BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have come under pressure on Tuesday following the release of the mining giant’s latest quarterly update.

The shares are down around 2% to $59.19 as investors digest the company’s operational performance and outlook.

There were some mixed results, but I think the announcement provides several reasons to remain positive about BHP’s future.

Here’s what stood out to me.

A strong performance from iron ore

One thing I liked about the update was the performance of BHP’s Western Australian iron ore operations. Production increased 4% compared with the same quarter last year, despite considerable planned maintenance.

The company also achieved first-quarter production records at both its mines and ports, demonstrating the strength of its integrated operations.

I think that is encouraging because iron ore remains an important source of cash flow for BHP. Keeping these operations running efficiently helps provide the financial resources needed to invest in other parts of the business.

Management also maintained its production guidance for FY27, giving me confidence that operations are progressing broadly as expected.

Copper remains the big opportunity

The copper result was less impressive, with production falling 19% during the quarter. Lower ore grades, scheduled maintenance, severe weather, and operational disruptions all contributed to the decline.

Nevertheless, BHP maintained its full-year copper production guidance. And there was some encouraging news on pricing, with average realised copper prices increasing 53% compared with the same period last year. That could provide a meaningful earnings benefit if prices remain elevated.

Looking further ahead, I continue to believe copper will become an increasingly important part of BHP’s investment case.

Demand from electricity networks, renewable energy, and AI infrastructure should create opportunities for producers capable of supplying large quantities of the metal.

BHP is preparing for that demand. The company announced further progress on its copper expansion plans, including additional funding for the proposed new concentrator at Escondida in Chile.

It also reported an increase in the mineral resource base at Olympic Dam, supporting its longer-term ambitions in South Australia.

I think these developments could help BHP become a substantially larger copper producer over the coming decade.

Another growth opportunity approaching

I was also pleased to see continued progress at BHP’s Jansen potash project in Canada.

Stage 1 is now 87% complete, with first production still expected in mid-2027. I think this could become an important addition to BHP’s portfolio.

Potash provides exposure to agriculture and global food production, giving the company another source of demand beyond its established metals businesses.

There is still considerable investment required, but Jansen is getting closer to becoming an operating business.

Foolish takeaway

I would be happy buying BHP shares following today’s update.

The weaker copper production deserves attention, but I like that management has maintained guidance while continuing to advance its major growth projects.

For me, the combination of strong iron ore operations, growing copper ambitions, and the approaching start of potash production makes BHP a mining share worth owning for the long term.

The post Should I buy BHP shares after its update? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Investing $10,000 in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) could be a great way to build wealth over the long term.

And one of the most popular options on the ASX is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

But is this an ETF I would choose for a $10,000 investment today? Here’s what I think.

A simple way to own Australian shares

One of the things I like about the VAS ETF is how much exposure it provides through a single investment.

The fund tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors access to approximately 300 companies listed on the Australian share market.

That includes some of the country’s most established businesses, such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

I think there is a lot to like about owning companies like these over the long term.

CBA has a powerful position in Australian banking, while BHP provides exposure to commodities that could benefit from global economic development.

And with hundreds of other businesses included, investors can participate in the broader performance of the Australian share market.

For someone who doesn’t want to spend time researching individual companies, I think that simplicity is a major advantage.

Income and long-term growth

Another reason I like the VAS ETF is the combination of income and capital growth it can offer.

Many established Australian shares pay regular dividends, and the fund passes on income from its underlying investments through quarterly distributions.

These can also include franking credits, which may be valuable depending on an investor’s tax circumstances.

I think that gives the VAS ETF an interesting balance. Investors can receive income along the way while potentially benefiting as the underlying businesses grow their profits and become more valuable.

There is also the benefit of low costs. Vanguard charges an annual management fee of just 0.07%, equivalent to around $7 a year for every $10,000 invested.

Over a long investment horizon, I think that is another reason the ETF makes sense.

Would I invest the full $10,000?

This is where I would consider what else I already own.

Although the VAS ETF holds approximately 300 companies, the Australian share market is heavily concentrated in banking and resources.

That means the fund’s performance can be influenced considerably by the fortunes of those industries. It also provides limited exposure to technology businesses and other industries that are more prominent overseas.

For that reason, I would be more comfortable owning the VAS ETF alongside international investments. I think that would give me a better balance across countries and industries.

Foolish takeaway

I think investing $10,000 in the VAS ETF could be a smart long-term decision.

The fund offers exposure to hundreds of Australian businesses, regular income potential, and very low fees.

I would be happy buying it today, but as part of a broader portfolio that also includes international shares.

The post Is it a smart idea to invest $10,000 into the VAS ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. 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.

ASX stocks have crept higher over the past month after a shocking period between mid-August and mid-September, when indexes tumbled.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has climbed around 1% higher over the past month, and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up around 1.5% over the same period. 

The latest turnaround is great news for stressed investors.

However, not every ASX stock has followed the same trend. Some have continued tumbling.

But sometimes a share price pullback creates an opportunity for investors to buy shares in a good-quality company at a low price.

Here are two ASX stocks that have caught my eye recently. 

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

PLS shares have fallen just shy of 30% at the time of writing to $2.90 per share. The shares are also now down 32% year to date.

The lithium miner’s shares started rebounding in August off the back of growing investor optimism that the lithium price recovery is improving, and then they rocketed higher again when the miner posted a strong FY26 result in mid-August.

PLS posted a 152% increase in revenue, a 59% increase in underlying EBITDA, and a swing into profit in NPAT (from a loss in the prior corresponding period).

But soon after the shares spiked in late August, they came crashing downwards.

There isn’t any price-sensitive news out of the company to explain the latest sell-off. It’s likely a combination of investors taking gains off the table and a softer lithium price.

As a pure-play lithium producer, the company is heavily tied to a fluctuating lithium price. 

And Trading Economics data shows that lithium prices have fallen sharply, from around CNY 160,000 per tonne in early September, to around CNY 102,000 this week. That’s around a 24% decrease over the past month alone, and comes amid growing concerns of softer demand combined with a market oversupply.

But brokers are still bullish that the ASX stock can rebound over the next 12 months. Market Index data shows that the majority have a buy rating on the shares, and the $5.14 average target price implies a 77% upside at the time of writing.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Paladin Energy shares have fallen just over 28% over the past month, to a trading price of $7.29 at the time of writing. The shares are also now down 28% year to date, with the majority of that decline occurring since late August.

The ASX uranium stock has faced strong headwinds this year due to geopolitical uncertainty and a softer sentiment for uranium companies. 

Renewed conflict in the Middle East, higher inflation data, and concerns about further interest rate rises have also seen some investors reduce their exposure to higher-risk shares like Paladin Energy.

Last week, the miner also announced that its first-quarter FY27 output had dipped to 1 million pounds, further slashing investor confidence.

However, the uranium company maintained full-year FY27 guidance for its Langer Heinrich Mine. 

Paladin Energy is targeting annual uranium production of 5.1 to 5.6 million pounds for FY27, with a production ramp-up expected in the second half of the year when it mines higher-grade ores.

Investors might be spooked, but the experts are still confident in the ASX stock.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a strong buy rating on Paladin Energy shares. The $13.07 average target price implies the ASX stock could rebound 79% over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post 2 ASX stocks down 28% to 30% in a month I'd buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.