The team at Bell Potter just released updated guidance on three ASX shares after some key announcements and results. 

The broker has listed two as a hold and tipped one to rise up to 72%. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA)

Champion Iron is an iron ore miner, explorer, and developer.

In a new report from Bell Potter, the broker listed these ASX shares as a hold. 

The broker said iron ore prices were slightly higher in the June 2026 quarter but have since fallen.

Because prices are declining, freight costs remain high, and market expectations are weaker, Bell Potter expects Champion Iron to receive a lower average selling price. 

The broker has lowered its 12 month price target to $4.40 (previously $4.80), which indicates a 13% upside from current levels. 

While we expect iron content price premiums for this product, full value-in-use premiums are unlikely to be realised until longer-term offtake is secured. Free cash flow should improve from FY27 as capex rolls off, supporting debt servicing and ongoing dividends. On valuation, we retain our Hold recommendation.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

Yesterday, Beach Energy released its FY26 Fourth Quarter Activities Report. 

The company reported quarterly production of 4.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) and total revenue of $400 million for the June quarter.

Following the results, Bell Potter lowered its price target on these ASX shares to $0.950 (previously $1.150). 

This indicates just over 8% upside for these ASX shares. 

The broker retained its hold recommendation, and said the company is in a production replacement cycle with respect to exploration and appraisal.

Production growth should return in FY27 and capex ease, enabling positive free cash flow to support balance sheet deleveraging and ongoing dividends. We are positive on BPT’s exposure to Australian east coast gas markets (around half of sales volumes) and cautious with respect to global oil markets.

Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL)

Yesterday, Regal Partners released preliminary H1 2026 results.

The company engages in the provision of investment management services.

According to the release, normalised NPAT is expected to double to at least $90 million and record net FUM inflows of over $1.3 billion for the half.

Following the result, Bell Potter said this guidance is just a minimum rather than a cap, suggesting there is potential for further upside.

The company also reported record quarterly net inflows of $911 million, supported by strong fundraising, while underlying inflows exceeded Bell Potter’s expectations. 

Although funds under management were slightly below forecasts due to distributions, buy-backs and weaker market movements, investment performance and client demand – particularly for hedge funds – were better than expected, supporting continued earnings growth.

Based on this guidance, the broker has retained its buy recommendation and price target of $4.80, which indicates an upside of 72%. 

The post Broker tips up to 72% upside for one of these ASX shares  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Regal Partners: Profit doubles and FUM hits record high
• Beach Energy posts steady Q4 production and a resilient outlook
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 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.

ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have gone from a niche investment to a mainstream way for Australians to build wealth.

Today, around two million Australians invest through ASX ETFs, drawn by their low costs, instant diversification, and simplicity. Rather than researching dozens of companies, investors can buy a single fund and gain exposure to hundreds – or even thousands – of investments.

The trend shows no sign of slowing. According to ASX data, ETF trading activity jumped 26% during the last financial year, comfortably outpacing the broader sharemarket, where trading volumes increased 22%.

So, what’s driving the boom?

A simpler way to invest

One of the biggest attractions of ASX ETFs is convenience. Instead of trying to identify tomorrow’s winning shares, investors can buy one ETF and instantly own a diversified portfolio.

Depending on the fund, that could mean exposure to Australian shares, global companies, bonds, property, or even specific sectors such as healthcare or technology.

Cost is another major advantage. Most ETFs simply track an index, allowing them to charge significantly lower management fees than traditional actively managed funds. Those savings can add up over decades, leaving more of an investor’s returns compounding over time.

Many ETFs also pay regular distributions, making them popular with investors seeking passive income. Better still, they’re just as easy to buy and sell as any other ASX-listed share.

The market keeps growing

The ETF industry isn’t just attracting more investors, it’s also offering more choice.

According to ASX data, the number of ETFs listed on the exchange has more than doubled over the past five years to 456 products. Another 72 ETFs launched during the last financial year alone.

Meanwhile, assets invested across Australia’s ETF industry have surpassed $350 billion.

Whether investors want exposure to Australian blue chips, global technology leaders, emerging markets, fixed income, or dividends, there’s now likely an ASX ETF that fits the bill.

More choice isn’t always better

The explosion in new products also means investors need to be more selective. As demand has grown, fund managers have rushed to launch ASX ETFs targeting the latest investment themes.

Artificial intelligence is the newest example. Funds such as the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ), and VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) all offer exposure to companies expected to benefit from AI.

While these thematic ETFs can be appealing, they often carry greater risk than broad-market index funds. Many own relatively concentrated portfolios, and some launch only after a sector has already enjoyed a strong rally.

Foolish takeaway

The rise of ASX ETFs reflects a growing preference for simple, diversified, and low-cost investing.

But investors shouldn’t assume every ETF is a good investment. Choosing a well-diversified, high-quality fund remains just as important as deciding to invest through ETFs in the first place.

The post Why millions of Aussies are switching to ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Where to invest $20,000 in ASX ETFs for 10 years
• Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs this month
• ASX ETFs are booming. Should you join in?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 exciting ASX ETFs for exposure to the future of technology

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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares closed higher in the green on Wednesday afternoon.

When the bell rang on the ASX at 4pm, the shares were up around 2.5% at $59.76 each.

The increase means the ASX mining giant’s shares have now risen nearly 31% over the year-to-date, and are up around 44% from 12 months ago.

BHP’s share price gains over the past couple of years is one thing attracting many investors.

But the shares are also a very popular option for investors searching for passive income.

It’s not hard to see why. The blue-chip major is currently the largest stock on the ASX by market capitalisation, it has a consistently strong operational performance, and therefore, a long history of paying fully-franked dividends to shareholders.

But what if you wanted to generate $10,000 of passive income from BHP shares every year? What exactly would that entail?

Let’s crunch the numbers.

What passive income does BHP pay its shareholders?

First, we need to understand what dividends the mining giant pays its shareholders.

BHP traditionally pays two fully-franked dividends to shareholders each year, in March and September. 

The miner most recently paid its shareholders an interim dividend of $1.0385 per share in March, fully franked. 

Based on the latest consensus forecasts, BHP is expected to pay a fully-franked dividend of A$2.148 per share in FY26. Based on the current share price, that translates to a forward dividend yield of around 3.6%.

It’s not the highest dividend yield, but it represents the company’s stability and consistency.

How many BHP shares do I need to buy to generate $10,000 in passive income?

Using the figures above, in order to generate $10,000 in passive income from BHP shares alone, an investor would need to buy 4,655 shares.

How much would that cost?

At the time of writing, BHP shares are changing hands for $59.76.

This means that to buy the 4,655 shares I need for $1,000 of passive income, I would need to invest around $278,000.

That’s certainly not a small amount. But it could be worth it in the long run.

Not only would I be getting a nice paycheck every six months, but there is potential for capital returns too.

And also don’t forget, that entire amount wouldn’t need to be invested all in one go. 

Is this a good time to buy into BHP? Expert analysts are on the fence. According to Market Index data, eight out of 10 brokers currently have a hold rating on the ASX bank shares. 

The post How many BHP shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BHP shares have tripled in the past 10 years. Could history repeat itself over the next decade?
• Is the BHP share price a buy for its 5% dividend yield?
• BHP shares soared 62% in FY26. Can they keep climbing?
• Why I think BHP is the best ASX mining share
• How to build an ASX dividend portfolio that keeps paying you for decades

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