Category: Stock Market

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares are down almost 30% over the past 12 months, and according to the analyst team at Shaw and Partners, that just shouldn’t be the case.

Paladin Energy shares at historic lows

The broker has just released a new research report on Paladin, pointing out that its shares are trading near a 14-month low.

In their own words, “that makes no sense to us”.

They added:

The uranium price continues to tick higher, the outlook for the uranium industry could hardly be stronger, and Paladin is making excellent progress with the world class Patterson Lake South Project.

Shaw and Partners said the company did miss consensus expectations for its quarterly production result, with the one million pound result about 140,000 pounds lower than expectations.

This amount was worth about $5 million to the company, but its market capitalisation fell $340 million on the news.

Shaw and Partners noted that despite the production miss, annual production guidance was maintained at 5.1-5.6 million pounds of uranium.

They did put forward another potential explanation for the share price weakness.

Perhaps another reason for the stock weakness today is that cash flow in the quarter was weak. Paladin’s cash balance has reduced from US$265m at 30-Jun to US$209m at 30 Sep. This is mainly a function of the timing of customer receipts (US$71m), which were around US$20m lower than revenue and well down on June quarter receipts of US$158m. The company expects receipts to rebound in the December quarter.

Paladin Energy shares looking very cheap

Shaw and Partners noted that Paladin had made good progress at Patterson Lake during the quarter, with regulatory processes moving forward and exploration success at the emerging Atlas and Saloon East Discoveries.

The broker added:

We maintain our BUY recommendation and $19.10 Price Target which is based on our discounted cash flow valuation of Langer Heinrich and Patterson Lake. On our modelling, in our view, the PDN share price pullback below $10 per share is presenting investors with an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to a quality uranium company which is in its strongest position since recapitalising in 2021.

Paladin Managing Director Paul Hemburrow said the result was impacted by the shutdown and pit transition at Langer Heinrich, “with feed grade, plant performance and in-circuit inventory improving during September”.

The company had $US209 million in cash at the end of the quarter.

Paladin shares are changing hands for $7.11 at the time of writing. The company is currently valued at $3.21 billion.

The post Why the Paladin Energy share price "doesn't make sense" appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Paladin Energy, Fortescue, Rio Tinto shares
• 5 ASX 200 stocks analysts have upgraded this week
• 3 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 41% to 85% in the next 12 months
• Could Paladin Energy shares return 90% in 12 months?
• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27

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.

ANZ vs Westpac shares: Which big four bank is best for your $5,000?

If you’re thinking about investing in one of Australia’s big four banks, odds are you’re weighing up ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) Both are banking giants with deep roots in the Aussie and Kiwi economies, and both offer investors a slice of the nation’s financial backbone. But if you had $5,000 to put to work, which should you choose? Let’s look at the key differences between ANZ and Westpac shares.

The case for ANZ

ANZ is a powerhouse of Australian banking, tracing its roots back to 1969 and now serving over 8.5 million customers, according to its company profile. ANZ covers just about every corner of the banking world, from retail and small business to corporate and institutional clients, and its operations stretch across 30 international markets, including major presences in Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, the UK, and the US.

A couple of the big-ticket fundamentals stand out:

• Market cap: $115.51 billion – making ANZ one of the largest stocks on the ASX
• P/E ratio: 19.46 – a touch above Westpac, suggesting investors are willing to pay more for each dollar of earnings
• Dividend yield: 4.32% – steady income but not the top among the big four
• Franking: 75% – lower than fully franked rivals, potentially less appealing for those seeking maximum franking credits

Looking at its dividend history, ANZ has a long record of reliable payments, though recent years have seen some reductions in franking levels. The most current interim dividend is $0.83 per share, 75% franked.

The case for Westpac

Westpac is the oldest banking institution in Australia, launched in 1817 as the Bank of New South Wales before becoming Westpac Banking Corp in 1982. These days, it stands tall as one of the big four, serving millions of Australian and New Zealand customers under multiple brands like Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, and BT. The group covers everything from consumer and business banking to institutional services and wealth management.

