Author: openjargon

The IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price is in focus today after the miner posted a big lift in quarterly revenue and underlying EBITDA, despite ongoing challenges at Greenbushes.

What did IGO report?

• Group sales revenue up 45% to $119.7 million for the quarter
• Group underlying EBITDA surged to $119 million (up from $30 million in Q2)
• Nova nickel production rose 11% quarter-on-quarter, generating $52 million free cash flow
• Greenbushes EBITDA margin strongly at 75%
• Net cash position increased to $327 million as at 31 March 2026
• Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) improved to 4.2, with 90 days injury free

What else do investors need to know?

IGO’s Nova operation delivered another excellent quarter, with improved safety performance and high output from a mature ore body. Strong production and cost discipline at Nova drove growth in both revenue and free cash flow, despite higher fuel prices on the horizon.

At Greenbushes, spodumene production stayed flat at 351 thousand tonnes, but operational challenges – including lower feed grades, recoveries, and maintenance outages – saw overall performance miss earlier targets. Still, a strong lithium price almost doubled the realised spodumene price to US$1,668 per tonne, lifting margins. The ramp-up of the CGP3 plant remains on track after previous delays.

Foundation work continues on portfolio optimisation. During the quarter, IGO completed the sale of Forrestania assets, and is progressing rationalisation at other sites while advancing project generation and exploration across existing and new targets.

What did IGO management say?

IManaging Director and Chief Executive Officer van Vella said:

Nova has delivered a very strong operational result and further improvement in safety performance despite the challenges of an end of mine life ore body… Nickel production increased 11% in the quarter and the operation generated $52M of free cash flow. Greenbushes production result this quarter is disappointing. Performance has been challenged across a number of metrics… Fundamental changes to operating approaches and systems take time to be effective and improvements are typically not linear. Greenbushes is a world-class asset and generated 75% EBITDA margin this quarter. I am confident the work underway will deliver the required performance and overall value optimisation.

What’s next for IGO?

IGO has updated full-year guidance for Greenbushes, now expecting spodumene production of 1,375–1,425kt (down from 1,500–1,650kt), mainly due to year-to-date performance and slower plant ramp-up. Unit cash cost guidance has increased while capex is expected to be lower, reflecting greater discipline.

Kwinana and Nova guidance remains as previously advised, with strong operational performance at Nova but heightened end-of-mine risks. Across its portfolio, IGO is focusing on operational improvements, portfolio rationalisation, and targeted exploration and growth opportunities – all aimed at underpinning long-term value.

IGO share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IGO shares have risen 135%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IGO lowers Greenbushes guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• PLS Group provides March quarter earnings update
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What key update is fueling Ampol shares today?
• 5 ASX 200 shares with renewed 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is one of the most widely owned shares on the ASX.

It is also one of the most debated. The valuation often looks full, and that can make it easy to look elsewhere.

Even so, when I think about a 10-year investment horizon, I see CBA as a bank share I would be comfortable owning and holding.

A consistent earnings machine

One of the key reasons is consistency.

CBA continues to deliver strong earnings, supported by lending growth and a large deposit base. In its latest half, cash profit growth remained solid, reflecting steady performance across its core banking operations.

What stands out to me is how repeatable this is.

The bank generates income from mortgages, business lending, and deposits. These are products that remain in demand across different economic cycles. That gives CBA a reliable earnings base that can support long-term returns.

Industry-leading profitability

Another factor that I think is important is profitability.

CBA continues to deliver a return on equity of around 13.8%, which remains among the highest in the Australian banking sector.

I think that level of return highlights the quality of the business.

It reflects pricing power, scale, and efficiency. When a company can consistently generate strong returns on equity, it tends to compound shareholder value over time.

For long-term investors, that is a powerful driver of returns.

A strong balance sheet supports stability

CBA’s balance sheet is one of its biggest strengths, in my opinion.

The company reported a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 12.3%, which sits comfortably above regulatory requirements.

