Author: openjargon

Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL) shares are breaking records again on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the ASX silver stock is up 9% to a record high of 99 cents.

This means its shares are now up almost 400% over the past 12 months.

Why is this ASX silver stock hitting a new record high?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the silver miner’s shares following the release of a drilling update from the 100%-owned Joaquin Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina.

According to the release, Unico Silver has released assay results for a further 31 drill holes totalling 4,478 metres of drilling. This brings total reported assays since drilling commenced in September to 91 holes covering 14,594 metres.

The ASX silver stock highlights that this forms part of a 30,000 metre drill program. It is focused on regional exploration and new discoveries, and the delineation of high-confidence, pit-constrained, free-milling silver ounces at Joaquin.

Drilling results

As you might have guessed from the investor reaction, the results from this latest drilling were positive.

The company notes that infill and extensional drilling at La Negra SE confirms that there is a broad, shallow zone of oxide silver-gold mineralisation over 850 metres strike and 175 metres vertical extent. It remains open to the south-east and at depth.

Positively, the true thickness ranges from 15 metres to 75 metres, which is supportive of bulk open pit mining potential.

What’s next?

It shouldn’t be long until there are more results to run the rule over. Drilling resumed on 5 January and includes three diamond rigs and one reverse circulation (RC) rig. At La Negra SE, infill drilling on a 50 metres by 25 metres grid is nearing completion with eight holes remaining to support a high confidence indicated resource.

Based on timing and new results, the ASX silver stock advised that it will proceed directly to a pre-feasibility study (PFS)-level mineral resource estimate (MRE), covering La Negra, La Negra SE, and La Morocha.

The company’s managing director, Todd Williams, was pleased with the news. He said:

Infill drilling at La Negra SE continues to deliver wide, shallow zones of oxide silver-gold mineralisation with excellent continuity across the full 850-metre strike length. These results confirm the scale and geometry required for conventional open-pit development and support our decision to move directly to a Pre-Feasibility Study Mineral Resource Estimate.

With infill drilling nearing completion, geotechnical and comminution programs already underway, and three key prospects – La Negra, La Negra SE and La Morocha – advancing to Indicated Resource status, Joaquin is rapidly transitioning from exploration to development while remaining open to further growth.

The post Up 400% in a year: Why is this ASX silver stock breaking records today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 12 best performing commodities of 2025
• Why Evolution Mining, FireFly, Unico Silver, and Weebit Nano shares are tumbling today
• Why are ASX silver stocks getting hammered today?
• Revealed: Silver price explosion sends these 3 ASX mining stocks more than 200% higher
• Silver price hits new record, firing up Aussie shares

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 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.

4D Medical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) has secured a contract with UC San Diego Health – one of the US’s pre-eminent academic health systems – to use its CT:VQ technology for clinical use in lung imaging.

Shares in the biotechnology company jumped on the news, trading 9.3% higher at $4.58 – not far off their record high of $4.65 – in early trade on Wednesday.

Prestigious institution

4D Medical said in a statement to the ASX that UC San Diego Health (UCSD) was “one of the nation’s leading academic health systems and has consistently ranked in the top 10 in the US for pulmonary and lung surgery”.

The company added:

UCSD has commenced clinical use of CT:VQ under a structured launch framework whereby introductory pricing will apply through March 31, supporting early clinical adoption and workflow establishment, before transitioning to full commercial terms. UCSD joins Stanford University, University of Miami, and Cleveland Clinic as the fourth U.S. academic medical centre (AMC) to deploy CT:VQ for clinical use. This expanding network of leading AMCs powers 4DMedical’s strategic approach of establishing reference sites at the nation’s most prestigious institutions, creating a powerful foundation for broader market adoption.

4D Medical said it had been slightly more than four months since it received US Food and Drug Administration clearance to market its technology, and in that time, it had secured contracts with four of the most respected academic medical centres in the US.

