• This ASX mining stock has surged 10,000%: Is there more to come?

    A mining worker clenches his fists celebrating success at sunset in the mine.

    Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR) shares closed 6.3% higher on Wednesday afternoon, at 50.5 cents a piece. The uptick comes off the back of some strong share price upticks out of the ASX mining stock over the past year, which has seen its value skyrocket.

    This time last year the shares were trading at 0.5 cents per share. But when it reported promising interim results from its geological review of historic exploration data at its Colosseum Gold Mine Project, the share price started flying.

    The ASX gold miner’s shares are now up around 130% for the year-to-date. They’re also a massive 10,000% higher than this time last year.

    What is Dateline and what does it do?

    Dateline is an Australian-based company focused on gold mining and exploration targets in Colorado, located in the US. It also has exploration plans in Fiji and Australia.

    The company’s projects include its flagship Colosseum Gold-REE Mine in California, Gold Link, Udu Mine, the Colosseum Rare Earths Project, the Argos Strontium Project, and others.

    Dateline also holds 100% of the Music Valley heavy rare earth project, which sits in the same broader geological region. The ASX miner is undergoing exportation at its Music Valley project, with assay results expected in the coming weeks.

    Dateline was added to the ASX 300 Index this month and currently has a market cap of $1.73 billion.

    What has pushed the ASX gold mining stock higher?

    On Tuesday, Dateline announced that it has completed a high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over its Music Valley heavy rare-earth element (HREE) project in the US.

    The helicopter-based survey, which covered 2,172 line kilometres over the expanded project area, was completed ahead of schedule. The survey is expected to produce detailed data to help geologists better understand the area.

    The company said the data has now been delivered to Mitre Geophysics for processing, inversion, and analysis. The results will be announced as part of the sampling programs currently underway at the site.

    Can Dateline’s share price gains keep climbing?

    There aren’t any broker forecasts for Dateline shares at present. But the company’s fast-paced expansion and positive developments suggest we could plenty more from the ASX mining stock in 2026.

    However, the future value depends heavily on the results from the Dateline’s feasibility studies. It also depends on the company’s potential to develop those sites further. Any disappointing results could see the share price retract quickly.

    The post This ASX mining stock has surged 10,000%: Is there more to come? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Dateline Resources Limited 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 Dateline Resources Limited 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

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    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.

  • Should I invest $5,000 in Coles shares now?

    Woman chooses vegetables for dinner, smiling and looking at camera.

    If you’re looking at putting $5,000 into the share market, I think Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are worth serious consideration right now.

    This is because I see the supermarket leader as a steady, reliable business trading at an attractive price.

    A simpler entry point than before

    Coles shares are trading at $21.05 at the time of writing, which is about 13.5% below their 52-week high of $24.28.

    That might not sound like a huge discount. But for a defensive, supermarket giant that rarely gets cheap, I think it matters.

    If Coles shares were simply to recover to that previous high, a $5,000 investment today would grow to roughly $5,770. That’s before factoring in dividends.

    Of course, there’s no guarantee that happens. But it shows how even a recovery in a fallen share price can generate meaningful returns for investors.

    A reliable income stream

    One of the main reasons I’d consider Coles is the income it offers. The company has declared dividends totalling 73 cents per share over the past 12 months, which is fully franked.

    At the current share price, that equates to a dividend yield of around 3.5%. For a $5,000 investment, that’s about $175 per year in dividend income, assuming payouts remain steady.

    And because those dividends are fully franked, Australian investors may benefit from franking credits on top.

    It’s not the highest yield on the ASX. But in my experience, chasing the highest yield can often come with higher risk.

    Coles, on the other hand, offers what I’d describe as dependable income.

    A business that keeps showing up

    What I like most about Coles is how consistent the business is. Even in a challenging environment, it continues to grow sales and earnings.

    Its recent half-year results showed group sales revenue increasing to $23.6 billion, group EBIT rising over 10%, and Supermarkets EBIT growing 14.6%.

    That growth was supported by steady customer demand, operational improvements, and a continued focus on value. And that last point matters.

    Management highlighted that customers remain value-focused, and Coles is responding with promotions, expanded product ranges, and loyalty offers

    To me, that reinforces the idea that supermarkets are resilient businesses. People still need groceries, regardless of what the economy is doing.

    Is it a buy?

    I’d be comfortable investing $5,000 in Coles shares today.

    This is because I think it offers a combination of a more attractive entry point, reliable, fully-franked income, a defensive business model, and ongoing operational improvements.

    Overall, it’s the kind of stock I’d be comfortable owning through different market conditions.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Coles shares aren’t likely to double overnight. That’s not the point.

