Author: openjargon

  • The number one reason I’d buy BHP shares

    fintech, smart investor, happy investor, technology shares,

    There are plenty of reasons why I think BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares could be worth buying.

    It is one of the largest miners in the world, it has a long history of paying dividends, and its planned expansion into potash through Jansen could add another growth pillar over time.

    But if I had to pick the number one reason I would buy BHP shares today, it would be copper.

    I think copper exposure is becoming the most important part of the BHP investment case.

    Copper is becoming central to the story

    BHP is no longer just an iron ore giant with some other assets attached.

    Copper is now a much bigger part of the business. In the first half of FY26, BHP said copper made up more than half of its underlying earnings for the first time. The company is also on track to produce between 1.9 million and 2 million tonnes of copper in FY26.

    That shift is important in my opinion. Iron ore can still generate enormous cash flow, and I would not want to dismiss its value. But copper gives BHP exposure to a very different long-term demand story.

    Copper is used in electrification, power networks, renewable energy, electric vehicles, data centres, and digital infrastructure. As the world uses more electricity and builds more complex technology systems, I think copper demand could keep rising for decades.

    BHP’s own analysis points to global copper demand growing from around 34 million tonnes a year today to more than 50 million tonnes a year by 2050. It also believes copper demand from data centres alone could grow six-fold to nearly 3 million tonnes a year by 2050.

    That is the kind of structural trend I want exposure to.

    Supply could be the key

    The second part of the copper story is supply.

    It is one thing to have rising demand. It is another thing to find enough supply to meet it.

    BHP has highlighted that copper mines are getting older and grades are declining. It estimates the world will need 10 million tonnes of additional new copper supply by 2035 to balance demand.

    I think this is where BHP’s position becomes especially attractive.

    The company says it is the world’s largest copper producer and has a pathway to grow production into the 2030s, with copper growth options in Chile, Argentina, Australia, and the United States.

    That combination of scale, existing production, and future growth options is hard to find.

    If copper markets remain tight, I think BHP could be in a strong position to benefit.

    A diversified business helps

    Of course, I would not buy BHP only because of copper.

    The broader portfolio is still important. BHP has iron ore, steelmaking coal, and soon potash. That diversification can support cash flow through the cycle and help fund growth investment.

    This is not a small miner hoping to ride a theme. It is a global resources giant with financial strength, operating scale, and multiple ways to generate cash.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were buying BHP shares today, copper would be the main reason.

    The company still has plenty of other attractions, including dividends, iron ore cash flow, potash growth, and a diversified portfolio.

    But copper is what makes the long-term story more interesting to me.

    With demand potentially rising for decades and supply looking difficult to bring on quickly, I think BHP’s copper exposure could become an increasingly valuable part of the business. For patient investors, that could make the shares well worth considering.

    The post The number one reason I’d buy BHP shares 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 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 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.

  • My 3 favourite ASX 200 dividend shares for passive income

    Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are a great way for passive-income-seeking investors to earn some extra cash.

    Major ASX dividend shares pay shareholders a consistent dividend, usually around twice per year, though sometimes more.

    But it’s not always easy to determine which ASX dividend shares are the best to buy.

    Here are three of my top picks.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    When it comes to ASX dividend shares, dominant players like CBA are a great option.

    The banking giant is the largest ASX share by market capitalisation. It is a huge, dominant, and highly profitable ASX 200 dividend stock that is able to offer both quality and consistency.

    CBA has paid dividends twice per year consistently since 2006. The bank most recently paid its shareholders a fully-franked dividend of $2.35 per share in late March. This implies a dividend yield of around 2.74% at the time of writing.

    It’s not one of the highest-yielding players on the sharemarket, but it suits conservative investors who want to prioritise stability and profitability over a high yield. 

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    The mining giant is widely considered a premier blue-chip ASX 200 stock with a huge $277 billion market capitalisation and a strong operational history. At the time of writing, BHP is second only to CBA in terms of market size.

    BHP is a cyclical, rather than a defensive stock, and while cyclical stocks are closely tied to the broad economic cycle, they usually outperform during periods of economic recovery.

    The low-cost miner has a long history of regular dividend payment, which dates back to around 2006. And its commodity exposure is diversified too, which means it can maintain its dividend payouts even when commodity prices fluctuate.

