• Should you just forget ASX tech stocks after the AI selloff?

    A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.

    When ASX tech stocks fall 30%, 40%, or even 50% in a relatively short space of time, it’s natural to question the entire sector. Headlines turn negative, volatility spikes, and suddenly long-term growth stories are treated like broken business models.

    I don’t think that’s the right conclusion.

    In my view, selloffs often create the best long-term opportunities in quality technology stocks. The key is separating speculative hype from businesses that are still executing and expanding their addressable markets.

    Here are three ASX tech stocks I’m not giving up on.

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

    Life360 is not just another app. It is building a global safety platform with tens of millions of monthly active users.

    The company continues to grow both users and paying circles, and it has been steadily improving revenue and profitability metrics. Importantly, management has guided to continued strong monthly active user (MAU) growth in 2026, which tells me demand for its core product remains intact.

    What I like most is the recurring subscription model. As more families join the platform and upgrade to paid tiers, revenue visibility improves. Yes, the share price has been volatile, but the underlying metrics still point in the right direction.

    For me, that’s not a reason to walk away. It’s a reason to lean in selectively.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Pro Medicus provides imaging software to hospitals and healthcare systems, particularly in North America.

    The company has continued to win large, long-duration contracts and expand its total addressable market. It also operates with exceptional margins and remains debt-free, which is rare in high-growth tech.

    The recent selloff has been more about valuation compression and AI-related fears than operational deterioration. In my view, Pro Medicus’ cloud-native platform and strong customer relationships give it a durable competitive position.

    When a high-quality, globally competitive ASX tech stock gets sold down heavily, I pay close attention.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech has faced a perfect storm over the past year, including slower growth in parts of its core business, board and management upheaval, and broader tech weakness.

    But the core product, CargoWise, remains deeply embedded in global logistics networks. Replacing it is not simple or cheap. That stickiness is a competitive advantage.

    The ASX tech stock is also rolling out new products, refining its commercial model, and integrating acquisitions. If execution improves and growth re-accelerates, sentiment can shift quickly.

    To me, this looks like a business navigating a difficult period, not one that has lost its moat.

    Prefer diversification? Consider the ATEC ETF

    I completely understand that picking individual ASX tech stocks during a volatile period is not for everyone.

    That’s where the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC) can make sense. It provides exposure to a basket of leading Australian technology names, including WiseTech, Pro Medicus, and Life360.

    Instead of trying to time one specific stock, you gain diversified exposure to the broader sector. If you believe Australian tech can recover and grow over the long term but want to manage single-stock risk, this is a reasonable alternative in my opinion.

    Foolish takeaway

    Tech selloffs can feel uncomfortable. But in my experience, writing off an entire sector after a downturn is rarely the best strategy.

    I’m not walking away from ASX tech stocks. I’m focusing on businesses with real products, recurring revenue, and large global opportunities. Whether through individual names like Life360, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech, or via a diversified option like the ATEC ETF, I still see long-term potential in the sector.

    The post Should you just forget ASX tech stocks after the AI selloff? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 1 Jan 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 positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX dividend shares tipped to grow 50% (or more) in 2026

    A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.

    If you are looking for big returns and a decent dividend yield, then look no further than the ASX shares in this article.

    That’s because these shares are being tipped to increase over 50% from current levels by analysts. Here’s what you need to know:

    CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

    Analysts at Bell Potter see significant value in this auto listings company’s shares. In response to its half-year results, the broker has put a buy rating and $39.80 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $25.07, this implies potential upside of 59% for investors over the next 12 months.

    As for income, the broker expects partially franked dividend yields of 3.3% in FY 2026 and then 3.6% in FY 2027. It said:

    CAR’s global network of auto and non-auto classifieds platforms has scaled the ability to generate cash flows supporting growth investment and shareholder returns simultaneously. CAR is proactively implementing AI solutions across its platforms and geographies on top of a technical eco-system integrated into Dealer management workflows, network effect and unique data sets. Retain Buy.

    Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

    Morgans thinks that this online lottery ticket seller could be an ASX dividend share to buy. Following the release of its preliminary results, the broker put a buy rating and $14.90 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $9.51, this suggests upside of 57% is possible for investors between now and this time next year.

