Category: Stock Market

Betashares is paying its next lot of distributions (dividends) for its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) today.

It’s been a memorable dividend season for ETFs, with some mega payments from funds invested in international shares and miners.

Six ASX ETFs are paying a 10%-plus dividend yield in a single payout this season.

Currency-hedged ETFs have delivered particularly well, with hedging magnifying returns by up to 10x in some cases.

Own other ETFs?

Here are the finalised distribution amounts for this season.

If you own Vanguard ETFs, see this season’s final distributions here.

Interested in VanEck ETFs? View final distributions here.

If you’re invested in iShares ETFs, see final distributions here.

Invested in Global X ETFs? Find out final distributions here.

The post Own NDQ, GAME, or other Betashares ASX ETFs? It’s pay day for you! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• SK Hynix IPOs in the US. Here’s what that means for ASX investors
• Analysts are still bullish on SpaceX shares after Nasdaq inclusion. Here is what that means for ASX investors
• Your FY27 tax return will look different. Here’s what changed and how to prepare
• 3 Betashares ETFs I’d buy with $10,000

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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX energy stock Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL) has fallen significantly in 2026. 

It is an energy exploration and development company focused on conventional gas projects in southeast Australia. 

The company also has interests in oil and condensate-producing assets in the Cooper Basin.

Since the start of the year, its share price has fallen over 50%. 

However the team at Bell Potter have released a new report. The broker is now suggesting it could be set for a significant rebound following the company’s June quarter results. 

Softer demand, but position remains solid

According to Bell Potter, Amplitude Energy’s June 2026 quarter was broadly in line with expectations. 

Gas production at its main Orbost plant was slightly lower because the company intentionally reduced output as warmer weather and strong gas supply in eastern Australia weakened demand and spot prices. 

The average gas selling price also dipped slightly to the previous quarter. 

Despite these softer market conditions, the energy company still met its full-year production guidance. It ended the quarter in a healthy financial position with $138 million in cash and relatively low net debt of $37 million. 

Investors should also expect the company to provide production guidance for FY27 when it releases its full-year results in August.

Existing operations improve 

Bell Potter also noted that although the Orbost site was temporarily shut down for maintenance during the quarter, the work improved the plant’s efficiency and allowed it to achieve record production rates once it restarted. 

Amplitude Energy has also confirmed that its major growth project, the East Coast Supply Project (ECSP), remains on budget and on track to begin production in 2028. 

The final exploration well will be drilled soon, and importantly, Amplitude Energy says the entire project can be funded through its existing financing and cash flow, meaning it does not currently need to raise additional capital.

Upside in tact for this ASX energy stock 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation on this ASX energy stock. 

It has also retained its price target of $2.50, which indicates almost 80% upside from current levels. 

AEL is a pure-play leverage to the southern east coast Australia gas market with the majority of its gas sales under stable contracted prices. The company’s flagship 100%-owned Gippsland Basin asset is now consistently operating near nameplate capacity (68TJ/day); debottlenecking could see incremental improvements.

AEL’s 50%-owned Otway Basin expansion is supported by existing gas discoveries and up to 24TJ/day net Gas Sales Agreements with EnergyAustralia and AGL Energy.

The post Why this ASX energy stock could be set to rise 80%: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Amplitude Energy shares could be set to soar 90%: Expert
• Are these oversold ASX shares too good to pass up?
• This ASX gas company could more than double in value: Broker

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 has been a tough year for ASX utilities stock LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI). 

LGI designs and installs biogas extraction systems. It recovers biogas from landfills and converts it into renewable electricity and saleable environmental products.

It now sits close to 52-week lows after falling over 30% this year. 

Why has this ASX utilities stock fallen this year?

While the business has continued to announce new projects, the share price has retreated significantly from yearly highs. 

LGI’s share price has fallen in 2026 despite continued operational progress, with the decline largely driven by weaker sentiment rather than a deterioration in the business. 

