Author: openjargon

Retiring early is not about finding one miracle stock. It is about building a portfolio that can reliably generate enough passive income to cover your living costs.

The goal is simple. Own quality assets that produce steady cash flow and let time and compounding work their magic.

On the ASX, dividend shares can play a powerful role in that strategy. Here is how I would approach it.

Step one: Focus on cash flow

When building an early retirement portfolio, the first priority is reliability. That means looking for businesses with visible earnings, long-term contracts, or structural demand drivers.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) is a good example.

It owns major toll roads across Australia and North America. These are essential infrastructure assets that commuters use every day. The company’s long concession agreements and inflation-linked tolling mechanisms provide revenue visibility over many years.

Traffic volumes can fluctuate slightly with economic conditions, but population growth and urban expansion tend to support long-term usage. That steady demand underpins its distributions.

Step two: Add infrastructure income

Energy infrastructure can provide another layer of stability.

APA Group (ASX: APA) owns gas pipelines and energy assets across Australia. These are long-life, contracted assets that generate recurring cash flow.

Because pipelines are critical pieces of infrastructure, APA’s earnings are less exposed to short-term economic swings than many other sectors. Its predictable cash flow profile has supported consistent dividends over time.

For someone aiming to retire early, having exposure to essential infrastructure can help smooth out portfolio volatility.

Step three: Diversify

Retiring early does not mean concentrating risk. Adding exposure to different asset types can improve resilience.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) provides exposure to agricultural assets such as cattle properties, almond orchards, and vineyards.

Rather than farming directly, it leases its properties to experienced operators under long-term agreements. That creates rental-style income backed by real assets and long-term food demand.

Agriculture can have cyclical elements, but global population growth and food security needs create a structural foundation for the sector.

You might also want to consider diversifying further with banks, miners or supermarket operators. Alternatively, you could focus on an exchange traded fund (ETF) like the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).

Step four: Compounding

If you are able to invest $500 a month into ASX dividend shares and generate an average 10% per annum return (not guaranteed), your portfolio would grow to be worth approximately $620,000 after 25 years.

At that level, averaging a 5% dividend yield across this portfolio would pull in passive income of $31,000 per annum.

Foolish takeaway

To retire early, you need to build enough capital to generate the income you require.

Getting there usually takes time, consistent investing, and reinvesting dividends along the way.

But the effort will certainly be worth it in the end.

The post How to retire early using ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in March
• How to build a ‘lazy’ passive income portfolio with just 1 ASX ETF
• How to make $25,000 of passive income a year
• ASX 200 at a record high? Here’s where I still see value
• If I had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch today, here’s how I’d do it

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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Rural Funds Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Tuesday was a rough day of trading for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Australia’s benchmark index fell 1.34%. 

Despite this, it remains up a healthy 11% across the last 12 months. 

After yesterday’s tough day of trading, three notable names now sitting close to 52-week lows. 

Here’s what experts have been saying about the likelihood of a bounce back. 

Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

Investor sentiment on GYG shares has continued to sour in the last 12 months, with its share price falling more than 45%. 

Yesterday, the ASX 200 stock appeared in the most shorted shares list, reinforcing that investors are not optimistic on a bounce back. 

The stock endured heavy sell-offs during February as investors were disappointed with the company’s half-year results.

Major talking points for the company centre around the viability of its US expansion, which some believe faces headwinds. 

On the flip side, there are brokers who seem to believe its share price has now fallen too far. 

Macquarie has a current share price target on the ASX 200 stock of $27.30. 

The broker is more focussed on Australian success in the long-term. 

Meanwhile, UBS has a more modest view, along with a price target of $21. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $18.74, these targets indicate an upside between 12% and 45%. 

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

Premier Investments is an Australian company that owns and operates speciality retail brands, consumer products, and wholesale businesses.

Its share price has tumbled 43% over the last year to sit close to a 12-month low. 

While there’s no guarantee it bounces back, investors may be interested in the ASX 200 stock for its healthy dividend. 

Brokers are expecting a yield of close to 6% in 2026.

Macquarie also believes the stock could recover to $16.20, which is 23% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat Leisure is an Australian gaming technology company licensed in around 340 gaming jurisdictions in more than 100 countries.

