Building wealth on the ASX does not have to mean constantly rotating between themes or chasing the next hot stock.

For long-term investors, a small group of well-chosen exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be enough.

Together, they can provide global diversification and structural growth, all without needing to pick individual stocks.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs to consider buying and holding for years.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the popular Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF.

This fund gives investors access to a broad basket of shares from developed markets outside Australia. It includes companies from the United States, Europe, Japan, and other advanced economies.

Instead of betting on a single country or sector, this ASX ETF spreads risk across over a thousand businesses. That means exposure to global leaders in healthcare, technology, banking, industrials, and consumer goods.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

A second ETF that could suit a buy-and-hold strategy is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF.

This fund takes a value approach to global markets, focusing on shares that screen attractively on metrics such as price-to-book and earnings multiples. That usually leads to exposure to established businesses in sectors like financials, industrials, and energy.

While it is worth noting that value investing can fall out of favour during strong growth cycles, it has historically delivered competitive long-term returns when market leadership rotates. This appears to be what is happening at present, with growth names being indiscriminately sold off.

Overall, holding the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF alongside broader market ETFs could add balance, particularly during periods when expensive growth stocks correct. It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The final ETF to consider for the long term is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

As governments and businesses digitise operations and move to the cloud, the need to protect data and infrastructure continues to grow. This fund provides exposure to the companies operating at the front line of that challenge.

Rather than betting on a single cybersecurity stock, this ASX ETF spreads exposure across multiple global players. They appear well-positioned to benefit from this structural shift, especially as regulatory requirements are likely to keep demand elevated.

Overall, as a thematic allocation within a diversified portfolio, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF offers access to a structural growth industry that is likely to grow materially over the next decade.

The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ultimate 4-ETF portfolio for ASX investors in 2026
• Why these ASX ETFs could be best buys
• The ASX ETFs I think could beat the Australian share market over the next 5 years
• Why I would buy these ASX ETFs with $50,000
• Why I think this Vanguard ETF is a strong buy in 2026

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 BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

There are plenty of ASX shares out there for investors to choose from.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three popular shares, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are recommending:

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

The team at Bell Potter is bullish on this commercial explosives company and has named it as a buy this week.

The broker has been impressed with its transformation and highlights its cyclical leverage and structural growth as reasons to invest. It explains:

Orica is a mining and infrastructure solutions provider. Orica’s transformation is gaining traction, with diversified growth across blasting solutions, speciality mining chemicals and digital solutions. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $992 million in fiscal year 2025 were up 23 per cent on the prior corresponding period. The significant rise was underpinned by strong demand for sodium cyanide, increased digital product uptake and solid execution across manufacturing assets. Management has upgraded its medium term EBIT target, and an additional $100 million buy-back program is underway. Orica offers a compelling blend of cyclical leverage and structural growth.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

Over at DP Wealth Advisory, its team has named this energy giant as a hold this week.

While it sees positives, such as its investment in Octopus Energy, it isn’t enough for a more bullish recommendation. DP Wealth Advisory said:

This energy provider delivers services to more than 4 million Australian customers. It’s also a significant exporter of LNG through its stake in APLNG (Australia Pacific LNG). A positive for Origin is its 22.7 per cent interest in Octopus Energy in the UK and, in particular, the Kraken Technologies platform. A spin-off of Kraken into a stand-alone entity should add value to ORG.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Analysts at Fairmont Equities aren’t buyers of this health imaging technology company’s shares despite their heavy decline. The equities firm has named Pro Medicus shares as a sell this week.

Fairmont Equities appears concerned that the decline could continue if sentiment doesn’t improve in the near term. It said:

This medical technology business is one we have successfully traded on several occasions during the past few years. However, since mid-2025, we have stayed away from expensive technology companies, such as PME, due to negative market sentiment. On February 12, 2026, the company announced revenue from ordinary activities of $124.8 million in the first half of 2026, an increase of 28.4 per cent. Underlying net profit of $67.3 million was up 29.7 per cent.

However the share price was severely punished following the result. Perhaps, the result fell short of market expectations. The shares have fallen from $330.48 on July 17, 2025 to trade at  $132.86 on February 12, 2026. The shares may fall further if sentiment doesn’t improve.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Orica, Origin Energy, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy after seeing their results this week!
• Should you just forget ASX tech stocks after the AI selloff?
• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 2

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.2% to 8,937.1 points.

