Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP) shares are in focus today after the company’s earnings results led to a big sell-off this week.

On Wednesday, the company released its H1 FY26 result, which led to a 12% share price fall.

Investors then continued to exit the company on Thursday. 

As a result, Step One shares are down 17% this week.

What did the company report?

Step One Clothing is a direct-to-consumer online retailer for men’s undergarments.

Included in Wednesday’s half year earnings was: 

• Revenue of $36.3 million for the six months to 31 December 2025, down 24.5% compared to the prior corresponding period
• EBITDA loss of $10 million, compared to a $11.2 million profit a year earlier
• Statutory NPAT loss after tax of $8.5 million, versus a $8.2 million profit in 1H25
• Gross margin declined to 43%, down from 78% in the prior period. 

Speaking on the results, Step One Founder and CEO, Greg Taylor, said: 

Sales in late 2025 were below our expectations, primarily due to slower-than-expected clearance of legacy inventory despite promotional activity. As a result, we have taken a $10.9 million provision against this stock, which is now fully provided for, with no material additional provisions anticipated.

What now for Step One shares?

Following this week’s fall, there could be an opportunity to buy low on Step One shares. 

Two brokers have provided updated guidance following the earnings results. 

In a note out of Morgans, the broker said the 1H26 earnings were broadly in line with guidance provided in December, although fell materially short of prior expectations. 

Morgans said FY26 will be a reset year for the business, with management focusing on rebuilding brand equity for longer term profitable growth. 

STP have reset pricing, scaling back promotional activity, increased brand marketing spend to drive new customer acquisition and continue to launch new products in adjacent categories. We have made modest changes to earnings, our price target is $0.29 (was $0.30) and we maintain our HOLD recommendation.

From yesterday’s closing price of $0.265, this indicates an upside of 9.4%. 

Bell Potter weighs in

The team at Bell Potter also provided updated guidance on Step One shares following the result. 

The broker reiterated its hold recommendation, and also revised its price target to $0.29. 

Given the recent inventory provision, we remain cautious on inventory management due to the increased investment into new products, particularly with a push into new segments with broader competitive pressures.

We still view STP’s product as market leading in terms of quality, however we believe a mix of maturation in the core market/customer mixed with a higher cost of living to provide future strain on the business.

The post What are brokers saying about Step One shares after 17% crash appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Step One shares plunge 12% as inventory write-down wipes out half-year profit

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

If you’ve got $30,000 ready to deploy, spreading it across a few carefully chosen exchange traded funds (ETFs) can provide exposure to multiple long-term themes without overcomplicating things.

But which funds could be good picks for this money?

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering this February.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

It provides exposure to global cybersecurity leaders such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS). These companies help governments and enterprises defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

With respect to CrowdStrike, its cloud-native Falcon platform uses artificial intelligence to detect and respond to threats in real time. As businesses shift more workloads to the cloud, endpoint protection becomes mission-critical. CrowdStrike’s subscription-based model also provides recurring revenue and strong operating leverage as it scales.

With cyber threats rising globally and security budgets remaining a priority even in slower economic periods, the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF taps into a structural growth theme that shows little sign of slowing.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

While thematic exposure is exciting, broad diversification remains powerful.

The Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF gives investors access to over 1,000 stocks across developed markets. This includes Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), and Visa (NYSE: V).

Rather than targeting a single industry, this fund captures global economic growth across healthcare, financials, technology, and consumer sectors. For example, Novo Nordisk is a global pharmaceutical leader in diabetes and obesity treatments. These are areas experiencing long-term demand growth due to ageing populations and lifestyle trends.

By holding the Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF, investors effectively gain exposure to global earnings growth without needing to predict which country or sector will lead next.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Finally, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF focuses on the Nasdaq 100, which is home to some of the most innovative companies in the world.

Its holdings include Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE). These businesses sit at the centre of artificial intelligence, digital advertising, cloud computing, and creative software.

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stands out in particular. The company designs the high-performance chips that power AI training and inference across data centres worldwide. From hyperscale cloud providers to enterprise AI deployments, Nvidia’s GPUs have become critical hardware in the global AI buildout.

Overall, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF remains a compelling way to gain concentrated exposure to US innovation and technology-driven growth.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy with $30,000 in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nvidia, Visa, and Zscaler. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Novo Nordisk and Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I am not primarily an income investor. I tend to focus more on growth and long-term compounding. But if I were building a portfolio specifically for income, especially in an uncertain environment, I would want businesses that feel steady, essential, and resilient.

