Author: openjargon

Investing in ASX shares, especially dividend shares, is an ever-changing challenge. Recently, I’ve been thinking about just how different the world we are navigating in 2026 is from the one we were feeling out just a few years ago.

Just to be clear, this is from a financial standpoint. I don’t have enough time or patience to discuss geopolitics, the environment, or ‘events dear boy’, although those have all changed beyond recognition as well. For now, let’s stick to finance.

Five years ago, interest rates around the world were essentially at zero (0.1% in Australia, to be precise). With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raising the cash rate to 4.6% last week, that certainly feels like a world away.

Back when interest rates were at that historic low, it was easy to conclude that the best way to secure a stream of passive income was by buying ASX dividend stocks.

With a cash rate of 0.1%, it was almost impossible to find a ‘safe’ investment that even compensated one for inflation (even though that was at a low base, too). Savings accounts and term deposits were only yielding between 0.5% and 1% per annum. That’s almost comparable to the underside of the mattress.

As such, it was a no-brainer to dump cash into blue-chip ASX dividend shares that were yielding 2%, 4%, or even 6%. Plus, you usually get the benefits of full franking to boot.

ASX dividend investing in 2026

Today, the game has changed, and dramatically so. ASX dividend stocks are not as lucrative as they once were. The best yields you can get from a big four ASX bank are hovering around 4.5%, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) well under 3.5%. Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is in that boat too. Other popular options like Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) are also offering yields comfortably under 4%.

However, the steep increase in interest rates since 2021 has changed the other side of the playing field far more substantially.

Savings accounts and term deposits have gone from their sub-1% yields five years ago to today offering as much as 5.5% per annum. That’s real cash flow that’s available without any capital risk whatsoever.

Think about it. Investors have the choice between risking their capital in the stock market and getting a franked yield of 4% on most blue-chip shares, or obtaining a risk-free yield of 5%-plus from the bank.

For many income investors, particularly those who have retired, the choice is easy.

As we’ve already demonstrated, nothing lasts forever in the world of finance, and this rather strange situation probably won’t be any different. Also keep in mind that, long term, shares usually outperform cash investments, even in periods of high interest rates. But even so, the investing game has changed, so take advantage (if it makes sense for your personal circumstances) while you can.

The post The ASX dividend game has changed. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 6 costly mistakes that will slash your Age Pension payment
• 25% per annum: Is the BetaShares Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) a buy today?
• Ramsay Health Care vs Sonic Healthcare: Which healthcare stock is better value?
• 3 ASX shares tipped to fly 109% to 322% higher

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced a pleasant day’s trading this Tuesday, rising heartily after yesterday’s more tepid start to the trading week. The ASX 200 began in green territory this morning, and stayed there all day, eventually closing on a rise of 0.57%. That leaves the index at 8,735.7 points.

This sunny day on the Australian markets follows a similarly rosy start to the American trading week, up on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, gaining 0.18%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more enthusiastic, though, jumping 1.05%.

But let’s get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were treated by investors this Tuesday.

Winners and losers

There were far more green sectors than red ones this session.

Leading the losers, though, were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out in the cold today, slumping 2.9%.

Gold shares were also neglected, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tumbling 0.8%.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) saw its value cut by an unlucky 0.13% today.

It was much better everywhere else, though. At the front of the pack this Tuesday were real estate investment trusts (REITs), illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 1.15% surge higher.

Mining shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ended up leaping 0.91% higher.

Utilities stocks were just behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soaring 0.9%.

Financial shares had a day to remember, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) enjoyed a 0.73% bounce this session.

Healthcare stocks weren’t left out, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.63% lift.

Consumer discretionary shares were a little less excited. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) still managed a 0.33% advance, though.

Energy stocks got some love, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) adding 0.15% to its total.

As did communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) ticked up 0.14% today.

Finally, industrial stocks got over the line, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.05% improvement.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s best performer on the index was IGA supplier Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS). Metcash shares roared 4.88% higher today to close at $3.01 each.