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

ASX 200 to rise again

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Tuesday following a mixed start to the week in Europe. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 15 points or 0.15% higher. Wall Street was closed for the President’s Day holiday but in Europe, the DAX was down 0.45%, the FTSE rose 0.25%, and the CAC edged 0.05% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.4% to US$63.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.3% to US$68.62 a barrel. Traders were buying oil in response to demand optimism.

New Hope shares downgraded

The team at Bell Potter thinks that New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares are overvalued. This morning, the broker has downgraded the coal miner’s shares to a sell rating with a slightly improved price target of $4.10. It said: “We move to a sell recommendation following recent share price strength and a subdued thermal coal price outlook. NHC’s low-cost operations will continue to underpin margins through the coal price cycle, funding capital expenditure commitments and supporting shareholder returns.”

Gold price eases

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a subdued session on Tuesday after the gold price eased overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.65% to US$5,013.1 an ounce. Traders may have been taking profit after a solid run from the precious metal.

BHP results

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares will be on watch on Tuesday when the mining giant releases its eagerly anticipated half-year results. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts expect the Big Australian to report revenue of US$51.26 billion, EBITDA of US$25.98 billion, and an underlying net profit of US$5.07 billion. It said: “BHP is well funded for its current projects at WAIO, Escondida and Jansen, with the upside in metal prices amassing free cash flow. As a result, we estimate a USD 60 cent interim dividend, representing a higher-than-usual first half payout ratio.”

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

More reading

• Broker weighs in on two ASX All Ords shares following earnings results
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• Should you buy BHP shares ahead of tomorrow’s earnings results?

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.

The owners of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares will want to know how their bank is projected to grow in the next few years. This could be key to influencing whether the ASX bank share rises from here or not.

Businesses are usually valued based on how much profit they make and how much their earnings is projected to grow from here. Over time, I’d expect the share price to follow the earnings higher, assuming profit generation does improve.

Over the last few years, CBA has shown an ability to regularly grow earnings while other ASX bank shares have struggled.

Let’s take a look at what’s expected from Australia’s largest bank.

FY26

The ASX bank share reported its FY26 half-year result last week and there were a number of positives.

In the six months to 31 December 2025, Commonwealth Bank reported that its cash net profit after tax (NPAT) rose by 6% year-over-year to $5.44 billion, while statutory net profit increased 5% year over year to $5.4 billion.

The ASX bank share decided to increase the half-year dividend payout by 4% year-over-year to $2.35 per share.

Competition meant the underlying net interest margin (NIM) was flat, but improved credit quality led to a reduced loan impairment expense, with home loan arrears decreasing.

The broker UBS noted that the profit was stronger than the market (and its own analysts) were expecting thanks to loan growth, though underlying costs grew 5.3% half over half.

UBS also liked CBA’s business bank performance, the growth of transactional deposits (especially in retail banking) and strong mortgage growth. This is expected to “support cash NPAT growth in a stable asset quality and credit environment despite a fluid competitive backdrop”.

Despite increasing the earnings per share (EPS) estimates by the low single digits for the next few years, UBS still thinks the CBA share price valuation is “challenging”.

For the 2026 financial year, UBS expects CBA to deliver net profit of $10.9 billion.

FY27

UBS decided to increase its cash EPS estimates for FY26, FY27 and FY28 by 1.7%, 2.7% and 3% respectively based on increased loan growth expectations and slightly higher NIM expectations in FY27 and FY28 (boosting forecast net interest income).

However, those upgrades are not as high as they might have been without expectations of increased costs from tech inflation and investments, too.

With that in mind, UBS increased its projection for the ASX bank share to make $11.1 billion of net profit in FY27.

FY28

UBS forecast noted that earnings per CBA share is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% over the next three years. Earnings progression is positive, though investors may be hoping for faster growth than that. UBS analysts are certainly hoping for a faster growth rate.

The broker predicts that CBA’s net profit could increase to $11.5 billion in FY28.