Funding is also supported by a large base of customer deposits, which account for around 79% of total funding.

This is important because it gives CBA flexibility. It can continue lending, invest in technology, and support customers even when conditions become more challenging. Over a 10-year period, that kind of stability becomes increasingly important.

Ongoing investment in technology

CBA is also continuing to invest heavily in its platform.

Spending on technology remains a key focus, with over $1.2 billion invested during the first half to modernise systems and improve customer experience.

This includes areas like digital banking, fraud prevention, and AI capabilities.

To me, that suggests a business focused on staying competitive.

Banks are becoming more technology-driven, and CBA’s willingness to invest should help it maintain its competitive position over time.

A reliable and growing dividend stream

Income is another part of the story.

CBA declared an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked, continuing its track record of returning capital to shareholders.

For investors building long-term wealth, those dividends can play an important role.

Reinvested over time, they can significantly contribute to total returns through compounding.

Foolish takeaway

CBA combines consistent earnings, strong profitability, and a resilient balance sheet.

It also continues to invest in technology and return capital to shareholders.

When I look at those qualities together, I see a business that is built to perform over time. That is why I think investors could buy and hold CBA shares with confidence for the next decade.

The post Why I think investors should buy and hold CBA shares for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on CBA shares
• 3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: experts
• How does Morgans rate ANZ, BOQ, CBA, NAB, and Westpac shares?
• Stagflation: How to position an ASX stock portfolio
• 5 powerhouse ASX dividend shares to buy and hold until 2050

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

The PLS Group (ASX: PLS), formerly Pilbara Minerals, share price is in focus after the company reported a 52% jump in quarterly revenue to $567 million, underpinned by stronger lithium prices and disciplined execution. Cash balance surged 52% to $1.45 billion at 31 March 2026.

What did PLS Group report?

• Group revenue rose 52% to $567 million versus the prior quarter
• Average realised spodumene price increased 61% to US$1,867/t (SC5.2 equivalent)
• Production lifted 12% to 232,400 tonnes; sales were 195,700 tonnes
• Unit FOB operating cost fell 11% to $520/t
• Cash balance grew to $1.45 billion, up 52% from December
• Cash margin from operations came in at $461 million

What else do investors need to know?

PLS Group remains well funded, supported by the recent US$600 million US bond issue completed after the quarter’s end. The proceeds are providing longer-term flexibility and have helped increase total available liquidity to $2.44 billion on a pro forma basis.

The company’s Ngungaju plant restart is on track for July 2026, and feasibility studies for the Pilgangoora P2000 expansion and Colina project in Brazil continue to progress as planned. No material supply chain disruptions are expected, with operations stable and cost controls in place.

What’s next for PLS Group?

PLS Group is focused on advancing its growth pipeline, targeting higher production capacity at Pilgangoora and progressing the Colina project in Brazil. The business is also expanding downstream exposure, including chemical processing and mid-stream partnerships.

Looking forward, management sees accelerating global demand for battery materials and is positioning the business to capture value right along the lithium supply chain.

PLS Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, PLS Group shares have risen 281%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post PLS Group provides March quarter earnings update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• IGO lowers Greenbushes guidance
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What key update is fueling Ampol shares today?
• Buy, hold, sell: NextDC, Hub24, PLS Group shares

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

I love ASX index funds, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) in particular. This ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) gives Australian investors easy access to a simple, market-wide portfolio of the 300 largest stocks that are listed on the Australian markets.

That’s everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) and JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH).

Historically, ASX index funds, VAS included, have delivered decent long-term returns for Australian investors. To illustrate, VAS has hit an average of 8.97% per annum since its inception in 2009. That’s as of 31 March, and includes both capital growth and dividend returns.

This is a decent opinion, at least in my opinion, for most stock market investors. I own VAS units myself. However, this ETF does have a well-documented weakness. It is a fund that is very heavy on two types of companies – banks and miners. Thanks to the top-heavy nature of the ASX, a significant portion of every dollar that goes into VAS ends up with a bank or a miner.