This move came despite no obvious catalysts from the company this week.

Here’s how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)	$3.01	4.88%
Arena REIT (ASX: ARF)	$2.08	4.79%
Alcoa Corporation Ltd (ASX: AAI)	$62.60	4.14%
Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX)	$2.29	3.15%
Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)	$0.83	3.11%
HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)	$1.06	2.91%
Region Group (ASX: RGN)	$2.17	2.84%
Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)	$2.76	2.60%
AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)	$8.32	2.59%
Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)	$51.46	2.45%

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

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

More reading

• 3 excellent ASX dividend shares with 5%+ yields
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• This ASX health technology company could more than double in value: Broker
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• How much superannuation do I need to earn $56,000 per year in passive income?

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 positions in and has recommended Region Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australians aged 67 years old (or over) might be eligible to receive the Age Pension payment.

The fortnightly sum, of up to $1,237.70 for individuals and up to $933 per person for couples, is designed to help cover basic retirement costs. 

Your eligibility depends on where you fall under the income and asset tests. You’ll also need to be an Australian resident who has lived here for at least 10 years, with at least five of those years in a single continuous period.

The problem is, the rules are strict. And one small error could see your payment reduced dramatically, or even be eliminated entirely.

Here are six expensive mistakes that Australian retirees often make when it comes to the Age Pension, and how to avoid them.

1. Procrastinating

Many Aussies wait until they turn 67 before they start doing their paperwork. It’s logical, given that this is the age when you meet eligibility requirements. But did you know that you can actually apply 13 weeks earlier?

This ensures the application is completed before you reach the eligibility age, so you can start receiving payments the day you turn 67. Procrastination means you’ll miss out on weeks of income because Centrelink does not backdate payments prior to your successful lodgement date.

2. Overlooking your income limits

To receive the full Age Pension, single Australians can earn up to $226 per fortnight. Meanwhile, couples can earn up to $396 per fortnight.

For every dollar earned over the free area, a single person’s pension reduces by 50 cents, and a couple’s pension reduces by 25 cents each (combined).

If you earn over the threshold, you could end up with a much lower payment rate, if anything at all. It’s important that you’re aware of the income levels before you apply for your Age Pension.

3. Failing to declare all your assets

The Age Pension asset test includes everything you own, whether it’s in full, in part, or you have an interest in. This excludes the home you live in, but includes any stocks, like S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares, property, superannuation, an SMSF, or any possessions you own locally or outside Australia. Failing to declare your assets correctly will result in you failing the asset test.

In order to receive the full Age Pension, single homeowners can now own assets (including superannuation) up to a value of $333,000, and non-homeowners can own assets up to $600,000 in retirement.

A couple combined can own up to $499,000 in total if they own a property, or $766,000 if they don’t.

If you’re over these limits, a part payment is assessed on a sliding scale.

4. Double reporting

It can be difficult to understand the rules around where to declare your superannuation balance. The mistake many Aussies make is that they end up accidentally reporting it twice, as an asset and the pension drawdown as an income. This can delay your payment, reduce your entitlement, or mean you’re not eligible for anything at all.

Instead, you should list your superannuation balance as a financial asset. Centrelink will then apply its own deeming rates. 

5. Gifting money or assets to family or friends

It can be tempting to give a portion of your assets to close friends or family if you’re approaching the Age Pension age and are worried you’ll be over the thresholds. 

But Centrelink has rules against this. If you give away your income or assets, they may still count towards your income and asset tests. This also applies if you sell them for less than they’re worth.

You can choose to give away any amount and as many gifts as you like. If the total value of your gifts is more than the value of the gifting-free area, your Age Pension payment may be affected.

You can gift up to $10,000 in one financial year and $30,000 over five financial years. The $30,000 can’t include more than $10,000 in a single financial year. 

6. Downsizing your home

Similarly, it can be tempting to downsize your home to free up some cash, but this can be a bad idea too. 

