Wondering which ASX shares could be buys? 

Well, to narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about the popular shares listed below.

Are they buys, holds, or sells? Here’s what they are recommending:

James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX)

Morgans is feeling more positive about this building products company following the release of its investor day update.

In response, the broker has upgraded James Hardie shares to an accumulate rating with a trimmed price target of $43.00. It said:

JHX held its combined James Hardie and AZEK Investor Day in New York on 15 September 2026. The day centred on the “built to outperform, resilient by design” tagline, as management guided to 4% to 7% organic sale growth above market, while stressing the growth did not require a US housing recovery to work. 

The growth is meant to come from the AZEK combination, synergies running ahead of plan, and a leaner, lower-capex portfolio after the Europe sale. The positive company story and the growth trajectory are only partially offset by the tough macro, a 75bps rise in the 30-year mortgage rate over the past six months, and a peer multiple de-rate. On this basis we upgrade to an Accumulate rating, whilst moderating our target price to A$43.00 (from A$45.00).

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

Another ASX share that Morgans is positive on is gold miner Ramelius Resources.

It is feeling upbeat on its outlook and has put a buy rating and $4.74 price target on its shares. It commented:

RMS is expected to release FY27 guidance and an updated outlook to FY30 in Sep-26, following execution of the EPC contract for the Mt Magnet mill expansion, providing greater clarity on project costs and timing. Following an analyst change, we retain our BUY recommendation with a revised price target of A$4.74 per share.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Finally, Bell Potter remains bearish on this property listings company and has named its shares as a sell this week with a $148.00 price target.

The broker has concerns that listings volumes could fall well short of consensus estimates due to it operating in a challenging environment at present. Bell Potter explains:

We retain our Sell recommendation. Despite REA’s ability to generate strong results in challenged operating environments, we continue to see significant downside risk to listings volumes/earnings vs. company guidance and consensus and await further data points via lending volumes and market listings before re-considering our thesis.

The post Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, REA Group, and Ramelius shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 2 ASX 200 stocks that Morgans just upgraded
• 6 ASX 200 shares boosted by brokers this week
• James Hardie says it doesn’t need a US housing recovery. Can it prove it?
• Down 6% today: What’s going on with the James Hardie share price?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group. 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.

There are plenty of ASX dividend shares for passive income investors to choose from on the local market.

But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three ASX dividend shares that I think could be worth considering for an income-focused portfolio.

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

Cedar Woods Properties could be a good option for passive income.

The property developer has projects across residential communities, apartments, townhouses, and commercial developments in several Australian states.

That gives the company exposure to long-term population growth and demand for housing.

Cedar Woods has also built a strong pipeline of projects, which can help support earnings over time as developments move through planning, construction, and settlement.

Property development can be cyclical, but the company has been operating for decades and has a history of returning cash to shareholders through dividends.

For income investors, that combination of development profits, land holdings, and a strong dividend track record could make Cedar Woods worth a closer look.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Another ASX dividend share to consider is Harvey Norman.

The retailer has exposure to furniture, bedding, appliances, electronics, and other household goods through its stores in Australia and several overseas markets.

But Harvey Norman is more than just a retailer. It also owns a substantial property portfolio, which gives the business another source of value and income.

Consumer spending is under pressure as interest rates rise, so the near term could be tough. But Harvey Norman has a strong brand, a large store network, and exposure to categories that can benefit when housing activity and consumer confidence improve.

This could make it attractive for investors looking for income from both retail and property exposure.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

A final ASX dividend share to look at is Transurban.

It owns and operates toll roads in Australia and North America, including major roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

These are valuable infrastructure assets that can generate cash flow over long periods. This is especially the case given population growth, urban congestion, and the value motorists place on saving time.

Transurban isn’t standing still. It has been investing in new infrastructure projects, which could provide another source of growth in future years.

Overall, for investors looking for passive income backed by large-scale infrastructure assets, Transurban could be a strong option to consider.

The post Which ASX dividend shares are buys for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Transurban posts 3.4% August traffic growth
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $1,000 passive income per week?
• JB Hi-Fi vs Harvey Norman: Which dividend stock wins?
• How to make $26,000 of passive income from ASX shares
• My top ASX passive income stocks for the next 10 years

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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cedar Woods Properties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a positive day and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.4% to 8,732.4 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for another good session on Friday following a strong night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 54 points or 0.6% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.6%, the S&P 500 rose 1.15%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.7%.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.15% to US$101.26 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.55% to US$104.19 a barrel. This reflects more crude oil being brought to market.

Sell REA shares

The REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) share price could be overvalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its sell rating on the property listings company’s shares with an improved price target of $148.00. It said: “We retain our Sell recommendation. Despite REA’s ability to generate strong results in challenged operating environments, we continue to see significant downside risk to listings volumes/earnings vs. company guidance and consensus and await further data points via lending volumes and market listings before re-considering our thesis.”

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.15% to US$4,380.8 an ounce. The precious metal has come under pressure this week after US interest rates were increased.

James Hardie shares upgraded

Morgans was pleased with the investor update from James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) this week. In response, the broker has upgraded the building materials company’s shares to an accumulate rating with a $43.00 price target. It said: “…management guided to 4% to 7% organic sale growth above market, while stressing the growth did not require a US housing recovery to work. The growth is meant to come from the AZEK combination, synergies running ahead of plan, and a leaner, lower-capex portfolio after the Europe sale.”

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

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 stocks that Morgans just upgraded
• Woodside Energy vs Fortescue: Which ASX mining share is best for passive income?
• 6 ASX 200 shares boosted by brokers this week
• ASX shares investors are still buying despite volatility: survey
• ASX 200 rebounds from recent lows. Is this just another false start?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.