Author: openjargon

  • 3 of the best Aussie ASX growth shares to buy and hold until 2036

    A woman faces away from the camera as she stand on the beach with an Australian flag around her shoulders and making a heart shape with her hands.

    For investors willing to take a 10-year view, a handful of ASX growth shares stand out right now. When it comes to long-term investing, the real winners are often businesses with durable competitive advantages and exposure to powerful structural trends.

    Here are three ASX growth shares, down between 15% and nearly 40% this year, that could be worth buying and holding through to 2036.

    ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

    First up is ResMed, a global leader in treating sleep apnoea and respiratory conditions. The ASX growth share develops devices, masks, and digital health platforms used in both clinical and home settings, positioning it squarely within long-term trends like ageing populations, rising sleep health awareness, and the shift toward home-based care.

    ResMed’s strength lies in its ecosystem. It operates across devices, consumables, software, and data platforms, creating recurring revenue and strong customer retention. Recent results highlight that momentum, with quarterly revenue rising 11% to US$1.4 billion and earnings per share jumping 21% to US$2.86.

    The opportunity is also massive. More than 1 billion people globally are estimated to have sleep apnoea, yet diagnosis and treatment rates remain low. That gives ResMed a long runway for growth without needing to create new markets.

    Morgans Financial has a $41.72 price target on the ASX growth share, implying solid upside from current levels.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Next is Life360, a more volatile but potentially high-reward growth play. The ASX growth share has fallen sharply, down around 38% in 2026, even as the business continues to expand.

    Life360 operates a location-based app focused on family safety and connectivity. Crucially, it is shifting toward a subscription-driven model, which should improve revenue predictability over time.

    Despite softer sentiment, recent performance has been strong. In its latest quarterly update, revenue increased 26% year-on-year to US$146 million, while EBITDA surged 53% to US$32.4 million.

    The broader tech reset, particularly around artificial intelligence, has weighed on investor sentiment toward smaller platform businesses. But Life360 still sits within a growing digital ecosystem and continues to scale. Morgan Stanley has reiterated its buy rating with a $30 price target, pointing to meaningful upside.

    HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    Finally, HUB24 is a standout in the local fintech space. This $7 billion ASX growth share continues to deliver strong operational momentum as advisers increasingly adopt its platform.

    In its latest quarterly update, HUB24 reported net inflows of $4 billion, with total funds under administration reaching $151.7 billion, up 22% year-on-year. That reflects both strong inflows and continued platform adoption.

    The structural story is compelling. More than 5,200 advisers now use HUB24, and the trend toward platform monogamy — where advisers consolidate onto a single provider — is working in its favour. This is a business gaining market share in a growing industry.

    Jarden has a buy rating on HUB24 with a $115.30 price target, suggesting solid upside potential.

    Foolish Takeaway

    The bottom line is that all three ASX growth shares are exposed to long-term growth drivers and are building scalable, high-quality businesses.

    While short-term volatility is inevitable, investors focused on the next decade rather than the next quarter may find these ASX growth shares well worth holding.

    The post 3 of the best Aussie ASX growth shares to buy and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy ResMed 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 ResMed 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Hub24, Life360, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 top ASX dividend stocks on sale, are they buys today?

    A businesswoman in a suit and holding a briefcase marches higher as she steps from one stack of coins to the next.

    These two high-quality ASX dividend stocks have struggled to gain momentum in 2026. Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) is down around 16% year to date, while JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) has fallen roughly 23%.

    For income-focused investors, a pullback in market leaders like Sonic and JB Hi-Fi can present an opportunity. The ideal setup is a business that grows earnings over time while steadily lifting its dividend, especially when it’s trading at a more attractive valuation.

    Sonic Healthcare: global pathology leader

    Sonic Healthcare is a global leader in pathology and diagnostic services, with operations spanning Australia, Europe, and the US. Its defensive earnings profile comes from essential healthcare services, which tend to hold up well across economic cycles.

    One of its biggest drawcards is its dividend track record. The company has followed a progressive dividend policy, increasing its payout every year since 2013. In its FY26 half-year result, Sonic lifted its interim dividend by 2.3% to 45 cents per share.

    The last two dividends declared totalled $1.08 per share, equating to a yield of about 5.4% excluding franking credits. If that level is maintained over the next year, it would translate into a grossed-up yield of roughly 7%, which is appealing for income investors.

