On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.1% to 8,516.3 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set for a tough start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 65 points or 0.75% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 1.7%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 2.15%.

Oil prices jump

It could be a good start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices jumped on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 5.45% to US$99.64 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 4.2% to US$112.57 a barrel. This was driven by an escalation in the Middle East conflict just when the market was hoping for a peace deal.

AMP announces buyback

The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price will be on watch after the financial services company announced an on-market share buyback. AMP revealed that it will buy back up to $150 million of ordinary shares. AMP’s chief executive, Alexis George, said: “We remain committed to returning surplus capital to shareholders in the absence of a compelling alternative, and prioritising organic growth in our wealth businesses. Today’s announcement demonstrates this, with an on-market share buyback the most efficient use of capital at this time.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price rose on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 2.6% to US$4,524.3 an ounce. Traders appear to believe that the precious metal was oversold.

Buy Catapult shares

Bell Potter is feeling bullish on Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares at current levels. In response to its trading update, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $4.75 (from $4.85). Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of almost 40% for investors. It said: “We choose not to make any change to our FY27 or FY28 forecasts at this stage – despite the stronger than expected year end ACV in FY26 – given, firstly, the lack of any other details regarding the FY26 result and, secondly, the strategy session next week which may provide further details. […]  Catapult remains our preferred mid cap exposure in the tech sector.”

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares shot higher last week after it released a FY26 trading update.

It has been a bumpy year for the global sports data and analytics company, which is down roughly 20% year to date. 

What did the company announce last week?

The company revealed that it expects its annual contract value (ACV) for FY 2026 to be in the range of US$133 million to US$134 million with low churn. 

This represents year-on-year growth around 27% to 28% on a constant currency basis. 

In addition, EBITDA is anticipated to grow by roughly 50% year-on-year, as its profitability continues to outpace its strong top-line growth. 

These results sent Catapult shares racing higher last Thursday.

Interestingly, Catapult shares then retreated more than 6% on Friday. 

Following the results, Bell Potter released updated guidance on the technology stock.

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Good end to the year

According to Bell Potter, Catapult’s expected annual contract value is now higher than it previously expected. 

The broker said free cash flow is forecast at $5–6 million, below expectations, but this is due to timing of payments rather than a fundamental issue. 

Bell Potter sees the strong annual contract value (ACV) result as the main positive, showing good business momentum. 

Following the results, Bell Potter only updated its FY26 forecasts for ACV, cash flow, and management EBITDA.

Its forecasts for revenue and statutory EBITDA remain unchanged, as the higher management EBITDA is believed to come from accounting adjustments rather than stronger underlying performance.

No changes have been made to FY27 or FY28 forecasts yet.

We choose not to make any change to our FY27 or FY28 forecasts at this stage – despite the stronger than expected year end ACV in FY26 – given, firstly, the lack of any other details regarding the FY26 result and, secondly, the strategy session next week which may provide further details.

Buy recommendation unchanged from Bell Potter

As a result, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation. 

However it did lower its price target slightly to $4.75 (previously $4.85). 

From last week’s closing price of $3.41, this indicates a healthy upside potential of 39%. 

The net result is a modest 2% decrease in our TP to $4.75 and we maintain our BUY recommendation. Catapult remains our preferred mid cap exposure in the tech sector.

Bell Potter isn’t the only broker with a positive outlook on Catapult shares. 

9 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $6.11. 

This indicates approximately 79% upside from current levels. 

The post What’s Bell Potter’s updated view on Catapult shares after its earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Catapult Sports delivers strong FY26 growth and profitability

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

If you have $3,000 ready to invest as April approaches, you might be wondering which ASX growth shares are worth considering right now.

The Australian share market is home to a number of businesses with strong long-term potential, operating across industries benefiting from structural growth trends. Identifying companies with scalable models and expanding market opportunities can be a good starting point.

Here are three ASX growth shares that analysts think could be worth considering.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The first ASX growth share to consider is Aristocrat Leisure.

is a global entertainment and gaming content creation company with segments spanning land-based gaming (Aristocrat Gaming), online real money gaming (Aristocrat Interactive), and social casino (Product Madness).

Its offering includes electronic gaming machines, casino management systems, free-to-play mobile games, and online real money games, that serve customers and millions of players worldwide every day.

