Author: openjargon

  • The best ASX stocks to buy in January 2026 if you want both income and growth

    A man and woman sit next to each other looking at each other and feeling excited and surprised after reading good news about their shares on a laptop.

    Income and growth are often treated as opposites in investing.

    One is seen as defensive and steady, the other as aggressive and uncertain. But some of the most compelling long-term investments are ASX stocks that manage to deliver both.

    They generate enough cash to reward shareholders today, while still reinvesting to grow earnings over time.

    For investors looking to strike that balance at the start of 2026, here are two ASX stocks that offer a blend of income potential and long-term growth.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Flight Centre has emerged from the post-pandemic period as a leaner and more focused business.

    After navigating one of the most challenging periods in its history, the travel agent giant has rebuilt its earnings base around a streamlined cost structure and a stronger emphasis on its most profitable segments.

    From an income perspective, the company is once again in a position to reward shareholders with a growing stream of dividends.

    For example, Morgans believes the ASX stock will pay fully franked dividends of 52 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 61 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $15.17, this would mean dividend yields of 3.4% and 4%, respectively.

    Morgans also sees plenty of upside for its share price. In response to the “strategically sound acquisition” of cruise agency Iglu, the broker said:

    FLT’s strong balance sheet can comfortably fund this acquisition and its capital management strategy. We have upgraded our forecasts to reflect the acquisition of Iglu. Despite recent share price appreciation, FLT’s fundamentals remain attractive and we retain a Buy recommendation with a new A$18.38 price target.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    Lovisa is a very different kind of opportunity, but one that also manages to offer both income and growth.

    The company operates a fast-fashion jewellery retail model that has proven highly scalable across international markets. Its ability to roll out stores quickly, maintain tight inventory control, and refresh product ranges frequently has underpinned strong returns on capital over time.

    Looking ahead, the long-term growth story remains tied to store network expansion and execution in overseas markets. With relatively low penetration in many regions, Lovisa still has significant runway to grow its global footprint, while continuing to return capital to shareholders along the way.

    Speaking of which, Morgans is expecting dividends of 92 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 114 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $29.57, this would mean dividend yields of 3.1% and 3.85%, respectively.

    The broker believes recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors with this ASX stock. It said:

    We see this as a great opportunity to buy this high quality retailer with a global store rollout opportunity trading back around its average 10-year 1-year forward PE multiple (~31x), offering ~20% EPS growth CAGR over the next 3 years. We have lowered our price target to $40 (from $44.50) driven by moving back to 50/50 weighting EV/EBIT and DCF valuation.

    The post The best ASX stocks to buy in January 2026 if you want both income and growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Flight Centre Travel Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Flight Centre Travel Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Flight Centre Travel Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy and hold until 2036

    a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.

    Thinking about where a business might be in 10 years’ time forces you to look beyond short-term earnings cycles and market sentiment.

    The companies that are arguably best suited to a long holding period are those that can evolve as consumer behaviour changes, reinvest successfully, and expand their relevance over time. Size alone is not enough and adaptability matters just as much.

    With that long-term lens, here are three ASX 200 shares that could still be building wealth for investors all the way through to 2036:

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    Breville is often underestimated as a consumer appliances business. Its long term appeal lies in how it approaches product development and brand positioning.

    Rather than competing purely on price, Breville focuses on premium, design-led appliances that sit at the higher end of the market. This gives it pricing power and allows it to build loyal customers who repeatedly upgrade within the ecosystem.

    What makes Breville interesting over a decade-long timeframe is its global mindset. The company generates a large portion of its sales offshore and continues to invest heavily in innovation, particularly in coffee, food preparation, and connected appliances. As home cooking, coffee culture, and premiumisation trends persist globally, Breville has scope to deepen its presence in key international markets.

    By 2036, Breville could potentially look less like a traditional appliance maker and more like a global consumer brand built around everyday rituals.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    Another ASX 200 share to buy and hold until 2036 is REA Group.

    Its strength is not just its dominance in Australian property listings, but how embedded it has become in the real estate transaction process.

    Realestate.com.au is often the first and last stop for buyers, sellers, and agents. That position gives the company powerful data advantages and the ability to layer new products and services on top of its core listings business.