The company added:

These deployments demonstrate the compelling clinical value proposition of CT:VQ: eliminating the need for radioisotope and contrast administration, providing superior image resolution compared to nuclear medicine, seamlessly integrating into existing CT imaging workflows, and enabling access to reimbursement pathways that support sustainable clinical adoption.

Strong momentum

4D Medical founder and Managing Director Andreas Fouras said the new contract win was a “powerful validation” of the company’s technology.

He added:

In just over four months since FDA clearance, we’ve established CT:VQ at four of America’s leading academic medical centres: Stanford, University of Miami, Cleveland Clinic, and now UCSD. This rapid adoption by elite institutions demonstrates both the transformative potential of CT:VQ and the strength of our go-to-market execution. These prestigious AMCs serve as powerful anchors for our commercialisation strategy. Combined with our Philips partnership and growing commercial pipeline, we are building unstoppable momentum as we establish CT:VQ as the new standard of care in pulmonary imaging.  

4D Medical was valued at $2.2 billion at the close of trade on Tuesday. The company has increased in value almost 20-fold over the past 12 months, from lows of just 22.5 cents.

The post This biotech company’s shares are on a tear – again – after another contract win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025
• Why 4DMedical, Coronado Global, Metallium, and WiseTech Global shares are falling today
• Why 4DMedical shares are jumping 14% today
• Why 4DMedical, Elsight, Judo, and Nickel Industries shares are pushing higher today
• Why 4Medical, Guzman Y Gomez, Lynas, and Predictive Discovery shares are falling today

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.

Share markets have entered 2026 with a familiar mix of confidence and concern.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) and S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) continued to climb in 2025, brushing against new highs, while global headlines felt increasingly uneasy. Geopolitical tensions are flaring across multiple regions, inflation remains sticky in Australia, and interest rate expectations are once again creeping higher.

At the same time, valuation metrics like the Buffett Indicator and the US CAPE ratio are flashing warning signs. By historical standards, markets look expensive.

It’s no wonder some investors are feeling uneasy.

But amid all this noise, there is one move that long-term investors should still avoid at all costs in 2026.

Panic selling

Panic selling comes in two distinct forms, and both can quietly sabotage long-term wealth.

Panic selling on the way up

When markets keep rising, it can feel unnatural.

Investors start to tell themselves that prices “can’t possibly go any higher” or that a correction is surely just around the corner. The temptation is to get clever — trim positions, move to cash, and wait for the inevitable pullback.

The problem is that markets do not operate on neat schedules.

History shows that expensive markets can remain expensive for far longer than most expect. The US market spent much of the late 1990s trading above long-term valuation averages. Australian shares experienced something similar in the years leading up to the global financial crisis.

Trying to perfectly time the top has proven to be a fool’s errand for decades. Miss just a handful of strong market days, and long-term returns can fall dramatically.

Real Foolish investing — capital-F Foolish — is about owning quality businesses through cycles, not hopping in and out based on discomfort.

Selling simply because markets feel “too high” risks leaving investors stranded on the sidelines while compounding does the heavy lifting elsewhere.

Panic selling on the way down

The second, and more damaging, version of panic selling happens when markets fall.

Market pullbacks are not an anomaly. They are a feature.

Corrections of around 10% occur almost as regularly as summers. Deeper drawdowns of 20% or more are less frequent, but still inevitable over long investing lifetimes. What we never know is when they will arrive, how deep they will be, or what will trigger them.

That uncertainty makes emotional decision-making incredibly dangerous.

Selling during periods of fear often locks in losses just as long-term opportunities are emerging. Many of the strongest market recoveries in history have occurred when sentiment was at its darkest.

It’s also worth remembering that some high-quality businesses can continue growing earnings through economic slowdowns, inflationary environments, and geopolitical stress. Investors who sell everything in a panic risk missing those quiet compounding stories.

Warren Buffett has long emphasised that volatility is not risk — permanent capital loss is. That philosophy remains just as relevant today.

