Author: openjargon

Today is ex-dividend day for a large number of ASX 200 shares.

When this happens, it means the rights to the dividend are locked in and new buyers won’t be eligible to receive this payout when it is made.

This means that even if you bought shares today, the rights would stay with the seller and they would receive the dividend on pay day.

So, if you are a shareholder of any of the seven ASX 200 shares named below, you can look forward to a pay check coming your way in the not-so-distant future.

Here’s what you need to know:

APA Group (ASX: APA)

This energy infrastructure company’s shares are going ex-dividend this morning for its 30.5 cents per share final dividend. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this dividend on 16 September. Based on its last close price, this single payout equates to a 2.8% dividend yield.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

Industrial property company Centuria Industrial REIT recently declared a 4.2 cents per share quarterly dividend. It will be paying this to its shareholders on 14 August.

Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

Property giant Charter Hall’s shares will be going ex-dividend today for its partially franked 25.8 cents per share dividend. Shareholders can expect to receive this payout at the very end of August.

Dexus (ASX: DXS)

Property developer Dexus recently declared a 17.7 cents per share dividend. This will be paid to eligible shareholders in around two months on 28 August.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Another ASX 200 share going ex-dividend today is industrial property giant Goodman. It recently declared a 15 cents per share final dividend. This will be paid to eligible shareholders on 26 August. Goodman has now paid out 15 cents per share in dividends every half since 2019.

Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)

Another property developer that is going ex-dividend this morning is Mirvac. It recently declared a 4.8 cents per share quarterly dividend. Shareholders can look forward to receiving this on 31 August.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Finally, this toll road giant will be rewarding its shareholders with a 35 cents per share final dividend. They can expect to receive their pay check on 18 August. Based on where this ASX 200 share ended last week, this dividend represents a 2.3% dividend yield.

The post 7 ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build passive income for life from the ASX share market
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
• Want a pay rise? These ASX dividend shares keep delivering

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

It’s been a tough run for S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stocks since the price of the yellow metal hit record highs at the end of January.

As you may recall, on 28 January, the gold price created a stir by setting a new all-time high just north of US$5,420 per ounce. At the time, that saw the gold price up around 93% over the previous 12 months.

But since that high water mark, the gold price and ASX 200 gold stocks have come under heavy pressure.

On Friday, gold was fetching US$3,994 per ounce. That’s down more than 26% since the end of January.

As for the Aussie gold miners, since market close on 29 January, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) has tumbled 29%, materially underperforming the 1.8% losses posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

Why is the gold price in free fall?

After its meteoric rise in 2025, the gold price has tumbled back to earth, in part due to expectations of higher interest rates in many major economies.

That’s particularly relevant for the United States, with the US Federal Reserve now increasingly expected to lift interest rates rather than cut them to combat resurgent inflation in the world’s top economy.

Gold, which pays no yield itself, tends to perform better in low or falling rate environments.

Commenting on the outlook for the gold price, and by connection ASX 200 gold stocks, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) head of commodities Vivek Dhar said (quoted by the Australian Financial Review):

A rebound in gold prices is now likely contingent on US inflation and labour market data weakening further. Our view that the Fed needs to raise the Fed Funds rate by 75 basis points from December, which the market is under-pricing, [and] suggests further headwinds to gold futures.

Five ASX 200 gold stocks to weather the storm

A number of leading fund managers said they’ve reduced their holdings in smaller ASX gold explorers in favour of the larger gold producers.

“The gold price has taken an absolute beating. Now is not the time to be going for more speculative gold names, or those that are relatively high cost,” Argonaut’s David Franklyn said (quoted by the AFR).

Franklyn named ASX 200 gold stocks Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD), Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS), Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP), and Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) as miners that he’s still optimistic on.

And while his fund has reduced its overall exposure to the gold sector, Acorn Capital portfolio manager Rick Squire expects Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) is well-positioned to outperform. That’s partly due to the ASX 200 gold stock’s lower reliance on ever more expensive diesel following its renewable energy investments.

