Author: openjargon

Biome Australia Ltd (ASX: BIO) recently reported a record set of first-half results, which caught the attention of the team at Bell Potter, which has put a bullish price target on the ASX biotech.

So let’s have a look at what they reported.

Records across the board

Biome said in late February that its first half net profit had more than doubled, up 172% to $1.18 million, on record half year sales revenue of $12.4 million.

This was up an impressive 40% on the previous corresponding period and the company said it was sitting on an annualised revenue run rate of about $25.8 million coming out of the second quarter of the year.

Biome said in its statement to the ASX that its products were the fastest growing probiotic range in Australian community pharmacy, with all of its product range growing.

It was also the number two ranked brand across all vitamins in the Terry White pharmacy chain.

As the company said at the time:

The Australian pharmacy channel continues to be the primary growth engine. Pharmacy scan data confirms Activated Probiotics is the number 1 probiotic brand by revenue in community pharmacy and number 2 overall when including Chemist Warehouse, and the highest growth brand in the category. Biome Daily is on track to become the number 1 probiotic product in Australian pharmacy by units. Every product in the Activated Probiotics range grew through the half, with particularly strong performance from Biome Baby, Biome Dental, Biome Her and Biome Daily Kids.

Biome was also set to launch its first major above the line advertising campaign coming into the Australia winter season, advertising across digital, outdoor and cobranded activity with key retail partners.

Looking beyond the first half results, the company also in January announced a distribution deal for its probiotic products in Canada, with a company called FullScript Canada.

Shares looking cheap at this ASX biotech

The team at Bell Potter have looked at the recent profit report and like what they see.

As they said:

Biome maintained sales momentum in Australian Pharmacy as well as introduced new retail channels with Mecca (beauty vertical) and Go Vita (health food). Same store sales growth continued to be strong across all banner groups and every product in the portfolio grew its sales over the period. Biome continues to progress planning for its long-awaited onshoring initiative. It seems like Biome is close to a decision on its path to build greater efficiency, resilience and margin accretion.

Bell Potter has maintained its $1 price target on Biome shares, compared with 42 cents currently.   

The post This small cap ASX biotech could double in under a year, Bell Potter says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Two small caps that could double this year

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.

The tech sector has been a sea of red this year, with many ASX 200 tech stocks crashing deep into the red.

While this is disappointing, it could have created a buying opportunity for investors.

This could especially be the case with the tech stock in this article, which Bell Potter remains bullish on.

Which ASX 200 tech stock?

The tech stock that Bell Potter is bullish on is Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT).

It is a leading global provider of elite athlete wearable tracking solutions. Bell Potter notes that its key target market is elite sporting teams and organisations but the acquisition of SBG now gives the company a presence in motorsports.

The pro sports technology market was valued at US$36 billion in 2025 and is forecast to double to US$72 billion by 2030.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter has been reviewing its forecasts for Catapult and has made modest downgrades due to recent currency movements. However, its estimates are still comfortably above consensus expectations. It explains:

We have downgraded our ACV forecasts in FY26, FY27 and FY28 by 1%, 3% and 3% but we remain well above VA consensus though there appears to be some unusually low forecasts from other analysts. This has driven similar downgrades in our revenue forecasts and we also remain above VA consensus but only modestly. And we have downgraded our management EBITDA forecasts by 2%, 4% and 4% which has been driven by the revenue downgrades as well as some reduction in our margin forecasts. We are now more consistent with VA consensus at management EBITDA.

Time to buy

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 tech stock with a trimmed price target of $4.85 (from $5.50).

Based on its current share price of $3.64, this implies potential upside of 33% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter has named Catapult as one of its preferred mid-cap tech stocks. And while it suspects that it could lose its ASX 200 status soon, the broker feels this is already factored in. It concludes:

Catapult remains one of our preferred tech stocks amongst the mid caps (along with Gentrack). We note Catapult is likely to come out of the S&P/ASX 200 at the next rebalance later this month but remain in the S&P/ASX 300. This could be viewed as a negative catalyst but in our view is already largely expected so should not come as a surprise.

