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Now could be an opportune time to snap up the ASX 200 stock in this article.

That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who believe that it could generate big returns for investors over the remainder of 2026.

Which ASX 200 stock?

The stock in question is Region Re Ltd (ASX: RGN). It is an internally managed REIT owning and managing a portfolio of approximately 100 neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centres around Australia.

Bell Potter notes that the ASX 200 stock has released its half-year results and was pleased with what it saw. It said:

RGN announced its 1H26 result with FFO / share of 7.9c directly in-line with BPe and Visible Alpha consensus. FY26 guidance has been upgraded to FFO / share of 16.0c (was 15.9c, BPe 15.9c, VA 15.9c) and AFFO / DPS of 14.1c.

The broker also highlights that the company’s outlook is improving. It adds:

Whilst not in our forecasts, we see potential avenues for further growth beyond stated guidance. Potential factors, which are not included in guidance, include: (1) further accretive acquisitions above RGN’s marginal CoC, (2) further deployment of FUM with capital partner (pro-forma FUM now c.$840m vs FY25 $711.5m), (3) recommencement of buy-back (c.16% complete at $2.39 avg.).

Big potential returns

In response to the results, Bell Potter has reaffirmed its buy rating on the ASX 200 stock with an improved price target of $2.75.

Based on its current share price of $2.33, this implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is expecting a dividend yield of approximately 6%. This boosts the total potential return to 24%.

Bell Potter highlights that the company’s shares are trading at a discount to net tangible assets (NTA) despite offering a generous dividend yield and having a “strong runway.”

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

No change to our Buy recommendation. We continue to see strong runway for RGN, with interest expense variability largely hedged out and, in our view, conservative guidance amid the backdrop of improving property fundamentals, trading at 14.6x FY26e FFO and a -9% discount to NTA offering a 6.0% yield.

Our target price increases accounting for these earnings changes, roll forward of our valuations. Our DCF valuation increases +3.1% accounting for the above changes. Our SOTP increases by +0.3%, reflecting our updated assumption for -10bp cap rate compression in our NAV (vs. -15bp previously).

The post This ASX 200 stock has a ‘strong runway’ and offers a 24% total return appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX retail REIT just reported its half-year results. Here’s what stood out
• Region Group names Greg Chubb as new CEO and Managing Director
• Bell Potter says these ASX shares are best buys in January

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Region Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At age 62, you’re reaching your final few years before retirement. So it’s important to know exactly how much you need in your superannuation fund before that time comes. 

What is the average superannuation balance at age 62 in Australia?

Average superannuation balances are generally broken down into age brackets and also divided between men and women. So there isn’t an exact figure for a 62-year-old’s superannuation amount in 2026. 

But there is a loose estimate.

Rest Super has run numbers, and the final figure might surprise you.

Keep in mind, though, that there is a sharp difference between genders across the age groups, thanks to women pausing from work to have children, reducing their hours, or taking time out of the workforce altogether. 

On average, women in their early 60s retire with less superannuation than men of the same age. 

The data shows that the average superannuation balance for Australians aged 60 to 64 is $395,852 for men and $313,360 for women. 

While the figure is for a bracket of ages, at age 62, it would be safe to assume it’s pretty much bang on. 

How much will it cost me to retire?

The cost of your retirement varies widely depending on the type of retirement you want to live. 

In Australia, retirement is generally split into two categories: modest or comfortable.

A modest retirement, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) means you have enough to cover expenses slightly above what the full Centrelink Age Pension amount. 

Whereas a comfortable retirement lifestyle means you have enough money to maintain a good standard of living. 

ASFA data shows that a comfortable retirement is expected to cost approximately $54,240 per year for individuals and $76,505 per year for couples.

To fund that, couples need a combined superannuation balance of around $690,000, and a single person needs around $595,000.

I’m way behind. How can I catch up?

The easiest way to boost your super balance before retirement is to add as much to it as you can. 