    There are risks to consider. Currency movements, regulatory changes, and fluctuations in testing volumes can influence Sonic’s earnings, particularly following the post-pandemic normalisation in healthcare demand.

    Broker sentiment on the ASX dividend stock is mixed. According to data from TradingView, the average price target sits at $24.49, implying potential upside of around 29% from current levels.

    JB Hi-Fi: leading electronics seller

    Turning to JB Hi-Fi, the retailer remains one of Australia’s leading sellers of consumer electronics and home appliances. The ASX dividend stock has built a reputation for strong execution, cost control, and consistent profitability in a highly competitive sector.

    JB Hi-Fi also has a solid dividend history. The company increased its dividend every year between 2013 and 2022, before a slight dip in 2023 amid higher interest rates and inflation pressures. Since then, it has resumed growing its payout.

    In its FY26 half-year result, JB Hi-Fi lifted its dividend by 23.5% to $2.10 per share, supported by a 7.1% rise in earnings per share to $2.80. The ASX dividend share might not be able to repeat that pace of dividend growth in the near term. However, the income outlook remains attractive.

    According to projections on CommSec, JB Hi-Fi is expected to deliver an annual dividend of around $3.41 in FY26. That equates to a potential grossed-up dividend yield of about 6% at current prices. Looking further ahead, CommSec forecasts that dividends will increase to $3.51 in FY27 and $3.83 in FY28, suggesting continued growth potential.

    Risks include softer consumer spending, margin pressure, and the cyclical nature of retail demand, particularly in a high interest rate environment.

    Even so, analysts remain constructive. Bell Potter Securities recently retained its buy rating on JB Hi-Fi with a $90.00 price target, suggesting a 22% upside. That’s broadly in line with the average of 15 analyst forecasts.

    Foolish Takeaway

    The bottom line is that both Sonic Healthcare and JB Hi-Fi offer a combination of income and long-term growth potential.

    With prices of both ASX dividend stocks under pressure in 2026, they may be worth considering for investors seeking reliable dividends at more attractive valuations.

    The post 2 top ASX dividend stocks on sale, are they buys today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sonic Healthcare right now?

    Before you buy Sonic Healthcare 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 Sonic Healthcare 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX 200 shares on my May watchlist

    A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.

    May could be an interesting month for several ASX 200 shares.

    A number of quality companies are scheduled to release updates or results, which means investors may soon get a clearer view of how they are tracking.

    Three ASX 200 shares on my watchlist this month are named below. I would be comfortable buying them today, but I also think there is a case for being patient, waiting for the results, or buying in stages.

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

    I think Life360 is one of the more interesting technology shares on the ASX.

    The company operates a family safety and location-sharing platform, which is used by households to stay connected and help protect loved ones. That gives it a different feel from many software businesses.

    What I like about Life360 is the size of its opportunity. The extensive free user base gives the company a large audience to convert over time, while its paid memberships, advertising opportunities, and device integrations provide different ways to grow revenue.

    I also think the product has a strong emotional angle. Families use it because it solves a real concern: knowing where people are, whether they are safe, and being alerted when something goes wrong.

    That kind of everyday usefulness can support engagement and stickiness.

    The upcoming result will be important because investors will be watching for subscriber growth, retention, annual recurring revenue, profitability, and whether management can keep expanding the platform without losing cost discipline.

    I would be a buyer today, especially after recent weakness.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    REA Group is a very different kind of digital business.

    It owns realestate.com.au, one of Australia’s most important property platforms. In my opinion, this is one of the strongest network-effect businesses on the ASX.

    Buyers go where the listings are. Agents list where the buyers are. That loop is incredibly powerful.

    The housing market has been moving through a complicated period, with interest rates, affordability, and confidence all influencing activity. But over the long term, I think REA remains in a strong position because property is such a central part of Australian life.

    People continue to search, compare, dream, buy, sell, rent, and refinance. REA sits right in the middle of that behaviour.

    The upcoming result should give investors more information on listings, pricing, depth products, and the broader property advertising backdrop.

    If the result shows that its core position remains strong, I think the long-term case could remain very attractive.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    Xero is also on my May watchlist.

    The accounting software company has been under pressure, partly because investors have been reassessing technology valuations and asking how artificial intelligence (AI) could affect software businesses.

