• BHP shares have tripled in the past 10 years. Could history repeat itself over the next decade?

    A fit woman in workout gear flexes her muscles with two bigger people flexing behind her, indicating growth.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have created significant wealth for long-term investors. Over the past decade, the mining giant’s share price has surged almost 235%, comfortably outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which gained around 60% over the same period.

    But could Australia’s largest mining company repeat that performance and triple in value again by 2036? While predicting a decade of share price returns is impossible, BHP has several powerful long-term trends working in its favour.

    Here are three reasons the mining giant could potentially deliver another market-beating run.

    Demand for copper could drive the next growth phase

    BHP has historically been known as a major iron ore producer, with its Western Australian operations generating billions of dollars in profits during periods of strong steel demand.

    However, the future growth story of BHP shares is increasingly linked to copper. Copper is a critical commodity for electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and global power networks. As economies transition towards lower-carbon energy systems, demand for copper is expected to rise significantly.

    The mining giant has been positioning itself for this trend, including its acquisition of OZ Minerals in 2023, which strengthened its exposure to copper and other future-facing commodities.

    If copper prices remain elevated and BHP successfully expands production, the commodity could become a major earnings driver over the next decade.

    The asset base could keep generating cash

    One of BHP’s biggest advantages is the quality and scale of its global operations. The company owns some of the world’s largest and lowest-cost mining assets, including its Western Australian iron ore operations, Olympic Dam copper-gold project, and Jansen potash development in Canada.

    Low-cost producers typically have a major advantage through commodity cycles because they can remain profitable when weaker competitors struggle.

    That financial strength has allowed BHP shares to consistently return billions of dollars to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

    If commodity demand remains healthy, BHP’s ability to generate strong free cash flow could continue supporting shareholder returns well into the future.

    Long-term resource demand could provide a tailwind

    The world is becoming increasingly resource-intensive. Population growth, urbanisation, infrastructure investment, artificial intelligence, and energy security are all expected to support demand for commodities.

    Even as the global economy changes, the need for raw materials remains essential. Data centres require enormous amounts of electricity and copper wiring, while renewable energy projects require significant quantities of metals. BHP’s scale means it is positioned to benefit from these long-term structural trends.

    Of course, there are risks. Commodity prices are cyclical, China remains a major source of demand uncertainty, and large mining projects require significant capital investment.

    A threefold return over 10 years would also require strong execution from management and favourable commodity conditions.

    However, BHP has already demonstrated its ability to create substantial shareholder wealth over long periods. If copper demand accelerates, its growth projects deliver, and commodity markets remain supportive, another decade of strong returns may not be out of the question.

    The post BHP shares have tripled in the past 10 years. Could history repeat itself over the next decade? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    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.

  • Up 53%, here’s why this ASX All Ords healthcare share is tipped for more outperformance

    A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.

    ASX All Ords healthcare share Cogstate Ltd (ASX: CGS) has raced ahead of the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over the past year.

    In late trading on Tuesday, Cogstate shares were changing hands for $2.73 apiece. That sees the share price up 53.4% since market close on 21 June 2025, smashing the 0.7% 12-month gains posted by the benchmark index.

    And according to Ellerston Capital Australian equities portfolio manager James Barker, the ASX All Ords healthcare share is well-positioned to deliver more outsized gains in the year ahead (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

    Here’s why.

    ASX All Ords healthcare share on the growth path

    Commenting on Cogstate, a stock his fund owns, Barker said, “This is a relatively undiscovered business as most of its operations are in the US with large global pharma.”

    As for what the company does, Barker explained:

    The company has a digital cognitive assessment platform used in clinical trials for medicines targeting the central nervous system.

    The business was historically focused on Alzheimer’s disease trials, but it has recently been expanding into other indications such as mood, sleep, psychiatry and rare diseases.

    And Barker noted that the ASX All Ords healthcare share has been on the growth path.

    “Last week [8 July] it gave an update that showed total contracts signed were up 116% on the prior year, with US$89 million (AU$127 million) of contracts sold for the year,” he said.