Its share price is down 37.27% in the last year and sits close to 52-week lows. 

The last price sensitive news out of the company came at its February AGM, which did little to boost investor confidence. 

The ASX 200 stock has fallen more than 8% since that time. 

For those hoping the company can bounce back, Bell Potter currently sees as much as 50% upside for the stock. 

The broker said it expects leading R&D investment will drive market share gains. 

The post These ASX 200 stocks are trading close to 52 week lows: Is it time to buy low? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down almost 40% and at a 52-week low, should you buy this ASX 200 tech stock?
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 3 ASX growth shares I’d back to beat the market over the next decade

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

ASX growth shares could be the sector poised to deliver the biggest returns due to the compounding potential of their earnings over the coming years.

We don’t necessarily need to look at the technology sector to deliver big returns – there are some great candidates that could outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the longer-term.

The following businesses have strong growth potential, in the eyes of experts.

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

Aussie Broadband is an Australian telco that it’s growing its market share of NBN connections across residential, businesses, government and wholesale.

Broker UBS rates Aussie Broadband as a buy, with a price target of $6.20.

The business generated solid growth in the HY26 result, its on-net broadband connections reached 827,700, up 13.7% year-over-year. Revenue grew 8.4% to $637.8 million, underlying operating profit (EBITDA) increased 13.5% to $74.7 million and underlying net profit (NPATA) grew 24.5% to $31.3 million.

The company highlighted “strong growth outlook for business, enterprise and government with higher value contract wins, strong sales pipeline and enhanced SME [small and medium enterprise] capability with [the] acquisition of Nexgen”.

UBS thinks that Australia Broadband’s earnings per share (EPS) is going to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33% over the next three years.

The broker said:

The earnings growth is largely underpinned by the structural growth opportunity we see as Australian broadband market share shifts from the incumbents to challenger brands. Challenger market share is currently at 22%, with our analysis pointing to this reaching at least 35% presenting a still to be won A$3.0bn revenue opportunity.

UBS projects that the ASX growth share could make a net profit of $72 million in FY26 and $176 million in FY30, a forecast rise of 140% over that period.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville designs and develops small kitchen appliances, particularly coffee machines, which includes a number of brands including Breville, Sage, Lelit and Baratza. It also has a coffee bean business called Beanz.

Despite the impacts of US tariffs, the company was able to deliver net profit growth of 0.7% in the first half of FY26, along with 10.1% revenue growth. The board of directors decided to increase the interim dividend per share of 5.6% to 19 cents.

Tariffs have been a key issue for the ASX growth share and market to navigate. Broker UBS said that the company has handled it well so far:

US tariffs have been the key concern for BRG. Gross margin (GM) compression in 1H26 (-151bps in Global Product) a function of some China sourced products sold in 1H26 & no price rises in core US range, but this has been well managed:

(1) execution of production shift of 80% of 120v product from China to lower tariff markets (Cambodia, Indonesia, Mexico) at pace handled well;

(2) distribution/retailer mix has been optimised; and

(3) price raises for tail products has had a neutral $ gross profit outcome (assisted by competitor pricing & range decisions).

Looking to FY27E, gross margin upside exists due to the shift for a full 12mths to lower US tariff countries although uncertainty is likely to continue. Longer term, AI adoption at BRG is expected to assist CODB [cost of doing business] management & operating leverage tailwinds.

The Australian stock is rated as a buy by UBS with a price target of $39.

UBS projects the ASX growth share could generate net profit of $139 million in FY26 and $160 million in FY27. That means, at the time of writing, the Breville share price is valued at 29x FY27’s estimated earnings.

The post Experts rate these 2 ASX growth shares as buys this month! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• $10,000 invested in DroneShield shares 12 months ago is now worth…
• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb 130% (or more) in the next 12 months
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett and buy quality ASX shares at fair prices today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Shares in Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) tumbled on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions rattled the broader market.

The Dicker Data share price closed down 6.98% to $9.19, marking its lowest level since August 2025. The sell-off comes amid a wider risk-off move across the ASX following escalating conflict in the Middle East.

But with the stock now well below its recent highs, the key question is whether this pullback has created value.

Let’s unpack.