The property you live in is generally not included as part of the Age Pension asset test. But if you decide to downsize to something smaller and either invest or bank the rest, it could push you over the asset thresholds. 

For example, if you sell your $2 million home and downsize to a $500,000 property, that $1.5 million difference then becomes an assessable asset under Age Pension rules.

The post 6 costly mistakes that will slash your Age Pension payment appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 25% per annum: Is the BetaShares Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) a buy today?
• Ramsay Health Care vs Sonic Healthcare: Which healthcare stock is better value?
• 3 ASX shares tipped to fly 109% to 322% higher
• If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares today, what could they be worth in October 2027?
• CAR Group vs Seek: Which ASX 200 stock is better value?

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.

Despite never actually owning it (much to my detriment), the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) has long been one of my favourite exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX.

For one, it exclusively invests in the world’s most exciting cybersecurity companies. That’s an arena I’m sure we can all agree has a reasonably bright future in front of it.

For another, this ETF has one of the best ticker codes on our markets, hands down.

But let’s get to the really impressive stuff.

This ASX ETF has consistently generated some of the best returns among funds on the Australian market. To illustrate, let’s get into the latest figures. So as of 31 August, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF had returned an astonishing 24.85% over the previous 12 months. That’s just one year, you might say. No investment, particularly one so grounded in the volatile tech space, should be judged from one year’s performance. Fair enough. So consider that over the past three years, HACK units have delivered a near-identical result, delivering an average of 24.28% per annum.

That stretches to a still-respectable 14.76% per annum over the past five years, and to 19.04% per annum over ten. That’s a truly astonishing track record. An annual return of 19.04% is enough to turn a $10,000 investment into over $66,000 in a decade. True wealth-building stuff.

So with that in mind, can we call this ASX ETF a best buy for the ASX today?

Is this high-flying BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF still a buy today?

Well, I would say that it is. This ASX ETF’s extraordinary performance indicates that its process is a successful one. As we’ve mentioned, cybersecurity is an industry that is not going anywhere. In fact, we can comfortably argue that its importance continues to grow every day. With more and more personal, business, and government interactions moving online, cybersecurity will only become an increasingly essential service. And given how damaging a hack or intrusion can be to an entity’s reputation, individuals, companies, and governments are likely to become even more willing to spend whatever it takes to protect their customers, clients, and reputations.

The shares that HACK holds in its portfolio are truly some of the best in the business. On the latest data, these include the likes of CrowdStrike Holdings, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Broadcom, Okta, and Cloudflare. All top-tier companies that have shown that they have what it takes to capture and keep customers.

HACK will always be a volatile ETF – you shouldn’t be surprised to see its units take a big hit whenever there are wobbles in the market. But even so, its track record and exposure to one of the world’s hottest growth industries make it, at least in my view, a top buy for any long-term investor today.

The post 25% per annum: Is the BetaShares Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) a buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy in October
• 10 top ASX ETFs to watch in 2027
• 5 ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy and hold for 20 years
• This ASX ETF has beaten the market over the last 10 years
• How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Broadcom, Cloudflare, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, and Okta. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CrowdStrike and Okta. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ramsay Health Care vs Sonic Healthcare shares

If you’re weighing up Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) and Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares, you’re not alone — these two are among the brightest lights in Australian healthcare. Yet, their business models, dividend policies and current market valuations are quite different. For value-seeking investors, there’s a lot to unpack, so let’s compare their fundamentals, dividend history, recent share price performance and what I think is the smarter buy right now.

The case for Ramsay Health Care

Ramsay Health Care is one of the world’s largest private hospital operators, with a vast portfolio spanning around 500 facilities — including hospitals, day surgeries, clinics, and mental health services — across 11 countries. Beyond Australia, Ramsay has substantial operations in Europe and the UK, and, according to its company profile, derives most of its revenue from Australia and Europe. This makes it a genuine global healthcare heavyweight, with a long track record in running complex, capital-intensive medical infrastructure.