We see the release of the FY26 result in May as a potential catalyst given we expect the guidance to be achieved and see little evidence or threat of AI disruption. We also see the outlook for FY27 as positive given the launch of new products – like Vector 8 – and acquisitions – like IMPECT – to help drive strong top line growth. The risk, however, is perhaps an increase in investment if Catapult elects to, for instance, expand IMPECT’s offering to include video. And finally, if tech stocks rally we would expect Catapult to follow suit and be one of the better performers in part due to a lack of other good quality tech stocks in the mid cap space.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 tech stock is a top buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

This ASX energy stock has surged recently as investors grow more optimistic about the fuel giant’s outlook.

The share price of Ampol Limited (ASX: ALD) has surged 15% in the past 5 trading days. Strong refining margins, progress on a major acquisition, and rising oil prices have all helped push the ASX energy stock to $32.06 at the time of writing.

Let’s have a closer look at what’s driving Ampol’s momentum – and the risks to watch.

Supportive oil prices

One key tailwind for the ASX energy stock is the rebound in global oil prices.

Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have lifted crude prices, with Brent crude recently trading around US$80 per barrel after surging in recent weeks.

Higher oil prices can boost refining margins and support earnings for companies with refining operations like Ampol. The company’s Lytton refinery in Queensland has already benefited from stronger margins in recent periods, helping lift profits.

If oil markets remain tight, that could continue to underpin Ampol’s earnings and the share price of the ASX energy stock.

While higher oil prices can help profits, they also add volatility.

Oil markets are notoriously cyclical. Some analysts expect crude prices to soften over time due to global oversupply, with forecasts suggesting Brent could average around US$60 per barrel in 2026 if supply growth outpaces demand.

Lower oil prices could reduce refining margins and weigh on earnings.

Growth from EG Australia acquisition

Another potential catalyst for the ASX energy stock is Ampol’s planned $1.1 billion acquisition of EG Australia, which operates hundreds of fuel and convenience stores nationwide.

The deal would significantly expand Ampol’s retail footprint and accelerate growth in its higher-margin convenience business. Analysts expect the acquisition to add meaningful earnings once completed.

Convenience retail – including shop sales and premium fuels – is becoming a larger driver of profit for Ampol as traditional fuel markets evolve.

The EG Australia acquisition still requires regulatory approval, and any conditions or delays could impact the expected benefits.

While many analysts believe the deal will proceed with some site divestments, uncertainty around the outcome remains a key risk for investors. Ampol has already offered to divest 19 retail sites as part of its original remedy proposal and may propose further remedies.

What next for Ampol shares?

According to consensus estimates, the ASX energy stock currently carries a buy rating from most analysts. The most bullish 12-month price target is set at $35.00, which points to a 9% upside from current price levels.

The average price target is $32.63. That implies roughly a potential gain of  2% from recent levels.

Foolish Takeaway

Ampol shares have rallied thanks to supportive oil prices, improving refining margins, and optimism about the EG Australia acquisition.

Broker forecasts suggest the ASX energy stock could still have upside, but investors should remember that the company’s fortunes are closely tied to volatile energy markets.

If oil prices remain elevated and the acquisition proceeds smoothly, Ampol could continue delivering solid returns. But as with many energy stocks, the path ahead may not be a smooth ride.

The post Can this ASX energy stock keep the rally going? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

The team at Macquarie have run the ruler over the ASX-listed vehicle retailers, and they have an overweight rating on both Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) and luxury dealership Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG).

That said, when choosing between the two, Macquarie prefers Autosports Group.

As the Macquarie team said:

We prefer ASG, as it is well placed for organic and inorganic growth underpinned by good trading conditions in luxury brands and active M&A pipeline, which could more than offset any potential softening in new vehicle sales.