    Looking ahead to 2036, the opportunity is less about housing cycles and more about monetisation depth. REA Group continues to expand into analytics, finance-related tools, and agent services, increasing its relevance regardless of whether volumes are booming or subdued.

    As long as property remains a core part of household wealth, platforms that control attention and data are likely to retain significant influence. REA’s challenge is execution, not relevance, which is a strong position to be in over the long term.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Finally, Temple & Webster could be a top ASX 200 share to buy and hold.

    It represents a different kind of long-term opportunity, one tied to how consumers shop rather than what they buy.

    Furniture and homewares remain relatively underpenetrated online compared to other retail categories. Temple & Webster’s pure-play digital model allows it to avoid the fixed costs and inflexibility of physical store networks, while offering a far broader range than traditional retailers.

    The long-term story is about leverage. As volumes grow, the company can spread marketing, technology, and logistics costs across a larger revenue base. Its growing private label offering also creates scope for margin expansion and differentiation.

    If online adoption in bulky retail continues to rise over the next decade, Temple & Webster could still be in the early stages of its growth journey by 2036.

    The post 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Breville Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Breville Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Breville Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. 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.

  • Up 240% since June, guess which ASX All Ords lithium share is jumping higher again on Tuesday

    A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.6% on Tuesday morning, with ASX All Ords lithium share Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) charging ahead of those gains.

    Wildcat Resources shares closed yesterday trading for 41.5 cents. At time of writing, shares are changing hands for 42.5 cents each, up 2.4%.

    Now, it was only back on 20 June that you could have picked up Wildcat shares for a mere 12.5 cents apiece. Brave investors who waded in and bought at the one-year lows on the day will now be sitting on gains of 240%.

    That’s enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $27,200. In less than seven months.

    Here’s what looks to be helping to boost the ASX All Ords lithium share again today.

    ASX All Ords lithium share jumps on exploration results

    Wildcat Resources shares are marching higher following an exploration update from the miner’s Bolt Cutter Central lithium discovery.

    Bolt Cutter is located in Western Australia, some 10 kilometres from the company’s Tabba Tabba Project.

    Today, the ASX All Ords lithium share announced the assay results from the remaining 14 drillholes of its 2025 drilling program at Bolt Cutter Central.

    Top results from the full 2025 drill campaign included 20 metres at 1.70% lithium from 43 metres; and 12.8m at 2.02% Li2O from 45.3m.

    Management said the latest results have significantly extended the interpreted strike extent of the mineralised pegmatite system.

    According to Wildcat:

    The scale of the discovery footprint highlights the potential for a large mineralised system with multiple stacked dykes of pegmatite which remain open in most directions. The final drilling completed during 2025 focused on completing a continuous drill section approximately 1.6 kilometres in length, aimed at defining the lateral extent of the mineralised pegmatite swarm.

    The final batch of assay results confirmed mineralised pegmatite along the entire 1.6-kilometre section. Wildcat plans further exploration in what it labelled a highly prospective region.

    What’s ahead for Wildcat Resources shares in 2026?

    Looking to the year ahead, the ASX All Ords lithium share plans to kick off diamond drilling at Bolt Cutter Central later in January. Wildcat aims to expand the scale of the deposit and to collect samples to support Phase 1 metallurgical test work.

    The lithium miner also plans to commence a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program towards the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2026.

    The RC program will explore a range of potential targets to further extend mineralisation, as well as conducting infill drilling to advance towards a maiden Mineral Resource estimate for the project.

    The post Up 240% since June, guess which ASX All Ords lithium share is jumping higher again on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Wildcat Resources right now?

    Before you buy Wildcat Resources shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Wildcat Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    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.

  • This ASX biotech’s shares are up strongly on good news out of the US

    Medical workers examine an xray or scan in a hospital laboratory.

    Shares in Singular Health Group Ltd (ASX: SHG) were up more than 15% in early trade after the company said it had secured a key approval in the US.

    The company said in a statement to the ASX that it had received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for its product 3DICOM MD Cloud, as a Class II Software as a medical device.

    This built on an earlier FDA clearance for the desktop 3DICOM MD software granted in October.

