Author: openjargon

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 2.2% in April, but these four ASX 200 stocks didn’t join the party

Below we look at four stocks you would have done well to avoid in the month just past.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

On 31 March, Temple & Webster shares closed trading for $7.10. On 30 April, shares in the online furniture and homewares retailer ended the day changing hands for $5.64 each.

That put this ASX 200 stock down 20.6% over the month.

Temple & Webster shares closed down 8.2% on 23 April, after the company announced that its co-founder and CEO Mark Coulter was stepping down to take a position as executive chair. Former senior executive Susie Sugden will take over as CEO on 1 July.

A2 Milk Co Ltd (ASX: A2M)

A2 Milk was another ASX 200 stock best avoided in April.

Shares in the dairy company closed on 30 April trading for $7.08, down 26.0% in the month just past.

A2 Milk shares tumbled 13.0% on 13 April following a disappointing trading update.

Citing significant supply chain disruptions, management reduced the company’s fully year FY 2026 profit guidance and revenue growth guidance.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin guidance was also lowered to 14.0% to 14.5%, from the prior 15.5% to 16.0%.

Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)

The third ASX 200 stock turning the calendar page on a month to forget is Orora.

Shares in the global packaging company closed on 30 April trading for $1.31 apiece. That saw Orora shares down 30.7% over the month.

The Orora share price crashed 18.0% on 9 April following the release of a trading update.

Investors were overheating their sell buttons after the company downgraded its full year FY 2026 earning before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance for its Saverglass division.

Amid disruptions from the Middle East conflict, Orora now expects underlying FY 2026 EBIT from Saverglass in the range of 63 million to 60 million euros, down from prior guidance of 79 million euros.

Which brings us to…

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The worst performing ASX 200 stock to have bought and held in April is Cochlear.

Shares in the hearing solutions company closed on 30 April trading for $94.00 each, down a sharp 44.4% over the month just past.

Cochlear shares crashed 40.7% on 22 April following the company’s decidedly underwhelming trading update.

Citing decreased demand for its implants in developed markets and cancelled orders to its Middle East markets amid the Iran war, Cochlear reduced its FY 2026 underlying net profit guidance to between $290 million and $330 million. That’s down from prior full year profit guidance of $435 million to $460 million.

The post The worst 4 ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April unmasked appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Cochlear shares crashed in April, but is a comeback looming?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What’s making healthcare the worst sector on the ASX 200, down 39% in a year?

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

High yield ASX dividend shares are an attractive buy for investors who are looking for a straightforward passive income.

The good news is, the latest sharemarket volatility means that some good-quality income stocks are now offering very attractive dividend payments. 

Here are three which have caught my eye.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

IPH provides intellectual property (IP) services through a network of global brands. The group is the largest IP services provider in the Asia-Pacific region and covers everything from patent filing and trademarks to prosecution, portfolio management, and enforcement. 

The ASX dividend company consistently generates a strong cash flow from its operations, and this helps it pay a reliable (and growing) dividend to its shareholders. 

IPH has historically paid two partially or fully franked dividends a year, in March and September.

It most recently paid an interim dividend of 19 cents per share with 20% franking. The company is expected to pay fully-franked dividends of 38 cents per share in FY26. At the time of writing, that translates to a forward dividend yield of 10.7%.

Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK)

Spark is a New Zealand telecommunications and digital technology services company. It is one of three large integrated telecommunications groups in New Zealand and was formally called Telecom New Zealand. It’s also one of New Zealand’s largest listed companies and is listed on the ASX.

Its defensive nature means Spark is able to pay two unfranked shareholder dividends a year, in April and October, which it has done consistently since 2013.

Its latest interim dividend payment was 8 cents per unit, unfranked. The telco is expected to pay an unfranked total dividend payment of 17 cents per share later this year. This translates to a forward dividend yield of 9.98%, at the time of writing.

Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

Media giant Nine Entertainment underwent a strategic reshape of its business during the first half of FY26, including a broad portfolio restructure, involving acquisitions and asset sales.

The ASX dividend company acquired QMS Media, sold Nine Radio, and restructured its NBN and Darwin TV operations. It also sold its controlling stake in property platform Domain. 

