Author: openjargon

  • 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio

    Person with a handful of Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    ASX dividend shares are a great choice for investors who want a long-term passive income.

    When it comes to choosing the best ones for your portfolio, you should be looking for a history of consistent payouts, and ones which are able to steadily increase over time.

    Here are three reliable and robust ASX dividend shares which I think should be in every investor’s portfolio.

    Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    Soul Patts is widely regarded as Australian dividend royalty. The diversified Australian investment house pays its fully-franked dividends twice per year.

    For the first half of FY26, the ASX dividend share paid a fully-franked interim dividend of 48 cents per share. That’s a 9.1% increase on the prior corresponding period and represents the 28th consecutive year of increasing dividends. It also implies a trailing dividend yield of 2.69% at the time of writing.

    In FY25, it paid a total $1.03 per share, 100% fully franked. All Australian investors should consider having Soul Patts shares in their portfolio.

    At the close of the ASX on Tuesday afternoon, the shares were $40.40 a piece.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    APA is one of the most stable ASX dividend shares listed on the ASX. The energy infrastructure business is well-known for paying strong, consistent dividends, with revenue derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets. 

    APA has hiked its payout every year for the last 20 years. Its yield is usually much higher than the wider market, too, which makes it an appealing option for investors seeking an ongoing passive income.

    The company paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents in the first half of FY26 and is guiding a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. That translates to a forward distribution yield of 6.07%, partially franked.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS

    As a textbook defensive asset, Telstra shares are likely to perform steadily regardless of what part of the economic cycle we’re in. The telco has a predictable cash flow, reliable earnings, and a dividend payout ratio close to 100% of its earnings. That unlocks a great dividend yield for its shareholders. 

    Telstra pays investors two dividends every year, in March and September. Last month, investors received an interim 10.5 cent dividend, 90.48% franked.

    In FY25 the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share, which translates to a 3.9% dividend yield at the time of writing. The telco is expected to pay an even larger 20-cent final dividend for FY26, which represents a 5.25% increase year-on-year. 

    At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, Telstra shares were $5.33 a piece.

    The post 3 must-own ASX dividend shares which belong in every portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy APA Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years

    Woman calculating dividends on calculator and working on a laptop.

    When I think about dividend investing over a long period like seven years, I am looking for businesses that can grow their distributions over time, supported by reliable cash flow, strong assets, and structural demand.

    For me, that often leads back to infrastructure.

    These are not flashy businesses. But they are ASX dividend shares that tend to provide exactly what long-term income investors need. Stability, visibility, and the potential for steady growth.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    Transurban is one of those businesses that I think becomes more attractive the longer your time horizon is.

    At its core, it owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America. These are essential assets that people use every day, often without much thought.

    Traffic continues to grow steadily, with average daily trips rising and supporting revenue growth across the network. At the same time, toll revenue and EBITDA are also moving higher, reflecting both usage and pricing power.

    What I like most is the predictability.

    Transurban expects a FY26 distribution of 69 cents per security, representing growth on the prior year and an attractive forward dividend yield of 4.9%. That kind of steady increase is exactly what I want from an income investment.

    On top of that, its assets have very long concession lives. In some cases, decades. That gives the company a long runway to generate cash flow and continue returning it to investors.

    Overall, I see this as a core income holding that could quietly compound over time.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    APA Group offers a different type of infrastructure exposure, but I think it complements Transurban well.

    Instead of toll roads, APA owns and operates energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines, electricity transmission assets, and renewable energy projects.

    These are critical assets for the Australian economy.

    What stands out to me is how stable the earnings base is. A large portion of APA’s revenue is linked to long-term contracts and inflation-linked tariffs, which helps support consistent cash flow.

    That is showing up in the numbers. APA delivered growth in revenue and earnings in its recent half, with underlying EBITDA rising 7.6%. Importantly for income investors, distributions are also moving higher, with FY26 guidance of 58 cents per security. At a current share price of $9.87 per share, this equates to an above-average distribution yield of 5.9%.