After a strong rally in 2025, investors have now taken profits while the broader market has become less willing to pay high valuations for growth-focused small caps.

Uncertainty surrounding Australian carbon credit prices, which influence a portion of LGI’s earnings, has also weighed on investor confidence.

Some catalysts for LGI over the next 12–18 months include growth in renewable electricity generation from new projects, ACCU (carbon credit) prices and policy developments, operating margins as new facilities mature and continued contract wins with landfill operators.

What is Morgan’s latest guidance on this ASX utilities stock?

Yesterday, the team at Morgans provided an updated outlook on LGI. 

The broker said LGI’s FY26 growth update (via social media) highlighted five newly registered carbon sites, strong ACCU creation and in-line electricity generation (130 GWh, +33% yoy), which it expects to more than offset the delayed Mugga Lane battery commissioning (now FY27, previously 2H FY26). 

While we view FY26 as intact, weaker wholesale electricity and LGC prices have weighed on the medium-term earnings outlook, driving material EPS revisions (FY27 -25%, FY28 -38%) and a de-rating in the stock. Near-term earnings face ongoing headwinds from weaker commodity prices, and we expect FY27 to step back before growth resumes.

Over the medium term, we continue to view LGI positively given the material development pipeline ahead (~4x FY25) as the group scales and executes its meaningful battery rollout. BUY, A$3.10ps price target.

From current levels, this price target from Morgans indicates just over 17% potential upside.

Elsewhere, it appears experts view this ASX utilities stock as undervalued. 

Four analyst forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $4.11 on LGI shares. 

This indicates more than 50% upside from current levels. 

The post Morgans just placed a fresh buy rating on this ASX utilities stock  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How have CSL shares performed over 10 years?
• 3 ways to get from $100,000 to $500,000 in retirement savings
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Own ACDC, FANG, or SEMI ETF? Global X is paying your dividend today!
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs I’d buy this month

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

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) was once the ASX healthcare share many investors wished they had bought years earlier.

For a long time, it seemed almost unstoppable.

But the past few years have changed the story completely.

So, how have CSL shares actually performed over the last decade?

The 10-year return

CSL shares are trading around $121.75.

Ten years ago, they were changing hands at around $119.00.

That means the share price has risen by approximately 2% over the decade.

That is a positive return, but it is much weaker than many investors would expect from a company that was once viewed as one of the highest-quality growth shares on the ASX.

Dividends have helped. CSL has paid 20 dividends over that period, totalling approximately $30.57 per share.

If those dividends are added to the share price gain, the total return becomes better. A shareholder who bought at $119 would have collected around $33.32 per share in combined capital gains and dividends, before tax and ignoring reinvestment.

That works out to a total return of roughly 28%.

What went wrong?

The frustrating part is that CSL shares were once much higher.

The stock traded around $315 in 2021, and was still around that level as recently as 2024.

At that point, long-term shareholders were sitting on a much stronger return. Since then, the decline has been painful.

I think the market has lost confidence in CSL’s growth story.

The plasma business was disrupted by the pandemic, and higher collection and manufacturing costs made the recovery harder. The Vifor acquisition has also disappointed many investors, with questions about whether CSL paid too much and whether the asset can deliver the returns once hoped for.

The vaccine business has added another problem. Lower flu vaccination demand, particularly in the US, has placed pressure on CSL Seqirus and made earnings feel less predictable.

When a company trades on a premium valuation, investors expect reliable growth. CSL has not delivered enough of that in recent years, so the share price has been heavily punished.

Should you buy CSL shares for the next 10 years?

I would still say yes. CSL has clearly lost some of its shine, and investors should not assume the next decade will look like the company’s best years.

But I think the sell-off has created a more attractive starting point.

The company still has global healthcare assets, deep scientific expertise, major plasma infrastructure, and exposure to medical needs that should remain important for many years.

I also think management has a chance to rebuild trust if earnings stabilise, costs improve, and the company proves that Vifor and Seqirus can become stronger contributors.