    BHP most recently paid its shareholders an interim dividend of $1.0385 per share in March, fully franked, which translates to a dividend yield of around 3.8% at the time of writing.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Unlike CBA and BHP, Telstra is a classic defensive stock. Internet access and mobile phone connectivity are basic daily necessities these days, which means the company is likely to perform steadily regardless of the stage of the economic cycle. 

    Because of its defensive nature, Telstra can usually pay its shareholders a reliable passive income at a good dividend yield.

    The company historically pays its shareholders two dividends every year, in March and September. Most recently, shareholders were paid an interim dividend of 10.5 cents, 90.48% franked, in March. 

    The telco is expected to pay a total dividend of 20 cents for FY26, representing a 5.25% year-on-year increase. At the time of writing, that implies a dividend yield around 3.7%.

    The post My 3 favourite ASX 200 dividend shares for passive income 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 20 Feb 2026

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

    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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.

  • Forget gold! Start hunting fallen ASX 200 shares to buy for an earlier retirement

    Teen standing in a city street smiling and throwing sparkling gold glitter into the air.

    Gold has been one of the standout trades of the past year, and I can understand why investors have been drawn to it.

    When economic worries rise, geopolitical risks increase, and markets feel uncertain, gold often attracts attention. It can act as a store of value when confidence in other assets weakens.

    But if I were investing for an earlier retirement, I would be more interested in something else right now.

    I would be looking at high-quality ASX 200 shares that have fallen heavily from their highs.

    Why fallen ASX 200 shares interest me more

    Gold can be useful in a portfolio, but it does not produce earnings, pay dividends, or reinvest for growth.

    A strong business can do all three.

    That is why I think investors should be careful about getting too caught up in gold after a big run.

    If higher fuel prices keep feeding inflation, interest rates could be heading higher in the United States. That could put pressure on the gold price if real yields become more attractive.

    Meanwhile, a number of ASX 200 shares have already been punished heavily.

    Some of these falls are understandable. Earnings expectations have been reset, sentiment has weakened, and investors are less willing to pay high multiples for growth.

    But I think that is exactly where long-term opportunities can start to appear.

    The ASX 200 sell-off list is getting interesting

    There are now plenty of well-known ASX 200 names trading far below where they were.

    In healthcare, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), and Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) have all been hit hard. Each has its own issues, but I think the broader point is that investors are now being offered lower prices for businesses with meaningful long-term healthcare exposure.

    The technology sector has also been under pressure. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), and Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360) have all pulled back as investors reassess valuations, growth expectations, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). I do not think every fallen tech share is automatically a bargain, but I do think this is where patient investors should be looking closely.

    Then there are turnaround-style names such as Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) and Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), where sentiment has been weak for some time. These situations can take longer to play out, but they can also become interesting when expectations are already low.

    The point is not that every one of these shares is a screaming buy today. It is that the opportunity set has changed. A year ago, many quality ASX 200 shares looked expensive. Today, more of them are trading at prices that could give long-term investors a better chance of attractive returns.

    Cheap does not mean risk-free

    Of course, a falling share price does not automatically make a stock a bargain.

    Some companies fall because the outlook has genuinely deteriorated. Others need time to rebuild confidence. And in some cases, earnings may take years to return to previous highs.

    That is why I would be selective.

    I would want businesses with strong market positions, long growth runways, and balance sheets that can handle tougher conditions. I would also want management teams that have a clear plan to keep the business moving forward.

    For me, the opportunity is about finding good companies where the share price may have fallen further than the long-term investment case has changed.

    Why this could help with retirement

    The path to an earlier retirement usually comes from owning assets that compound over time.

    That means buying quality businesses, reinvesting dividends where possible, and giving them years to grow.

    If investors can buy those businesses when sentiment is weak, the long-term returns can be much stronger.

    A recovery does not need to happen quickly. In fact, patient investors may benefit if prices stay low for a while and allow them to keep adding.

    Foolish takeaway

    Gold may still have a role for some investors, especially during uncertain periods.

    But if I were trying to build wealth for an earlier retirement, I would be hunting for fallen ASX 200 shares instead.

    With so many quality ASX 200 shares trading well below their highs, I think May could be a good time to start looking carefully.

