Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) shares are sliding today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) copper stock closed up 9.1% yesterday, ending the day at $12.45. During the Thursday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $12.02 each, down 3.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.1% at this same time.

It’s now been just over two years since Canadian-based Capstone Copper shares began trading on the ASX. That was back on 8 April 2024.

Although shares have retraced from the all-time closing high of $17.54, posted on 29 January, the ASX 200 copper stock has gained 94.6% over the past 12 months, racing ahead of the 21.3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

Atop its own operational successes, the miner has benefited from a 47% increase in copper prices since this time last year. The red metal is currently trading for US$12,709 per tonne.

And looking to the year ahead, Morgans Financial’s Mitch Belichovski believes the stock is well-placed to keep outperforming (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Capstone Copper shares today?

“This copper miner and developer has five long-life assets strategically located in the Americas,” said Belichovski, citing the first reason you might want to buy Capstone Copper shares today.

“CSC is one of a limited number of pure play copper names listed on the ASX,” he added.

As for the second reason, Belichovski noted that miner’s strong growth potential.

According to Belichovski:

Copper production growth differentiates CSC from its peers. Growth is driven by a combination of near term and longer dated brownfield and greenfield projects, alongside a declining cost profile.

And despite the near doubling in the miner’s share price over the past year, he noted that the stock still looks to be trading at a good value.

“CSC was recently trading on a modest price-earnings ratio in 2026 and offers good value at these price levels,” he concluded.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 copper stock?

Capstone reported its fourth quarter (Q4 2025) results on 3 March.

Highlights for the three months to 31 December included all-time high copper production of 58,273 tonnes.

This helped drive record quarterly adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $308 million, up 79% from Q4 2024 earnings.

Looking ahead, the ASX 200 copper stock provided full year 2026 production guidance of 200,000 to 230,000 tonnes of copper. 2025 saw the miner deliver record copper production of 224,764 tonnes.

Despite the strong quarterly results, Capstone Copper shares closed down 8.1% on the day of the results release, just two trading days into the Iran war. That selling looks to have been driven by investor fears that the war could disrupt global growth and dampen medium-term demand for copper.

The post 3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are ‘vulnerable’
• Morgans names two ASX 200 shares to buy and one to sell this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

ASX shares roared back to life yesterday after a heavy sell-off in March. 

Yesterday, investors were reacting positively to breaking news that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen amidst a fragile ceasefire agreement. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed 2.5% higher during Wednesday’s trade. 

This morning however, it seems Aussie investors are still cautious, as the market has held relatively flat. 

However there have been ASX shares that seemingly missed the rally, and remain close to 52-week lows. 

These 3 ASX shares remain down significantly from this time last year, along with updated outlooks from experts. 

Stockland Corp Ltd (ASX: SGP)

Stockland is a diversified property development company. The company is one of Australia’s largest residential land and housing developers.

In 2026, it has fallen almost 30%, and is currently trading for approximately $4.04 today, close to a 52-week low. 

Interest rate rises have likely weighed on investor sentiment, but long-term prospects remain positive. 

Outlooks from analysts and brokers indicate it could be a buy-low opportunity. 

Macquarie currently has a buy rating on Stockland shares with a target price of $4.42.

Additionally, 9 analyst forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $5.34 on Stockland shares. 

From the current stock price of $4.04, these targets indicate a potential upside between 9% and 31%. 

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour Group is an alcoholic beverages retailer, hotel operator, and poker machines operator spun off from Woolworths Group in 2021. 

This ASX stock is hovering close to yearly lows, having fallen more than 16% in the last 12 months. 

It is currently changing hands for approximately $3.28 per share. 

Despite being heavily sold off, experts are warning investors to stay away from this ASX stock. 

Recently, Morgans reinforced its hold rating on Endeavour Group shares, along with a $3.65 price target. 

Elsewhere, Investor Pulse has a sell recommendation on this ASX stock, as the broker said a tough first half result could be just the beginning. 

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

Lendlease Group shares have opened trading today down nearly 2%. 

The current share price of $3.24 is close to yearly lows, down 37% from this time last year. 

It is an international property development and construction business operating across Australia, the Americas, the UK, Europe, and Asia.

It is unsurprising it has also suffered from interest rate hikes, as real estate shares have struggled across the board in 2026. 

In fact, the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX:XRE) index is down roughly 13% year to date. 