Individuals can make concessional (before-tax) super contributions, such as salary sacrificing, taxed at a reduced rate of 15%. The general cap for FY 2025-26 is $30,000. 

You can also add after-tax money to your super, and then claim a tax deduction for it, reducing the tax on those funds down to 15%. You can make these contributions up to age 67 without extra work testing or exemptions. 

If you don’t have the funds available to add more cash into your balance, the next best thing you can do is ensure the money that’s already in there is working as best as possible. 

After all, even slightly underperforming a benchmark such as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over a long period of time can negatively impact your end balance.

The post Here is the average Australian superannuation balance at age 62 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX 200 stock has a ‘strong runway’ and offers a 24% total return
• CSL names Gordon Naylor interim CEO as Dr Paul McKenzie retires
• Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in February
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks are buys with 20%+ upside

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.

This afternoon, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) announced the retirement of CEO Dr Paul McKenzie and the appointment of Gordon Naylor as interim CEO and managing director. The leadership change comes as CSL continues its strategic transformation in plasma therapies and vaccines.

What did CSL report?

• Dr Paul McKenzie will retire as CEO and managing director, effective 10 February 2026.
• Gordon Naylor, former CFO and President of Seqirus, appointed interim CEO & MD from 11 February.
• Naylor will not receive a short-term or long-term performance incentive but will be granted a one-off equity award valued at US$4.06 million.
• The Board highlighted CSL’s recent progress, including new therapies (HEMGENIX®, ANDEMBRY®), increased plasma collections, and improved operations.
• Outgoing CEO Dr McKenzie’s tenure saw expansion of R&D investment and the new Melbourne vaccine facility.

What else do investors need to know?

CSL Limited is undertaking a CEO search while Gordon Naylor steers the company as interim chief. Naylor has a deep 33-year history with CSL, having helped develop its plasma businesses and turn around its global influenza division.

The one-off restricted share units to be granted to Naylor, equal to 200% of his fixed pay, will vest after 12 months—subject to performance and holding conditions. No short-term or long-term bonuses will apply during his interim period.

Dr Paul McKenzie leaves after seven years with CSL, three of them as CEO, in which he guided the company through pandemic disruptions and operational transformations. The transition aims to ensure continuity as CSL pursues growth and new therapies.

What did CSL management say?

Incoming interim CEO & MD Gordon Naylor said:

I have had a long association with CSL. It is a great company with innovative platforms, world-class people, as well as differentiated medicines and vaccines essential for patients and communities globally. My immediate priority will be to work closely with the Board and leadership team on executing our strategic transformation and delivering for our patients, public health and shareholders.

What’s next for CSL?

The company will begin a formal process to find its next permanent CEO. During this period, Naylor will focus on progressing CSL’s strategy, continuing investment in research, and maintaining improvements across its global supply chain and new product introductions.

CSL’s Board remains committed to driving innovation and international growth, aiming to build on foundations laid during Dr McKenzie’s leadership. The transition is designed to ensure steady execution of current plans and long-term value for investors.

CSL share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, CSL shares have declined 37%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post CSL names Gordon Naylor interim CEO as Dr Paul McKenzie retires appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February
• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy: experts

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. 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.

If you are on the lookout for some investment ideas, then read on. That’s because Bell Potter has been busy picking out its best ideas for February.

Listed below are two more Australian shares that the broker has just named as best buys for the month ahead. Here’s what it is saying about them:

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

The first ASX share that Bell Potter has recommended as a best buy this month is Elders.

It is a leading agribusiness and rural services company providing a diverse range of services to rural and regional Australia. Bell Potter notes that this includes livestock and wool agency and marketing, real estate services, agricultural supplies, financial services, and insurance.

The broker believes that Elders’ shares are looking cheap at current prices and feels that the market is undervaluing the recent acquisition of Delta Agribusiness. In addition, it sees scope for potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield for income investors.