    The post Forget gold! Start hunting fallen ASX 200 shares to buy for an earlier retirement 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 positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Life360, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Pro Medicus, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 key takeaways from Westpac’s half-year results

    Happy man at an ATM.

    Yesterday, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) released its half-year results, and I think there was plenty for investors to like.

    This was not a spectacular result, but it was a solid one. The bank showed lending and deposit growth, strong capital, improving customer metrics, and ongoing progress with its simplification program.

    Here are my three key takeaways.

    Growth across the core bank looks healthy

    Westpac reported statutory net profit of $3.4 billion, down 5% on the second half of FY25 but up 3% on the prior corresponding period.

    That is a fairly steady earnings outcome, but I think the more interesting part is what is happening underneath.

    Westpac grew lending and deposits by 7% over the year. Customer deposits increased to $745.2 billion, while loans rose to $890.3 billion.

    The mortgage book also looks healthier. Australian mortgage growth, excluding RAMS, was 1.2 times system (industry growth) in the half, and the proportion of first-party lending improved.

    I think that is encouraging because Westpac has been working to improve its proprietary mortgage channel. It does not just want growth for the sake of growth. It wants better-quality growth with stronger customer relationships.

    Business lending was another bright spot, with Australian business lending up 16% over the year. Growth was supported by areas such as agriculture, health, professional services, and institutional lending.

    The balance sheet remains a strength

    The second takeaway is that Westpac’s financial position still looks strong.

    Its CET1 capital ratio was 12.4%, comfortably above its target of 11.25% in normal operating conditions. The bank said this equated to $2.7 billion of capital above target after payment of the first-half dividend.

    That gives management flexibility at a time when the economic backdrop is less predictable.

    Westpac also declared an interim dividend of 77 cents per share, fully franked. That was supported by its solid financial performance and capital position.

    For income investors, I think that is a pleasing outcome.

    Credit quality also looked relatively resilient. Stressed exposures as a percentage of total committed exposure fell to 1.16%, down 12 basis points on September 2025 and down 20 basis points on March 2025.

    At the same time, Westpac has increased provisions to reflect the revised economic outlook and potential pressure on energy-intensive sectors. In my view, that looks prudent rather than concerning.

    Execution is becoming a bigger part of the story

    The third key takeaway for me is that Westpac is making progress in its quest to become a simpler, more efficient bank.

    The UNITE program is now in the implementation phase. During the half, Westpac completed its first large-scale migration, creating a single wealth platform for advisers on BT Panorama. It is also progressing work on One Commercial Bank.

    I think this is important because Westpac has not always been viewed as the cleanest or most efficient of the major banks.

    If UNITE can simplify systems, reduce duplication, and improve the customer experience, it could help close some of that gap over time.

    There were also encouraging customer and digital signs, with Westpac saying its app was ranked number one for the third year in a row.

    Foolish takeaway

    Overall, I think Westpac delivered a solid half-year result.

    The bank is growing in its core markets, maintaining a strong balance sheet, supporting a fully franked dividend, and making progress on simplification.

    The investment question is a little more nuanced after a strong run in the share price. Westpac is clearly a quality bank, but I would be mindful of its valuation before getting too enthusiastic.

    For existing shareholders, though, I think this result gives plenty of reasons to stay positive.

    The post 3 key takeaways from Westpac’s half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westpac Banking Corporation right now?

    Before you buy Westpac Banking Corporation 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 Westpac Banking Corporation 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 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.

  • Computershare affirms FY26 earnings guidance and upgrades outlook

    Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.

    Yesterday afternoon, Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) reaffirmed its FY26 earnings guidance, expecting Management EPS to come in around 144 cents per share, up roughly 6% from last year. Margin income guidance was upgraded to around $740 million on stronger client balances.

    What did Computershare report?

    • FY26 Management Earnings Per Share (EPS) guidance affirmed at 144 cents, up approximately 6% on PCP
    • Margin income upgraded to about $740 million for FY26
    • Issuer Services register maintenance performed consistently, with a growing corporate actions pipeline
    • Employee Share Plans fee revenue and trading activity increased, particularly among energy sector clients
    • Corporate Trust fee revenues and issuance volumes higher than prior year period
    • Client average balances forecast $0.5 billion higher than previously expected

    What else do investors need to know?