FY29

Earnings are forecast to continue their fairly slow-but-steady improvement going into the end of the decade, though the profit growth isn’t expected to be any faster.

For FY29, UBS projects a potential net profit of $12 billion.

FY30

The final year of this series could see the business deliver its strongest profit compared to every other year in the 2020s. But, the profit progress is not expected to accelerate. Slow-and-steady may well be a positive outcome for shareholders.

In the 2030 financial year, CBA is forecast by UBS to generate $12.4 billion of net profit. That would be a rise of 14.2% between FY26 to FY30.

That’s not enough for UBS, which has a sell rating on the CBA share price and a price target of $130, implying a sizeable decline over the next 12 months.

The post Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2030 for CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why I’m still not selling my CBA shares anytime soon
• How to make a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares
• The ANZ share price is a sell – UBS
• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS

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

Most investors say they would buy the dip. But when markets actually fall 20%, it rarely feels like an opportunity. It feels uncomfortable. Headlines get louder. Fear spreads. And quality businesses can be sold down alongside weaker ones.

But it is during these turbulent times that some of the best investments are made.

So, if that kind of correction happened tomorrow, these are three ASX shares I’d be watching very closely.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The first ASX share I’d look to buy on a big pullback is CSL.

Healthcare demand doesn’t disappear in a recession. Plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty medicines are not discretionary purchases. That defensive revenue base gives CSL a level of resilience that many others don’t have.

CSL also reinvests heavily in research and development, continually expanding its product pipeline. Over decades, that commitment to innovation has helped it grow well beyond its origins.

I have been very disappointed with the company’s performance and the unexpected leadership change. The latter comes at an awkward time and could impact its turnaround strategy. However, I have confidence that CSL will deliver on its targets and then move on to sustained profit growth. As a result, I think buying at current prices could be very rewarding for patient investors. 

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX share I’d target is REA Group.

Property markets move in cycles, but the shift to digital advertising is permanent. REA owns Australia’s dominant online real estate platform, and that position gives it strong pricing power.

Even during slower housing periods, agents still need to advertise listings. Over the long term, population growth and housing turnover support demand for its services.

If market weakness pushed REA shares down significantly, I would see it as an opportunity to buy a platform business with network effects at a more attractive valuation.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A final ASX share I’d buy in a correction is NextDC.

Data centre demand is driven by structural growth in cloud computing, digital storage, and artificial intelligence workloads. Those trends are unlikely to reverse because of a short-term market slump.

NextDC’s facilities are critical infrastructure for enterprises and global cloud providers. While its share price can be volatile, I think the long-term demand profile remains compelling.

Overall, I believe buying infrastructure-backed growth during moments of panic could prove rewarding once sentiment stabilises.

Foolish takeaway

Market crashes are uncomfortable, but they also reset valuations. If the ASX fell sharply, I would focus on businesses with competitive advantages and long growth runways. 

CSL, REA Group, and NextDC tick these boxes, each operating in sectors supported by structural drivers rather than short-term hype. For me, this makes them worthy buy-the-dip candidates.

The post 3 ASX shares I’d buy if the market dropped 20% tomorrow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Lynas, and Wesfarmers shares
• 3 tailwinds that could send REA Group shares higher again
• 3 ASX ETFs to protect your portfolio from the tech sell-off
• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. 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.

If you are looking for exposure to lithium, then it could be worth skipping PLS Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares and looking at the ASX lithium stock in this article.

That’s because if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation, this stock could more than double in value between now and this time next year.

Which ASX lithium stock?

The stock that has caught the eye of Bell Potter this week is Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR).

It is the 100% owner of the fully permitted Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project in Nevada, United States.

Bell Potter notes that the project is designed to produce +24kt per annum lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and +135kt per annum boric acid over the first 25 years.

However, it may not stop there. The broker highlights that ore reserves could support an 82-year project life at this initial production rate.

Furthermore, in the ASX lithium stock’s most recent economic update, it outlines low all-in sustaining costs of US$4,628 per tonne of LCE, benefiting from boric acid co-production.

The company has binding lithium offtake contracts with Ford, Toyota, Panasonic, and EcoPro.

What is Bell Potter saying?