Key fundamentals for Westpac include:

• Market cap: $118.65 billion – slightly ahead of ANZ, putting it near the very top of the big four by size
• P/E ratio: 17.33 – lower than ANZ, which could suggest better relative value if both banks face similar outlooks
• Dividend yield: 4.38% – slightly higher than ANZ, and every cent counts for income seekers
• Franking: 100% – meaning fully franked dividends, which is a bonus for investors who can use franking credits

Westpac’s dividend payment history is also strong, with regular dividends and, notably, fully franked payouts. Its most recent interim dividend is $0.77 per share, fully franked, plus a $0.15 special dividend in 2024.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how ANZ and Westpac stack up on the main investment yardsticks:

Metric	ANZ	Westpac
Market Cap	$115.51 billion	$118.65 billion
P/E Ratio	19.46	17.33
Dividend Yield	4.32%	4.38%
Dividend Franking	75%	100%
Dividend per Share	$1.66	$1.54
Earnings per Share	1.973	2.029

Note: ANZ’s reported P/E ratio may be based on a different earnings measure than the EPS shown, which can lead to apparent inconsistencies.

Overall, Westpac looks just a little more attractive on both P/E ratio and dividend yield. Its fully franked dividends could also make a meaningful difference for some investors. ANZ edges ahead on dividend per share, but Westpac’s higher franking boosts its after-tax income for most Aussies.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price performance up to14 October 2026:

• ANZ: Closed at $38.30. Year-to-date return is a solid 7.9%.
• Westpac: Closed at $34.69. Year-to-date return is -6.9%, meaning its share price has lagged in 2026.

Just in the past fortnight of data provided, both shares have seen daily ups and downs, but the real story is in the overall 2026 trend: ANZ is up, while Westpac is down.

Which is the better buy?

If I had $5,000 to invest in one of these banks today, I’d lean toward ANZ. Here’s my reasoning: While Westpac edges out ANZ on dividend yield and offers fully franked dividends, ANZ has meaningfully outperformed in recent months, posting a near 8% gain year-to-date while Westpac’s shares are in the red. The market is putting a slightly higher valuation on ANZ, reflected in its P/E, and while that does often mean higher expectations, I think the combination of global exposure, steady growth, and recent price strength tips the scales in ANZ’s favour. Westpac is no slouch, and its fully franked dividends are a real drawcard for income hunters, but the negative price momentum worries me here. For a blend of reasonable income, international reach, and current momentum, my pick would be ANZ.

The post ANZ vs Westpac shares: Which big four bank is the better buy for $5,000? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to generate a $108,000 annual passive income?
• Telstra vs ANZ: Which ASX blue chip is better for retirees?
• How much passive income can I earn off a $700,000 superannuation balance?
• Westpac vs BHP: Which ASX giant is the better buy right now?
• CSL, Westpac, BHP shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

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 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.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continue to grow in popularity, and it isn’t hard to see why.

They offer a straightforward way to invest in the share market without having to choose individual companies.

And with $5,000 to invest, I think Betashares has some excellent options worth considering.

Here are three ETFs I would be happy to buy for the long term.

Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL)

The first ETF I would consider is the BGBL ETF, which offers a simple way to invest in some of the world’s leading businesses.

The fund holds more than 1,000 stocks across over 20 developed markets, including the United States, Japan, and Europe.

What I like about this approach is the access it gives investors to industries and businesses that are less prominent on the Australian share market.

Australia has some excellent companies, but many of the global leaders in technology, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products are listed overseas.

The Betashares Global Shares ETF makes it possible to own a slice of these businesses through a single investment.

I think it is worth acknowledging that the fund has substantial exposure to the United States, so its performance will be influenced heavily by American shares.

Nevertheless, I think this Betashares ETF could be an excellent long-term investment, particularly for someone who already has exposure to Australian shares.

Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)

My second pick would be the Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF. I think this fund is particularly well-suited for investors who prefer to keep their portfolios relatively simple.

Rather than buying separate ETFs covering Australia, the United States, Europe, and emerging markets, the DHHF ETF brings them together in one investment.

It provides exposure to approximately 8,000 stocks around the world, including smaller businesses that might otherwise be overlooked.

Betashares also handles the portfolio’s rebalancing, maintaining its intended allocation across different markets.