    It also expects fully franked dividend yields of 3% in FY 2026 and then 3.9% in FY 2027.

    Commenting on the company, the broker said:

    We have updated our estimates following JIN’s preliminary release of headline numbers ahead of the 1H26 result. Group revenue increased 29% yoy to $85.3m, modestly below our expectations due to weaker Lottery Retailing TTV. Underlying group EBITDA of $37.5m rose 22% on the pcp and was in line with our forecasts. Overall, our topline and earnings assumptions remain broadly unchanged. Our FY26-27F NPAT and EPS forecasts increase by 4% and 2% respectively, driven primarily by lower amortisation of acquired intangibles.

    At its AGM, JIN revised its dividend payout ratio to 30-50% of statutory Group NPAT to support balance sheet deleveraging following recent acquisitions. The interim dividend will be determined at the 1H26 result (MorgansF: 28cps). We view the 5% share price decline today as an opportunity to build a position in a company capable of delivering >15% EPS CAGR over the next three years. JIN is trading on an undemanding forward EV/EBITDA multiple of ~6x.

    The post 2 ASX dividend shares tipped to grow 50% (or more) in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CAR Group Ltd 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 CAR Group Ltd 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 1 Jan 2026

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

  • I’d buy 7,844 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $2,000 annual passive income

    A mature aged man with grey hair and glasses holds a fan of Australian hundred dollar bills up against his mouth and looks skywards with his eyes as though he is thinking what he might do with the cash.

    The ASX stock Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) is a leading candidate for regular passive income thanks to its quarterly distribution frequency.

    It’s a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a diversified portfolio of different defensive tenant industries including government tenants (such as Geoscience Australia), pubs, grocery and distribution, data centres, telecommunication exchanges, service stations, food manufacturing, Bunnings properties and more.

    The portfolio is spread across Australia’s states and territories, as well as a small portion in New Zealand.

    The ASX stock reported its result for the six months to 31 December 2025. The numbers are one of the main reasons why I think the business is a buy.

    Good passive income

    Charter Hall Long WALE REIT reported that its operating earnings per security (EPS) grew 2% to 12.75 cents. With its 100% distribution payout ratio, the distribution per unit was also hiked by 2% to 12.75 cents.

    The business has provided guidance that it’s going to grow its distribution per unit by 2% to 25.5 cents in FY26, paid quarterly. That translates into a distribution yield of 6.8%, which is a very strong level of income, in my view.

    At that level, to make $2,000 of annual passive income, we’d need to own 7,844 units of the ASX stock.

    Why I think it’s a good time to invest

    It’s good to see rental and earnings growth by the business. It reported 3% growth in like-for-like net property income (NPI), which is a solid rate of progress and helps offset inflation.

    The business looks undervalued considering it reported its net tangible assets (NTA) rose by 2% since 30 June 2025 to $4.68. That means, at the time of writing, it’s trading at a 20% discount, which I think is an attractive discount.

    The portfolio is in a good position, with a portfolio occupancy rate of 99.9% and a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years. This means investors have a very high level of rental income security over the next few years.

    The post I’d buy 7,844 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $2,000 annual passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Charter Hall Long WALE REIT right now?

    Before you buy Charter Hall Long WALE REIT 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 Charter Hall Long WALE REIT 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 1 Jan 2026

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    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.

  • Here’s an ASX 200 share that I think could beat Westpac in 2026

    three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have had a solid start to the year.

    The banking giant is up around 4% year to date and hit a record high last week. That kind of momentum tends to attract attention, but it can also raise questions about how much upside is left.

    With bank earnings growth expected to remain modest and valuations stretched relative to history, I think investors looking for outperformance in 2026 may want to look elsewhere on the ASX 200.

    One name that stands out to me is Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG).

    A record half in a challenging backdrop

    Breville delivered a record first-half result for FY 2026, with revenue climbing 10.1% to $1.1 billion. That marks a doubling of revenue over the past six years, which is no small achievement for a consumer products company.

    Importantly, this growth came despite a difficult tariff backdrop in the US. Gross margins dipped to 35.4% due to US tariffs, but the company successfully mitigated much of the impact through manufacturing diversification, pricing actions, and distribution mix optimisation.

