Author: openjargon

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have handed investors some fantastic gains over the past 12 months.

On Monday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant were trading for $60.71 apiece. That sees the share price up an impressive 51.7% since this time last year, smashing the ASX 200’s 0.9% 12-month loss.

And that’s not including the two fully-franked interim dividends BHP paid out over this time.

Amid rising revenue and profits, BHP’s FY 2026 dividend payouts, totalling $2.419 a share, were up 41.6% from FY 2025. If you owned BHP shares at market close on 2 September, you can expect to see the final FY 2026 passive income payout hit your bank account this Wednesday, 23 September.

At Monday’s prices, BHP shares trade on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 4%.

So, after this stellar 12-month run, is the Aussie mining giant still a good buy today?

BHP shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

Catapult Wealth’s Dylan Evans recently analysed the outlook for the booming miner, which now counts as the biggest stock by market cap on the ASX (courtesy of The Bull).

“The global miner’s full year results were impressive, with the company increasing revenue and profit,” he said.

Evans noted:

Growth was driven by the copper division, which is now the primary revenue generator for BHP. As a result, future earnings will be influenced by the copper price, but the price should be underpinned by several long-term themes, including electrification and growing digital infrastructure.

But, following on the strong one-year run, Evans issued a hold recommendation on BHP shares for now.

“BHP is a core holding. However, the share price has risen substantially in the past 12 months to the point where it can appear expensive,” he concluded.

What’s the latest copper news from the ASX 200 mining stock?

As Evans mentioned above, FY 2026 marked the first year in which copper surpassed iron ore in driving BHP’s earnings and supporting BHP’s share price growth.

Commenting on its copper operations, the ASX 200 mining stock noted:

Spot copper prices on average were 26% higher in FY26, with H2 FY26 experiencing increases of nearly 40% as copper moved to >US$13,000/t (US$5.90/lb). The copper price continues to be supported by strong fundamentals on the demand and supply side, driven by a compelling narrative for copper-intensive sectors, particularly electrification and data centres and the risk of future supply deficits.

BHP reported a 48% year-on-year increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) from its copper division to US$18.2 billion. That saw copper production contribute 54% of BHP’s total underlying EBITDA in FY 2026.

The post Up 52% and paying dividends: Are BHP shares a buy, hold, or sell today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Copper has overtaken iron ore – Here are the top copper shares to target
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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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Origin Energy vs AGL Energy shares: Which is better for income investors?

Choosing between Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) is a classic income investor’s dilemma. Both are household names powering millions of Australian homes and businesses, with long histories and significant roles in the nation’s energy mix. If you’re seeking reliable, fully franked dividends and are keen to understand which business stands out in the current market, here’s what I found as I weighed up the two.

The case for Origin Energy

Origin Energy is one of Australia’s largest integrated energy companies, spanning electricity generation, natural gas supply, renewables, and retailing energy to homes and businesses. Alongside a strong presence across Australia, it also has operations in the Pacific and PNG. Origin’s company profile points to a diverse energy mix and a focus on both traditional and renewable energy sources.

Looking at the numbers, a few strengths pop out for income investors:

• A market capitalisation of $20.23 billion signals a large, stable business.
• A healthy 5.07% dividend yield, with the all-important 100% franking, means eligible shareholders receive the full tax credit benefit.
• A recent dividend per share of $0.60 is supported by an earnings per share figure of $0.912 and a P/E ratio of 12.97, indicating solid earnings coverage for those dividends.

Origin has a history of consistent, fully franked dividends. In 2023, 100% franking returned after a period of lower or nil franking seen in previous years. Its year-to-date return is also up 8.2%, providing a hint of positive sentiment.

The case for AGL Energy

AGL Energy is one of Australia’s oldest and most well-known energy brands, with operations dating back to 1837. Today, it generates, trades, and retails electricity and gas, with assets ranging from coal and gas generation to wind farms and hydro. Its retail business is a major player in both residential and business power markets.

Some notable figures for AGL right now:

• Market cap is $5.64 billion; much smaller than Origin, but still within the ASX100.
• Dividend yield sits at 6.00% – even higher than Origin’s – and likewise is now 100% franked.
• Despite paying a slightly lower dividend per share than Origin ($0.52 vs $0.60), AGL’s earnings per share is a solid $1.122. Its P/E ratio is 7.42, which is lower than Origin’s.