To prove it, let’s look at VAS’ current holdings. At present, CBA, as the ASX’s largest stock, takes more than $10 of every $100 invested into the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF. Another $9.50 or so heads straight to mining giant BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) stock, and another $15 finds its way to the other three major ASX banks, plus Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

Why ASX investors should add this tech ETF to VAS

That might be fine for some Australian investors, particularly those who appreciate a fat, fully franked dividend. But it might leave others longing for a little more pep and vigour. The contrast to the United States market, which is famously dominated by innovative tech stocks like NVIDIA, Amazon and Alphabet, is rather stark. Back on the ASX, tech stocks contribute a miserly 2.1% to VAS’ portfolio.

That’s why I think VAS is perfectly supplemented by another ASX ETF. It is none other than the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC).

This ASX ETF is jam-packed with the ASX’s most successful tech stocks, as well as companies that could be described as tech-adjacent. Its top holdings include:

• Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU)
• Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)
• NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)
• Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)
• WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
• TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)
• REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)
• Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)
• Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

All names that have made waves in recent years.

Now, the ASX tech sector is in the midst of a rather nasty slump. ATEC units, at around $22 today, are at an 18-month low. But this could well prove to be a decent entry point if sentiment swings back around. All in all, I think this ASX ETF is a perfect choice if you wish to supplement a traditional ASX index fund like VAS with some of the ASX’s most exciting innovators.

The post Is this ASX ETF the perfect companion to Vanguard’s VAS? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CAR Group Ltd, Pro Medicus, and Technology One. 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 busy period for ASX 200 gold stocks, with countless quarterly results hitting the wires.

One that has caught the eye of analysts at Bell Potter is Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL).

The broker highlights that after another solid quarter, the gold miner is swimming in cash with a balance now over $1 billion.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 gold stock?

Bell Potter notes that Regis Resources delivered production that was a touch softer than expected during the quarter due to the Tropicana operation.

However, the broker believes the ASX 200 gold stock can still achieve its guidance in FY 2026. It said:

RRL has released its March 2026 quarterly report, for which group production was slightly below our forecasts and dropped off following a strong December 2025 quarter. At Duketon, production was a slight beat on our numbers, offset by higher costs. At Tropicana, production was a slight miss offset by lower costs. For the quarter, RRL achieved group production of 90,592oz at AISC of A$2,807/oz (vs BPe 92,158oz at AISC of A$2,731/oz). Overall, it was a solid quarter leaving RRL well placed to meet FY26 guidance and built further on its track record of consistent delivery.

However, the highlight of the quarter was its strong cash generation, which was underpinned by its unhedged exposure to a rising gold price. Bell Potter commented:

RRL’s unhedged exposure to a rising gold price has delivered continued high free cash flows and balance sheet strength. Operating cash flow for the quarter of $422m (vs $419m QoQ) benefitted from a higher gold price offsetting lower production. RRL achieved an average realised price of A$6,977/oz, up 8% QoQ. RRL added $198m to the balance sheet (vs $255m QoQ), or A$2,185/oz for the quarter (vs A$2,640/oz QoQ). RRL holds cash of A$1,128m (from A$930m QoQ) after a lumpy cash tax payment of $92m and remains debt free. Post quarter end RRL paid 15cps ($114m) in dividends.

Should you invest?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold stock with an improved price target of $9.45 (from $9.35).

Based on its current share price of $7.45, this implies potential upside of 27% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is expecting a big dividend increase, providing an above-average dividend yield of 4.6% over the period.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

We remain attracted to RRL’s all-Australian, multi-mine asset portfolio, its demonstrated leverage to the gold price, highly competitive cash generation and its fully unhedged, debt free position. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 1%, to a rounded $9.45/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation with forecast dividends supporting shareholder returns.

