Category: Stock Market

  • How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares

    Happy man at an ATM.

    Turning $10,000 into $100,000 might sound ambitious, but it is far from impossible.

    If an investor can achieve an average return of around 10% per year, the power of compounding can gradually turn a relatively small starting investment into something much larger.

    Of course, returns are never guaranteed and markets can be volatile in the short term. But for investors willing to take a long-term approach, compounding can be a powerful force.

    The power of compounding

    If an investor started with $10,000 and a balanced ASX share portfolio, and earned a 10% annual return, doing nothing else, the investment would grow significantly over time.

    At that rate, it would take just under 25 years for the original $10,000 to grow into roughly $100,000.

    That might feel like a long time. But the key point is that the growth accelerates over time as returns begin generating returns of their own. This is the core idea behind compounding.

    The good news is that investors don’t have to rely solely on a one-off investment. Regular contributions can dramatically speed up the process.

    For example, starting with $10,000 and then adding $500 a month to ASX shares would take just 8.5 years to reach $100,000 with a 10% per annum average return.

    How to aim for a 10% return

    While no return is guaranteed, many investors aim for long-term returns of around 10% by focusing on high-quality ASX shares that can grow their earnings over time.

    The key is not trying to predict short-term market movements. Instead, the focus is on owning companies with strong competitive positions and long runways for expansion.

    Many successful ASX growth companies share several common characteristics.

    First, they often operate in industries benefiting from structural growth. Technology, healthcare, and digital platforms are good examples where demand continues to expand globally.

    Second, the best businesses tend to have scalable business models. Once their platforms or products are built, they can grow revenue much faster than costs, which can drive strong profit growth.

    Third, strong competitive advantages are important. Companies with powerful brands, specialised technology, or deep customer relationships are often harder for competitors to disrupt.

    This is why long-term investors often look at companies such as Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) when searching for businesses with the potential to compound earnings over many years.

    Staying invested for the long term

    Perhaps the most important factor in turning $10,000 into $100,000 is time.

    Even the best companies experience periods where their share prices fall due to market sentiment, interest rate changes, or economic uncertainty. Investors who focus too much on short-term volatility can end up selling great businesses too early.

    Instead, the long-term approach is often about staying invested in high-quality companies and allowing their growth to compound over time.

    When combined with regular investing and patience, this strategy has the potential to gradually transform a modest starting investment into a much larger portfolio.

    The post How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Goodman Group 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 Goodman Group 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, Pro Medicus, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Northern Star trims FY26 guidance and updates on KCGM mill expansion

    A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.

    The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is in focus today after the gold miner flagged it may miss the lower end of its full-year production forecast, with operational challenges impacting FY26 so far.

    What did Northern Star report?

    • Total gold sales for January and February 2026: 220,000 ounces (koz)
    • FY26 production now expected above 1.50 million ounces (Moz), previously guided higher
    • Weaker-than-planned milling performance at KCGM and reduced mining productivity at Jundee weighed on results
    • KCGM mine open pit high-grade ore mined: averaged 1.6g/t for the first two months of 2026
    • KCGM mill expansion project remains on track for early FY27 commissioning

    What else do investors need to know?

    Northern Star’s board and management said operational pressures remain high, as the company faced difficulties achieving required throughput at the existing KCGM mill. The main priority for the coming months is to set up Northern Star to realise its full potential in FY27, rather than focusing solely on this year’s guidance.

    The KCGM mill expansion, designed to lift future production, remains on schedule with about 800 contractors working on the plant. In the meantime, KCGM’s run-of-mine stockpiles of high-grade ore have grown to around 100koz, which should benefit output once the expanded mill comes online.

    At Jundee, a review is under way to cut costs and focus on higher-margin ounces, with personnel and equipment to be redeployed to more profitable areas during the June quarter.

    What did Northern Star management say?

    Managing Director & CEO Stuart Tonkin said:

    Front of mind for Management and the Board is that efforts to achieve the FY26 forecast do not compromise the transition to the new plant and have negative implications for Q1 next year. To deal with that concern, Management’s focus over the next four months will be to set the Company up to achieve its full potential from the start of FY27 and not on the achievement of short-term guidance above all else. The production focus over this period will be on extracting ounces in the most effective way, from both a cost and mining efficiency perspective.

    What’s next for Northern Star?

