Stock Pick

Author: openjargon

  • Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree’s dream for 2027

    Woman with headphones on relaxing and looking at her phone happily.

    Retirees may be looking for ASX dividend shares that can provide a good dividend yield and consistency. I think one of the top stocks investors should consider is WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG).

    I regularly highlight this stock because I truly believe it’s one of the best ASX options for passive income in both the short and long term.

    This business operates as a listed investment company (LIC). An LIC invests in shares or other assets on behalf of shareholders, which I think is useful because it provides exposure to shares we may not already own.

    WCM Global Growth is an LIC that owns a portfolio of between 20 and 40 stocks that the investment team believes are quality global companies, primarily in high-growth consumer, technology, and healthcare sectors.

    In my view, there are three great factors for retirees to love this ASX dividend share.

    Appealing portfolio

    I think WCM Global Growth’s investment strategy is really effective at generating returns.

    It goes without saying that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Having noted that, the WCM Global Growth portfolio’s net return has been 15.6% per year since its inception in June 2017. That’s strong long-term performance and can support solid dividend income.

    The fund doesn’t just invest in any international company; it only invests in quality businesses that are improving.

    There are two factors WCM looks for when investing.

    First, it’s looking for businesses with a strengthening competitive advantage, which could also be described as an expanding economic moat. Competitive advantages can come in a variety of forms, such as cost advantages, intellectual property (IP), network effects, and so on.

    One of the main ways WCM measures whether competitive advantages are strengthening is by tracking whether return on invested capital (ROIC) is rising.

    The LIC also wants to see that the company has a corporate culture that supports the expansion of the economic moat. WCM thinks culture is the key determinant of a company’s ability to deliver a consistently growing moat. It has developed a proprietary approach to analysing corporate culture.

    By using this strategy, it has built a portfolio that’s spread across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

    Large dividend yield

    WCM Global Growth is very transparent about the dividends it intends to pay, making it easy to see what the dividend yield for the year ahead could be.

    The ASX dividend share has announced it intends to pay quarterly dividends totalling 10.1 cents per share between now and September 2027.

    At the time of writing, that forecast payout translates into a dividend yield of 5% excluding franking credits and 7.1% including franking credits.

    I think most retirees would be happy with that yield, particularly when combined with the pace of growth of the dividends.

    Growing payments

    WCM Global Growth has a stated progressive dividend policy.

    It started paying a dividend in FY19, and it has grown it every year since then. In 2023, it started paying dividends quarterly and has hiked the payment every quarter since then.

    The quarterly dividend for September 2026 was 41.6% higher than the quarterly payment for September 2023. It has guided that the September 2027 payment will be 10.6% higher than the September 2026 payment.

    I believe the ASX dividend share’s payout can continue to grow at a pleasing pace and be very rewarding for retirees.

    The post Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree's dream for 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Wcm Global Growth. 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.

  • Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27

    Three satisfied miners with their arms crossed looking at the camera proudly.

    ASX mining shares have had a spectacular run due to rapidly rising commodity prices in CY25 and CY26.

    In FY26, the ASX 200 materials sector, which is dominated by the miners, shot the lights out for investors.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soared 47% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 52%. 

    That compares to a 3% rise and total returns of 7% for the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    A staggering outperformance of 7:1.

    The S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining Index (ASX: XMM), which includes an extra 100 mineral explorers, did even better.  

    ASX 300 mining shares rose 53%, and delivered total returns of 59% in FY26.

    These explosive returns followed staggering increases in many commodity prices.

    Commodity price surge

    In FY26, the best price growth among commodities relevant to Australian mining was lithium spodumene, soaring 278%.

    Lithium is a key component in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, smartphones, and energy storage systems.

    In CY25, silver experienced the best price growth, up 147%.

    Silver is an industrial metal used in solar panels, EVs, tech devices, and data centres due to its superior conductivity to copper.

    The long-term tailwinds of decarbonisation and the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out contributed to mining’s outperformance in FY26.

    The ongoing structural change in central banks purchasing gold to diversify their reserves away from US treasuries also played a role.

    Experts say we’re in a new mining boom that will be different to the 2000s because it will be led by critical minerals, not iron ore.

    While these long-term tailwinds will remain for decades, that doesn’t automatically translate to vertical commodity price growth.