For someone who wants to invest regularly without spending much time managing their holdings, I think that is a compelling proposition.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

My final pick is a little more specialised. I think cybersecurity could be one of the more important areas of technology spending over the coming decade.

Businesses are storing enormous amounts of sensitive information online, while cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are making digital systems increasingly complex.

Protecting those systems is becoming a fundamental part of running a business. And as cyberattacks become more sophisticated, I expect organisations to keep investing in better security.

The HACK ETF provides exposure to the leading companies developing the technology needed to detect threats, secure networks, and protect information.

I think the industry’s growth potential is substantial, though the HACK ETF carries greater concentration risk than my other two picks.

But for investors comfortable with that trade-off, I think it offers a great way to participate in a long-term technology trend.

Foolish takeaway

I would be happy investing $5,000 in any of these Betashares ETFs.

Each offers an opportunity to build wealth over the long term, whether through broad international exposure, a ready-made portfolio, or the growing cybersecurity industry.

For me, the choice would depend on what I already own and where I want more exposure.

The post Why I'd invest $5,000 into these Betashares ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Dividend payday for ASX ETF investors! Here is how much you’ll get
• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs for buy and hold investors
• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for beginners in 2027
• 25% per annum: Is the BetaShares Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) a buy today?
• Own Betashares ASX ETFs? Here’s your next dividend

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 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.

I’ve been taking another look at three popular ASX shares.

There are things I like about each of them, but I wouldn’t necessarily buy all three today.

Here’s how I would rate them.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP shares are firmly on my buy list. One reason I like the mining giant is that its portfolio is becoming increasingly geared towards commodities with attractive long-term demand prospects.

Copper is particularly important here. BHP already has substantial copper operations, and I think demand for the metal could increase considerably as the world invests in electricity networks, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.

The company also has a pipeline of copper growth projects that could help it capitalise on that demand over the coming decade.

I also like the progress being made at its Jansen potash project in Canada, which should eventually give BHP another meaningful source of earnings.

Of course, commodity prices will fluctuate, and BHP’s profits will move with them.

But I think its combination of scale, diversification, and growth opportunities makes it one of the best ASX mining shares to own for the long term.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is another buy for me, although I would approach it with considerably more caution.

The company operates in a market that I think could experience enormous growth over the coming years.

Recent conflicts have demonstrated how drones are changing modern warfare, creating an urgent need for technology capable of detecting and defeating them.

DroneShield has developed a range of solutions to address these threats, and its growing international presence puts it in a position to compete for defence contracts.

I am particularly encouraged by its progress in the United States, where it recently secured access to a major counter-drone procurement programme. The opportunity now is to convert that access, alongside its broader sales pipeline, into substantial orders.

There are still uncertainties surrounding defence procurement, competition, and the company’s ongoing regulatory scrutiny. And with DroneShield shares prone to sharp price movements, I would expect considerable volatility.

Nevertheless, I think the long-term growth potential makes it worth considering for investors comfortable with higher risk.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

Lynas is a hold in my view. I recently suggested that the shares could be a buy for investors with diversified portfolios who specifically want exposure to the rare earths industry.

I still stand by that assessment. Lynas has established itself as an important rare earths producer outside China, giving it a valuable position as governments seek to diversify supply chains.

Its proposed acquisition of Meteoric Resources Ltd (ASX: MEI) could also strengthen its long-term growth prospects by expanding its access to rare earths resources.

But developing new projects requires substantial investment, and the company’s earnings remain sensitive to rare earths prices. That creates a more concentrated set of risks than I would ideally want from a core mining investment.

For someone specifically looking to benefit from the growing importance of rare earths, I think Lynas remains worth considering.

But if I were simply looking to increase my exposure to the mining sector, I would prefer a company with a broader commodity portfolio. That is why I would hold Lynas shares rather than add to my position today.

Foolish takeaway

BHP shares would be my preferred choice for long-term mining exposure, while DroneShield offers a more speculative opportunity to benefit from growing defence spending.

I remain positive on Lynas’ future, but I would be more comfortable adding to a diversified mining business at this stage. For me, that leaves two buys and one hold.

The post Buy, hold, sell: BHP, DroneShield, and Lynas shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 9 ASX 200 shares experts are backing for growth amid market weakness
• I investigated 3 ASX shares that have fallen sharply. Are they bargains or value traps?
• 5 ASX 200 stocks analysts have upgraded this week
• I compared 5 of the ASX’s best shares. Here’s which one I’d buy today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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.