The $1.4 billion Domain deal allowed Nine to reduce debt, boost its balance sheet, and return roughly $777 million (paying a special dividend at a rate of 49 cents per share) to investors in late 2025. 

The company typically pays its shareholders two fully-franked dividend payments per year, in April and October. Nine’s most recent interim dividend payment was for 4.5 cents per share, unfranked. The company is expected to pay a total 9 cent per unit dividend for FY26. At the time of writing, this translates to a forward dividend yield of 9.09%.

The post 3 high-yield ASX dividend shares paying 9% (or more) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is there still opportunity in ASX media shares?
• 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with 5%+ yields
• Down 40%: These high-yield ASX dividend shares are rated as buys
• 2 ASX dividend shares yielding 11% or even more
• 3 ASX dividend shares to buy for 5.8%, 7%, and 10% yields

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 recommended IPH Ltd and Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For ASX investors, a mix of reliable income and long-term growth can help accelerate wealth building and potentially bring retirement forward by years.

Retiring early isn’t just about earning more, it’s about investing smarter. The key is blending high-quality ASX stocks with diversified ETFs that can compound returns over time.

Here’s one way to approach it.

Start with proven ASX blue chips

The ASX 50 is home to some of the market’s most established businesses and a few stand out for their mix of income and growth.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) remains a cornerstone for many portfolios. While not the cheapest bank, it has a long track record of delivering consistent dividends and solid returns, making it a reliable income generator.

Another dependable name is Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). With exposure to retail through Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks, Wesfarmers has delivered steady earnings growth and a solid dividend profile over time.

For growth with a defensive edge, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is hard to ignore. It doesn’t typically offer high yields, but its long-term earnings growth has been a major driver of shareholder returns.

Together, these three ASX shares provide a balance of income, resilience, and growth to shave years off retirement.

Add ETFs for diversification and consistency

While individual stocks can perform strongly, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) help smooth out the ride and reduce company-specific risk.

The SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (ASX: STW) offers broad exposure to Australia’s largest companies, tracking the ASX 200. It provides instant diversification and access to dividend income across the market.

For global growth, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) gives investors exposure to major international markets, including the US and Europe. This adds access to global leaders, particularly in sectors like technology that are underrepresented on the ASX.

Together, these ETFs help ensure your portfolio isn’t overly reliant on a handful of local stocks.

Why this mix works

Early retirement isn’t built on a single winning stock, it’s the result of consistent compounding.

Dividend-paying shares like CBA and Wesfarmers can provide regular income that can be reinvested, while growth names like CSL help lift the overall value of your portfolio over time.

Meanwhile, ETFs like STW and VGS provide diversification and reduce the risk of major setbacks from any one company or sector.

The result is a portfolio designed to grow steadily while generating income along the way.

Foolish Takeaway

Shaving years off your retirement timeline doesn’t require risky bets or perfect timing. By combining high-quality ASX shares with low-cost ETFs, investors can build a portfolio that balances income, growth, and diversification.

Stick with it, reinvest consistently, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.

The post How to shave a decade off retirement with 3 ASX stocks and ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to become a millionaire on a $60,000 salary
• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio
• Are Wesfarmers shares a good buy for passive income?
• 3 Vanguard ETFs I would recommend to friends
• Why I’d buy and hold these ASX 200 blue-chip shares for at least 5 years

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 positions in and has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Many people reading this may have a goal of becoming a millionaire, if that wealth level hasn’t already been reached. It may be a lot easier for someone to reach $1 million if someone earns $250,000 per year compared to someone earning $60,000.

In fact, the person earning $60,000 per year may feel that becoming a millionaire is too much of a financial stretch.

For multiple reasons, I believe it’s within reach for many people. I’ll explain why.

Compounding

One of the most powerful things that most people have on their side is time.

Compounding is a powerful force where interest earns interest. The more years that money can compound, the more it can grow itself, rather than needing major financial contributions from ourselves.

In my view, the share market is a wonderful place to build wealth given the strong long-term returns. The fact that it pays dividends and allows us to steadily add small investments as the months and years go by makes it very effective.

