June is almost here, and investors may be wondering where to put fresh money to work.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to make this simple.

With one trade, investors can gain exposure to a diversified group of companies, sectors, or investment styles without having to pick every individual winner.

For someone looking to invest $10,000, the three ASX ETFs below could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers exposure to some of Asia’s leading technology companies.

This is a region with enormous growth potential. Across Asia, consumers are using online platforms for shopping, payments, entertainment, cloud services, gaming, and communication. Many of these trends still have room to run as incomes rise and businesses continue investing in technology.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors a way to access this opportunity through a single ASX ETF. It comprises companies involved in areas such as ecommerce, semiconductors, online services, and digital platforms. This includes Tencent (SEHK: 700) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

This is not a low-risk option. Asian technology shares can be volatile, particularly when sentiment turns against growth assets or regulatory concerns weigh on the sector. Currency movements can also influence returns for Australian investors.

But for those comfortable with a more targeted growth exposure, this ASX ETF offers something different from the usual US-heavy technology ETFs. It provides access to a part of the global market that could remain an important source of innovation and digital growth over the next decade.

This fund was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering in June is the Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

It has been hit hard following weakness across the technology sector. That may make it attractive for investors who believe the selloff has created an opportunity to buy quality local tech exposure at lower levels.

The fund gives investors access to a basket of ASX technology stocks across areas such as software, payments, online marketplaces, digital infrastructure, and IT services. This includes WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

This can be useful because picking individual technology winners is not easy. Some companies will execute well and grow strongly. Others may struggle with margins, competition, or changing market conditions. The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF spreads that risk across a group of local tech names.

For investors willing to ride out volatility, this ETF offers a simple way to back the long-term digitisation of the Australian economy. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

Finally, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF takes a very different approach.

Rather than focusing on one sector or region, it invests in international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages such as Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Dassault Systemes (FRA: DSY).

These advantages can include strong brands, cost leadership, network effects, valuable intellectual property, or high switching costs. In simple terms, the fund looks for businesses that may be difficult for competitors to attack.

This quality focus could make this ASX ETF a useful option for investors who want global exposure but do not want to rely purely on market-cap weighting.

The ETF also adds a valuation discipline by targeting companies that appear attractively priced relative to fair value estimates. That combination of quality and valuation could be valuable in uncertain markets.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX ETFs to target this month that focus on undervalued sectors
• 3 amazing ASX ETF for beginners to buy and hold
• 3 ASX ETFs that could help investors tap into global growth
• The top 3 Betashares ASX ETFs over the past year
• 2 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Baidu, Dassault Systèmes Se, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dassault Systèmes Se and VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed a confident return to trading after the weekend this Monday. After a shaky week last week, investors seemed to come back refreshed.

After an early wobble this morning, the market found its footing and spent most of the session in positive territory. By the time the markets wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had advanced 0.4% and finished at a flat 8,692 points.

This happy start to the Australian trading week came after a similarly upbeat end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared well, managing a 0.58% gain and resetting its record high.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) charted a similar trajectory, rising 0.19%.

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

Winners and losers

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

More reading

• ASX 200 hits 2-week high as miners lead the charge
• Why are Alcoa shares among the top ASX 200 performers today?
• Why Charter Hall, Coronado Global, Meeka Metals, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Guess which ASX 200 share is racing 5% higher after upgrading its earnings guidance
• Charter Hall lifts FY26 guidance as capital inflows surge

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 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.

There are countless ASX shares out there to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells this week? Let’s find out:

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

The team at Shaw and Partners is bullish on this investment management company and has named it as a buy this week.

The broker likes the L1 Long Short Fund due to its highly regarded investment team and strong track record. It also highlights that it could be a good option for investors looking for a combination of growth and income. The broker explains:

LSF offers exposure to global growth opportunities through a highly regarded investment team with a strong long term track record. Management has meaningful personal investment in the fund, aligning interests with investors. The portfolio blends long and short positions, aiming to generate returns across all market cycles. Recent performance has been supported by global equity exposure. The fund also offers a solid income stream, making it an attractive option for growth and income in a diversified portfolio.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

Shaw and Partners is sitting on the fence when it comes to this wholesale distributor. It has named Metcash shares as a hold this week.