Although I am not approaching the official retirement age of 67 any time soon, I am someone who has always invested in ASX shares with the idea that they will one day allow me to retire early. Perhaps I will hang up the proverbial boots before age 67. Perhaps I won’t. But it will be nice to have the option. Not just any ASX share will do for my goals, though. It’s my belief that a stock that can fund a long and comfortable retirement – a retirement stock, if you will – needs to fulfil three criteria.

3 things to look for in a retirement stock

Firstly, it needs to demonstrate some signs of possessing what legendary investor Warren Buffett would call a wide economic moat. This concept refers to an intrinsic competitive advantage that a company can possess, which it can use to fend off its competitors and keep its customers coming back. That could be a price advantage, a powerful and trusted brand, or offering a good or service that customers find difficult to avoid using.

Secondly, it needs to have a strong and resilient earnings base. The world is an ever-changing and unpredictable place. As an investor, we need to be as confident as we possibly can that a company we invest our hard-earned dollars into will be able to make its crust in all kinds of economic weather. After all, if a retirement is to last for two, three, or even four decades, it must be funded by companies that can navigate whatever the world can throw in their way.

Thirdly, a company must be able to pay a reliable and meaningful dividend, preferably with full franking credits attached. When the rubber hits the road on our retirement, retirement stocks need to be able to pay us an income. We can never know for sure what kind of dividend a company will pay in the future. But it’s my belief that what it has paid in the past is one of the best indicators of what to expect going forward.

So, now that we have our three criteria unpacked, let’s talk about five retirement stocks that I think check all three boxes.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

First up, we have the grocery giant Coles. Almost all readers would be familiar with this company thanks to its dominant network of eponymous supermarkets across the country. Coles also owns the Liquorland chain of bottle shops.

Coles clearly checks all three of our selection criteria. Starting off, it arguably possesses two moats: a well-known and trusted brand, as well as a clear price advantage when it comes to food and household essentials. Most people would assume that their local Coles store is one of the cheapest places to do the weekly grocery shop, and that the products that Coles sells can’t be purchased at a meaningfully lower price elsewhere.

It also has one of the most resilient earnings bases on the ASX. We all need to stock our households with food and essentials on a regular basis. That is irrespective of whether the economy is booming or busting, or whether inflation is high or low. As such, it is pretty clear that Coles will have customers walking through the door no matter the economic weather outside.

Coles also has an exceptional dividend track record. It has paid a reliable dividend every six months since it first hit the ASX in its own right back in late 2018. What’s more, Coles has managed to increase its annual dividend total every single year since then too. Given this company’s payouts also tend to come with full franking credits attached, I think this could be a great retirement stock.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Next, let’s talk Transurban. This is a company that any motorist in Sydney or Melbourne, and perhaps in Brisbane too, would be intimately familiar with. It owns the vast majority of this nation’s tolled arterial roads. This in itself is enough to tick our first box. A toll road network is, by definition, a form of moat, given that customers find it difficult to avoid using. This moat is widened by the fact that Transurban often enjoys exclusive, decades-long contracts which allow it to increase its tolls by at least the rate of inflation.

That bleeds into our second retirement stock criteria too. This exclusive right to roll some of the country’s most vital road corridors gives Transurban a highly defensive earnings base. Sure, it may see some reduced traffic if there is a severe recession. But given we will always need to get to work, and move goods around our cities, Transurban is a solid choice for a retirement stock, in my view.

This plays out in the company’s dividend history. Transurban has a staircase-like pattern of delivering dividend increases over the past two decades, with the only major hiccups coming in COVID-ravaged 2020 and 2021.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Our third retirement stock to discuss is Telstra. This telco is another household name, thanks to its long history as Australia’s major telecommunications provider. Not only does Telstra continue to benefit from this powerful brand association, it also enjoys another form of moat. This company’s mobile network is almost universally regarded as the best in Australia, covering many rural and regional areas that its competitors don’t.

This means that many customers have no choice but to use Telstra for their mobile connectivity.

