussie Broadband, Pro Medicus, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) shares are in the green on Monday after the titanium tech company released new US testing results.

At the time of writing, the IperionX share price is up 2.74% to $5.99.

The stock pushed as high as $6.08 in morning trade before some investors took profit off the table.

Even after that pullback, IperionX shares are up 46% over the past month and more than 62% since this time last year.

Here’s the latest.

US testing puts titanium in focus

According to the release, IperionX has reported positive titanium fastener test results from 2 independent testing programs.

The programs were completed by the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research.

The tests compared IperionX titanium fasteners with high-strength SAE Grade 8 steel fasteners, which are used in demanding defence and industrial applications.

The main result came from IperionX’s larger 3/4-10 titanium fasteners, which demonstrated yield torque of 563 to 615 ft-lbf in US Army testing.

That compared with about 480 to 502 ft-lbf for high-strength Grade 8 steel fasteners under the same test program.

Based on the midpoint, IperionX said the result was nearly 20% above the steel benchmark.

The smaller 3/8-16 fasteners also performed well, achieving average yield torque above high-strength Grade 8 steel fasteners.

In another positive sign, 3 of the 5 IperionX titanium fasteners did not yield at the initial US Army test protocol limit.

What investors are watching

While today’s announcement doesn’t include new revenue, it does give investors another sign of progress with IperionX’s titanium technology.

The company is trying to prove its process can produce titanium parts that meet the demands of large industrial customers.

Fasteners are small parts, but they’re used in large numbers across defence, aerospace, marine, and industrial equipment.

IperionX said its titanium Ti-6Al-4V is typically 40% to 45% lighter than steel, which is one of the main reasons titanium is attractive in these markets.

The independent testing also showed yield strength of 135 to 137 ksi and ultimate tensile strength of 149 to 152 ksi.

IperionX said those results were above typical aerospace Grade 5 titanium fastener benchmarks.

Foolish Takeaway

IperionX has become one of the more closely watched mid-cap stocks on the ASX.

The company now has a market capitalisation of about $2.03 billion, so plenty of expectation is already built into the share price.

Today’s result is another step forward, but investors will want to see what comes next.

The key question is whether this can lead to bigger customer interest, and real revenue.

The post This ASX 300 stock is back in the spotlight after a US Army test appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why 4DMedical, IperionX, Pro Medicus, and Ventia shaares are storming higher today
• IperionX gains U.S. Army validation as titanium fasteners outperform steel
• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in May
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

ASX tech shares are rebounding on Monday as investors pile back into the sector.

I think this could make it a good time to look at some of the sector’s best names.

Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption and the so-called SaaSpocalypse have weighed on sentiment recently. But I think the strongest ASX tech companies can use AI to improve their products, rather than be replaced by it.

With several quality ASX tech shares still down heavily from their highs, I think these three could be worth buying now.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global has been one of the most heavily sold-off ASX tech shares, but I think the long-term business remains highly attractive.

The company’s CargoWise platform is used by logistics providers and freight forwarders to manage global trade. That is a complicated area involving shipments, customs, compliance, documentation, warehousing, and transport networks.

This is the sort of market where software can be extremely valuable.

I do not see AI as a simple threat here. In fact, I think it could make WiseTech’s platform more useful over time. Logistics still involves a lot of manual work, repetitive data entry, document checks, and exception handling.

If AI can help reduce those pain points, customers may become even more reliant on powerful workflow software.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another ASX tech share I would buy into the rebound.

The company has a strong position in small business accounting software, but I think the bigger opportunity is to become more central to how small businesses manage their finances.

That means more than bookkeeping. It can include invoicing, payroll, payments, tax, reporting, cash flow tools, and better financial insights.

Small business owners do not want more admin. They want software that helps them save time, understand their numbers, and make better decisions.

This is why I think AI could become an opportunity for Xero rather than just a risk. If the company can use AI to automate basic tasks, surface useful insights, and make the platform easier to use, it could strengthen the customer proposition.

The US opportunity also remains important. It will not be easy, but Xero does not need to win the whole market to create meaningful long-term value.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is arguably the steadier name in this group.