    This is made clear in the 5-year outlook for commodities just published by the Federal Department of Industry, Science, and Resources.

    Commodity price predictions FY27

    For the period FY26 to FY31, the government reckons FY27 is going to be the strongest year for many commodity prices.

    According to the resources department’s latest Resources and Energy Quarterly:

    Commodity prices are expected to peak in 2026–27 and then drift lower.

    This is important information for ASX investors because commodity prices directly impact miners’ earnings, and thus, their share prices.

    The report also looks at energy commodity prices.

    In CY26, Brent crude oil, gas, and coal prices have surged due to the US-Iran conflict and Middle East supply disruptions.

    This contributed to energy ranking second (behind materials) among the 11 ASX 200 market sectors for total returns in FY26.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) increased 9.37% and produced total returns of 14.51%.

    The energy sector has the same forecasted commodity price trend.

    For the period FY26 to FY31, the government expects four out of five energy commodity prices to peak in FY27.

    This will have a direct impact on ASX energy shares.

    Let’s take a look at the forecasts.

    Five-year outlook

    The report outlines the Federal Government’s predictions for average annual commodity prices in FY27 and FY31.

    There is a realised nominal price for FY26, a forecast price for FY27, and a projected price for FY31.

    As you’ll see, over the next 5-year period, seven of the following 10 commodity prices are expected to peak in FY27.

    Metals and minerals commodity prices

    Iron ore price (62% fe)

    FY26: US$92 per tonne

    FY27: US$83 per tonne

    FY31: US$72 per tonne

    ASX iron ore mining shares: BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    Copper price

    FY26: US$11,767 per tonne

    FY27: US$13,754 per tonne

    FY31: US$12,786 per tonne

    ASX copper mining shares: Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC)

    Lithium price (6% spodumene concentrate)

    FY26: US$1,532 per tonne

    FY27: US$2,499 per tonne

    FY31: US$1,684 per tonne

    ASX lithium mining shares: PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR), Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

    Gold price

    FY26: US$4,268 per ounce

    FY27: US$4,534 per ounce

    FY31: US$4,149 per ounce

    ASX gold mining shares: Newmont CDI (ASX: NEM), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

    Nickel prices

    FY26: US$16,348 per tonne

    FY27: US$17,226 per tonne

    FY31: US$18,473 per tonne

    ASX nickel shares: IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO), Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)

    Energy commodity prices

    Brent crude oil price

    FY26: US$79 per barrel

    FY27: US$87 per barrel

    FY31: US$68 per barrel

    ASX oil shares: Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD), Viva Energy Ltd (ASX: VEA)

    LNG prices

    FY26: A$13 per gigajoule

    FY27: A$16 per gigajoule

    FY31: A$11 per gigajoule

    ASX energy shares: Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

    Metallurgical coal price

    FY26: US$213 per tonne

    FY27: US$233 per tonne

    FY31: US$225 per tonne

    ASX met coal shares: Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    Thermal coal price

    FY26: US$117 per tonne

    FY27: US$128 per tonne

    FY31: US$121 per tonne

    ASX thermal coal producers: New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC), Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

    Uranium price

    FY26: US$82 per pound

    FY27: US$93 per pound

    FY31: US$113 per pound

    ASX uranium shares: Paladin Energy Ltd  (ASX: PDN), Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE), Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)

    The post Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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 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.

  • 2 ASX gold explorers tipped to rise 40% to 50%

    Gold coins.

    The analyst team at Barrenjoey has been poring over some exploration results recently, and has produced new reports on two companies they think have good prospects.

    Let’s see who they like.

    Turaco Gold Ltd (ASX: TCG)

    Turaco shares have increased by more than 60% over the past 12 months, but Barrenjoey believes they have plenty further to go.

    The company recently reported new drilling results at its Woulo Woulo deposit at the Afema project in south-east Côte d’Ivoire.

    Results from that drilling campaign included 56m at 3.87 grams per tonne of gold from 266m, and 59m at 1.67 grams per tonne from 255m.

    The company added:

    Latest results continue to confirm the potential for a significant body of broad, higher-grade gold mineralisation, beneath the current 1.7Moz Mineral Resource estimate and Ore Reserve open pit design which has potential to expand both the open pit and support underground extraction.

    Further deeper drilling at Woulo Woulo has now started, the company said, while resource extension drilling was also continuing at the Asupiri-Adiopan and Begnopan Deposits, “where recent results have demonstrated substantial high-grade resource growth”.