Telstra’s nature as a telco provider also grants it a defensive earnings base. Fixed-line and mobile internet connectivity are vital, essential services in today’s modern world. If times do get tougher, consumers will arguably pull back on spending on many other things before they will cut back on their internet and phone use. That makes Telstra a fantastic stock for investors looking for a stable retirement investment.

Let’s talk cash now, though. Telstra is one of the ASX’s most famous dividend payers. It has always paid out a strong dividend, which usually comes with at least some franking credits attached. Telstra has been growing its annual payouts every year for many years now as well.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Our penultimate retirement stock today is yet another company most Australians would be familiar with. Commonwealth Bank of Australia is, without question, our strongest and best-run bank. Like Telstra, it has a history as a government-owned company, which gives CBA a lot of legacy brand goodwill.

That forms part of CBA’s moat, which is supplemented by its status as our largest bank, lending CBA strength and scale.

However, CommBank is probably our least resilient stock on this list. Banks are notoriously vulnerable to economic shocks, given the crucial role they play in providing credit in the economy. CBA has cut its dividend in the past when the economy has been under pressure. Saying that, this bank’s payouts have always bounced back quickly and have gone on to hit new heights. Over the cycle, CommBank should provide a healthy stream of fully-franked dividend income, and thus, makes for a valuable retirement stock.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Our fifth and final retirement stock is not exactly a household name. However, the plethora of successful Australian companies that it runs most certainly are. Wesfarmers is the sprawling industrial and retailing conglomerate behind Bunnings Warehouse, OfficeWorks, Target, and Kmart. The company also owns a range of other businesses, which span from fertiliser and chemical manufacturing to healthcare and mining.

These high-quality individual businesses stitch together to form a formidable moat that surrounds Wesfarmers’ earnings base. The company has so many fingers in so many pies that it tends to survive just fine when economic conditions are tough, and thrive when optimism returns.

Wesfarmers has a long history of looking after its shareholders. The company has delivered above-market returns for decades, coming from both capital growth and a rising dividend.

Wesfarmers has always paid a reliable dividend, which usually comes with full franking credits attached. 2026 was the sixth year in a row that investors have enjoyed an annual dividend pay hike. Given this ASX share’s long-term focus and diverse earnings base, I think it can be called the perfect retirement stock.

The post I look for 3 things in a retirement stock. These 5 shares have them all appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 9 ASX 200 shares experts are backing for growth amid market weakness
• How much do I need in my superannuation to generate a $108,000 annual passive income?
• Telstra vs ANZ: Which ASX blue chip is better for retirees?
• CBA shares jump 3% today: Is this the start of a rebound?
• 3 ASX shares I think could still be thriving in 2040

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 Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed an exceptionally happy end to the trading week this Friday, pushing the value of many ASX shares decisively higher. After what has been a rather lacklustre week thus far, investors were clearly in the mood to party today, with the ASX 200 opening well ahead and staying in green territory all session.

By the time the markets closed, the index had added a flat 1% to its total, leaving it at 8,806.7 points as we head into the weekend.

This jubilant session for ASX investors followed a rosy morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was firing on all cylinders, rising a solid 1.08%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more muted though, gaining just 0.076%.

Let’s return to our local markets now and check out what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors .

Winners and losers

Despite today’s solid rises, we still had a few corners of the market that missed out.

Most prominent of those sectors were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was left out in the cold this Friday, slumping 0.53%.

Financial stocks weren’t in favour either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) diving 0.52%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) had a rough one too. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) sank 0.28% today.

Energy shares were in that ballpark too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 0.26% retreat.

Communications stocks were our final losers. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value dip 0.01%.

Let’s get to the green sectors now. Leading the charge were tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) exploding 5.62% higher.

Gold stocks had a day to remember too. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) surged up 3.99% this session.

We could say the same for broader mining shares, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 3.18% jump.

Healthcare stocks also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) vaulted up 2.49%.

Consumer discretionary shares saw decent demand as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) leaping 1.07% higher.

Next came industrial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) added 0.89% to its total today.

Finally, utilities shares finished the week on a positive note, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)’s 0.72% bounce.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Chip stock Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) was our best stock on the index this Friday, beating out some stiff competition. Weebit Nano shares roared 17.07% higher today to close the week at $2.88 each.

