Author: openjargon

REA Group (ASX: REA) shares have been hotly covered over the last 12 months. 

The online real estate advertising company was heavily impacted by fears about AI’s impact on its core business. 

A key concern was that AI assistants could become the primary way people search for property, reducing traffic to REA Group’s platforms, weakening its network effects and potentially putting pressure on its advertising and listing revenues.

This sent its stock price plummeting 33% over the last year. 

However, in the last few months, it has shown signs of recovery. 

Many brokers and experts were tipping it for a strong rebound. 

However, a new report from Bell Potter suggests the current share price weakness could persist for the long term. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

REA shares are not yet at the bottom of the cycle

Bell Potter said in a new report that it had examined historical earnings and valuation performance against a further deterioration in REA’s current operating environment. 

There are several key drivers that have changed its outlook on REA Group shares: 

• Rising near-term RBA cash rate forecast driving softening in demand for lending
• Recent budget measures adversely impacting investment in property as an asset class, largely in the investor book, partially offset by owner-occupied

• Both factors, combining to negatively impact average national dwelling values and listing volumes, more than offset the buy yield for REA
• REA’s history of EPS declines in a falling 12-month average dwelling price environment.

Recent budget measures undertaken by the Aus Gov. to adjust capital flows and housing affordability have driven the expectation for a decline in national avg. house prices, coinciding against a backdrop of an additional forecast rate hike (+20-25bps) and subsequent softening in demand via lending origination value. 

The two previous instances of YoY avg. national dwelling price declines (FY19, FY23) saw significant decreases in REA listings (-8%, -12%), driving Resi segment revenue and Group EPS (-9%, -8%) declines on half-yearly bases. Melbourne and Sydney avg. house prices typically lead the housing cycle and are both approaching YoY declines as of May ’26.

From a buy to a sell

In simple terms, Bell Potter thinks the housing market is weakening, which could hurt REA’s earnings more than investors currently expect.

REA (owner of REA Group and its property listing websites) makes a lot of money when homes are bought and sold because agents pay to advertise properties on its platform.

If fewer homes are listed for sale, REA earns less revenue.

The broker’s FY26 outlook is largely unchanged. However, FY27 and FY28 earnings are expected to be substantially lower than Bell Potter previously thought.

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has changed its rating on REA Group shares to a sell (previously buy). 

The broker also updated its 12-month price target to $137 (previously $217). 

From last week’s closing price of $158.81, this indicates a further downside of almost 14%. 

The post Why did this major broker just do a backflip on REA Group shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• How to become rich by investing in ASX shares
• Can you turn $20,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 2 ASX 200 shares I think could beat the market over 10 years

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.

There are a lot of shares for investors to choose from on the Australian share market.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at two ASX 200 shares that analysts are tipping as buys this week, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what these analysts are recommending to investors this week:

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The team at Morgans thinks that supermarket giant Coles could be an ASX 200 share to buy this week.

The broker rates Coles highly due to its non-discretionary earnings base, improving operational leverage, and attractive valuation following recent share price weakness. In addition, it likes Coles shares for the solid dividend yield they currently offer.

Commenting on the company, Morgans said:

The supermarket operator offers a resilient, non-discretionary earnings base. Demand for consumer staples remains stable through economic cycles, and Coles benefits from pricing discipline across a duopolistic market structure. Recent share price weakness, driven partly by broader cost-of-living and regulatory scrutiny concerns, has created a more attractive entry point for long term investors. The company also offers a solid dividend yield and improving operational leverage.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Over at MPC Markets, its analysts have named Woodside shares as a buy this week.

It likes the energy giant due to its exposure to LNG demand from Asia, which will soon be boosted by the Scarborough Energy project. MPC Markets highlights that the project is around 96% complete and should be shipping its first cargoes later this year.