    At around 13.5% below their recent high, offering steady dividends and backed by a resilient business, I think they’re a solid option for a $5,000 investment today.

    For me, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities aren’t the most exciting ones.

    The post Should I invest $5,000 in Coles shares now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Coles Group Limited 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 Coles Group Limited 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

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

  • 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March

    Man looking at an ETF diagram.

    With so much change happening with both AI technology and energy prices, it may seem like it’s hard to find the right opportunities. Certain ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be just the right pick to navigate the short term and long term.

    Diversification is a powerful tool, though it’s best when it doesn’t materially worsen the returns. Investing in too many different types of assets could lead to ‘di-worsification’ as it has been termed. I prefer sticking to shares for my own wealth-building because of the compounding and how easy it is to invest in shares.

    With that in mind, the following two ASX ETFs look very appealing to me.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    This ASX ETF is one of the most appealing for long-term investing because of its investment style.

    Morningstar analysts aim to identify US businesses that have competitive advantages that will allow them to continue making good profits (more likely than not) for at least 20 years. Competitive advantages can also be called an economic moat.

    Economic moats can come in many different forms, such as cost advantages, intellectual property, regulatory licenses, brand power, network effects, and so on. It’s what keeps businesses ahead of their competitors. Think about the things that make you choose your smartphone, toothpaste, or where you go for your food shopping – that’s probably an economic moat in some way.

    By only investing in businesses with long-term potential, the MOAT ETF has made itself an appealing long-term investment from day one. Obviously, the holdings do change every so often – it’s not forced to hold onto the same names for 20 years, but it’d (hopefully) be a positive result if it did.

    The second stage of this investment strategy is that the ASX ETF only invests when these high-quality names are trading at an attractive price.

    By using this strategy of owning great businesses at good prices, I think the portfolio is likely to continue its appealing long-term performance, though I’m not expecting any particular level of return.

    WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ)

    I’m a big believer in the idea that the best businesses tend to win over time, with their culture an important driver of that success, while a lack of a winning culture leads to mediocre results.

    The investment team from WCM – an investment outfit based in Laguna Beach, California – is looking for businesses with an improving economic moat and a corporate culture that supports strengthening that moat.

    I like owning businesses that are becoming increasingly profitable for each dollar of revenue they earn – rising margins are a great sign.

    But many of these great businesses are listed overseas, which is partly why the WCMQ ETF is so appealing to me – it invests across the global share market in search of opportunities. Only 55% of the portfolio is invested in shares from the Americas, providing a pleasing level of global diversification and avoiding concentration in a few US tech giants.

    Impressively, over the past 10 years to February 2026, this investment strategy has returned an average of 16.6%, outperforming the global share market by an average of 3%. While past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, I like WCM’s style of investing, which I think will help deliver solid returns.

    As a bonus, the WCMQ ETF targets a distribution yield of 5% per year, which I like as a useful level of passive income.

    The post 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in VanEck Investments Limited – VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF right now?

    Before you buy VanEck Investments Limited – VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat 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 VanEck Investments Limited – VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. 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 VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX tech shares that could double from here

    Green arrow going up on stock market chart, symbolising a rising share price.

    Several high-profile ASX tech shares have been hammered in recent months, with some technology stocks falling as much as 50%.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has dropped 22% this year and over 43% in the past 6 months at the time of writing.

    But that sell-off is turning heads. Brokers see a number of quality companies poised for a strong rebound, with some tipping upside of 100% or more.

    Here are two ASX tech shares that could be set for a comeback.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech has been heavily sold off. The ASX tech share is down about 54% over the past 6 months to $44.97 at the time of writing. The company develops logistics software, led by its CargoWise platform, which helps freight forwarders manage global supply chains.

    Despite the sharp decline, WiseTech remains one of Australia’s leading software success stories. CargoWise is deeply embedded across the logistics industry, creating high switching costs and a strong competitive moat.

    The business also benefits from a highly scalable model. Once the platform is built, adding new customers comes at a relatively low cost, supporting margins and long-term earnings growth.

    However, sentiment has been hit by governance concerns and rising fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software models. The company is responding, announcing a major restructuring and job cuts as it pivots toward AI-driven operations.

    Even so, analysts remain positive. The ASX tech share still carries a consensus buy rating, with an average price target of $85.10 and a bullish case of $122.64. That suggests potential upside of 90% to 170% from recent levels.

    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

    The fall of this ASX tech share has been less dramatic, but still significant. Over 6 months, NextDC shares have lost 25%, shedding the company’s market capitalisation to $8.5 billion.