    Looking ahead, I believe this distribution can continue to grow due to its clear growth pipeline. Management recently increased its organic growth pipeline to around $3 billion, which should help drive future earnings and, in turn, distributions.

    Overall, I think APA offers a compelling mix of income today and growth over time.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were building an income-focused portfolio for the next seven years, I think Transurban and APA Group would be great picks.

    Transurban brings exposure to essential transport infrastructure with long concession lives and steadily rising distributions. APA Group provides access to energy infrastructure with contracted, inflation-linked revenue and a visible growth pipeline.

    The post 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy APA Group shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely

    Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.

    ASX financials stocks have shown some resilience in 2026 despite broader market sell-offs.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) index remains flat year to date. 

    This week, two ASX financial stocks have received positive outlooks from brokers. 

    Here’s what’s behind the optimistic view. 

    Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

    Navigator Global Investments is a holding company. 

    It is an alternative asset management firm with diverse partnerships across investment styles, product types, and client bases. Navigator Global Investments has around US$73 billion in assets under management and is currently partnered with 11 businesses.

    It has fallen 28% year to date, however a key announcement could be good news for the ASX financials stock according to Morgans. 

    The company released an announcement on Monday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a strategic minority ownership interest and a preferred economic interest in Georgian and its affiliates (“Georgian”).

    Georgian is a Toronto, Canada based AI-focused growth equity firm with USD $5.9 billion in assets under management. 

    Stephen Darke, NGI CEO, commented, 

    Our strategic partnership with Georgian is the latest example of NGI executing our strategy to provide growth capital to leading alternative investment firms globally. Artificial intelligence will be one of the dominant investment themes of the next century, and in Georgian we have found an aligned partner that is a true pioneer in the field.

    Following the announcement, the team at Morgans updated its outlook on this ASX financials stock. 

    Morgans said it expects EPS to increase by 1-3% following the transaction. 

    It also rates Navigator Global Investments shares a buy, however reduced its price target to $2.98 (previously $3.35). 

    From yesterday’s closing price of $2.12, this indicates an upside of approximately 40%. 

    Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL)

    Cuscal Ltd is a payment and regulated data services provider in Australia. The group offers a comprehensive suite of payment infrastructure solutions to a diversified client base.

    In a note out of Bell Potter yesterday, the broker updated its outlook on this ASX financials stock after the Reserve Bank of Australia announced surcharging on debit and credit cards should end from 1 October 2026. 

    This could impact Cuscal margins removing a key revenue mechanism tied to merchant card payments.

    However, Bell Potter said its buy rating and target price is unchanged. 

    We view the outcome today as a mild indirect positive for CCL whose customer base are price takers with low exposure to credit and view subscription-based models are an emerging second leg of growth.

    Bell Potter has maintained its price target of $5.10 on this ASX financials stock, which indicates a potential upside of 28% from yesterday’s closing price. 

    The post Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Navigator Global Investments right now?

    Before you buy Navigator Global Investments 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 Navigator Global Investments 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

  • 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week

    Ecstatic woman on her phone giving a fist pump after reading some good news.

    If I had a spare $10,000, here are five ASX shares I’d invest in. And they’re all tipped to climb higher over the next 12 months.

    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

    While 2026 so far has been a series of bad news events for the AMP share price, it looks like the stock could shift course and begin soaring again over the next 12 months.

    This week, AMP confirmed it will undertake an on-market buyback of up to $150 million of ordinary shares and Blair Vernon has officially stepped into the CEO role. Sentiment could well follow suit.

    Analysts have a strong buy rating on AMP shares and tip a potential 33% upside to $1.75 per share, at the time of writing.

    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

    Capstone shares have crashed 40% over the past six weeks driven by rising operating costs and production disruptions. But I think rising copper prices could renew some investor confidence in the ASX copper company’s shares.

    Capstone has confirmed 2026 production guidance of 200,000 to 230,000 tonnes of copper at C1 cash costs of US$2.45 to US$2.75 per pound. It also expects largely stable production in 2026, with growth anticipated from Mantoverde Optimised from 2027.

    Analysts tip the shares to jump 45% higher to $15.10 a piece, at the time of writing.

    EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT)

    EVT is an Australian provider of entertainment, hospitality, tourism, and leisure-related services in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. The company announced it has completed $750 million in refinancing this week. 

    The refinancing, together with EVT’s non-core asset divestment program, is expected to give the business more financial flexibility and aid a business shift towards the hotel and accommodation sector.

    Analysts tip a potential 20% upside to $15.90 a piece, at the time of writing.

    Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

    The ASX gold stock’s shares have tumbled nearly 27% over the past month after concerns about rising inflation and more interest rate hikes overshadowed gold’s traditional safe-haven status.

    The metal’s price has tumbled from an all-time high on the 1st of March. But Genesis Minerals’ has managed to maintain a strong revenue and earnings performance driven by increased production. I think as soon as gold comes back into favor, this ASX share will fly higher.

    Analysts tip a potential 60% share price upside to $9.41, at the time of writing.

    Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM)

    Newmont is another ASX gold share which was oversold in March.

    Declining gold prices have weighed heavily on the world’s largest gold miner, with its share price down 19% over the course of the month. I think the stock could rebound sharply as the gold price recovers.

    Analysts tip a potential 26% upside to $192.20 a piece, over the next 12 months. 

    The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AMP Limited right now?

    Before you buy AMP Limited 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 AMP Limited 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • AGL Energy gives green light to $490m Kwinana gas project

    man analysing share price

    Yesterday afternoon, AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) announced it has made the Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with the Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 Project (K2), a major 220 MW dual-fuel gas power station in Western Australia. The $490 million project is expected to support AGL’s growth in the WA energy market and diversify earnings.

    What did AGL Energy report?

    • Final Investment Decision to proceed with $490 million Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 Project
    • K2 will be a 220 MW open-cycle, dual-fuel gas turbine plant, co-located with AGL’s existing Kwinana facility
    • Construction to start mid-2026, with operations targeted for Q4 2027
    • Ten years of revenue secured at $360,700 per MW, escalating with CPI
    • Expected asset life of 25 years; targeted project return above 8% post-tax, ungeared
    • Growth capex forecast for FY26 now approximately $750 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    AGL reached this FID just months after agreeing to purchase four gas turbines from Siemens AB, illustrating strong momentum in its portfolio revamp. The company has also secured 176 MW of Peak Certified Reserve Capacity credits from the Australian Energy Market Operator, which begin from October 2027.

    Funding for the project will come from AGL’s existing balance sheet, and about one-third of the K2 expenditure will occur in FY26, with the rest spread across the following two years. The deal strengthens AGL’s position in WA, where it has a flexible gas supply portfolio to support the new facility.

    What did AGL Energy management say?

    AGL Managing Director and CEO Damien Nicks, said:

    The Final Investment Decision on the K2 Project, on the back of our recently signed 15-year PPA with Waddi Wind Farm for 105 MW, bolsters AGL’s portfolio in Western Australia and provides further opportunity to continue to scale our Perth Energy business and further diversify our earnings outside the NEM. It marks another important milestone in AGL’s strategy to develop new firming capacity to support the build out of renewables, and further expands the breadth and capacity of the company’s flexible asset portfolio.

    What’s next for AGL Energy?

    AGL expects construction of the K2 project to commence in mid-2026, with plant operations targeted for late 2027. This investment is part of AGL’s broader strategy to add new firming capacity and support Australia’s renewable transition, especially outside the National Electricity Market.

    With a diversified generation and gas portfolio, AGL continues to focus on its Climate Transition Action Plan, positioning itself to be a leader in Australia’s shift toward lower emissions and a smarter energy future.

    AGL Energy share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, AGL shares have declined 6%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post AGL Energy gives green light to $490m Kwinana gas project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AGL Energy Limited right now?

    Before you buy AGL Energy Limited 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 AGL Energy Limited 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

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    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.

  • Why I think these Vanguard ETFs could be top buys for next month (and forever)

    A casually dressed woman at home on her couch looks at index fund charts on her laptop.

    As we head into April, I continue to find myself focusing on what I would be comfortable holding for years.