A couple of key numbers stand out. First, Ramsay’s market cap sits at $12.58 billion, above Sonic’s, marking it as the larger of the two companies. Its P/E ratio is 41.00, reflecting a rich valuation, especially compared to most of the market. Dividend hunters will note its 1.63% yield, but every cent of that payout is fully franked (100%). Its dividend per share for the most recent period was $0.97, again, all franked.

The case for Sonic Healthcare

Sonic Healthcare is a global leader in pathology and diagnostic services. It’s the largest private medical laboratory and pathology provider in key markets including Australia, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. Most of Sonic’s revenue comes from pathology, but the business also has a significant footprint in diagnostic imaging and medical centre operations in Australia, making it a diversified diagnostics powerhouse.

Fundamentally, Sonic’s story right now is quite different to Ramsay’s. Its market capitalisation is $9.20 billion, a fair bit smaller than Ramsay’s. But here’s where things get interesting for value investors: its P/E ratio is 15.44, easily less than half of Ramsay’s, suggesting Sonic shares are much more modestly valued at current earnings levels. Its dividend yield is a chunky 5.69%, and while only 60% franked for the latest payout, that’s still a potentially appealing income stream. Recent dividends have totalled $1.08 per share.

Valuation comparison

With several key differences apparent, here’s how Ramsay and Sonic line up on the numbers that matter for value-focused investors:

Metric	Ramsay Health Care	Sonic Healthcare
Market Cap	$12.58 billion	$9.20 billion
P/E Ratio	41.00	15.44
Dividend Yield	1.63% (100% franked)	5.69% (60% franked)
Dividend per share (most recent)	$0.97	$1.08
Earnings per share	1.358	1.230
Year to Date Return	64.7%	-11.2%

Note: Ramsay’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure (e.g. underlying or forward earnings) than the EPS figure shown, which is why they may appear inconsistent.

Simply put, if I’m judging pure valuation metrics, Sonic Healthcare looks much more attractively priced relative to its earnings and offers a much higher dividend yield, albeit with less franking than Ramsay. Ramsay’s high P/E suggests the market is baking in a lot of future growth or sees it as much lower risk — or possibly a bit of both.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to1 October 2026:

• Ramsay Health Care closed at $54.48 on 1 Oct 2026, down 2.16% on the day but boasting impressive momentum over 2026 with a year-to-date return of 64.7%.
• Sonic Healthcare finished at $18.61 on 1 Oct 2026, also dropping 2.00% that day, and is down 11.2% for the year to date.

Over the past year, Ramsay has surged ahead and Sonic has gone backwards. For investors looking for momentum and the market’s latest vote of confidence, Ramsay clearly wears the crown for 2026 so far.

Which is the better buy?

For me, as a value-seeking investor, Sonic Healthcare is the better buy right now. Here’s why: Sonic’s P/E ratio of 15.44 is far lower than Ramsay’s 41.00, and yet its earnings per share are pretty similar. Even better, Sonic’s dividend yield is well over three times Ramsay’s (5.69% vs 1.63%), though franking is only 60% versus Ramsay’s full 100%.

Ramsay has had a great run this year, reflected in its huge year-to-date return, but that’s precisely why I’d be cautious about buying it now – it’s probably priced for perfection. Sonic, meanwhile, has lagged in the share price stakes and may well be out of favour, but it’s this relative unloved status that gives it value appeal. Its business is less capital intensive, cash-generative and, in my eyes, looks like a classic opportunity for patient investors to scoop up a top ASX healthcare stock at a fair valuation, with a strong, fully-funded dividend yield to boot.

So, if I had to buy one for value today, my pick would be Sonic Healthcare.

The post Ramsay Health Care vs Sonic Healthcare: Which healthcare stock is better value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest in ASX shares after the recent RBA rate rise
• Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Life360, Ramsay Health Care shares
• Expert names ‘undervalued’ ASX 200 healthcare stock to buy today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Telix Pharmaceuticals vs Ramsay Healthcare: Which ASX healthcare stock made investors richer in 2026?