AGL’s dividend history has been more volatile in terms of franking — recently, franking has flipped back to 100% for the 2026 payments after several years of unfranked dividends. Its share price, however, has struggled year-to-date, down 5.2%.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how two stack up on key valuation and dividend numbers:

Metric	Origin Energy	AGL Energy
Market Cap	$20.23 billion	$5.64 billion
P/E Ratio	12.97	7.42
Dividend Yield	5.07% (100% franked)	6.00% (100% franked)
Dividend per Share	$0.60	$0.52
Earnings per Share	0.912	1.122
YTD Return	8.2%	-5.2%

Both companies now offer fully franked dividends, but AGL nudges ahead on yield. Origin, though, commands a premium on size and has outperformed AGL sharply over the year. Also, note: While AGL’s EPS is higher, its P/E is much lower than Origin’s, suggesting the market is less optimistic about its future growth or is factoring in other risks.

Recent share price performance

For the fortnight ending 17 September 2026, both Origin and AGL saw modest day-to-day moves:

• Origin shares finished at $11.74 on 17 Sep 2026, climbing from $11.57 on 11 Sep (a 1.5% rise), with a YTD return of 8.2%.
• AGL shares ended at $8.39 on 17 Sep 2026, down from $8.40 on 11 Sep (virtually flat), and have fallen 5.2% year-to-date.
• Over this period, Origin showed steadier resilience and mild upward bias, while AGL shares have softened both short-term and YTD.

Which is the better buy?

Looking at the numbers, I’m leaning toward Origin Energy as the better bet for income-focused investors. The reasons? While AGL offers a slightly higher dividend yield (6.0% vs 5.1%), I’m encouraged by Origin’s combination of steadier share price gains, greater market heft, and a fully franked, consistently paid dividend that looks well-covered by earnings. AGL’s low P/E might tempt value hunters, but its negative year-to-date return and bounce-back to full franking only very recently leave me a bit cautious on dividend reliability.

Importantly, both companies now pay 100% franked dividends, and both earnings and dividend payout levels look sustainable at present. But if I had to pick one to tuck away for dividend income and sleep soundly, my choice today would be Origin Energy — a larger flagbearer showing better price momentum and a reliable, franked payout for income seekers.

The post Origin Energy vs AGL Energy: Which ASX dividend stock is better for income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. 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.

Macquarie Group vs Commonwealth Bank shares: Which bank is best on the ASX?

Everyday Aussie investors often find themselves weighing up Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) against Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA). Both have a long pedigree, blue-chip status, and deliver reliable dividends, but their businesses and profiles are starkly different. With current market conditions in mind, let’s see how Macquarie and CommBank stack up and which could be the better buy.

The case for Macquarie Group

Macquarie Group is a global powerhouse headquartered in Australia, best known for its investment banking, asset management, and specialist expertise in areas like infrastructure, resources and commodities. While it’s sometimes referred to as Australia’s fifth-largest bank by market cap, retail banking is only a small piece of Macquarie’s business. According to its most recent public description, Macquarie operates in 34 markets worldwide, offering everything from banking to investment and advisory services, and ranks within the world’s top 50 asset managers.

A few standouts in the latest numbers:

• Market cap: $91.54 billion
• P/E ratio: 18.83, notably lower than CommBank’s
• Dividend yield: 2.93% (unfranked portion may matter for some investors)
• EPS: 12.669
• Partial franking: 35%
• Year to date return: 19.5%

Dividends have grown over time, with the most recent final and interim payouts at $4.20 and $2.80 per share, both franked at 35%. Macquarie’s more global and diversified earnings base could appeal if you want exposure beyond Aussie retail banking.

The case for Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Commonwealth Bank (or CommBank) is a household name and part of Australia’s “big four” banking club. Its business is all about integrated financial services, spanning retail and business banking, funds management, super, insurance, and more. CommBank operates mainly in Australia and New Zealand, but its reach extends to several international markets too.