While the broker acknowledges that Metcash is a quality defensive business, it isn’t enough for a more positive rating right now. It said:

Metcash remains a quality defensive business with diverse earnings across food, liquor and hardware. Its strong customer network provides consistent cash flow and resilience during economic uncertainty. Recent updates show stable margins despite increasing cost pressures, and the company continues to generate an attractive dividend yield. While growth is modest, its defensive characteristics and reliable income stream support a hold position. It remains well positioned to benefit from steady consumer demand.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Over at Investor Pulse, its team has named Wesfarmers shares as a hold this week.

It thinks that it is worth holding onto the Bunnings owner even in the current economic environment. This is due to the resilient earnings that its market-leading businesses generate. Investor Pulse explains:

Wesfarmers is a diversified industrial conglomerate. It owns market leading businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks, generating resilient earnings, even in softer economic conditions. We believe it makes sense to hold Wesfarmers given it generated net profit after tax of $1.603 billion in the first half of 2026, up 9.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Revenue of $24.2 billion was up 3.1 per cent. Bunnings and Kmart continued delivering strong sales growth. The group also lifted its fully franked interim dividend by 7.4 per cent to $1.02 a share, highlighting confidence in cash generation and balance sheet strength.

The post Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• $1,000 buys 238 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX dividend stock
• 3 unstoppable ASX shares to buy with $3,000
• ASX 200 consumer staples shares outperformed again last week
• Thinking about dividend yields? Here’s how much the top 10 ASX 200 shares pay

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

Knowing which ASX shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing which ones to own when you are seeking to outperform the market.

After all, if you own shares that are likely to fall in value, your portfolio returns will be dragged down along with them.

So, with that in mind, let’s look at three ASX shares that analysts have named as sells this week, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are bearish on:

Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)

This struggling auto parts retailer has been named as a sell by Investor Pulse.

Given the tough trading conditions that Bapcor is facing, it thinks investors should be focusing on other opportunities. It said:

Bapcor is an aftermarket automotive parts provider in Australia and New Zealand. It operates the Autobarn, Burson and Autopro brands. It reported improving sales from turnaround activities between February and April 2026. However, trading conditions had materially deteriorated since late March 2026 in response to the Middle East conflict and an increase in interest rates. It has reduced fiscal year 2026 earnings guidance on what it provided on February 26, 2026. The company also flagged higher operating costs. The share price remains under pressure. The stock has fallen from $5.22 on July 14, 2025 to trade at 38 cents on May 21, 2026. Better options exist elsewhere, in our view.

 Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Shaw and Partners is bearish on Telstra shares and has named them as a sell this week.

The broker believes its shares are expensive at current levels, especially given its limited growth potential and narrowing dividend yield. It explains:

Telstra is currently trading at elevated levels, in our view, with its defensive appeal pushing the share price higher. However, underlying growth remains limited, and the dividend yield is becoming less attractive as the share price rises. Recent updates show steady but low growth across its core business segments, according to our analysis. Valuations are now stretched and the risk-reward balance is less compelling. The shares have risen from $3.89 on February 10, 2025 to trade at $5.45 on May 21, 2026. We would be inclined to take a profit at these levels.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Another ASX share that Shaw and Partners is bearish on this week is energy giant Woodside.

After strong gains were recorded by Woodside shares, the broker thinks investors should be locking in profits and moving onto other opportunities. It said:

Woodside has benefited from elevated oil and gas prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, in our view, the share price strength appears largely macro driven rather than based on underlying company improvements. Given Middle East tensions are expected to ease over time, energy prices could soften and reduce earnings support. The stock now appears fully valued. In response to share price gains, it makes sense to lock in profits and re-allocate the proceeds to opportunities with stronger growth outlooks.

The post Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• Why Arafura Rare Earths, Dalrymple Bay, Tuas, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Telstra and Woodside shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $7,500 monthly passive income?

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

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares have delivered a strong return for long-term investors over the past decade.

That may surprise some people.

Airlines are not usually thought of as easy buy-and-hold investments. They are exposed to fuel prices, labour costs, competition, aircraft availability, economic conditions, and travel demand.

Qantas also had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted global aviation and forced airlines into survival mode.

But investors who bought a decade ago and held on have been well rewarded.

The share price return

In May 2016, Qantas shares were trading at around $3.25. This means that a $1,000 investment would have bought approximately 308 Qantas shares.