    NextDC operates a growing network of high-performance data centres across Australia. It provides critical infrastructure for cloud computing, AI, and enterprise digital services.

    Demand is booming as businesses accelerate their shift to the cloud and ramp up AI workloads. NextDC is well placed to benefit, continuing to expand capacity and build new facilities across major cities.

    The company has also been increasing contracted utilisation, indicating customers are committing to long-term data centre capacity. That’s a positive sign for future revenue visibility.

    That said, the business is capital-intensive. Building data centres requires significant upfront investment, which can weigh on short-term profitability. Higher interest rates also pose a risk by increasing financing costs.

    Despite these challenges, analysts are bullish. The ASX share has a price target of up to $31.02. This points to a 132% upside over the next 12 months at the current price of $13.39 apiece.

    The post 2 ASX tech shares that could double from here appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global 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 WiseTech Global 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

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

  • 3 ASX ETFs that could quietly outperform over the next 10 years

    A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.

    Building a long-term portfolio isn’t just about picking individual stocks.

    Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can play an important role by providing exposure to different markets, strategies, and investment styles in a simple and cost-effective way.

    By combining a few complementary ETFs, investors can create a portfolio that is both diversified and positioned for growth over the next decade.

    Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    One ETF that takes a distinctive approach is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

    This fund focuses on companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages. These are businesses that can defend their profits over time due to factors such as strong brands, cost advantages, or high switching costs.

    What sets this ASX ETF apart is that it blends this quality focus with valuation discipline. Instead of simply holding the same companies, it regularly reviews and adjusts its holdings based on where it sees the best value among these high-quality names.

    This approach can help investors avoid overpaying for popular shares while still gaining exposure to businesses with strong long-term prospects.

    BetaShares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

    Another ASX ETF that could be worth a look is the BetaShares India Quality ETF.

    India is experiencing strong economic growth driven by favourable demographics, rising consumption, and increasing investment in infrastructure and technology.

    Rather than tracking the entire market, this ETF focuses on companies with stronger financial metrics, such as higher profitability and more consistent earnings. This can provide a more selective way to gain exposure to the country’s growth story.

    For investors, it offers a way to participate in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies while tilting towards businesses that have demonstrated resilience and operational strength.

    This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    FInally, the iShares S&P 500 ETF offers exposure to a broad range of large US companies.

    These businesses operate across multiple sectors and generate significant revenue from around the world, giving investors access to a diverse set of earnings streams.

    One of the key advantages of this fund is its ability to capture shifts within the global economy. As different industries rise and fall in importance, the index naturally evolves, allowing investors to stay aligned with where growth is occurring.

    This makes it a useful foundation for a portfolio, complementing more targeted ETFs by providing broad exposure to global market leaders.

    The post 3 ASX ETFs that could quietly outperform over the next 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares India Quality ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares India Quality 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 Betashares India Quality 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

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 amazing AI stocks to buy in the ASX 200

    AI written in blue on a digital chip.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to drive a major increase in global computing demand over the coming years.

    Training and running AI models requires vast amounts of data, processing power, and digital connectivity. As companies race to develop new AI capabilities, this is creating strong demand for the infrastructure that supports these systems.

    While much of the attention has focused on software developers and chipmakers, a range of infrastructure providers could also benefit from this trend.

    Here are two ASX 200 shares that could gain from the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Goodman Group is a global industrial property specialist. It owns, develops, and manages logistics and warehouse facilities across major international cities. Over time, the company has expanded its platform to include digital infrastructure projects, particularly data centres.

    Artificial intelligence requires enormous computing power, which has led to a surge in demand for large-scale data centres. These facilities require significant land, reliable power supply, and strong connectivity, which aligns well with Goodman’s expertise in developing large infrastructure assets in prime locations.

    As demand for digital infrastructure continues to rise, Goodman is positioned to benefit with a global power bank of 6.0 GW across 16 major global cities.

    The team at Citi is bullish on the ASX AI stock. Last week, it put a buy rating and $40.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 50% for investors.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Megaport is a technology company that operates a global software-defined network platform that allows businesses to connect their systems directly to cloud providers and data centres. Its platform enables companies to create fast and flexible connections between digital infrastructure without relying on traditional network contracts.

    Artificial intelligence applications often require large datasets to be transferred between cloud platforms, data centres, and processing environments. Megaport’s network allows customers to move this data quickly and scale connectivity as their workloads grow.

    If AI adoption continues accelerating, demand for flexible network connectivity could increase significantly. With a global platform connecting hundreds of data centres and cloud providers, Megaport could benefit from the growing complexity of data flows in the AI-driven economy.