Despite the subdued sentiment, analysts’ views indicate this ASX stock could be one to add to your watchlist. 

6 analyst ratings via TradingView have an average one year price target of $5.21 on Lendlease shares. 

This is approximately 61% higher than the current share price. 

The post Which of these ASX stocks near 52-week lows is worth buying? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Coles, Endeavour, and Rio Tinto shares
• 6 ASX shares hitting 52-week lows amid today’s market rally
• Experts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Why Stockland shares just crashed to a multi-year low
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices

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.

Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK) shares are edging higher on Thursday after the gold and antimony producer released a market update.

In early afternoon trade, the Alkane share price is up 3.20% to $1.775.

That leaves the stock up more than 180% over the past 12 months, lifting its market capitalisation to roughly $2.43 billion.

The modest gain still stands out on a softer market day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down 0.1% to 8,951 points.

Let’s take a closer look at what was announced today.

Strong quarter keeps full-year guidance on track

In its March quarter production update, Alkane produced 45,776 ounces of gold equivalent during the 3 months to 31 March.

That included 44,669 ounces of gold and 377 tonnes of antimony across its 3 operating mines, Tomingley in New South Wales, Costerfield in Victoria, and Bjorkdal in Sweden.

Sales for the quarter came in at 43,373 gold equivalent ounces, made up of 42,550 ounces of gold and 280 tonnes of antimony.

The balance sheet also strengthened over the period.

Cash, bullion, and listed investments finished the quarter at $374 million, up $128 million from the prior quarter. Total liquidity rises to $472 million when including its undrawn $110 million revolving credit facility expected in June.

Management also reaffirmed FY2026 production guidance of 160,000 to 175,000 gold equivalent ounces. Furthermore, all-in sustaining costs (AISC) were unchanged at $2,600 to $2,900 per ounce.

Management commentary

Managing director and CEO Nic Earner said:

Alkane has had an excellent quarter’s production from our three operating mines…

He also added:

We have a very strong balance sheet with A$374 million in cash, bullion and listed investments at quarter end and total liquidity of $472 million including undrawn revolving credit facility.

That balance sheet growth is likely to remain a key focus for investors given the stock’s strong rerating over the past year.

The combination of solid mine performance, stable cost guidance, and rising liquidity continues to support sentiment.

Foolish takeaway

Alkane still looks like one of the ASX gold sector’s stronger momentum stocks. Rising production and a much larger cash position continue to support the rally.

With the stock now valued at around $2.43 billion and still tracking within FY2026 guidance, the latest update gives investors another reason to stay positive.

After gaining more than 180% over the past year, the latest quarter suggests the rally is still being supported by operating performance.

The post Up 180% in a year, this ASX gold stock climbs again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These two ASX gold shares just crashed – should investors swoop in?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) this week put out a March quarter update, reaffirming that they are likely to hit the midpoint of their guidance for the full year.

The analyst team at Shaw and Partners has had a look at the result, and maintained their buy recommendation with a bullish price target on the stock. We’ll get to that shortly.

Production dipping but stockpiles strong

Firstly let’s have a look at what Ramelius announced earlier this week.

The Western Australia-focussed gold miner said it had produced 38,093 ounces of gold for the quarter, which Shaw pointed out in their report, “continues the sequentially falling FY26 production; after 45,600 ounces in Q2 and 55,000 ounces in Q1”.

Ramelius said there had been a planned six-day shutdown of its Mt Magnet mill, and haul road closures due to rainfall associated with Cyclone Narelle, “resulting in significant high-grade mine stockpiles at quarter end”.

The company said it remained on track to hit the midpoint of its forecast production guidance of 185,000-205,000 ounces for the full year.

Ramelius said it had executed share buybacks of $110.2 million during the quarter and had cash and gold worth $606.5 million on hand at the end of the quarter.

The company also said its Mt Magnet operations were not currently impacted by diesel supply chain disruptions with their supply sourced directly from a major global oil company on a long-term contract.

Managing director Mark Zeptner said of the quarter:

We remain on track to deliver at the mid-point of our FY26 production guidance with significant contributions from Dalgaranga and Cue planned in the June 2026 Quarter. Dalgaranga’s first stope in the Never Never orebody was fired ahead of schedule on 13 March 2026 and above grade expectations at above 7 grams per tonne. While still early days, the geological model is reconciling better than expected and our newest mine is off to a fantastic start. Ramelius remains committed to maintaining and growing shareholder returns. With A$110 million in share buybacks during the Quarter, we are executing on another element of our plan to deliver value to shareholders. We look forward to sharing an update on the Dalgaranga exploration program in coming weeks demonstrating the significant potential upside at the Mt Magnet production hub.