Valuations are high — and that’s not the whole story

There’s no denying that valuation indicators look stretched in parts of the market. 

But valuation signals are blunt instruments.

Markets can stay elevated for years while earnings catch up, particularly when innovation, productivity gains, or global capital flows remain supportive.

For Australian investors, this matters. The ASX has its own mix of resources, banks, healthcare, infrastructure, and global earners. Local inflation and interest rate dynamics may differ from the US, but emotional responses tend to be universal.

Foolish Takeaway

The biggest risk in 2026 is not a market crash itself. It’s how investors respond to one.

Panic selling — whether driven by fear of missing the top or fear of deeper losses — can quietly undo years of disciplined investing. Long-term wealth is rarely built by perfectly timed decisions. It’s built by patience, quality, and the ability to sit through uncomfortable periods.

Markets will rise. Markets will fall. That part is inevitable.

Making emotional decisions at the wrong moment doesn’t have to be.

The post 1 move to avoid at all costs if the stock market crashes in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX rare earths stock is jumping on big news
• This ASX 100 gold stock says it is on track to hit the upper end of production guidance
• Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is charging to a record high on stellar update
• Buy 100 shares of this premier dividend share for $150 in passive income
• 3 unstoppable growth ETFs to stock up on in 2026 and beyond

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI) shares are getting a lot of attention from investors on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the ASX rare earths stock is up 5.5% to 19.5 cents.

What’s going on with this ASX rare earths stock?

The catalyst for today’s strong gain has been the release of an update on its flagship Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Brazil.

According to the release, the company has received a non-binding and conditional letter of support from Export Finance Australia (EFA) for indicative financing of up to US$50 million (~A$77 million).

The company notes that the proposed financing is intended to support the development of the Caldeira Project through the use of Australian engineering, procurement, construction, and management contractors.

It believes this strategy will reinforce the established partnership between Australia and Brazil through enhanced supply chain support within the project. In addition, it feels this underscores the Australian Government export credit agency’s determination to drive Australian expertise and exports into global rare earths markets.

Solid foundation

Management highlights that the EFA funding support, together with the United States Export Import Bank’s (EXIM) US$250 million letter of interest that was received in March 2024, provides a solid foundation for funding of the Caldeira Project.

But the company isn’t stopping there. It is continuing active discussions with the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and other Export Credit Agencies together with a number of potential strategic investors to optimise funding solutions for the Caldeira Project.

Commenting on the news, the ASX rare earths stock’s managing director, Stuart Gale, said:

We view the Letter of Support from Export Finance Australia as a strong vote of confidence in Meteoric’s strategy and capability to become the next major supplier of critical rare earth materials. This endorsement will assist with the broader project financing discussions underway for the Caldeira Project and adds flexibility to our funding strategy.

The recent approval of our Preliminary Environmental Licence without restriction, commissioning of our Pilot Plant and first production of a mixed rare earth carbonate, the Caldeira Project is now positioned as one of the world’s most advanced, highest confidence, high-grade rare earth developments. The Project’s scale, low operating costs, low capital intensity and rapid path to market stand as clear differentiators and underpin its capability to be an important new, long-term cornerstone of emerging rare earth supply chains.

The post This ASX rare earths stock is jumping on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why DroneShield, Meteoric Resources, NextDC, and Nick Scali shares are charging higher today
• Why is this ASX rare earths stock rocketing 36% today?
• This ASX small-cap mining stock is tipped to rocket 160% higher
• Why 4DMedical, Megaport, Meteoric Resources, and Ramelius shares are racing higher today
• Rare earths company ticks off key production milestone

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 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.

Shares in Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) were trading higher on Wednesday after the company said it was on track to achieve the upper end of its production guidance for the full year.

The company released a production report for the second quarter on Wednesday, which said that its Karlawinda Gold Project had delivered another strong quarter, producing 30,476 ounces of gold.