According to Squire:

We’re looking at companies that have the cash to withstand the dip or, if they are developers, are [at] least fully financed and are in that construction phase. With the gold pullback, there will be a change [in] investor sentiment around what projects are likely to get up and their ability to fund them.

The post 5 ASX 200 gold stocks to buy and hold amid the crashing gold price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, Chrysos, Cochlear shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 7 ASX gold stocks to buy now
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

End of financial year sneaks up every single year.

30 June 2026 is tomorrow, and for ASX investors it is the single most consequential date on the calendar.

Decisions made before that date are what move the needle on tax and superannuation outcomes for the year.

Here is what is worth checking before the window closes.

Superannuation: the concessional contributions cap

The concessional contributions cap for FY2026 sits at $30,000, including employer contributions.

Investors who have not yet reached that cap can still make additional voluntary contributions.

These are taxed at 15% inside super rather than at a marginal rate that could be more than double that.

As such, every dollar contributed at the concessional rate before 30 June is a permanent and compounding tax saving. But super funds need to actually receive the contribution by the deadline, not simply have it initiated.

For investors with room left under the cap, this is one of the most reliable ways to reduce a tax bill before the financial year closes.

New tax laws change the maths for larger balances

This end of financial year is different from previous years for one specific reason.

Division 296, which takes effect from 1 July 2026, introduces an additional 15% tax on the earnings attributable to superannuation balances above $3 million.

This brings the effective rate to 30% on that portion.

For balances above $10 million, there is an additional 25% tax rate, bringing the effective rate to 40%.

Both thresholds are indexed to CPI. Unlike the original 2023 proposal, the version that passed Parliament applies only to realised earnings, such as dividends, interest, rent, and capital gains actually realised on sale. Importantly, it does not apply to unrealised “paper” gains on assets still held.

The first assessment will be based on balances at 30 June 2027. However, SMSF trustees can elect to reset the cost base of fund assets to their value as at 30 June 2026. This can reduce the Division 296 tax payable when those assets are eventually sold.

That election needs to be made by the 2026-27 tax return lodgement date. As such, it’s worth raising the issue with an accountant or SMSF adviser now rather than waiting.

Capital gains and losses can be locked in

Before 30 June, it is worth reviewing the portfolio for both gains and losses.

Selling a loss-making position can help offset capital gains tax from profitable positions sold earlier in the year. This is a strategy worth discussing with an accountant given how complex the rules around using capital losses can be.

To be clear, investors should not be making last-minute trades purely for tax reasons.

But there is an opportunity for investors to reduce this year’s tax bill by locking in capital losses against gains already realised.

It’s also a natural moment to review what you actually hold

Beyond the tax mechanics, end of financial year is a sensible moment to step back and review the quality of what is sitting inside your portfolio or super fund.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) are two examples of quality, well-known ASX stocks that can compound over time.

For investors using the end of financial year as an opportunity to reassess their holdings, these stocks could be a good starting point.

Foolish takeaway

End of financial year is not just an accounting deadline.

It is the one moment each year when superannuation contributions, capital gains positioning, and portfolio quality all intersect with a hard cutoff date.

A few considered decisions before 30 June tend to matter far more than anything done in a rush on the day itself.

The post End of financial year is upon us. Here’s what you should do before the deadline appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Chasing early retirement at 55? These ASX shares and ETFs could help
• Why US stocks have hit record highs while ASX shares have barely risen in 2026
• 3 top ASX shares to buy for an SMSF
• Why this fundie is overweight CSL and underweight CBA shares
• 3 ASX blue chip shares to buy and hold for the next 20 years

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares appear set to provide only mid-single-digit returns for FY26.

It’s been a volatile year due to the wars in Gaza and Iran, the global energy shock, and three interest rate rises.

The chart below shows how the ASX 200 fared throughout the financial year.