    Northern Star expects to provide more detail on FY26 production and costs with its March quarterly results on 22 April 2026. Beyond near-term operational headwinds, the company’s main focus is hitting a strong start to FY27 as the expanded KCGM mill comes online.

    Management is also working on refreshed medium-term forecasts across its assets, aiming to give investors more clarity around production, costs and capital needs later in the year.

    Northern Star share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Northern Star resources shares have risen 54%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Northern Star trims FY26 guidance and updates on KCGM mill expansion appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Northern Star Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Northern Star Resources 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 Northern Star Resources 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 20 Feb 2026

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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 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 article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. 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.

  • 1 cheap Australian dividend stock down 25% to buy and hold

    Close up of woman using calculator and laptop for calculating dividends.

    Dividend investors often face a frustrating trade-off.

    The highest-quality income shares on the ASX frequently trade at premium valuations, which means the dividend yield can look relatively modest. On the other hand, the Australian stocks offering the biggest yields sometimes come with elevated risk.

    Every so often, though, a well-established business falls out of favour and the share price drops to a level where both valuation and income start to look compelling.

    Right now, I think Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) fits that description.

    A global packaging giant

    Amcor is one of the world’s largest packaging companies, supplying flexible and rigid packaging solutions to major consumer brands across food, beverages, healthcare, and household products.

    What I like about this business is the resilience of its end markets. Demand for packaging tends to remain relatively stable even when economic conditions weaken, because consumers continue to buy everyday essentials.

    That kind of stability can be valuable for income investors. Companies operating in defensive industries often have greater visibility over future cash flows, which supports their ability to maintain and grow dividends over time.

    Amcor’s global footprint also provides diversification across markets and customers, reducing reliance on any single economy or industry.

    A share price pullback

    Despite these strengths, the Australian dividend stock has been under pressure and is down roughly 25% from its recent highs.

    When I see a well-established business fall that far, I tend to take a closer look. Sometimes the market is signalling deeper problems, but other times the decline creates an opportunity for long-term investors.

    In Amcor’s case, the current valuation looks relatively modest for a company with stable earnings and strong cash flow.

    Attractive income potential

    Based on consensus estimates compiled by CommSec, Amcor is expected to generate earnings per share of $5.39 in FY26, rising to $5.77 in FY27 and $6.50 in FY28.

    With the shares currently trading at $59.58, that places the stock on roughly 11 times forecast FY26 earnings.

    At the same time, the dividend outlook looks very appealing to me.

    Consensus forecasts point to dividends per share of $3.68 in FY26, increasing slightly to $3.75 in FY27 and $3.82 in FY28. At the current share price, that equates to a forward dividend yield of about 6.2%.

    For investors seeking income, that is a meaningful yield from a business with global scale and relatively defensive demand.

    A long-term income opportunity

    Amcor is unlikely to be the fastest-growing company on the ASX, but that may not matter for income investors.

    The appeal here lies in reliable earnings, strong cash generation, and the ability to distribute a large portion of profits back to shareholders.

    With the shares trading at a relatively modest earnings multiple and offering a yield above 6%, I think this Australian dividend stock could be worth considering as a long-term income holding.

    The post 1 cheap Australian dividend stock down 25% to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor plc 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 Amcor plc 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 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Why I’d buy these dirt-cheap ASX 200 shares trading at 52-week lows

    Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.

    It has been a rough month for parts of the ASX share market.

    Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices sharply higher, which in turn has lifted fuel and freight costs. At the same time, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting parts of the technology sector have weighed on sentiment toward several growth stocks.

    The result is that a number of ASX 200 shares have been sold down heavily and are now trading near 52-week lows.

    While that volatility can be uncomfortable, I often find it is also when interesting long-term opportunities start to appear. Here are three shares currently under pressure that I would be looking closely at.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Temple & Webster Group has had a difficult run in the market recently, with its shares falling to 52-week lows as investors worry about consumer spending and the broader retail environment.

    Personally, I still see a compelling long-term story here.

    Temple & Webster has built a powerful online-only furniture platform with a very asset-light model. Unlike traditional retailers, it does not need to operate large showrooms or hold huge amounts of inventory. Instead, it relies on a drop-ship marketplace model that allows it to scale efficiently.

    What I find particularly attractive is the company’s ability to use data to optimise merchandising, pricing, and marketing. Over time, that kind of technology-driven retail model can become increasingly difficult for competitors to replicate.

    Short-term consumer weakness and higher freight costs may weigh on sentiment, but the long-term shift toward online furniture retail remains firmly intact in my view.

    Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

    Treasury Wine Estates is another ASX 200 company whose shares have come under significant pressure.

    The wine producer has faced a combination of challenges in recent years, including changing demand trends, inventory adjustments, and a more cautious global consumer environment.

    However, when I step back and look at the bigger picture, I still see a business with some very valuable assets.

    Treasury owns a portfolio of globally recognised wine brands, including premium labels that command strong pricing power in international markets. Premiumisation remains a key trend in the wine industry, with consumers increasingly shifting toward higher-quality products rather than simply buying more volume.

    If management executes well and demand stabilises, I think the current share price weakness could eventually look like an overreaction.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    Technology shares have been among the hardest hit during the recent market volatility, and Megaport is no exception.

    Artificial intelligence disruption fears have rattled the broader software and tech sector, pushing a number of companies toward their lowest levels in a year.

    But Megaport’s core business still looks interesting to me.

    The company operates a global software-defined networking platform that allows businesses to connect their infrastructure to cloud providers and data centres on demand. As cloud adoption continues to grow, the need for flexible and scalable connectivity solutions should grow alongside it.

    Megaport has also expanded its addressable market through its acquisition of Latitude.sh, which adds a new compute-as-a-service capability and opens the door to a much larger infrastructure market.

    If management executes well, I think the long-term opportunity for the business could be much larger than what the market currently appears to be pricing in.

    Foolish takeaway

    Market selloffs can be uncomfortable, but they often create opportunities for patient investors.

    Temple & Webster, Treasury Wine Estates, and Megaport are all trading near 52-week lows after a difficult period for their sectors. While risks remain, I believe each has a long-term story that could eventually reward investors willing to look beyond the current volatility.

    The post Why I’d buy these dirt-cheap ASX 200 shares trading at 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Megaport 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 Megaport 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport, Temple & Webster Group, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. 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.

  • Where to invest $20,000 in ASX shares after the market selloff

    asx share price fall represented by investor with head in hands

    The market has come under significant pressure this month.

    While this is disappointing, it has dragged a number of ASX shares down to more attractive prices.

    With that in mind, if you are lucky enough to have $20,000 ready to invest after the recent market selloff, here are three ASX shares that could be worth considering.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    One ASX share that could be worth considering after the recent weakness is Goodman Group.

    The industrial property giant owns and develops logistics and warehouse facilities across major global cities. These types of assets have become increasingly valuable as ecommerce growth and supply chain modernisation drive demand for high-quality distribution space.

    Goodman focuses on prime locations near large population centres, which can make its properties difficult to replicate. This scarcity value has historically supported strong occupancy rates and rental growth.

    In addition, the company’s development pipeline is now filled with data centres. With demand for data centres rising quickly as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services expand, this leaves Goodman well-placed for growth over the next decade.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    Another ASX share that could be worth considering after the recent market selloff is REA Group.

    The company operates realestate.com.au, which is the leading online property marketplace in Australia. The platform connects buyers, sellers, renters, and real estate agents, making it a critical part of the property advertising ecosystem.

    One of REA’s biggest strengths is its market leadership. The site attracts enormous audience traffic, which makes it highly valuable for agenxts who want to market properties to the largest possible pool of potential buyers. This dominant position gives the company strong pricing power.

    In addition to its Australian operations, the company also has international exposure through property portals in Asia, which could provide additional growth opportunities over time.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    A final ASX share that could be worth a look after the selloff is TechnologyOne.

    It provides enterprise software to government departments, universities, and large organisations in Australia and the UK. Its software platform helps these organisations manage areas such as finance, human resources, and student administration.

    TechnologyOne has transitioned customers onto its cloud-based software platform over recent years. This shift has helped increase annual recurring revenue and improve visibility over future earnings.

    In fact, management has such good visibility that it is confident it can double in size every five years. This could make it a great ASX share to buy while it is down and hold for the long term.

    The post Where to invest $20,000 in ASX shares after the market selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Goodman Group 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 Goodman Group 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 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Can these 2 red hot ASX energy stocks keep rising?

    A woman sits at a computer with a quizzical look on her face with eyerows raised while looking into a computer, as though she is resigned to some not pleasing news.

    It’s been an outstanding year to date for ASX energy stocks Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) and Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC). 

    Yesterday, both continued to climb, rising between 6.6% and 10.5%. 

    These Australian coal miners have been rising recently as the conflict in the Middle East has sent thermal coal prices soaring. 

