• How much superannuation do I really need to retire comfortably at age 67?

    A woman wearing a bright multi-coloured dress, blue sunglasses, and hat stands on a beach laughing with her arms outstretched enjoying herself.

    Planning for your retirement can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to work out exactly how much superannuation you need before the time comes.

    Working out what superannuation balance you need depends almost entirely on your living situation, your expected retirement age, and what type of retirement lifestyle you’re aiming for.

    Do you own your own house? What type of travel do you expect to do after you finish working? Do you have any debts?

    By the age of 67, most Aussies will have already retired, or be very close to it. 

    Let’s break down what retiring at 67 might look like.

    What does a comfortable retirement look like?

    In Australia, your retirement is generally split into two broad categories: modest and comfortable.

    A modest retirement, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), is defined as being able to cover expenses slightly above what the full Centrelink Age Pension would provide. 

    But it goes without saying that every Australian strives to live a comfortable retirement far above the bare minimum.

    ASFA defines a comfortable retirement as one that allows retirees to maintain a good standard of living. 

    It assumes you’ll have top-level private health insurance, own a good brand of car, do regular leisure activities, have funds set aside for home repairs and renovations, perhaps even go for the occasional meal out, and an annual domestic trip.

    How much will a comfortable retirement cost me?

    According to ASFA, a comfortable retirement is expected to cost around $54,840 per year for single Aussies. It is expected to cost roughly $77,375 per year for a couple. 

    These figures also assume that you’ll be entitled to receive a part Age Pension payment once you reach age 67.

    How much money do I need in my superannuation to afford that?

    I’ve crunched the numbers so you don’t have to.

    Using ASFA data, it looks like by age 67, single Australians need a superannuation balance of approximately $640,000 in order to fund a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Meanwhile, couples should have closer to $730,000.

    Why are these figures so much lower than the $1 million superannuation benchmark we’re told we’ll need?

    ASFA recently did a poll and found that 42% of Australians think that they need $1 million in their superannuation before they can retire. It makes sense, as this is the number that has been repeatedly drilled into us.

    The reality is, you don’t actually need $1 million to retire in Australia. In fact, most retirees live comfortably with less if they’re able to combine an adequate superannuation balance with the government Age Pension payment.

    But if you’re to live a more luxurious retirement, then a $1 million superannuation goal is definitely something to consider.

    You’ll also need to take into account your life expectancy. For example, at a cost of $54,840 per year on a balance of around approximately $640,000. That means your superannuation will only be able to fund around 11 years of a comfortable retirement.

    The more years of retirement you have to fund, the thinner your superannuation income will need to spread. 

    Also, if you don’t own your home outright, you’ll also need to consider how you’ll pay your mortgage or rent on top of your other bills. It’s also wise to have an emergency fund set aside.

    All things considered, maybe retiring with a minimum of $1 million of super isn’t as outrageous as you’d first think. 

    The post How much superannuation do I really need to retire comfortably at age 67? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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

  • 5 high-quality ASX ETFs to buy with $5,000

    ETF spelt out with a rising green arrow.

    Have $5,000 ready to invest but not a fan of picking stocks?

    Well, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be worth considering. They offer a simple way to gain exposure to high-quality companies without having to pick every share yourself.

    Here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.

    iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

    The iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF could be worth considering.

    This fund gives investors exposure to the S&P 500 index, which includes many of the largest listed companies in the United States.

    That makes it a simple way to buy into the American stock market through one ASX trade. It provides exposure to technology leaders, healthcare giants, financial companies, consumer brands, and industrial businesses.

    Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

    Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF.

    This fund focuses on global companies that generate strong free cash flow.

    Free cash flow generation is important because it gives businesses flexibility. Companies that produce plenty of cash can reinvest, strengthen their balance sheets, buy back shares, pay dividends, or fund acquisitions.

    It is a practical quality filter. Rather than chasing companies with exciting stories but weak financials, this fund looks for businesses that are already turning their operations into real cash.