It provides enterprise software to governments, councils, universities, and large organisations. These customers need reliable systems for finance, payroll, assets, student administration, and other important functions.

I like that because the software is not a nice-to-have extra. It supports core operations.

TechnologyOne has built a strong record of execution, recurring revenue, and customer retention. It also has a long-term growth opportunity in the UK, where it is trying to repeat some of the success it has achieved in Australia.

The valuation can be demanding at times, so investors need to be comfortable paying for quality. But I think this is one of the ASX tech shares best placed to keep compounding over time.

Foolish takeaway

I do not think the AI debate is going away. Investors will keep questioning which software companies are threatened and which ones can become stronger.

That is why I prefer ASX tech shares with important customer workflows, proven products, and room to keep improving their platforms.

This rebound may not move in a straight line. But after the heavy selling across parts of the sector, I think these three ASX tech stocks are worth buying before confidence returns more fully.

The post 3 ASX tech shares I’d buy as they rebound from the AI selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What happened to WiseTech shares in May?
• Are these 2 oversold ASX shares too cheap to ignore in June?
• ASX shares to buy now: How I’d invest a $1,000 lump sum
• Is it time to get greedy with Xero shares?
• I’d aim for $1 million in retirement buying just 10 ASX 200 shares

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, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. 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.

Much has been made of the recent federal budget, which was, hands down, one of the most controversial in years. Early last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers made the annual reveal of exactly how much money the government expects to raise over the coming financial year, and how it plans to spend it. As is usual these days, there was more spending than raising. But one of the most controversial changes the government has made is a revamp of the capital gains tax (CGT).

Anyone who has bought, and sold, ASX shares or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) before should already be familiar with CGT. It is the tax we are required to pay on profits earned from the sale of an investable asset. As ASX shares are investable assets, they are covered by capital gains tax. As is investment property, business gold bullion, Bitcoin, fine art, and any other investment-grade asset.

CGT changes cause a stir

As we covered last month, CGT has worked in the same way for almost two decades. If an asset has made its owner a capital gain upon its sale, that investor must add the value of that gain to their taxable income in the financial year that the sale was made. If that asset was held for longer than one year, the investor is entitled to a 50% deduction on the profit for tax purposes.

However, last month, the government announced that we would be returning to a pre-1999 model for capital gains tax from July 2027. From that date, investors will lose access to the 50% discount, which will be replaced by a mechanism that allows investors to only deduct the rate of inflation from their long-term gains.

It’s fair to say that this has resulted in a bit of an outcry from investors all around the country. Some are even saying that the new CGT will remove the incentive to invest in ASX shares at all.

However, I think that this attitude is misplaced, and is dangerous for anyone who gives it the time of day.

Yes, the changes may result in many investors getting a larger tax bill upon sale of their ASX shares.

There are a few things investors need to keep in mind though.

Why ASX shares are still a buy after the capital gains tax changes

Firstly, tax is still only payable on profits one makes. If you buy $10,000 worth of ASX shares and sell them five years later for $20,000, only $10,000 is taxable as income. Thus, the idea that the capital gains tax changes make stock market investing undesirable is laughable.

Secondly, the profits we make from investing in ASX shares will still be taxed at a lower rate than the salary or wage income we make from our jobs. I’ve never heard of someone quitting their job because they have to pay tax on the income they earn. So why would anyone not invest in shares because any profits they make will earn them income that is taxed at a rate below their day jobs?

Thirdly, you may have heard much talk about a 47% tax rate. However, that is the top marginal tax rate in Australia, if we include the 2% Medicare levy. It only applies to income above $190,000 a year. As such, the vast majority of ASX stock market investors will not be paying anything close to 47% on their capital gains from ASX shares. It’s far more likely that the maximum tax rate you will pay will be 30%. And that’s before discounting inflation.

Of course, everyone’s personal circumstances are different, and you should talk to a tax professional about how the capital gains tax changes might affect you. But from where I’m sitting, most ASX investors don’t have much to fear. ASX shares helped Australians to build wealth well before 1999, and they will likely continue to do so after 2027.