    That usually leads me back to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

    Not because they are exciting, but because they allow you to capture long-term trends, diversify broadly, and stay invested without overthinking every decision.

    Right now, there are three Vanguard ETFs that stand out to me ahead of the new month.

    Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

    If I wanted a single ETF to do most of the heavy lifting, this would be high on my list.

    The VDHG ETF is essentially a portfolio in itself. It spreads your investment across Australian shares, global shares, emerging markets, and even a small allocation to fixed income.

    What I like about it is how it removes decision-making. You do not need to worry about rebalancing between regions or trying to time different markets. The structure handles that for you.

    It also leans heavily toward growth assets, which I think makes sense for long-term investors who can ride out volatility.

    For someone looking to build wealth steadily without constantly adjusting their portfolio, I think this ETF does a lot of things right.

    Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)

    Large companies tend to dominate headlines, but smaller companies are often where some of the most interesting growth happens.

    That is what draws me to the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF.

    This ETF gives exposure to international small-cap companies across developed markets. These are businesses that are earlier in their growth journey, often more nimble, and sometimes overlooked by broader indices.

    I see this as a way to add depth to a portfolio. While large caps provide stability and scale, small caps can offer a different growth dynamic. Over long periods, that combination can be powerful.

    It will not always outperform. In fact, small caps can be more volatile. But for a long-term investor, I think that is part of the opportunity.

    Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

    Technology has been one of the defining forces in markets over the past decade, and I do not think that trend is fading.

    The Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF is a new addition to the ETF universe, and what I like about it is its focused exposure.

    Instead of owning the entire market, it concentrates on around 300 technology stocks across both developed and emerging markets. That includes many of the global leaders driving innovation today.

    What I like in particular is the global approach. It is not just US tech. It includes companies from multiple regions, which I think gives a broader view of how technology is evolving worldwide.

    This is a higher-growth, higher-volatility type of ETF. But over a long time horizon, I think having targeted exposure to the technology sector makes a lot of sense.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were looking at Vanguard ETFs to buy in April and hold for the long term, I would want a mix of simplicity, diversification, and growth.

    The VDHG ETF offers an all-in-one solution that can form the core of a portfolio. The VISM ETF adds exposure to smaller companies that can drive future growth. The VTEK ETF brings a focused tilt toward global technology, one of the most important themes in modern markets.

    Together, I think they could form a portfolio that is both simple and forward-looking, which is what I want when investing for the long term.

    The post Why I think these Vanguard ETFs could be top buys for next month (and forever) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index 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 Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

  • The Iran war has changed investing. Here are 3 ways to position an ASX share portfolio

    A businessman wears armour and holds a shield and sword.

    The war that the United States of America and Israel launched against Iran at the start of this month has comprehensively changed the investing landscape. Many ASX shares that were previously expecting to have a relatively smooth 2026 are now wargaming the supply of their most basic inputs – energy. Investors with ASX share portfolios would be forgiven for wondering how to chart a course forward. 

    Of course, the energy shock that has resulted from this war is still reverberating through the global economy. We don’t yet know whether the Strait of Hormuz will be closed for another day or another year. 

    What we do know is that things will be different, in both the Australian and global economies, for a while.

    So how do we account for these differences in our own ASX share portfolios?

    Well, I think there are three things investors can do.

    Three ways to position an ASX share portfolio for 2026

    Firstly, ASX investors can focus on finding and owning shares of companies that possess a moat, or an intrinsic competitive advantage that can protect them from inflation, recessions, and other potential economic maladies in 2026. ‘Moats’ are a concept initially coined by legendary investor Warren Buffett, who only tends to buy companies that he thinks possess at least one wide moat. This could be a cost advantage, a powerful brand that inspires loyalty, or else making a good or service that investors find difficult to avoid buying.   

    Companies that possess these moats are usually the most resilient in the markets. They tend to survive the bad times and thrive when the global economy is booming.