Becoming a millionaire is certainly a big goal to aim for and there’s no get-rich-quick scheme.

Every household budget is different, so it’s hard to say exactly how much each Australian has to regularly invest. Some Aussies may not feel there’s any room in their budget to invest – how can they ever reach $1 million?

Thankfully, Australia’s mandatory retirement savings can play a big role.

Superannuation

Currently, the superannuation rate on employee earnings is 12%. On a $60,000 salary, that implies $7,200 would be contributed to superannuation on an annualised basis. Removing the 15% tax on that contributions still leaves around $6,100 to invest each year.

Personally, I’d prefer to utilise a super fund’s ‘high growth’ option or invest in international shares because I’m expecting stronger longer-term returns from those ideas. Alternatively, Australians can pick individual investments if they sign up for a particular type of superannuation.

If someone invests $6,000 per year and it returns an average of 9% per year, it would become $1.08 million in less than 33 years.

Therefore, just with superannuation alone, a 25 year old Australian on a $60,000 salary could reach $1 million before 60-years-old.

Regular savings

But, we don’t need to rely on superannuation for all of the investing. Reaching millionaire status could be achieved using a combination of both superannuation and non-superannuation wealth.

Investing outside of superannuation could mean putting something like $500 per month into shares that can help build wealth.

Perhaps capital growth is the goal. Therefore, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) like VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL), VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) or Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) could be a compelling option.

Investors may be looking for passive income, which is why a name like MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) and WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG) could be top picks.

Or perhaps a mixture of capital growth and dividend income is most compelling. This is why Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) appeals to me so much.

The post How to become a millionaire on a $60,000 salary appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Vanguard ETFs I would recommend to friends
• How to turn $250 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs in May
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• $1,000 buys 23 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX 200 dividend stock

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments, Rural Funds Group, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, VanEck Msci International Quality ETF, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wcm Global Growth. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Mff Capital Investments, VanEck Morningstar 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.

After a tough six months, two leading ASX financial stocks are showing signs of life.

Both Block Inc (ASX: XYZ) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) have jumped 17% or more over the past month at the time of writing. That’s a sharp rebound, especially compared to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen around 2%.

So, is this the start of something bigger?

Block: scale and global reach

Block brings serious firepower to the table.

With a market capitalisation of around $55 billion, the fintech giant operates globally through its Square and Cash App ecosystems. These platforms serve both merchants and consumers, giving the business multiple revenue streams and growth pathways.

That diversification is a key strength. Block isn’t just a buy now, pay later (BNPL) player, it’s building a broad financial services ecosystem, particularly in the United States, a global leader in fintech innovation.

But it’s not without challenges. Profitability has been uneven, and the ASX financial stock remains sensitive to consumer spending trends. Add in regulatory scrutiny around digital payments and BNPL, and there are still risks to navigate.

Even so, analysts remain broadly optimistic. Several brokers continue to rate the stock as a buy, pointing to long-term growth potential and a possible rebound as economic conditions stabilise.

The average 12-month price target sits at $163.67, implying around 57% upside from current levels of $97.56. The most bullish forecasts go as high as $226, suggesting a potential 131% gain.

Zip: high risk, high reward

This $14 billion ASX financial stock offers a different — and more volatile — investment case.

The company has built a well-known BNPL brand, particularly in Australia, and is now focused on improving margins and driving profitability.

Its strategy is clear: increase revenue per customer while tightening credit quality. If successful, that could transform Zip into a more sustainable and profitable business.

But execution is everything. Zip still needs to prove it can consistently deliver profits, and the competitive landscape remains intense. Regulatory uncertainty and changing consumer behaviour add further complexity.

Despite this, broker sentiment is surprisingly strong. According to TradingView data, all 11 analysts rate Zip as a buy or strong buy. That’s a strong vote of confidence.

The numbers back that up. The average price target is $3.83, implying about 56% upside from current levels. The most optimistic forecasts stretch to $5.40, pointing to a potential 119% gain over the next year.

Foolish Takeaway

Both Block and Zip have staged impressive short-term rebounds, but their stories are far from identical. Block offers scale and diversification, while Zip provides higher-risk, higher-reward potential.