New acquisition to drive growth

And indeed Autosports Group has been on the acquisition trail recently, agreeing to buy South Australian-based Solitaire Automotive Group for about $50 million, with that deal announced in late February.

The deal involves Autosports Group acquiring Solitaire’s 15 new vehicle and motorcycle dealerships, selling across 10 brands and generating about $300 million in annual revenue.

As Autosports Group said at the time:

The Solitaire Automotive Group has a more than 50 year history and operates Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar Land Rover, Cupra, Audi, Ducati, Volkswagen, Polestar, Volvo Cars and Zeekr dealerships in Adelaide. The purchase consideration consists of $50 million for goodwill and approximately $1 million for net tangible assets, plant and equipment. The $50 million goodwill will comprise of $25 million in cash and the remaining $25 million will be in the form of ASG shares to be issued at a price of $3.46.

Autosports Group Chief Executive Nick Pagent said Solitaire was a good fit for the group.

The Solitaire Group has meaningful scale, good growth prospects and a unique position as the sole retailer in South Australia for most of its brand portfolio. We are delighted to welcome David Smoker as a shareholder, and would like to thank the Smoker and Holst families for their goodwill through the transaction.

Autosports Group shares looking cheap

Macquarie said Solitaire had solid scale and good future growth prospects, “which suggests the acquisition would trade broadly in line with current group margins”.

They said there was also potential upside from a margin perspective as the newly acquired dealerships were integrated into the Autosports Group network.

The Solitaire deal is expected to be finalised by April and is subject to approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Taking all of this into account, Macquarie has a price target of $5.19 for Autosports Group shares, compared with the current price of $2.81.  

Autosports Group is also paying a trailing dividend yield of 3.38%, and was valued at $578.3 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post A recent expansion has Macquarie bullish on this luxury vehicle dealer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Do you want to buy some ASX growth shares for your portfolio? If you do, then it could be worth checking out the three named below that analysts are bullish on.

Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

One company that continues to build momentum is Life360. It is best known for its family safety app, which allows users to track the location of loved ones and receive alerts related to driving behaviour, emergencies, and device safety.

While the app originally focused on location sharing, Life360 has gradually expanded its platform to include a range of subscription services such as roadside assistance, identity protection, and emergency response features.

The strength of the business lies in its growing global user base. Millions of families now rely on the platform daily, which gives the company opportunities to increase monetisation through premium subscriptions and additional services.

With the business moving toward stronger profitability and expanding its product ecosystem, Life360 has the potential to continue growing strongly over time.

This week, Bell Potter put a buy rating and $40.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 85% for investors over the next 12 months.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Another ASX growth share worth watching is Pro Medicus.

The healthcare technology company develops advanced medical imaging software used by hospitals and radiology groups around the world.

Its Visage platform allows radiologists to view complex scans quickly and efficiently, which improves productivity and patient outcomes.

What makes Pro Medicus particularly interesting is its success in winning long-term contracts with large hospital networks in the United States. These deals often run for several years and can generate significant recurring revenue.

As global demand for medical imaging continues to grow, Pro Medicus appears well placed to keep expanding its footprint internationally.

Morgans has a buy rating and $275.00 price target on its shares. This suggests that its shares could rise 125% between now and this time next year.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

A final ASX growth share that continues to impress is REA Group.

REA operates realestate.com.au, the dominant online property marketplace in Australia. The platform has become the go-to destination for Australians searching for homes, rental properties, and real estate data.

Its strong market position allows the company to charge real estate agents premium prices for listings and advertising products. This has helped REA deliver consistently strong earnings growth over many years.

Beyond Australia, the company also has investments in international property portals, which provide additional growth opportunities.

With Australia’s property market remaining highly active and digital advertising continuing to evolve, REA Group still appears well positioned for long-term expansion.

UBS has a buy rating and $218.90 price target on REA Group’s shares. This implies potential upside of over 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post 3 buy-rated ASX growth shares tipped to rise 30% to 125% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Pro Medicus, and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. 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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

All Australians strive for enough money in their superannuation to achieve the ultimate goal of a comfortable retirement.