    New technology more adaptable

    The company said the cloud-based, browser-enabled version of the software removes the need for hardware and complex desktop installations, “lowering adoption barriers and improving usability for healthcare organisations”.

    The 510(k) clearance allows the new version of the software to be marketed for use in the US.

    The company went on to say:

    The clearance represents a significant regulatory milestone and further strengthens Singular Health’s U.S. market strategy by expanding its regulated product portfolio. This clearance represents a significant step forward for Singular Health as it expands the company’s portfolio of regulated products and strengthens its U.S. commercial strategy.

    Singular Health Managing Director Denning Chong said the FDA clearance was achieved well ahead of schedule.

    He went on to say:

    This clearance, achieved well ahead of time, represents a major milestone for Singular Health and our U.S. strategy. 3DICOM MD® Cloud removes many of the traditional barriers to adoption by eliminating the need for hardware and complex desktop installations, while expanding modality coverage to include X-ray and ultrasound. This positions the Company to scale faster and drive greater impact in reducing duplicate imaging.

    Singular Health’s 3DICOM technology transforms medical scans into interactive 3D models.

    The company said on Tuesday that the potential market for the technology was very large:

    The company estimates a significant U.S. opportunity to address unnecessary duplicate imaging, with a total addressable market (TAM) of approximately US$16.5B. This estimate is based on direct imaging costs of US$236.5B and an estimated 7.7% duplicate occurrence across PET, CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound1. Importantly, X-ray and ultrasound were not supported in the previously cleared desktop version but are included in 3DICOM MD Cloud, materially expanding the range of clinical pathways and use cases the platform can support and broadening the Company’s addressable market.    

    The company’s shares traded as high as 30 cents in early trade, up 15.4%, before settling back to be 9.6% higher at 28.5 cents.

    The company was valued at $81.6 million at the close of trading on Monday.

    The post This ASX biotech’s shares are up strongly on good news out of the US appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Singular Health Group Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Singular Health Group Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Singular Health Group Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

  • Bell Potter says this ASX 300 stock is dirt cheap with 30%+ upside

    A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face.

    Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL) shares have started the year strongly.

    Since the turn of the year, the ASX 300 stock has risen by 12%.

    But if you thought the gains were over, think again!

    That’s because analysts at Bell Potter believe this fund manager’s shares could still be dirt cheap.

    What is the broker saying about this ASX 300 stock?

    Bell Potter was pleased with the company’s trading update, highlighting that its performance fees and profit guidance were comfortably ahead of expectations. It said:

    The company issued an upbeat statement, highlighting strong performance fees and an estimated NPAT for CY25 that was above market expectations. End 2025 FUM was approx. $20.8bn, compared to $20.1bn at the end of Q3 and was ahead of our previous forecast of $20.4bn. Performance fees are expected to be approx. $130m in H2 CY25 compared to $42.4m in H1 CY25 and $24.9m in H2 CY24.

    This was above our last published forecast of $55.8m for H2. We note that at Q3 the company suggested that performance fees for H2 were tracking well above the top of the forecast range. Given these figures, CY25 is expected to produce a normalised NPAT of $145m vs $97.5m in CY 24 and ahead of our estimate of $121.9m (after NCI). This follows a record quarter in Q3, which showed strong inflows and investment returns.

    Big potential returns

    In light of the above, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating on the ASX 300 stock with an improved price target of $4.70 (from $4.40).

    Based on its current share price of $3.60, this implies potential upside of 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, the broker is forecasting a 20.6 cents per share fully franked dividend in FY 2026. This represents a 5.7% dividend yield, which boosts the total potential return beyond 35%.

    Bell Potter doesn’t believe the market is appreciating the improvement in its performance. Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

    This was a positive announcement from RPL, ending a good year for the company with strong net flows and performance fees. Our DCF valuation increases to $4.69/sh and we round our price target to $4.70/sh (from $4.40) and maintain a Buy recommendation. While these results were strong and there has been some recovery in the share price, the shares have been de-rated and trade at a lower multiple than at the start of the year.