If market conditions improve, both could have further room to run. But investors should be prepared, volatility is likely to remain part of the journey.

The post These ASX financial stocks are bouncing, is it just the start? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 snaps brutal 8-day losing streak. Can it hold?
• The five best ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April revealed
• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors

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 positions in and has recommended Block. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stocks including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares underperformed the benchmark in April.

Over the month just past, the ASX 200 gained 2.2%.

But from market close on 31 March through to the closing bell on 30 April, Woodside shares slipped 4.3% to end the month at $33.55 apiece.

Closing April at $8 each, Santos shares gained 0.5% over the month, but still trailed the benchmark index.

And Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares had an even rougher time of it, sliding 9.2% in April to end the month at $1.18 apiece.

This retrace came despite global energy prices remaining elevated amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Indeed, Brent crude oil gained 7% in April, trading for US$111 per barrel at the end of the month, according to data from Bloomberg.

While all three ASX 200 energy stocks released quarterly updates in April, which we’ll touch on below, the selling pressure looks to have been driven by profit-taking following the big share price surges in the first weeks of the Iran war.

Indeed, taking a step back, at market close on 30 April, Beach Energy shares remained up 7.7% from the end of February, while Santos shares were still up 18.3%, and Woodside shares remained up 18.5% since market close on 27 February.

What did the ASX 200 energy stocks report?

Woodside released its first-quarter (Q1 2026) update on 29 April.

Shares in the ASX 200 energy stock closed up 2% on the day.

Highlights for the three months included a 7% quarter-on-quarter increase in operating revenue to US$3.26 billion. That came despite an 8% decline in production to 45.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), with some of Woodside’s operations impacted by heavy rains.

Woodside’s quarterly revenue was buoyed by an 11% increase in the average realised price it received, which rose to US$63/boe in Q1.

Santos released its quarterly update on 23 April.

Shares in the ASX 200 energy stock closed up 3.6% after reporting a 1% quarter-on-quarter increase in production to 22.5 MMboe. Sales revenue of US$1.27 billion was up 3% from Q4 2025.

Management also reaffirmed Santos’ full-year 2026 production and cost guidance.

And finally, Beach Energy announced its March quarter results on 28 April. Shares in the ASX 200 energy stock closed down 0.8% on the day.

While Beach Energy’s production was up 7% quarter on quarter to 4.8 MMboe, sales revenue of $419 million was down 6%. That was spurred by a 10% reduction in sales volumes to 5.3 MMboe.

Management also downgraded full-year FY 2026 production guidance to 19.4 to 20.3 MMboe, down from the prior guidance of 19.7 to 22.0 MMboe.

The post Why did ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos struggle in April? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April

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

Dividends are one of the best reasons to invest in ASX shares. After all, dividend income is passive income in its purest form. And this passive income can help any Australian build financial security, wealth, and prepare for a better retirement. But choosing the right ASX dividend stocks to buy is easier said than done. Particularly in 2026, a year that has seen the dividend yields on many popular ASX shares continue to edge lower.

So today, let’s talk about three ASX dividend stocks that I think are worth considering if one wants to build a winning income portfolio. All three come with a trailing dividend yield of at least 4%.

3 ASX dividend stocks to consider for 2026

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside is the ASX’s largest oil and gas company and a formidable dividend stock. Like most ASX energy shares, Woodside has had a phenomenal year so far, share price-wise, for obvious reasons. Yet the company still trades on a compelling dividend yield of well over 4% at recent pricing.

No dividend is ever guaranteed to continue from one year to the next, particularly that of an energy stock. But with oil prices continuing to trend higher, I think Woodside could be a valuable source of income, as part of a diversified income portfolio, for a while yet.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

ASX bank stocks have always been lucrative sources of dividend income. Right now, I think NAB is the pick of the bunch. This ASX dividend stock’s superlative business banking dominance has always given it a bit of an edge against the other banks in my eyes, anyway. And, unlike Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares, NAB still offers a dividend yield without a ‘2’ at the front. It’s currently well over 4%.