Commenting on its bullish view of the stock, Bell Potter said:

We see value in ELD, particularly with the market appearing to undervalue the pending Delta acquisition. The base business is performing well with multiple growth drivers including recovery from drought conditions, system modernisations, and backward integration benefits. We are attracted to ELD’s valuation, which is relatively cheap at 12x 12MF P/E, along with these potential upside catalysts and a strong dividend yield.

GemLife Communities (ASX: GLF)

Bell Potter has added this over 50s lifestyle communities developer to its best ideas list this month.

It believes the company is well-placed to benefit from Australia’s ageing population and expanding retirement living sector. In fact, Bell Potter estimates that GemLife could deliver a three-year earnings per share compound annual growth rate of 15%.

Commenting on the company, the broker said:

We add GemLife Communities (GLF) to the Small Cap Panel as a high-quality exposure to Australia’s ageing population and expanding retirement living sector. The business benefits from an experienced, family led management team with strong alignment through ~43% ownership, supporting long term strategic execution.

With a strong development pipeline and settlements expected to ramp, we forecast a +15% 3 year EPS CAGR, and see the CY25 result as the next major catalyst. The stock looks attractive trading at ~15x FY27 earnings and we anticipate a re-rate as recurring income becomes a bigger contributor of earnings and the market better recognises the resilience and scalability of the model.

The post Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These buy-rated ASX dividend stocks offer 4% to 6% yields
• Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is falling on CEO news
• Elders appoints René Dedoncker as next CEO in planned succession
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

More reading

• Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks are buys with 20%+ upside
• 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors
• Morgans upgrades 3 ASX shares to buy ratings
• 3 reasons to buy Zip shares today
• Why Elevra Lithium, Pro Medicus, Sims, and Treasury Wine shares are roaring higher

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 DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for some market-beating returns for your portfolio, then Bell Potter has you covered.

It has just named two ASX 200 stocks as buys with the potential to rise strongly from current levels. Here’s what it is recommending:

CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)

Bell Potter remains positive on this auto listings company following its half-year results release.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 stock with a trimmed price target of $39.80 (from $42.20). Based on its current share price of $27.19, this implies potential upside of 46% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its results, the broker said:

CAR’s interim result was in-line with expectations with adj. EPS growing 11% YoY to 52cps (BPe: 51.9cps) and was broad-based across the Group. All regions ex. Aus grew revenue double digits (Group: +8% to $626m; BPe: $621m) and margins were broadly in-line with expectations (Group adj. EBITDA +12% to $339m; BPe: $339m). CAR finished the half with cash at bank of $232m (net debt: $1.1b) and announced a 40% franked 42.5cps dividend.

And while the broker has trimmed its valuation, it remains very positive on the investment opportunity here. It adds:

We have reduced our Target Multiples in PER (36x to 30x) and SOTP, in part reflecting a higher risk-free rate and potential for AI-based competition in the current environment. CAR’s global network of auto and non-auto classifieds platforms has scaled the ability to generate cash flows supporting growth investment and shareholder returns simultaneously. CAR is proactively implementing AI solutions across its platforms and geographies on top of a technical eco-system integrated into Dealer management workflows, network effect and unique data sets. Retain Buy.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX 200 stock that gets a thumbs up from Bell Potter is property listings company REA Group.

In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $211.00 (from $244.00). Based on its current share price of $174.87, this suggests that upside of 21% is possible between now and this time next year.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Target Price decreases via lift in risk free rate 4.5% (prev. 4.0%) in our WACC and reduction of target multiples in our PER (40x prev. 45x) and SOTP. While we recognise the potential for disruption in a rapidly evolving environment, we currently see the pullback in valuation overdone considering that REA’s moat lies in decades of property, customer and buyer intent data and inherent network effect via established and highly engaged audience. Therefore, REA’s shareholder value sits below the user interface level which is difficult to replicate. Retain Buy.