That’s one where retirees are able to maintain a good standard of living. It includes top level private health insurance, ownership of a reasonable car brand, regular leisure activities, funds for home repairs and renovations, occasional meals out, and an annual domestic trip.

Of course, the alternative is a modest retirement, where retirees can cover expenses slightly above what the full Centrelink Age Pension would provide. Think basic health insurance with limited cap payments, a cheaper model of car, infrequent exercise, a limited budget for home repairs, minimal utility expenses, limited dining out, and maybe an annual domestic trip.

The question is, how do you know if you’re on track?

Here’s a breakdown of how much superannuation Aussies have saved by age 40, 50 and 60. And then how much you actually need. Because the numbers aren’t the same.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 40?

According to Rest Super, the average superannuation balance for a 40 to 44 year old male is $140,680 and for a female it’s $109,209.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 50?

The data shows that the average superannuation balance for a 50 to 54 year old male is $254.071, and for a female it’s $190,175.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 60?

For the 60 to 64 year olds, the average superannuation balance is $395,852 for men and $313,360 for women.

Great, but how does it compare to how much I actually need?

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

That equates to a superannuation balance of approximately $690,000 and for a single person this is approximately $595,000.

ASFA has crunched the numbers and it turns out that in order to reach that figure, you’d need a balance of $178,000 at age 40.

By age 50 you’d need to have $313,500 in your superannuation.

And then by age 60 your superannuation balance would need to increase to $496,500.

My superannuation balance is really far behind. How can I catch up?

The easiest way to boost your super balance is to add as much to it as you can. Individuals can salary sacrifice at a reduced tax rate of 15%.

Or you can also add after-tax money to your super, and then claim a tax deduction at tax time. You can make these contributions up to age 67 without extra work testing or exemptions. 

If you don’t have the funds available to add more cash into your balance, the next best thing you can do is ensure the money that’s already in there is working as best as possible. After all, if a fund even slightly underperforms a benchmark, such as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), over a long period of time it can seriously dent your end balance.

The post Superannuation check up: Here’s how much you should have saved by age 40, 50 and 60 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.

Dividend shares can play an important role in building long-term wealth.

Not only do they provide investors with regular income, but many of the best dividend payers also grow their profits over time. When that happens, dividends can steadily increase as well.

For investors thinking long term, here are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering for the next decade.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group is one of Australia’s leading footwear retailers and distributors.

The company operates well-known brands and retail chains including Hype DC, Platypus, and The Athlete’s Foot, while also distributing global brands such as Skechers and Vans across Australia and New Zealand.

Over time, Accent has steadily expanded its store network while building a strong online presence. This growth has supported rising sales and solid cash generation, which has enabled the company to pay attractive dividends.

While the last 12 months have been difficult, if consumer spending improves and the company continues to expand its retail footprint, Accent could remain a reliable income generator for shareholders.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group is one of the most established infrastructure dividend shares on the ASX.

The company owns and operates a large network of energy infrastructure assets, including gas pipelines and energy transmission systems across Australia.

These assets often operate under long-term contracts, which helps provide predictable revenue and cash flow. This stability has allowed APA to pay consistent dividends for many years.

APA is also investing in renewable energy and electricity transmission projects, which could help support future earnings growth as Australia’s energy system evolves.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman is another ASX share that has rewarded shareholders with dividends for decades.

The retailer sells furniture, electronics, and household goods through a network of franchised stores across Australia and international markets.

In addition to its retail operations, Harvey Norman also owns a large property portfolio, which provides an additional layer of asset backing to the business.

While retail earnings can fluctuate with economic conditions, the company’s strong balance sheet and property assets have historically supported generous dividend payments.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group has long been considered one of Australia’s highest-quality financial institutions.

It operates across asset management, infrastructure investment, commodities trading, and investment banking.

From these operations, the company has built a global platform, which has a long history of delivering strong profit growth through multiple economic cycles.