The post Worried about capital gains tax and ASX shares? Here’s why you shouldn’t be appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• IperionX gains U.S. Army validation as titanium fasteners outperform steel
• Lendlease reports $250m MSG North sale and FY26 loss
• Ventia secures $133m contract extension at Australian Marine Complex
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in May
• Pro Medicus renews $28m contract with Allegheny Health Network

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. 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.

Most ASX 200 bank shares slumped in May as concerns about the Federal Budget’s property tax changes, higher interest rates, disappointing quarterly updates, and ongoing global volatility continued to spook investors.

What happened to the ASX 200 big four major banks in May?

Australia’s banking sector is dominated by the big four banks: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). 

Together, they make up around a quarter of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by market capitalisation. 

CBA shares fell 5.6% in May and are trading around 1% lower again for the first day of June. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 bank shares are changing hands for $163.87 a piece.

Westpac shares fell 6.5% throughout the month, and are largely flat at the time of writing on Monday, at $36.02 a piece.

NAB shares also fell by 6.4% in May. At the time of writing, the bank shares are marginally higher, up around 0.4% to $37.48 each.

ANZ shares suffered a slightly smaller slump in May versus its peers. The bank stock fell 4% in May and has continued tumbling into the first day of June. At the time of writing, the shares are down around 0.5% to $35.03 a piece.

What about the mid-tier banks?

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares fell 3.3%, and Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) dropped nearly 7% in May. 

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) was the best performer by far and the only ASX 200 bank that saw a gain throughout the month. Its shares climbed around 1.5% in May.

It looks like Macquarie largely escaped the May bank sell-off. This is likely because it posted a stronger-than-expected FY26 result in the first week of the month.

Which ASX banks are a buy for June?

Macquarie Group is also the only ASX 200 bank share that brokers think can keep climbing higher.

Market Index data shows brokers have a buy rating on Macquarie Group shares. It tips around a 7% upside to $253.75 at the time of writing. 

Which ASX banks are a sell?

Analysts are concerned that CBA shares are still overvalued versus their peers. Market Index data shows brokers hold a strong sell rating on the ASX 200 bank’s shares. They tip a potential average 23.85% downside to $124.20 at the time of writing.

Brokers also rate Westpac shares a strong sell and tip a 6% downside to an average target price of $33.97 over the next 12 months.

NAB shares are a sell, but the average $39.21 target price still implies a potential 5% upside, at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, Bank of Queensland shares are rated a sell and are tipped to fall just over 1% to $6.14 each.

Which ones are a hold?

Brokers rate ANZ shares as a hold, and they tip a 3.2% potential upside to an average $36.20 target price, at the time of writing. 

Bendigo shares are also rated a hold, and brokers tip a 3% upside to an average target price of $10.66.

The post Are ASX 200 bank shares a buy in June? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, PLS Group, CBA shares
• Why did CBA shares sink 5% in May?
• Should I buy CBA shares for their ‘reliable’ passive income?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• What happened to Westpac shares in May?

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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are outlined below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $37.10 price target on this appliance manufacturer’s shares. The broker has been looking at industry data and was pleased with what it saw. This is especially the case given that Breville has outperformed its industry benchmark over almost the whole of the last decade. The good news is that Macquarie appears to believe that this positive form can continue given its coffee products focus and expansion into new markets. It highlights China, India, and Japan as key growth markets for Breville over the long term. The Breville share price is trading at $28.89 on Monday.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this small business lender’s shares with an improved price target of $2.15. The broker was pleased to see Judo Capital announce a securitisation transaction that is backed by small-medium business loans last week. Given that Judo Capital’s CET1 capital ratio was heading towards 11.5%, and breaching its target, the broker was expecting the company to have to launch a capital raising. However, due to this smart move by management, it shouldn’t need to. Looking ahead, the broker remains positive on the investment opportunity here and believes Judo Capital will deliver strong earnings growth between FY 2026 and FY 2028. The Judo Capital share price is fetching $1.49 at the time of writing.