This came after the company reported its quarterly cash flows this morning, which were clearly impressive.

Here’s the rest of today’s best:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)	$2.88	17.07%
Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL)	$15.73	12.76%
Electro Optic Systems Ltd (ASX: EOS)	$9.40	10.07%
DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)	$1.56	9.86%
PDI Gold Ltd (ASX: PDI)	$4.38	9.77%
Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS)	$3.37	9.06%
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)	$37.61	9.01%
NextGen Energy (Canada) Ltd (ASX: NXG)	$12.39	8.30%
Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)	$20.38	7.66%
IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX)	$2.08	7.49%

Enjoy the weekend!

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.

More reading

• I investigated 3 ASX shares that have fallen sharply. Are they bargains or value traps?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Average superannuation balance at 45. How does yours compare?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Reece, Fortescue, Electro Optic Systems shares

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 DroneShield, Life360, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) shares are $6.99 apiece, up 3.1% on Friday.

This has been a bad week for SKS Technologies investors, who have seen their stock plummet 20% in value.

A couple of factors are likely playing into the share price drop.

Let’s investigate.

Why have SKS Technologies shares dropped?

SKS Technologies specialises in the design and installation of electrical technologies and digital infrastructure, including data centres.

It appears the company has been affected by the fallout from the much-anticipated Firmus ASX IPO not going ahead.

Firmus designs and operates data centres. The founders confirmed that the ASX IPO would not proceed last Friday.

Over the past five days, SKS Technologies shares have fallen 20%.

On Tuesday, SKS Technologies responded to a price query from the ASX.

The ASX noted that SKS Technologies shares had traded at an intraday peak of $8.605 before closing at $6.89 on high trading volumes.

SKS Technologies said:

The Company notes that there have been recent announcements involving participants in the broader data centre sector which may have influenced investor sentiment toward companies exposed to the sector.

The Company is not aware of any information that will adversely impact existing projects, or future opportunities relevant to SKS.

The Company’s work in hand and pipeline remains consistent with the ASX announcement as disclosed on Tuesday 7 October.

SKS continues to maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and remains actively engaged in converting those opportunities into secured
work.

The Company has not received any communication indicating that any future opportunities have been delayed or cancelled and, in recent months, has continued to receive additional inbound opportunities that further support its future growth prospects.

Firmus shareholder and electrical infrastructure contractor, Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH), was also affected by the IPO cancellation.

The Maas share price has fallen 17% this week.

What else has happened?

SKS Technologies Executive Chair Peter Jinks, Executive Director Greg Jinks, and an associated entity of CEO Matthew Jinks sold 10 million shares on-market last Wednesday, 7 October.

That was a day after SKS Technologies announced the awarding of an additional $38 million of work at a Melbourne data centre project.

The majority of the 10 million shares sold belonged to Peter and Greg Jinks.

The sale represented approximately 30% of the shares held by the Jinks family.

ASX disclosures show the shares sold for an average $10.48 apiece.

Peter and Greg Jinks each sold 4,457,000 SKS Technologies shares worth a combined $94.4 million.

SKS Technologies issued a statement explaining why the family had sold such a large position.

The company said:

The Share Sale was in response to a high level of inbound interest from investors, and the Vendors determined that the Share Sale will support the marketability and liquidity of SKS shares, as well as for wealth diversification purposes.

The Jinks family will hold ~21% of the Company and will remain the majority shareholder following completion of the transaction.

SKS Technologies added:

The Jinks family retains strong conviction in the future prospects of the Company and have no intention to conduct further sales for the foreseeable future.

The SKS Technologies share price fell 12% on the day investors learned of the sell-down.

SKS Technologies will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 26 November.

The post SKS Technologies shares tank 20% after Firmus IPO flop and directors' $94M sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX shares downgraded by experts this week
• Forget Xero shares! Broker tips this top ASX tech stock for 24% gains

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 9% in 2026, further capitalising on last year’s 32% growth.

The materials sector, which is dominated by ASX mining shares, was the best-performing sector of 2025.

This year, it’s running fourth behind energy (up 31%), consumer staples (17%), and utilities (10%).

Commodity prices have been resilient in 2026, which has supported mining stock valuations.