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

ASX shares are climbing higher on Tuesday afternoon as investor jitters calm, oil prices fall, and gold edges higher.

Here are three ASX shares that brokers expect will help drive the share market higher over the next 12 months.

And one of them is tipped to jump 322%!

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

The diversified financial services company’s shares have consistently and continually tumbled lower over the past year. 

At the time of writing, they’re trading for $2.68 each, down around 55% for the year to date and 63% lower than an all-time high in October last year. 

It looks like the share price decline is mostly investors taking their gains off the table after a strong rally through 2025.

The company itself continues to perform well. Its FY26 results showed Generation Development Group is performing well operationally. The company posted record funds under management of $6.5 billion in August, which is a 37% year-on-year increase. 

Its underlying NPAT also increased 21% to $40.7 million, and group revenue climbed 23% to $178.7 million.

The company also said that it thinks it is well-placed to benefit from strong structural tailwinds across superannuation, retirement, and managed account markets in FY27. Management expects continued FUM growth, supported by adviser adoption and stable product revenue margins.

Brokers are very optimistic that the shares can stage a turnaround. Market Index data shows that all brokers agree on a strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The $5.62 average target price implies about 109% upside at the time of writing.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The ASX lithium shares are down 2% for the day at the time of writing, trading at 27 cents each. That’s a 28% decline for the year to date, but the shares are still trading around 30% higher than 12 months ago.

In late August, the company reported strong lithium drill results at its Bolt Cutter Central and Tabba Tabba projects in WA. The company has identified multiple high-grade lithium drill intersections across Bolt Cutter Central and Tabba Tabba, including 16m at 1.5% Li₂O and 13.9m at 2.0% Li₂O.

The company is focused on delivering a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Bolt Cutter Central and advancing technical studies at Tabba Tabba, set for release in the second half of 2026. 

Wildcat is also targeting key new drill regions for further resource upgrades in the months ahead.

Experts are optimistic that Wildcat can reach its Tabba Tabba lithium project milestones and expand its Bolt Cutter discovery.

The company is also expected to benefit from an improving lithium market. If lithium demand from EVs and battery storage keeps rising, the ASX shares could benefit from a boom in demand.

Market Index data shows that all brokers have a strong buy rating on the shares. The $1.15 average target price implies a potential 322% upside, at the time of writing. 

Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

Deep Yellow is an ASX uranium development company with a portfolio of Australian and global projects. At the time of writing, its shares are down around 0.5% for the day, to an annual low of $1.09 a piece. For the year to date, the shares are now down around 44% and 46% lower than 12 months ago.

Rising bond yields and higher interest rates have acted as strong headwinds for ASX uranium shares over the past year. Uranium developers like Deep Yellow need upfront capital, and it takes several years to become profitable. Investors have also been rotating towards more stable or defensive assets in times of volatility.

It’s not all bad news, though. In August, the company announced it had completed two major milestones at its flagship Tumas Project in Namibia. These included a long-term water supply agreement and finalisation of local ownership arrangements. The company is now focused on successfully progressing its Tumas Project towards a Final Investment Decision in Q4 2026.

Brokers are also bullish that the ASX shares can keep climbing. Market Index data shows the majority have a strong buy rating, and the $2.28 average target price implies an upside of around 109% at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX shares tipped to fly 109% to 322% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Deep Yellow, SGH, Telstra shares
• This ASX uranium stock could rise 40%: Broker
• 4 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 63% to 125%
• Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing 10% on Monday?
• 3 ASX shares trading at 52-week lows that could be outstanding value plays 

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 Generation Development Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are down slightly in Tuesday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX bank shares are down around 0.1% to $151.11 each. Today’s decline means the shares are down around 7% over the past month, and around 6% lower for the year to date.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up around 0.5% for the day, at the time of writing. This index is down around 3% over the past month and largely flat for the year to date.

The question now is, are CBA shares a buy? Or will any investment made today turn into an inevitable loss by October 2027?