    I think those concerns are understandable, but I also believe Xero has more resilience than the share price may suggest.

    Its software sits inside small business workflows, helping with accounting, payroll, invoicing, reporting, and compliance. Once a business and its adviser network are using the platform, it can become difficult to move away.

    That stickiness is a major part of the investment case.

    I also think AI could become an opportunity rather than a risk. If Xero can embed smarter tools into its platform, it may help customers save time and make the product more valuable.

    The upcoming result could be important for sentiment. Investors will likely be looking closely at subscriber growth, average revenue per user, margins, and how management talks about AI.

    For me, Xero remains a quality long-term growth share, but the result could help decide whether to buy more aggressively or take a slower approach.

    Foolish takeaway

    I think May could provide useful information for investors watching these three ASX 200 shares.

    Life360, REA Group, and Xero all have attractive long-term qualities, but upcoming results can sometimes create sharp share price moves.

    That is why I would consider a balanced approach. Buying half a position now and saving the other half until after the result could make sense for investors who like the businesses but want to manage timing risk.

    In my opinion, all three are worth watching closely this month.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares on my May watchlist appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Life360 and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Super Retail Group provides a trading update

    a woman wearing fashionable clothes and jewellery checks her phone with a satisfied smile on her face in a luxurous home setting.

    This afternoon, Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) reported group like-for-like sales growth of 0.4% for the second half so far, with Supercheap Auto and Macpac delivering positive momentum despite tougher trading conditions.

    What did Super Retail Group report?

    • Like-for-like sales grew 0.4% for the first 44 weeks of H2 FY26
    • Total group sales rose 3.3% for weeks 1 to 44 FY26
    • Supercheap Auto total sales up 4.3%; Macpac sales up 8.9% year to date
    • rebel’s total sales up 4.0%; BCF sales flat at -0.3%
    • Group gross margin is modestly below the same period last year
    • Group & Unallocated costs for FY26 expected at $66 million, up from previous $60 million estimate

    What else do investors need to know?

    Trading conditions across all brands were affected by the Middle East conflict and economic headwinds like higher fuel prices and rising interest rates. These factors led to subdued consumer sentiment, especially during the important Easter retail period.

    Supercheap Auto and rebel both increased their market share. Interest in auto maintenance, DIY parts, men’s sportswear, recovery gear, and football supported sales. However, discretionary spending declined, impacting categories like power tools, performance footwear, and high-value sporting equipment.

    Super Retail invested around $30 million in extra working capital to secure inventory ahead of price increases, especially for Supercheap Auto, and to ensure supply for regional areas.

    What’s next for Super Retail Group?

    The company is pressing ahead with the opening of its new Victorian distribution centre and rolling out a new HR Core & Payroll system. Both initiatives are tracking to plan this half, though the early start of these projects contributed to the higher cost outlook for FY26.

    Macpac is preparing for its peak winter season, with a focus on managing inventory carefully. Across the group, investments in supply chain and systems aim to position Super Retail Group to navigate current economic challenges and support future growth.

    Super Retail Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Super Retail shares have declined 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Super Retail Group provides a trading update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Super Retail 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 Super Retail 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs this month

    A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles with a laptop open.

    If you are lucky enough to have $5,000 to invest in the share market, but don’t enjoy stock-picking, then it could be worth considering the ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) in this article.

    ETFs remove the need to pick stocks by providing investors with access to large groups of shares with a single investment.

    But which ones could be worth considering right now?

    Here are three ASX ETFs to look at this month.

    Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

    The first ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares India Quality ETF.

    India has become a more important part of the global investment conversation. Its economy is supported by favourable demographics, rising consumption, digital adoption, and a growing corporate sector.

    This fund takes a selective approach to that opportunity. The fund aims to track an index of the highest-quality Indian companies, selected using factors such as profitability, leverage, and earnings stability.

    That gives the Betashares India Quality ETF a more focused profile than a broad India market fund. It is not simply buying the biggest companies in the market. It is trying to capture Indian growth through businesses with stronger financial characteristics.

    Its holdings include the likes of Bharti Airtel, Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and Hindustan Unilever.

    This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

    Another ASX ETF to look at this month is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

    Defence has shifted from a cyclical budget item to a more persistent priority for governments. Rising geopolitical tension has pushed national security, equipment modernisation, and defence technology higher on the agenda.