The green energy transition and other factors are providing strong drivers for new long-term growth in Australia’s mining sector.

However, over the next five years, the government forecasts many commodity prices to peak in FY27 and decline through to FY31.

With that said, let’s look at some ASX 200 mining shares with buy recommendations from Bell Potter.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is $3.02, up 1.7% today.

This ASX 200 lithium mining share has tumbled 30% in the calendar year to date (YTD).

Bell Potter upgraded PLS Group shares to a buy rating on Wednesday.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $5.20 to $4.40.

This suggests a potential 45% upside ahead.

Analyst James Williamson said:

We upgrade to a Buy recommendation on recent share price weakness.

At current lithium market prices, PLS will generate substantial earnings and cash flow with the restart of the 200ktpa Ngungaju processing plant.

P2000 and Colina development studies are being progressed, providing organic growth optionality in markets with strong underlying EV and BESS-led long term demand fundamentals.

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

The Minerals 260 share price is 81 cents, up 6.6% today.

This ASX 200 gold mining share has ripped 88% YTD despite a 3% fall in the gold commodity price.

Bell Potter maintained a speculative buy rating on Minerals 260 shares this week.

The broker kept its 12-month target of $1.45 in place.

This suggests a potential 79% upside ahead.

Analyst David Coates said:

MI6 offers gold exposure via the 6.2Moz BGP, valuation uplift through exploration success, project advancement and de-risking as the BGP progresses towards production.

MI6 is now largely funded to develop the BGP and on track to complete a DFS and make a FID in early CY27, plus secure long-lead items and commence early site works.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price is $44.67, up 0.7% today.

This ASX 200 lithium and iron ore mining share has fallen 19% YTD.

Bell Potter reiterated its buy call on Mineral Resources shares on Wednesday.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $75 to $63.

This suggests a potential 41% upside ahead.

Analyst James Williamson said:

Completion of the US$765m MIN-POSCO lithium transaction is expected in the current half, and will accelerate balance sheet deleveraging paired with strong cash flows from iron ore and lithium operations.

MIN’s mining services platform delivers a stable earnings stream that is expected to expand with internal and third-party volume
growth. The company is strongly positioned to execute its next phase of growth, having reinstated dividends.

The post 3 ASX 200 mining shares to buy with 41% to 79% upside ahead: broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 9 ASX 200 shares experts are backing for growth amid market weakness
• PLS Group to invest $650m in Pilgangoora upgrades to fuel growth
• 5 ASX 200 stocks analysts have upgraded this week
• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• 2 ASX lithium shares to buy with 38% to 120% upside

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.8% to 8,795 points on Friday.

Let’s take a look at some new ratings from Morgans.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) 

The Paladin Energy share price is $7.40, up 7% today and down 25% over 12 months. 

Morgans has a buy rating on this ASX 200 uranium mining share.

In a new note, Morgans shaved its 12-month price target down from $13.30 to $13.10.

The broker said: 

PDN’s 1Q27 result reflected the anticipated slow start to FY27, with Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) uranium production of 1.0Mlbs below consensus expectations of 1.16Mlbs. Uranium sales of 1.16Mlbs were in line with consensus expectations of 1.13Mlbs.

The result was impacted by the flagged and planned July plant shutdown and weaker recovery rates due to ore characteristics.

Mining momentum and realised pricing – mining performance improved qoq following strong performance in 4Q26 and realised pricing increased 12% to US$79.4/lb, a record at LHM.

Following recent share price weakness, we upgrade our rating to BUY (previously ACCUMULATE) with a price target of A$13.10ps (previously A$13.30ps).

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Rio Tinto shares are $154.23, up 1% today and up 19% over 12 months. 

Morgans has a hold rating on this ASX 200 mining share. 

In a new note, the broker increased its 12-month target on Rio Tinto shares from $159 to $162.

Morgans said: 

RIO delivered a largely steady quarter, with slight beats from copper and alumina, iron ore inline, while lithium trailed estimates.

Oyu Tolgoi was the highlight in 3Q26, enough to offset lower output from Escondida and Kennecott.

RIO’s share price has traded sideways so far through 2026, in a ~20% range.

Our new forced ranking is now RIO then South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is $15.32, up 2% today and down 23% over 12 months. 