Let’s take a look.

Analyst outlooks on CBA shares

Higher oil prices, a stubbornly high inflation rate, a tight jobs market, and the potential for more interest rate increases are all strong headwinds for CBA over the next 12 months.

And brokers aren’t too positive on the outlook for the bank shares going forward.

Market Index data shows all experts have a strong sell rating on the shares. The $125.20 average target price implies a downside of around 17% at the time of writing.

The data is similar on TradingView. The majority of analysts (14 out of 16) have a sell or strong sell rating on CBA shares. Another two rate the bank shares as a hold.

The average $128.29 target price implies the shares could fall around 15% over the next 12 months. Although some are even more bearish and think they have the potential to crash around 40% to $90 by this time next year, at the time of writing.

So, if I buy $10,000 of CBA shares today, what could they be worth by this time next year?

If broker forecasts come to fruition, a $10,000 investment in CBA shares today could be worth significantly less by October 2027. Average downsides of 15% to 17% could see $10,000 turn into $8,300 to $8,500 within the next 12 months.

If the more bearish expert forecasts come to fruition, a $10,000 investment today could drop to $6,000 by this time next year.

Does that mean investors should avoid buying CBA shares?

If capital gain is your plan, CBA shares might not be for you at the current trading price.

But there are some other reasons that the bank shares could still make for a good investment. 

Its large scale and strong operational performance means the company has the potential to be resilient through times of economic volatility, and its cyclical nature also means it can outperform during times of recovery.

And this is fantastic news for passive income-seeking investors.

CBA has a long history of paying its shareholders regular fully-franked dividends dating back to 1992. These are typically paid out every six months, in March and September.

The bank most recently paid its shareholders a $2.70-per-share fully-franked final dividend and a fully-franked full-year dividend of $5.05. That translates to a yield of around 3.3%.

Forecasts suggest the bank will pay its shareholders closer to $5.45 per share in FY27, which translates to a forward dividend yield of roughly 3.6%.

So while your $10,000 investment might not rocket higher in value, you could still earn a tidy passive income off of it. 

Using the current trading price and forecasted $5.45 per share dividend in FY27, I’ve calculated that you could earn around $360 in passive income off a $10,000 investment in FY27.

The post If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares today, what could they be worth in October 2027? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much could the big 4 banks’ share prices fall?
• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Capstone Copper, Codan shares
• Why I’d buy CBA and Coles shares in October
• If I invest $10,000 in ANZ shares, what passive income could I receive in FY27?
• Are ASX 200 bank stocks a buy in October?

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.

CAR Group vs Seek shares: Which online classifieds company offers better value?

Australians weighing up online classifieds stocks might find themselves choosing between CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) and Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK). Both companies have carved out leading roles in digital marketplaces, but their business models, recent performance, and value for investors are each surprisingly distinct. Whether you’re after dividends, growth, or just a smart long-term buy, there’s plenty to consider in a direct CAR Group vs Seek share showdown.

The case for CAR Group

CAR Group is a genuine heavyweight in the vehicle classifieds space. Best known locally for its flagship Carsales platform, CAR Group has expanded beyond Australia into digital marketplaces in South Korea, the US, and Latin America. According to its company profile, the group directly operates several overseas subsidiaries and holds a majority interest in Brazil’s webmotors.

Three fundamentals stand out for CAR Group:

• Market Cap: $8.34 billion, making it significantly larger than Seek Ltd in pure market size.
• Dividend Yield: 3.84%, with partial franking at 30% – not fully franked but still appealing given current rates.
• Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.828, matched by a reported P/E ratio of 27.02.

CAR Group’s dividend has grown steadily over many years, reflecting a pattern of semi-annual increases. However, its year-to-date return has been negative at -24.5%, indicating the share price has faced a tough period.