Today, the company’s shares are priced at $9.10.

This means those 308 shares would now be worth approximately $2,803

It means the value of the shares alone has increased by close to 180% over the past decade.

That is despite Qantas going through one of the most difficult operating periods in its modern history in 2020. Border closures, grounded aircraft, weak international travel, and pandemic uncertainty all weighed heavily on the airline sector.

Many companies would have struggled to recover from that kind of shock.

Qantas did not just survive. It eventually returned to profitability, resumed dividends, and continued returning capital to shareholders.

Dividends made a difference

The capital growth is only part of the story.

According to CommSec, Qantas paid several dividends over the period, although payments were interrupted for a number of years around the pandemic.

Since the final dividend paid in 2016, Qantas has paid total dividends of $1.356 per share.

For an investor holding 308 shares, that would add approximately $418 in cash dividends.

That figure excludes the value of franking credits. It also assumes the investor took the dividends in cash rather than reinvesting them.

When the current share value and dividends are added together, the original $1,000 investment would now be worth approximately $3,220.

That is a very strong result for a cyclical airline stock.

Share buybacks helped too

Another factor worth noting is Qantas’ use of share buybacks.

Buybacks do not show up in the same way as dividends for an individual shareholder. Investors do not receive cash directly unless they participate in an off-market buyback.

But buybacks can still be important. By reducing the number of shares on issue, they can support earnings per share and potentially help the market place a higher value on the remaining shares. 

Qantas has undertaken several buybacks over the past decade, and this would have contributed to the overall shareholder return story.

Are Qantas shares still attractive?

I think Qantas remains an interesting ASX share today.

The airline has a strong position in Australian aviation, with Qantas and Jetstar giving it exposure across premium and lower-cost travel. Its loyalty business is also a valuable asset, and fleet renewal should support the customer experience and operating efficiency over time.

But I would still treat Qantas differently from a defensive blue-chip share.

Airline earnings can move quickly when fuel prices rise, competition increases, or demand softens. Investors need to be comfortable with that cyclicality.

Even so, the past decade shows what can happen when a business with a strong market position gets through a crisis and starts returning cash to shareholders again.

Foolish takeaway

A $1,000 investment in Qantas shares a decade ago would now be worth approximately $3,220, including cash dividends but excluding franking credits.

That is an impressive outcome.

Qantas shareholders had to sit through a very difficult period, including the pandemic disruption that hit airlines hard. But the combination of share price growth, dividends, and buybacks has produced a strong long-term return for those who stayed patient.

The post If you invested $1,000 in Qantas shares a decade ago, here’s what they would be worth now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Charter Hall, Coronado Global, Meeka Metals, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
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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.

When it comes to your retirement, it’s important to know how you’re going to fund your lifestyle. At that point, some of the first questions you’d probably ask are: When can I access my superannuation? And when am I eligible for the Age Pension?

In both cases, it’s mostly dependent on your age.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re entitled to, and when.

When can I access my superannuation?

There are two age brackets for accessing your super balance, and they depend on your working situation.

Once you reach your preservation age, you can access your superannuation if you have stopped working permanently.

For Australians born after the 1st of July 1964, this is age 60. It could be as early as age 55 if you’re born before the 1st of July 1960.

But you don’t have to retire if you don’t want to. If you continue working after age 60, you can continue to accrue superannuation, but you can’t access it until you reach age 65.

Once you reach age 65, you can gain automatic access regardless of whether you’re still working or not.

Once you’ve reached the appropriate milestone for your situation, you have two choices: you can access your superannuation as a lump sum, or you can set up an account-based pension and withdraw a regular amount. This means that the remaining balance is still invested and will continue to compound.

There are also exceptions to the two rules above.

Some Australians might be able to access their super earlier in times of financial hardship, on compassionate grounds due to a terminal medical condition or permanent incapacity, or if you’re a temporary resident leaving Australia with no plans to return.

When can I access the Age Pension?

The Age Pension is a fortnightly sum paid to Australians aged 67 years or older to help fund their retirement.

You can start receiving the Age Pension once you reach the qualifying age of 67 years. You’ll also need to meet eligibility requirements. 

That means, even if you can access your superannuation, it could still be a few more years before you can get the additional Age Pension payments.