Here’s what stands out from the data:

• Market cap: $255.09 billion, making it much larger than Macquarie
• P/E ratio: 23.39
• Dividend yield: 3.31%, slightly higher than Macquarie’s
• EPS: 6.517
• Franking: a full 100%
• Year to date return: -1.92%

CommBank’s dividend history is a thing of beauty for income lovers. Payouts are fully franked, and dividends have remained consistent, with the last final and interim payments coming in at $2.70 and $2.35 per share. For those who value steady, reliable yield with maximum franking credits, CommBank is hard to go past.

Valuation comparison

These two banks share the same broad sector but look quite different through a value lens. Here’s how some core numbers compare:

	Macquarie Group	Commonwealth Bank
Market Cap	$91.54b	$255.09b
P/E Ratio	18.83	23.39
Dividend Yield	2.93%	3.31%
Dividend Franking	35%	100%
EPS	12.669	6.517

Note: Macquarie Group’s reported P/E and EPS figures align, but when comparing across such different business models—even within the banking sector—it’s not always apples-to-apples. CommBank’s full franking on its higher yield may also make its dividends more attractive to some investors, especially those in higher tax brackets.

Recent share price performance

Comparing 21 August to 18 September 2026:

• Macquarie Group shares fell from $248.43 to $238.62, a drop of roughly 3.9% in that time.
• Commonwealth Bank shares slipped from $157.99 to $152.43, down around 3.5% over the same period.

On a year-to-date basis, the difference is sharper:

• Macquarie Group is up 19.5% YTD.
• Commonwealth Bank is down 1.9% YTD.

Which is the better buy?

If I’m weighing Macquarie Group against Commonwealth Bank today, my pick would be Macquarie Group. Its momentum stands out, with an impressive 19.5% year-to-date return, which easily trumps CommBank’s negative move for 2026 so far. Macquarie also looks meaningfully cheaper on a P/E basis (18.8 vs 23.4), giving you more earnings for every dollar invested.

While CommBank pays a higher headline yield (3.31% vs 2.93%) and offers the full benefit of 100% franking, which is unbeatable for franked income lovers, Macquarie’s growth-style profile and sector diversification appeal to me more in the current market. Its slightly lower dividend and franking rate may disappoint some, but that’s balanced by capital gains and global exposure.

For investors seeking a combination of growth potential and a decent, partly franked dividend, I think Macquarie looks like the more compelling opportunity right now. Of course, if fully franked, reliable income is your absolute priority, you might still lean towards CommBank.

The post Macquarie Group vs Commonwealth Bank: Which ASX bank is the better buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. 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 draft. 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.

It was a lukewarm, tentative, yet positive start to the trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Monday. After a wild week last week, investors didn’t seem to know what to do today. After opening sharply lower this morning, the ASX 200 ended up recovering by market close, posting a small rise of 0.008%. That leaves the index at 8,731.9 points.

This nervous start to the Australian week comes after a mixed end to the American trading week last Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn’t quite stick the landing, losing 0.18%.

However, things were brighter for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which gained 0.39%.

But let’s return to this week and the local markets now for a look at how the various ASX sectors handled today’s trading conditions.

Winners and losers

As you might expect, there were generous helpings of both red and green sectors this Monday.

Leading the former were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a shocker today, crashing 1.6%.

Gold stocks had a tough one too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tanking 0.73%.

Broader mining shares weren’t much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) had sunk 0.66% by the closing bell.

Communications stocks came next, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.43% dive.

Consumer discretionary shares also had a lacklustre day. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) saw its value cut by 0.41%.

Its consumer staples counterpart was ahead of that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) sinking 0.23%.

Our last losers today were utilities shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) was sent home 0.11% lighter this Monday.

Let’s turn to the green sectors now. Leading the charge were financial stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.63% surge.

Healthcare shares were in decent demand, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) jumped 0.51% today.

We could say the same for energy stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) advancing 0.45%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) saw some mild buying pressure as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) added 0.09% this session.

Finally, industrial shares scraped over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.05% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Gold miner Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) was our best share on the index this Monday. Ramelius shares leapt 6.15% higher this session to close at $3.80 each.

This big surge seemed to be prompted by a favourable production update released this morning.

Here’s the rest of today’s best:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)	$3.80	6.15%
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)	$140.95	5.27%
Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)	$1.00	4.17%
Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)	$5.36	4.08%
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)	$ 2.87	3.61%
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)	$10.16	3.36%
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)	$23.32	3.09%
Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)	$0.795	2.58%
Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)	$6.72	2.44%
Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)	$2.31	2.21%

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Lovisa, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Lovisa. 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 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has spent Monday struggling to pick a direction.