Bell Potter highlights that the ASX lithium stock recently raised funds. It believes the company now has sufficient cash to see it through 2026. Importantly, this includes the completion of its Rhyolite Ridge strategic partnering process to a final investment decision. The broker said:

INR recently completed a $72m equity placement at $0.18/sh, taking its pro forma December 2025 cash position to around $90m. The placement ensures that INR is fully funded through 2026, including the completion of its Rhyolite Ridge strategic partnering process to a Final Investment Decision. It will fund long lead items and early works and support development permitting and general corporate working capital.

Importantly, the funding strengthens INR’s negotiating position with potential partners, which we expect will likely include a consortium of strategic offtake counterparties and private equity groups. INR also is in a strong position to retain a majority equity stake in Rhyolite Ridge on completion of the partnering process.

Big potential returns

In response to the fund raising, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating on the ASX lithium stock with a trimmed price target of 39 cents.

Based on its current share price of 14 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 180% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on the stock, the broker said:

The Rhyolite Ridge sell-down should materially de-risk INR’s project development equity funding requirements. Lithium markets have recently strengthened; we expect supply chain restocking will coincide with growth in underlying demand, and support lithium chemicals prices over the medium to long term. Rhyolite Ridge is large-scale and low cost, and has expansion potential beyond its Stage 1 development. Our INR valuation is now $0.39/sh (previously $0.46/sh), factoring in the balance of improved project economic assumptions offset by dilution from the recent capital raise.

However, it warns that “INR is an asset development company with forecast cash flows only; our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of investment risk and share price volatility.” As a result, Ioneer would only be suitable for investors with a high tolerance for risk.

The post Forget PLS, Bell Potter says this ASX lithium stock could rise 150%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
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• Is it too late to buy surging ASX 200 lithium shares like PLS and Liontown?
• Up 285% since June, PLS shares lifting off today on multi-year lithium offtake agreement
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) shares are in focus after they opened trading this week with a 20% explosion on Monday. 

It was a strong rebound after the Austal share price fell significantly at the end of last week.

Austal shares are no stranger to volatility. They have ridden the waves of the emerging defence theme over the last year. 

The defence rollercoaster

Austal is an Australian-based shipbuilder that specialises in the design, construction, and support of defence and commercial vessels globally.

Austal’s products include naval vessels, defence surface warfare combatants, high-speed support vessels, patrol boats for law enforcement, offshore vessels, as well as passenger and vehicle ferries.

The company also installs and maintains vessel command and control systems, communication and radar technology, and information management systems.

Over the past 12 months, defence stocks like Austal have been heavily covered as global conflict and geopolitical risk has led to heavy defence spending.

Investor sentiment has largely been positive on this sector, with heavy gains for fellow ASX defence shares like Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) and Electro Optic Systems Hldgs Ltd (ASX: EOS). 

At the time of writing, Austal shares are 61% higher than a year ago. 

However they have fallen 33% from yearly highs back in January. 

With such significant share price movement, it can be difficult for investors to pinpoint true value. 

However, a new report from Bell Potter has provided updated guidance on Austal shares. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

No smooth sailing

Bell Potter highlighted that ASB has downgraded its EBIT guidance for FY26 to ~A$110m, an 18.5% downgrade from the original $135m provided in October 2025. 

It said the cause of the downgrade was due to the accidental double-counting of US$17.1m worth of incentives related to its T-ATS program. 

The error was discovered during the preparation of its 1H26 accounts.

This led to a downgraded outlook from the broker. 

We have revised EPS lower by a -19%/-7%/-5% over FY26/27/28e reflecting lower USA shipbuilding margin in FY26e, following the EBIT guide and lower EBIT margins in FY27/28e in line with new program ramp up. 

We downgrade our target price by 18% reflecting lower earnings and a higher WACC due to greater observed share price volatility.

Price target decline but upside remains

In yesterday’s report, Bell Potter lowered its price target on Austal shares to $6.60 (previously $8.00). 

Despite the significant cut to its outlook, based on yesterday’s closing price, there is still upside for Austal shares. 

Bell Potter’s target indicates roughly 13% upside from current levels. 

However the hold rating suggests it’s not all smooth sailing for this defence stock.