    It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    A third ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

    This fund also takes a selective approach to US shares. Instead of owning the market purely by size, it looks for companies that have strong competitive positions and are trading at attractive valuations.

    That can lead to a different portfolio from a standard US index fund. It tends to include companies with powerful brands, valuable assets, strong customer relationships, or business models that are difficult to copy.

    Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

    The Betashares Australian Quality ETF is another option for investors to consider.

    The Australian market can be heavily influenced by banks, miners, and a small group of large companies. This ETF applies a quality screen, which can help shift the focus toward businesses with stronger financial characteristics.

    That may include companies with healthier balance sheets, better profitability, and more consistent earnings.

    For investors wanting Australian exposure without simply buying the largest names, this fund could be a top choice. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

    VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

    A final ASX ETF for investors to look at is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

    This fund invests in international companies with quality characteristics such as strong profitability, lower debt, and resilient earnings.

    That gives investors exposure to global businesses that may be better placed to handle changing market conditions.

    It will still rise and fall with global share markets, but its quality filter could help investors focus on companies with the financial strength to keep compounding over time.

    This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

    The post 5 high-quality ASX ETFs to buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Australian Quality ETF shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a red day this Thursday, with investors retreating after sending the market higher over the first half of the week. After a few healthy days, investors were clearly in a more sober mood today, with the ASX 200 dropping 0.62% after a bumpy session. That leaves the index at 8,911.1 points.

    This thrifty day for the ASX comes after a decidedly red night up on Wall Street.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) wasn’t playing nice, falling 0.98%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, tumbling 1.34%.

    But let’s get back to the Australian market now and dive a little deeper into how the different ASX sectors handled today’s tough trading conditions.

    Winners and losers

    Today’s pessimism was almost universal, with only a handful of sectors escaping the market’s fear.

    But first, it was gold shares that were sold off the heaviest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tanked 1.83% today.

    Tech stocks copped it too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) cratering 1.36%.

    Mining shares weren’t in favour either. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 1.27% dive.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) found themselves out of favour as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 1.19% slump.

    Energy stocks were in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was cut down by 1.15% today.

    Financial shares came next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) retreating 0.48%.

    Communications stocks were in the same ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) lost 0.47% this Thursday.

    Utilities shares were unlucky, as you can tell by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)’s 0.08% slide.

    Consumer discretionary stocks were our final losers. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) ended up slipping 0.07% lower.

    Let’s get to the winners now. Leading the herd (of three) were consumer staples shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) lifting 0.73%.

    Healthcare stocks got a break too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) banked a 0.35% gain this session

    Finally, industrial shares brought up the rear, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.22% rise.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s winner was tech share Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1). Megaport stock shot up 4.59% this Thursday to close at $20.74.

    That was despite no news or announcements out from the company itself.

    Here’s how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) $20.74 4.59%
    Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) $2.06 4.30%
    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) $3.86 4.04%
    Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) $1.72 2.99%
    SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) $43.63 2.73%
    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) $114.29 2.67%
    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) $9.79 2.09%
    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) $13.25 2.00%
    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) $24.01 1.87%
    The a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) $6.11 1.66%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Megaport. 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.

  • 4 ASX 200 shares downgraded by brokers this week

    A man looks down with fright as he falls towards the ground.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.4% to 8,934.6 points on Thursday. 

    Brokers have downgraded several stocks this week.

    Let’s take a look at their new ratings and 12-month share price targets.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    The Transurban share price is $15.06, up 1.1% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 industrials share has popped 4.1% higher.

    Morgans downgraded Transurban shares from a hold to sell rating yesterday.

    The broker said:

    TCL’s update indicated traffic is running below expectations. TCL also announced its exit from the Montreal market via divestment, crystallising an equity value loss.

    TCL’s recent share price strength (+9% since its February result and not far off all-time highs) is not reflective of the weaker traffic growth and higher interest rate environment that typically challenges TCL’s valuation.

    We recommend clients use the share price strength to take profits in overweight positions.

    Morgans has a 12-month price target of $12.50, implying a potential 17% downside ahead.

    Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    The Rio Tinto share price is $183.32, down 1.9% today.