Meanwhile on The Bull this week, Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities reveals his ratings on three popular ASX 200 shares.

Let’s check them out. 

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price has increased by more than 17% over FY26.

Gable has a buy rating on this ASX 200 energy share, and commented:

We were a buyer of this major energy company prior to the war in Iran. In our view, the recent share price fall presents another buying opportunity.

Moving forward, we’re expecting tighter crude oil supplies to lead to higher prices. Recent weaker crude oil prices is a response to governments releasing oil from strategic reserves, but they now need to be replenished.

As the biggest oil stock on the ASX, Woodside Energy will attract investors when they conclude crude oil prices will be higher for longer.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price has grown spectacularly over FY26, delivering more than 60% capital growth to date.

Gable has a hold rating on this ASX 200 mining share. 

He said: 

In our opinion, the commodities bull market is still in the early stages of the latest cycle. As the biggest miner in the world, BHP attracts investors aiming to increase exposure to the resources sector. 

BHP is diverse, so investors gain exposure to a range of commodities, including copper, iron ore, coking coal and potash.

Copper production guidance of between 1.9 million and 2 million tonnes in fiscal year 2026 remains unchanged and is expected to be in the upper half of the range.

We continue to see some solid buying on any dips. BHP offers appeal for long term investors.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price has fallen by more than 60% in FY26.

Gable rates the market’s largest ASX 200 tech share a sell.

He explained:

We have been negative about the Australian technology sector since 2025, and rotated into resource stocks.

Increasing interest rates so far in 2026 amid high sharemarket volatility and uncertainty leaves investors questioning the outlook of technology companies trading on relatively high multiples.

In our view, the share price of Xero, an accounting software provider, hasn’t sufficiently rallied on recent positive announcements.

Consequently, it indicates the stock remains under selling pressure.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Xero, BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• If I invest $8,000 in Woodside shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• Why US stocks have hit record highs while ASX shares have barely risen in 2026
• How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
• Want a pay rise? These ASX dividend shares keep delivering

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in positive territory. The benchmark index rose 0.2% to 8,764.2 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise again

The Australian share market looks set for a positive start to the week despite weakness on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 16 points or 0.2% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.1%, the S&P 500 edged lower, and the Nasdaq fell 0.25%.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor start to the week after oil prices tumbled on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 3.75% to US$69.23 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 4.3% to US$71.99 a barrel. However, reports of an escalation in US-Iran tensions could give oil a boost on Monday.

Buy Neuren shares

The team at Bell Potter thinks investors should be buying Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the pharmaceuticals company’s shares with an improved price target of $23.50. The broker said: “At the latest closing price, we therefore see effectively zero implied value for NEU’s second asset, which in itself would be a multi-billion-dollar value asset should it succeed in the Phase 3 trial. The Phase 3 remains in the early stages of recruitment, with results not expected until the end of CY27 at the very earliest (pending recruitment pace). We maintain our BUY recommendation and increase PT to $23.50.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price rose on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.2% to US$4,096.3 an ounce. This gain was driven by a weaker US dollar but couldn’t stop gold from recording its fourth weekly loss in a row.

Shares going ex-dividend

A large group of shares are due to go ex-dividend on Monday and could trade lower. This includes APA Group (ASX: APA), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC), Dexus (ASX: DXS), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). The latter will be rewarding its shareholders with a 35 cents per share final dividend on 18 August.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Xero, BHP shares
• If you want to use this strategy to top up your superannuation you have to act today
• Here is the average Australian superannuation balance at ages 45, 55, and 65
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• If I invest $8,000 in Woodside shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?

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

Tomorrow is the last day of the financial year, and therefore, the last day you can make tax-effective contributions to your superannuation, at least until next financial year, that is.

But to make a so-called concessional contribution, you’d most likely need to transfer the money into your superannuation account today so it appears there tomorrow. It would pay to check with your bank and superannuation fund to see whether the transfer will arrive in time.