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating and $195.00 price target on this gold giant’s shares. According to the note, the broker has been busy looking at the gold sector and the impact that higher costs could have on miners. It notes that this is coming at a time when the spot gold price has pulled back meaningfully from its highs and consensus expectations. While this is bad news for many gold miners, UBS highlights that Newmont has exposure to copper, which it believes will soften the blow. As a result, it remains positive and has named the company as one of its preferred gold exposures. The Newmont share price is trading at $150.72 on Monday afternoon.

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

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Why did ASX 200 retail shares lead the market last week?
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• Why 4DMedical, Elsight, Judo Capital, and Northern Star shares are racing higher 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 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed up 0.8% in the month just past, with Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares dragging on those gains while Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares helped lift the benchmark index. 

Closing on Friday trading for $21.72 apiece, Coles shares fell 1.8% in May.

Woolworths shares went the other way, gaining 2.4% to close the month at $35.23 each.

Here’s what’s been happening with the ASX 200 supermarket giants.

Woolworths shares rebound from 30 April crash

There was no fresh price-sensitive news out from Woolworths in May.

But the ASX 200 stock looks to have benefited from some bargain hunting in May following the big fall it suffered on 30 April.

Indeed, Woolworths shares closed down 7.8% on the last trading day of April as investors responded negatively to the company’s third-quarter (Q3 FY 2026) sales update. 

Positively, Woolworths reported a 4.5% year-on-year increase in total sales to $18.1 billion.

However, citing uncertainties and rising costs fuelled by the ongoing Middle East conflict, the company scaled back its expectations for its Australian Food earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) growth for FY 2026. While EBIT growth in Australia is expected to remain in the mid to high-single digits, management said they no longer expect earnings growth to come in at the upper end of that range.

“The conflict in the Middle East is creating greater uncertainty for our customers, suppliers and team at a time when cost-of-living pressures are already acute,” Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell said. 

Coles shares face legal setback

Coles shares kicked off the month outperforming Woolworths shares, gaining 3.7% on 1 May, while Woolies stock slumped 0.7%.

That strong start to the month followed the release of Coles’ own third-quarter (Q3 FY 2026) results. 

Highlight for the quarter included a 3.1% year-on-year increase in total sales revenue to $10.70 billion. eCommerce sales showed particularly strong growth, up 13.6% to $1.33 billion. 

Commenting on the quarterly results that helped boost Coles shares on the day, CEO Leah Weckert said:

Achieving consistent sales momentum for the period over multiple years demonstrates our commitment to remaining focused on long term outcomes whilst successfully navigating short term volatility in market conditions and supply chains.

However, Coles shares came under some pressure later in the month, falling 2.2% on 14 May, following the outcome of the legal action launched by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The ACCC alleged that Coles deceived its customers by marking products in its ‘Down Down’ sales campaign as discounted shortly after their original prices had been lifted. 

On 14 May, investors learned that the court found that 13 of Coles’ 14 Down Down tickets “were misleading”.

How have Coles and Woolworths shares performed in 2026?

Halfway through the first trading day of June, Coles shares are up 1.4% year to date, while Woolworths shares have gained 18.7% over this time. 

Atop those gains, both ASX 200 stocks have also already paid out their interim dividends in 2026.

The post Here’s how Coles and Woolworths shares stacked up in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 defensive ASX dividend shares I’d buy and hold
• Passive income investors: Term deposits or ASX dividend stocks in 2026?
• 6 ASX 200 shares just upgraded by the experts
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• 3 reasons to buy Woolworths shares at $34

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

June is here, and it could be as good a time as ever to put $3,000 to work in ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

I like ETFs because they can give investors instant exposure to a wide range of companies without needing to pick every stock individually. They can also make it easier to invest across themes, regions, and markets that are difficult to access through the ASX alone.

If I were choosing three Vanguard ETFs to buy in June, these would be high on my list.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The first Vanguard ETF I would consider is the Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF.

I like this ASX ETF because technology is no longer just one corner of the market. It is increasingly tied to how businesses operate, communicate, advertise, analyse data, automate work, and serve customers.

The VTEK ETF provides investors with exposure to global technology companies across software, semiconductors, cloud computing, devices, digital platforms, and internet services.