    Over the past six months, this ASX 200 mining share has ripped 28%.

    Macquarie downgraded Rio Tinto shares to a hold rating on Tuesday.

    The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $186 to $188.

    This suggests only a potential 2% upside ahead.

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    The Domino’s Pizza share price is $16.25, down 0.4% today and down 26% YTD. 

    This ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has tumbled 28% over six months.

    Morgans downgraded its rating on Domino’s Pizza shares to a hold this week.

    The broker said: 

    The trading environment for DMP has become more challenging than previously assumed, and we have updated our forecasts to reflect a weaker SSS (same-store-sales) outlook across all three regions, compounding cost pressures on ANZ franchisee economics, and a more adverse FX environment in Japan.

    The earnings recovery, albeit modest, remains on track but it is entirely cost-driven; there is no volume improvement embedded in our numbers until outer years.

    We move to a HOLD rating until there is evidence of further cost management and SSS recovery.

    The broker reduced its price target on Domino’s Pizza shares from $25 to $17.60.

    This indicates potential capital gains of 8% over the next year. 

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    The Wesfarmers share price is $86.43, up 1.1% today.

    Over the past month, this ASX 200 retail share has soared 21%.

    Macquarie downgraded Wesfarmers shares to a hold rating with an $85 target.

    This suggests the stock is fully valued today.

    The post 4 ASX 200 shares downgraded by brokers this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises right now?

    Before you buy Domino’s Pizza Enterprises shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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

  • Why WiseTech shares could rise 95% to 165%

    A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have had a brutal fall from grace.

    On Thursday, the logistics software company’s shares are trading at $36.64, leaving them just above their 52-week low.

    They are also down almost 70% from their high, which shows just how much sentiment has turned against the former market darling.

    But some brokers believe the selloff has gone too far.

    Why have WiseTech shares fallen?

    WiseTech was once one of the ASX’s most highly rated technology shares.

    Investors were willing to pay a premium for the company because of its global growth story, sticky customer base, and exposure to the enormous logistics industry.

    But that premium has disappeared in a flash.

    Concerns around valuation, execution, leadership, and artificial intelligence (AI) disruption have weighed heavily on the share price. When a growth stock loses market confidence, the adjustment can be severe, and that is exactly what has happened here.

    The key question now is whether the market has marked WiseTech down too aggressively.

    What does WiseTech do?

    WiseTech’s core product is CargoWise, a software platform used by freight forwarders and logistics companies.

    This is not consumer-facing technology, and it is not the kind of software most people will ever see. But it sits inside a highly important part of the global economy.

    Moving goods across borders is complicated. Logistics companies need to deal with documentation, customs, compliance, shipment tracking, invoicing, and communication between many different parties. CargoWise helps manage that complexity.

    That may not sound exciting, but it can be valuable. If software becomes deeply embedded in the daily operations of a freight forwarder, it can be difficult and disruptive to replace.

    And global trade is not becoming simpler. Large logistics companies continue to need technology that can handle cross-border complexity at scale. This bodes well for the future demand for CargoWise.

    Brokers are bullish

    A number of brokers see significant upside for investors.

    For example, Bell Potter has a buy rating and $71.75 price target on WiseTech shares. Based on the current share price of $36.64, this implies potential upside of approximately 95%.

    Macquarie is even more bullish. It has an outperform rating and $97.70 price target on the company’s shares, which suggests upside of approximately 165% over the next 12 months.

    Is this a buying opportunity?

    After a near-70% fall from its high, WiseTech shares are firmly in the unloved bucket.

    But with brokers seeing upside of around 95% to 165%, this beaten-down ASX tech share could be one of the more interesting recovery opportunities on the market.

    The post Why WiseTech shares could rise 95% to 165% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy WiseTech Global shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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

  • Macquarie shares hit another record high. Has the rally gone too far?

    A piggy bank on the cloud in the blue sky symbolising a record high share price.

    Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares have continued their strong run on Thursday, reaching another record high during morning trade.