    Computershare says its global operations continue to benefit from structural tailwinds, a high level of recurring revenue, and growing operating leverage. The company highlighted an uplift in margin income as a result of rising client balances, especially from corporate actions.

    Approval as a Ginnie Mae document custodian in March 2026 was flagged as a positive step, supporting future growth in the Corporate Trust segment. The business also cited its readiness to adapt to new equity market structures, including possible tokenization developments.

    What’s next for Computershare?

    Looking ahead to FY27, Computershare expects to continue leveraging structural growth and high recurring revenue streams. Management believes the company is well placed to deliver ongoing growth and strong shareholder returns as it takes advantage of developments like tokenization and sector expansion.

    The business plans to build on robust performances across Issuer Services, Employee Share Plans, and Corporate Trust, focusing on innovation and operational efficiency to maintain competitiveness in changing markets.

    Computershare share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Computershare shares have declined 20%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Computershare affirms FY26 earnings guidance and upgrades outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Computershare 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 Computershare 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 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. 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.

  • Are Flight Centre shares a buy after rebounding from a 6-year low?

    A family walks along the tarmac towards a plane representing more people travelling as ASX travel shares recover

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) could be staging a comeback.

    Yesterday, the ASX 200 travel stock rose around 3% after releasing its third quarter update.

    This was welcome news for Flight Centre investors. Last Friday, the company slumped to a six-year low of $10.15.

    For the year to date, Flight Centre shares have declined more than 30%.

    What did Flight Centre report yesterday?

    The company reported a strong third-quarter update, despite ongoing travel disruptions and fuel supply challenges. 

    Flight Centre revealed that its underlying profit before tax (UPBT) has risen 9.7% to $226.4 million and total transaction value (TTV) is up 7.6% to $19.5 billion for the nine months to 31 March.

    The company said it continues to focus on efficiency, with costs now well below pre-pandemic levels and productivity up across the business. 

    It also confirmed that its global corporate operations have remained resilient, recording solid transaction and profit growth, while the leisure division achieved nine consecutive months of double-digit TTV growth across all categories. Its corporate segment TTV rose 4% and leisure segment TTV climbed 12% over the quarter.

    Flight Centre has reiterated its full-year UPBT target of $315 million to $350 million but said it is closely monitoring the impact of global events, especially unrest in the Middle East, on near-term trading. 

    Are Flight Centre shares a buy, sell or hold?

    Weak travel demand and geopolitical tensions have put pressure on the travel company’s stock. Meanwhile, inflation concerns and tighter cost-of-living have also seen many consumers scale back their discretionary spending on things like travel.

    But when travel disruptions and fuel supply concerns ease, travel stocks like Flight Centre could rebound quickly.

    After yesterday’s news and market reaction, prospective Flight Centre investors may be wondering whether the stock has bottomed out.

    Analysts are incredibly bullish on the outlook for Flight Centre shares, with consensus of a steep upside ahead over the next 12 months.

    According to TradingView data, 15 out of 17 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the travel stock. Another two rate the shares as a hold.

    The average target price of $16.60 implies a potential 60% upside at the time of writing. But some think the travel shares could soar even higher, by 90% to $19.66 in the next 12 months.

    This suggests that those looking to add an ASX travel stock to their portfolio should seriously consider Flight Centre at the current share price.

    The post Are Flight Centre shares a buy after rebounding from a 6-year low? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre Travel Group right now?

    Before you buy Flight Centre Travel 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 Flight Centre Travel 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 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 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.

  • This ASX 200 gold stock rose 10% yesterday: Is it a buy, hold or sell?

    Three people with gold streamers celebrate good news.

    ASX 200 gold stock Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) flew higher on Tuesday. At the close of the ASX at 4pm, the gold stock was up 9.33% to $13.01 a piece making it the best performer on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) for the day.

    At one point, just before market close, the shares climbed as high as $13.25 each.

    The uptick means the shares have now rebounded 38% from a dip in late-March. For the year-to-date Capricorn Metals’ shares are still down 10%, but they’re 40% higher than this time last year.

    For context, the ASX 200 Index closed the day in the red, down 0.2% and is around 6% higher than 12 months ago.

    Why did Capricorn Metals shares fly higher on Tuesday?