    Managing Director Justin Tremain said:

    Woulo Woulo is a very large, robust gold system with mineralisation over 3 kilometres and widths of up to 50 metres. We are beginning to define a significant zone of higher-grade gold mineralisation where drilling has delineated a continuous high-grade shoot extending approximately 700 metres along strike and 500 metres down plunge.

    Barrenjoey has a price target of $1.25 on Turaco shares compared to 83 cents at the time of writing.

    Many Peaks Minerals Ltd (ASX: MPK)

    This company has also recently reported good exploration results, saying it had intersected broad gold mineralisation beneath its existing Ouarigue mineral resource.

    The results included 188.9m at 3.58 grams per tonne of gold from 633m, and 59.2m at 2.30 grams per tonne from 556.8m.

    Many Peaks said it now had enough data for an update to its mineral resource estimate, which was scheduled to be completed in the current quarter.

    It also said open-pit study work was advancing, and an integrated economic assessment including a scoping study evaluation of underground development options was under review.

    Managing Director Travis Schwertfeger said:

    These strong extension drill results again demonstrate the strong continuity of high-grade gold beneath the existing Ouarigue resource and suggest increasing ounces per vertical metre at depth. The results will inform the planned resource update and evaluation of underground development options alongside the ongoing open-pit study work.

    Barrenjoey has a price target of $1.60 against the Many Peaks share price of $1.13 at the time of writing.  

    The post 2 ASX gold explorers tipped to rise 40% to 50% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

  • How much is needed in superannuation to target a $7,500 monthly passive income?

    Woman using her laptop with her feet up.

    Using superannuation is a fantastic way to build wealth and create retirement passive income.

    Lower taxes in the wealth-building phase and potentially no taxes in the retirement phase (depending on the superannuation balance) are a very compelling proposition. An Australian (retiree) investor is likely better off in net income terms to have dividends flow through superannuation than in their own name.

    Everyone has a different taxation position, so I’m not going to focus on tax for the rest of the article.

    What’s needed for $7,500 of monthly passive income?

    I’d bet that many Australians would love to have $7,500 of passive income hit their bank account every month. In annual terms, that’s $90,000 per year of dividends.

    The required superannuation balance to generate $90,000 in annual dividends depends on the portfolio’s dividend yield. It’s a similar situation to the interest rate required from a term deposit or savings account.

    With a 5% yield, someone would need a $1.8 million portfolio (ignoring tax) to make $90,000 per year.

    With a 6% yield, an investor would need a $1.5 million portfolio to make $90,000 per year, or $7,500 per month.

    With a 4% yield, an investor would need a $2.25 million portfolio for the passive income goal.

    I often talk about my appreciation of the diversified investment conglomerate Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) as an option for reliable dividends, but its grossed-up dividend yield, including franking credits, is only around 3.5% right now.

    There are plenty of ASX dividend share options that can provide a higher dividend yield, so let’s run through some of the possibilities.

    ASX dividend share ideas

    How good would it be to have a portfolio of stocks in superannuation with dividend yields of 5%, 6%, or even more to generate the monthly passive income?

    Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and leases various types of property, including service stations, hotels, telecommunication exchanges, distribution centres, and government-related buildings (such as Geosciences Australia). It expects to pay 25.5 cents per security in FY27, which translates to a yield of 7.8%.

    Another idea is listed investment company (LIC) L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF), which uses a combination of normal investing and short selling to look for opportunities across both ASX shares and international shares. It’s increasing its dividend every quarter and could pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.1% in FY27, including franking credits.

    Next, I want to highlight another REIT called Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), which owns a portfolio of industrial properties across Australian cities. It’s growing its distribution by another 3% in FY27 despite the higher interest rates, thanks to rising demand for industrial land for uses like distribution centres (including e-commerce purposes), refrigerated space (for food and medicine), and data centres. Its forecast yield is 6.1%.

    Another name I’d highlight is the LIC MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF), which is increasing its payout every six months. It largely invests in strong international shares with good prospects for dividend growth. I expect it will pay an annual dividend of 25 cents per share in FY27, translating into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.9%, including franking credits.

    A portfolio of the above names, as well as other ASX shares, could be compelling to unlock a monthly passive income of $7,500 (or more) in superannuation.