In my view, the key is not chasing the highest dividend yield available. It’s owning companies whose business models are built to keep generating cash even when economic conditions are less than ideal.

Here are three ASX dividend shares I would buy for income investors if uncertainty is part of the backdrop.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

When times are uncertain, I start with necessities. Woolworths sits at the centre of everyday spending in Australia through its supermarket operations.

People may cut back on discretionary purchases, but they still need groceries. That does not mean earnings are immune to pressure, but it does mean demand tends to be more stable than in many other sectors.

For income investors, that stability matters. Woolworths generates significant cash flow from a large and diversified customer base. Its scale, supply chain, and brand recognition create competitive advantages that are difficult to replicate. While dividend growth may not always be rapid, the underlying business is tied to essential consumption rather than economic optimism.

If I were building an income portfolio for uncertain times, that defensive exposure would appeal to me.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA operates energy infrastructure assets such as gas pipelines and storage facilities. These are long-lived assets that underpin energy delivery across Australia.

What attracts me here is the nature of the revenue. Much of it is contracted or regulated, which can help smooth cash flows over time. The company is not reliant on selling discretionary products or chasing short-term demand trends. It operates infrastructure that plays a foundational role in the energy system.

That does not eliminate risk, particularly given the capital-intensive nature of the business. But for income investors, predictable cash generation linked to essential infrastructure can be an attractive combination.

If my focus were income and peace of mind, APA would be on my shortlist.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban owns and operates toll roads in major cities in Australia and North America. These are assets that are difficult to replace and often protected by long concession agreements.

Traffic volumes can fluctuate, particularly during economic slowdowns. However, over the long term, population growth and urban congestion tend to support usage. People still need to commute, transport goods, and move around cities.

From an income perspective, I like the idea of owning infrastructure assets with long operating lives and visibility over revenue. Transurban’s model is built around assets that remain relevant regardless of market sentiment.

If I were constructing an income-focused portfolio designed to withstand uncertainty, infrastructure exposure like this would play a role.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing with income as the primary objective, particularly in uncertain times, I would prioritise business models that feel durable and essential.

Woolworths Group, APA Group, and Transurban Group operate in different sectors, yet each is linked to services people rely on every day. For income investors seeking stability rather than excitement, that foundation can matter more than chasing the highest yield available.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares with business models built for uncertain times appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Transurban posts higher 1H26 profit and revenue as key projects open
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• 4 ASX shares to consider buying with an average dividend yield of 6%

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

Solvar Ltd (ASX: SVR) has been an outstanding ASX financials stock to own over the last year. 

It is a financial services company specialising in providing finance and other related services to assist consumers with the purchase of a new or used vehicle, as well as offering personal loans to consumers.

12 months ago Solvar shares were trading for roughly $1.38. 

Yesterday, this ASX financials stock closed at $1.86. 

That’s a rise of 34%.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up roughly 7.9% in that same span. 

On Wednesday, the company released H1 FY26 results.

Let’s see what the company reported. 

Earnings growth 

In Wednesday’s announcement, for the half year ended 31 December 2025 (H1 FY26), the company reported: 

• Normalised Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $20.0 million, up 5.8% on pcp;
• Statutory NPAT of $17.8 million, up 5.8% on pcp;
• Earnings Per Share (EPS) up 13.5% to 9.3 cents per share on pcp;
• Fully franked interim dividend of 6.0 cents, plus a special fully franked dividend of 2.5 cents per share, totalling 8.5 cents per share payable on 7 April 2026.

Solvar also reiterated FY26 guidance of normalised NPAT of $36.0 million (including the one-off sale of the written off loan book in New Zealand).

Speaking on the outlook, Mr Scott Baldwin, CEO and Managing Director of Solvar said:

Solvar continues to invest in the development of new products and establishing a dedicated commercial lending team, with the commercial loan book now at ~$67.0 million and growing. Solvar anticipates continued growth in commercial lending as Bennji establishes itself in the market.

Investors were clearly pleased with the results as its share price is up 5.6% since the announcement. 

Morgans gives it an upgrade

Following the result, the team at Morgans increased its target price on this ASX financials stock. 

The broker said the company’s 1H26 result continued to illustrate the ongoing shift in the business as management work through the windup of New Zealand and refocus attention back towards domestic growth. 

Normalised NPAT was ahead of estimates, while net interest income was behind. 