The post This buy-rated ASX 200 gold stock has $1 billion in cash appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• What did ASX gold shares Regis Resources, Perseus, and West African report today?
• Regis Resources posts solid March quarter with strong cash flow and dividend
• Why is everyone talking about Regis Resources, Lynas and Rio Tinto shares on Tuesday?
• ASX 200 share leaps 8% as gold rally drives cash pile past $1.1 billion

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.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are a popular way to gain exposure to copper.

However, with the mining giant’s shares hitting a record high this week, the upside from here could be limited.

But don’t worry, because Bell Potter has identified another way to get that copper exposure.

Which ASX copper share?

Bell Potter is recommending Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) shares to clients this week following the release of its quarterly update.

Commenting on the quarterly update, the broker said:

Woodlawn delivered a material QoQ uplift in contained metal production: copper +92%; zinc +43%; lead +42%; and silver +118%. The increased metal production reflects higher processing rates and feed grade. Processed materials, grades and recovery rates are anticipated to lift further as Woodlawn delivers its first quarter of steady-state production and as stoping advances to the Kate lens core (see Figure 1 for a break-down of Kate lens grade by level).

Quarterly Woodlawn revenue is estimated to be ~$19.0m (December 2025 quarter: $39.1m) with sale slippage into early April due to impacted ship availability arising from the Middle East conflict. DVP noted that $33m of mine and port stockpiles had accumulated at quarter-end, with $28.9m shipped in April.

Looking ahead, Bell Potter highlights that two other projects are close to final investment decisions (FIDs), which bodes well for its cash flow generation in the coming years. It adds:

Both projects are expected to see major milestones announced this quarter for offtake, financing and FID. These milestones will pave the way for construction commencement of the Sulphur Springs processing plant in early FY27, and earlier realisation of cash flow generation at Pioner Dome under a DSO development pathway. The significant interest in DSO offtake observed suggests DVP has leverage in negotiating a favourable pricing framework.

Potential market-beating returns

According to the note, in response to the quarterly update, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX copper share with an improved price target of $6.60.

Based on its current share price of $5.76, this implies potential upside of almost 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

DVP is well positioned to deliver commodity price leverage in the current elevated copper, zinc and silver price environment. Expanding free cash flow generation will support near-term project financing for Sulphur Springs and Pioner Dome.

The post Forget Rio Tinto and buy this ASX copper share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Deep Yellow, Develop Global, Resolute Mining, and Santos shares are pushing higher today
• Rio Tinto shares soar to an all-time high: Buy, hold or sell?
• Why is everyone talking about Regis Resources, Lynas and Rio Tinto shares on Tuesday?
• Rio Tinto shares close in on record high following strong Q1 update
• Rio Tinto Q1 FY26: Production growth and steady guidance drive optimism

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.

After announcing big company news this week, two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have been upgraded by the experts.

One stock fell 39% after its earnings guidance was downgraded, while the other spiked 17% after a new operating model was unveiled.

Let’s recap what happened, and what the new ratings are for these ASX 200 shares.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) 

Cochlear shares were smashed this week after the hearing implant device maker downgraded its earnings guidance.

The company now expects an FY26 underlying net profit of $290 million to $300 million, down from $435 million to $460 million.

Cochlear cited capacity constraints at hospitals, falling consumer confidence globally, and cancelled procedures in the Middle East.

The company said:

Consumer sentiment has declined in key markets, reaching historic lows in the US.

The decline appears to be affecting discretionary healthcare decisions in the adults and seniors segment, adding to demand uncertainty in the near term.  

On top of that, industrial action in Italy and Spain has delayed procedures, and China has lowered its reimbursements to patients.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Cochlear shares to a hold rating following a 39% fall in the share price on the day of the news.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $194 to $119.

The Cochlear share price hit a new 52-week low of $95.81 yesterday.

Over the past 12 months, the ASX 200 healthcare share has dropped 64%.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates shares rose sharply this week after the company announced a new regional operating model to raise efficiency.