Shares looking cheap

The Shaw team has lowered their estimated FY26 production forecast for Ramelius to 194,000 ounces, down from 201,000, and has increased their estimated all in sustaining cost of production from $1825 per ounce to $1960.

They said they continued to have a positive view on gold, “which Ramelius is exposed to via its multi-year production growth”.

Shaw has a price target of $6.50 on the ASX resources shares compared with the current price of $3.95. The company isvalued at $7.78 billion.

The post This ASX resources stock is up 74% over the past year. How much higher can it go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 gold stocks jumping higher on major updates today
• Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• ASX gold shares tumble as bull run faces its first big test in 1Q CY26
• These 3 dirt-cheap ASX shares are tipped to climb another 50-90%

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.

Passive income gives investors regular and ongoing cash flow without having to do any work.

Not only do passive income shares on the ASX help to build your wealth over time, they help to diversify your portfolio and give you more financial freedom in terms of your time, career choices and when you might want to retire.

The question is, how much do you need to invest in ASX shares to earn the passive income you want?

Here’s a quick calculation to help.

Calculation breakdown

To work out how much you need to invest you need to divide your intended annual income by the dividend yield of your investment.

For example, earning $1,000 per month in passive income equates to $52,000 per year in dividend payments.

The problem is that the answer varies depending on the dividend yield of the ASX shares you’d be buying. 

ASX shares yielding 4% would require a $1.3 million investment, while shares yielding 5% would need around $1 million.

ASX dividend shares which pay out a higher yield of around 6% would require an investment of around $870,000 in order to reach a $1,000 per month passive income goal.

For high yield shares offering 7%, you’d only need to invest $740,000 in order to earn your $1,000 per week passive income.

These calculations assume dividends are paid consistently and exclude any impact from franking credits.

Great, but how do I build this level of portfolio?

For many investors, the problem isn’t finding the ASX shares paying the dividend yield you want, but rather working out how to get to that level of portfolio in the first place. 

The good news is that getting to a $1 million portfolio, which is roughly what you’d need to earn $1,000 per week in passive income on 5% yielding shares, is more achievable than you’d think.

The trick is that it takes consistency and lots of patience. 

There aren’t many Australian investors which could drop $1 million in the sharemarket at once. But a regular contribution of $500 per month (or more) is a great start.

Then compounding does the heavy lifting. 

If you’re able to consistently invest $500 per month it could take around 40 years to reach a $1 million portfolio. But hike that to $1000 per month and it’ll easily cut 10 years off your timeline. 

Another way to shave back the time needed to reach your goal is to buy some shares with higher dividend yields, add lump sums into your portfolio where you can, or slowly increase your investments over time.

The post ASX passive income: How much do I need to invest in to earn $1,000 per week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today
• Which of these ASX stocks near 52-week lows is worth buying?
• Up 180% in a year, this ASX gold stock climbs again
• This ASX resources stock is up 74% over the past year. How much higher can it go?
• Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday?

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

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are catching plenty of investor interest today.

In late morning trade on Thursday, two of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are outpacing the 0.1% losses posted by the benchmark index while the other is trailing behind.

Here’s what’s happening.

DroneShield shares lift on growth outlook

DroneShield shares are outperforming today. Shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company are up 1.2% at time of writing, trading for $3.49 apiece.

The stock is grabbing headlines again today following a market update highlighting the immense growth potential of its defence oriented business model.

Indeed, the company estimates that the global counter-drone market is worth some US$60 billion, with both national defence and civilian customers seeking to secure potentially vulnerable assets.

Today’s update follows on yesterday’s news that CEO Oleg Vornik was exiting the top role after more than 10 years at the helm. Angus Bean, who’s been working as chief product officer, has stepped in as the new CEO.

DroneShield shares closed down 13.5% on Wednesday following the leadership shakeup but remain up a whopping 315% since this time last year.

Sandfire shares sink amid weather woes

Unlike DroneShield shares, Sandfire Resources shares are taking a tumble today following the release of the miner’s March quarter results.