FY26 Normalised NPAT guidance of ~$36m (i.e. NPAT of $34m plus ~$2m from one-off sale of NZ Arrears) was reiterated (implying 2H NPAT of $16m), with SVR expecting book growth momentum to improve into 2H26 lead by Bennji & AFS. Our FY26-28F Underlying NPAT forecasts lift by +5%/+1%/+1%.

Following this forecast upgrade, the broker increased the price target to $2.00 (previously $1.85). 

Morgans maintained its Accumulate rating. 

Based on yesterday’s closing price of $1.86, the new price target indicates an upside of 7.53%

The post Morgans just bumped up its price target for this booming ASX financials stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What are brokers saying about Step One shares after 17% crash
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy with $30,000 in February
• 3 ASX dividend shares with business models built for uncertain times
• Buy, hold, or sell? Goodman Group, Wesfarmers, Zip shares
• 3 beaten down ASX shares I’d load up on at these prices

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) reached a new record high yesterday as earnings season continued.

However, shares in these three popular ASX companies fell after their 1H FY26 reports were released.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares were absolutely smashed and lost a third of their value, despite positive results.

Some brokers have already reviewed the numbers and updated their ratings and 12-month price targets on these stocks.

Let’s take a look.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The Goodman share price closed at $29.82 on Thursday, down 4% for the day and down 12.8% over the past 12 months.

Yesterday, Goodman Group reported a 1.5% fall in operating profit to $1.2 billion for 1H FY26.

The property group also reported an 8.3% decline in operating earnings per share (OEPS) to 58.5 cents.

The property group reported work in progress (WIP) worth $14.4 billion across 51 projects.

Almost three-quarters of these projects are data centres.

Management said it expects WIP to increase to approximately $18 billion by the end of FY26.

Goodman will pay a 15-cent interim dividend.

After reviewing the 1H FY26 report, Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Goodman Group shares.

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $34.73.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) 

The Wesfarmers share price closed at $84.24 yesterday, down 5.6% for the day and up 10% over 12 months.

Yesterday, Wesfarmers revealed a 3.1% lift in revenue to $24,212 million for 1H FY26.

Net profit increased 9.3% to $1,603 million and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose 8.4% to $2,493 million.

The operating cash flow was $2,491 million, down 3.3% year-on-year. Basic EPS rose to 141.4 cents per share.

Wesfarmers will pay a fully franked interim dividend of $1.02 per share, up 7.4% on 1H FY25.

Managing Director Rob Scott said:

Wesfarmers’ increase in profit was supported by strong earnings contributions from our largest divisions – Bunnings, Kmart Group and WesCEF.

During the half, Wesfarmers’ divisions benefited from productivity initiatives to navigate ongoing challenging market conditions… The divisions performed well, driving productivity to mitigate cost pressures and keep prices low for customers.

After going over the report, UBS reiterated its hold rating on Wesfarmers shares.

The broker has a 12-month target of $90.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) 

Zip shares closed at $1.85 on Thursday, down 34.4%.

Stock in the buy now, pay later operator is down 27.7% over the past 12 months.

Yesterday, Zip reported a cash EBTDA of $124.3 million, up 85.6% year-over-year, with total income of $664 million, up 29.2%.

Total transaction volume (TTV) rose 34.1% to $8.4 billion. The operating margin improved to 18.7%, up from 13% in 1H FY25.

Net bad debts increased slightly to 1.7% of TTV, up from 1.56% a year ago, but in line with management’s target.

The number of active customers increased 4.1% to 6.6 million.

The number of retailers using Zip payment services lifted 10.5% to 90,600.

You may be wondering why Zip shares were punished yesterday, despite these positive numbers.

My colleague, James Mickelboro, provided some insights in his report.

James wrote:

With Zip shares having rallied strongly since last April, the combination of margin mix pressure, slightly higher credit losses, and a more measured second-half outlook could have triggered heavy profit-taking today.

Despite the big share price drop, UBS retained its buy rating on Zip with an unchanged target of $5.20.

The post Buy, hold, or sell? Goodman Group, Wesfarmers, Zip shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 beaten down ASX shares I’d load up on at these prices
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Is the Zip share price crash a buying opportunity or a warning sign?
• Why are Goodman shares sinking 7% today?
• Why Goodman, Lovisa, Medibank, and Zip shares are falling today

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are times when I’m happy to nibble at positions. And then there are times when I look at a share price and think the risk-reward is too attractive to ignore.