In addition, the investment solutions advisory company believes the market is not fully pricing in the production uplift from Woodside’s major growth projects. As a result, it sees value in Woodside shares at current levels and is recommending them to investors that are seeking exposure to the energy sector.

Commenting on Woodside, MPC Markets said:

Woodside is one of Australia’s leading oil and gas producers. The company remains leveraged to LNG demand from Asia. The Scarborough Energy project is reportedly 96 per cent complete and on track for first LNG cargoes in the fourth quarter of 2026. Energy prices remain volatile, but gas continues to play an important role in regional energy security.

In our view, the market isn’t fully pricing in the production uplift from Woodside’s major growth projects. The dividend has been under pressure, but the balance sheet and asset base remain appealing for investors seeking energy exposure.

The post Why Coles and Woodside shares are being tipped as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Coles shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• This beaten-down ASX 200 stock just jumped 5%. Is the market too negative?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

It has been an extraordinary year for ASX mining shares.

The materials sector rose 32% in 2025 and is up a further 15% so far in 2026.

This has been driven by surging copper prices, a recovering iron ore market, and growing investor interest in the commodities essential to artificial intelligence, electrification, and green energy infrastructure.

Recently, all three of the sector’s biggest names have pulled back from recent highs. This is due to several factors, including concerns around an iron ore oversupply and broader market pullbacks.

This pullback, however, may be creating one of the best entry point opportunities into these beloved mining stocks on the ASX.

BHP Group Ltd

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) recently hit an all-time high of just over $65.

Today it trades marginally lower, providing a potential opportunity for patient investors.

The near-term selling is due to broader risk-off sentiment rather than any change in BHP’s fundamentals.

For the first time in BHP’s 136-year history, copper earnings exceeded iron ore contributions in the first half of FY2026. The copper price has surged above US$13,000 per tonne on AI data centre demand, electric vehicle growth, and grid infrastructure investment.

BHP plans to grow copper-equivalent production at 3% to 4% per year through 2035.

This should reinforce what is already one of the world’s most valuable copper portfolios at exactly the right moment.

With many long-term tailwinds and smart strategic positioning from BHP management into the copper market, there are many reasons for investors to be optimistic.

Furthermore, the fully franked dividend, backed by both copper and iron ore cash flows, also gives income investors a meaningful yield even after the strong share price run.

For investors looking to buy into a quality blue-chip ASX mining stock, BHP should be on their watchlist.

Rio Tinto Ltd

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) offers a different but equally attractive investment case for investors who want diversified commodity exposure rather than a concentrated copper and iron ore bet.

Rio’s portfolio spans iron ore, copper, aluminium, lithium, and titanium. This makes the company one of the most broadly diversified mining companies in the world.

The ASX 200 materials sector is up 15% in 2026, and Rio has been a major contributor to that performance. Rio Tinto’s share price has risen strongly from its 2025 lows as iron ore held above US$100 per tonne and copper prices surged.

The completion of the US$6.7 billion Arcadium Lithium acquisition in March 2025 has positioned Rio as one of the world’s largest lithium producers.

As the world continues to electrify, lithium will remain a key resource powering this global transition.

Rio Tinto maintains a 60% payout ratio dividend policy, meaning higher earnings from commodity tailwinds flow directly into shareholder distributions.

That discipline, combined with a diversified earnings base, has made Rio one of the most reliable income-producing mining stocks available to Australian investors.

Fortescue Ltd

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is the highest-risk and potentially highest-reward of the three. This ASX mining share offers the most direct and concentrated exposure to the iron ore price.

The company has been the outlier among the big three in 2026, lagging BHP and Rio Tinto as its lower-grade ore product has faced margin pressure from tightening Chinese steel mill profitability standards.

However, Fortescue has been actively building a second growth engine through its Fortescue Energy division. This division is pursuing green hydrogen and green ammonia projects across multiple continents.

The company maintains a dividend payout policy of 50% to 80% of net profit after tax, with dividends paid fully franked twice per year.