    The post How much is needed in superannuation to target a $7,500 monthly passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund, Mff Capital Investments, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mff Capital Investments and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a rough day of trading this Wednesday, resulting in the value of many ASX shares sliding. After yesterday’s tentative session, investors were far more decisive today, with the ASX 200 starting deep in red territory and staying there all day.

    By the time trading wrapped up, the index had fallen 0.64% and finished at 8,727.9 points.

    This unhappy hump day for the local markets followed a similarly downbeat session over on Wall Street.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn’t quite hold on to an early lead, losing 0.35%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little better, but still lost 0.15%.

    But let’s return to ASX shares now and check out how the different ASX sectors handled today’s tough trading conditions.

    Winners and losers

    There were only a handful of sectors that managed to make hay today.

    But first, let’s get through the red corners of the market.

    Leading the losers were gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a shocker, crashing 1.93% lower.

    Financial stocks weren’t much chop either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) plunging 1.41%.

    Mining shares also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 0.88% dive this session.

    Industrial stocks couldn’t escape the storm, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.71% slump.

    Nor could consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) drifted 0.31% lower today.

    Utilities stocks couldn’t hold their ground, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) sliding 0.06% lower.

    Our last losers this Wednesday were consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) slipped by 0.04%.

    Let’s turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were real estate investment trusts (REITs), illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 1% jump.

    Communications stocks were also spared. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) had lifted 0.85% by the closing bell.

    Energy shares were another bulwark against the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) climbing 0.8%.

    Tech stocks fared decently as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) enjoyed a 0.35% bump this hump day.

    Finally, healthcare shares managed to finish over the line, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.02% uptick.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Our winner this Wednesday was shipbuilding stock Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB). Austal shares rocketed up 10.13% to close at $4.13 each today.

    This big gain came after the company revealed another development in its long-running takeover saga.

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

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) $4.13 10.13%
    Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) $1.64 6.15%
    Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) $2.52 5.44%
    Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) $3.89 5.14%
    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) $2.21 4.25%
    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) $27.44 3.55%
    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) $5.70 3.45%
    Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) $2.71 3.44%
    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) $2.81 3.31%
    Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) $6.12 3.03%

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

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

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

  • Brokers tip these 2 ASX shares to jump 46% and 62%

    Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.

    ASX shares have slumped lower in Wednesday lunchtime trade thanks to a sell-off across the banks and mining sectors, driven by lower commodity prices, a rebound in oil prices, and ongoing inflation headwinds.

    When share markets look uncertain, I like to hunt around for ASX shares which could drive growth going forward. Here are two which stand out today.

    Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX)

    The Integral Diagnostics share price has fallen around 0.5% on Wednesday afternoon, to $2.11 a piece. The ASX small-cap healthcare shares are now down 8% over the past month alone, and 16% lower for the year to date.

    The healthcare business provides diagnostic imaging to general practitioners, medical specialists, and allied health professionals and their patients. It operates over 90 radiology clinics across Australia and New Zealand.

    There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of the company since it posted its FY26 results in August. Integral Diagnostics reported a 25.6% increase in revenue, a 30.3% increase in operating EBITDA, and a 50.1% increase in operating NPAT.

    Despite the strong result, the shares have tumbled downwards. It looks like investors may still be taking gains off the table after a strong rally through July and August.

    At the same time, ASX healthcare stocks have generally trended downwards over the past month as a result of pressure from the latest Reserve Bank hike, higher inflation, and a sector wide rotation away from healthcare shares into more stable and defensive assets.

    And Integral Diagnostics wasn’t immune.

    Market Index data shows all brokers have a strong buy rating on the shares. And the $3.07 average target price implies an upside of 46%, at the time of writing.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Netwealth Group shares are also down around 1% at the time of writing on Wednesday. They’ve now reached a 12-year low of $16.82 a piece. The shares have crashed around 33% over the past two months, and they’re now down 35% for the year to date.

    Netwealth is a financial services and technology company which provides a wide range of products and services to the Australian financial investment industry, including cloud-based investment administration software as a service (SaaS), a retail superannuation fund, and an administration business.

    The company posted an impressive FY26 result in August, including a 20.6% increase in total income and a 18% increase in EBITDA. 

    Despite the good result, the ASX financial shares were caught up in a board-based sell-off across the financial sector over the past two months, driven by inflation concerns and higher interest rates.