    By December, 80% of US gross profit was generated from products manufactured outside of China. That shows management is not standing still in the face of geopolitical risk.

    Coffee continues to power growth

    One of the most attractive parts of the Breville story is coffee.

    According to the result, coffee delivered strong double-digit revenue growth, supported by premium new product launches such as the Oracle Dual Boiler and Encore Esp Pro. In the Americas, coffee growth was again in double digits, with very strong demand for flagship machines like the Barista Express.

    Coffee is not just a category for Breville. It is a global lifestyle trend. Premium at-home coffee has proven resilient, and Breville has positioned itself at the higher end of the market, where brand and performance matter more than price alone.

    That premium positioning is important. It allows Breville to protect margins and maintain pricing power, even when broader consumer spending softens.

    Geographic expansion and AI transformation

    Beyond coffee, Breville’s growth story is increasingly global.

    Direct markets such as China, Korea, Mexico, and the Middle East collectively grew over 50% in the half. While these markets are still relatively small, they represent meaningful long-term optionality.

    Management is also leaning into an enterprise-wide AI transformation, embedding artificial intelligence across operations rather than treating it as a one-off pilot. That kind of structural investment could improve efficiency and sharpen decision-making over time.

    Why this ASX 200 share could beat Westpac

    Westpac is a solid business, but its earnings growth profile is likely to be incremental rather than explosive. With the share price at record highs and trading on a premium, expectations are elevated.

    Breville, by contrast, is delivering double-digit revenue growth, expanding globally, investing in innovation, and riding a powerful coffee tailwind. It also remains conservatively leveraged, with net debt improving during the half.

    For investors seeking growth rather than yield, I believe Breville has a chance of outperforming Westpac shares in 2026.

    The post Here’s an ASX 200 share that I think could beat Westpac in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Breville 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 Breville 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 1 Jan 2026

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

  • 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth

    An older couple holding hands as they laugh while bouncing on a trampoline feeling happy about earning dividends from their ASX shares.

    Income investors don’t have to pick individual shares to tap into Australia’s generous dividend culture.

    A handful of ASX ETFs now bundle the market’s biggest dividend payers into a single trade. They offer instant diversification and regular income.

    Three ASX ETFs stand out for investors chasing yield without abandoning long-term growth potential.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

    Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF has become a go-to option for dividend hunters. The ASX ETF targets Australian companies with above-average forecast yields, which naturally tilts it toward banks, miners and energy giants.

    Heavyweights like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) tend to sit near the top of the portfolio.

    That concentration explains why distributions can look very attractive in strong commodity or banking cycles. The yield is typically well above the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and often boosted by franking credits. At the current share price of $82.65, the yield is 9%.

    Growth isn’t the main attraction, but over time capital returns have tracked the performance of Australia’s largest blue chips. This makes it a classic income-first ETF with some upside attached. In the past 12 months, VHY ETF has grown by 8% at the time of writing.

    Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

    This smaller ASX ETF takes a slightly different approach. Instead of reaching deep into the market for yield, it stays closer to the ASX 200 and selects companies with strong dividend characteristics.

    Banks still dominate, but infrastructure stocks, telcos and established industrials also feature prominently. That tends to smooth volatility compared with more aggressive high-yield strategies. Just 1.3% of the fund is invested in companies in the US and Europe.

    The dividend yield is usually lower than the pure high-yield ETFs – 5.6% at current price levels – but investors get broader exposure to the market and a better balance between income and growth. For those who want dividends without drifting too far from the benchmark, this ETF sits in the middle ground.

    iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD)

    The iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF adds a sustainability filter to the income equation. This $364 million ASX ETF focuses on a smaller group of higher-yielding Australian companies while excluding businesses that don’t meet ESG criteria.

    The result is a portfolio that still leans toward banks and established dividend payers, but with different sector weights to traditional high-yield funds. The dividend yield is generally more modest, offering 4.9% at the time of writing. Yet distributions are still competitive, and long-term returns aim to combine steady income with moderate capital growth.

    This option appeals to investors who want attractive dividends without chasing the highest-yield. This ASX ETF was the best performing of the three ASX ETFs over the past 12 months, gaining 15% in value.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Together, these 3 ASX ETFs show there’s more than one way to invest for income on the ASX.