    Experts are anticipating that some countries – particularly in Europe – may rely more heavily on coal-fired power generation if gas shortages materialise.

    This is helping boost sentiment around these Australian coal mining companies. 

    Year to date, Yancoal shares are now up almost 54%. 

    Meanwhile, Whitehaven Coal shares are up nearly 19%. 

    Investors on the outside looking in may be wondering if there is more upside, as both are hovering around 52-week highs. 

    Here’s what experts are anticipating. 

    Can Yancoal keep rising?

    Yancoal is a coal miner involved in identifying, developing, and operating coal-related projects in Australia. It has a diversified mix of metallurgical and thermal coal mines.

    It owns, operates, or participates in 11 coal mines across NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia.

    After a 10% climb yesterday, it closed trading at $7.71. 

    However, the general consensus is that this ASX energy stock is now fully valued. 

    Based on 4 analyst ratings via TradingView, fair value for Yancoal shares would be in the range of $6.94 to $7.48. 

    From current levels, this would suggest a decline between 3% and 10%. 

    Of course, continued conflict in the Middle East could continue to push commodity prices higher, which would ultimately benefit Yancoal. 

    However, for those that have held Yancoal shares through the recent rally, it could be an opportunity to take profits. 

    Is it time to sell Whitehaven Coal shares?

    Whitehaven is another Australian-based coal miner that exports high-quality thermal coal (primarily used to generate electricity) and metallurgical coal (primarily used for steel making) from Australia to Asia.

    Its main focus is in the Gunnedah Basin in northwest New South Wales, where it operates four mines. 

    It closed trading yesterday at $9.29 per share after a 6.6% rise.

    It is now up almost 58% in the last year. 

    However, it could also now be fully valued. 

    The team at EnviroInvest recently put a sell rating on this ASX energy stock. 

    Last month, the team at Bell Potter had a hold rating and price target of $8.10. 

    15 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $8.61 on Whitehaven coal shares. 

    These targets indicate a downside between 7% and 13%. 

    The post Can these 2 red hot ASX energy stocks keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Yancoal Australia Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Yancoal Australia 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 Yancoal Australia 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 20 Feb 2026

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

  • It could be time to buy low on these ASX financials stocks

    Man sitting in front of a laptop and analysing an earnings report.

    Two ASX financials stocks that have tumbled in 2026 are Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) and Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO). 

    Zip shares have fallen more than 50% since January, and more than 60% since hitting 12-month highs last October. 

    Meanwhile, Judo shares have fallen just over 15% for the year to date. 

    By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) index is up 1.7% in that same span. 

    After such significant declines, it could be a buy-low opportunity for these battered ASX financials stocks. 

    Here’s what experts are saying. 

    Is the Zip recovery coming?

    Zip is an Australian financial technology company that has grown its operations in Australia, New Zealand and the United States to provide customer services in 12 countries. 

    Zip offers point-of-sale credit and digital payment services to consumers and merchants via interest-free buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) technology.

    Its share price was heavily sold off during February earnings season. 

    This included a single day fall of 34.4% the day after the company released its half-year earnings result.

    It now sits close to a 52-week low.

    However targets from analysts suggest it could be an ideal time to buy. 

    Recently, Macquarie placed a price target of $3.35 on this ASX financials stock. 

    The broker viewed the February earnings results in a more positive light than the wider market. 

    Despite the reset in earnings on the back of moderated operating leverage as Zip invests for growth, we expect medium-term growth supported by Zip’s attractive unit economics model.

    10 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $4.21 on Zip shares. 

    From yesterday’s closing price of $1.60, these targets indicate a potential upside between 109% and 163%. 

    Judo shares set to bounce back

    Judo is an Australian bank focused on lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    Its brand provides business lending starting at $250,000 and touts itself as providing more flexibility than major banks. It also offers personal term deposit products and home loans.

    Its share price is down 15% year to date despite posting positive earnings results last month. 

    Based on recent broker ratings, its current share price could be a value. 

    The team at UBS is optimistic about future EPS growth. 

    The broker is expecting the business to grow its earnings per share (EPS) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 14% over the next three years. 

    The broker has a price target of $2.25 on this ASX financials stock. 

    From yesterday’s closing price of $1.53, that indicates a potential upside of 47%. 

    The post It could be time to buy low on these ASX financials stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Zip Co right now?