After falling as low as 8,681 points shortly after the open, the benchmark has clawed its way back to 8,731 points in early afternoon trade.

That leaves the ASX 200 basically flat for the day and around 50 points above its morning low.

It’s a pretty mixed session underneath as well, with 99 shares higher, 94 lower, and 7 unchanged.

The index is still down around 3.8% over the past month, despite recovering slightly over the past 3 sessions.

So, what’s moving the market today?

Wall Street offers little help

There wasn’t much of a lead from Wall Street heading into today’s session.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) slipped 0.18% on Friday, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) gained 0.17% and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) rose 0.40%.

Bond yields remain elevated as well, with the US 10-year Treasury yield pushing back above 5% on Friday.

According to Reuters, investors are still weighing the prospect of further US interest rate hikes, while oil prices remain above US$100 per barrel.

Banks help turn things around

One of the bigger changes since the open has been the performance of the major banks.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are up 1.29% to $38.17, while National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) has gained 1.17% to $38.92.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is also 0.56% higher at $153.28, and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) has added 0.52% to $34.93.

That has helped offset some weakness among the miners.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 0.72% to $60.61, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) has fallen 1% to $165.82.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is also trading lower, down 0.54% to $16.64.

Some big individual moves

There are also some much bigger moves elsewhere on the market today.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) shares have dropped around 13.5% to $16.95 after the company rejected EQT‘s revised $22.50-per-share takeover proposal.

The board said the offer undervalued the business and carried unacceptable execution risks.

Meanwhile, Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are down around 6% to $16.77.

The healthcare company announced a deal to combine with Germany’s ITM, with upfront consideration of US$1.65 billion and another US$700 million potentially payable through milestones.

RBA back in focus

Interest rates are likely to remain a major focus over the next week.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock and Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter are both scheduled to speak tomorrow. Bullock will appear at a CEDA event, while Hunter will take part in a separate interview earlier in the day.

This comes ahead of the central bank’s next monetary policy decision on 29 September.

The post ASX 200 claws back its early losses. What’s moving the market? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP 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.

Sigma Healthcare vs Sonic Healthcare shares: Which healthcare giant is the better buy?

Healthcare is a core slice of almost every Aussie portfolio, but the sector comes in many flavours. If you’re weighing up Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) and Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares, the decision boils down to more than just “pharma vs pathology.” Both are big names, both have national and global footprints, and each offers a very different blend of income, growth potential, and business risk. Here’s how they stack up.

The case for Sigma Healthcare

Sigma Healthcare is a stalwart of Australian pharmacy. Following its 2025 merger with Chemist Warehouse, Sigma now blends a massive wholesale pharmaceutical distribution network with the country’s biggest pharmacy retail footprint, operating well-known brands such as Chemist Warehouse, Amcal, and Discount Drug Stores. The company also backs up its retail network with services like dose administration aids and technology for pharmacy customers. According to its most recent company profile, Sigma was founded in 1912 and is based in Clayton, Victoria.

The numbers show Sigma as a sizable operation — its market cap clocks in at $28.86 billion, with 11.5 billion shares on issue. Current valuation looks lofty, trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 41.77. Dividends are there, but on the smaller end, with a yield of 1.54% and full 100% franking. Year to date, Sigma’s share price has slipped by 10.5%.

The case for Sonic Healthcare

Sonic Healthcare is a very different beast. Rather than retailing or wholesaling medication, Sonic is a diagnostics empire: the largest private pathology services operator in Australia, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, plus big positions in the US, New Zealand, and Belgium. Pathology accounts for most of its revenue, but Sonic also boasts a leading role in diagnostic imaging and medical centre ownership in Australia.