    Whether the priority is maximum yield, balance, or a blend of dividends and sustainability, dividend ASX ETFs can play a useful role in building passive income over time.

    The post 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield 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 Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield 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 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime

    Woman laying with $100 notes around her, symbolising dividends.

    An ASX income portfolio should not just generate cash today. It should still be producing income decades from now.

    That means focusing on businesses built to last, not simply those offering the highest yield at a single point in time. Diversification also matters. Relying on one sector or one earnings stream can leave income vulnerable when conditions change.

    If I were building an income portfolio designed to last a lifetime, here is how I would approach it.

    Start with leaders

    The foundation for me would be high-quality Australian shares with strong market positions and long operating histories.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) would play a central role. It has consistently delivered strong returns on equity and remains one of the most profitable banks in the country. While bank earnings can fluctuate with economic conditions, CBA’s scale and execution provide a level of confidence in its long-term dividend-paying ability.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares would add exposure to global commodities and fully franked income. Dividends can vary depending on commodity prices, but BHP’s balance sheet strength and asset quality support meaningful shareholder returns over the cycle.

    Add essential services income

    I think reliable cash flow businesses also deserve a place in a long-term income portfolio.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) provides exposure to essential telecommunications infrastructure. Demand for connectivity is ongoing, and Telstra’s scale and network advantage support relatively steady earnings and dividends.

    Include dividend growth

    An income portfolio built to last should not rely solely on mature higher-yield shares. It also needs businesses capable of growing dividends over time.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) shares fit that role, in my opinion. The company has transitioned to a SaaS model, generating recurring revenue and expanding margins. After a sharp pullback, it offers exposure to long-term growth with the potential for rising dividends as earnings continue to expand.

    Similarly, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) adds diversified financial exposure. Macquarie’s earnings can be more variable than those of a traditional bank, but its global operations and capital discipline have supported meaningful dividends over time.

    Support the portfolio with broad exposure

    Even the strongest companies face unexpected challenges. That is why I would include a broad market ETF to support the portfolio.

    Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) provides exposure to the top 300 Australian shares across multiple sectors. It helps reduce reliance on any single stock while still delivering franked dividend income from the broader market.

    The ETF acts as a stabiliser. If one company underperforms, the broader exposure can help smooth overall income.

    Why diversification matters

    No company, no matter how strong, is immune to change.

    By combining banking, resources, telecommunications, software, diversified financial services, and a broad index ETF, this portfolio spreads risk across industries and earnings drivers. That diversification supports income durability over the long term.

    Foolish takeaway

    An ASX income portfolio that lasts a lifetime is built on quality, diversification, and patience.

    Commonwealth Bank, BHP, Telstra, TechnologyOne, Macquarie Group, and the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF each serve a different purpose. Together, I think they create a mix of steady income, dividend growth potential, and structural resilience.

    The post How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 2

    Man with his hand on his face reading a letter with bad news in it

    There was plenty to digest last week during the second week of earnings season. 

    As always, there were a few surprises, both good and bad, as investors reacted to fresh results. 

    Here are some of the important headlines from last week. 

    Banks the surprise winner

    One of the biggest jumps this earnings season came from ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). 

    ANZ reported its 2026 First Quarter Trading Update on Thursday February 12. 

    The update included a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion and a statutory profit of $1.87 billion. 

    Cash profit jumped 75% compared to the second-half 2025 quarterly average, driven largely by lower expenses and stronger revenue.

    This led to an 8% share price jump as investors reacted positively to the news. 

    It also prompted several brokers to re-rate ANZ shares. 

    It closed last week trading at $40.89, a 52 week high.

    Its share price is now up almost 31% over the last 12 months, representing the biggest gain of the big four bank shares.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) also surprised pundits with its 2026 Half Year Results last Wednesday. 

    Its share price climbed almost 7% higher on the back of earnings season results. 

    It reclaimed its title as Australia’s largest company, and posted statutory net profit after tax of $5.41 billion. 

    Cash net profit came in at $5.45 billion,  up 6% on the prior corresponding period.

    Overall it rose more than 10% last week. 

    Healthcare woes continue

    Whilst banks enjoyed a strong week, two of Australia’s largest healthcare stocks crashed on the back of earnings results. 