The post Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks are buys with 20%+ upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors
• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to storm 50% to 60% higher this year
• Morgans upgrades 3 ASX shares to buy ratings
• 5 ASX stocks that are still good value at over $100 a share
• How much could the REA Group share price rise in the next year?

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

Investors often assume the biggest returns come from bold calls or perfectly timed trades.

In reality, some of the strongest outcomes on the ASX have come from simply owning high-quality businesses and giving them time to do their thing.

With that in mind, here are five ASX shares that have the kind of foundations that can quietly compound wealth over long periods.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The first ASX share to consider is CSL. It operates in markets driven by long-term healthcare demand rather than short-term economic cycles. Its therapies treat chronic and life-threatening conditions, which creates resilient demand and pricing power over time.

Heavy reinvestment in R&D and plasma collection has weighed on margins at times, but that investment mindset is also what has allowed CSL to grow into a global leader. And with its shares down heavily from their highs due to short-term headwinds, now could be an opportune time to invest.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Another ASX share worth highlighting is Goodman Group. It has evolved well beyond a traditional property trust. Goodman develops and owns high-quality logistics facilities and data centres in global cities, often in partnership with long-term capital providers.

As ecommerce, supply chain optimisation, and data infrastructure demand continue to rise, Goodman’s development pipeline and capital recycling model provide a pathway for ongoing growth rather than static rental income.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

A third ASX share that fits the long-term compounding theme is Pro Medicus. It provides mission-critical imaging software to hospitals and health systems. Once embedded, its platform becomes deeply integrated into clinical workflows, making customer churn extremely low.

As healthcare systems modernise and imaging volumes grow, Pro Medicus benefits from both new contract wins and expanding usage within existing customers, a powerful combination for sustained earnings growth. Morgans just upgraded its shares today on the belief that AI disruption concerns are unwarranted.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX share that has quietly built enormous value is REA Group. It owns Australia’s dominant online property platform, giving it exposure to property transactions without the balance sheet risk of owning property itself. Its scale advantage allows it to monetise listings, data, and advertising more effectively than any competitor.

While property markets move in cycles, REA’s position at the centre of buyer and seller activity has allowed it to grow earnings through multiple housing booms and slowdowns.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

A final ASX share with long-term compounding potential is ResMed. It is the leading player in sleep disorder treatment solutions. Rising awareness of sleep apnoea and chronic respiratory conditions continues to expand its addressable market.

Beyond devices, ResMed’s growing software and data platforms are strengthening customer relationships and recurring revenue. That combination gives the business multiple levers for growth over time.

The post 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks are buys with 20%+ upside
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February
• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• Morgans upgrades 3 ASX shares to buy ratings
• Why Elevra Lithium, Pro Medicus, Sims, and Treasury Wine shares are roaring higher

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Goodman Group, Pro Medicus, REA Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, and ResMed. 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 ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX 200 has delivered plenty of pain over the past year, even for some of Australia’s highest-quality companies.

Rising interest rate uncertainty, sector rotations, and risk aversion have pushed several household names to heavily discounted levels. In some cases, share prices are now sitting close to 52-week lows despite solid underlying businesses.

Here are 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares that could be worth a closer look in February.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL shares are edging higher today, up 1.96% to $183.90. Even so, the global biotech giant remains around 32% lower than this time last year.

That decline has been uncomfortable for long-term holders, particularly given CSL’s reputation as one of the ASX’s most dependable growth businesses.

The sell-off has largely reflected concerns around margin pressure, higher costs, and near-term earnings rather than any structural problem with the business.

CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty medicines, with strong long-term demand drivers tied to ageing populations and chronic disease.

Importantly, CSL is due to report its half-year results tomorrow. Any signs that margins are stabilising or earnings momentum is improving could quickly refocus investor attention on the company’s long-term growth profile.