The maximum fortnightly Age Pension payment is $1,100.30 for single Australians or older. Couples can get up to $829.40 per person per fortnight. 

The rates don’t include any additional potential supplement rates.

The amount you’ll receive can also vary depending on where you fall under the Age Pension assets and income tests. It is possible to receive a part-payment if your income and/or assets exceed the threshold, and the amount is generally calculated on a sliding scale.

The post At what age can I access my superannuation and the Age Pension? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares
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• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.4% on Monday as the world awaits news of a potential US-Iran deal.

Meanwhile on The Bull this week, two experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s check them out. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is $165.12, down 0.3% today and down 4.6% over the past month.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a buy rating on the market’s biggest bank. 

Elzayed said: 

CBA remains Australia’s dominant retail bank. The recent sharp sell-off has created a more attractive entry point for long term investors.

The bank generated unaudited cash net profit after tax of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Lending and deposits continued to grow despite a softer economic backdrop.

CBA also maintains strong capital levels and recently paid a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share for the first half of fiscal year 2026.

The shares fell heavily following housing concerns flowing from the Federal Budget. We see scope for a recovery once sentiment stabilises.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is $75.44, up 1% today and down 8% in the calendar year to date.

Elzayed gives Wesfarmers shares a hold rating.

He explains: 

Wesfarmers is a diversified industrial conglomerate. It owns market leading businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart and Officeworks, generating resilient earnings, even in softer economic conditions.

We believe it makes sense to hold Wesfarmers given it generated net profit after tax of $1.603 billion in the first half of 2026, up 9.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Revenue of $24.2 billion was up 3.1 per cent. Bunnings and Kmart continued delivering strong sales growth.

The group also lifted its fully franked interim divided by 7.4 per cent to $1.02 a share, highlighting confidence in cash generation and balance sheet strength.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The Telstra share price is $5.37, down 0.3% today and up 1% over the past month.

Jed Richards from Shaw and Partners gives Telstra shares a sell rating. 

Richards said: 

Telstra is currently trading at elevated levels, in our view, with its defensive appeal pushing the share price higher.

However, underlying growth remains limited, and the dividend yield is becoming less attractive as the share price rises.

Recent updates show steady but low growth across its core business segments, according to our analysis.

Valuations are now stretched and the risk-reward balance is less compelling. We would be inclined to take a profit at theses levels.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares
• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Telstra and Woodside shares
• Experts recommend CBA and these ASX shares as buys
• Why I think CBA shares are a blue-chip buy in June

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

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to start the week with a solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 8,692.8 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

The Arafura Rare Earths share price is down 11% to 27.5 cents. The catalyst for this has been news that the rare earths developer has raised $350 million through an institutional placement. The company is raising the funds at a 16.1% discount to its last close price. Arafura’s CEO and managing director, Darryl Cuzzubbo, said: “The strong support received for this capital raising is a clear endorsement of the Nolans Rare Earths Project and Arafura’s role in building a diversified, Western rare earths supply chain. With this successful result and the Board’s recent Final Investment Decision, we look forward to commencing construction of this nationally significant project, which we are targeting in around September 2026.”

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

The Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price is down almost 2% to $5.50. This has been driven by the terminal infrastructure and services provider’s shares going ex-dividend this morning. Earlier this month, the company declared a quarterly dividend of 6.75 cents per share. This will be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 12 June.

Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

The Tuas share price is down a further 4% to $2.22. Last week, this Singapore-based telco terminated its proposed acquisition of M1 Limited. This followed news that authorities had suspended the review of the deal after Tuas’ Simba business allegedly used spectrum it did not own. It said: “Simba continues to co-operate with the investigation being undertaken by the Infocomm Media Development Authority into potential breaches of the Telecommunications Act and the conditions of Simba’s Facilities-Based Operator Licence. Tuas will keep shareholders updated in relation to that investigation.”

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is down 4% to $30.84. Investors have been selling this energy producer’s shares following a pullback in oil prices on Monday. Traders have been selling oil amid optimism that the US and Iran will soon sign a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It isn’t just Woodside shares that are falling on the news. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy index is down 2% at the time of writing.

