On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in positive territory. The benchmark index rose 1.4% to 8,844.4 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week despite a strong session in Europe on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 35 points or 0.4% lower. In the United States, Wall Street was closed for a public holiday. In Europe, the DAX was up 0.8%, the FTSE rose 0.25%, and the CAC climbed 0.4%.

Oil prices edge higher

ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a reasonably positive start to the week after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.15% to US$68.78 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.45% to US$72.12 a barrel. This was despite OPEC approving further output increases.

Austal shares given hold rating

Bell Potter thinks Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) shares are fully valued at current levels. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the shipbuilder’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $4.10 (from $6.30). Bell Potter said: “We downgrade our FY27-29e underlying earnings but upgrade statutory reflecting incorporation of MMF3/GDEB revenue. Our TP is lower on FY27 uEBIT downgrade. Although the valuation/growth arithmetic appears attractive, we believe we are entering a period of elevated risks as ASB ramps up several shipbuilding programs. A T-AGOS contract modification presents a potential near-term positive catalyst.”

Gold price storms higher

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a solid start to the week after the gold price stormed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.5% to US$4,187.3 an ounce. This was driven by traders scaling back their interest rate hike bets.

Buy ResMed shares

Morgans has named ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares as a buy. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $41.72 price target on the medical device company’s shares. It thinks recent weakness has created a buying opportunity. The broker commented: “RMD has de-rated to ~16x forward earnings, its lowest valuation since the post-GFC period, despite consensus continuing to forecast double-digit EPS growth. GLP-1 therapies, positive Phase III data from Apnimed’s oral OSA therapy, the prospect of Philips re-entering the US PAP market from 2027 and broader healthcare sector de-rating, have driven recent share price weakness. While these risks are real, current industry data and RMD’s operating performance provide limited evidence of a material deterioration in underlying demand. We make no changes to FY26-28 forecasts or our A$41.72 target price. BUY.”

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

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares ended last week 1.5% higher, climbing back above the $60 mark after recovering from a weak June.

While the mining giant lost around 6% during the month, the stock is still up an impressive 58% over the past 12 months.

So, where do brokers see BHP shares heading in FY27, and are they still worth buying today?

What do the experts think?

After a stellar 12-month run, analysts have become more measured on BHP shares. Most brokers now have a hold recommendation on the mining stock. They seem to suggest that much of the recent optimism is already reflected in the share price.

According to consensus estimates, the average 12-month price target sits around 6% above current levels, suggesting analysts still expect modest gains, but not another breakout year.

Morgan Stanley remains among the more bullish brokers. Last week, the investment bank reaffirmed its buy rating on BHP shares and maintained a 12-month price target of $67.50. That implies upside of more than 10% from current levels, excluding dividends.

For income-focused investors, BHP’s sizeable dividend payments could further enhance total returns if commodity prices remain supportive.

Why BHP remains a quality miner

BHP continues to stand out as one of the world’s highest-quality diversified mining companies.

Its portfolio spans iron ore, copper, potash and metallurgical coal, giving investors exposure to commodities that are expected to play an important role in global infrastructure spending and the energy transition.

Copper, in particular, has become an increasingly important growth driver. Rising demand from electrification, renewable energy and artificial intelligence-related infrastructure is expected to support long-term consumption, and BHP has been investing heavily to expand its exposure to the metal.

Meanwhile, its low-cost iron ore operations in Western Australia continue to generate strong cash flows, providing the financial strength to invest through commodity cycles while rewarding investors in BHP shares with dividends.

Why did BHP shares fall in June?

Despite its strong long-term performance, BHP shares came under pressure during June.

The decline largely reflected weaker iron ore prices, as investors became increasingly concerned about slowing steel demand in China. Continued uncertainty surrounding China’s property sector and broader economic growth also weighed on sentiment across the mining sector.

The company also disappointed investors in June with another cost blowout at its Jansen potash project. That and some profit taking likely added to the selling pressure.

However, the pullback proved short-lived, with BHP shares regaining momentum and reclaiming the $60 level last week.

The risks to watch in FY27

While BHP remains well positioned over the long term, investors should be aware of several risks. Commodity prices remain the biggest variable. A sustained decline in iron ore or copper prices would likely pressure earnings and dividends.

China also remains a critical market for BHP, meaning any further slowdown in construction activity or industrial production could affect demand.

In addition, large mining projects face ongoing risks from cost inflation, operational disruptions and regulatory changes.

Even so, BHP’s strong balance sheet, diversified asset base and disciplined capital allocation leave it well placed to navigate periods of market volatility.

With analysts expecting further, albeit more modest upside, BHP shares could still appeal to long-term investors seeking exposure to high-quality mining assets and reliable dividend income in FY27.

The post Should you buy BHP shares in FY27? This is what experts think appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Is it smart to invest $5,000 into BHP shares?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

For many Australians, the 50s are when superannuation suddenly becomes very real.

In your 30s and 40s, retirement can still feel distant enough to ignore. There are mortgages, children, bills, career changes, and everyday costs competing for attention. Super often sits quietly in the background, growing slowly and receiving very little thought.

But by the time you reach your 50s, the balance starts to matter in a different way. Retirement is no longer an abstract future event. It is close enough that the decisions you make now can have a meaningful impact on how much choice you have later.

The final stretch can do a lot of work

One of the biggest misconceptions about super is that if you are behind by 50, the game is already over.

That is not true. In fact, the decade before retirement can be one of the most powerful periods for superannuation growth. This is because your balance is usually much larger than it was earlier in life, which means investment returns can have a bigger dollar impact.

A 7% return on a $50,000 balance is useful. The same return on a $300,000 superannuation balance is much more meaningful.

This is also the period where many Australians reach their highest earning years. If mortgage pressure has eased or children are becoming more independent, there may be more room to make additional contributions.

Small changes can still matter

The good news is that improving your superannuation in your 50s does not always require major sacrifices.

Reviewing fees, checking whether your investment option still makes sense, consolidating accounts, and considering extra contributions can all help. None of these steps may feel life-changing on their own, but together they can make a noticeable difference over 10 to 15 years.

The key is that the changes need to happen while there is still time for them to work.

Waiting until retirement is only a year or two away leaves far fewer options.

Being too conservative can be costly

As retirement gets closer, many Australians naturally become more cautious. That is understandable, because nobody wants to see their super fall sharply just before they stop working.

But being too conservative too early can create its own risk.

A person retiring in their 60s may still need their super to last 20 or 30 years. That means growth still matters, even after retirement begins.

The right investment mix will depend on personal circumstances, but moving completely away from growth assets too early may reduce the ability of a super balance to keep up with inflation and withdrawals.

Retirement is not a single date

Another reason your 50s matter is that retirement does not have to happen all at once.

Some people work full time until a set date and then stop completely. Others gradually reduce hours, move into consulting, or work part time for several years.

That flexibility can be important. Even a few extra years of income can reduce pressure on super, allow contributions to continue, and give investments more time to compound.

For many Australians, the path to retirement is less like flicking a switch and more like slowly turning down the volume on work.

Foolish takeaway

Your 50s are not too late to make a difference to your superannuation.

They may actually be the years where smart decisions count the most. A larger balance, higher earnings, and a clearer view of retirement can all work together to improve your outcome.

The important thing is not to panic if you feel behind. It is to pay attention, take control, and use the time you still have wisely.

The post Why your superannuation in your 50s may matter more than you think appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Can WiseTech shares double from here? Analysts are betting yes
• Does my superannuation affect my Age Pension eligibility?
• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings for FY27
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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.