    In addition, its recent acquisition of Latitude is expected to be a big boost to its growth outlook. Management notes that Latitude deal creates “an industry-leading Compute and Network-as-a-Service platform to power high-performance applications and AI workloads globally.”

    Morgans is bullish on this one. It recently put a buy rating and $16.00 price target on its shares, which is more than double its current share price.

    The post 2 amazing AI stocks to buy in the ASX 200 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Goodman 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 Goodman 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

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. 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

    The silhouettes of ten people holding hands with their arms raised against the sky, as the sun rises or sets in the background.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another mild recovery day this hump day, adding to yesterday’s modest rise.

    After a brief dip into negative territory this morning, the ASX 200 spent the rest of the day in the green, closing up 0.31%. That leaves the index at 8,640.6 points.

    The optimism that we saw on the local markets this Wednesday followed a similarly optimistic morning on the American markets.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, gaining a timid 0.1%

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more decisive though, rising 0.47%.

    But let’s get back to the Australian markets now and check out what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this session.

    Winners and losers

    Today’s gains were almost universal, with only one sector missing out on a rise.

    That red sector was, ironically enough, healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was overlooked, slumping 0.7%.

    But it was a party everywhere else.

    Leading the winners this Wednesday were tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) surging 1.59%.

    Utilities stocks fared relatively well, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soared 0.89% higher today.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were just behind that, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.87% spike.

    Energy shares ran hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) galloped up 0.71%.

    Industrial stocks also saw decent demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) jumping 0.66%.

    Mining shares didn’t miss out. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw 0.47% added to its total by the closing bell.

    Consumer staples stocks were hot on the miners’ tail, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.43% lift.

    Communications shares were in that ballpark, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw a 0.4% improvement this hump day.

    Financial stocks were a little more muted, though, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) improving by 0.08%.

    Consumer discretionary shares were just behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) ticked up 0.05%.

    Finally, gold stocks squeaked over the line, illustrated by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 0.01% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Topping the ASX 200 charts this Wednesday was defence stock DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO). Droneshield shares rocketed 10.45% this session to close at $4.44 each.

    This sizeable gain seemed to result from a new partnership announcement out from the company, which we dove into here.

    Here’s how the other winners pulled up at the kerb today:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) $4.44 10.45%
    Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) $20.68 9.88%
    Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) $2.82 6.42%
    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) $12.39 5.90%
    New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) $5.25 5.85%
    DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) $1.96 5.38%
    Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) $4.98 4.62%
    Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) $6.62 4.58%
    Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) $12.79 4.24%
    Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) $2.11 3.94%

    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 DroneShield Limited right now?

    Before you buy DroneShield Limited 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 DroneShield Limited 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

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    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 DroneShield and Telix Pharmaceuticals and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX healthcare stocks tipped to soar over 100% higher this year

    Man jumps for joy in front of a background of a rising stocks graphic.

    ASX healthcare stocks are a popular option for investors seeking defensive assets with long-term structural growth.

    These shares can offer portfolio diversification, drive high margins, and some of them have huge potential upside.

    Here are three ASX healthcare stocks on my radar this week, and analysts are tipping upside well over 100% over the next 12 months.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    The beaten-down medical imaging technology stock has dropped another 1.7% in Wednesday afternoon trade, to $125.69 a piece. The decline is part of a long string of declines off the back of sector-wide headwinds, which have seen the share price crash 62% from an all-time high recorded in mid-2025.

    Sentiment didn’t improve when the company posted a record-breaking half-year FY26 result in mid-February. Its revenue was up 28%, and profit jumped nearly 30%, but it still missed investors’ high expectations.

    But Pro Medicus has won several contracts so far in 2026, including two $40 million five-year contract renewals with its wholly owned US subsidiary, Visage Imaging, earlier this month.

    I think the stock is trading well below value right now. And analysts are tipping potential for a 139% upside to $300 per share over the next 12 months.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

    Telix shares are racing higher on Wednesday, recovering some losses seen during a sharp sell-off last year.

    Despite several recent headwinds, it looks like Telix shares are finally rebounding. The positive sentiment started when it filed a key regulatory approval in Europe. News of positive results from its Global Phase 3 ProstACT study last week, followed by an announcement that the company has resubmitted its New Drug Application (NDA) to the US FDA for its brain cancer imaging candidate TLX101-Px (Pixclara®), has seen investors flock to the stock.

    Analysts tip the ASX healthcare stock to jump 156% to $31.59 a piece over the next 12 months.

    Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

    The clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company’s shares jumped higher this week on the back of good news about the development of new trial data for its prostate cancer imaging technology. The findings will be used as a basis to form a new drug submission to the FDA.

    It’s good news after Clarity shares suffered from volatility over the past five months, fluctuating anywhere between $5.70 and $2.73. 

    Analysts are excited about the prospects for growth of the ASX healthcare stock’s business fundamentals and share price over the next 12 months. They have a consensus buy rating with a maximum target price of $9. That implies a potential 157% upside at the time of writing.

    The post 3 ASX healthcare stocks tipped to soar over 100% higher this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Clarity Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Clarity Pharmaceuticals 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 Clarity Pharmaceuticals 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…

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

  • Xero shares rise again. Is this the start of a turnaround?

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

    Shares in Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) are pushing higher on Wednesday, offering a rare cheer in what has been a brutal year.

    During late afternoon trade, the Xero share price is up 2.42% to $79.50.

    Even so, the stock is still down around 30% this year and remains far below its previous levels.

    Improving backdrop for small businesses

    Recent data suggests conditions may be stabilising for Xero’s core customer base.

    According to The Australian, Citi analysts see scope for margin improvement as hiring slows across the business.

    At the same time, business formation remains strong. Australian registrations are up 19% year-on-year, while US applications have risen 18%.

    There are also signs of reduced financial stress. Insolvencies in Australia have declined by 8%, which points to lower churn risk among small business customers.

    This combination of steady demand and improving conditions could support Xero’s revenue growth going forward.

    Cost pressures may be easing

    Another key factor that was mentioned is the company’s cost base.

    Headcount growth has slowed significantly to around 1%, while job listings growth has dropped from 18% to 8%.

    This suggests Xero is becoming more disciplined with hiring, which could help control expenses after a period of heavy investment.

    Citi believes this may lead to stronger margins into FY26 if cost growth remains contained.

    Share price still reflects cautious sentiment

    Despite today’s gain, the broader trend remains weak.

    The stock has fallen sharply from levels above $150 over the past year and has struggled to hold gains in recent months.

    Xero still trades on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio above 50 times, which leaves little room for disappointment if growth slows.

    The recent weakness also reflects widespread pressure across global tech stocks, where valuations have been reassessed.

    Technical signals show early stabilisation

    Despite the gloomy backdrop, the selling pressure may be starting to ease.

    The relative strength index (RSI) is sitting around the mid 40’s, indicating the stock is no longer heavily oversold but still lacks strong momentum.

    The share price has also been trading near the lower end of its recent range. Support appears to be forming in the low $70 region, while resistance sits closer to $90.

    Recent moves near the lower Bollinger Band followed by a rebound can sometimes point to short-term stabilisation.

    Foolish takeaway

    Xero shares are moving higher again, with some signs that conditions are starting to improve and costs are easing.

    That said, the stock is still well below its previous highs after a recent decline.

    While the selling is starting to ease, the overall trend remains weak and will need stronger results to change.

    The post Xero shares rise again. Is this the start of a turnaround? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to a number of broker notes being released this week.

    Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

    Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

    According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this commercial explosives company’s shares with an improved price target of $25.35. This follows the release of a stronger than expected trading update earlier this week. In addition, the broker was pleased to see that Orica has settled its litigation in the United States and announced an acquisition in the country. Morgans believes that the latter will strengthen its US operations. Outside this, Morgans highlights that the company has leverage to attractive industry fundamentals, market leading positions, solid earnings growth, proven management team, and a strong balance sheet. The Orica share price is trading at $20.02 on Wednesday afternoon.

    Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU)

    A note out of Ord Minnett reveals that its analysts have upgraded this gold miner’s shares to a buy rating with an increased price target of $6.80. The broker made the move after Perseus Mining announced the sale of its Meyas Sand gold project in Sudan. Ord Minnett was pleased with the price that the company has received, especially given the difficulties operating in a country experiencing a civil war. Overall, it sees Perseus Mining as one of the best ways to gain exposure to the African gold industry and feels that the sale of the Meyas Sand gold project strengthens the quality of its portfolio. The Perseus Mining share price is fetching $5.19 at the time of writing.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and $144.80 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker believes that macro trends are positive for Xero. It highlights that business formation is accelerating in both Australia and the United States, while insolvency trends are improving. This combination points to positive demand for its platform according to the broker. Coupled with potential margin expansion from cost efficiencies and AI adoption, Citi believes Xero is well-placed to grow its earnings. The Xero share price is trading at $79.66 on Wednesday.

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Orica Limited right now?

    Before you buy Orica Limited 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 Orica Limited 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

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.