When stripping out the MMF 3 earnings from future consensus forecasts, we observe that ASB trades in line with global peers on an EV/EBIT basis for FY26. Although ASB exhibits superior revenue growth, operational risks are relatively elevated as ASB transitions from legacy to new shipbuilding contracts in the USA. We retain Hold.

The post Are Austal shares a buy, hold or sell after soaring 20% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Why Austal, Cochlear, Nick Scali, and WiseTech shares are tumbling today
• Why are Austal shares plunging more than 20% today?
• EOS shares crashed 44% from their all-time high last month. Is it time to sell?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 DroneShield and Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A new report from Global X revealed where ASX ETF investors were focussed in January 2026. 

The ETF Market Scoop Report said investors poured $5.3 billion in Australian ETFs in the first month of 2026, marking the best start to the year on record. 

Subsequently, the Australian Exchange Traded Fund market grew $5.8 billion (+1.7%) over the month to $336.4 billion across 463 products.

Here were some of the prominent themes. 

Metals Mayhem 

Acording to Global X, January was defined by extreme volatility across precious metals.

The report said several metals were sold off aggressively, with silver recording its worst intraday fall on record during January. 

Despite the drawdown, trading activity accelerated, as investors actively repositioned across the precious metals complex. The scale of this repositioning was evident in Australian-listed ETFs, with total precious metals ETF trading reaching $2.4 billion during January, marking the highest monthly volume on record.

Additionally, Global X said precious metal ETFs took in $447 million in January, marking the highest month on record for the category. 

Historically, silver ETFs have averaged roughly $3 million in daily turnover over the past five years. However in January, that figure rose to $47 million per day. 

After such unprecedented investment in the sector, investors may be wondering if there is still upside. 

Fortunately, Global X said the longer-term outlook for silver continues to be supported by structural demand from electrification, given its critical role in solar panels, electric vehicles, AI infrastructure and power grids.

Gold’s Bull Market is far from over

Another key point from the report was that gold’s current rally sits firmly within a secular bull market, echoing earlier multi-year uptrends rather than a late-cycle spike. 

Global X said previous bull markets have been driven by a weaker US dollar, accommodative monetary policy and rising geopolitical risk – a backdrop that shares clear parallels with today’s environment.

Gold’s price is underpinned by more than just ETF flows. Ongoing central bank buying, as countries diversify reserves away from the US dollar, remains a major structural driver. Official sector demand has stayed largely price-insensitive, with purchases sustained even as gold moved to new highs, highlighting that gold is increasingly treated as a core reserve asset rather than a cyclical trade.

Best performing ASX ETFs

Some of the best performing ASX ETFs across January reflected these themes. 

Hydrogen’s strong was driven by improving order momentum, supportive policy, and growing confidence in commercial viability.

Simultaneously, Uranium miners continued their resurgence, as investors refocused on nuclear energy’s role in meeting AI-driven power demand.

Finally, the report said equity leadership remained concentrated in North Asia, with Korea extending its momentum.

According to the report, ASX ETFs that saw big gains in January included: 

• Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX:ETPMAG) rose 36.4%
• Betashares Global Uranium Etf (ASX: URNM) rose 33.7%
• ETFs Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) lifted 24.8%
• Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM) increased 24.3%
• iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) rose 21.3%. 

The post What were the best performing ASX ETFs in January? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The case for emerging markets ASX ETFs strengthens: Expert
• Gold vs silver. Here’s where I’d put my money in 2026
• Silver’s record run hits turbulence as prices slide 13%
• These ASX ETFs are already up between 11% and 21% in 2026!
• Silver rebounds 5%. Is this a dead cat bounce or a recovery?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

If I had $5,000 ready to invest in the ASX 200 right now, I wouldn’t overcomplicate it. I’d spread it across a handful of businesses that I believe have genuine growth potential and strong long-term positioning.

Here are five ASX 200 shares I would be comfortable buying with that amount today.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is one of my favourite structural growth stories on the ASX.

The shift toward professional financial advice, managed accounts, and sophisticated portfolio solutions isn’t slowing down. Hub24 continues to win market share thanks to its technology, breadth of investment options, and strong adviser relationships.