The company said this brought production for the year to date to 62,794 ounces of gold, and the company was “on track to achieve the upper end of FY26 guidance of 115,000-125,000 ounces at an all in sustaining cost of $1530-$1630 per ounce”.

This compares with the current gold price of $6683 per ounce.

Project to expand

Expansion works at Karlawinda in central Western Australia are ongoing, with the company aiming to spend $120 million overall. The expansion project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.

The company’s website said that based on current reserves, the expanded operation has a projected mine life approaching 10 years.

The company said further:

 With an extensive tenement package spanning over 4,000 square kilometres, the Company remains confident further reserve growth through ongoing exploration.

Capricorn said in its release on Wednesday that expansion works were progressing well.

Continued achievement of the post-expansion mining run rate allowed Capricorn to deliver both strong quarterly gold production and also the development requirements of the Karlawinda Expansion Project. The mining fleet achieved the planned poit face positions to achieve budget gold production while also delivering the required pre-stripping and infrastructure materials for the expansion project. Mining production rates have continued at the expanded project run rate for the Karlawinda Expansion Project for the last three quarters.

Capricorn said it had cash and bullion worth $444.2 million at the end of the quarter, up from $394.4 million at the end of the September quarter.

The company said it had also spent $2.9 million on development activities at its Mount Gibson gold project, also in WA, where it currently has a gold resource of 684,000 ounces of gold.

That spending was “mainly focused on finalising detailed design, early procurement activities and contract preparations”.

The company added:

This early spend of part of the MGGP capital budget is a strategic decision to compress the ultimate construction timeline.

Capricorn shares were 2.5% higher in early trade at $14.93.

The company was valued at $6.64 billion at the close of trade on Tuesday.

The post This ASX 100 gold stock says it is on track to hit the upper end of production guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Capricorn Metals hits key Q2 production targets and advances expansion projects
• Why Aeris Resources, Capricorn Metals, Paradigm, and Silver Mines shares are sinking today
• ASX 200 gold stock acquisition news sends junior ASX miner flying 43%
• Capricorn Metals boosts exploration ground with Yalgoo Project acquisition
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) shares are having a strong session on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 gold stock is 5.5% to a record high of $3.38.

Why is this ASX 200 gold stock racing higher?

Investors have been buying this gold miner’s shares for a couple of reasons.

One is another rise in the gold price overnight. The other is the release of another strong quarterly update before the market open.

According to the release, fourth quarter gold production came in at 112,019 ounces, which underpinned gold sales of 105,995 ounces at an average price of US$4,058 per ounce.

This means that full year gold production was 300,383 ounces, which was in line with its guidance for 2025.

In addition, full year gold sales were strong at 280,065 ounces with an average price of US$3,525 per ounce.

This was despite a soft finish to the year from the Sanbrado operation in Burkina Faso. Its gold production decreased 17% quarter on quarter, mainly due to 14% lower mill throughput and a planned shutdown.

Sanbrado produced 49,732 ounces of gold during the quarter from 745,000 tonnes of ore milled at a head grade of 2.2g/t and recovery of 93.2%. This brought full year 2025 gold production to 205,228 ounces for Sanbrado.

Over at the Kiaka operation, it reported a 208% increase in gold production quarter on quarter. This was driven primarily by a 25% increase in mill throughput and a 44% higher head grade.

During the quarter, Kiaka produced 62,287 ounces of gold from 2,174,000 tonnes of ore processed at an average head grade of 1.0 g/t and metallurgical recovery of 92.9%. This performance brought total 2025 production to 95,155 ounces.

Record year

Commenting on the ASX 200 gold stock’s performance during the quarter, its executive chair and CEO, Richard Hyde, commented:

I would like to commend both our Sanbrado and Kiaka operational teams for achieving WAF’s gold production guidance for a fifth consecutive year. Combined group gold production of 300,383 ounces from our Sanbrado and Kiaka gold mining centres for the full year 2025 was well within WAF’s annual guidance of 290,000 to 360,000 ounces, and was a record year of production for WAF. We look forward to providing our full quarterly activities report in the coming weeks.