    A year ago the shares were $3.71 and trading on 14.2x forward earnings or 8.5x EV/EVITDA. Currently the shares trade on 12.3x next year’s earnings or 5.3x EV/EBITDA. We do not believe the improvement in operational performance is reflected in the current share price.

    The post Bell Potter says this ASX 300 stock is dirt cheap with 30%+ upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Regal Funds Management Pty right now?

    Before you buy Regal Funds Management Pty shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Regal Funds Management Pty wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

  • Up 450% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock leaping higher again today on exploration results

    a woman wearing a sparkly strapless dress leans on a neat stack of six gold bars as she smiles and looks to the side as though she is very happy and protective of her stash. She also has gold fingernails and gold glitter pieces affixed to her cheeks.

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.3% today, with ASX All Ords gold stock New Murchison Gold Ltd (ASX: NMG) racing ahead of those gains

    New Murchison Gold shares closed yesterday trading for 5.1 cents. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for 5.5 cents apiece, up 7.8%.

    That sees shares in the Aussie gold miner up a whopping 450% since this time last year, smashing the 8.2% returns delivered by the benchmark index.

    Here’s what’s catching investor interest again today.

    ASX All Ords gold stock jumps on promising assays

    New Murchison Gold shares are surging after the company announced high grade gold results from a recently completed reverse circulation (RC) drill program. The miner drilled 33 RC holes totalling 2,920 metres.

    The ASX All Ords gold stock said the exploratory drill campaign has delineated additional mineralisation within the Lydia shear zone and extended the known depth and strike of the main mineralised structure.

    Management expects this will open up the opportunity to prove up additional reserves close to the miner’s current Crown Prince Gold Operations. The Crown Prince Gold Mine is New Murchison’s flagship asset, located in Western Australia.

    The results indicated that the gold mineralisation intercepted at Lydia is similar to the Crown Prince deposit, and the shear zone is around 20 metres to 25 metres in thickness.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the exploration results lifting the ASX All Ords gold stock today, New Murchison Gold CEO Alex Passmore said, “We are very pleased to provide this exploration update including high grade results for the Lydia gold prospect.”

    Passmore added:

    Lydia sits on a granted mining lease very close to the Crown Prince Operation. We believe we can leverage off existing infrastructure (offices, maintenance facility, crusher, and sampling preparation facility) to bring Lydia online relatively quickly. NMG is working towards including Lydia into its resources and reserves inventory.

    What’s been happening with the ASX All Ords gold stock?

    2025 was a milestone year for New Murchison Gold, with the miner transitioning from a developer to a producer following the first gold production from the Crown Prince Gold Project in the September quarter.

    Commenting on the ASX All Ords stock’s progress on 28 October, Passmore said:

    The strong operational start, supported by an efficient ramp-up of mining and processing activities, provides a solid foundation for sustained production in the months ahead.

    Importantly, ongoing exploration continued to deliver excellent results both at depth beneath the current pit base and regionally across the Abbotts Belt, reinforcing the scale and quality of our current asset base.

    The post Up 450% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock leaping higher again today on exploration results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in New Murchison Gold Ltd right now?

    Before you buy New Murchison Gold Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and New Murchison Gold Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    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.

  • Lynas shares slip on shock CEO exit

    A businesswoman exhales a deep sigh after receiving bad news, and gets on with it.

    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are in the spotlight on Tuesday.

    In morning trade, the rare earths producer’s shares have given back their early gains and are down 1% to $14.61.

    What’s going on with Lynas shares today?

    The company’s shares have been bouncing around today as investors digest a big announcement released before the market open.

    According to the release, the company’s chief executive officer and managing director, Amanda Lacaze, has advised the board of her intention to retire after 12 years in the role.

    In response, the Lynas board has initiated a search process to select a new CEO to lead it through its next stage of growth. It notes that this process will consider both internal and external candidates.

    In the meantime, Ms Lacaze intends to remain with the company until the end of the current financial year to enable a smooth transition.

    Commenting on her exit, Lynas’ outgoing CEO, Amanda Lacaze, said:

    I’ve loved every day of my 12 years at Lynas. It has been a great privilege to lead the company from a troubled startup to an ASX50 company. I am extremely proud of our achievements over this time. I am leaving the company in good hands with a fabulous team with unique skills and know-how, and a balance sheet to support future growth plans. Having successfully concluded the Lynas 2025 capital investment program and launched the Towards 2030 growth strategy, it is the right time to make this transition.