A solid FY25 result

The weakness in the Dicker Data share price comes only days after the company released its full-year results last Thursday.

For FY25, Dicker Data reported statutory revenue of $2.57 billion, up 12.5% year-on-year. Gross revenue rose 14.9% to $3.88 billion, while EBITDA increased 5.9% to $159.4 million.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $85.6 million, up 8.8% on the prior year. Earnings per share (EPS)lifted 8.6% to 47.4 cents.

In Australia, gross revenue climbed 17.2% to $3.28 billion, supported by strength in software and end point solutions. New Zealand revenue was more modest, up 3.6% to $581.2 million, though profit before tax in that segment jumped 37.2%.

The company declared a final dividend of 11.5 cents per share, bringing fully franked dividends for FY25 to 44 cents. Management also confirmed a revised payout range of 80% to 100% of NPAT.

What do the technical indicators show?

Technically, momentum has weakened in recent sessions.

At $9.19, the shares are trading below the lower Bollinger Band on the daily chart, which indicates short-term oversold conditions. The 14-day relative strength index (RSI) is sitting around 33, just above traditional oversold territory of 30.

Immediate support appears near the $9 mark, which previously acted as a base in mid-2025. A clear break below that level could see the share price drift into the high $8 range.

On the upside, resistance may now sit between $10 and $10.30, an area that has capped rallies in recent months.

Overall, momentum remains negative, but the stock is nearing levels where buyers have previously stepped in.

Is this a bargain buy?

Fundamentally, Dicker Data is still leveraged to ongoing growth in data centres, cyber security, and AI infrastructure. Management recently pointed to increasing exposure to AI solutions, including partnerships with Dell Technologies and Equinix.

Gartner expects Australian IT spending to reach $172.3 billion in 2026, up 8.9% year-on-year. If that forecast proves accurate, Dicker Data should be well placed as a major distributor across software, infrastructure, and end point hardware.

That said, the business operates on relatively tight margins and remains exposed to swings in IT spending and inventory cycles.

Even so, at a 7-month low, the share price may look more attractive to those confident in continued IT and AI growth.

The post Dicker Data shares fall to a 7-month low. Is this a bargain buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 tech shares lead market sectors with a 7% bounce back
• Invest $20,000 in these 4 ASX shares and get $1,000 passive income
• Here’s 3 ASX dividend stars yielding over 5%

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Dicker Data. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When you’re looking at ASX stocks under $1, things can get a bit more speculative. But you can also come across those that have real potential for growth. Here are my top picks at the bargain end of the market this week. 

Hipages Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: HPG)

The share price of trade sales lead generator, Hipages, has dropped almost 20% over the last year to $0.84 at market close on Tuesday. Its primary service is connecting customers to tradespeople, a business that can be sensitive to interest rate hikes and weakened consumer spending. This might be driving some of the subdued investor sentiment. Also, it does not have a strong defensive moat with some investors concerned that it may be swamped by AI or generalist marketplaces.

But this is a business with strong underlying fundamentals. Even though revenue growth slowed in the first half of 2026, it has expanded its EBITDA margin, showing good operating leverage and discipline. A strong balance sheet with significant cash holdings further de-risks the investment.

Despite potential consumer spending concerns, Australians spent some $53.8 billion on renovations in FY25, the highest spend since 2022, suggesting the market for trades remains strong. Ongoing trade shortages may also fuel consumer demand for some time to come. The key for Hipages will be ensuring that it can continue to attract quality tradespeople in this climate. 

For me, at current prices, Hipages is a real contender. It’s a quality business with a good balance sheet in a market where demand continues to grow.

OFX Group Ltd (ASX: OFX)

Australian international payments provider, OFX, has seen share price falls of more than 50% over the last year, closing at $0.58 on Tuesday. Investors had high expectations of this business a few years ago and although its results have been relatively solid, it seems investors have been wanting more. Weakening sentiment across the broader tech sector may also be driving the drop.

OFX is a profitable business with low debt and a global customer network, spanning APAC, North America, Europe and the Middle East. In its last full year results, it reported a 5.5% decline in net operating income and its growth has slowed of late, but its scalable business model remains attractive.

In early February 2026, it announced a strategic review, which could include a potential sale, with management reiterating it believes the business to be undervalued at the current share price.