Given its leadership position in the industry, its strong intellectual property, and its investment in research and development, the company appears well-placed to continue its solid growth over the next decade.

UBS believes this is the case. Last week, it put a buy rating and $69.00 price target on its shares.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Another ASX growth share that could be a compelling option is Life360.

The technology company has built a global platform centred around family safety, with almost 100 million active users across its ecosystem.

What makes Life360 particularly interesting is how it is evolving beyond its core subscription offering. The company is layering in additional revenue streams such as advertising and hardware, which could significantly increase monetisation over time.

At the same time, it still has a large opportunity to convert free users into paying subscribers, providing a clear pathway for growth.

With strong user engagement and multiple levers to drive revenue, Life360 appears well placed to scale over the coming years.

The team at Bell Potter is bullish and put a buy rating and $37.75 price target on its shares last week.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A final ASX growth share that could be worth a look is NextDC.

The data centre operator sits at the intersection of several powerful trends, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing need for data storage. Its facilities are becoming critical infrastructure for businesses that require secure and reliable access to data and computing power.

Importantly, NextDC has been building a strong pipeline of contracted capacity, which provides visibility over future revenue growth.

This could make it an interesting option for investors looking to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares this month.

Morgans is a big fan. It recently put a buy rating and $20.50 price target on its shares.

The post Where to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360 and Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Tech shares haven’t had it easy lately. Between higher interest rates, valuation resets, and ongoing debate around artificial intelligence (AI), a number of quality names have been pushed well below their previous highs.

That doesn’t remove the risk. But it does change the opportunity.

Here are three ASX tech stocks I think are looking like bargains at current levels.

Catapult Sport Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult operates in a technology niche that continues to expand. It provides performance analytics and wearable technology to professional sports teams around the world.

What stands out to me is how embedded its products are within elite sport. Teams rely on its data to manage performance, reduce injury risk, and gain a competitive edge. That creates a level of stickiness that is difficult to replicate.

The ASX tech share has also been shifting toward a more recurring revenue model, which is supporting strong growth. In fact, this week, Catapult announced that it expects to report annualised contract value (ACV) growth of 27% to 28% in FY26 to US$133 million to US$134 million.

So, after a significant share price pullback, I think a buying opportunity has opened up for investors.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global has been one of the most heavily sold-off tech shares on the ASX.

Much of that appears to be driven by concerns around AI and how it could impact software platforms. But I think that risk is being misunderstood.

WiseTech is integrating AI into its CargoWise platform, using it to automate workflows and improve efficiency across global logistics. Rather than replacing the business, I believe AI could strengthen its market position.

With a deeply embedded platform, global reach, and strong recurring revenue, I still see this as a high-quality company trading at a far more reasonable price than it was a year ago.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

Lastly, SiteMinder adds exposure to the global travel and hospitality technology space. Its platform helps hotels manage bookings, distribution channels, and revenue, connecting them to a wide range of online travel agencies.

What I like here is the scale of the opportunity. The accommodation sector is still digitising, and SiteMinder is positioned as a key infrastructure layer within that ecosystem.

As more hotels move toward integrated platforms, the company has the potential to grow both its customer base and revenue per user.

Like many growth stocks, it hasn’t been spared from the recent AI sell-off. But that could be an overreaction, especially with management working on an AI agent solution for its platform that leverages the technology and doesn’t get replaced by it.

Foolish Takeaway

Sell-offs in tech can be uncomfortable, but they can also create opportunities to buy quality businesses at more attractive prices.

Catapult, WiseTech, and SiteMinder are all operating in growing industries, with business models that have the potential to scale over time.

For patient investors, I think these are the types of ASX tech shares that could be worth buying and holding through the volatility.