Furthermore, the CMRG index, which tracks Chinese steel mill restocking demand on a weekly basis, has been rising for three consecutive weeks. This is a precursor to increased iron ore orders that should provide near-term price support for Fortescue’s primary product.

From a valuation perspective, Fortescue exhibits a price-to-sales ratio below the industry average for ASX mining stocks. This suggests that the market may be undervaluing the business relative to its peers.

For investors comfortable with higher commodity price sensitivity in exchange for a lower entry valuation, Fortescue offers an interesting proposition.

The risks worth knowing

All three miners are commodity businesses, and commodity prices can fall as quickly as they rise.

The iron ore price remains sensitive to Chinese steel demand, which is under ongoing pressure from environmental tightening and property-sector weakness.

A re-escalation of the Middle East conflict could push oil prices higher, increasing mining operating costs across all three companies.

Foolish takeaway

BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue are not cheap on absolute measures.

But the pullback from recent highs has improved the entry points across all three.

For long-term investors who believe the copper demand story, the China recovery, and the commodity supercycle have further to run, all three ASX mining shares remain worth serious consideration.

The post 3 top ASX mining shares for investors right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to start investing in ASX shares with just $500
• Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Bendigo Bank, BHP shares
• BHP, CBA, and Westpac shares are sells this week: experts
• Are Fortescue or Rio Tinto shares the better buy?
• Would Warren Buffett buy BHP shares?

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

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the biggest investment themes in the world.

But picking the winners is not easy. Some companies will dominate more than others and valuations across the sector can move quickly when sentiment changes.

That is why the Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) could be worth a closer look.

A different way to play AI

This ASX exchange traded fund (ETF) gives investors exposure to the companies making the chips, equipment, and technology that sit behind the AI buildout.

That is important because AI needs enormous amounts of computing power, memory, networking, and advanced manufacturing capacity.

This puts semiconductor companies right at the centre of the trend. Whether the winners are cloud giants, software platforms, robotics companies, or autonomous vehicle businesses, many of them will need more chips to keep growing.

The fund’s holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML). These businesses sit at different points of the semiconductor supply chain, from chip design and manufacturing to the highly specialised equipment needed to produce advanced chips.

Why it could be attractive

The semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical, but the current demand backdrop looks unusually powerful.

AI models are becoming larger, data centres are requiring more powerful hardware, and companies across the world are racing to build the infrastructure needed for next-generation computing.

This doesn’t mean it will be smooth sailing for the ASX ETF. Semiconductor shares can be volatile, especially when investors worry about valuations, inventory cycles, or capital spending.

But over the long term, the need for more computing power looks difficult to ignore.

The fund also gives Australian investors exposure to an area that is not well represented on the ASX. Local investors can own banks, miners, supermarkets, and property trusts easily. Getting meaningful exposure to global chip leaders is much harder without looking offshore.

Is it a buy?

This ASX ETF will not be suitable for everyone. It is concentrated in one industry, which means it can fall sharply if the semiconductor cycle turns.

But for investors comfortable with volatility, it offers a great way to gain exposure to one of the most important parts of the global technology stack.

If AI continues to reshape the economy, the companies supplying the hardware behind it could remain in demand for many years. That makes this fund arguably one of the more interesting ASX ETF options for growth-focused investors.

The post Could this ASX ETF be the best way to invest in the AI boom? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What are the best performing thematic ASX ETFs right now?
• The growing case for this semiconductor ASX ETF
• ASX investors: Are you overinvested in the Magnificent 7 without knowing it?
• If I could buy only one ASX ETF for the next 10 years, this could be it
• Could this ASX ETF be the easiest way to invest in AI?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Most Australians think they need to save thousands of dollars before they can start investing in the share market.

That is simply not true.

With as little as $500, Australian investors can buy shares in some of the country’s most successful companies or get instant diversification across 200 businesses in a single trade.