    Then, last month, the company announced that two of its subsidiaries have been served a class action over its failed First Guardian Master Fund.

    Class action was lodged against Netwealth Investments Limited and Netwealth Superannuation Services Pty Ltd concerning First Guardian investment options. 

    Netwealth previously paid around $101 million in compensation to affected members and had already addressed the issue with ASIC. The compensation program was completed in January 2026.

    Netwealth has confirmed it intends to defend the class action.

    Investors might be wary about the stock, but the experts are still bullish.

    Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a strong buy rating on the shares. And the $27.24 average target price implies an upside of around 62%, at the time of writing.

    The post Brokers tip these 2 ASX shares to jump 46% and 62% 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 Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Down 16% in 2 weeks: The saga of the ASX’s wildest ETF continues

    A boy is wowed at a surge of water from a blowhole.

    About two months ago, I wrote about what I then called the “ASX’s craziest ETF”. This exchange-traded fund (ETF) had, at least at the time, just come off the boil after a 200% gain in a mere 12 months. ‘Off the boil’ is a little generous. This ETF had, in fact, lost more than a third of its value since peaking in late June.

    The ASX ETF we are referring to is none other than the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO). For many years, this index fund largely flew under the Australian share market radar, generating the kind of consistent single-digit returns that one would expect for a product like this.

    However, 2025, and more notably, 2026 have seen that turn on its head. The extreme volatility has continued since we last spoke about IKO, too. Yesterday, we saw IKO units close at $231.11 each. That’s down 16.06% since just 5 October, when those same units finished that day at $275.32 each.

    Today, we seem to have turned a corner. At present, the iShares South Korea ETF has jumped by a healthy 3.3% or so and is back up to $238.70 a unit.

    On paper, the iShares South Korea ETF is an index fund, representing the entire Korean stock market. However, in reality, this fund has become a holding vehicle for just two stocks, with another 78 companies or so tacked on the end for a bit of diversity.

    The ASX’s craziest ETF is hostage to just two stocks

    As we’ve documented before, the unbridled success of chipmakers SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics Ltd has had the unusual consequence of elbowing out most of Korea’s other storied names to dominate any index fund that covers the Korean markets. So while you may think a Korean-themed index fund would at least be heavily influenced by companies like Hyundai, Kia, and LG, these companies are now just window dressing for the main attractions.

    Yes, on current numbers, SK Hynix makes up a whopping 24.54% of the entire IKO portfolio. Samsung contributes another 23.17%. The next-largest stock, SK Square, comes in at just 2.93%.

    So, when we see that the iShares South Korea ETF has made a dramatic move, like losing 16% in just over a week, we know where to look for a culprit, or culprits.

    Thus, it won’t shock you to discover that Samsung shares lost 15.94% of their value on the Korean stock exchange between 5 October and yesterday afternoon. SK Hynix stock has fared even worse, shedding 21.6% of its value over that same span.

    It seems fears that Chinese companies are catching up to these two leaders in the chip space were enough for a correction of this magnitude.

    Let’s see what the next chapter in this wildest of ASX ETFs’ story will be.

    The post Down 16% in 2 weeks: The saga of the ASX’s wildest ETF continues appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments: Which founder-led stock is the better buy in 2026?

    CEO leading a board meeting.

    Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments shares

    Deciding between Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) promises an interesting founder-led face-off. Both companies are household names in Australian retail, but each brings its own strengths, quirks, and opportunities. If you’re weighing up Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments shares for your 2026 watchlist, here’s a simple, no-nonsense look at which might suit you best.

    The case for Harvey Norman

    Harvey Norman is a stalwart of the Australian retail landscape, famous for its big-box stores selling everything from electronics and computers to furniture and homewares. As the franchisor behind more than 270 company-operated and franchised outlets in eight countries—including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Ireland—Harvey Norman has built scale and a significant property portfolio over decades. Much of its earnings still come from Australia, but its international arm is growing in significance.

    Looking at fundamentals:

    • Market cap sits at $5.15 billion, marking it as a major ASX player.
    • A P/E ratio of 9.80 suggests investors are paying less per dollar of reported earnings than for Premier, although sector differences should be kept in mind.
    • Dividend yield of 6.63%, fully franked, has been consistently healthy with recent final and interim payouts of $0.13 and $0.145 per share respectively in 2026.