The post 3 bargain ASX tech shares I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this appliance manufacturer’s shares with a trimmed price target of $37.10. Macquarie has been looking at industry data and believes it is favourable for Breville and suggests that it could be outperforming peers. The broker highlights that this is being driven by growth from its coffee business, as well as new products and new markets. Overall, Macquarie believes this leaves Breville well-placed for annual growth of 10%+ through to FY 2028. The Breville share price ended the week at $26.28.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $302.00 price target on this hearing solutions company’s shares. UBS believes that recent share price weakness has created an attractive buying opportunity for investors. This is especially the case given how the broker believes Cochlear’s new next-generation cochlear implant platform, Nexa, will underpin a strong earnings recovery. The broker believes that with limited competition, Cochlear is well-placed to win market share. And while there are concerns over gene therapies, UBS doesn’t believe this is something that will impact its near term performance. The Cochlear share price was fetching $170.23 at Friday’s close.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Another note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.20 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. UBS is feeling positive about lithium and believes now could be a good time for investors to consider a position in the industry. This is because UBS sees potential for another upcycle for lithium prices. It suspects that surging oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East could be good news for lithium. It feels that the impact this is having on the fuel market could lead to increased demand for electric vehicles and lithium for batteries. In fact, the broker sees potential for the spodumene price to reach US$4,000 per tonne by the end of the year. The Liontown share price ended the week at $1.76.

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

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

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) recently announced its FY26 half-year result. After seeing the financials and commentary, a number of reasons stuck out about why Soul Patts shares are still a great pick.

In the short-term, market confidence is being tested by events in the Middle East and the subsequent impacts. But, in the long-term, there are plenty of great reasons to like the business. It’s already one of my largest holdings and I’m planning to buy more because of the following reasons.

Ever rising dividend

One of the best attributes for Aussie investors is the passive income from this ASX share. It has increased its payout for 28 years in a row!

The business decided to increase the interim dividend per share by around 9% to 48 cents per share. Soul Patts was able to fund that dividend announcement thanks to a 12.5% increase in the net cash flow from investments (NCFI) to 89 cents per share. Impressively, the NCFI has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% over the prior three years.

The business could continue to deliver rising dividends for shareholders over the long-term thanks to its sturdy and expanding portfolio.

At the current Soul Patts share price, it offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.8%, including franking credits.

Improving portfolio balance

In the last few years, the business has been looking to protect capital through increased diversification and uncorrelated returns. It’s looking to seek out mis-priced risk and it’s prepared to be counter-cyclical or contrarian.

The idea is that its capital is invested in the highest-conviction ideas, while balancing growth and yield within the business.

Areas of its portfolio that it has been putting a significant portion of new investing money in recent times has been ‘real’ assets, private equity, emerging companies and credit.

Real assets include things like industrial and manufacturing properties, data centres, land for development, agriculture, water rights and retirement living.

The private companies are long-term investments in unlisted companies with growth opportunities. Soul Patts has the ability to hold minority, majority or control these investments, helping them grow into long-term growth platforms.

The emerging companies segment relates to investments in high-growth companies with structural tailwinds and potential capital gain potential. It has an increasing exposure to global investments in this segment.

With the credit segment, it’s looking to invest in businesses targeting income and strong risk-adjusted returns across domestic and global credit markets.

I like that the company is reducing its reliance on significant investments in large, listed businesses and building out its portfolio into other areas.

Focus on defensive growth

The business has deliberately built its portfolio to balance growth, yield and resilience across a range of industries and asset classes.

Looking at the past 25 years of ASX down months, Soul Patts has outperformed the ASX share market on average by 1.9%, which is an impressive track record and part of the reason why it has been able to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the long-term.

Soul Patts noted in its recent result that its HY26 net asset value (NAV) return was 9.7%, outperforming the market by 6.6%. The 12-month NAV return (including dividends) was 14.3%.

Pleasingly, the NAV has compounded by 11.1% per year over the last three years (adjusted for dividends). While that’s not the fastest growth rate in the world, it is helping justify a long-term rise in the Soul Patts share price.

The post 3 reasons why I think Soul Patts shares are a better buy than ever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building long-term wealth in the share market often comes down to backing powerful trends and giving them time to play out.

For investors with a 10-year horizon, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can offer exposure to global growth drivers without needing to pick individual stocks.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the next decade.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

If you are looking for exposure to the world’s most innovative companies, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is a hard one to ignore.

This ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is heavily weighted towards technology leaders and disruptive businesses. Among its top holdings are Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Nvidia is a standout holding. It has become a central player in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Its graphics processing units power everything from data centres to AI training models, making it a key enabler of next-generation technology.

With the digital economy continuing to expand and AI still in its early innings, this fund offers investors a way to gain exposure to companies shaping the future.

BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

For those wanting more targeted exposure to automation and robotics, the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides access to a rapidly evolving theme.

Key holdings include Nvidia, ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), all of which are involved in advancing robotics and AI technologies.

Importantly, the robotics industry is entering a new phase of growth. BetaShares notes that the sector is shifting from traditional factory automation towards intelligent machines capable of operating in real-world environments.

Falling costs, labour shortages, and advances in AI are accelerating adoption. The fund manager highlights that the global robotics market could reach US$111 billion by 2030, with humanoid robots alone expected to grow rapidly.

With its portfolio now including humanoid technology and broader AI enablers, the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors exposure to what could be a major structural shift over the coming decade. It was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could reward patient investors is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

It focuses on leading technology companies across Asia. Its holdings include names such as WeChat owner Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), AliExpress owner Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), and iPhone manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

A key company here is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker. It plays a critical role in producing advanced semiconductors used in smartphones, AI systems, and high-performance computing.

As global demand for chips continues to rise, TSMC’s position in the supply chain makes it an essential part of the technology ecosystem.

With Asia home to some of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world, this fund provides exposure to a region that could play an increasingly important role in global innovation over the next decade.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Alphabet, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 materials led the market sectors last week, rising 4.6% as mining shares began recovering from this month’s sell-off.

ASX mining shares have been the worst hit by the war in Iran, with the materials sector losing 15.3% of its value since the conflict began.

Some investors took profits this month after a strong run for ASX 200 mining shares, amid fears that higher diesel prices and potential shortages could hurt earnings and production for 2H FY26.

ASX 200 mining shares have also declined alongside metals prices, with gold down 17%, silver down 22%, lithium carbonate down 8%, and copper down 7% over the month. Iron ore has demonstrated resilience, rising 7% over the period to US$106 per tonne on Friday.

With the US and Iran still negotiating a 15-point plan for peace, it is hoped this war and the ensuing global oil shock will be over soon.

This may have motivated some investors to take up new or enhanced positions in ASX 200 mining shares last week, given the bright long-term outlook for the sector and the opportunity to buy the dip.

Reflecting the miners’ fightback last week, the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rose 4.4% while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1% to finish at 8,516.3 points.

Seven of the 11 market sectors finished in the green last week.

Let’s recap.

ASX 200 mining shares fight back

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price increased 6.1% to close at $50.37 on Friday.

BHP shares reached a record $59.39 on 3 March before the war prompted investors to take profits.

Despite last week’s rebound, the ASX 200’s largest mining stock remains 13.8% lower over 30 days.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares lifted 4.3% to $153.23 last week, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) gained 6.5% to $20.19.

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price soared 9.7% to $56.69.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares increased 1.3% to $4.03 per share.

ASX 200 copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) lifted 1.8% to $15.88, while Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) edged 0.6% lower to $10.14.

ASX 200 lithium shares had a ripsnorter of a week, with PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) rocketing 21.8% to close at $5.15 on Friday.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price soared 20.9% to $1.77, and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) gained 11.9% to 24 cents.

Nickel and lithium producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) lifted 16.5% to $7.93 per share.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares closed the week 2.7% higher at $10.08 apiece.

Bauxite and alumina producer Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) lifted 3.5% to $85.95 per share.

What about ASX gold shares?

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 0.3% to close at $18.55 on Friday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price lifted 0.4% to $12.46, and Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) rose 3.1% to $146.85.

Among the mid-caps, Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares lifted 2.1% to $3.96, and Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) rose 1.1% to $6.26.

Gold and copper miner, Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) fell 3.5% to $9.76.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	4.57%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	3.36%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	1.84%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	1.74%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.13%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	0.86%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	0.24%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(0.39%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(0.73%)
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.77%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(4.77%)

The post ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Core Lithium. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

There is a wide range of ASX dividend stocks offering different levels of dividend yields.

Some businesses are able to provide a high dividend yield because of a mixture of a relatively low price-earnings (P/E) ratio and a generous dividend payout ratio.

I’d put listed investment companies (LICs) into a somewhat separate category of ASX dividend stocks because they generate profits differently from other businesses.

Instead of selling goods or services, a LIC makes money by generating returns by investing in shares. LICs can then build up accounting profits, paying out a portion each year and retaining some of the gains (with a profit reserve in accounting terms) for when markets aren’t performing.