Foolish takeaway

CSL shares have delivered a modestly positive 10-year return, but the journey has been far from smooth.

The share price is only a fraction higher than it was a decade ago, although dividends lift the total return meaningfully.

The big lesson is that even outstanding companies can disappoint when expectations are too high.

For the next 10 years, I think CSL shares are worth buying on the belief that the business can recover, rebuild confidence, and deliver better growth than investors have seen recently.

The post How have CSL shares performed over 10 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What did the market look like 10 years ago? Here’s what’s changed for the ASX 200
• Would Warren Buffett buy CSL shares?
• CSL shares are up 35% since early June. Is the recovery here to stay?
• Where could CSL shares go next? Here’s what brokers are predicting
• How to go from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares

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

The first $100,000 in retirement savings is a major milestone.

It shows the habit is already there. The money is invested, the balance has substance, and compounding has something to work with.

The next challenge is turning that foundation into something much larger.

I think there are three practical ways to help close the gap to $500,000.

Make future income do more of the work

The first way is to stop thinking only about the money already saved.

A $100,000 starting balance is a strong foundation, but there is still work to be done, and your salary will be key.

That could mean salary sacrifice into superannuation, making extra personal contributions where appropriate, or increasing contributions each time your income rises.

I like this approach because it avoids relying entirely on market returns. The portfolio still needs to grow, but regular contributions give compounding more capital to work with.

Even modest extra contributions can build momentum over time.

For example, someone who adds money every month is doing more than increasing the balance. They are buying more assets, collecting more future dividends or distributions, and giving themselves a larger base for long-term growth.

The mistake I would try to avoid is waiting until there is a large amount left over at the end of the year. Retirement savings often grow best when contributions become automatic and boring.

That may not sound exciting, but it can be key.

Own enough growth

The second way is to make sure the money is invested with enough long-term growth potential.

A portfolio that is too conservative may feel comfortable, but it can make the journey from $100,000 to $500,000 much harder.

For investors with enough time before retirement, I think growth assets need to do a lot of the work.

That could include ASX shares, international shares, and diversified funds or ETFs inside a super fund or personal portfolio. This could include ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), or the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

The key is not just owning shares for the sake of it. I would want exposure to businesses that can grow earnings, reinvest, raise dividends, and benefit from long-term trends.

Broad ETFs can help here because they spread money across many companies and industries. Quality ASX shares can also play a role, especially businesses with strong market positions and the ability to compound over time.

The difference over long periods can be significant.

At 8% per year, $100,000 would grow to around $466,000 over 20 years before fees and tax, even without adding anything else.

That is close to the $500,000 target. Add regular contributions along the way, and the target becomes much more achievable.

Stop small leaks from becoming big problems

The third way is less exciting, but I think it is underrated.

Investors should watch the small leaks that quietly slow retirement savings down.

That can include high fees, duplicate accounts, unnecessary insurance inside super, poor cash holdings, weak investment options, or switching strategies too often.

None of these may look material in one year. But over 10, 20, or 30 years, they can make a meaningful difference.

I would also pay attention to behaviour. Selling during downturns, chasing last year’s strongest performer, or constantly changing funds can break the compounding process. Sometimes the best decision is to choose a sensible strategy and give it enough time to work.

This is where retirement savings can become a bit like a business. Revenue comes from contributions, growth comes from investment returns, and costs come from fees, tax, and mistakes.

The aim is to widen the gap between what is being added and what is being lost.

Foolish takeaway

Getting from $100,000 to $500,000 in retirement savings comes from combining three things: steady contributions, enough growth exposure, and fewer leaks along the way.

The journey may take time, and markets will not move smoothly. But a $100,000 starting point already gives investors something meaningful to build on. With the right habits and a long-term mindset, that balance can become a much larger retirement nest egg.