Following today’s move, the West African Resources share price is now up approximately 125% since this time last year.

The post Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is charging to a record high on stellar update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• West African Resources delivers record 2025 gold production – earnings update
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• At record prices, why don’t ASX gold miners pay high dividends?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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 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.

One of the simplest ways to think about dividend investing is to work backwards from income. How much capital do you need to invest today to generate a meaningful cash return over the next year?

In the case of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), the answer may come as a surprise to some investors.

How the numbers stack up

At the current BHP share price of approximately $47.22, purchasing 100 shares would entail an investment of around $4,722.

According to current market forecasts, BHP is expected to pay the equivalent of $1.51 per share in fully franked dividends in FY26.

For an investor holding 100 shares, that translates to cash dividends of approximately $150 over the year, plus the benefit of franking credits, which can materially increase the after-tax return for Australian investors, depending on individual circumstances.

That kind of income potential helps explain why BHP remains one of the most popular dividend shares on the ASX.

Why BHP remains a premier dividend stock

BHP is not a traditional high-yield utility or bank. Its dividends can fluctuate from year to year, reflecting movements in commodity prices and earnings.

However, what sets BHP apart is its scale, diversification, and balance sheet strength. The company operates some of the world’s highest-quality assets across iron ore, copper, and other commodities, allowing it to generate substantial cash flow through the cycle.

Importantly, BHP has demonstrated a willingness to return excess capital to shareholders when conditions permit, rather than overextending itself through aggressive expansion. That discipline has helped underpin its dividend-paying ability over time. It has also supported numerous share buybacks, which is another way to return capital to shareholders.

Fully franked income matters

For Australian investors, the fully franked nature of BHP’s dividends is a key part of the appeal.

Franking credits can significantly enhance the effective yield, particularly for retirees or investors on lower marginal tax rates. While dividends are never guaranteed, receiving income that comes with franking credits can make a meaningful difference to total returns over the long run.

Not just about income

While the $150 in forecast income is attractive, BHP is not purely an income play.

The company also offers exposure to long-term demand drivers such as electrification and infrastructure investment, particularly through its growing copper business. I believe that provides the potential for capital growth alongside income, rather than relying solely on dividends.

Foolish Takeaway

Buying 100 shares of BHP today could deliver around $150 a year in passive income, based on current forecasts, with the added benefit of franking credits.

Of course, commodity prices move, and dividends can change. But for investors looking for a combination of scale, income potential, and long-term relevance, I think BHP remains one of the ASX’s premier dividend shares and is worth considering as part of a balanced share portfolio.

The post Buy 100 shares of this premier dividend share for $150 in passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Scores of ASX mining shares hit 52-week highs
• With the copper price hitting a new record, how can you get exposure?
• This ASX 200 company is celebrating its second major contract win in as many months
• Monadelphous awarded $175 million BHP contract: Key details for investors

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

I think that one of the easiest ways to position a portfolio for long-term growth is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Rather than trying to pick individual winners, ETFs provide direct (and easy) access to powerful themes that are likely to shape the global economy for years to come.

As 2026 gets underway, three growth themes continue to stand out to me: cybersecurity, global technology leadership, and digital entertainment.

For investors seeking exposure to these trends, these three ETFs provide a straightforward way to do so.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

It wasn’t that long ago that cybersecurity was an afterthought, with internet users relying on their spam folders to ward off viruses and scams. But times have changed, and cybersecurity is now a core requirement for governments, businesses, and individuals.

As more data moves online and digital systems become more interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks continues to rise. That creates a long-term tailwind for companies that specialise in protecting networks, data, and critical infrastructure.

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of global cybersecurity leaders, including businesses involved in cloud security, identity protection, and threat detection. Rather than betting on a single company, this growth ETF spreads risk across the sector.