Right now, three ASX shares stand out to me for different reasons. All have been volatile. All carry risk. But at current prices, I believe they offer compelling upside relative to what the market seems to be assuming.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield has been one of the most talked-about defence technology names on the ASX, and for good reason.

The company specialises in counter-drone solutions, using radio frequency detection and defeat technologies to neutralise hostile drones. With global conflicts highlighting the growing importance of drone warfare, demand for these systems is no longer theoretical. It is real and accelerating.

What I find particularly attractive is the scale of the opportunity relative to the company’s current size. Defence budgets globally are expanding, and counter-UAS capability is becoming a priority rather than an optional extra. DroneShield has built battlefield credibility, which I think gives it a genuine edge.

Yes, the share price has been volatile. And yes, revenue can be lumpy due to the nature of defence contracts. But when I look at the addressable market and the company’s expanding sales pipeline, I see asymmetric upside.

At these prices, I’d be comfortable loading up gradually and holding through the noise.

Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ)

Block is a very different story, but I think the opportunity is just as interesting.

Through Square, it provides payment and business tools to merchants. Through Cash App, it has built a powerful consumer financial ecosystem. And of course, it owns Afterpay, a brand that is deeply embedded in the Australian retail landscape.

Over the past year, tech sentiment and macro concerns have weighed heavily on the share price. Investors have questioned growth rates, margins, and exposure to consumer spending. But when I step back, I still see a business with enormous optionality.

Cash App continues to monetise its user base. Square remains a core operating system for small businesses. And the integration of Afterpay into the broader ecosystem strengthens both sides of the network.

If execution continues and growth stabilises, I believe the current valuation could look very conservative in hindsight. For investors willing to tolerate volatility, I think this is one worth loading up on.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip has been through the wringer over the past few years, but this is not the same business it once was.

The company has tightened credit settings, exited weaker markets, and focused on profitability. Importantly, it is no longer in survival mode. It has demonstrated improving margins and better credit performance, which I think the market is still underappreciating.

Buy now, pay later as a sector has matured. The reckless growth-at-all-costs phase is over. What remains are operators that can balance growth with discipline. I believe Zip is positioning itself as one of those operators.

With the share price crashing on Thursday, expectations appear far more grounded. If revenue growth continues and credit metrics remain stable, the earnings leverage could surprise on the upside.

At these levels, I see an attractive setup for long-term investors.

Foolish takeaway

DroneShield, Block, and Zip are not low-volatility blue chips. They are growth-oriented businesses operating in fast-moving sectors.

But that’s why I find them compelling at current prices. When sentiment is cautious and expectations are subdued, I think that’s often when the seeds of strong future returns are planted.

For me, these are three ASX shares I’d be happy to load up on and hold for the years ahead.

The post 3 beaten down ASX shares I’d load up on at these prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell? Goodman Group, Wesfarmers, Zip shares
• Is the Zip share price crash a buying opportunity or a warning sign?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Goodman, Lovisa, Medibank, and Zip shares are falling today
• Zip shares crash 33% on results day

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

ASX mining shares closed higher yesterday, with the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rising 1.41%.

So far this year, ASX mining shares have continued to outperform after an exceptionally strong run in 2025.

The Metal & Mining Index is up 11.8% in the year to date (YTD) while the broader S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up 3.8%.

Here are three ASX mining shares that the experts think will more than double in value over the next 12 months.

Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1)

This ASX silver mining share closed at $1.87 yesterday, up 0.8%.

Sun Silver shares have fallen 1.8% in the YTD and rocketed 159% over the past 12 months.

Sun Silver owns the Maverick Springs Silver-Gold Project in Nevada, US, which is the ASX’s largest pre-production primary silver project.

Canaccord Genuity has a buy rating with a 12-month price target of $4.15, suggesting a potential upside of 122%.

However, East Coast Research says Sun Silver shares could reach $6.54 within 12 months, implying a potential 250% upside.

In a note, East Coast Research said:

SS1’s impressive recent 3rd Mineral Resource upgrade in under 2 years since listing places its Maverick Springs Project as a standout, strategically significant U.S. primary silver asset at a time when silver is becoming an important element of the North American / western-based secure supply chain thematic.

Here is the outlook for the silver price in 2026.

Turalco Gold Ltd (ASX: TCG)

The Turalco Gold share price closed 2.3% higher at 68 cents yesterday.

The ASX gold mining share has fallen 18.7% in the YTD and ripped 88% over the past 12 months.