So how much can you contribute, and why should you?

Each year, individuals can contribute $30,000 as concessional contributions, which are taxed at just 15%.

For salary earners, the amount contributed into superannuation by their employer counts towards the $30,000 cap.

Extra contributions made by an individual are taxed at 15% and can be claimed as a tax deduction. In most cases, this means your overall taxable income, and therefore tax paid, will be lower.

It’s possible to track how much you’ve contributed as concessional contributions, and hence how much extra you can put in, by checking the ATO’s online services. Some super funds also list this information.

If you do put extra into your super and want it to be a concessional contribution, you also need to lodge a notice of intent to claim. This alerts your super fund that it is a concessional contribution, and they will take the 15% tax out as necessary.  

How to make an even bigger contribution

Of course, you can always wait until next financial year to put money in, but there’s a good reason to check you’re not missing an opportunity, particularly if you have a large lump sum you can contribute.

Specifically, unused concessional amounts can be used, going back up to five years, as long as you have less than $500,000 in super at 30 June of the previous financial year.

As the ATO website explains:

If you have unused concessional cap amounts from previous years, you may be able to carry them forward to increase your contribution caps in later years. The oldest available unused cap amounts are carried forward first. For example, unused cap amounts from 2019–20 would be used to increase your cap first before unused cap amounts from 2020–21. Unused concessional cap amounts are applied automatically once you exceed the cap in any year.

Once you’ve used up any concessional caps it is also possible to make non-concessional contributions of up to $130,000 per year.

While the strategies outlined in this article might be useful, they might not be for everyone, and this article does not constitute financial advice. It’s always prudent to consult a financial adviser when setting up a new investment strategy.

The post If you want to use this strategy to top up your superannuation you have to act today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here is the average Australian superannuation balance at ages 45, 55, and 65
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• DigiCo Infrastructure REIT CEO resigns
• Centuria Capital Group opens $35m retail offer, targets growth in AI and real estate
• Transurban Group announces major North America project expansion

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which ASX shares are being targeted by short sellers.

That’s because I believe it is worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) continues to be the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 22.8%. This ASX uranium stock has suspended its shares pending an update on its Kayelekera Project.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease again to 14.3%. Short sellers don’t appear confident that this pizza chain operator’s turnaround will be a success.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 13.7%, which is down week on week. There are concerns over this uranium miner’s uncertain production outlook from 2027.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 12.9%, which is flat since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares have struggled over the past 18 months amid challenges to US FDA approvals.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has seen its short interest increase to 12.5%. Short sellers have been increasing positions in this counter-drone technology company since it disclosed an ASIC investigation into some announcements and insider share sales.
• CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) has short interest of 12.2%, which is up slightly again since last week. Short sellers may believe that higher interest rates could weigh on the automotive market and listings.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has 11.5% of its shares held short, which is flat week on week. This travel agent recently downgraded its earnings guidance due to negative impacts from the Middle East conflict.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has short interest of 11.4%. This wine giant is battling tough trading conditions and distribution challenges in key markets.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has entered the top ten with 11.35% of its shares held short. This uranium producer’s shares have dropped 17% in a month. Short sellers appear to believe there is more to come.
• 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) has seen its short interest ease to 11.1%. This short interest is likely to be due to valuation concerns, with the medical technology company’s shares trading on sky high multiples.

The post Here are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• Buy, hold, sell: Beach Energy, Flight Centre, and Judo Capital shares
• After a horror week: Are DroneShield shares a buy, hold or sell?
• 6 ASX shares with upgraded ratings from experts this week
• Why 4DMedical, Centuria Capital, Judo Capital, and Worley shares are dropping today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With just a few days left until the end of FY26, investors have their final chance to snap up ASX 200 shares with high-growth potential for the year ahead.

Here are four of my top ASX 200 picks, and they’re all tipped to climb higher over the next 12 months.