For me, the appeal of this ETF lies in the durability of the theme. Cyber threats are not cyclical, and spending in this area tends to remain resilient even when economic conditions soften.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers access to some of the most influential growth stocks in the world.

This ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which is home to countless global leaders. Many of these businesses are at the forefront of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital payments, and platform-based business models. We’re talking Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).

What I like about the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is that it combines innovation with scale. These are not early-stage startups. They are established companies with strong balance sheets, global reach, and significant investment in research and development. And if companies lose their way, they will be replaced in the 100 with the next crop of superstar stocks at future rebalances.

Owning a diversified basket of world-class growth companies has historically been a powerful way to participate in long-term technological progress. I expect this to continue being the case in the future.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Video gaming and esports may still be underestimated by some investors.

Gaming has evolved from a niche hobby into a global entertainment industry with hundreds of millions of players worldwide. It spans console gaming, mobile gaming, online platforms, and competitive esports, all supported by ongoing digital engagement.

The VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF provides exposure to leading global stocks involved in video game development, publishing, hardware, and esports ecosystems. This means growth companies like Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), Nintendo (FRA: NTO), and Take-Two (NASDAQ: TTWO).

As technology advances and digital entertainment becomes increasingly immersive, I believe the long-term growth potential of this sector is substantial.

Why these ETFs work together

What makes these ETFs particularly attractive as a group is how they complement each other.

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF focuses on security, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF captures broad-based innovation, and the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF targets digital entertainment and engagement. Together, they provide diversified exposure to growth themes that are driven by technology adoption rather than short-term economic cycles.

Foolish Takeaway

Growth investing does not have to be complicated. By owning ETFs that track long-term structural trends, investors can position their portfolios for the future. This is without needing to constantly trade or monitor individual companies.

For those looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the HACK, NDQ, and ESPO ETFs offer three compelling ways to stock up on growth themes that show no signs of slowing down.

The post 3 unstoppable growth ETFs to stock up on in 2026 and beyond appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to supercharge your portfolio
• 1 unstoppable artificial intelligence stock you’ll want to own in 2026
• 4 reasons to buy Nvidia stock like there’s no tomorrow
• The best ASX ETFs to buy in 2026 and hold until at least 2036
• 2 AI stocks to buy in January and hold for 20 years

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 Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nvidia, Roblox, Shopify, Take-Two Interactive Software, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom and Nintendo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Nvidia, and Shopify. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares closed 1.31% lower on Tuesday, at $65.50 a piece. 

The latest stock price drop means the shares are now 4.31% lower for 2026 so far, 11.34% lower than a month ago, and 48.11% lower than this time last year.

It hasn’t been a great start to the year for the logistics software provider, but I think that there is a good chance WiseTech stock could more than double in 2026, and even soar past $150 per share.

Here’s why.

WiseTech stock bottomed in 2025

It looks like there are signs that WiseTech shares crashed and bottomed out during 2025. The company faced several significant headwinds throughout the 12-month period. 

From lacklustre financial results to a boardroom fallout and even an AFP and ASIC raid, several consecutive events managed to knock back investor confidence time and time again.

But I think the worst is now over for this beaten-down stock, and with the new year, the business is able to turn over a new leaf. Once share prices reach the bottom, the only way is up.

The company is poised for growth in 2026

WiseTech’s underlying business is strong. It is a global leader in logistics software, and the company is continually expanding operations, with a proven track record of successful growth too. 

WiseTech has demonstrated resilience and growth across various economic cycles and is well-positioned to benefit from long-term trends, including cloud computing, automation, and overall AI adoption. 

Its software helps logistics and supply chain businesses automate their processes and transition to cloud-based systems. It’s this type of automation that is a key priority for many companies wanting to improve their efficiency and remain competitive.

Over the past five years, WiseTech has doubled its revenue to US$778.7 million. Looking ahead for FY26, management expects revenue to grow around 80% to a whopping US$1.4 billion.