The key is knowing where to start, keeping costs low, and giving your investment time to compound.

Here is a practical guide to getting started with $500 today.

Step one: choose a broker

Before buying any ASX shares, you need a brokerage account.

Most major Australian online brokers, including CommSec, Selfwealth, Stake, and CMC Invest, allow investors to open accounts with no minimum deposit.

Brokerage fees typically range from $5 to $19.95 per trade depending on the platform.

For a $500 investment, keeping brokerage below $10 is important, as a $19.95 fee represents 4% of your investment before you have even bought a single share.

Stake and Selfwealth both offer competitive flat-fee brokerage that suits investors starting with smaller amounts.

Option one: the diversified approach with A200

For a first-time investor with $500, the single best option on the ASX, in my opinion, is arguably the Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200).

One unit of A200 provides immediate exposure to 200 of Australia’s largest companies, including Commonwealth Bank, BHP, Wesfarmers, CSL, and Macquarie Group, without the need to research or pick individual stocks.

The fund charges a management fee of just 0.04% per annum, the lowest of any Australian shares ETF available on the market.

That is $0.20 per year on a $500 investment, a cost so low it barely registers over a long investment horizon.

Since its inception, the ASX200 index has returned approximately 8.53% per annum, including dividends.

Distributions are paid quarterly in April, July, October, and January, giving even a small investor a genuine income stream from day one.

For a beginner investor, A200 removes the hardest part of investing: deciding which stocks to buy.

Option two: a blue-chip large-cap like CBA

For investors who want to own shares in a single well-known Australian company, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is one of the most widely held stocks in the country.

CBA is Australia’s largest bank by market capitalisation, operates the most downloaded financial app in Australia with more than 8 million active users, and has grown its fully franked dividend every year since 2021.

CMC Invest forecasts CBA will pay a fully franked dividend of approximately $5.15 per share in FY2026. This implies a grossed-up yield of approximately 4.6% at current prices, including franking credits.

CBA shares currently trade at approximately $160, which means $500 buys approximately three shares with change left over.

Although not a large position, it is a start. And the habit of investing regularly, buying two or three CBA shares each month, is how long-term wealth is built.

It is worth noting that CBA trades at a premium valuation of approximately 26 times earnings. This may limit the near-term upside compared to some other options.

However, for a first-time investor who wants to own a household name they understand and trust, CBA is a reasonable starting point.

Option three: commodity exposure through BHP

For investors seeking exposure to global commodity markets and the AI and electrification megatrends driving copper demand, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) offers a compelling entry point.

BHP shares currently trade at approximately $61.20, meaning $500 buys approximately eight shares, the most units of the three options in this article.

For the first time in its 136-year history, copper earnings exceeded iron ore contributions at BHP in the first half of FY2026. This is because the copper price has surged above US$13,000 per tonne due to demand from AI data centres and electric vehicles.

The fully franked dividend offers income investors a strong yield alongside commodity price optionality.

BHP has pulled back slightly from its all-time highs, which improves the entry point for new investors.

Morgan Stanley carries an overweight recommendation on BHP shares with a price target of $67.50, implying some upside from current levels.

The most important thing: start

The hardest part of investing is starting.

Every month that passes without investing is a month of compounding returns lost forever.

A $500 investment in A200 ten years ago, with dividends reinvested, would be worth approximately $1,130 today based on the index’s historical return of approximately 8.53% per annum.

The same $500 invested every month over that period would have grown to approximately $92,000.

That is the power of compounding over time, and it starts with a single $500 trade.

The post How to start investing in ASX shares with just $500 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 top ASX mining shares for investors right now
• Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Bendigo Bank, BHP shares
• BHP, CBA, and Westpac shares are sells this week: experts
• Which ASX bank stock is the best buy right now?
• Would Warren Buffett buy BHP shares?

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are likely to open lower today after a dramatic fall on Wall Street on Friday.