This ASX 200 wine share has been on the nose with investors and fell to a multi-year low of $3.34 last month.

The company’s new model is part of a global transformation program called TWE Ascent.

Treasury Wine will operate four new regional divisions: The Americas, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and Europe, Greater China, and Emerging Markets (Rest of Asia, Middle East and Africa).

Treasury Wine Estates CEO Sam Fischer said:

We are reshaping TWE to drive clearer accountability for performance and to enable faster, more market-connected decision-making as a foundation for consistent depletions growth.

Fischer added:

Combining the deep local insight of our in-market teams with the scale and expertise of our global functions will step change in-market execution, whilst retaining our enhanced focus on Penfolds and other priority luxury brands.

Citi likes the look of the plan, and upgraded Treasury Wine Estates shares to a hold rating as a result.

The ASX 200 wine share rose 17% to $4.73 on the day of the announcement. Citi’s 12-month price target is $4.25.

Over the past 12 months, the ASX 200 wine share has tumbled 48%.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone buying this beaten-down ASX wine stock now?
• What is Morgans saying about Cochlear and Northern Star shares?
• 5 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• Cochlear stock down 40%: How much has this cost ASX investors?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Investing beyond Australia was once a complicated process. It often meant dealing with foreign exchanges, currencies, and additional costs.

That is no longer the case. Today, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) provide simple access to global markets, allowing investors to build international exposure with a single trade.

Here are three ETFs that make global investing straightforward.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of international companies that analysts believe have sustainable competitive advantages. These are often referred to as wide moats.

It also incorporates a valuation focus, targeting stocks that are considered attractively priced.

Its holdings include names such as Etsy (NASDAQ: ETSY), Edenred, and Symrise AG (ETR: SY1).

Etsy is a useful example of the type of business this ETF targets. It operates a global online marketplace focused on handmade and unique goods. The platform benefits from strong network effects, connecting buyers and sellers in a way that can be difficult for competitors to replicate. This type of positioning is what underpins the idea of a moat and supports long-term earnings potential.

By combining quality and valuation, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF offers a structured way to access international companies with durable advantages.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the popular Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This ETF provides broad exposure to developed markets around the world, including the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is designed to track a large index, giving investors access to a wide range of global companies.

Among its 1,000+ holdings are companies such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

Apple stands out as one of the largest and most influential companies globally. Its ecosystem of devices and services creates recurring revenue and strong customer retention. This helps illustrate the type of large, established businesses that dominate global indices.

Overall, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF offers diversification across industries and geographies, making it a straightforward way to gain broad international exposure.

Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

A third ASX ETF to consider for global investing is the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF.

This fund focuses on global markets outside the United States, providing exposure to both developed and emerging economies.

Its 3,800+ holdings include companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML).

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plays a critical role in the global technology supply chain. It manufactures advanced semiconductors used in everything from smartphones to data centres. Its scale and technical expertise have made it a key supplier to many of the world’s largest technology companies.

The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF allows investors to complement US-heavy exposures by adding broader global diversification, including regions that are often underrepresented in traditional portfolios.

The post Global investing is easy on the ASX with these ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are these the best ASX ETFs to buy with $1,000 in May?
• Stagflation: How to position an ASX stock portfolio
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• Stop ‘saving’, start investing! How to target a $1 million ASX share portfolio

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 positions in and has recommended ASML, Apple, Microsoft, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Apple, Microsoft, VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) share price has seen its fair share of volatility of the last several weeks. Airlines are among the most affected businesses amid the events of the Middle East.

Fuel prices have soared in the last few weeks, but the company had hedged its fuel costs, minimising that specific element. But, it is more exposed to the jet refining margin, which jumped from US$20 per barrel to a peak of around of US$120 per barrel.

Time will tell what happens with fuel prices and travel demand in the coming weeks.

We’re going to look at what experts from L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G) think of the business in the current climate.