Net inflows have remained robust, and funds under administration continue to climb. I believe that as scale increases, operating leverage should support earnings growth over time. For me, this is a high-quality platform business with years of runway left.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Lovisa Holdings might not look exciting at first glance, but I see a powerful growth engine.

Lovisa’s fast-fashion jewellery model is highly scalable. It has demonstrated the ability to expand internationally, particularly in the US and Europe, while maintaining attractive store-level economics.

What I like most is the consistency of execution. Store rollouts, product turnover, and brand positioning have all been handled well. If global expansion continues at pace, I think Lovisa still has a long growth runway ahead.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma Healthcare is a more defensive inclusion, but one with improving fundamentals.

Pharmaceutical distribution is not glamorous, but it is essential. Demand for medicines is relatively stable, and scale matters in this industry. Sigma’s recent progress in strengthening its network and improving efficiency gives me confidence that earnings momentum can build from here.

I see this as a steady compounder rather than a high-risk growth bet, which is exactly the kind of balance I like in a small portfolio.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas has transformed itself over the past few years.

The airline has emerged leaner, with a renewed focus on profitability and disciplined capacity management. Jetstar remains a growth driver, and the frequent flyer business continues to provide high-margin earnings.

I also think the fleet renewal program and operational reset position Qantas well for the next stage of its cycle. While airlines are inherently cyclical, I believe Qantas is currently operating from a position of strength.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport is a high-risk, high-reward pick in this group.

Megaport operates a network-as-a-service platform that allows customers to connect to cloud providers and data centres on demand. As cloud adoption and AI workloads increase, demand for flexible, software-defined connectivity should grow.

The acquisition of Latitude has expanded Megaport’s offering into compute, broadening its addressable market. Execution remains key, but if management delivers, I think the upside could be meaningful.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $5,000 across ASX 200 shares today, I think Hub24, Lovisa, Sigma Healthcare, Qantas, and Megaport would be great picks.

Each plays a different role but together, I believe they offer a compelling blend of quality and growth potential for long-term investors.

The post 5 top ASX 200 shares I would buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24 and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, Lovisa, and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) finished higher on Monday, rising 2.79% to $25.03. The gain came as the 4WD accessories giant released an update on its key dates for the second-half of FY26 after market close.

The announcement did not contain any new financial information. However, it gives investors a clearer timeline on when to expect the upcoming results and potential dividend payment.

Here’s the details of the release.

Key dates for 2H FY26

ARB outlined several important dates for the remainder of the 2026 financial year.

The company confirmed it will release its half-year results for the six months ended 31 December 2025 on 24 February 2026.

For income-focused investors, the most important dates relate to the interim dividend:

• Ex-dividend date: 1 April 2026

• Record date: 2 April 2026

• Payment date: 17 April 2026

As always, any interim dividend remains subject to board approval.

ARB also confirmed that its financial year will end on 30 June 2026, setting the stage for full-year results later in August.

What investors should be watching

While key date announcements are administrative, they are still important for planning ahead.

Investors looking to receive the interim dividend will need to own ARB shares before the ex-dividend date of 1 April. Those considering participating in a dividend reinvestment plan, if available, will also want to keep an eye on the record date.

The upcoming half-year result on 24 February will be closely watched. Last month, ARB released a trading update which flagged softer conditions across parts of its business, including margin pressure and weaker domestic sales trends.

The company expects to report underlying profit before tax of around $58 million for the first-half, reflecting a decline compared to the prior corresponding period.

As a result, investors will be looking for commentary on margins, export performance and signs of stabilisation in key markets.

Pressure remains after recent sell-off

ARB shares have been under pressure in recent months following the January market update. Despite Monday’s lift to $25.03, the stock remains well below its 52-week high.

The company operates across Australia, the United States, Thailand and the Middle East, supplying bull bars, suspension systems and other 4WD accessories. Demand can be sensitive to broader consumer conditions and vehicle sales trends, particularly in Australia.

With FY26 shaping up as a reset year for earnings, February’s result could be an important moment for the ARB share price.

Much will hinge on whether management can demonstrate that sales trends have returned to normal levels into January and early February. Any improvement in margins or order activity could help restore confidence after a difficult start to the financial year.

The post Own ARB shares? Here’s the key dates to watch in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.