And I tend to agree. Despite some decline in recent results, OFX has been performing in the longer term and has several potential avenues for growth. It’s clearly at a crossroads and the outcome of the strategic review will be interesting, but I think now is the time to move for investors seeking a bargain.

Adore Beauty Group Ltd (ASX: ABY)

Specialty beauty e-commerce and retailer, Adore Beauty has had a tough ride on the share market, dropping some 50% in the last 12 months to $0.42 at market close on Tuesday. However, it continues to deliver positive, if small, revenue growth. That said, net profit has declined sharply (69.9%), which is likely why investor sentiment continues to weaken.

However, at current prices, I think it’s worth considering because its revenue is rising, its brand equity is intact, and there are some positive indicators amongst the challenges:

• It has an established brand that has shown it can ride out challenging market conditions
• It’s underlying EBITDA for HY26 was up 14.5% on the prior corresponding period, meaning it can generate operating leverage
• Customer growth remains solid
• It appears to be demonstrating disciplined inventory management, critical in such a fast-moving category

It’s also worth noting that its profitability decline is likely largely driven by the step up in its omni-channel rollout, with the group opening 10 new stores since July.

This one might be a little more speculative and it’s certainly a turnaround play — it will need to recover its margins. But if you are looking for something with hidden potential at the bargain end of the market, Adore Beauty is one to consider.

The post 3 quality ASX stocks under $1 a share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• More than 100% upside predicted for this online marketplace which is using AI to its advantage
• Despite a “strong” financial result, this retailer is being sold down heavily
• From viral hit to margin threat: Is inventory a growing risk for Adore Beauty?
• OFX shares jump as it says it’s officially on the market

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison 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 Hipages Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Adore Beauty Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adore Beauty Group and Hipages Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares closed 6.22% lower at $3.62 a piece at the close of the ASX on Tuesday afternoon. For the year-to-date, the drone operator’s shares are 8.71% higher.

DroneShield was the best performer in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and one of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025. 

But the stock has been firmly in the spotlight over the past six months after it suffered a brutal sell-off late last year amid concerns about a stretched valuation amid a sector-wide downturn. 

Droneshield faced more headwinds after its late-January fourth-quarter update disappointed investors. The company’s update revealed that Cash receipts remained modest, contract momentum stalled, and revenue growth showed little sign of improvement.

Thankfully, news of six new standalone contracts last week helped the counter-drone operator claw back some losses. The contracts are valued at $21.7 million and are via an in-country reseller to a Western military end customer. 

It’s fair to say it’s been a white-knuckle ride for investors of DroneShield shares over the past 12 months. 

So, if I bought $10,000 worth of DroneShield shares 12 months ago, what are they worth now?

While DroneShield shares have been choppy over the past 6 months, they’re significantly higher than a year ago.

At the time of writing, the stock is still a huge 364% higher than this time last year.

That share price increase means that an investor who bought $10,000 worth of DroneShield shares 12 months ago would now have a whopping $36,410. 

And if an investor bought $10,000 of the stock five years ago, DroneShield’s 2,313.33% five-year increase means that would be worth $231,333 today.

Can we expect the same level of returns going forward?

While analysts are very bullish about the outlook for DroneShield shares, with a strong buy consensus according to TradingView data, it doesn’t look like the annual increase will continue at the same pace.

The maximum target price for DroneShield shares over the next 12 months is $5.00 a piece. At the time of writing, that implies a 38% upside ahead for investors. 

A return as high as 38% is a fantastic upside. And as as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, putting pressure on military spending, we could see demand for DroneShield’s counter-drone detection and mitigation technology pick up pace. But investors looking for the 364% uplift we’ve had over the past 12 months have probably missed the boat.

The post $10,000 invested in DroneShield shares 12 months ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb 130% (or more) in the next 12 months
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold for a decade or more
• New Hope extends share buy-back program to March 2027

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

The sentiment around big four bank shares has been interesting to watch over the last 12 months. 

Many price targets indicated these blue-chip stocks were fully valued. 

For example, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) was consistently listed as a sell as it reached record highs in the middle of 2025. 

While it did retreat in the back half of last year, it never reached the lows expected by some analysts. 