The post 3 ways to get from $100,000 to $500,000 in retirement savings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• How to invest $20,000 in ASX ETFs in July
• How I’d invest $10,000 in ASX shares for the next decade
• Analysts are still bullish on SpaceX shares after Nasdaq inclusion. Here is what that means for ASX investors
• The best Vanguard ETFs to buy and hold

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 Microsoft and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Microsoft and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and ended the day higher. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 8,841.1 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

It looks set to be a positive session for Australian investors on Thursday after a solid night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 13 points or 0.15% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.3%, the S&P 500 is 0.35% higher, and the Nasdaq is up 0.55%.

Buy Evolution Mining shares

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares could be cheap according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has responded to the gold miner’s quarterly update by retaining its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $15.10. It commented: “We have trimmed our production forecasts and increased our AISC forecasts in line with initial guidance for FY27. We have also lifted our capital expenditure assumptions in line with the outlook. As a result, we also trim our dividend forecasts on the lower free cash flow. EVN offers fully unhedged gold and copper exposure via a portfolio of high quality, long-life assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions, overseen by a high-quality management team. EVN has stated its intention to pass growing free cash flows on to shareholders.”

Oil prices ease

ASX 200 energy shares Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued day after oil prices eased overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.5% to US$78.93 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.5% to US$84.31 a barrel. This was despite reports that the US is continuing to launch missile strikes on Iran.

Buy ResMed shares

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares are a buy according to the team at Morgans with a new price target of $40.97. This follows the announcement of the sale of its MatrixCare business for US$490 million. While this is “crystallising a disappointing financial outcome”, the broker remains positive. It said: “Strategically, however, we believe the transaction makes sense, as it simplifies the portfolio and retains Brightree and MEDIFOX DAN, while exiting a lower-growth, non-core software business.”

Gold price edges higher

It could be a positive session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) on Thursday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.1% to US$4,071.8 an ounce. Easing interest rate hike concerns gave gold a boost.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why is everyone talking about Santos shares this week?
• Evolution Mining posts record FY26 cash flow
• Rio Tinto: 3% production growth and strong lithium output in H1 2026
• Which ASX copper and gold stock could rocket 200%?

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

Global X will pay its finalised distributions (or dividends) for its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) today.

The biggest dollar-value dividend on its schedule is $16.34 per unit for Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC).

The gigantic ACDC ETF dividend is primarily due to the massive rebound in lithium commodity prices over FY26.

Australia is in the midst of a new mining boom driven by the green energy transition and the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out.

This is creating much higher demand for critical minerals, such as lithium, and base metals, such as copper. 

Lithium prices crashed in 2023-2025 due to global oversupply, but supply/demand finally rebalanced at the start of FY26.  

Lithium topped the list of Australia’s best-performing commodities for growth in FY26 by a long shot.

The lithium spodumene price soared 280%, and carbonate increased 160%. 

So, it’s no surprise to see an ASX ETF full of lithium producers and battery manufacturers paying out big this dividend season.

Global X ASX ETF dividends

Here is an abridged list of finalised distributions that investors will receive today.

ASX ETF name	Finalised distribution
Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300)	56 cents per unit with 61% franking
Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM)	172 cents per unit
Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)	285 cents per unit
Global X Robo Global Robotics & Automation ETF (ASX: ROBO)	958 cents per unit
Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)	66 cents per unit
Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)	47 cents per unit
Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)	336 cents per unit
Global X Fang+ (Currency Hedged ) ETF (ASX: FHNG)	125 cents per unit
Global X Rare Earth and Critical Minerals ETF (ASX: GMTL)	112 cents per unit
Global X S&P/ASX 200 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: AYLD)	24 cents per unit
Global X Australian Bank Credit ETF (ASX: BANK)	17 cents per unit with 38% franking
Global X Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)	1634 cents per unit
Global X EURO STOXX 50 ETF (ASX: ESTX)	747 cents per unit
Global X S&P World ex Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GARP)	71 cents per unit
Global X S&P World ex Australia GARP (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: GHRP)	270 cents per unit
Global X Australia ex Financial & Resources ETF (ASX: OZXX)	30 cents per unit with 15% franking
Global X Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH)	383 cents per unit
Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (ASX: PAVE)	40 cents per unit
Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: QYLD)	37 cents per unit
Global X US 100 ETF (ASX: U100)	191 cents per unit
Global X USD High Yield Bond (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: USHY)	71 cents per unit
Global X USD Corporate Bond (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: USIG)	33 cents per unit
Global X US Treasury Bond (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: USTB)	40 cents per unit
Global X S&P 500 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: UYLD)	30 cents per unit
Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)	12 cents per unit with 129% franking
Global X S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF (ASX: ZYUS)	23 cents per unit