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

Tech-based gaming company Light & Wonder’s share price climbed to an all-time high in early 2026. But they then crashed by 44% by early May after a disappointing FY25 result and a mixed first-quarter FY26 result.

The ASX 200 gaming company’s share price has rebounded by around 20% since then, but it has barely made a dent in the losses suffered earlier in the year. Light & Wonder has been reshaping its business in recent years, focusing on recurring revenue and earnings improvement. If execution continues improving, it could continue to build value over the long term.

Brokers are bullish and unanimously rate the ASX 200 shares as a strong buy. They expect a 59% upside to $192.75 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The Mexican-themed fast-food restaurant chain’s shares hit a historic low in early April but have since rebounded by around 24%.

After multiple headwinds and sombre sentiment so far this year, Guzman Y Gomez shares look like they have finally changed course. The latest rebound comes on the back of news that the company closed its struggling US stores in late May. Instead, it plans to focus its business expansion on Asia and Australia. Its long-term goals remain intact, including plans to reach 1,000 restaurants in Australia and improve network EBITDA.

The majority of brokers rate the ASX 200 shares as a strong buy. They tip a 24% upside to an average $23.37 target price, at the time of writing.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The ASX 200 tech stock has been in the spotlight in late June after media reports alleged that the Australian Federal Police is investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters. The company responded, saying that the investigation relates to White in a personal capacity and said that there is no suggestion of an alleged investigation into the company itself. But investors have still rushed for the exits. It’s the latest of a long line of headwinds for the company over the past 12 months.

Nevertheless, I think WiseTech has a strong competitive advantage in the global logistics industry. I also think the company’s future hinges on its FY26 results. If it manages to reach or exceed its upgraded guidance, I think we’ll see a turnaround in investor sentiment.

Brokers are bullish, and most hold a strong buy rating. The average $72.39 target price implies a potential 152% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The ASX 200 gold miner has faced headwinds from higher mining costs and softer gold prices, and it’s caused significant volatility in its share price so far in 2026. Investor sentiment has also dropped, and many have rushed to sell up their shares and rotate into larger, more stable assets instead.

However, the miner has posted record-breaking production results this year and raised its production guidance for FY26. The ASX 200 gold miner forecasts production of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces of gold, which implies production up to 63% higher than FY25.

Gold prices are forecast to rebound this year, which could hike the value of high-performing gold miners like West African Resources.

Brokers unanimously rate the ASX 200 gold miner’s shares as a strong buy. The average $5.89 target price implies a potential 86% upside at the time of writing.

The post 4 ASX 200 shares I’d buy before the end of June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• Why DroneShield, WiseTech and Judo shares are leading the ASX 200 lower this week
• Down almost 75%, are WiseTech shares really cheap?
• Is the tech recovery finally here for Xero and Wisetech shares?

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have been incredibly choppy throughout the first six months of the year.

The banking giant’s share price has swung wildly between $147.22 and $183.52 per share as it has endured multiple headwinds from rising inflation, higher interest rates, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a reversal in investor confidence.

Analysts are pretty bearish about CBA’s outlook, too. In fact, many have considered the banking giant’s shares significantly overvalued relative to its peers for some time now. 

TradingView data shows that 14 of 16 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on CBA shares. The other two have a hold rating.

The average $126.36 target price implies a potential 23% downside ahead, at the time of writing. But some think the shares could crash up to 45% to as little as $90 each.

If analyst predictions are anything to go by, we can assume that the peak has passed for CBA shares.

It’s not all about share price gains and losses, though. CBA is also a popular choice for income-seeking investors.

Here’s why.

CBA shares offer investors a great passive income opportunity

CBA is a cyclical stock, but has the added nuance of offering some strong defensive qualities. The banking giant is huge in scale and dominates the ASX banking sector. 

At the time of writing, CBA is the largest bank listed on the ASX with a market capitalisation of around $278 billion. It is also the second-largest company listed overall, second only to BHP Group. 