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) posted Half Year Results last Wednesday, which led to a 17% crash by week’s end. 

    Things appear to be going from bad to worse for the ASX 200 company. 

    A CEO exit and poor results headlined a horror week. 

    The company posted an underlying NPATA of US$1.9 billion, which was down 7% on the prior corresponding period. 

    Its share price is now down 41% in the last 12 months. 

    It was a similar story for Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares. 

    Following its HY26 Results last Thursday, its share price retreated 22%. 

    For the six months ended 31 December, Pro Medicus reported a 28.4% increase in revenue to $124.8 million. 

    Pro Medicus’ underlying EBIT margin increased to 73% from 72% the year prior. 

    It’s share price is down 57% in the last 12 months which has attracted some buy-low attention from brokers. 

    Another big miss 

    Finally, another ASX large-cap company that had a week to forget was Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK). 

    It released 1H FY26 results on Friday. 

    This sent investors running for the exit, as the share price fell 22% in a single day. 

    Many financial results looked solid, however investors may have been reacting negatively to UK business losses.

    The post Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 2 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australia And New Zealand Banking Group right now?

    Before you buy Australia And New Zealand Banking 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 Australia And New Zealand Banking 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 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Bell Potter names 3 sold-off ASX 200 shares to buy today

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    Wanting to take advantage of the recent selloff in pockets of the share market?

    Well, Bell Potter thinks the three ASX 200 shares in this article could be in the buy zone after heavy declines. Here’s what it is recommending:

    Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

    Bell Potter continues to rate this gaming technology company as an ASX 200 share to buy.

    It highlights that the company has a compelling growth-at-a-reasonable price (GARP) profile relative to peers. It said:

    We rate LNW a Buy due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL (15% discount to EV / EBITA). We expect a continuation in the re-rate observed since the ASX sole listing in November 2025, as long as the company executes on market share gains in its respective markets. We believe LNW’s heightened investment in R&D will drive continued growth, particularly in the Premium leased market.

    Bell Potter has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $230.00 (from $176.00).

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Another ASX 200 share that Bell Potter rates highly is health imaging technology company Pro Medicus.

    Although it fell a touch short with its half-year results, it remains positive and is recommending investors buy the dip. It said:

    The ongoing implementation of several major projects is expected to conclude by October 2026 inclusive of an estimated $29m boost to annual recurring revenues from the very large Trinity contract. For this reason we remain confident regarding the ongoing outlook for revenue and earnings growth. Target price is reduced by 25% to $240 following this downgrade and the re-rating now applied to software providers. Retain Buy rating. We believe the current price is an attractive entry point.

    Bell Potter has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $240.00 (from $320.00).

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Finally, this online furniture and homewares retailer’s shares are being tipped as a buy.

    Although its time as an ASX 200 share could be limited, the broker remains positive. It said:

    Our views are unchanged of TPW’s ability to outperform over the long term as market share capture in an expanded TAM is expedited with range, pricing/scale advantages, AI/data capability backed by a strong balance sheet (~$160m cash). Trading at ~1.2x EV/Sales post today’s correction in the share price, we see TPW reverting back to valuation levels in Oct-23 at which time the company was growing revenue at sub20% and see some downside risk priced in the name, however potential for removal from the S&P/ASX 200 Index at the next rebalance in March remains.

    Bell Potter now has a buy rating and $13.00 price target (from $19.50) on its shares.

    The post Bell Potter names 3 sold-off ASX 200 shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Light & Wonder Inc right now?

    Before you buy Light & Wonder Inc 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 Light & Wonder Inc 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 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Winning woman smiles and holds big cup while losing woman looks unhappy with small cup.

    It was a disappointing end to what had otherwise been a stellar week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Friday. After bumper sessions on both Monday and Wednesday, investors seemed to get a case of cold feet today.

    By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had dropped by a hefty 1.39%. That leaves the index back under 9,000 points at 8,917.6 as we head into the weekend.

    This sobering Friday for the Australian markets comes after a similarly painful morning over on Wall Street.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a shocker, taking a 1.34% hit.

    It was even worse for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which sank 2.03%.

    But let’s get back to the local markets now and grit our teeth for a deep dive into what was happening with the various ASX sectors today.