Sonic has a market cap of $9.70 billion (much smaller than Sigma) and a P/E ratio of 15.89 — far lower than Sigma’s. For income-seekers, the dividend yield is a noticeable 5.53%, although franking is partial at 60%. It’s also seen a negative year-to-date return of 8.8%.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the two stack up on key valuation and income metrics:

Metric	Sigma Healthcare	Sonic Healthcare
Market Cap	$28.86 billion	$9.70 billion
P/E Ratio	41.77	15.89
Dividend Yield	1.54% (100% franked)	5.53% (60% franked)
Earnings per Share (EPS)	0.062	1.106
Dividend per Share	0.04	1.08
Year to Date Return	-10.5%	-8.8%

Sigma’s larger market cap reflects its scale and sprawling retail network after merging with Chemist Warehouse. But it is Sonic that stands out on income, with a much higher dividend yield (and larger dividends per share), albeit with less franking. Sonic’s far lower P/E ratio suggests the market expects slower growth or sees less risk in Sigma, but sector differences make a like-for-like comparison tricky.

Recent share price performance

Both companies have faced a challenging run lately. Comparing 18 August – 17 September 2026:

• Sigma Healthcare shares fell from $2.93 to $2.50, including a steep single-day drop of 7.75% on 27 August 2026.
• Sonic Healthcare shares dropped from $23.02 to $19.62, also seeing some sharp daily declines — most notably a 9.25% fall on 20 August 2026.
• Year to date, Sigma is down 10.5%, while Sonic has slipped 8.8%.

So, both stocks have moved lower through 2026, with both hit by periods of strong selling.

Which is the better buy?

This is not a simple snap pick, but if I had to choose, I’d lean toward Sonic Healthcare as the more appealing buy right now.

Here’s why: Sonic’s dividend yield is meaningfully higher at 5.53%, and its payout is larger in absolute dollar terms. While the 60% franking won’t suit everyone seeking maximised after-tax income, it’s still a decent level. Sonic’s P/E ratio of 15.89 is far more attractive than Sigma’s 41.77, suggesting you’re paying much less per dollar of reported profit.

Sigma’s premium valuation might be justified given its dominant retail position after merging with Chemist Warehouse, opening up new earnings streams and scale — but that makes the stock look priced for strong ongoing growth, which isn’t fully backed up by its negative year-to-date returns.

Sonic’s business model is more defensive, with global operations and a central role in diagnostic healthcare. Its lower valuation, higher income, and solid EPS give me more confidence in its risk/reward, even after recent price weakness. Without meaningful trend data beyond this year’s snapshot, I can’t judge longer-term earnings or dividend growth for either company.

So, while Sigma is a genuine heavyweight with exciting exposure to Australian pharmacy retail, my pick for a buy today would be Sonic Healthcare for its income, global footprint, and lower relative valuation.

The post Sigma Healthcare vs Sonic Healthcare: Which ASX healthcare share wins? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down more than 18% in a month with a 7% yield, are Sonic Healthcare shares too cheap to ignore?
• ASX 200 healthcare shares lead a weaker market amid 82% chance of a rate hike
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• 9 ASX 200 shares earning strengthened buy ratings this week

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. 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 draft. 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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are climbing again on Monday, with the healthcare giant continuing its strong rebound.

The CSL share price is up 1.29% to $177.85 in early afternoon trade after reaching an intraday high of $178.42.

That puts the stock right back near an area I’ve been watching closely on the chart.

CSL shares have now almost doubled from their 2026 low of $90, so a lot of the recovery has already happened.

And from a technical point of view, I think the next few dollars could be harder to come by.

Why $180 is a big level

The first thing that jumps out to me on the chart is the resistance sitting just below $180.

CSL shares have pushed into this area a few times recently, but so far haven’t been able to break through it.

And momentum is starting to look pretty stretched as well.

The relative strength index (RSI) is currently at 68, which is getting close to the 70 level generally considered overbought.

It doesn’t mean the share price has to fall from here, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some selling around $180.

I think CSL may need another positive announcement or a decent market rally to properly break through this level.

If it can, the next major resistance level I’m watching on the chart is around $230.

Another risk is coming next week

There’s also another reason I wouldn’t be surprised to see CSL shares struggle around these levels.

The RBA meets again on 29 September, and another interest rate increase is looking increasingly likely.

According to Reuters, markets are now implying a 93% chance that the cash rate will rise from 4.35% to 4.60% at next week’s meeting.

That follows 3 rate hikes already this year, while RBA Governor Michele Bullock said last week that some of the upside risks to inflation were starting to materialise.

If the RBA does lift rates again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some pressure come back into the ASX.

And with CSL already trading right around resistance, that could make breaking through $180 even harder.

Foolish takeaway

If I were looking at CSL today, I wouldn’t be rushing to chase the shares at $178.