    Harvey Norman’s founder, Gerry Harvey, still guides the business, providing the kind of continuity some investors look for in retail. Its extensive history of property ownership also underlines its blend of retail and real asset exposure.

    The case for Premier Investments

    Premier Investments recently reshaped itself after demerging its apparel brands (like Just Jeans and Portmans) into Myer Holdings. Now it’s focused on two growth engines: Peter Alexander, which dominates sleepwear and lifestyle retail, and Smiggle, a favourite among school-aged kids for its playful stationery and backpack range. Both brands are expanding internationally, especially Smiggle in the UK and Asia. Premier also keeps a significant stake in Myer, giving it continued exposure to broader Australian retail.

    Key numbers for Premier:

    • It’s smaller than Harvey Norman by market cap, at $1.98 billion, but packs a punch in yield and earnings.
    • P/E ratio of 15.38, a notable premium, could reflect its stronger growth story or the market’s confidence post-demerger.
    • Dividend yield is impressive at 7.67%, fully franked, and the 2026 interim payout was $0.45 per share, with past years featuring additional special dividends.

    Premier is still under the influence of founder Solomon Lew, renowned for his retail savvy and ability to generate solid returns for shareholders, often through a shrewd capital management style.

    Valuation comparison

    Here’s how some of the standout numbers stack up:

    Metric Harvey Norman Premier Investments
    Market cap $5.15 billion $1.98 billion
    P/E ratio 9.80 15.38
    Dividend yield 6.63% 7.67%
    Dividend per share (2026) $0.26 $1.31
    Earnings per share 0.424 0.902
    Franking 100% 100%

    Note: Both companies are fully franked, which is a major plus for income-focused Aussie investors. Premier’s P/E is higher compared to Harvey Norman, which could reflect its recent strategic reset and growth bets, but the sectors (big-box retail vs. specialist brands) mean caution is warranted on a like-for-like valuation call.

    Recent share price momentum

    Comparing recent share price performance up to12 October 2026:

    • Harvey Norman closed at $4.13, down 0.48% on the day, with its year-to-date return sitting at -36.2%. That’s a hefty slide, suggesting headwinds for the traditional retail model or one-off impacts this year.
    • Premier Investments closed at $12.43, up 0.4% on the day, with a year-to-date return of -7.0%. While negative, it’s nowhere near as steep as Harvey Norman’s decline.

    Which is the better buy?

    If I had to plant my flag on the better founder-led buy for 2026, I’d lean toward Premier Investments. Premier’s portfolio is leaner and much more focused post-demerger, with two high-margin, brand-driven businesses and international ambitions. Its negative YTD return is milder, the dividend yield is higher at 7.67%, and management keeps surprising with special dividends—a sign of strong cash flows and nimble capital management.

    Harvey Norman, by contrast, looks like it’s facing tougher retail conditions, as shown by its much steeper share price fall this year. Yes, its P/E ratio is lower, and it still throws off reliable dividends, but for genuine growth or brand-driven differentiation, Premier now sets itself apart.

    Both companies have storied founders still in the driver’s seat, but for me, Premier’s current trajectory and sharper focus make it the more compelling prospect right now. If dividend income and upside optionality matter to you, my pick would be Premier Investments.

    The post Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments: Which founder-led stock is the better buy in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

  • 3 fantastic ASX ETFs for buy and hold investors

    ETF written in white on a multi coloured background.

    Buying and holding investments for the long term can be a great way to build wealth.

    But choosing what to own is important. Ideally, you want exposure to businesses and industries that have plenty of room to grow over the next decade and beyond.

    With that in mind, here are three ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be worth considering.

    Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

    The first ETF I would look at is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

    I think cybersecurity is an industry with a very promising long-term outlook.

    Just consider how much businesses have come to depend on technology. From banking and healthcare to retail and manufacturing, enormous amounts of valuable information are now stored and exchanged digitally.

    And as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widely used, keeping systems and information secure could become even more important.

    This creates opportunities for companies developing cybersecurity software and services.

    The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of these businesses, including companies involved in cloud security, network protection, and threat detection.

    I believe spending on cybersecurity will continue growing over the long term, which bodes well for its holdings.

    Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

    Another ASX ETF that could suit buy and hold investors is the Global X FANG+ ETF.