Fast forward to February earnings season, and all big four bank shares saw healthy stock price growth on the back of results. 

This stock price spike wasn’t anticipated by many. 

It’s a good lesson to remind investors that broker price targets are not a guarantee. Even blue-chip bank stock markets can shift quickly. 

Another key lesson to remember is these big four bank shares represent a dominant part of the ASX. 

Just as US focussed investors may want exposure to Apple or Tesla, here in Australia, it’s the big banks that sit atop the market cap rankings. 

Let’s see how much investors may have cashed in over the last months investing in these blue-chip bank shares. 

NAB, Westpac and ANZ lead the charge

Over the last 12 months, these three ASX bank shares have brought similar returns. 

Since this time last year:

• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) has risen 34.88%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) has climbed 31.45%
• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) has increased 32.39%. 

For context, a $10,000 investment made in one of these companies a year ago would today be worth between $13,100 – $13,500 depending on the stock.

Meanwhile, CBA shares have risen 10.72%, still slightly ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

It’s worth noting CBA shares are up 18% since late January. 

How to invest in ASX bank shares

ASX bank shares led the way in February, reminding investors that stock prices can continue to rise even when valuations appear full. 

Those waiting for CBA shares to drop to $100 per share which was tipped by some brokers, may now be regretting a missed opportunity. 

It’s proof once again for long term investors that time in the market can trump timing the market. 

For investors wanting wider exposure to ASX bank shares rather than individual holdings, one option is VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB). 

80% of the fund is allocated to the big four banks. The rest is made up of 3 other ASX bank shares. 

It can provide a more diversified approach rather than choosing one bank stock. 

The post How much have investors made in big four bank shares over the past year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Bannerman, CBA, and Telstra shares
• 1 miner, 1 bank, and 1 ASX tech share I’d buy this month
• How the CBA share price rocketed 17% in February
• 5 top ASX 200 shares I’d buy in March
• Why Brainchip, Fortescue, Qantas, and Westpac shares are dropping today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in National Australia Bank. 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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are popular options for income investors.

It isn’t hard to see why this is the case.

Combined, these ASX 200 shares pay out over $10 billion to their shareholders each year in the form of dividends.

And the good news is that their next payouts are on the horizon. But you will need to act fast if you want to receive this cash.

BHP dividend

Last month, BHP announced an interim dividend of US$3.7 billion or 73 US cents per share.

The Big Australian highlighted that this extended its track record of strong returns while also investing in growth. Including this dividend, BHP will have returned around US$110 billion to shareholders since the introduction of its capital allocation framework in 2016.

This latest BHP dividend will be paid to shareholders later this month on 26 March.

Rio Tinto dividend

Rio Tinto released its full-year results last month and declared a final dividend of US$4.1 billion or 254 US cents per share.

This took its total dividends to US$6.5 billion or 402 US cents per share, which was the tenth year in a row that its dividend was at the top end of its 40% to 60% payout ratio target.

Eligible shareholders will be receiving Rio Tinto’s fully franked final dividend next month on 16 April.

Woodside dividend

Woodside also released its full-year results last month. It declared a final dividend of 59 US cents per share, which brought the full-year fully franked dividend to US$1.12 per share or US$2.1 billion. This maintained Woodside’s payout ratio at the top of its target range at 80%.

Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this payout later this month on 27 March.

How can you receive these dividends?

If you want to receive the BHP, Rio Tinto, or Woodside dividends, you will have to act fast.

That’s because all three giants will be trading ex-dividend tomorrow on Thursday 5 March.

When this happens, it means the rights to the dividend are now settled and new buyers of their shares will not be entitled to receive it on pay day. Instead, the dividend will be paid to the seller of the shares, even though the shares no longer feature in their portfolio.

So, if you want to receive any of these dividends, you will need to buy shares before the close of play today to qualify. The clock is ticking!

The post Want to receive the BHP, Rio Tinto, and Woodside dividends? Here’s what you need to do appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why the Woodside share price surged 12% in February
• 3 ASX 200 energy shares just given new 12-month price targets post-results
• 3 must-own ASX blue-chip dividend stocks for Aussie investors
• Why the BHP share price rocketed 16% in February
• What’s next for the Woodside share price?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

You don’t need to pick the next hot stock to build wealth. These 3 low-cost ASX ETFs will give you instant diversification, exposure to global growth, and even a stream of dividend income.