Expert views on the Qantas share price

In recent market commentary, L1 noted that ASX travel shares fell sharply in March because of higher oil prices and fears of a reduction in global travel demand.

But, L1 said that company-specific fundamentals remain attractive, with travel demand outside of the Middle East appearing resilient. The fund manager said that fuel hedging provides some short-term cost protection.

L1 noted that Qantas has responded to the volatility with a recovery through higher ticket prices and select trimming of capacity where appropriate. The fund manager said that travel demand has remained resilience so far.

Putting the Middle East conflict aside for a moment, L1 also noted that the RBA’s review of card payment costs and charges have created a modest overhang for the loyalty business, with key changes being the removal of card surcharges and the reduction in the interchange fee cap on domestic credit cards.

L1 said that investors have focused on softer trends in select international markets.

The investment team at L1 Group concluded their thoughts on the Qantas share price with the following:

            All up, the [Qantas] share price declines appear to reflect nearer-term earnings volatility rather than any deterioration in the group’s underlying competitive position.

Final thoughts on the market

L1 gave some of the following commentary on the stock market, which I think many investors could benefit from:

Moments of heightened uncertainty in markets have historically created some of the best investment opportunities for the Fund. Accordingly, we have been using this period of elevated volatility to identify high quality companies that are now trading far below fair value, even assuming a less favourable macro outlook.

These changes include adding to our positions in gold, construction materials, travel-related stocks and copper, while trimming exposure to some of our energy and infrastructure names which have outperformed.

…While periods of elevated market volatility can be unnerving in the short-term, they provide outstanding medium-term opportunities to invest in great companies at exceptional prices.

Overall, L1 seems to think the Qantas share price can fly again.

The post Is the Qantas share price a buy? Here’s an expert’s view appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

Starting with your first $500 can feel like a big step.

When I think about how I would approach it today, the goal would be simple: a mix of growth potential, quality, and long-term opportunity without overcomplicating things.

Here are three options I would consider if I were starting from scratch in the current market.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

If I wanted exposure to growth, this is where I would start.

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF gives you access to a group of ASX technology shares in one investment. That includes businesses across software, fintech, and digital platforms such as Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The sector has been under pressure, and the ATEC ETF is down heavily from its highs. That has brought valuations back down across many of its holdings.

For a beginner, I think this is a simple way to gain exposure to the tech sector without having to pick individual winners. If the sector recovers over time, this could prove to be a strong entry point.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is a very different type of investment.

This is a business with a long track record of delivering good returns, supported by operations like Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks. These are well-known brands with strong positions in their markets.

What appeals to me here is consistency. Wesfarmers has shown an ability to grow earnings, manage costs, and allocate capital effectively over many years. That kind of reliability can be valuable when you are starting out.

It may not move as quickly as some growth names, but it has the qualities that can support long-term compounding.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed brings in a global growth angle.

The company operates in sleep apnoea and respiratory care, with a large and growing market supported by increasing awareness and diagnosis.

Sleep apnoea remains underdiagnosed globally, and ResMed continues to expand its reach through world-class devices, software, and connected care. I think this positions it perfectly for long-term growth.

So, with the share price recently hitting a 52-week low, I think a compelling entry point has been created.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing my first $500 today, I would be looking to build exposure across different types of opportunities.

The ATEC ETF offers access to a group of tech companies at lower prices than we have seen in some time, Wesfarmers provides quality and consistency, and ResMed adds a global healthcare growth story with a long runway ahead.

You do not need to buy all three at once. Even starting with one ASX share and adding over time could be a great way to begin.

The post Where I’d invest my first $500 into ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to invest in ASX shares when the market feels uncertain
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 18% — I’d buy right now
• How to build a $25,000 ASX share portfolio from zero
• Are ASX healthcare shares the next to rally?
• How to start investing in ASX shares with $1,000

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ResMed, Wesfarmers, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.