    There wasn’t any price sensitive news out of the gold miner today to explain the latest price surge, so the increase is likely due to a combination of positive factors causing a rally in investor interest.

    The price of gold tumbled on Monday, before rebounding slightly yesterday. As a gold producer, any movement in the gold price is positive for Capricorn Metals’ shares. Although it’s important to note that the share price of other major large-cap gold producers such as Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST) and Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN), slipped into the red on Tuesday. 

    Another potential catalyst could be that positive sentiment has flowed on from the company’s March-quarter result last week.

    Capricorn Metals posted a strong gold production, a record quarterly cash flow, and a maiden 5 cent per share fully-franked dividend payment to shareholders.

    The company also said it is on track to meet the upper end of its FY26 production guidance of 115,000 to 125,000 ounces at an All-in-sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,530 to $1,630 per ounce. 

    Year-to-date gold production totals 93,152 ounces at an AISC of $1,623 per ounce.

    Capricorn is also making steady progress on its next phase of growth. Development of the Karlawinda Expansion Project (KEP) is advancing well, and work continues at its Mt Gibson Gold Project (MGGP). 

    Are the shares a buy, sell or hold?

    Following the gold miner’s latest update, many analysts have revised their outlook on Capricorn Metals’ shares.

    Market Index data shows a consensus strong buy rating with a 41% potential upside to $18.46, at the time of writing.

    TradingView data shows very similar data, again with a consensus buy rating. Some expect the gold miner’s shares to climb 40% to $18.22 but others are more bullish and think the share price could jump another 85% to $24 each.

    Whatever the upside over the next 12 months, it looks like Capricorn Metals’ shares are at the beginning of a rally.

    The post This ASX 200 gold stock rose 10% yesterday: Is it a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Capricorn Metals right now?

    Before you buy Capricorn Metals 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 Capricorn Metals 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 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.

  • 3 high-quality ASX growth shares for smart investors to buy and hold for 10 years

    A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.

    A 10-year holding period changes the way investors should think about growth shares.

    The focus shifts away from short-term price movements and toward businesses that can keep expanding earnings through different market conditions.

    That usually means looking for companies with strong competitive positions, scalable models, and long runways for growth.

    With that in mind, here are three high-quality ASX growth shares that could be worth buying and holding for the next decade.

    CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

    The first ASX growth share to consider buying is CAR Group.

    It owns digital vehicle marketplaces in Australia and several international markets. Its flagship platform, carsales, is one of the strongest online classified businesses in the country.

    The appeal of CAR Group is its marketplace structure. Buyers want to use the platform with the most listings, while dealers and private sellers want to advertise where the buyers are. This creates a network effect that is difficult for competitors to break.

    The company has also expanded beyond Australia, giving it access to larger offshore markets. That international exposure provides another path for earnings growth over time.

    With strong platform economics and a long history of execution, CAR Group remains well placed to keep compounding over the next decade.

    ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

    ResMed is another high-quality ASX growth share that could reward patient investors.

    It is a global leader in sleep apnoea treatment and respiratory care. Its devices, masks, and connected software help patients manage breathing-related conditions at home.

    The long-term opportunity is supported by a large underdiagnosed market. Millions of people globally suffer from sleep apnoea, but the majority remain untreated. As awareness improves and healthcare systems focus more on home-based care, demand for ResMed’s products should continue to grow.

    The company also benefits from scale, brand trust, and an expanding digital ecosystem. Connected devices and software give ResMed a stronger relationship with patients, providers, and healthcare systems.

    With strong long-term healthcare demand and a leadership position in its market, ResMed has the qualities needed to keep growing well into the future.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    TechnologyOne is a third ASX growth share to look at this month.

    It offers a different type of long-term growth opportunity. The company provides enterprise software to government departments, councils, universities, and large organisations. These customers rely on its products for critical operations, which supports high retention and recurring revenue.

    TechnologyOne’s shift to software-as-a-service has strengthened the business. It has improved revenue visibility, supported margins, and given the company a more scalable platform for growth.

    Its expansion opportunity is also not limited to Australia. The company has been building its presence in the United Kingdom, which could become a more meaningful contributor over time if execution remains strong.

    With mission-critical software, recurring revenue, and a disciplined growth strategy, TechnologyOne could be a share to own for the next 10 years.