    Secondly, investors can take advantage of higher interest rates. Few Australians get excited when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifts rates, as it did at the start of this month. But while higher rates make loans and mortgages more expensive to service, they also increase the returns of cash and fixed-interest investments. With term deposit rates now above 5%, there’s nothing wrong, at least in my view, with parking your surplus cash in the bank rather than the share market if you are worried about where things might go next. After all, the interest rate on a term deposit is completely safe, unlike an investment in any ASX share.

    This time it’s different?

    Finally, and this might be tough to hear, investors might want to prepare for a rough 2026 by lowering their expectations. The past few years have been exceptionally lucrative for stock market investors. To illustrate, as of 28 February, the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) has averaged 12.15% per annum over the past three years, and hit 16.2% for the preceding 12 months. Those are uncommonly high returns for a simple ASX index fund. The longer-term average sits closer to 8% per annum.

    I’m a firm believer in the enduring tendency for investing metrics to regress to their mean. As such, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a return of well below 12% for the ASX 200 in 2026, and possibly in 2027 and beyond as well.

    The post The Iran war has changed investing. Here are 3 ways to position an ASX share portfolio 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

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    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 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.

  • A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth

    A girl sits on her bed in her room while using laptop and listening to headphones.

    When I think about building long-term wealth, I’m a fan of simplicity.

    Not necessarily because simple is easy, but because simple is repeatable.

    The more complicated a portfolio becomes, the harder it is to stick with when markets get volatile. And in my experience, sticking with a strategy matters far more than constantly tweaking it.

    If I were building a simple portfolio from scratch today, this is a three-exchange-traded funds (ETF) combination I would be very comfortable holding for years.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    For me, any long-term portfolio needs exposure to the United States.

    The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives access to 500 of the largest stocks in the US, but what stands out to me is not just the scale. It is the quality of earnings.

    Many of these businesses generate significant cash flow, have global revenue streams, and sit at the centre of industries that continue to evolve. Technology, healthcare, financials, consumer brands. It is all there.

    Even after a recent 11% pullback from its highs, I still see this as one of the most reliable ways to access global growth.

    It is not about picking the next big winner. It is about owning the ecosystem where many of those winners are likely to come from.

    BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

    Where the IVV ETF gives broad exposure, the BetaShares Australian Quality ETF adds a filter.

    This ETF is not trying to own everything in the Australian share market. It is trying to own what it considers the better parts of it.

    That means focusing on companies with stronger balance sheets, more consistent earnings, and higher returns on capital.

    I like that approach.

    The Australian market can be heavily influenced by banks and miners, which have their place. But I think adding a quality tilt helps smooth out some of that cyclicality.

    For me, the AQLT ETF is about refining the local exposure. It is not replacing the market, but shaping it in a way that leans toward resilience and consistency.

    Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

    This is where things get more interesting. Asia is not always the easiest region to invest in directly. There are different markets, different regulatory environments, and varying levels of economic development.

    That is why I like having it packaged into a single ETF.

    The VAE ETF gives exposure to a wide range of economies that are still evolving, industrialising, and expanding their middle classes. It is a different growth profile compared to the US and Australia.

    What I find compelling is that many of these economies are deeply embedded in global supply chains.

    From semiconductors to manufacturing to digital platforms, Asia plays a critical role. And over time, I think that importance is likely to grow.

    It will not always be smooth. But I believe that volatility is part of the opportunity.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Building long-term wealth does not require a complicated portfolio. For me, a simple combination of ETFs that covers global leaders, high-quality Australian shares, and Asian growth markets is more than enough.

    The real challenge is not choosing the portfolio. It is staying invested and letting it work over time.

    The post A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Australian Quality 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 Australian Quality 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    When the Australian share market is volatile, it makes sense that investors turn their attention to ASX income stocks.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed 1% higher in Tuesday afternoon trade, but the index is still down 7% over the past month.

    The index-wide sell-off means some ASX income stocks are now trading at very attractive prices. 

    Here are three of them.

    GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

    GQG Partners’ shares are up 3.9% at the time of writing, to $1.74 a piece. For the year-to-date the shares are down 0.85% and they’re down nearly 18% over the past year.