    Before you buy Zip Co 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 Zip Co 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 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Why now could be the best time in years to buy NDQ and these ETFs

    Businessman working on street in New York. Dressing in blue suit, a young guy with beard, sitting outside office building, looking down, reading, typing on laptop computer.

    Global share markets have pulled back in recent weeks, with technology stocks leading the decline.

    Rising uncertainty around fuel prices, interest rates, economic growth, and the potential disruption from artificial intelligence (AI) has weighed heavily on investor sentiment. As a result, many popular exchange traded funds (ETFs) have fallen meaningfully from their highs.

    While this volatility can be unsettling, long-term investors often view these periods as opportunities to buy quality assets at lower prices.

    With several major ETFs now trading well below their peaks, now could be an interesting time to consider adding to positions.

    Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    One ETF that has pulled back meaningfully is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

    This fund tracks the performance of the Nasdaq 100 index, which is home to many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation companies.

    At the time of writing, the ETF is down roughly 13% from its recent high and could fall further today following a poor session on Wall Street overnight.

    While short-term weakness may worry some investors, the Nasdaq 100 has historically been one of the strongest-performing indices globally. Its holdings include companies that dominate industries such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital advertising.

    Many of these businesses continue to benefit from powerful structural trends such as digital transformation and the rapid adoption of AI technologies.

    For investors with a long investment horizon, a double-digit pullback may provide an opportunity to gain exposure to these companies at a more attractive entry point.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    Another ASX ETF that has fallen recently is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

    This fund tracks the S&P 500 index, which includes 500 of the largest companies listed in the United States.

    The ETF is currently about 10% below its previous high following the recent market sell-off.

    Although the S&P 500 includes technology giants, it is also diversified across sectors such as healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials. This broad exposure has historically made it a popular core holding for long-term investors.

    Over long periods, the US market has delivered strong returns thanks to the global reach and profitability of its leading companies.

    For investors looking for diversified exposure to the world’s largest economy, this type of market pullback can provide a chance to build or increase positions.

    Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

    A final ETF that has seen an even larger decline is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

    This thematic fund focuses on companies involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.

    The ETF is currently down roughly 15% from its recent peak.

    Despite the short-term volatility, the long-term outlook for automation and robotics remains strong. Industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and agriculture are increasingly adopting robotics to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

    Artificial intelligence is also accelerating innovation across many sectors, which could support long-term demand for the technologies developed by companies held in this ETF.

    For investors who believe automation and AI will play a major role in the global economy over the coming decades, this type of pullback could provide an opportunity to gain exposure to the theme at a lower price. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    The post Why now could be the best time in years to buy NDQ and these ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in iShares S&P 500 ETF right now?

    Before you buy iShares S&P 500 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 iShares S&P 500 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX growth stocks to buy now and hold for 10 years

    a man looks down at his phone with a look of happy surprise on his face as though he is thrilled with good news.

    The technology sector has had a volatile start to the year.

    Concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software companies have led to a broad sell-off across many tech names. Some investors fear artificial intelligence (AI) could lower barriers to entry or even replace certain software platforms entirely.

    However, not all software businesses face the same risks. Some companies operate in specialised markets, benefit from powerful ecosystems, or hold critical data that is difficult to replicate.

    With that in mind, here are two ASX growth shares that could still deliver strong returns over the next decade.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    One ASX growth share that could be a compelling long-term investment is Pro Medicus.

    The healthcare imaging software company has built a strong position in the global radiology workflow market through its Visage platform. The technology allows clinicians to access and analyse extremely large medical imaging files with exceptional speed and reliability.

    Medical imaging datasets are becoming larger and more complex as scanners become more advanced. Some modern scans can produce thousands of images or multi-gigabyte files, which creates a growing need for high-performance imaging software.

    Pro Medicus has developed streaming technology designed to handle these massive datasets more efficiently than legacy systems. This allows radiologists to access images instantly rather than waiting for them to download, improving productivity and clinical workflows.

    The company is also expanding its platform beyond radiology. New modules such as cardiology imaging, workflow software, and digital pathology are extending the product suite and increasing the value delivered to customers.

    Importantly, the business still has a long runway for growth. In North America alone, hundreds of millions of imaging exams are performed each year and the company has only penetrated a small portion of the potential market.

    While some investors worry that AI could disrupt software companies, Pro Medicus may actually benefit from it. The Visage platform is designed to integrate with AI algorithms and the company is already collaborating with partners and research institutions to develop new AI-powered imaging capabilities.