Morgans has a sell (trim) rating on this ASX 200 iron ore share.

In a new note, the broker slashed its 12-month target from $18.70 to $15.40.

Morgans said:

We have long argued that investing material capital in near-term loss-making projects (magnetite and new energy) has not diversified Fortescue, and has instead left group earnings more exposed to the iron ore price.

Magnetite adds more iron ore exposure but at a higher cost, while new energy investment, and US$0.9-1.3bn of FY27 decarbonisation spend, are funded from hematite cash flow. This dynamic is starting to show in the numbers.

Fortescue flagged that net debt rose US$1.9bn in 1Q27, equal to the final dividend (US$1.0bn) plus quarterly capex (US$0.9bn), implying negative FCF for the quarter.

We attribute this mainly to weaker hematite cash flow after the central buying group China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) reportedly halted purchases of two of Fortescue’s products during the quarter, leaving shipments 6% and actual sales 14% below Visible Alpha (VA) consensus in 1Q27.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Paladin Energy, Fortescue, Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I investigated 3 ASX shares that have fallen sharply. Are they bargains or value traps?
• Should you buy Evolution Mining and Rio Tinto shares?
• 5 ASX 200 stocks analysts have upgraded this week
• 3 ASX shares tipped by brokers to return 41% to 85% in the next 12 months
• Buy, hold, sell: Reece, Fortescue, Electro Optic Systems shares

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are up 0.8% today but down 3% over 12 months.

The market has been volatile this year amid the US-Iran war, persistent inflation, and now rising interest rates at home and in the US.

The market has weakened significantly since hitting a 52-week high in August.

Amid the weakness, brokers see opportunities to invest in some ASX 200 sector heavyweights.

Let’s take a look.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $59.47, up 2.5% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mining share has fallen 1%.

Morgan Stanley renewed its buy rating on BHP shares on Monday.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $68 to $69.

This suggests a potential 16% upside ahead.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The Telstra share price is $4.74, down 1.2% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 telco share has fallen 3%.

Citi reaffirmed its buy rating on Telstra shares with a 12-month target of $5.25.

This suggests a potential 11% upside ahead.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is $190.41, up 1.9% today.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has risen 9% over the past month.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on CSL shares this week.

However, the broker has a 12-month target of $182, which implies a 4% downside from here.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is $61.14, up 5.9% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 tech share has fallen 8%.

RBC Capital renewed its buy rating on Xero shares this week.

The broker upped its 12-month price target from $85 to $96.

This suggests a potential 57% upside ahead.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is $9.17, down 0.2% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 energy share has increased 5%.

UBS reaffirmed its buy rating on Santos shares on Tuesday.

The broker raised its 12-month target from $8.30 to $9.50.

This suggests a potential 3% upside ahead.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS share price is $3.04, up 2.2% today.

This ASX 200 lithium share has tumbled 29% in just one month.

Jefferies renewed its buy rating on PLS shares on Monday.

The broker lowered its price target from $6.30 to $5.50.

This implies potential capital growth of 81% over the next year.

Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP)

The Stockland share price is $4.21, down 0.8% today.

This ASX 200 property share has risen 2% over the past month.

Jarden reiterated its buy rating on Stockland shares on Wednesday.

The broker decreased its 12-month target from $5.69 to $5.

This still implies a potential 19% upside ahead.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is $8.56, up 0.9% today.

This ASX 200 financial share has ascended 6% over the past month.

UBS reiterated its buy rating on IAG shares with a price target of $9.10.

This implies a potential rise of 6% ahead.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is $165.26, up 3.4% today.

This ASX 200 gold mining share has fallen 5% over the past month.

Jefferies renewed its buy rating on Newmont shares with a $224.12 target.

This implies potential capital growth of 35% over the next year.

The post 9 ASX 200 shares experts are backing for growth amid market weakness appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I investigated 3 ASX shares that have fallen sharply. Are they bargains or value traps?
• PLS Group to invest $650m in Pilgangoora upgrades to fuel growth
• How much do I need in my superannuation to generate a $108,000 annual passive income?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Telstra vs ANZ: Which ASX blue chip is better for retirees?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 CSL, Jefferies Financial Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.