The stock has already done a lot of the heavy lifting, and I’d rather see what happens around $180 before getting too excited.

A clean break above that level would be a much better signal to me than buying right underneath it.

For now, I’ll happily wait and see whether a pullback gives me a better entry point.

The post CSL shares are back near $180. Here’s the level I’m watching appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

At age 59, you’re just one year from reaching preservation age, which means you can start drawing down on your superannuation if you’ve stopped working.

It’s one of the most important crossroads in life, and one where the decisions you’ll make over the next few years will determine the quality of life you have in retirement. 

But do you know what it costs to retire comfortably versus on a budget? And how much should you have in your super at age 59 to support yourself when the time comes?

Let’s take a look.

What does it cost to retire?

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) figures, there are two main options for your retirement. A comfortable retirement lifestyle, and a modest one.

A modest retirement means you’d need to live on a tight budget after you quit working. It assumes you can cover very basic needs and requirements, including basic food costs, enough to cover essential bills, low-tier health insurance, and minimal leisure activities or meals out. It assumes you own your home outright and that you’ll receive at least a partial Age Pension payment.

ASFA estimates this will cost single retirees around $36,434 per year, and closer to $52,473 for a couple combined. 

Then there is the comfortable retirement option. This is one that allows retirees to have a good standard of living well above the bare minimum. It allows Australians enough money to finance top-tier private health insurance, a reasonable grocery budget, home repairs, and regular leisure activities or meals out. It also includes a budget for an occasional holiday.

A comfortable retirement is estimated to cost single retirees around $55,923 per year or $78,566 for couples. Again, it assumes you’ll receive a part Age Pension and that you own your home in full. 

How much do I need in my superannuation to finance a comfortable retirement?

ASFA has calculated that single Australians will need around $630,000 in their superannuation, and couples will need around $730,000.

The catch is these figures assume that you’ll be retiring from age 67 and that you’ll need to fund around 10 to 15 years of retirement living. 

OK, so how much should I have in my superannuation at age 59 to reach this goal?

I’ve crunched the numbers using ASFA’s online super detective tool and, assuming you have an income of around $100,000 per year, Australians should aim to have a superannuation balance of around $434,500 by age 59. 

How does this compare to your own superannuation balance?

What if I want to retire a couple of years earlier at age 65? How much would I need to have today to be considered on track?

That’s very achievable, but you’d need to have enough in your superannuation at age 65 to fund those two extra years.

Your annual costs will be around the same: $55,923 per year for single Australians and $78,566 per year combined for a couple living together.

But, as I mentioned above, you’ll need to fund an additional two years above what ASFA accounts for.

That means, at age 65, singles will need to have around $742,000 in their superannuation, and couples will need a combined balance closer to $888,000 at the same age. 

To be considered on track for this amount at age 59, you’d need to have around $481,000 in your superannuation.

Is it possible to retire at age 60 and still live comfortably in retirement?

Yes. Again, this is very achievable if you have the funds to be able to support yourself for those additional seven years until age 67. 

At age 60, singles will need to have closer to $1 million in their superannuation. Meanwhile, couples will need a combined balance of around $1.3 million at the same age.

That means that at age 59, your superannuation balance should be very close to these levels. If not, you’d have just one year to make up the difference.

The post How much should I have in my superannuation at age 59? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares slipped fractionally to $60.78 during Monday afternoon trading. That follows a softer month, with the mining giant down around 7%.

But zoom out, and the picture flips completely: BHP shares have surged roughly 34% year to date and a stunning 53% over the past 12 months.

After a run like that, the obvious question is whether there’s anything left in the tank. Here are five reasons the answer might be yes.

1. BHP is quietly becoming a copper giant

Forget the old image of BHP shares as an iron ore miner with side hustles. Copper is now doing the heavy lifting. In FY 2026, copper contributed more than half of BHP’s underlying EBITDA for the first time ever, with production hitting roughly 2 million tonnes.

It gets bigger from here. BHP’s copper growth pipeline could lift attributable production by around 40% by FY 2035. That’s a full-throttle bet on a metal the company believes is set to ride the electrification, digitalisation, and power-demand supercycle.