    At the time of writing, the Macquarie share price is up 0.30% to $252.68.

    The ASX 200 financial stock earlier touched $253.13, setting a fresh all-time high and pushing its gain since the start of 2026 to around 24%.

    While there’s been no new announcements from the company today, investors are still loading up after last month’s stronger-than-expected full-year result.

    Let’s take a look.

    Record profit keeps investors interested

    Macquarie reported a net profit of $4.85 billion for the 12 months ended 31 March 2026, up 30% from a year earlier.

    The result came in ahead of market expectations and was the second-highest annual profit in the company’s history.

    Most of the momentum came in the second half, with profit reaching a record $3.19 billion. By the way, that was 93% higher than the first half.

    Commodities and Global Markets did much of the heavy lifting, with profit from the division rising nearly 50% to $4.22 billion.

    Volatile energy markets lifted demand for Macquarie’s trading, hedging, and financing services, while the sale of its OnStream smart meter platform also gave earnings a boost.

    Macquarie Asset Management and Macquarie Capital chipped in with higher profits as well.

    Shareholders also received a larger final dividend of $4.20 per share, up 7.7% from the previous year. That took the full-year payout to $7 per share.

    Brokers are getting closer to the share price

    The recent rally has left Macquarie shares sitting close to several broker price targets.

    Morgan Stanley still has a buy rating and a $263 price target on the stock. Based on the current share price, that points to upside of around 4%.

    UBS is less bullish, with a $250 target following the full-year result, while Jefferies has the stock valued at $253.73.

    Those targets came before today’s record high, which means much of the expected earnings growth may already be priced into shares.

    Of course, broker targets are only estimates and can change when earnings forecasts or economic outlook shift.

    Is it too late to buy?

    Macquarie’s latest result goes a long way towards explaining why the shares have been constantly climbing.

    The company earns money across asset management, commodities, banking, advisory, and capital markets.

    On another note, around 68% of its FY26 income came from outside Australia.

    That gives Macquarie several ways to make money, although its earnings can still swing around depending on market conditions.

    Macquarie is still performing well, but the higher share price leaves very little room if results fall short of expectations.

    The post Macquarie shares hit another record high. Has the rally gone too far? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Macquarie Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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

  • Here’s why I’d add Alphabet shares to an ASX stock portfolio right now

    iPhone with the logo and the word Google spelt multiple times in the background.

    Most ASX investors looking for their next share purchase are probably eyeing off Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), or perhaps Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME). Hopping across the proverbial pond and buying, for example, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) shares is probably not on most investors’ radar.

    Yet that could be a mistake. The ASX is home to some fine companies, to be sure. But the US markets house the best in the business. The likes of CBA or Telstra are simply not even in the same league as US stocks like Coca-Cola, Nvidia, or Alphabet when it comes to size, scale, and dominance.

    Of all the US stocks available on the American markets, I think Alphabet is one of the best picks for ASX investors with a long-term horizon. This company has so many things going for it that it is hard to oversell.

    Firstly, we have Google Search, a service we’d all be familiar with. To say that Google Search is dominant is a gross understatement. It has a near-monopoly on internet search in almost every country in the world, except China.

    Alphabet has been able to leverage this with incredible effect by integrating it with its ‘Google Ads’ advertising business. This makes advertising with Google cheap and effective for customers, and highly profitable for the company.

    Indeed, Alphabet can probably be considered the largest advertising business in the world, rivalled only by its Magnificent 7 peer, Meta Platforms.

    Alphabet shares: Here’s what you’re buying

    But Search and Ads are only two arrows in Alphabet’s quiver (albeit the biggest ones). The company also owns the YouTube platform in its entirety. YouTube is another business that you get with buying Alphabet shares that could be described as monopolistic. It simply has no effective rivals in its field. It is another advertising juggernaut and integrates well with Google Search and Ads. As do Google Maps and Gmail.

    Aside from Google Search, Maps, Gmail, and YouTube, Alphabet also offers a leading artificial intelligence platform, Gemini. Like most AI platforms, Gemini is soaking up far more capital than it is bringing home right now. However, given its leading status amongst its rivals, I think there is a lot of potential for Gemini to become yet another cash cow for Alphabet shares in the years ahead.