As earnings have expanded, Macquarie has steadily increased its dividend payments to shareholders. If the company continues to grow its international operations, its dividend could also continue rising over time.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store is a youth-focused fashion retailer that has been growing rapidly in recent years.

The company operates several retail brands including Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills. These businesses target younger consumers and have been expanding their store networks across Australia.

Despite only being listed for five years, Universal Store has already built a reputation for strong profitability and healthy cash generation.

That financial strength has allowed it to pay attractive dividends while still investing in future growth.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares closed 0.98% lower on Thursday, at $30.45 a piece. The slide comes off the back of an incredible share price rally this year.

The energy shares closed out January trading for $25.37. When the closing bell sounded on 27 February, shares were changing hands for $28.31 apiece, up 11.6% for the month. And they climbed another 7.56% in the first week of March.

On Wednesday this week the share price hit a two-year high of $30.75. 

So, if I bought $10,000 worth of Woodside shares when the market first opened in 2026, what are they worth now?

For the year to date, Woodside shares have rocketed 28.7%, and for the year, they are up 32.51%. 

Yesterday’s share price increase means that $10,000 invested in the energy giant’s stock when the ASX first opened for the year on the 2nd of January is now worth $12,870.

Meanwhile, $10,000 invested in Woodside shares this time last year would be worth even more, totalling $13,251 at the time of writing.

What has caused the price rally of Woodside shares?

Rising oil prices have acted as a strong tailwind for Woodside shares.  

At the time of writing, crude oil prices rocketed more than 8% to above US$80 per barrel, their highest level since July 2024 as the escalating war with Iran disrupted global fuel supplies.

Trading Economics adds China’s government has ordered its major refiners to halt exports of diesel and gasoline, which has added more strain onto the market.

For context, in late February, crude oil prices were trading around US$67 to US$70 per barrel. 

Meanwhile, the oil and gas giant reported its 2025 results early last week, and investors were thrilled with the outcome.

​​The company confirmed all-time high full-year production of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), topping guidance. Its costs fell 4% for the calendar year, and while revenue dropped 1%, its EBITDA was in line with 2024. 

On the bottom line, Woodside’s net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.72 billion was down 24% from 2024, while underlying NPAT of $2.65 billion declined by 8%.

Management also declared a final fully-franked dividend of US 59 cents per share, an 11% increase from last year’s final payout (in US dollar terms).

Can Woodside shares keep climbing higher?

Analysts are divided about the outlook for Woodside shares this year. Many think that the stock has run its course and there isn’t much room left for it to run higher, while others think we could see more upside.

TradingView data shows that 6 out of 15 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Woodside shares. Another 8 have a hold rating, and 1 has a sell rating.

The average target price of $28.69 implies a potential 5.79% downside ahead, at the time of writing. But the more optimistic $34 target price suggests the stock could rise another 11.66% over the next 12 months.

The post $10,000 invested in Woodside shares at the start of 2026 is now worth… 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.

I’m undoubtedly an advocate for ASX ETFs. 

Exchange traded funds can be a great foundation for a portfolio, particularly when it comes to newer investors,

Rather than choosing one or two individual companies, an ASX ETF offers instant diversification.

It’s often assumed that because of the lowered risk, there is also lower upside. 

However, targeting the right funds can bring plenty of potential. 

These three funds have proven that to be true so far in 2026, outpacing many individual stocks. 

Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)

This ASX ETF provides access to a global basket of copper miners which stand to benefit from being a key part of the value chain facilitating growth in major areas of innovation such as technology, infrastructure and clean energy.

The thematic fund gives investors exposure to a sector that is poised to play an important role across many growing industries. 

Copper is one of the most important metals for electrification, and key uses include:

• Electric vehicles (EVs) ~2 – 4× more copper than petrol cars
• Renewable energy – wind turbines and solar farms
• Power grids – huge expansion needed for electrification.

At the time of writing, it includes 39 underlying holdings. 