2. Iron ore hasn’t gone anywhere

None of this means BHP is walking away from iron ore. WA Iron Ore delivered record production in FY 2026 and, according to BHP, remains the world’s lowest-cost major iron ore operation. The target now is production above 305 million tonnes a year.

That’s not a dying business propping up a new one. It’s a cash-printing machine that can bankroll the next growth chapter of BHP shares without forcing shareholders to gamble on unproven ventures.

3. A massive potash bet flying under the radar

BHP is about to add an entirely new commodity to its arsenal. The Jansen potash project in Canada was 84% complete at the end of FY 2026 and remains on track for first production in mid-2027 — with an expected operating life beyond 60 years.

That’s exposure to global food security and agricultural demand, sitting alongside BHP’s traditional commodity mix. It’s a diversification play most miners simply can’t match.

4. The cash machine just got louder

BHP generated US$9.8 billion of free cash flow in FY 2026 — an 83% jump. Net debt fell below US$9 billion, and the company handed shareholders US$8.7 billion in dividends, its biggest annual payout in four years.

For income investors in BHP shares, that’s not a footnote. That’s the headline.

5. Growth without losing the plot

Here’s the part that should reassure the sceptics: BHP isn’t just throwing cash at new mines and hoping for the best.

Management is squeezing productivity and technology out of existing operations, with unit costs running 6% lower on average across major assets in FY 2026 — despite inflation and rising diesel costs working against them.

Should investors keep watching BHP shares?

A 53% gain over 12 months means valuation and commodity price risk can’t be brushed aside. But the real story here isn’t the share price, it’s that BHP itself is changing shape.

This isn’t the old BHP shares wearing a higher price tag. It’s a copper-led growth business, propped up by a world-class iron ore operation, a brand-new potash division, and a cash engine running hotter than ever.

The real question for investors isn’t whether BHP has already run too far. It’s whether this reinvention can deliver another leg of growth, without BHP losing the shareholder return discipline that made it a market darling in the first place.

The post BHP shares are up 53%. Here are 5 reasons why they may not be done yet appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been a strong start to the week for Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares.

The gold miner is up 6.98% to $3.83 in midday trade on Monday after releasing its latest update to the market.

However, the stock is still down around 8% since the start of 2026.

So, what’s behind the sudden buying?

Gold output could triple by FY30

According to the release, Ramelius expects to produce between 205,000 and 225,000 ounces of gold in FY27.

All-in sustaining costs (AISC) are forecast at between $2,150 and $2,350 per ounce.

From there, though, production is expected to really start stepping up.

Ramelius is guiding for 250,000 to 300,000 ounces in FY28, before climbing again to 410,000 to 460,000 ounces in FY29.

By FY30, the company is targeting annual production of 560,000 to 610,000 ounces, with AISC of $2,100 to $2,400 per ounce.

That would be 11% above its previous FY30 production plan and around 205% higher than FY26 output.

A lot of that growth should come from Mt Magnet, which could produce 420,000 to 460,000 ounces in FY30.

Rebecca-Roe is expected to contribute another 140,000 to 150,000 ounces that year.

Ramelius is spending heavily to get there

Of course, getting production up to those levels won’t be cheap.

Ramelius expects growth capital expenditure of between $480 million and $570 million in FY27.

A large chunk of that is set to go towards Mt Magnet.

The cost of expanding the processing plant has now increased to around $280 million, up from the previous estimate of $223 million.

The company said the increase reflects higher costs, greater fixed-price coverage, and extra infrastructure work.

The expanded plant is targeted for completion in the December 2027 quarter and should lift total throughput to 4.3Mtpa.

Commercial production is expected to start in the March 2028 quarter.

Ramelius has plenty of firepower

The good news is Ramelius isn’t heading into this spending phase short on funding.

The company said its cash, gold, and investment holdings currently sit above $1 billion.

That includes proceeds from the recent Edna May hub sale, which brought in $210 million in cash and another $90 million worth of Forrestania Resources Ltd (ASX: FRS) shares.

Ramelius said the growth plan remains fully funded, which gives it a bit more breathing room while spending ramps up.

Management also expects the stronger production profile to start showing up in cash flow later in the decade.

By FY30, Ramelius is forecasting free cash flow of as much as $1.5 billion, based on a gold price of $5,500 per ounce.

The post Why is this ASX gold share rocketing 7% on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.