Shares in the ASX 200 copper miner are down 4.1% at time of writing, trading for $17.39 each.

Sandfire reported copper equivalent (CuEq) production of 34,500 tonnes for the three months. The miner had a net cash balance of $76 million as at 31 March.

But Sandfire shares look to be under pressure, with the company citing persistent high rainfall and unplanned maintenance as likely seeing its full year CuEq production come in towards the lower half of its guidance range of 149,000 to 165,000 tonnes.

Sandfire shares remain up 114% over 12 months.

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 stock grabbing headlines today.

Bendigo Bank shares rocket on earnings boost

Bendigo Bank shares are outperforming the benchmark and DroneShield shares today following the release of the challenger bank’s March quarter trading update (Q3 FY 2026).

Bendigo Bank shares are up 8.3% at time of writing, changing hands for $11.33 apiece.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 bank stock with Bendigo reporting unaudited cash earnings of $137.9 million for the quarter. That’s up 7.6% from the quarterly average achieved in the first half of FY 2026.

On the bottom line, the bank reported a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $109.4 million.

Bendigo Bank shares are up 14.0% in 12 months.

The post Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX bank stock jumps 7% on strategic partnerships and trading update
• DroneShield shares rebound on investor update
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank lifts profit and launches strategic partnerships
• Sandfire Resources posts Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintains guidance
• Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are ‘vulnerable’

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Playside Studios Ltd (ASX: PLY) is about to launch its much-anticipated new game, Mouse: P.I. For Hire, with the analyst team at Shaw and Partners convinced the company’s shares are undervalued in the lead up to the release.

Momentum building

The company released an update about the game today, saying that the number of people who had put the game on their wish list had increased from 1.4 million to 1.5 million across all platforms.

The company added:

Recent marketing initiatives have driven tens of millions of organic views across owned social channels and secured significant global media coverage in the last two weeks, including favourable reviews of a demo build of the game. Wish listing activity for the week ending 7 April increased by 60% week on-week, indicating strong organic momentum heading into launch.

The company is scheduled to release the game digitally on April 16, across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2, priced at US$29.99 or US$39.99 for the digital deluxe edition.

The company said, following the launch, it would provide formal FY26 guidance within 30 days and expected FY26 revenue to exceed FY25, with a reduction in operating costs.

Good early reviews crucial

The Shaw team has analysed the digital gaming market and said that, based on the 213 games released on the Steam platform since 2013 and which have generated more than US$10 million in revenue, positive review scores were critical.

They added:

We have specifically analysed 36 games that have generated between US$20-100m gross revenue on Steam, and had a wish list ranking among the Top 25 unreleased titles on Steam prior to launch. Key takes: 1) Reviews is the key metric. More reviews = more revenue; 2) The first 90 days is key, as about 60% of max reviews are captured in that period.

Shaw said that Gamediscoverco data showed that Mouse: P.I. For Hire currently had 62,278 followers, and was the 16^th most wish listed unreleased title on Steam.

They added:

Assuming follower conversion rates and revenue per 90-day review metrics consistent with our US$20-50m sample, supports a circa US$30m estimate of gross revenue for MOUSE on Steam. Note: this is Steam revenue only and excludes sales on other platforms like Nintendo etc. If MOUSE can achieve follower conversion rates and revenue per 90-day review metrics consistent with our US$50-100m sample, then we see potential for about US$45m of gross revenue on Steam alone. We see a unique opportunity in Playside, where it has invested substantially in its original IP portfolio over the last 18 months (about $35m), and follower/wish list data for MOUSE, the first major title, suggests it will be a material revenue generator and that catalyst is just weeks away.

Shares looking cheap

Shaw and Partners has a buy rating on Playside shares and a price target of 44 cents, compared with the current price of 27 cents.

The ASX tech company was valued at $119.6 million at Wednesday’s close.

The post This ASX tech firm presents a “unique” opportunity, Shaw and Partners says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today
• Which of these ASX stocks near 52-week lows is worth buying?
• Up 180% in a year, this ASX gold stock climbs again
• This ASX resources stock is up 74% over the past year. How much higher can it go?
• ASX passive income: How much do I need to invest in to earn $1,000 per week?

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.

A broad ASX sell-off on Thursday has not stopped Transurban Group Ltd (ASX: TCL) from pushing higher.