    It’s a similar story with Google Cloud, Alphabet’s back-end rival to the highly successful AWS from Amazon. Google Cloud is already profitable and is growing at a healthy rate.

    There’s also Alphabet’s high-risk, high-reward ‘Other Bets’, of which self-driving car division Waymo is probably the most exciting.

    So all in all, you have a collection of some of the most exciting (and profitable in many cases), wide-moat businesses in the world, all under one roof.

    Alphabet is currently (at the time of writing) trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27.75. That, at least in my view, isn’t a bad entry price for this exciting company. As such, I think Alphabet shares are well worth considering for any ASX share portfolio today.

    The post Here’s why I’d add Alphabet shares to an ASX stock portfolio right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Alphabet shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why is this ASX biotech stock blasting higher today?

    Group of scientists cheering in the lab after the company received good news.

    ASX biotech stock Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) is among the standout performers on the ASX on Thursday.

    In afternoon trade, the ASX biotech stock is up 6.3% to $2.10. While Mesoblast shares remain down 23% since the start of 2026, they have still delivered a gain of approximately 17% over the past 12 months.

    So, what’s driving the buying interest today?

    Ryoncil could be a game-changer

    While there hasn’t been any major price-sensitive news from Mesoblast today, investors appear increasingly optimistic about the company’s outlook. Growing sales, a strengthened balance sheet, and the potential of its FDA-backed pipeline may be giving the market fresh arguments to buy the biotech stock.

    One of the key reasons investors remain excited about this ASX biotech stock is the commercial potential of its recently approved therapy, Ryoncil. The company believes that as sales of Ryoncil continue to grow, the treatment could eventually generate enough revenue to support earnings growth and cash flow-positive operations.

    Transition into sustainable business

    That would be a major achievement for a biotechnology company, given that many peers spend years relying on capital raisings and external funding to fund research and development.

    Investors appear increasingly focused on the possibility that Mesoblast could transition from a development-stage biotech into a commercially sustainable business. If management can successfully scale Ryoncil sales, confidence in the company’s long-term financial outlook could strengthen significantly.

    For a speculative ASX biotech stock, the prospect of generating sustainable cash flow is a particularly attractive catalyst and may help explain today’s share price strength.

    More than a one-product story

    Another factor supporting investor sentiment is the growing value of Mesoblast’s broader pipeline.

    While Ryoncil remains the company’s flagship commercial opportunity, management has highlighted that regulatory pathways are advancing for treatments targeting heart failure and chronic lower back pain. Both represent large markets with significant long-term revenue potential.

    Successful approvals in either area could dramatically expand the ASX biotech stock’s commercial footprint and create additional growth engines beyond Ryoncil.

    Multiple shots on goal

    Importantly, investors are increasingly viewing Mesoblast as a company with multiple shots on goal rather than one dependent on a single product outcome. As its portfolio expands, the business could benefit from more diversified revenue streams, potentially reducing risk and increasing resilience over time.

    The combination of a growing commercial product, advancing regulatory opportunities, and the prospect of future approvals appears to be underpinning today’s strong share price performance of the ASX biotech stock.

    For investors willing to accept the volatility often associated with biotech investing, Mesoblast continues to offer significant upside if its commercial and clinical milestones are achieved.

    The post Why is this ASX biotech stock blasting higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Mesoblast shares, consider this:

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

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

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

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

  • Down 30%, should I buy ResMed shares now?

    Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.

    ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares have had a tough year.

    The sleep health giant is trading around $26.53 on Thursday, which means the share price is down more than 30% since this time last year.

    That sort of fall can make investors cautious. But I think patient investors should be looking closely at the opportunity.

    In my view, ResMed remains one of the highest-quality healthcare businesses on the ASX, and the current valuation looks much more appealing than it did when sentiment was stronger.

    A better price for a strong business

    The first reason I would consider buying ResMed shares is valuation.