    Winners and losers

    As one would expect on a day like today, there were far more red sectors than green ones.

    Leading those red sectors were again tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was smashed again this Friday, diving another 5.06%.

    Healthcare stocks remained in the firing line as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) plunging 4.04%.

    Gold shares proved to be no safe haven. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) crashed 3.44% lower this session.

    Consumer discretionary stocks weren’t much better, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 2.36% slump.

    Mining shares weren’t riding to the rescue. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) cratered by 2.02% today.

    Nor were energy stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) tanking 2%.

    Financial shares weren’t spared either. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) had retreated 0.84% by market close.

    That drop was mirrored by industrial stocks, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.84% decline.

    Communications shares weren’t much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) slid 0.75% lower today.

    Our last losers were consumer staples stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) slipping down 0.41%.

    Turning to the green sectors now, it was utilities shares that again were the best place to hide out. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soared 3.38% higher this Friday.

    The other happy corner of the market was real estate investment trusts (REITs), evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.99% lift.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Leading the winners this Friday was ASX veteran financial stock AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP). AMP shares bounced 8.98% higher this session to close the week at $1.40 each.

    This seems to be a rebound following yesterday’s poorly-received earnings.

    Here’s the rest of today’s best:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) $1.40 8.98%
    GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) $1.74 7.76%
    Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) $12.08 5.04%
    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) $14.02 3.70%
    Arena REIT (ASX: ARF) $3.58 3.17%
    Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) $5.58 2.95%
    AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) $10.42 2.56%
    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) $31.02 2.38%
    Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) $3.21 1.58%
    Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) $23.30 1.35%

    Enjoy the weekend!

    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 AMP Limited right now?

    Before you buy AMP 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 AMP 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 1 Jan 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 Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Bell Potter just initiated coverage on this exciting ASX All Ords stock with a buy rating

    A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.

    If you are wanting some exposure to the smaller side of the market, then it could be worth considering the ASX All Ords stock in this article.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who have just slapped a buy rating on its shares.

    Which ASX All Ords stock?

    The stock that the broker is bullish on is Cogstate Ltd (ASX: CGS).

    Bell Potter highlights that this ASX All Ords stock is a highly specialised and leading service provider to over 100 global biopharma customers in the clinical trials industry.

    Its core offerings include digital endpoint assessments, clinician training, and central monitoring solutions. The company operates predominantly in Central Nervous System (CNS) conditions, where trial endpoints are more subjective than other disease areas such as oncology.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter was pleased with Cogstate’s performance during the first half of FY 2026 and highlights its sizeable revenue backlog.

    The good news is that the broker believes there are a number of positive thematics supporting this momentum in the coming years. It explains:

    The strong increase in 1H26 new contract sales ($41.7m) resulted in a +$16.0m increase to CGS’s revenue backlog (now $92.3m). We see several positive thematics supporting this momentum in the years ahead, driving our forecasts of 11%/10% revenue growth in FY26/27 and EPS growth of ~21% in FY27.

    These thematics include: (1) the number of Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials is expected to continue growing over the coming years; (2) CGS diversifying revenue across a variety of CNS indications beyond Alzheimer’s; (3) leveraging the Medidata strategic collaboration to drive new sales opportunities; and (4) remaining one of few fully independent providers not tied to a global CRO following recent M&A activity in the sector.

    Big potential returns

    According to the note, the broker has initiated coverage on the ASX All Ords stock with a buy rating and $2.90 price target.

    Based on its current share price of $2.17, this implies potential upside of 34% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    We re-initiate coverage of CGS with a BUY recommendation and $2.90 PT. Cogstate is a highly profitable company (~19% NPAT margin) trading on attractive multiples relative to domestic and global peers. The forward EV/EBITDA of ~11x is well below the domestic peer average of >20x and below the global CRO avg of ~14x, notwithstanding its attractive growth outlook.

    Our PT is comfortably supported by the DCF valuation (9.0% WACC, 3.0% TGR). Considering the recent pull back across software and speculative healthcare names, CGS provides a compelling investment case by virtue of its existing profitable business, attractive valuation, and multiple positive thematics.

    The post Bell Potter just initiated coverage on this exciting ASX All Ords stock with a buy rating appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CogState 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 CogState 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 1 Jan 2026

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