    Summing up his bullish outlook on Cogstate shares, Barker concluded, “We see this as validation that the business is executing well; it’s profitable, generating cash and has a share buyback in place.”

    What’s the latest from Cogstate?

    Cogstate released its half-year results (H1 FY 2026) on 19 February.

    Highlights for the six months to 31 December included a 12% year-on-year increase in revenue to $26.9 million. And earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $6.5 million were up 5% from H1 FY 2025.

    On the bottom line, the ASX All Ords healthcare share reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $4.5 million, up 16% year on year.

    As for the balance sheet, Cogstate held $34.1 million in cash as at 31 December.

    “These results demonstrate Cogstate’s growing momentum and the increasing strength of our competitive position,” Cogstate CEO Brad O’Connor said on the day.

    O’Connor added:

    We’re seeing record levels of sales opportunities from an expanded customer base across more therapeutic indications, and those opportunities are converting into meaningful contract wins.

    The post Up 53%, here’s why this ASX All Ords healthcare share is tipped for more outperformance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Cogstate right now?

    Before you buy Cogstate shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Cogstate wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Cogstate. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Cogstate. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How I would turn $200,000 into an ASX retirement income portfolio

    An older couple dance in their living room as they enjoy their retirement funded by ASX dividends

    A $200,000 portfolio could produce a welcome stream of retirement income.

    The harder task is choosing how much income to take today without leaving the portfolio with too little growth for the years ahead.

    Here is how I would approach it if I were retiring.

    Set a realistic income target

    I would begin with an annual dividend yield target of around 4% to 5%.

    A 4% yield on $200,000 would generate approximately $8,000 a year before tax and franking credits. At 5%, the annual income would rise to $10,000.

    I would aim near the middle of that range and focus on sustainable payments.

    Pushing the portfolio towards a 7% or 8% yield could lead to excessive exposure to indebted businesses, cyclical dividends, or companies with limited growth. A slightly lower starting income can be worthwhile when the underlying holdings have scope to raise their payments over time.

    Build the income base

    I would place around $100,000 across established ASX dividend shares.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) could provide fully franked dividends and exposure to a high-quality banking franchise.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) would add defensive earnings from mobile and telecommunications services, while Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) could provide another relatively steady source of cash flow through essential grocery spending.

    I would also consider Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) and APA Group (ASX: APA). Their infrastructure assets offer income tied to toll-road traffic and energy networks rather than bank profits or household retail spending.

    Spreading the allocation across several earnings drivers can make the income stream less dependent on one sector.

    Add some property income

    I would invest another $40,000 across selected real estate investment trusts.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN) provides exposure to properties linked to supermarkets, pharmacies, and other everyday services. Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) owns properties supported by long leases, which can give investors greater visibility over rental income.

    REIT distributions can be attractive, although debt levels and interest costs deserve close attention. I would keep this allocation diversified and avoid letting property become the dominant source of retirement income.

    Keep some growth in the portfolio

    I would place $40,000 into the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

    A broad global ETF may initially produce less income than the ASX dividend shares, but it can help the portfolio grow and reduce reliance on the Australian economy.

    That growth can support future withdrawals and protect spending power against inflation.

    I would treat the global allocation as a source of future income rather than judge it solely by the distributions paid today. During strong market periods, an investor could also sell a small number of units to supplement dividends.

    Hold a cash reserve

    The final $20,000 would remain in cash or a short-term deposit.

    That reserve could cover withdrawals during a market downturn and reduce the pressure to sell shares after prices have fallen.

    Dividends and distributions could gradually refill the cash allocation, while excess cash could be reinvested when attractive opportunities appear.

    Foolish takeaway

    I would expect a portfolio structured this way to begin closer to the lower end of the 4% to 5% income range, producing roughly $8,000 to $9,000 a year before tax and franking credits.

    The aim would be a retirement income stream with room to rise, supported by dividend-paying shares, property income, global growth, and a cash buffer.

    That approach gives the portfolio several ways to support spending while preserving enough growth for a retirement that may last decades.

    The post How I would turn $200,000 into an ASX retirement income portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Apa Group right now?

    Before you buy Apa Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Apa Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Transurban Group. 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 Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT 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.