The case for Seek

Seek is the dominant name in online employment classifieds, connecting jobseekers with employers and branching out into learning and business sale platforms. Seek’s reach extends well outside Australia across Asia and Latin America, and its inclusion of services like Seek Learning and Seek Volunteer gives it a somewhat diversified edge.

Key points for Seek:

• Dividend Yield: 4.33%, fully franked at 100%, which comes with maximum franking credits for eligible investors.
• Market Cap: $4.24 billion – noticeably smaller than CAR Group, but still a major ASX contender.
• P/E Ratio: 24.88, slightly below CAR Group, though the reported EPS is negative at -$0.858.

Notably, Seek has one of the most consistent and long-standing fully franked dividend histories among Australian tech-leaning businesses. However, its year-to-date return is -45.8%, which is a much steeper decline than CAR Group’s. Also, note: Seek’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure (e.g. underlying or forward earnings) than the EPS figure shown, which is why they may appear inconsistent.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the numbers stack up side by side:

Metric	CAR Group	Seek
Market Cap	$8.34 billion	$4.24 billion
P/E Ratio	27.02	24.88
Dividend Yield	3.84% (30% franked)	4.33% (100% franked)
Earnings Per Share	$0.828	-$0.858
Dividend per Share	$0.87	$0.52
Year To Date Return	-24.5%	-45.8%

Seek edges ahead on dividend yield and investors get the bonus of full franking credits, which can be a decent tax benefit. CAR Group, on the other hand, is bigger, has a positive EPS, and more modest negative returns this year.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to 1 October 2026:

• As of 1 October 2026, CAR Group closed at $22.00. Its year-to-date return stands at -24.5%.
• As of 1 October 2026, Seek finished at $11.85, with a sharper year-to-date slide of -45.8%.
• Both shares have faced selling pressure over 2026, but Seek’s drop has been noticeably more severe over the same period.

Which is the better buy?

If I had to choose today, my pick would be CAR Group. Despite facing a tough year, it remains profitable with a positive EPS, a significantly larger market cap, and less severe recent losses than Seek. CAR Group’s dividend isn’t fully franked, but the blend of yield, size, and ongoing profitability tips the scale for me.

Seek’s fully franked, higher percentage dividend would normally be appealing. But the negative EPS and steeper price decline raise some red flags. The inconsistent EPS and P/E figures for Seek suggest underlying or adjusted measures are in play, so I’d approach its valuation with extra caution.

Of course, both businesses are proven leaders with global reach and clear digital moats. But for value and resilience right now, CAR Group looks just that bit steadier to me.

The post CAR Group vs Seek: Which ASX 200 stock is better value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares to buy amid a volatile market: experts
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• These 3 ASX 200 shares have lost 49%+ in 2026. Are any now bargains?
• Top broker names 2 growing ASX dividend shares to buy now
• Where to invest as interest rates charge higher

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

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are up 0.34% to 8,889.5 points on Tuesday.

Over 12 months, the market is down 4.21%.

The US-Iran war, high oil prices, rising interest rates, and multi-decade-high bond yields are weighing on share price valuations.

However, experts say there are buying opportunities amid today’s turbulent trading conditions.

Let’s check them out. 

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

The CAR share price is $22.02, down 0.23% today and down 43% over 12 months. 

Arthur Garipoli from Dolphin Partners has a buy rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share. 

Garipoli said (courtesy The Bull):

This online automotive platform operator recently posted a solid fiscal year 2026 result.

Reported revenue of $A1.253 billion was up 6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported net profit after tax of $A314 million was up 14 per cent.

The stock has fallen on AI disruption concerns. At recent levels, the stock screens favourably on a risk adjusted returns basis.

The company expects to generate high single digit revenue growth in Australia in fiscal year 2027 and double digit revenue growth in constant currency in North America and Latin America.

Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1)

The Global Lithium Resources share price is $1.01, up 1.51% today and up 181% over 12 months. 

Shaw & Partners has a buy recommendation on this ASX lithium share. 

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $1.75 on Global Lithium Resources shares.