    This fund provides exposure to leading global companies involved in the defence sector, such as Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).

    As you can see, this means it is not only about traditional defence hardware. It also captures the shift toward technology, intelligence systems, and modern battlefield capability.

    This is another ETF that was recently recommended by Betashares.

    VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

    A third ASX ETF that could be a good pick for a $5,000 investment is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

    This fund gives investors access to a diversified portfolio of attractively priced international companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages for 20 years or more.

    Its holdings include NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), and Symrise (ETR: SY1).

    For investors wanting global exposure with a quality and valuation filter, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF offers a more selective route than simply buying the broad market.

    The post Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Global Defence ETF – Beta Global Defence ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Global Defence ETF – Beta Global Defence ETF 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 Betashares Global Defence ETF – Beta Global Defence ETF 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 Etsy, NXP Semiconductors, Palantir Technologies, and RTX. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Down 60% and 80%, 2 ASX shares I’d buy on the cheap

    Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.

    The market may have pushed higher over the past 12 months, but not every ASX share has been so lucky.

    The two ASX shares in this article have fallen over 60% from their highs despite the market’s rise. Here’s why I think that has been overdone and created a buying opportunity.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    There’s no other way to put it. Temple & Webster shares have been hammered.

    The online furniture and homewares retailer is down around 80% from its high, which is a huge reset for a business that was once priced for very strong growth.

    I can understand why the market has turned more cautious. Consumer spending has been under pressure as interest rates rise, housing activity has been uneven, and investors have become less willing to pay high multiples for online retail growth.

    But I still think Temple & Webster has an attractive long-term opportunity.

    The key for me is market share. Furniture, homewares, and home improvement is a very large category, and Temple & Webster still has only a small share of the total market. That gives it a long runway if more spending continues to shift online over time.

    I also like that the company is not trying to build a traditional store network. Its online model gives it the ability to offer a wide product range without carrying the same physical store footprint as many older retailers. That can support scale over time if the business keeps growing.

    This is not a risk-free recovery story. Consumer demand could stay soft, competition could remain intense, and profitability needs to keep improving.

    But after an 80% decline from its high, I think a lot of disappointment is already reflected in the share price. For patient investors, Temple & Webster shares could be worth considering for the long term.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech has also fallen a long way, with the share price down around 60% from its high.

    That is a dramatic move for one of the ASX’s highest-quality technology businesses.

    The market has been worried about valuation, acquisitions, growth expectations, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on enterprise software. I do not think those concerns should be dismissed.

    But I also think WiseTech remains a very strong business.

    Its CargoWise platform is used in the global logistics industry, which is complex, fragmented, and difficult to manage without specialised software. Once a system like CargoWise becomes deeply embedded in customer workflows, I believe it can be difficult to replace.

    That stickiness is valuable, in my opinion.

    I also think WiseTech has an opportunity to use AI as a tool rather than simply treat it as a threat. Logistics is full of documentation, routing decisions, compliance tasks, and workflow complexity. If AI can improve automation and efficiency inside CargoWise, it could make the platform more useful over time.

    The valuation is now much more interesting than it was at the peak. It may still not look conventionally cheap, but high-quality software rarely does.

    Foolish takeaway

    I do not think investors should buy every stock that has fallen heavily.

    Some share price declines are warnings, not opportunities. But in the case of Temple & Webster and WiseTech, I think there is still enough quality and long-term growth potential to take a closer look.

    Both businesses have been marked down sharply. That does not remove the risks, but it does make the risk-reward more appealing in my view.

    The post Down 60% and 80%, 2 ASX shares I’d buy on the cheap appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    A group of young people celebrate and party outside.

    It was a stunning day on the Australian share market this Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rebounding strongly after the malaise we saw earlier in the week.

    After staying comfortably in green territory all day, the ASX 200 ended up closing a solid 1.3% higher, leaving the index at 8,793.6 points.

    This happy hump day for ASX investors follows a similarly upbeat night over on Wall Street.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 0.73%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining 1.03%.

    But let’s get back to the ASX now though and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors navigated today’s tough trading conditions.

    Winners and losers

    Today’s strong performance didn’t lift all boats.

