Wondering which ASX shares to buy for 2026? Experts weigh in

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares had a strong day on Friday, rising 1.23% to close at 8,697.3 points.

The strong rise capped off a sluggish week for the local bourse, which lifted 0.73% over the five trading days.

ASX shares were depressed earlier in the week after the Reserve Bank confirmed what we all expected — a hold call on interest rates.

Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25% for the third time in four months to support a slowing economy.

Looking ahead to 2026, brokers are issuing notes on which ASX shares to buy for the new year.

Here are a few examples.

ASX shares to buy for 2026

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

The IGO share price closed at $7.12, up 2% on Friday and up 46.5% in the year to date (YTD).

Macquarie says IGO shares are a buy and the company is its key pick in the lithium segment.

Improving lithium prices prompted Macquarie to upgrade its assumptions for IGO’s earnings.

In a note last week, the broker said:

Incorporating updated commodity prices, FX and changes to our Kwinana costs assumptions drives 14-78% earnings uplift to FY26-FY28 while EPS are also increased by 1-6% for FY29 and FY30E.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) 

Nufarm is a chemical and seed-technology company with customers all over the world.

The Nufarm share price closed at $2.20, down 0.9% yesterday and down 39% in 2025.

Morgans has a buy rating on this ASX agriculture share.

Following the company’s FY25 results, Morgans said:

While NUF’s FY25 result was weak, it was slightly above guidance.

Now that there is certainty on Seed Technologies future, industry operating conditions have improved and there is a clear pathway to deleveraging the balance sheet, we upgrade NUF to a Buy recommendation and A$3.20 price target.

Morgans has a 12-month price target of $3.20 on Nufarm shares.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

The Ramsay Health Care share price closed at $35.48, up 0.31% on Friday and up 4% in the YTD.

Jabin Hallihan from Family Financial Solutions says this ASX financial share is a buy.

On The Bull, Hallihan said strong fundamentals and margin recovery supported long-term growth for the private hospital operator.

Ramsay’s shares remain undervalued relative to our fair value estimate of $54, as we expect profitability to improve through higher indexation, digital efficiencies and easing wage pressures.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC)

The Capstone Copper share price closed at $14.93, up 3.7% yesterday and up 47% for the year.

Macquarie has a buy rating on the ASX copper share with a 12-month price target of $17.

In a note last week, the broker said Capstone is its preferred copper exposure.

The red metal’s price has lifted 38% in the YTD amid increasing demand due to the clean energy transition.

The broker said:

We increase CSC EPS 9%/18% in CY25/26e due to Cu price upgrades, remaining our preference in the Cu space due to its strong organic growth profile and attractive relative value.

The post Wondering which ASX shares to buy for 2026? Experts weigh in appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX mining shares dominate stocks hitting 52-week highs
• Why this buy rated ASX 200 healthcare share is tipped to surge 52%
• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to buy this week
• ASX 200 mining shares outperform as iron ore and copper prices strengthen
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and 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.