At current levels, the stock is trading close to its 52-week low, a rare position for a business of this quality.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL shares are flat today at $8.90, but that masks a much weaker performance over the past year. The stock is down roughly 24% over the last 12 months and remains near its 52-week low.

The energy giant has been weighed down by uncertainty around electricity pricing, policy risk, and the long and expensive transition away from coal-fired generation. These concerns have kept a lid on sentiment despite AGL’s dominant market position.

Despite the uncertainty, AGL continues to offer an attractive dividend yield, supported by strong cash generation from its retail and generation assets.

With its half-year results also due tomorrow, the market will be watching closely for clarity on earnings, capital management, and the pace of its energy transition. Any signs of progress could help ease selling pressure and support the share price.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Seek shares are jumping today, up 3.10% to $18.63. Despite the bounce, the stock remains around 20% lower than a year ago and is trading close to its 52-week low.

The online employment marketplace has been caught in the crossfire of slowing hiring activity and weaker global economic conditions. That has weighed on job ad volumes and short-term earnings expectations.

However, Seek’s core Australian business remains highly profitable, while its international operations offer long-term optionality. The company also has a strong balance sheet, giving it flexibility during softer economic periods.

As labour markets eventually recover, Seek is well-positioned to benefit. The recent pullback may offer an attractive entry point into a high-quality digital platform at a much lower valuation.

Seek is scheduled to report its half-year results on 17 February.

The post 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy: experts
• 5 ASX stocks that are still good value at over $100 a share
• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Woolworths, CSL shares
• Where I would invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares in February

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is 0.22% higher at 9,151 points, as earnings season continues on Tuesday.

Here, we canvas the views of two experts on three ASX All Ords shares within the consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare sectors.

One is a buy, one is a hold, and one is a sell.

Let’s review.

Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB)

Bubs Australia shares are steady at 13 cents per share on Tuesday.

The share price of this milk producer has risen 8.3% over the past 12 months.

Shaw and Partners has a buy rating on the ASX consumer staples share.

Bubs released its 2Q FY26 quarterly activities report on 30 January.

The company reported 2Q FY26 net revenue of $29.9 million, up 17%, and 1H FY26 net revenue of $55.5 million, up 14.3%.

After reviewing the report, Shaw and Partners lowered its 12-month price forecast from 20 cents to 17 cents per share.

The broker said:

[The] 2Q FY26 quarterly activities report highlighted another strong quarter of sales in the USA, and ongoing inventory issues plus some challenging conditions in Australia, China, and ROW.

The company remains confident of receiving permanent FDA approval and noted the FDA has no further questions on the clinical trial component of its submission at this time.

Conditions in Australia/China/ROW should improve in 2H26.

We have adjusted our BUB forecasts to incorporate the 2H26 quarterly.

Given the expected TSR [total shareholder return] of circa 31%, we rate the stock a BUY. 

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

The Origin Energy share price is $11.01, down 1.1% today and up 8.8% over the past 12 months.

In a new note, Ord Minnett maintains a hold rating on this ASX utilities share.

The broker lifted its share price target from $10.80 to $11, implying the stock is fully valued today.

Ord Minnett said:

… we remain cautious on Origin given the headwinds we see – increased capital expenditure to maintain APLNG production, ongoing bad debt problems at Octopus, weaker wholesale electricity pricing, and a likely fall in spot LNG prices – and remain at Hold.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

4DMedical shares are $3.45 apiece, down 0.4% today.

The respiratory imaging technology company has enjoyed a stunning share price growth of 562% over the past year.

On The Bull this week, Tony Paterno from Ord Minnett explained the broker’s sell rating on the rocketing ASX healthcare share.

Paterno said:

In our view, there’s a growing disconnect between 4DX’s valuation and the uncertainty around near term CT:VQ revenue generation.

While we remain positive on 4DX’s technology, we pull back to a sell recommendation on valuation grounds. 