View a complete list of finalised Global X ETF dividends here.

Own other ETFs?

Here are the finalised distributions from other ETF providers this season. 

If you own Vanguard ETFs, view this season’s final distributions here.

Interested in VanEck ETFs? View final distributions here.

If you’re invested in iShares ETFs, see final distributions here.

If you own Betashares ETFs, see final distributions here.

The post Own ACDC, FANG, or SEMI ETF? Global X is paying your dividend today! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs that have returned better than 80% over the past year
• SK Hynix IPOs in the US. Here’s what that means for ASX investors
• Where I’d invest $20,000 into ASX growth shares right now
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to own right now
• The currency-hedged ASX ETFs magnifying dividends by up to 10x this season

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are lots of exchange traded funds (ETFs) for investors to choose from on the local market.

But which ASX ETFs could be worth considering right now?

Here are three amazing funds that I would buy in July:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is the fund I would consider if I wanted my portfolio to have more exposure to the companies rewriting the rules of modern business.

This fund owns 100 of the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq.

That means investors get access to businesses sitting behind artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, chips, streaming, ecommerce, software, and consumer technology.

Examples of holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

The appeal is not just that these companies are large. It is that many of them have enormous customer bases, powerful balance sheets, and the ability to keep investing through different market cycles.

This ASX ETF may not be low volatility, but it gives investors a simple way to back some of the world’s most influential growth companies.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF takes a very different approach.

This fund is not trying to own every famous company in the market. It is looking for US businesses with sustainable competitive advantages that are trading at attractive prices.

That could mean strong brands, hard-to-copy networks, valuable intellectual property, cost advantages, or customer relationships that are difficult to break.

Holdings currently include Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) and NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI).

Great businesses can still be poor investments if investors pay too much. But by combining quality with valuation, this ASX ETF gives investors a more selective way to invest in the US market.

It could suit investors who want global growth exposure, but with a filter that looks beyond size and popularity.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is the most familiar option on this list.

It gives investors broad exposure to Australian shares by tracking the S&P/ASX 300 Index.

That means owning a slice of the banks, miners, healthcare companies, retailers, property groups, infrastructure businesses, and industrials that drive the local market.

Examples of holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

The fund’s role in a portfolio is straightforward. It gives investors low-cost local diversification, exposure to Australian dividends, and a way to participate in the performance of the broader share market.

This ASX ETF could work well beside international funds, giving a portfolio both home-market exposure and a connection to the Australian economy.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETFs I’d buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are BHP shares surging 4% today despite a flat copper price?
• How many CBA shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?
• What are experts tipping for the big four bank shares in the back half of 2026?
• Which ASX copper and gold stock could rocket 200%?
• Up almost 50%, is it too late to buy BHP shares?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Fortinet, NXP Semiconductors, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s not often that we see an ASX share jump almost 30% over just two months. But an S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) blue-chip stock? That’s a rare occasion indeed.

By definition, a blue-chip share is supposed to offer slow-but-steady returns to investors. Blue chips sacrifice high growth potential for dependability and reliability, offering investors tried-and-true business models that have stood the test of time.

That’s why it’s so surprising to see what has happened to Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares over the past two months.