This market dominance means CBA can be more resistant in times of economic volatility versus some of its smaller mid-tier peers.

The scarcity of quality stocks on the ASX also means that worried investors sometimes place major companies like CBA on a pedestal. 

The bank is also often viewed as a safe haven when markets soften overall. This is regardless of whether the business fundamentals support any sustained growth. 

This is perhaps why CBA shares have remained relatively buoyant this year, despite broker analysis and forecasts of significant downside.

The advantage, of course, is that this buoyancy is fantastic news for investors earning a passive income from CBA shares.

What does CBA pay its shareholders?

CBA has a long history of paying regular fully-franked dividends twice per year alongside its financial results. 

And it pays its shareholders a good rate, too. 

It most recently paid a fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share in late-March.

Looking ahead, the bank is forecast to pay a total dividend of $5.15 per share to shareholders in FY26. It is then expected to pay around $5.45 per share in FY27.

At the time of writing, this translates to a forward dividend yield of around 3.1% for FY26. For FY27, the forward dividend yield is about 3.3%.

The post Are CBA shares a good buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why US stocks have hit record highs while ASX shares have barely risen in 2026
• Want a pay rise? These ASX dividend shares keep delivering
• How much passive income can I make from ASX shares?
• Why this fundie is overweight CSL and underweight CBA shares
• 3 ASX blue chip shares to buy and hold for the next 20 years

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.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is not the kind of ASX share that usually gets investors excited.

Some businesses are built around disruption, new products, and big swings in expectations. Telstra is built around something more basic: keeping people connected. For investors heading into the new financial year, I think that simplicity could be attractive.

More than a phone company

Telstra’s core strength is that its services sit inside everyday life.

Mobile connectivity now touches almost everything. People use it for banking, work, maps, security, entertainment, shopping, travel, messaging, and managing households. Businesses use it to process payments, communicate with customers, support staff, connect devices, and keep operations moving.

That gives Telstra a level of relevance that is easy to take for granted.

I also think the mobile network remains the company’s strongest advantage. Network quality can still influence customer decisions, especially outside major city centres or among users who rely heavily on their phones. Telstra has spent years building scale, coverage, and brand trust in this part of the market.

That does not make the business exciting in a fast-growth sense. But it does give Telstra a role that can remain valuable through different economic conditions.

Income with a steadier profile

Another attraction is income. Telstra has become a cleaner dividend story over recent years, and I think that can make it useful for investors who want dependable cash flow without taking on the same level of cyclicality as miners or discretionary retailers.

The company is still exposed to competition, regulation, capital spending, and customer price sensitivity. But telecommunications is a service people usually keep paying for, even when household budgets are stretched.

That resilience can be useful in an income portfolio.

Why I’d consider buying

For me, the investment case comes down to usefulness.

Telstra does not need to reinvent daily life to be valuable. It needs to keep providing the infrastructure and services that daily life increasingly relies on.

There is also something attractive about owning a business that can quietly compound through pricing discipline, customer retention, network leadership, and disciplined investment.

There are risks to consider. Mobile competition can increase quickly, and capital expenditure is part of the industry. But I think Telstra’s scale gives it a strong starting point.

Foolish takeaway

Telstra will rarely be the loudest growth story on the ASX.

Yet I think it can still be a worthwhile share to own heading into FY27. The business sits inside a service people use constantly, has a leading mobile position, and offers a dividend profile that many investors may find appealing.

In a market where some shares need a lot to go right, Telstra’s appeal is much simpler. It provides something essential, keeps investing in its network, and gives shareholders exposure to a steady stream of cash flow. That can be more powerful than it first sounds.

The post Why Telstra shares could be a top ASX buy for the new financial year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares I’d buy and hold for my kids
• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• 3 ASX stocks that should be in every retirement portfolio 
• Here’s what brokers tip for Telstra shares over the next 12 months
• Want passive income? These 3 ASX dividend stocks could deliver

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