The LIC I want to highlight is WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI). I think it’s a strong ASX dividend stock pick for three reasons.

Impressive investment returns

A key element of LIC’s success has been its focus on buying “the most exciting undervalued growth opportunities” in the Australian microcap market.

ASX small-cap shares can deliver great returns because of how early on in their growth journey they are. It’s usually much easier for a business to double its revenue from $10 million to $20 million than it is to go from $1 billion to $2 billion.

WAM Microcap is very effective at generating returns thanks to its investment style and the size of the businesses it deals with. Between inception in June 2017 and February 2026, the portfolio return was an average of 15.4% per year, outperforming the small-cap benchmark by around 7% per year, before fees, expenses and taxes.

The WAM strategy is to invest in growing businesses where there’s a catalyst that could send the share price higher.

That level of return means the ASX dividend stock is capable of delivering a large dividend and capital growth for the LIC.

Large and growing dividend yield

The LIC has been steadily growing its annual payout each year since FY18 – the only year it hasn’t increased its payout was FY24, when it was maintained at 10.5 cents per share.

In FY26, the LIC is expecting to increase its annual payout by 1% to 10.7 cents per share.

Therefore, the ASX dividend stock could provide a grossed-up dividend yield of around 10.25%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

That’s a great starting dividend yield, in my view, and it could continue to grow.

Sizeable profit reserve

One of the key reasons WAM Microcap can be such a stable dividend payer is that it has built up a sizeable profit reserve to pay future dividends.

At 27 February 2026, it had built up a profit reserve of 55.4 cents per share. That means it has the accounting profits to pay around five years of dividends at the current level, even if it didn’t make any more profit in that time.

I think this ASX dividend stock is a very appealing business, and it looks like a good time to buy after dropping 13% since mid-January 2026.

The post This ASX dividend stock has a 10% yield and I think it’s a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%
• How to invest $10,000 to aim for a 15% dividend yield
• 2 star ASX dividend income stocks for March 2026

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Wam Microcap. 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.

Wouldn’t it be nice to start again and build an ASX share portfolio from scratch?

No legacy holdings. No past mistakes. Just a clean slate and all the experience you’ve gained along the way.

If I had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch today, I wouldn’t rush into stock picking. I’d start with a solid foundation, then layer in quality and growth.

Start with ETFs

First, I’d allocate around 35% to broad, low-cost ETFs. Why? Instant diversification. Lower risk. Less guesswork.

One core holding would be Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS). It tracks a broad index of ASX shares, giving exposure to banks, miners, and industrials. Top holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

To balance that, I’d add global exposure through iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This ETF gives access to the world’s largest companies, including Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Together, these ETFs create a strong base. You’re exposed to both local income and global growth.

Add defensive income

Next, I’d layer in defensive, dividend-paying stocks in my ASX share portfolio. These provide stability and a consistent income.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is a classic choice. It offers essential services, resilient earnings, and fully-franked dividends. Demand for connectivity doesn’t disappear in tough times.

Then there’s ASX share Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Its toll road assets generate steady, long-term cash flows. It is infrastructure investors can rely on.

These types of businesses won’t always deliver explosive growth. But they help smooth out volatility — and keep income flowing. I would allocate 30% of my funds to defensive ASX shares.

Build around growth leaders

Finally, I’d allocate the remaining 35% to high-quality ASX growth shares. These are market leaders with strong tailwinds.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) would be high on the list. It’s a global biotech leader with a long track record of innovation and earnings growth.

And I’d add NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT). This ASX share is riding the surge in data demand, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure.

These companies aren’t the cheapest. But they have scale, competitive advantages, and long runways for growth.

Foolish bottom line

Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch isn’t about chasing the hottest stock.

It’s about balance. Start with ETFs for diversification. Add defensives for stability and income. Then layer in growth leaders to drive long-term returns.

Get that mix right, and you give yourself the best chance of compounding wealth. No matter what the market throws at you.

The post Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should I invest $10,000 into CSL shares? Yes or no
• ASX chaos? Here’s how to invest smart, stay calm and win
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy if the market fell another 10%
• Forget Telstra shares! Buy this fast-rising ASX 200 telco stock instead
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, CSL, Nvidia, Transurban Group, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.