    Lynas’ chair, John Humphrey, believes that Lacaze is leaving the company in a very different position to when she joined. He said:

    Amanda has made an outstanding contribution to Lynas and the rare earths industry over the past 12 years. On behalf of the Board and the whole Lynas team, I thank Amanda for her leadership and dedication to our people and our company. This company was in a very difficult position when Amanda took on the role of CEO.

    It is thanks to Amanda’s hard work, drive and tenacity that Lynas is today a leading rare earths producer and critical supplier to global manufacturing supply chains. Under Amanda’s leadership, the company’s production and operating footprint has grown and our market value has increased from around $400 million in 2014 to close to $15 billion. This provides an excellent foundation for the company’s continued growth and development.

    Lynas shares remain up over 100% since this time last year.

    The post Lynas shares slip on shock CEO exit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lynas Rare Earths Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Lynas Rare Earths Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

  • Why I think CSL and DroneShield shares are buys for 2026

    A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.

    When I look ahead to 2026, I am seeking businesses that can continue to move forward for very different reasons, even if markets are uneven along the way.

    Two ASX shares that stand out to me on that basis are CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO). They operate in completely different industries, but I think they both offer compelling long-term investment cases as we move through 2026.

    Why CSL still looks attractive

    CSL has been going through a rough patch, but it remains one of the highest-quality businesses on the ASX.

    The biotech operates in plasma therapies and vaccines, areas where demand is driven by medical necessity rather than economic conditions. That makes revenue more resilient than in many other sectors, particularly during periods of uncertainty.

    CSL also benefits from scale and expertise that are difficult to replicate. Its global plasma collection network, manufacturing capabilities, and ongoing investment in research and development create high barriers to entry. These advantages help support long-term earnings growth, even if short-term results fluctuate.

    Another reason I am comfortable with CSL in 2026 is its long-term mindset. Management continues to reinvest heavily in the business, prioritising sustainable growth over short-term optics. For investors willing to be patient, that approach has historically paid off.

    CSL shares are not always cheap, and they can go through periods of underperformance. But for me, that volatility is a feature of owning a high-quality global company, not a reason to avoid it.

    DroneShield offers a different kind of opportunity

    DroneShield sits at the opposite end of the risk spectrum, but that is part of its appeal.

    The company specialises in counter-drone technology, a market that has become increasingly important for defence, government, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The use of drones is expanding rapidly, and with it comes a growing need to detect, track, and neutralise unauthorised threats.

    DroneShield’s revenue can be lumpy due to contract timing, which makes the share price volatile. However, the underlying demand drivers are structural rather than cyclical. Governments and defence agencies do not switch off security needs when conditions become challenging. In fact, they are dedicating more and more funding to counter-drone technology each year.

    What makes DroneShield interesting for 2026 is that it remains relatively early in its growth journey. As the company builds its customer base and continues to refine its technology, there is potential for meaningful upside if execution remains strong.

    Why I am comfortable owning both

    CSL and DroneShield serve very different roles in a portfolio.

    CSL provides exposure to a global healthcare leader with resilient demand and a long track record of value creation. DroneShield offers exposure to a niche defence technology with significant growth potential but higher risk.

    Together, they balance each other. One offers stability and consistency. The other offers optional upside tied to a rapidly evolving security landscape.

    Foolish Takeaway

    No stock is without risk, and 2026 will no doubt bring its own challenges.

    But CSL and DroneShield each have characteristics that make them appealing to me as long-term investments.

    The post Why I think CSL and DroneShield shares are buys for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Guess which ASX 200 stock is tumbling 4% on trading update

    Couple look at a bottle of wine while trying to decide what to buy.

    Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) shares are falling on Tuesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 stock is down 4% to $3.66.

    Why is this ASX 200 stock tumbling?

    Investors have been selling the alcohol retail giant’s shares following the release of a trading update this morning.

    According to the release, total sales increased 1% over the prior corresponding period to $6,682 million during the first half.