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bubs, Origin Energy, 4D Medical shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• Experts name 2 small-cap ASX shares to buy and one to sell
• Up 542% in a year, is it too late to buy 4DMedical shares today?
• Are Origin Energy shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results?
• This ASX penny stock could rocket 40%, says broker

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

ASX gold shares are higher on Tuesday, with the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 1% at the time of writing.

The gold price is continuing its recovery from the recent commodities rout, trading near a one-week high of $5,048 per ounce.

The gold price ripped to a record US$5,608 per ounce on 27 January.

A major sell-off began two days later on news of a hawkish Fed chair nominee, which sparked profit-taking in the metals markets.

The gold price rose by 27% in 2024 and 65% last year.

In 2026 so far, the yellow metal is still up by an impressive 16.7% despite the sell-off.

What’s next for the gold price?

The most ambitious prediction for the gold price this year comes from Julia Du of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

ICBC is a partially state-owned multinational bank and the largest in the world by total asset value at $6.6 trillion, according to S&P Global.

Du says the gold price could crack the US$7,000 per ounce mark this year.

I expect 2026 to be a year of heightened geopolitical risk and strong safe-haven demand, allowing gold to continue the volatile yet upward trend.

Central banks are likely to keep adding to reserves, institutional investors will increase portfolio allocations, and retail demand – especially in Latin America – should remain robust.

Combined with continued Fed rate cuts, these forces support a bullish bias.

Temporary easing of tensions could trigger price pullbacks, but strong buying interest should limit downside.

Du is the most optimistic among scores of experts whose forecasts feature in the 2026 LBMA Annual Precious Metals Forecast Survey.

She predicts a peak of US$7,150 per ounce in 2026 and a low of US$4,100 per ounce during brief corrections, like the one we just saw.

Du is not alone in seeing potential for the gold price to rise through US$7,000 per ounce.

UBS also sees potential for the gold price to ascend beyond US$7,000 per ounce under the right circumstances.

In a note, UBS strategists Wayne Gordon and Giovanni Staunovo say the gold price could trade as high as US$7,200 per ounce and as low as US$4,600 per ounce in 2026.

… we now project an upside scenario target of USD 7,200/oz and a downside scenario of USD 4,600/oz (this is close to a one standard deviation move).

A hawkish pivot by the Federal Reserve could heighten risks to the downside, while a steep escalation in geopolitical tensions could bring us closer to the upside scenario.

Gold continues to be rated as Attractive, and we maintain a long position in our global asset allocation.

3 drivers for the gold price in 2026

Du says the three primary drivers of the gold price this year start with continuing central bank purchases to counter geopolitical risks.

Although prices are high, these purchases are strategic and relatively insensitive to price fluctuations.

The second driver will be institutional allocations, with Du commenting:

Last year’s sharp gold rally highlighted its growth potential beyond safe-haven status.

With U.S. equities facing possible downturns, institutions are likely to boost gold allocations in their portfolios.

The third driver will be demand for physical gold amid social unrest in some parts of the world.

Social instability drives consumers to seek physical gold, especially in regions with severe currency depreciation and escalating conflicts such as Latin America.

Similar trends are emerging globally as more consumers recognise gold’s investment value.

Record amounts flowing into gold ETFs

Across the global markets, gold ETFs received a record net inflow of US$19 billion (A$27.3 billion) last month.

According to the World Gold Council, gold ETFs now have a record US$669 billion in assets under management (AUM).

ASX gold ETFs attracted a net inflow of US$202 million in January, bringing local AUM to US$8.6 billion.

In 2025, Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) was the highest returning ASX ETF holding overseas shares.

The MNRS ETF gave a total return, including dividends, of 149% last year.

The second-best performer was VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX), which returned 144%.

The market’s largest physical gold ETF, Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD), returned 54% in 2025.

The post Could the gold price reach US$7,000 per ounce? This expert thinks so appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 S&P Global. 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.