    According to CommSec, consensus earnings per share estimates are $1.57 in FY26, $1.69 in FY27, and $1.84 in FY28.

    Based on the current share price, that puts ResMed on roughly 17 times FY26 earnings, 16 times FY27 earnings, and 14 times FY28 earnings.

    For a global healthcare company with ResMed’s market position and outlook, I think those multiples undervalue it.

    Of course, forecasts are only forecasts. The company still needs to deliver, and the market will keep watching competition, margins, product demand, and the impact of weight-loss drugs on sleep apnoea diagnosis and treatment behaviour.

    But I think the share price fall has created a much better entry point for investors who are willing to look beyond the next few quarters.

    A huge market opportunity

    The second reason I like ResMed is the size of the market it serves.

    Sleep apnoea is a major global health issue, with more than 1 billion sufferers estimated worldwide. Many of those people remain undiagnosed, which creates a long runway.

    Further, ResMed is not simply selling a one-off device. It is part of a treatment system that can include machines, masks, accessories, software, data tools, and ongoing patient support. Once people are diagnosed and begin therapy, they may need replacement products and continued care over many years.

    I think that recurring element is important to the investment thesis.

    Healthcare companies can be particularly attractive when they solve a problem that is both large and persistent. Poor sleep can affect energy, concentration, heart health, safety, and overall quality of life. As awareness improves, diagnosis rates rise, and healthcare systems put more focus on chronic conditions, ResMed should have opportunities to keep growing.

    The company also has the scale, brand, distribution, and clinical relationships to benefit if more people move into treatment.

    Foolish takeaway

    I think now could be a good time to buy ResMed shares for patient investors.

    The stock has fallen heavily, the forward valuation looks reasonable, and the company still has exposure to a very large, underpenetrated healthcare market.

    ResMed may take time to win back stronger investor confidence, and I would not expect the share price to rebound quickly. But for investors who can look several years ahead, I think this beaten-down ASX healthcare share looks well worth considering.

    The post Down 30%, should I buy ResMed shares now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

  • Why has the ASX 200 given up its early rebound today?

    stock chart growth background

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back in the red on Thursday after briefly moving into positive territory earlier in the session.

    At the time of writing, the benchmark is down 0.55% to 8,916 points after touching an intraday high of 8,983.8 points.

    That leaves the market giving back Wednesday’s 0.54% gain, although the index is still around 3% higher over the past week.

    So, why has the local market lost ground today?

    Wall Street gives investors a rough lead

    Australian shares opened lower after a weak session in the United States overnight.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fell 0.98%, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) dropped 1.2% following the latest US Federal Reserve meeting.

    The central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at between 3.5% and 3.75%. However, updated forecasts showed 9 of the 19 officials now expect at least one rate rise before the end of 2026.

    Keep in mind that’s a major change compared to March, when no officials were forecasting an increase this year.

    Nonetheless, US share market futures rebounded strongly during the Australian morning, helping the ASX 200 briefly move into positive territory.

    But that support didn’t last long, with sellers returning before midday.

    Miners and banks weigh on the index

    The losses are spread across much of the market, with 123 stocks trading lower, 68 higher and nine unchanged.

    Several heavyweight miners are among those falling after iron ore, gold and copper prices softened overnight.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 0.24% to $65.43, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares have dropped 1.70% to $19.98.

    The major banks are also mixed. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are 0.34% lower at $163.15, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have fallen 1.14% to $35.16.

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are down 1.30% to $37.18. However, ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are 0.17% higher at $35.11.

    A few big names are holding up

    There are still a few decent gains elsewhere in the market.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares are up 1.53% to $23.93, while Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares have gained 0.90% to $38.12.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are also 0.82% higher at $107.67 as the stock continues to recover from its recent lows.

    And oil prices have fallen again after the United States and Iran signed an interim peace agreement that includes plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    Brent crude was trading near US$78.66 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) had slipped to around US$75.81.

    Despite this, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares have managed to edge 0.35% higher to $29.06.

    The post Why has the ASX 200 given up its early rebound today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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