Morgans retained a buy rating on Turalco after a visiting its Afema Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire.

The broker commented:

Afema represents one of the largest undeveloped gold projects on the ASX, hosting a 4.06Moz resource at 1.2g/t Au.

The visit included all key resource prospects, future growth corridors, site infrastructure, core yard and a visit through the local community — reinforcing both the scale of the system and development readiness.

Morgans has a 12-month share price target of $2.19. This implies a 220% potential upside over the next 12 months.

Canaccord Genuity is less ambitious.

It has a buy rating and a target of $1.45, which suggests a still impressive potential 113% capital gain over the year ahead.

Check out some 2026 gold price forecasts here.

True North Copper Ltd (ASX: TNC)

The True North Copper share price closed at 49 cents on Thursday, up 4.3%.

This ASX copper mining share has fallen 5.8% YTD but risen 32% over the past 12 months.

True North’s flagship asset is the Mount Oxide exploration project, which has copper, silver, and cobalt deposits.

True North Copper also owns the Cloncurry Copper Project.

Morgans has a buy rating with a 12-month target of $1.20.

This suggests a possible 145% capital gain over the next year.

Check out Goldman Sachs’ 2026 forecast for the copper price here.

The post 3 ASX mining shares tipped to double in a year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX copper shares to buy: experts
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• 4 ASX mining shares just re-rated by Morgans

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 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.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form again and stormed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.9% to 9,086.2 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to tumble on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 52 points or 0.55% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 0.8%, the S&P 500 is down 0.6%, and the Nasdaq is down 0.7%.

Oil prices charge higher

It could be a good finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices charged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2% to US$66.47 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.9% to US$71.69 a barrel. This was driven by news that Donald Trump will decide whether to attack Iran within the next 10 days.

Rio Tinto results

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares will be on watch on Friday after the mining giant released its full-year results. The company reported a 9% increase in underlying EBITDA to US$25.36 billion. However, underlying earnings were flat at US$10.87 billion, which led to the Rio Tinto board holding its total dividends at US$4.02 per share. Rio Tinto’s chief executive, Simon Trott, said: “Our solid financial results demonstrate clear progress as we embed our stronger, sharper and simpler way of working. We achieved an 8% uplift in CuEq production driven by the ongoing ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine and record iron ore production since April from our Pilbara operations.” This result was short of consensus estimates, which could put pressure on Rio Tinto shares today.

Gold price eases

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down slightly to US$5,006.7 an ounce. Traders appear to be waiting for further developments between the US and Iran.

Buy Goodman shares

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) shares are good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the industrial property giant’s shares with a trimmed price target of $36.45 (from $37.40). It said: “We think today’s share price reaction reflects the lack of earnings upgrade which has featured at the 1H result in 8 of the last 10 years. While we remain constructive on GMG’s building DC pipeline (now 73% of WIP vs. 46% pcp) which requires extended timeframes and capital vs. industrial, the market is looking for further milestones particularly regarding tenant customer signings and clarity on profit-realising milestones to track delivery progress.”

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

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• Rio Tinto FY25: Higher revenue, stable dividend as growth projects ramp up
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• Why are Goodman shares sinking 7% today?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group and Woodside Energy Group. 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For most of the past decade, it has been easy to focus on the US market. Large-cap American tech stocks have dominated returns and drawn most of the attention.

But heading into 2026, I find myself increasingly interested in emerging markets.

VanEck’s latest research highlights that last year marked the strongest annual performance for emerging market equities since 2017, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. More importantly, the drivers behind that strength may not be finished.

Rather than trying to pick individual stocks across unfamiliar markets, I would prefer to use ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure. Two that stand out are the VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (ASX: GRIN) and the VanEck MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ASX: EMKT).

Here is why I think they are worth a closer look.

A weaker US dollar could help

One of the more interesting points in VanEck’s research is the historical relationship between US dollar weakness and emerging market outperformance.

If the US dollar continues to soften, as some expect due to slowing growth and monetary easing, that could provide a meaningful tailwind for emerging markets. Historically, weaker dollar cycles have tended to persist once underway.

For me, that macro backdrop makes emerging markets more attractive than they have been in recent years.

Growth and valuation both matter

Another reason I’m paying attention is the growth differential.

VanEck highlights that emerging economies continue to grow at nearly double the pace of developed markets. At the same time, analysts are pricing in around 20% earnings-per-share growth in the short to medium term.