That includes holdings such as Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

I think this is a good option for investors who want exposure to innovation without trying to pick the single best tech winner.

There are risks. Technology shares can be volatile, especially when valuations are high or interest rates move against growth stocks. But with a long-term mindset, I think global technology remains one of the most attractive places to invest.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The second Vanguard ETF I would look at is the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF.

I think this fund offers something different from the usual US-heavy ETF exposure.

The VAE ETF gives investors access to Asian share markets outside Japan. That can include companies linked to e-commerce, financial services, manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, consumer growth, and digital platforms.

Asia can be more volatile than developed markets, and investors need to be comfortable with currency, political, and regulatory risks. But I think the long-term opportunity remains compelling.

The region is home to huge populations, rising middle-class wealth, major technology companies, and economies that could keep expanding over the decades ahead.

This is not the type of ETF I would buy expecting a smooth ride every year. But I think it can offer a useful growth angle for investors seeking exposure beyond Australia, the United States, and Europe.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

The third Vanguard ETF I would consider buying with $3,000 is the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF.

This is one of the simplest ways to invest in the US share market through the ASX.

The V500 ETF seeks to track the S&P 500 Net Total Return Australian Dollars Index before fees, expenses, and tax. That essentially means it gives investors exposure to many of the largest listed companies in the United States.

I like the ETF because it captures a wide range of powerful global businesses. These companies are not only serving US customers. Many generate revenue across the world, with exposure to technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer brands, industrials, communications, and payments.

The V500 ETF also has a low management fee of 0.07% per annum, which is attractive for long-term investors.

It is unhedged, so currency movements can affect returns. But for investors seeking long-term capital growth, I think a low-cost US market ETF can be a very useful option.

Foolish Takeaway

The appeal of these Vanguard ETFs is that they each open a different door. One gives exposure to global technology. Another adds Asian growth. The third provides low-cost access to America’s largest listed companies.

That mix will not remove market volatility, and there will be periods when one area performs better than another. But for investors who want to put money to work with a long-term mindset, I think these ETFs offer a sensible way to do it.

The post Why I’d buy these Vanguard ETFs with $3,000 in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy to build a portfolio from scratch
• 3 top ASX ETFs for Gen Z investors to buy
• 2 ETFs that could be buys today for any ASX share portfolio
• Why I’d buy these ASX ETFs if I were a beginner
• 3 of the best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs over the last year

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 Apple, Broadcom, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.1% as negotiations between the US and Iran continue today.

According to analysts at Trading Economics:

Over the weekend, both sides exchanged proposals seeking revisions to a draft deal that would prolong the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though it remained unclear whether meaningful progress had been achieved.

President Donald Trump also reaffirmed his demand that Iran halt its nuclear program and fully restore the strait’s status as an open international shipping route.

ASX 200 tech shares are rising strongly today, up 5%, followed by materials and mining stocks, up 1%.

Meanwhile, on The Bull, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has revealed his ratings on three ASX 200 giants.

Let’s take a look.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The Aristocrat share price is $50.20, up 0.2% today, and down 12.3% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on Aristocrat shares this week.

He explains:

The business is transitioning from a traditional gaming supplier into a global digital entertainment platform, with its social gaming division driving much of the growth momentum. This improves margins, lifts earnings visibility and reduces cycles over time.

Land-based gaming remains a stable cash generator, supporting re-investment and shareholder returns.

Management execution has been consistently strong, with disciplined capital allocation and successful integration of acquisitions.

The stock trades at a premium valuation, but, in our view, it’s justified by return on equity, offshore growth exposure and a structural earnings upgrade story that continues to play out.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers shares are $50.20, down 0.2% today, and down 3% YTD.

Athanasiou put a hold rating on Wesfarmers shares this week.

He comments:

The industrial conglomerate’s performance is supported by a diversified portfolio across retail, industrials and chemicals.

The group’s strength lies in disciplined capital allocation and its ability to generate steady returns across cycles. However, in our view, near term growth is likely to remain subdued as consumer spending normalises and retail conditions become more selective.

Hardware giant Bunnings continues to provide earnings stability.

The stock’s valuation appropriately reflects its quality profile, leaving limited re-rating potential in the absence of a stronger macro tailwind.