Stronger-than-expected US jobs data sparked fears of higher inflation and interest rates for the world’s biggest economy.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was smashed, falling 1,121 points or 4.2%.

That was the Nasdaq’s biggest daily fall in more than 12 months.

Investment research company, Hedgeye, said it was also the largest daily point decline in Nasdaq’s history, according to news.com.au.

Higher interest rates are a particular headwind for tech companies amid massive artificial intelligence (AI) capex spending.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) also fell heavily, down 200 points or 2.64%.

Meanwhile, here are three ASX 200 shares with new ratings today.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price rose 19% last week and set a 52-week high of $21.16 on Friday.

The gain followed news of four new AI infrastructure contracts worth $458.9 million.

To fund new capex required for the contracts, Megaport launched a $827.3 million entitlement offer.

UBS retained its buy rating and lifted its 12-month price target on Megaport shares from $16.70 to $24.20.

This implies a potential upside of 31% from Friday’s $18.48 close.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price rose to a new record of $65.04 last Wednesday.

Then on Thursday and Friday, ASX 200 iron ore shares fell sharply on news of a major production increase at Simandou.

The massive Simandou project in Africa is the world’s largest undeveloped iron ore deposit.

The mine began operations in November, and its output is expected to change global demand/supply dynamics.

Last week, the iron ore price fell 6.3% to US$102 per tonne, a 7-week low.

UBS reiterated its hold rating on BHP shares with a $55.86 price target on Friday.

This suggests a 9% downside from Friday’s $61.24 close.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price closed at $10.12, down 1.6% on Friday.

Morgan Stanley tips a 5% earnings downgrade for ASX 200 bank shares due to Labor’s proposed capital gains tax (CGT) changes.

The broker says the changes could lead to softer mortgage growth and narrower margins in FY27.

Australia’s banks are highly exposed to residential housing, which is already softening due to higher interest rates.

Morgan Stanley has just reiterated its sell rating on Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shares.

The broker reduced its 12-month share price target from $10.10 to $9.80.

This implies a potential 3% downside from here.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Bendigo Bank, BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 top ASX mining shares for investors right now
• How to start investing in ASX shares with just $500
• BHP, CBA, and Westpac shares are sells this week: experts
• 7 ASX shares set to soar 30% to 90% in 12 months: experts
• ASX 200 tech stocks led the market with big share price gains last week

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think it can be just as important to know which ASX 200 shares to avoid as it is to know which ones to own when you are aiming to outperform the market.

That’s because if you own shares that are likely to fall in value, your portfolio returns could be dragged down along with them.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares that analysts have named as sells this week, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are bearish on:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The team at Alto Capital has named BHP shares as a sell this week. While it is positive on the mining giant’s exposure to copper, it believes this is built into its share price.

As a result, Alto Capital thinks the risk-reward balance supports taking some profits off the table. It explains:

BHP is Australia’s largest diversified mining company, with significant exposure to iron ore, copper and metallurgical coal. The company delivered a strong first half result in fiscal year 2026, reporting underlying EBITDA of $US15.5 billion, up 25 per cent on the prior corresponding period. A major milestone was copper contributing 51 per cent of group EBITDA for the first time.

While the long term outlook for copper remains attractive, investor enthusiasm surrounding electrification and AI-related demand has contributed to a strong share price performance. In our view, the strong operational result, elevated expectations and risk-reward balance support taking some profits.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Over at Morgans, its analysts have named CBA shares as a sell this week.

While the broker acknowledges that CBA is undoubtedly Australia’s highest quality retail bank, it feels its shares are fully valued and leave little room for error. This comes at a time when interest rates could be higher for longer, potentially putting pressure on bad debts. It said:

CBA is Australia’s highest quality retail bank, with a leading market position, strong digital platform and reliable earnings generation. However, quality alone doesn’t justify the recent valuation, which stands at a significant premium to domestic and global banking peers. Credit quality remains sound, but should be monitored in a higher-for-longer interest rate environment. The market has long rewarded CBA with a premium multiple. But at recent levels, the shares appear to price in a near perfect outcome with little room for disappointment.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Finally, MPC Markets thinks that Westpac shares are a sell.