Investors can thank the near-20% drop NAB shares have endured over the past three months or so for that rather decent dividend. Unlike ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares, NAB’s dividends still come with full franking credits attached as an added bonus.

BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (ASX: AAA)

As most Australians would know, interest rates are rising, and, if the markets are to be believed, seem set to keep rising. Yes, this is painful for mortgage-holders. But there’s a silver lining to the cloud of higher rates in the form of greater returns on cash investments. Unlike ASX shares, cash investments are effectively risk-free. Investors can use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to take advantage of that.

One such fund is the BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF. AAA units represent investments in cash deposits at major Australian banks. According to the provider, this ETF is currently yielding a competitive 4.19%. That’s a dividend-like return (albeit without franking) without the risks of an ASX share. Or the potential growth, to be fair. Even so, I’d wager that many ASX dividend stock investors looking for reliable income in 2026 will appreciate it.

The post 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why did ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos struggle in April?
• New ANZ dividend: Here’s everything you need to know
• 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend in May
• Why is everyone talking about ANZ, Evolution Mining and Coles shares on Friday?
• ANZ shares rise after reporting 70% cash profit jump

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 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.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares have long been a popular choice among passive income orientated investors.

However, global volatility, inflation concerns and anxiety about another interest rate increase have recently weighed on Wesfarmers shares recently. 

After initially climbing 9% through the first few weeks of the year, Wesfarmers shares have shed nearly 20% of their value since mid-February.

The retail giant’s shares are now more than 10% lower for the year to date.

Wesfarmers shares are tumbling, but what about passive income from the retail giant?

It’s clear Wesfarmers shares have come off the boil recently as Australians tighten their purse strings and prepare for ongoing instability.

But passive income from Wesfarmers dividend payments is still a compelling reason to buy into the stock.

Wesfarmers is a leading Australian blue-chip company. At the time of writing, the business is the 7th largest company listed on the ASX with a market cap of around $82 billion. 

The company is well-established, and financially sound with a history of reliable growth and stability. 

For example, for the first half of FY26, the conglomerate posted a 9.3% increase in NPAT, to $1.6 billion. And while the company acknowledges that inflation and higher operating expenses could remain as headwinds going forward, it is confident that earnings growth will continue.

It’s this stability and consistent long-term net profit growth that means Wesfarmers is able to pay its shareholders a reliable and consistent passive income.

Wesfarmers traditionally makes two fully-franked dividend payments to shareholders per year payable in March and October. 

In February, the Kmart and Bunnings owner declared a fully franked interim dividend of $1.02 per share, up 7.4%.

And as the company’s earnings climb, its payout is expected to rise too.

Analysts tip the Wesfarmers to pay an annual $2.13 dividend per share for FY26, and then $2.31 in FY27.

That’s a great passive income!

What do the experts think of the stock?

Analyst sentiment about Wesfarmers shares is relatively reserved.

Last week Red Leaf Securities’ John Athanasiou said he sees headwinds building for Wesfarmers shares.

He said recent trading suggests slowing consumer demand and cost pressures are weighing on investor sentiment.

Shaw and Partners is a little more positive on the stock, although the broker said it thinks its share price is fully valued now and offers only limited upside.

TradingView data shows seven out of 12 analysts have a hold rating on Wesfarmers shares. Another seven have a sell or strong sell rating, and two analysts rate the stock a strong buy.

The average target price of $76.88 implies a potential 6% upside at the time of writing. Although analysts think the shares could move anywhere between $65 and $100 over the next 12 months. That implies a swing between a 9% downside and a 38% upside at the time of writing.

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

More reading

• Why I’d buy and hold these ASX 200 blue-chip shares for at least 5 years
• 10 excellent ASX shares to buy in May
• Here’s what happened to Wesfarmers shares in April
• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?
• 3 ASX 200 shares for smart investors in May

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

When friends ask me where to start with investing, I usually steer the conversation away from individual stock picking.

Not because I do not think it works. I just think most people are better off building a solid foundation first. That is where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in.

If I had to keep it simple, these are three Vanguard ETFs I would feel comfortable recommending.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This could be the core of any long-term portfolio, in my view.