Its largest geographical exposure is to: 

• Canada (35.01%)
• United States (11.14%)
• Australia (10.55%).

The fund has risen 14.3% year to date, and 98% over the last year. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2.4% year to date and 10.45% in the last year. 

Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM)

This fund offers investors access to a broad range of companies involved in uranium mining and the production of nuclear components, including those in extraction, refining, exploration, or manufacturing of equipment for the uranium and nuclear industries.

According to Global X, global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions will see uranium and nuclear adoption rise as a crucial power source to facilitate the clean energy transition.

The case for uranium today is perhaps the strongest it’s been in a decade driven by increasing global demand and nuclear power capacity.

The fund is currently made up of 50 holdings, from sectors including: 

• Energy (65.36%)
• Industrials (18.56%)
• Utilities (7.08%)
• Materials (4.51%)

Its largest geographical exposure: 

• Canada (48.84%)
• United States (17.94%)
• Australia (9.98%). 

It has risen more than 13% for the year to date, and nearly 100% in the past year.

Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: GHLD)

The Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (GHLD) provides a way to gain exposure to physical gold while neutralising the impact of currency movements.

It seeks to provide investment results which correspond generally to the spot price of gold bullion, hedged with the aim of eliminating the impact of currency movements between the US dollar and Australian dollar, before fees and expenses.

It is up 18% year to date and over 60% in the last 12 months. 

The post The ASX ETFs that have gotten off to the hottest starts in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

For many investors, the goal is simple. Own great businesses and hold them long enough for compounding to work its magic.

The challenge is that identifying those businesses individually can be difficult. That is where exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be incredibly useful. With a single investment, they provide exposure to entire groups of companies that are benefiting from powerful economic trends.

Here are three world-class ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the long term.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

If there is one ETF that represents the engine room of global capitalism, it is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund gives investors exposure to 500 of the largest and most influential companies listed in the United States. These businesses span industries ranging from technology and healthcare to finance and consumer goods.

Inside the portfolio are companies that have reshaped entire industries, including Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). There are also global consumer giants such as McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) and Visa (NYSE: V).

Rather than betting on a single company to dominate the future, the iShares S&P 500 ETF spreads exposure across the entire ecosystem of American corporate leadership. Over the long run, the S&P 500 has proven to be one of the most powerful wealth-building indices in the world.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

Rather than focusing on broad markets, this fund targets companies involved in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence technologies. These industries are increasingly shaping how factories operate, how goods are delivered, and how businesses analyse data.

The portfolio includes companies working across different parts of the automation ecosystem. For example, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) supplies the powerful chips used in AI systems, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) develops robotic surgical equipment, and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN) specialises in industrial automation.

These technologies are already transforming industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and transportation. As businesses continue investing heavily in automation and efficiency, companies operating in these areas could see strong long-term demand. This fund was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

While global exposure is important, many investors also want to maintain an allocation to Australian companies.

The Betashares Australian Quality ETF offers a different way to approach the local market. Instead of simply tracking the largest ASX shares, the fund focuses on businesses with strong financial characteristics.

It screens companies based on factors such as profitability, earnings stability, and balance sheet strength. The idea is to tilt the portfolio toward businesses that consistently generate strong returns and manage their finances conservatively.

The ETF’s holdings include well-known Australian companies such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). These businesses have built strong reputations for delivering consistent earnings growth and high returns on capital.

By emphasising quality rather than size alone, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF aims to capture the long-term compounding potential of Australia’s strongest companies. It was also recently recommended by the fund manager.

The post 3 world-class ASX ETFs to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares perfect for beginners
• The $10-a-day ASX share investing habit that could change your financial future
• 5 simple ASX ETFs to build a long-term portfolio around
• New to the share market? Here are 3 ASX ETFs to buy for easy investing
• The $10,000 ASX share portfolio I’d build for a 25-year-old today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, CSL, Goodman Group, Intuitive Surgical, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, CSL, Goodman Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.