It believes Australia’s oldest bank’s shares have a stretched valuation, which poses meaningful downside risk for investors. It said:

Westpac has a strong retail franchise, but the valuation appears stretched. Consensus targets imply downside from current levels. The bank has made progress on simplifying its operations and cutting costs, but, in our view, earnings growth is still expected to lag the broader Australian market. The bank is up against competitive pressures and the risk of softer credit conditions. Investors may want to consider taking a profit at these levels.

The post BHP, CBA, and Westpac shares are sells this week: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 top ASX mining shares for investors right now
• How to start investing in ASX shares with just $500
• Buy, hold, sell: Megaport, Bendigo Bank, BHP shares
• Which ASX bank stock is the best buy right now?
• Would Warren Buffett buy BHP shares?

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

S&P Dow Jones Indices has announced its latest changes in the S&P/ASX Indices following the results of the June quarterly review.

These changes will be effective prior to the open of trading on 22 June.

Unfortunately for a number of ASX 200 shares, they have been kicked out of the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

This could put downward pressure on their shares, as index funds will be forced to sell them to mirror the changes. In addition, some fund managers have strict investment mandates. This could include only being able to buy shares in the ASX 200 index.

Which ASX 200 shares have been kicked out of the index? S&P Dow Jones Indices has named five shares that will exit later this month. They are as follows:

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

This Mexican-focused quick service restaurant operator’s shares are leaving the index in June. Over the past 12 months, Guzman Y Gomez’s shares have lost 35% of their value. This is despite a recent rebound amid news that the company is closing its loss-making US operations.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

After losing more than 90% of their value over the past five years, this struggling language testing and student placement company’s shares are leaving the ASX 200 index. IDP Education has been battling unfavourable student visa changes and general industry weakness.

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

The Siteminder share price is down 37% since the start of the year, dragging its market capitalisation down to $1.1 billion. Concerns over the threat of AI disruption has weighed heavily on the hotel technology platform provider’s shares.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Another ASX 200 share heading out of the index later this month is online furniture retailer Temple & Webster. Its shares are down 80% since this time last year amid concerns over consumer spending, housing market weakness, and the potential for AI disruption.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Finally, Web Travel shares have halved in value over the past 12 months. The Web Beds owner’s performance has been relatively positive, but concerns over the Middle East conflict and its impact on travel markets has weighed on investor sentiment.

The post These shares are being dumped from the ASX 200 index appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• ASX 200 tech stocks led the market with big share price gains last week
• These ASX 200 shares could rise around 50% to 60%
• How much could investors profit off these undervalued ASX 200 shares with a $10,000 investment?
• 2 ASX 200 shares I’d buy and 1 I’d sell this month

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Temple & Webster Group and Web Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. 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) shares are in the red for 2026, down 1.2% so far.

Experts say some ASX shares are likely to defy current market trends.

Let’s take a look at seven shares with buy ratings and ambitious 12-month price targets from the professionals.

Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA)

The Champion Iron share price closed at $4.25 on Friday.

The ASX 200 iron ore small-cap share has lost 31% of its valuation in 2026.

RBC Capital has confidence this stock can turn it around.

The broker has a buy rating and an $8.07 price target, suggesting 90% growth over the next 12 months.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price closed last week at $16.92.

This ASX 200 industrial share has tumbled 26% in 2026 so far.

RBC Capital has hope for Brambles shares.

The broker reiterates its buy rating with a $27 price target.

This indicates a potential near-60% upside ahead.

Iperionx Ltd (ASX: IPX)

The Iperion share price finished Friday’s session at $5.43.

This ASX materials share is down 6.2% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

Bell Potter maintains its buy rating with an $8.25 price target.