What makes that more compelling is valuation. Emerging markets are trading at roughly a 25% relative discount to developed markets.

Stronger growth and cheaper valuations do not guarantee outperformance, but they are a combination I find hard to ignore.

Why I’d consider the EMKT ETF

The VanEck MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF appeals to me because it is not just a broad index tracker.

It applies a four-factor framework, selecting companies based on value, momentum, low size, and quality. VanEck notes that these combined factors have demonstrated long-term outperformance relative to the broader MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

If I want diversified emerging market exposure but with a systematic tilt toward companies with stronger characteristics, the EMKT ETF looks like a sensible starting point.

Why I’m interested in the GRIN ETF

India, in particular, stands out to me. VanEck describes India as a key market to watch in 2026, noting that much of the volatility in 2025 was driven by sentiment rather than structural deterioration. Strong GDP and earnings growth, alongside easing policy, reinforce India’s potential to re-emerge as a standout performer.

The VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF focuses on 50 fundamentally sound Indian stocks with attractive growth characteristics.

If I want more targeted exposure to India’s long-term structural growth story, the GRIN ETF provides that focus in a single trade.

How I’d think about using them

Emerging markets are volatile. I would not treat either ETF as a defensive holding.

Instead, I would see the EMKT ETF as a diversified way to gain broad exposure to emerging economies, and the GRIN ETF as a higher-conviction allocation to India specifically.

Both would sit alongside developed market exposure rather than replace it.

Foolish takeaway

After years of US dominance, I think emerging markets deserve another look.

A weaker US dollar, stronger relative growth, and discounted valuations create a more favourable setup than we have seen in some time.

For investors willing to accept higher volatility in pursuit of higher growth, the EMKT ETF and the GRIN ETF are two ASX ETFs I would consider as part of a long-term portfolio in 2026.

The post Why I think these ASX ETFs are buys in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The case for emerging markets ASX ETFs strengthens: Expert

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.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares were on form on Thursday.

The mining giant’s shares ended the day 2% higher at $168.55.

It seems that many in the market were expecting Rio Tinto to release a strong full-year result after the market close.

So, how did it perform and what does this mean for the latest Rio Tinto dividend? Let’s find out.

What did Rio Tinto report?

For FY 2025, Rio Tinto reported underlying EBITDA of US$25.4 billion. This was up 9% year-on-year, supported by an 8% uplift in copper equivalent production and disciplined cost control. Operating cash flow rose 8% to US$16.8 billion.

Underlying earnings were steady at US$10.9 billion, even after taxes and government royalties of US$10.4 billion. Profit after tax attributable to shareholders came in at US$10 billion.

Copper was the standout performer, with underlying EBITDA more than doubling to US$7.4 billion, reflecting higher production at Oyu Tolgoi and stronger prices. Aluminium & Lithium EBITDA rose 29% to US$4.6 billion, while Iron Ore remained highly profitable despite lower prices.

Importantly, strong cash generation allowed the company to both fund US$11.4 billion of capital investment and maintain shareholder returns.

The Rio Tinto dividend

The Rio Tinto board elected to declare a fully franked final dividend of US$2.54 per share. This is up from US$2.25 per share previously.

However, for FY 2025, its total dividends were flat year-on-year at US$4.02 per share.

In total, Rio Tinto will return US$6.5 billion to shareholders, representing a 60% payout ratio of underlying earnings. Notably, this marks the tenth consecutive year the miner has paid its ordinary dividend at the top end of its 40% to 60% payout range.

For Australian investors, using the current exchange rate, the full-year dividend of US$4.02 equates to approximately A$5.69 per share.

Based on its closing price of $168.55, this equates to a fully franked dividend yield of around 3.4%.

Commenting on the dividends, Rio Tinto’s chief executive, Simon Trott, said:

Our strong cash flow and balance sheet enable us to sustain a 60% payout ratio with a $6.5 billion ordinary dividend, making it the tenth consecutive year at the top end of the range.

When will the dividend be paid?

It won’t be too long until Rio Tinto’s shares go ex-dividend.

That is scheduled to take place early next month on 5 March. After which, eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving the Rio Tinto dividend the following month on 16 April 2026.

The post Everything you need to know about the latest Rio Tinto dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Rio Tinto FY25: Higher revenue, stable dividend as growth projects ramp up
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 3 high-quality blue-chip ASX shares I would buy right now
• How to make a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares

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.