The VGS ETF gives exposure to more than 1,000 companies across developed markets. That includes many of the largest and most influential businesses in the world.

What I like is how broad the exposure is. You are not relying on one country or one sector. Instead, you are buying into a global mix of industries that includes technology, healthcare, financials, and consumer brands.

I think this is important because long-term winners are hard to predict. Owning a wide basket of global leaders increases your chances of capturing that growth over time.

It also helps reduce reliance on the Australian market, which is heavily concentrated in banks and resources.

For most people, this could be the anchor of a portfolio.

Vanguard FTSE Asia ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The VAE ETF is another I’d recommend. It focuses on Asia, including markets like China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea. These regions tend to grow faster than developed markets, but they also come with more volatility.

That trade-off is exactly why I think it can make sense as a smaller allocation alongside something like the VGS ETF.

There are long-term structural drivers here. Rising middle classes, increasing consumption, and ongoing urbanisation all support economic growth across the region.

At the same time, valuations in emerging markets can often be lower than in the US or Europe. That can create opportunities, even if the path is not always smooth.

For me, this could be a satellite position that adds growth potential to a portfolio.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

Technology has been one of the biggest drivers of market returns over the past decade, and I do not think that trend will disappear anytime soon.

This Vanguard ETF provides targeted exposure to global technology companies, including many of the businesses shaping areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

What I like here is the simplicity. Instead of trying to pick which tech company will win, you get exposure to a broad group of them.

There is more risk compared to a diversified ETF like the VGS ETF. Tech stocks can be volatile, and sentiment can shift quickly. But I think a small allocation can make sense for investors who want extra growth potential and are comfortable with the ups and downs.

Foolish takeaway

If someone asked me for a simple starting point, I would keep it simple.

A combination of global exposure, a touch of emerging markets, and a measured tilt toward technology is a mix I think could deliver over the long term. These three Vanguard ETFs offer that.

The post 3 Vanguard ETFs I would recommend to friends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to tap into Asia’s growth using ASX ETFs
• How to turn $250 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

Shares in location services company Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are languishing near the lower end of their 12-month range, begging the question, is it time to buy back in?

According to the analyst team at Macquarie, the answer to that question is yes, with the broker having a bullish share price target on the company. We’ll get to that shortly.

Further strong growth tipped

Let’s have a look at what the company’s been up to first. It’s reasonable to say there hasn’t been much news flow out of the company for a while, outside of the annual report which was released in mid-April.

In that report, Executive Chair Chris Hulls said the company was coming off a “landmark year” in 2025, where it had record revenue growth, record net subscriber additions, and the first full year of positive net income.

Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled he said, and the company also launched its Pet GPS offering across five global markets.

Late last year, Life360 also acquired Nativo, which is key to the company’s advertising division, Mr Hulls said.

Further on that, Mr Hulls said the acquisition “transforms our advertising business into a full-stack platform”.

He went on to say:

The US digital advertising market exceeds $400 billion, with more than $100 billion flowing across the open web and connected TV where Life360’s first-party family location data offers brands targeting and real-world measurement that simply does not exist elsewhere.

Mr Hulls said the company’s adjusted EBITDA margin expanded from 12% in 2024 to 19% in 2025, “remain[s] on a clear path toward our long-term target of 35% and beyond”.

Shares looking cheap

The Macquarie team argues that Life360 is “still early in its growth trajectory”.

They said the advertising business could be lucrative.

As they said:

Even modest advertising average revenue per user on a largely fixed cost base could drive meaningful operating leverage towards the company’s longer-term margin ambition. At current levels, the stock screens asymmetric, capitalising a mature subscription profile while ascribing limited value to advertising optionality.

Macquarie said the business also had a strong moat, with families willing to share their location data, and the app worked across both Apple and Google’s operating systems which was a bonus.

Macquarie has a price target of $32.20 on Life360 shares compared with $20.10 currently. The broker described the current share price as “an attractive entry to a strong top-line growth story with operating leverage potential”.

Life360 is scheduled to release its first quarter results to the ASX on 12 May.

The post Does Macquarie rate Life360 shares a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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