Wesfarmers is your typical blue-chip ASX 200 stock. It has been around in some form or another for more than a century and has been listed on the ASX for decades. Today, it owns a stable of some of Australia’s most beloved and well-known businesses. These include Kmart, OfficeWorks, Target, and Bunnings.

In addition to these retailing icons, Wesfarmers also owns a bevvy of other, separate businesses under its roof. These range from clothing and energy to chemical manufacturing and lithium processing.

To make a long story short, this diversification and history arguably make Wesfarmers one of the bluest ASX 200 blue-chip stocks on our market.

But let’s get down to what’s been happening with the Wesfarmers share price.

This company has had quite a volatile year. It started 2026 at $81.72 a share before climbing up to almost $90 by mid-February. However, the stock was hit hard by the global sell-off in March. It had dropped down to a 52-week low of $70.80 a share by mid-May. That was just under two months ago.

Since then, investors have reversed course once again. Today, the company can be bought for $91.03 a share (at the time of writing). That’s a good 28.6% or so above where the company was just two months ago.

Why has this ASX 200 blue chip bounced 30% higher in just two months?

What’s interesting about this case is that there hasn’t been any major news or announcements from Wesfarmers over the past two months, aside from the company’s 10 June Strategy Briefing. And that occurred smack-bang in the middle of the company’s share price recovery.

So it seems that this extraordinary revaluation of Wesfarmers is entirely the result of sentiment. As a huge importer of goods, Wesfarmers is arguably highly exposed to global trade disruptions. So it seems that investors may have sold the company off following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in March. And then piled back in on a belief that those fears were overblown.

This ASX 200 blue chip doesn’t seem to have been knocked off course once again after the geopolitical events of the past week, which may result in another closure. Let’s see how the next few weeks treat Wesfarmers shares.

The post This blue-chip ASX 200 stock is up 30% in 2 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much superannuation is needed to target a $100,000 annual passive income?
• How to build a successful ASX dividend portfolio
• How I’d invest $10,000 in ASX shares for the next decade
• 3 of the best ASX dividend stocks to supplement your superannuation
• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, REA, Wesfarmers shares

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

It was a pleasant hump day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday.

After yesterday’s lethargic showing, investors came back to the ASX boards with a little more pep in their steps, sending the ASX 200 0.37% higher. After staying in green territory all day, the index ended up closing at 8,841.1 points.

This confident mid-week session for the Australian markets follows a sunny session on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a lukewarm day, rising by just 0.018%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more bullish, gaining 0.9%.

Let’s get back to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what the various ASX sectors were up to today.

Winners and losers

We had more green sectors than red ones this session.

Leading the red sectors were communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was shunned, tumbling 1.2%.

Gold stocks had a similar experience, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) diving 0.95%.

Energy shares found themselves on the nose, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) retreated 0.57% this hump day.

We could say the same for consumer staples stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) dipping 0.56%.

Healthcare stocks couldn’t hold their own either, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.38% slide.

Our last losers were consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) slipped 0.22% lower by the close of trading.

Let’s turn to the winners now. Leading the push higher were mining stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) surging 1.7%.

Utilities shares were far tamer, though. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) lifted 0.17% today.

Financial stocks were also in that ballpark, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)’s 0.15% advance.

Tech shares followed financials. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) jumped 0.13%.

Then we had real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) also bouncing 0.13% higher.

Finally, industrial stocks rounded out the winners this Wednesday, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.07% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our best performer this hump day was miner Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN). Kingsgate shares shot up 15.89% this session to finish at $4.23 each.

This came after the company reported some guidance and production updates, which clearly went down well with the market.

Here’s how the other top stocks tied up at the dock: 

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)	$4.23	15.89%
Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)	$2.59	8.82%
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)	$3.20	8.47%
NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)	$13.81	5.66%
FireFly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM)	$1.84	5.44%
Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)	$118.15	5.18%
Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)	$17.54	5.09%
James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)	$37.15	4.41%
Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)	$9.25	4.05%
IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)	$7.00	3.86%

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 Block. 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.