    Standing out like a sore thumb were energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had a clanger today, tanking 2.05%.

    Communications shares also missed out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) tumbling 0.98%.

    Healthcare stocks weren’t in favour either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) saw its value take a 0.89% dive today.

    Consumer staples shares were no safe haven either, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.86% retreat.

    Nor was its consumer discretionary counterpart, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) sliding 0.58% lower.

    Tech stocks were our last losers. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) drifted 0.47% lower by the close of trading.

    Let’s get to the green sectors now, though. Leading said winners were mining shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) surging 2.48% higher.

    Financial stocks also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up soaring 2.39%.

    Gold shares didn’t miss out, illustrated by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 1.16% spike.

    Nor did industrial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) managed to vault 1.14% higher.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were in demand too, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) galloping up 0.62%.

    Finally, utilities shares scraped home with a win, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)’s 0.14% uptick.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Easily leading the index this Wednesday was diversified investment house Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT). Infratil shares had a blowout today, rocketing 14.95% higher to close at $12.07 each.

    This jump followed the company’s announcement that it had secured a massive data centre deal.

    Here’s how the other top stocks pulled up at the kerb:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) $12.07 14.95%
    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) $8.08 6.60%
    Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) $2.54 6.28%
    Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) $21.39 5.47%
    Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW) $8.05 4.68%
    Emerald Resources N.L. (ASX: EMR) $5.99 4.54%
    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) $11.70 4.28%
    NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) $6.67 4.06%
    Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) $69.30 3.96%
    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) $16.38 3.74%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • The Aussie dollar just hit a 4-year high. Which ASX shares will benefit?

    A green-caped superhero reveals their identity with a big dollar sign on their chest.

    With all of the consequential events occurring on the global stage on a seemingly daily basis right now, it can be hard to keep track of what is happening on the Australian financial landscape. For those who have been keeping their eyes on the ball, it may have been noted that something rather significant is happening with our Aussie dollar.

    The Australian dollar has actually been on a tear of late. It was only in April of 2025 that the local currency dropped to a COVID-era low of about 60 US cents. That was thanks to the subsequently-walked-back-and-then-declared-illegal ‘liberation day’ tariff announcement from the US President Donald Trump.

    Today, just over a year later, things look quite different. It was only in late January that the Aussie dollar crossed 70 US cents for the first time since early 2023. Over the past week, we saw the Aussie hit, and then exceed, 72 US cents. Today, one Australian dollar will buy you about 72.5 US cents at the time of writing. That’s the highest level the Aussie has traded at against the Greenback in almost exactly four years.

    Many Australians only check the Aussie dollar exchange rate when they’re about to book an international holiday. But our dollar’s value is a vitally important economic catalyst, one that can have huge impacts on a variety of ASX shares. Let’s dig into how that works.

    To put it simply, a rising Aussie dollar makes exports more expensive for companies that send goods overseas, and makes importing goods from overseas into Australia cheaper, provided all other things remain equal.

    Which ASX shares benefit from a higher Aussie dollar?

    As such, the biggest losers from a higher Aussie dollar are arguably mining companies, as well as energy companies. Stocks like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) are forced to sell their iron ore, oil, gold and coal in US dollars on the international market. If our dollar rises in value, these companies will receive fewer Aussie dollars when they bring the US dollars they receive upon the sale of their commodities back home to the ASX.

    Any other ASX share that sends goods or services to countries beyond our shores, or brings back foreign currencies to the ASX, is also in the firing line. That might include Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), for example.

    But what about winners from a higher dollar? Well, we have those too. As you can probably gather, any country that imports goods to resell to Australians will benefit from a higher dollar. Some names that come to mind include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH), Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

    Wesfarmers imports most of the goods sold at its retailers, like Kmart, OfficeWorks, Target, and Bunnings, from their country of manufacture, which is typically China. It would be a similar story with JB and Harvey Norman’s televisions and appliances, or Ampol’s imported fuels.

    Unfortunately, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is probably dampening, if not eliminating, the benefits of our higher dollar for these stocks right now. But whenever the Strait reopens, these stocks will feel the full benefits of a rising Aussie dollar. That’s assuming the dollar stays where it is, or keeps going higher, of course.