Analysts are bullish on WiseTech shares

The team at Bell Potter recently said it thinks that this beaten-down logistics solutions technology company could be an ASX 200 share to buy. It has a buy rating and $100 price target on WiseTech shares.

Analysts at Macquarie have also upgraded their outlook on the stock, stating that they see limited risk associated with the company’s upcoming half-year results. Although the broker remains cautious on full-year results and FY 2027 guidance. Macquarie has an outperform rating and $108.50 price target on WiseTech shares. 

But some analysts are even more bullish on their outlook for WiseTech shares. TradingView data shows that 13 out of 15 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. 

The average target price is $109.38 per share, which implies a 66.99% potential upside in 2026, at the time of writing. But some analysts think the share price could soar to $176.85 a piece in the next 12 months. That suggests a potential 170% upside ahead for investors.

I think soaring past $170 is optimistic. But I do think the stock’s strength and ability to capture market share amid a potential AI boom give it the potential to pass the $150 per share mark in 2026.

The post Prediction: WiseTech stock is going to soar past $150 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 phenomenal ASX stocks that could double in 2026
• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026
• Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Qantas, and WiseTech shares
• How I’d build a growing passive income stream from ASX shares over 15 years
• Can WiseTech shares bounce back in 2026?

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

There are a lot of ASX dividend shares out there for income investors to choose from.

In fact, there are so many it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at two that Bell Potter currently rates as buys. They are as follows:

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

The first ASX dividend share that Bell Potter is bullish on is Rural Funds.

It is the owner of a diversified portfolio of Australian agricultural assets. From its 63 properties across five states, the company’s strategy is to generate capital growth and income from developing and leasing agricultural assets.

It notes that lessees are predominantly corporate and institutional entities, representing approximately 83% of FY 2026 forecast income. Several of these lessees are also listed on domestic or international share markets.

Bell Potter thinks its shares are still undervalued despite outperforming in 2025. It said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. The -~35% discount to market NAV remain higher than average (~6% premium since listing) and likely reflects the proportion of assets that are underearning as operating farms. With a continued improvement in most counterparty profitability indicators in recent months (i.e. cattle, almond and macadamia nut prices), resilience in farming asset values and the progress made in creating headroom in funding lines to complete the macadamia development we see this as excessive.

As for dividends, Bell Potter expects payout of 11.7 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.98, this would mean dividend yields of 5.9% for both years.

The broker also sees potential for its shares to climb meaningfully higher in 2026. It currently has a buy rating and $2.45 price target on them.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend shares that is highly recommended by Bell Potter is Universal Store.

It is a youth fashion focused retailer responsible for the Universal Store, Thrills, and Perfect Stranger brands.

Bell Potter thinks that its shares deserve to trade on higher multiples given its positive growth outlook, which is being underpinned by its store rollout and private label strategy. It said:

At ~18x FY26e P/E (BPe), we see UNI trading at a discount to the ASX300 peer group and see the multiple justified by the distinctive growth traits supporting consistent outperformance in a challenging broader category, longer term opportunity with three brands, organic gross margin expansion via private label product penetration (currently ~55%) and management execution. We continue to see the youth customer prioritising on-trend streetwear and expect UNI to benefit with their leading position.

Bell Potter expects this to support fully franked dividends of 37.3 cents in FY 2026 and then 41.4 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.00, this represents dividend yields of 4.7% and 5.2%, respectively.

The broker also sees plenty of upside for this one. It currently has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on its shares.

The post Broker names 2 ASX dividend shares to buy before it’s too late appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 unmissable ASX 300 shares that look too cheap to ignore!
• How I’d build a growing passive income stream from ASX shares over 15 years
• The best ASX dividend shares to buy in January
• $20,000 in excess savings? Here’s how to try and turn that into a second income in 2026
• 3 ASX dividend shares to buy for passive income in 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.