    The post 3 high-quality ASX growth shares for smart investors to buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy CAR Group Ltd 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 CAR Group Ltd 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 ResMed and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ResMed and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Where to invest $2,000 in ASX ETFs

    Man looking at an ETF diagram.

    A $2,000 investment can still go a long way with ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

    The key is choosing funds that provide meaningful exposure in a single trade. That could mean backing a sector that has been sold down, tapping into a long-term global trend, or using one diversified ETF to cover a broad mix of markets.

    Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth looking at.

    BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

    The first ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

    It gives investors exposure to Australian technology companies, which is a part of the market that has been under pressure as growth shares have sold off. That weakness may be frustrating for existing holders, but it can create a different starting point for new money.

    Its holdings include NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

    The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a way to back a recovery in local tech while still gaining exposure to businesses tied to structural growth.

    It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

    Another ASX ETF worth a closer look is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

    Gaming has moved far beyond consoles in the lounge room. It now includes mobile games, online platforms, digital content, esports, and the hardware that supports richer gaming experiences.

    This fund provides exposure to global companies operating across this ecosystem. Its holdings include Nintendo, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), and Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700).

    For investors looking beyond the usual technology names, the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF provides access to a global entertainment industry that continues to evolve.

    This fund was recommended by VanEck recently.

    Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

    A third ASX ETF to consider is the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF.

    It is built for investors who want broad exposure without having to choose between individual regions or asset classes.

    The fund invests across Australian shares, international shares, emerging markets, and a smaller allocation to defensive assets. This gives it a very different role from a narrow thematic ETF.

    That structure means the fund is less about backing one theme and more about owning a diversified mix of growth assets through a single ASX trade.

    For investors who want simplicity, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF can provide a ready-made way to put $2,000 to work across local and global markets.

    Vanguard recently recommended this fund to investors.

    The post Where to invest $2,000 in ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology 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 S&P Asx Australian Technology 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 positions in Nextdc, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nintendo, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. 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

    Girl with painted hands.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) suffered a rather bleak trading day this Tuesday, not assisted by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s widely anticipated decision to once again hike interest rates by 0.25% (the third hike of 2026 so far).

    After trading in the red all session today, the ASX 200 recovered a little towards the end of the day to finish down 0.19%.

    That leaves the index at 8,680.5 points.

    This miserable Tuesday for the Australian markets comes after a rough start to the American trading week last night.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a foul mood, dropping 1.13%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did noticeably better, but still fell 0.19%.

    Let’s get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors navigated today’s tough trading conditions.

    Winners and losers

    Despite the broader market’s loss, we had a few ASX sectors push higher.

    But first, it was gold stocks that took the brunt of the selling this Tuesday. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was hit hard, tanking 0.75%.

    Broader mining shares weren’t popular either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 0.54%.

    Financial stocks didn’t do much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) saw its value slump 0.5%.

    Consumer discretionary shares also had a day to forget, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.43% dive.

    Our last losers were healthcare stocks, albeit barely. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) slid 0.01% lower this session.

    Let’s turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were energy shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) soaring up 0.89%.

    Tech stocks ran hot, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) saw its value surge 0.76% this session.

    Communications shares were also in demand, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.71% jump.

    Utilities stocks didn’t miss out either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) bounced up 0.67%.

    Next came real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) adding 0.39% to its total.

    Consumer staples shares were in a similar ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) went home 0.35% heavier.

    Finally, industrial stocks stuck the landing, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.12% rise.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Our winning stock this Tuesday was gold miner Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM). Capricorn defied most of the stocks in its sector to push 9.33% higher to $13.01 a share. That came despite no news out of the company this session.

    Here’s how the other winners landed their planes:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) $13.01 9.33%
    Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT) $5.89 5.75%
    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) $45.75 5.22%
    Pinnacle Investment Management Ltd (ASX: PNI) $16.21 4.99%
    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) $10.59 4.23%
    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) $86.17 3.92%
    Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) $4.17 3.73%
    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) $2.92 3.18%
    Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) $4.64 3.11%
    Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) $2.72 2.64%

    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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Capricorn Metals right now?

    Before you buy Capricorn Metals 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 Capricorn Metals 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 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 Pinnacle Investment Management Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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.