    The post The Aussie dollar just hit a 4-year high. Which ASX shares will benefit? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Ampol 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 Ampol 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Cochlear, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX shares I would buy for both growth and passive income today

    A young farnmer raise his arms to the sky as he stands in a lush field of wheat or farmland.

    Some investors separate growth and income into different buckets.

    I understand that. A fast-growing company may reinvest heavily and pay little income, while a mature dividend stock may offer yield but limited growth.

    But I do not think investors always have to choose. Some ASX shares can offer a useful blend of both.

    Two that stand out to me today are named below.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    Wesfarmers is not the highest-yielding stock on the ASX, but I think its approximate 3% dividend yield looks appealing when combined with the quality of the business.

    For me, Wesfarmers is a growth and income stock because it has more ways to win than many large companies.

    Bunnings remains the obvious powerhouse. It has a strong market position, a trusted brand, and exposure to home improvement spending across both consumer and commercial customers.

    But the broader group is what makes Wesfarmers more interesting. Kmart continues to benefit from its value positioning, which I think is particularly useful when households are watching their spending. Officeworks gives exposure to education, small business, and technology spending. Wesfarmers Health is still being reshaped and could become a more meaningful contributor over time.

    Then there is the lithium exposure through WesCEF, which adds a very different growth angle.

    Overall, I think Wesfarmers shares are a buy because the company has a long record of reinvesting sensibly, improving its businesses, and returning cash to shareholders. That combination is exactly what I like in a long-term holding.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    Lovisa is the higher-growth pick of the two.

    The jewellery retailer has built a global rollout model that still looks very powerful to me. It sells affordable fashion jewellery, which gives it a relatively simple product proposition, but the execution is what makes the business stand out.

    Lovisa can open stores in many different markets, keep formats small, and use its buying, merchandising, and pricing model to generate strong returns. That gives the company a long runway if it keeps executing well internationally.

    Its first-half results showed total revenue rising 23.3%, supported by store network growth and comparable store sales growth. Lovisa opened 85 new stores during the half and finished the period with 1,095 stores across more than 50 markets.

    Importantly for income investors, it also lifted its interim dividend to 53 cents per share, 50% franked. That is why I think Lovisa is so interesting as a growth and income stock.

    The dividend yield of around 3.2% is already useful, but the real appeal is that the income could grow over time if the global store rollout continues successfully.

    There are risks. Fashion retail can be competitive, consumer spending can shift, and international expansion is never automatic.

    But Lovisa’s model has already travelled across many markets, and I think that gives investors a reason to stay optimistic.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were looking for ASX shares that offer both growth and passive income, Wesfarmers and Lovisa would be high on my list.

    They are very different businesses, but both offer dividends today and the potential for a larger business tomorrow.

    The post 2 ASX shares I would buy for both growth and passive income today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Lovisa 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 Lovisa 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Lovisa and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations. This has led to a number of broker notes being released this week.

    Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

    Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gaming technology company’s shares with a reduced price target of $61.00. It notes that industry data shows that Aristocrat’s games remained highly compelling to players in the North American market in March. In addition, the company has recently launched three new franchises into the market, some of which are core market favourites and have started off with strong performances. Outside this, the broker believes that Aristocrat’s leading R&D investment will drive market share gains and support further growth. And with a very strong balance sheet, Bell Potter notes that Aristocrat has substantial M&A firepower to boost growth inorganically. The Aristocrat share price is trading at $47.66 on Wednesday.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $17.95 price target on the travel agent’s shares. This follows the release of a trading update, which revealed that management has retained its guidance for FY 2026. Macquarie notes that this reflects a strong corporate performance, which is offsetting disruption in the leisure segment. Together with ongoing cost discipline and productivity gains, the broker believes the company is well-placed to grow its earnings. The Flight Centre share price is fetching $10.67 at the time of writing.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $78.75 price target on this logistics solutions technology company’s shares. This follows the reaffirmation of its guidance at a broker conference this week. Based on what management is targeting in FY 2026, Bell Potter is starting to believe that its FY 2027 forecasts could prove to be conservative. In light of this, the broker is eagerly awaiting its results in August. It sees WiseTech’s FY 2027 guidance as a potential catalyst to driving a re-rating in its share price. The WiseTech Global share price is trading at $44.96 this afternoon.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Aristocrat Leisure right now?

    Before you buy Aristocrat Leisure 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 Aristocrat Leisure 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.