This implies a potential 52% upside ahead.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price closed last week at $18.48 apiece.

This ASX 200 tech share is up 50% so far in 2026.

Megaport shares ripped 19% last week and set a 52-week high of $21.16 on Friday.

The share price surge followed news of four new AI infrastructure contracts worth $458.9 million.

To fund the capex requirements for the new work, Megaport launched a fully underwritten $827.3 million entitlement offer.

Macquarie retains its buy rating and lifted its 12-month target from $26.30 to $27.80.

This implies potential capital gains of 50% ahead.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price finished last week at $9.19.

The ASX 200 airline share has dropped 12.4% YTD.

Goldman Sachs renewed its buy rating on Qantas with a $12.25 share price target.

This implies a potential 33% increase over the next 12 months.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) 

The Pro Medicus share price closed at $165.64 last week.

Macquarie maintains its buy rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share with a $221 target.

This suggests a potential 33% upside ahead.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price finished at $148.76 on Friday.

This ASX 200 gold share has dipped 1.6% in 2026 while the gold price has lifted 3.3%.

UBS has a buy rating on Newmont shares with a 12-month target of $195.

This suggests a possible 31% upside ahead.

The post 7 ASX shares set to soar 30% to 90% in 12 months: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• ASX 200 tech stocks led the market with big share price gains last week
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• ASX 200 iron ore shares down 5%: Should you buy the dip?

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 Goldman Sachs Group, Macquarie Group, and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

Share price weakness is not always a bad thing for income investors.

When dividend shares fall, their yields can become more attractive, provided the underlying earnings and distributions remain sustainable.

With that in mind, here are three ASX dividend shares that have been sold down heavily and could be top value picks for Aussie income investors:

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Charter Hall Long WALE REIT.

This property trust has fallen approximately 25% from its high.

The Charter Hall Long WALE REIT owns a diversified portfolio of properties leased to high-quality tenants across sectors including office, industrial, logistics, and social infrastructure. Its focus on long leases gives it greater visibility over future rental income than many property names.

That is important in an uncertain market. Investors have been cautious on real estate because of higher interest rates, funding costs, and valuation pressure. But long-dated leases can help smooth the income profile while conditions remain unsettled.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT is forecast to offer a distribution yield of approximately 7.6% in FY 2027.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Another ASX dividend share that could be worth a look after recent weakness is Harvey Norman.

The retail giant’s shares have fallen approximately 36% in 2026, leaving them well below recent levels.

Harvey Norman is exposed to household spending through furniture, electronics, appliances, bedding, and other home-related categories. That has not been an easy place to be while consumers have been dealing with cost-of-living pressures and higher interest rates.

But this is a business that has been through many retail cycles before. Its brand remains widely recognised, and its franchise model gives it a different structure from many traditional retailers. The company also owns a substantial property portfolio.

Harvey Norman is forecast to offer a fully franked dividend yield of approximately 7% in FY 2027.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Universal Store.

The youth fashion retailer is down approximately 35% from its 52-week high, amid broad weakness  in discretionary retail shares.

Universal Store operates brands including Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills. It has a clear customer focus, a growing store network, and an online channel that supports its reach with younger shoppers.

Fashion retail can be volatile. Trends change quickly, and consumer confidence can have a big impact on spending. But Universal Store has shown it can build strong brands and connect with its target market.

If trading conditions improve, the company could be well-placed to continue growing its dividend over the remainder of the decade.

Universal Store is forecast to offer a fully franked dividend yield of approximately 7.3% in FY 2027.

The post Down 25%: 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with 7% yield appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week
• 2 ASX income shares I’d buy outside Westpac and the big four banks
• 5 ASX dividend shares to buy with $5,000 this month
• Why Catapult Sports, Harvey Norman, Inghams, and Opthea shares are sinking today
• Why’s the ASX 200 falling today despite another tech rally?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.