The post Why Arafura Rare Earths, Dalrymple Bay, Tuas, and Woodside shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Telstra and Woodside shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Why this ASX infrastructure stock could be a great passive income choice
• 3 ASX 200 shares crashing in this week’s rebounding market

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

The broker team at UBS has digested last week’s Federal Budget, and, not surprisingly, it has raised some concerns about how it impacts investing.

Property market at risk

In the words of the UBS team, it was “the most consequential to investment markets in decades”, and risks putting pressure on the all-important property market.

This would, in turn, add “another headwind to stock prices which were already facing challenges from persistently high oil and a hawkish RBA”.

The big issue which came out of the Budget, of course, was changes to negative gearing rules for both property and shares, but which specifically removed the ability to negatively gear investments in residential property – except for new builds.

UBS said Australia has not really had a bear market in property over the past few decades, except for a “short, sharp slip in prices” in 2018-19.

Should property prices come under pressure, it will have implications for the broader economy and the share market in the short to medium term, they said.

But interestingly, UBS believes that over the longer term, the Federal Budget will shift more money towards the share market.

As they said:

We believe that the long run impacts from the Budget should be equity friendly, via making it a relatively more appealing place to invest versus residential property. But shorter-term, we believe this budget raises the risk of pressuring the property market, adding another headwind. A property market unwind, and the associated negative wealth effect impacts it would bring, has long been a tail risk for investors in Australia. We believe this budget raises the risk of this scenario playing out.

Banks to bear the brunt

UBS banks analyst John Storey said Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) were the most exposed among the banks should there be a slowdown in mortgage growth.

The UBS note said:

John also points that Budget tax changes which reduce incentives towards property investing would be slightly negative to the banks’ margins given that investor loans typically price better than prime owner-occupier loans.

In terms of broad investing themes, UBS is overweight on the healthcare, industrials, and mining sectors.

It is underweight on banks, consumer discretionary, and real estate.

Within resources, UBS has added BHP Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) to its preferred stock list, as well as ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ).

They also said the government’s tax changes “improve the relative appeal of non-housing investments”, which should help platforms such as HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB).

They also added Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) to their preferred list.

The post Why the Federal Budget could be a downer for your share portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares
• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now
• If you invested $1,000 in Qantas shares a decade ago, here’s what they would be worth now
• At what age can I access my superannuation and the Age Pension?
• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is pushing higher on Monday as miners help drive another rebound for our local share market.

At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.48% to 8,698 points.

The move has taken the ASX 200 to its highest level in around 2 weeks, helped by a strong session across the resources sector.

The ASX 200 is now up 0.78% over the past week and 4.03% over the past year.

It still remains slightly lower in 2026, so investors are not looking at a clean breakout just yet.

But after a choppy month, buyers are returning to several parts of the market.

So, what is driving the ASX 200 higher today?

Miners are doing the heavy lifting

A large part of today’s move is coming from the resources sector.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are trading higher as coking coal prices jump following a deadly mine explosion in China. The mining giant is up 1.26% to $60.05.

Reuters reported that Dalian coking coal futures rose nearly 8% after the incident in Shanxi province. Authorities have since launched safety inspections, raising concerns about a tighter coal supply.

Coal stocks are also among the strongest names on the ASX 200. Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) is up 8.09% to $8.82, while Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) is 6.57% higher at $6.98.

The broader resources sector is also helping. The S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) is up 1.40%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 2.04%.

Oil drop helps risk appetite

The ASX 200 is also getting a hand from a calmer mood across global markets.

Brent crude oil has fallen back below US$100 a barrel after hopes grew for a potential deal involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude dropped 5.1% to US$98.29 as investors reacted to signs of progress, although US President Donald Trump also said there was no rush to finalise an agreement.

But the drop in oil prices is weighing on energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is the weakest area today, with the sector down 2.22%.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) is down 5.81% to $1.9875, while Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) is 3.93% lower at $30.84.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) is also under pressure, falling 3.40% to $7.96.

Wall Street gives a steadier lead

Wall Street finished higher on Friday before the Memorial Day long weekend in the United States.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) closed 0.6% higher, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) rose 0.4% and the Nasdaq gained 0.2%.

That gave investors a more positive lead heading into Monday, even with US markets closed for the public holiday.

Trading volumes may be lighter today because of the US holiday and closures in parts of Europe.

The post ASX 200 hits 2-week high as miners lead the charge 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 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.