    Given the mission-critical nature of healthcare imaging and the company’s technological lead, Pro Medicus could remain a key player in medical imaging workflows for many years.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    Another ASX growth share that could be worth considering for the next decade is Xero.

    The cloud accounting platform provider has built one of the largest ecosystems serving small and medium-sized businesses. Its software sits at the centre of financial operations for millions of customers, handling accounting, payroll, payments, and financial reporting.

    One of the key advantages of the platform is the depth of data it holds. By acting as the system of record for financial activity, Xero can provide insights and automation that are deeply integrated into a customer’s business operations.

    This data foundation may become even more valuable in the age of AI. Rather than replacing accounting platforms, artificial intelligence could expand the capabilities of software like Xero by automating workflows, generating financial insights, and helping businesses make better decisions.

    Management believes the rise of AI could significantly expand the addressable market for software platforms over time. Estimates suggest the global SaaS market could grow dramatically as AI unlocks new use cases and productivity tools.

    Xero is already embedding AI features across its product suite, including automated bank reconciliation, invoice generation, financial insights, and conversational assistance tools. These features aim to save time for business owners while improving the accuracy of financial management.

    With millions of subscribers, a large partner ecosystem, and a growing payments opportunity in markets such as the United States, the platform still has significant room to expand globally.

    And if it continues to deepen its ecosystem and leverage AI to enhance its software, Xero could remain a major player in small business financial software for many years to come.

    The post 2 ASX growth stocks to buy now and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pro Medicus right now?

    Before you buy Pro Medicus 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 Pro Medicus 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 20 Feb 2026

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

  • 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

    A smiling woman with a handful of $100 notes, indicating strong dividend payments

    A large bunch of S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares have ex-dividend dates coming up next week.

    In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

    As we’ve reported, some of the biggest dividend increases among ASX mining shares this season came from the gold miners.

    Next week, two of them go ex-dividend.

    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share on 15 April.

    This exceeds the company’s commitment to pay a minimum annual dividend of 2 cents per share for FY26.

    Ramelius Resources reported a 13% increase in EBITDA to $347.7 million but a 6% fall in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $160 million.

    The ASX gold share goes ex-dividend on Monday.

    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares will pay a maiden fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

    The gold miner reported a 130% jump in underlying NPAT to $144.8 million for 1H FY26.

    The ASX gold share also goes ex-dividend on Monday.

    Here is a sample of the other ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

    ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

    ASX share Ex-dividend date Dividend amount Pay day
    Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) 16 March 0.006 cents per share 31 March
    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) 16 March 36 cents per share 21 April
    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) 16 March 3 cents per share 15 April
    FFI Holdings Ltd (ASX: FFI) 16 March 10 cents per share 27 March
    Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) 16 March 13.5 cents per share 31 March
    Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU) 16 March 17.3 cents per share 14 April
    Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN) 16 March 10 cents per share 10 April
    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) 16 March 5 cents per share 9 April
    Pengana Capital Group Ltd (ASX: PCG) 16 March 2.5 cents per share 31 March
    SEEK Ltd (ASX: SEK) 17 March 27 cents per share 1 April
    Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) 17 March 5.4 cents per share 1 April
    Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) 17 March 1.8 cents per share 29 April
    Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP) 17 March 32 cents per share 27 March
    Brisbane Broncos Ltd (ASX: BBL) 18 March 3 cents per share 16 April
    Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA) 18 March 5.5 cents per share 2 April
    LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI) 18 March 1.3 cents per share 26 March
    Supply Network Ltd (ASX: SNL) 18 March 36 cents per share 2 April
    CTI Logistics Ltd (ASX: CLX) 18 March 6 cents per share 31 March
    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) 19 March $2.15 per share 13 April
    A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) 19 March 8.3 cents per share 2 April
    MacMahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH) 19 March 1 cent per share 10 April
    Spark Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: SPK) 19 March 6.3 cents per share 10 April
    Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS) 19 March 8 cents per share 20 April
    K & S Corporation Ltd (ASX: KSC) 19 March 5 cents per share 6 April
    Yancoal Ltd (ASX: YAL) 19 March 12.2 cents per share 15 April
    Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS) 20 March 5 cents per share 21 April

    The post 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) right now?

    Before you buy S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) 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 S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) 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 20 Feb 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Hub24, and Supply Network Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear, Hub24, LGI Limited, and Supply Network Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.