    This fund takes a concentrated approach to investing in some of the world’s biggest technology and growth companies.

    Its portfolio contains just 10 stocks, giving investors exposure to businesses operating in areas such as AI, cloud computing, ecommerce, and digital advertising.

    What I like about this fund is that many of these companies have already established dominant positions in their respective markets.

    They also have significant financial resources to keep investing in new products and technologies, which could help them remain leaders for years to come.

    Of course, holding just 10 companies makes this a higher-risk investment than a broadly diversified ETF.

    But for investors comfortable with that concentration, the Global X FANG+ ETF could offer substantial long-term growth potential.

    Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    A final ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

    While US technology companies tend to dominate the headlines, some of the world’s most important technology businesses are based in Asia.

    This fund provides exposure to leading companies across markets including Taiwan, South Korea, and China.

    These businesses operate in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, memory chips, ecommerce, and digital services.

    I particularly like the region’s importance to the global technology industry. The demand for more powerful computers, smartphones, data centres, and AI systems creates significant opportunities for Asian technology leaders.

    There is also considerable potential for digital services to grow as consumer spending and technology adoption increase across the region.

    For long-term investors looking beyond Wall Street, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could be worth a closer look.

    The post 3 fantastic ASX ETFs for buy and hold investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. 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.

  • Santos share price jumps to fresh multi-year high: Here’s what brokers tip next

    Smiling oil worker in front of a pumpjack.

    The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has jumped higher in Wednesday afternoon trade.

    At the time of writing, the shares are up around 2% for the day, at a 12-year high of $9.04 a piece.

    Today’s increase follows four consecutive days of share price gains. The shares are now up around 6% over the past week alone, and have rallied 47% for the year to date.

    What has driven such strong share price gains for Santos this year?

    ASX energy shares have flown higher in 2026 as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push oil prices close to record highs.

    Continued disruptions to the movement of oil out of the region pushed global oil prices above US$110 a barrel earlier this year, and after a brief drop around July, renewed conflict has seen oil prices surge again in October.

    Santos directly benefits from high oil prices because it lifts both its revenue and profit margin.

    The share price rally has also been supported by Santos’ strong half-year FY26 results announcement in August.

    The major ASX oil and gas giant reported a 2% year-on-year increase in sales revenue and a 1.7% increase in production volumes. The company also generated free cash flow from operations, driven by strong base business performance.

    Why is the share price spiking again this week?

    There isn’t any company specific price-sensitive news this week to explain the latest Santos share price rally.

    The latest increase is mostly likely a result of another strong rebound in oil prices this week.

    Trading Economics data shows that crude oil climbed above US$95 per barrel today, marking its fifth consecutive session of gains. Escalating conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia this week has caused even more oil supply disruptions and tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz are being targeted.

    Crude oil prices are now 63% higher than just 12 months ago.

    Are the shares a buy, sell, or hold?

    The data on Market Index was updated just yesterday, and it still shows that even after the latest rally, brokers are still very positive on Santos shares.

    All brokers have a strong buy rating. Although the average target price of $9.04 is exactly flat on where the shares are trading at the time of writing.

    The data on TradingView shows a little more insight. The majority (14 out of 17) of analysts have a buy/strong buy rating on the shares. But the average $9.24 target price implies around a 2% upside ahead, at the time of writing.

    But the range between the minimum and maximum is huge. Some think the shares have the potential to jump another 22% to $11 over the next 12 months. But others think the Santos share price could sink 22% to $7.07.

    My view on the Santos share price

    Oil price volatility aside, I think Santos still presents great growth potential over the next 12 months. 

    The oil and gas major is in the process of transitioning from a period of heavy capital expenditure to active production. It is heavily reliant on two massive multi-billion dollar developments, including its Barossa LNG Project in the Northern Territory and its Pikka Phase 1 Project in Alaska.

    Continuous production at Pikka commenced in June and it is fast progressing to full production. Just last month, Santos announced that it had successfully started seawater injection at its Nanushuk Drillsite-B (NDB) within the project.

    Santos expects its second-half FY26 production to be 20% to 30% higher than the first half, and the ramp-up production at Pikka could certainly help that goal be achieved (or even exceeded).

    The post Santos share price jumps to fresh multi-year high: Here's what brokers tip next 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 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.