If you’re looking for an easy way to invest, then exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be worth considering. Rather than deciding which individual shares to buy, ETFs allow you to invest in a large group of shares through just a single investment.

With that in mind, here are three ETFs that are popular with analysts and investors right now:

BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF (ASX: FUEL)

The first ETF to look at is the BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF. This ETF provides investors with access to a group of global energy companies. This could make it a top option for investors looking to gain exposure to sky-high energy prices. Among the 50+ shares included in the fund are energy giants such as BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell. Last week the latter reported a quarterly profit of US$9.13 billion, which was almost triple its US$3.2 billion profit from the same period last year.

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ETF to look at is the VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF. This ETF gives investors easy exposure to a portfolio of the largest companies involved in video game development, hardware, and eSports. The gaming market has been growing strongly in recent years and now has an estimated 2.7 billion gamers globally according to VanEck, which is more than Netflix and iPhone users combined. To be included in the fund, a company is required to generate at least 50% of their revenues from video gaming and eSports. Making the cut are the likes of Nvidia, Roblox, Take-Two, and Electronic Arts.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A final ETF for investors to look at is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. This ETF provides investors with exposure to a massive ~1,500 of the world’s largest listed companies. This could make it a good option for investors seeking to add some diversification to a portfolio. Among the companies you’ll be investing in are giants such as Amazon, Apple, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Visa.

The post 3 fantastic ETFs for ASX investors to buy this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These 2 ETFs could help to protect ASX investors against inflation
• How diversified is the Vanguard International Shares ETF?
• Are these 2 compelling ASX shares buys in May 2022?
• 5 ASX ETFs to combat inflation: fund manager
• Which ASX 200 shares have historically performed well during rising inflation?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF – Currency Hedged and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Vectors ETF Trust – VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) left investors disappointed once more as markets made another move downwards. At the end of the session, the benchmark index finished 1.18% lower at 7,120.6 points.

Shareholders experienced firsthand the 54-day high in the volatility index today as the violent sways in Aussie shares continue. The most dramatic swing to the downside could be seen in the real estate sector, with a fall of 4.2%. Similarly, tech and mining shares had an unfruitful day, both sectors tumbling more than 2%.

In contrast, energy shares in the index received a boost today following a gain in oil prices overnight. The Brent crude oil price strengthened 1.5% to US$112.39 a barrel — setting up oil and gas shares on Monday.

However, the question is: which shares delivered the biggest returns to investors on the ASX today? Here are the top ten stocks that came through for investors:

Top 10 ASX shares countdown today

Looking at the top 200 listed companies, Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) was the biggest gainer today. Shares in the major bank added 3.23% following the publication of its half-year results which showed a continued focus on cost reductions. Find out more about Westpac Banking Corporation here.

The next best performing ASX share across the market today was Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC). The coal producer rallied 2.63% despite there being no price-sensitive announcements from the company. However, there was a backdrop of strength across energy shares today. Uncover the latest Whitehaven Coal details here.

Today’s top 10 biggest gains were made in these ASX shares:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC)	$24.60	3.23%
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)	$5.08	2.63%
TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)	$5.70	2.33%
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)	$67.60	1.98%
Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ)	$4.20	1.94%
Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC)	$18.08	1.52%
Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)	$10.60	1.44%
Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)	$78.75	1.22%
Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)	$4.74	1.07%
Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: MND)	$1.675	0.90%

Our top 10 ASX shares today countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check-in at Fool.com.au after the market has closed during weekdays to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

More reading

• 3 ASX All Ordinaries shares that managed to post decent gains on Monday
• ‘Do not panic’: Experts explain how to stay calm and carry on investing amid rising interest rates
• Why BrainChip, PolyNovo, TPG, and Westpac shares are pushing higher
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Monday
• These ASX shares pay you to own them

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 positions in and has recommended Amcor Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises Limited, Ramsay Health Care Limited, TPG Telecom Limited, and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The Hawsons Iron Ltd (ASX: HIO) share price had a horror day on the market today.

The explorer’s shares opened at 65 cents and fell a whopping 23.08% through the day to close at 50 cents. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index descended 1.18%.

Let’s take a look at what might have impacted the Hawsons Iron share price today.

Iron ore prices plunge

The Hawsons Iron share price has been volatile in recent days. In today’s trade, it dropped massively despite no price-sensitive news from the company.

It’s likely that sinking iron ore prices could be impacting the company’s share price. Singapore iron ore futures dropped 6.7% in global markets to US$128.75. Iron ore on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange also gravitated more than 5% on Friday after traders reacted to China’s COVID-19 zero policy.

Shares of iron ore producers Fortescue Metals (ASX: FMG) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) also dropped 5.76% and 1.26% respectively today. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) fell 1.89%.

Hawsons is exploring the Hawsons Iron Project near Broken Hill in New South Wales. This project received a three-year major project status renewal in March.

The company’s share price soared nearly 59% between market close on 27 April and 2 May. Investors appeared to react positively to the quarterly report released on 29 April. The company reported a cash balance of $18.377 million. However, since the market close on 2 May, the company’s share price has slipped 43%.

Hawsons Iron share price snapshot

The Hawsons Iron share price has exploded more than 1000% in a year and is up 233% this year-to-date.

In contrast, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned less than 1% in the past year.

Hawsons has a market capitalisation of about $357.5 million based on today’s share price.

The post Why did the Hawsons Iron share price plunge more than 23% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Hawsons Iron share price tumbles another 9% on Friday. What’s going on?
• Hawsons Iron share price volatility continues with more wild swings on Wednesday
• Hawsons Iron share price subjects investors to wild ride on Tuesday
• Guess which ASX iron ore share has surged more than 260% in a month. Hint: it’s not Fortescue

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.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) may have slipped today, but the CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price had a better day.

CSL shares jumped 0.84% to $270.40. In comparison, the benchmark index dropped 1.18% today.

So what is happening at CSL?

How is the CSL share price performing?

Shares in the global biotech company jumped 2.15% in earlier trade to $273.95 before retreating to the current share price. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) also leapt more than 1% in early trade from 40,260 to 40,683 points before pulling back.

Analysts at Wilsons have recently named CSL as one of four “defensive growth” shares to buy in turbulent times.

In a memo to clients, Wilsons recommended it was “sensible” to have an above-average allocation to defensives including CSL:

Our picks are healthcare, insurance and telco.

Sectors like healthcare and consumer staples, along with utilities, have performed well against a backdrop of higher uncertainty around the US Fed’s and RBA’s hiking expectations and the impact this will have on the economy.

Wilsons also recommended Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG), Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT (ASX: HCW).

Meanwhile, Macquarie has also recently named CSL as a share to buy during market volatility. My Foolish colleague Brendon reported that CSL is considered by Macquarie to be a COVID-recovery share.

Share price snapshot

The CSL share price has fallen nearly 2% in the past 12 months while it has descended 7% year-to-date.

In comparison, the benchmark ASX 200 has returned less than 1% over the past year.

CSL has a market capitalisation of nearly $130 billion based on today’s share price.

The post How did the CSL share price escape the carnage today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Macquarie picks ASX 200 shares to buy in this volatile environment
• 4 ‘defensive growth’ ASX shares to buy in turbulent times: Wilsons
• The CSL share price has tumbled 8% this year. Here’s why these top brokers still have faith
• 2 strong blue chip ASX 200 shares to buy after the market selloff according to analysts
• Broker names 3 ‘champion’ ASX 200 shares to buy and hold

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. 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.

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