Wesfarmers remains a reliable long term holding, but it’s best viewed as a steady compounder rather than a growth catalyst.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price is $16.68, up 0.7% today, and down 27% YTD.

Athanasiou has a sell rating on Brambles shares this week.

He notes a steep decline in the ASX 200 industrial share’s valuation from $22.10 per share on 15 May to $16.68 today.

He says:

This supply chain logistics giant has moved from a premium defensive compounder to a more challenged operational story following recent earnings and sales revenue downgrades.

Disruptions in its United States pallet pooling network have exposed execution issues, resulting in higher costs.

While the CHEP business model remains structurally sound, short term performance is weighed down by operational inefficiencies and inflationary pressures.

The downgrade cycle has shifted sentiment, with the market now questioning the sustainability of mid term growth expectations.

Until execution stabilises and margins recover, Brambles lacks the earnings momentum required to justify a premium multiple, leaving risk skewed to the downside, in our view.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat Leisure, Brambles, Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why did ASX 200 retail shares lead the market last week?
• Down 17%: Why I’d buy and hold Wesfarmers shares
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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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining shares are up sharply on Monday, with the materials sector the second-best performer of the 11 sectors.

Materials shares are up 1% amid BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) setting a new all-time record at $62.95 per share today.

Australia is at the start of a new mining boom, with 5 key drivers behind a commodities super cycle underway today.

Several commodities have risen substantially over the past 12 months.

Gold has lifted 34%, silver has soared 117%, copper is 33% higher, iron ore is up 10%, and lithium has ripped 192%.

The new mining growth cycle became evident last year, with ASX 200 materials shares soaring 32%.

Let’s take a look at three ASX mining shares with buy recommendations from the experts.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $62.75, up 0.7% today, and up 37% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on this ASX 200 copper and iron ore giant.

Athanasiou comments (courtesy The Bull):

Iron ore sales continue to drive earnings, but the key long term story is copper, where demand is structurally supported by electrification, grid investment and artificial intelligence related infrastructure.

Consequently, it gradually shifts BHP from a traditional cyclical miner towards a more diversified industrial metals compounder.

Cash generation remains strong, supporting consistent dividends and capital management. The balance sheet is conservative, allowing flexibility through the cycle.

While iron ore is still exposed to Chinese demand volatility, BHP’s scale and low cost positioning provide downside protection.

Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL)

The Unico Silver share price is 62 cents, up 6% today, and down 29% YTD.

Philippe Bui from Medallion Financial Group has a buy rating on this ASX silver share.

Bui comments (courtesy The Bull):

This silver explorer is advancing high grade deposits in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province.

The Joaquin project recently delivered a 143 per cent resource increase to 167 million ounces of silver equivalent since acquiring it in October 2024.

The latest update was achieved from just 27,723 metres of drilling at a discovery cost of US11 cents per ounce. 

Silver demand is structurally supported by solar, electrification and green technology, giving USL direct leverage to a rising commodity.

With the resource growing rapidly and development progressing, the investment case is building.

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated CDI (ASX: SX2)

This ASX gold share is $10.32 apiece, up 6.7% today, and down 11.3% YTD.

Shaw and Partners gives Southern Cross Gold shares a buy rating with a 12-month price target of $14.40.

This implies a near-40% upside ahead.

Shaw and Partners analyst Alex Barkley said:

Our base case forecasts support our Buy Recommendation, with an implied ~40% stock upside.

We also find substantial project upside potential at Sunday Creek.

Geological extension potential could extend mine life or importantly, allow a larger mining capacity.

Any project expansion returns could be supercharged by the remarkable ~9g/t AuEq site grade.

Key upcoming catalysts include ongoing drilling, an Exploration Target update in Q2 CY26, and a maiden Resource in Q1 CY27. 

The post 3 ASX mining shares to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, PLS Group, CBA shares
• Experts name BHP and these ASX 200 shares to buy this week
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• I’d aim for $1 million in retirement buying just 10 ASX 200 shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Southern Cross Gold, Healius, Centuria Office REIT shares

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. 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.