In a new note, Shaw & Partners said: 

Global Lithium Resources Limited (ASX: GL1) has released its Manna-Nova Integration Study, the first quantified assessment of a streamlined development pathway that treats Manna ore at the recently acquired Nova processing plant.

By utilising Nova’s existing infrastructure ($7m acquisition) via a 135km haul route, GL1 avoids the $440m greenfield concentrator build proposed in the Dec’25 DFS.

Integrating targeted process additions onto Nova’s established brownfield foundation significantly reduces upfront capital requirements, de-risks project delivery, and accelerates the timeline to first cash flow.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

The Netwealth share price is $17.03, down 0.76% today and down 44% over 12 months. 

In a new note, Bell Potter retained its buy call on this ASX financial share. 

However, the broker reduced its 12-month share price target from $30 to $25.

Bell Potter said: 

Maintain Buy. Given interest rates,we have moved our valuation multiple to 2022-23 levels with a class action provision.

Our flow expectations are below FY27 guidance.

NWL has operated in similar environments,with large withdrawals and clients moving off platform.

FY23 flows landed -10% below the guidance and growth was restored in 12mths.

Our $17.9bn matches this experience. So far, we are 6mths into the cycle.

The post 3 ASX shares to buy amid a volatile market: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CAR Group vs Seek: Which ASX 200 stock is better value?
• Buy, hold, sell: Myer, Develop Global, Netwealth shares
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Top ASX shares to buy in October 2026
• This ASX 200 share is tipped to return over 50%

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

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) and Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500) are two Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I would happily own for the long term.

There is also plenty of overlap between them, which can make choosing between the two less straightforward than it first appears.

So, if I could buy only one, which would get my money?

Why buy the VGS ETF?

The VGS ETF is the broader option. It gives investors exposure to around 1,300 stocks across approximately 23 developed countries outside Australia, including the United States, Japan, the UK, Canada, France, and Switzerland.

That geographic spread is its biggest strength, in my view. The US still accounts for a large part of the portfolio, so investors retain significant exposure to companies such as NVIDIA, Apple, and Microsoft. But the VGS ETF also puts money to work across other developed economies.

That could prove valuable during periods when US shares are not leading global markets. Rather than needing to predict which country performs best next, investors have exposure across a much wider group.

For someone wanting a single international ETF to provide broad diversification, I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is difficult to fault.

What does the V500 ETF do differently?

The V500 ETF focuses entirely on the United States. It tracks the famous S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), giving investors exposure to around 500 large US companies representing roughly 80% of the value of the American share market.

Many of the largest companies are also owned by the VGS ETF. NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet currently sit at the top of the portfolio.

The difference is how much influence these US businesses have. The V500 ETF does not dilute that exposure with Japanese, European, Canadian, or other developed-market companies. Investors are making a clearer bet that the US can continue producing some of the world’s strongest businesses.

I am comfortable with that. The US remains a major centre for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, software, healthcare innovation, consumer brands, and many other industries. The S&P 500 Index also extends well beyond technology, so buying this Vanguard ETF is not simply a bet on a handful of AI companies.

Which Vanguard ETF would I choose?

I would lean towards the V500 ETF. Both funds are buys in my view, and the VGS ETF would actually win if broader geographic diversification were my main priority.

But if I could choose only one, I would prefer to put more weight behind the US businesses inside the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF.

Foolish takeaway

I can see a strong case for owning either ETF.

But for me, the V500 ETF narrowly comes out ahead. I am comfortable accepting less geographic diversification in exchange for greater exposure to the US market.

If I were choosing just one today, it is the Vanguard ETF that would get my money.

The post VGS vs V500: Which Vanguard ETF would I buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My top 3 Vanguard ETFs for October
• How much do I need to retire on $110,000 a year at 65?
• VGS vs IVV: Which ETF would I buy with $10,000?
• How I’d build a $50,000 ASX share portfolio today
• Own VAS, VHY, VGS, or other Vanguard ETFs? Here’s your next dividend

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, 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.