    This reflects a 0.7% lift in Dan Murphy’s and BWS sales to $5,404 million, a 16.2% decline in specialty sales to $109 million, and a 4.4% lift in Hotels revenue to $1,169 million.

    Management notes that since September, Dan Murphy’s and BWS have together delivered four consecutive months of sales growth. It believes this reflects the company’s commitment to price leadership as a fundamental part of the customer experience, particularly in Dan Murphy’s.

    Second quarter combined sales for Dan Murphy’s and BWS grew by 2.2% over the prior corresponding period.

    Profit decline

    Things weren’t quite as positive for the ASX 200 stock’s earnings, with margin pressures leading to group EBIT (before significant items) falling to between $555 million and $566 million for the half. This is down 4.9% to 6.7% from $595 million a year earlier.

    Commenting on the performance of its retail operations, the ASX 200 stock’s CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, said:

    The pricing and promotional decisions we have made in our Retail business have generated positive sales results, delivering on our aim to better align the customer propositions for each of our brands to re-ignite top line growth. In a competitive market landscape, we have focused on reinforcing customer confidence in the value we offer across all channels, particularly in Dan Murphy’s unbeatable price and customer experience.

    A key step to realising the potential of our Retail brands is improving sales momentum, and as the first half progressed we made a number of decisions to improve customer engagement and generate higher sales velocity, including investment in lower shelf prices. We are very pleased with the speed of customer reaction to our shelf price and targeted promotional activity, highlighting the strength in both retail brands.

    Speaking about the Hotels business, Hrdlicka adds:

    The holiday spirit across our Hotels business was exceptional, enabling strong results. There is a lot to play for in our Hotels portfolio and we are excited by the opportunity to create additional value as we begin to roll out the refreshed strategy. I look forward to updating the market with further detail on our plans later this year.

    The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is tumbling 4% on trading update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Endeavour Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Endeavour Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Endeavour Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group. 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.

  • Guess how much $10,000 invested in these ASX ETFs 3 years ago is worth today?

    A woman stands on a huge oversized wooden park bench with her arms outstretched towards the mountainous horizon in the distance.

    It’s hard to believe January 2023 was already three years ago. But in that time, there have been plenty of ASX ETFs that have brought investors strong returns. 

    Of course, past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns. 

    But it can be worthwhile to examine which global funds have performed strongly over an extended period of time. 

    Here are three that focus on international stocks that have doubled since 2023. 

    BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    This fundamental ASX ETF provides investors with the return of the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX). 

    This comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market, and includes many companies that are at the forefront of the new economy.

    It has a strong focus on technology companies. This can give Aussie investors exposure to a high-growth potential sector that is underrepresented in the Australian sharemarket.

    This includes companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google. 

    Since January 2023, this fund has had an extremely strong return, climbing by 121%. 

    This means a hypothetical investment of $10,000 at that time would have risen to $22,100 today.

    This is before taking into account dividends or management fees. 

    iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

    This fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 100 Index, before fees and expenses. 

    The index is designed to measure the performance of 100 multinational, blue-chip companies of major importance in global equity markets.

    It’s worth mentioning that this fund and the previous ASX ETF from Betashares share many of the same companies. 

    That doesn’t mean you can’t own both. But they are relatively similar. 

    This fund from iShares has a broader geographical and sector spread – it includes major companies from the US, Europe, Asia, etc. 

    This global diversification has been a successful strategy over the last three years, as this fund has risen by roughly 98%. 

    This means an initial investment of $10,000 would now be worth $19,800.

    ETFs Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

    According to Global X, this ASX ETF seeks to invest in companies at the leading edge of next-generation technology, which includes both household names and newcomers.

    It is designed to be a core building block for growth-oriented portfolios, offering broad thematic exposure. 

    By sector, it is weighted towards: 

    • Information Technology (59.36%)
    • Communication Services (29.73%)
    • Consumer Discretionary (10.87%)

    This has been a successful strategy over the last 3 years, with the fund rising an impressive 209%. 

    That means an initial investment of $10,000 would now be worth $30,900. 

    The post Guess how much $10,000 invested in these ASX ETFs 3 years ago is worth today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.