    The company posted strong FY25 earnings results in mid-February and a total funds under management (FUM) of US$172.9 billion for the month, up from US$165.7 billion in January, thanks to strong investment performance. 

    But it looks like investors were concerned about the company’s net outflows. While the total FUM increased during February, GQG continues to face consecutive months of net outflows. 

    But investors view the latest FUM growth update as a potential turning point for the company, with some expecting the FUM to keep increasing each month from here.

    Analysts rate the stock as a buy and tip a potential 16.7% upside to $1.96 at the time of writing.

    Dexus (ASX: DXS)

    Dexus shares are also trading in the green on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the share price is up 0.2% to $5.93 a piece. For the year-to-date the shares are down nearly 15%, and they’re 16% below where they were this time last year.

    The ASX income stock’s share price has tumbled off the back of concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and investor uncertainty. 

    But the real estate stock is diverse with a steady and reliable income. And it’s this diversity and reliable income that enable Dexus to pay a reliable dividend to its investors. 

    Analysts tip an average upside of 24% to $7.33 per share.

    Endeavour Group (ASX: EDV)

    Endeavour Group shares have tumbled 0.5% to $3.30 a piece, at the time of writing. 

    The alcoholic beverages retailer, hotel operator, and poker machines operator’s share have been smashed by a pickup in inflation woes, market volatility and tighter spending during March. The shares are now down 18.5% over the past month alone and 14% lower over the past year.

    The ASX income stock is at the beginning of a strategy reset which could help boost its bottom line. At the moment, the company generates a solid cash flow and pays a regular dividend. 

    Analysts tip a potential 12% upside to $3.70 at the time of writing. 

    The post 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Dexus 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 Dexus 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Gqg Partners. 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

    Multi-ethnic people looking at a camera in a public place and screaming, shouting, and feeling overjoyed.

    It was a wild, but ultimately positive Tuesday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today. Initially, investors were not in a good mood this morning. But that sentiment changed just before lunchtime and held for the rest of the afternoon as investors pushed the market higher. By the time the closing bell rang, the ASX 200 had recorded a 0.25% rise. That leaves the index at 8,481.8 points.

    This optimistic session for the local markets followed a mixed start to the American trading week over on Wall Street in the early hours of this morning.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat, rising by 0.11%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn’t so lucky, though, falling 0.73%.

    But let’s return to Australian shares now and take stock of how today’s indecisiveness affected the various ASX sectors this session.

    Winners and losers

    Even though the market swung around quite a bit today, most sectors ended up in the green.

    But not all. The biggest losers from the session were energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had a clanger this Tuesday, shedding 1.15% of its value.

    Consumer staples shares were no safe haven either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) retreating 0.56%.

    The other red corner of the markets were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) went backwards by 0.52% today.

    But it was all smiles everywhere else.

    Leading the green sectors were gold shares, as you can see from the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 3.53% surge.

    Tech stocks were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) soared up 2.98% this Tuesday.

    Communications shares also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) vaulting 0.85% higher.

    We could say the same for real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) jumped up 0.76% this session.

    Consumer discretionary stocks came next, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.51% bounce.

    Healthcare shares enjoyed a decent day as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) saw its value climb 0.29%.

    Financial stocks were right on that tail, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) adding 0.28% to its total.

    Industrial shares scraped over the line, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) lifted 0.24% today.

    Finally, mining stocks made the winners cut, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 0.18% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Today’s best stock was again a gold miner, this time Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG). Resolute shares rocketed 8.56% higher to finish at $1.40 each. There wasn’t any price-sensitive news to speak of. Saying that, most gold stocks had a blowout today, as we saw above.

    Here’s how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) $1.40 8.56%
    IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) $4.06 7.69%
    Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) $4.20 7.42%
    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) $7.10 6.77%
    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) $75.12 6.55%
    Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL) $6.30 5.88%
    Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) $5.29 5.80%
    Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) $5.89 5.75%
    SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR) $2.86 5.54%
    Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) $1.17 5.43%

    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 Resolute Mining Limited right now?

    Before you buy Resolute Mining Limited 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 Resolute Mining Limited 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

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