They will form a simple, low-cost ETF strategy without the need to constantly check the market.

Let’s have a closer look at the ASX ETFs.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If you want broad global exposure in a single trade, this ASX ETF is hard to beat. VGS gives you access to more than 1,000 companies across major developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan.

You’re buying global heavyweights like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), along with healthcare leaders such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). That means exposure to technology, consumer brands, industrials, and more — all in one fund.

This global ASX ETF is low-cost, highly diversified, and removes the risk of relying too heavily on the Australian market.

BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

Next is the BetaShares Australia 200 ETF. While global exposure is crucial, Australian shares still deserve a place in a long-term portfolio, especially for dividend income.

This ASX ETF tracks the 200 largest companies on the ASX at a very competitive management fee. Its top holdings include blue-chip stocks such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

That gives investors exposure to mining, banking, and healthcare — three pillars of the Australian economy. The income component is also attractive, as Australian blue chips tend to pay reliable, franked dividends.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Finally, consider adding growth power with this Nasdaq-focused ASX ETF. This Betashares fund focuses on the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange in the US.

It’s more concentrated and more growth-focused than VGS, but that’s part of the appeal. This ASX ETF holds innovative giants such as Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META). These businesses dominate cloud computing, digital advertising, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.

While tech stocks can be volatile, they’ve historically delivered strong long-term returns. Including this ETF alongside broader funds adds extra growth potential to a portfolio built for the next decade.

Foolish Takeaway

For a new investor looking ahead to 2036, this type of ETF trio offers a straightforward strategy: buy quality, stay diversified, keep costs down, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.

The result? Exposure to thousands of companies across industries, including finance, mining, healthcare, consumer goods, and cutting-edge tech. You’re spreading risk across countries and sectors while keeping costs low and management simple.

The post New to investing: 3 ASX ETFs to set and forget until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Meta Platforms, 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.

Shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbled on Tuesday, closing the day 1.39% lower thanks to broad based losses across multiple sectors. While the day’s trading may have disappointed some investors, there are some companies on the index which are expected to shoot higher this year.

Here are three that I have my eye on. And they’re all tipped to rise at least 130% over the next 12 months.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) 

Catapult is a global sports data and analytics company that provides real-time data to optimise athletes’ performance. The tech company reported a 16% revenue uplift in the first half of FY26 and a 19% hike in its annualised contract value (ACV). Catapult expects to maintain strong ACV growth through the second half of FY26, driven by low customer churn and ongoing improvements in margins and cash flow. 

Catapult is quickly gaining traction, and its recurring subscriptions means it benefits from customer retention. That translates to a higher and more stable margin. 

The ASX 200 company’s shares were caught up in broad market sell-off on Tuesday, closing 7% lower for the day at $3.29 a piece. The drop means the shares are now 8% lower for the year. But analysts predict the shares could climb as high as 138% to $7.83 over the next 12 months.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Mesoblast is an Australian clinical-stage biotech stock that develops and commercialises allogeneic cellular medicines to treat complex diseases. Some products are already in use, and other cell therapies are in the late stages of clinical trials. 

The business has great potential for robust growth this year. Its products are gaining traction and the business is well-funded. The stock has tumbled over the past week but I think this looks like a buying opportunity rather than a reason to panic. If momentum starts to pick up pace the share price can recover its losses quickly. 

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, the ASX 200 biotech shares were down 3% at $2.01. But analysts are bullish that there is good upside ahead. There is a strong buy consensus and a maximum target price of $4.92. That implies a potential 145% upside at the time of writing. 

Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)

Block, formerly Square, is a global company best known for providing payment-acquiring and related services to businesses. The company posted some strong profit results late last year but has been caught in a perfect storm of headwinds. These include rising interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns about buy now, pay later models. The combination slashed investor sentiment towards the end of 2025. 

The sell-off has continued into 2026. However, an uptick in investor interest late last week, following the company’s results, resulted in a 26% increase in the share price in the past 5 days alone. Analysts think the share price could jump another 186% to $256 over the next 12 months.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb 130% (or more) in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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