While renewed Middle East tensions and fresh Strait of Hormuz disruption fears have weighed on market sentiment, Transurban shares are edging 0.29% higher to $13.94 in morning trade.

The move follows the toll road operator’s March quarter update, which showed continued traffic growth across its key regions, led by Brisbane, Melbourne, and North America.

Even so, the stock is up only about 3% over the past 12 months, making today’s performance stand out a little more.

With oil market risks again lifting inflation concerns, defensive businesses with visible cash flow and CPI-linked pricing are finding support.

Here’s what was announced.

Traffic growth remains broad across the network

Transurban’s latest quarterly result showed steady momentum across most of its major toll road markets.

Group average daily traffic (ADT) rose 3% over the prior corresponding period, with Brisbane leading the growth profile at 5.2%. The result was helped by a softer comparison base after Tropical Cyclone Alfred disrupted traffic volumes in March last year.

Melbourne also delivered a strong contribution, with ADT up 3.8% as the West Gate Tunnel continued to add traffic following its December 2025 opening.

North America remained another key driver, where traffic increased 7.9% as the 495 Northern Extension and Express Lanes kept ramping up.

The only softer patch was Sydney. Traffic growth there was limited to 0.6% due to ongoing disruption tied to construction works around the Warringah Freeway upgrade. Management noted this should improve through the June quarter as more lanes progressively open.

Looking across the full financial year-to-date, group traffic is now running 3.6% ahead of the prior period. This continued growth highlights the resilience of Transurban’s urban transport network despite the weaker macro backdrop and recent market volatility.

Defensive earnings are back in focus

The modest gain suggests the market is seeing the quarterly update as steady and broadly in line with expectations.

Transurban is still valued for its reliable cash flow, long-life concession assets, and toll pricing that is mostly linked to CPI or fixed annual increases.

That business model is helping the stock hold up today as the wider ASX weakens on the risk of higher oil prices adding to inflation pressure.

That helps explain why Transurban is staying in positive territory while the broader ASX comes under pressure.

With a market capitalisation of roughly $43.4 billion, it remains one of the ASX’s largest listed infrastructure stocks.

The post This ASX 200 giant is rising while the market sells off. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Transurban Group March quarter 2026: Traffic rises across key toll roads
• How I’d invest $100,000 for retirement income on the ASX right now
• The ASX dividend stocks I’d buy for a retirement portfolio
• An ASX dividend stock I’d hold no matter what
• How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March?

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

There are many ASX ETFs available to investors that aim to utilise different strategies. 

Sometimes these focus on generating passive income through dividends. 

Other strategies focus on targeting high growth companies. 

However a new report from VanEck has shed light on the success of value investing over the last 5 years. 

What is value investing?

The core ethos of value investing is the understanding that the market isn’t always accurate with pricing a company’s intrinsic value. 

The key to identifying a value share is that it has an inexpensive valuation compared to the value of its assets or key financial metrics, such as revenue, earnings or cash flow.

It’s the strategy most associated with the common investing phrase ‘buy low, sell high’. The value investor seeks out value stocks trading below their book value. 

VanEck Msci International Value ETF

The team at VanEck harnessed this idea in the VanEck Msci International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE). 

This ASX ETF tracks the MSCI World ex Australia Enhanced Value Top 250 Select Index (VLUE Index). 

VanEck said it believes this is the most representative expression of the value factor available on ASX.

VLUE does not include small caps, which have diluted the returns of some other value exposures, and with only 250 high-conviction holdings, it avoids the watered-down approach of broader value indices that hold hundreds of stocks with varying degrees of value characteristics.

Because it is rules-based, it does not drift from its style, nor is there the key-man risk associated with active funds.

Additionally, VanEck said some ‘value’ companies are cheap for a reason, and these could be ‘value traps’. 

MSCI analysis found that using forward earnings can help protect against ‘value traps’. 

Therefore, MSCI developed its Enhanced Value Indices, which apply three valuation ratio descriptors on a sector-relative basis:

• Price-to-book value
• Price-to-forward earnings
• Enterprise value-to-cash flow from operations. 

Value outperforming

Since this ASX ETF was first listed 5 years ago, it has had a great track record of outperforming other investment strategies in this period.

It is up almost 66% in that span. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up approximately 28% in that same period. 

VanEck said this success has come from using a unique strategy compared to a traditional value approach. 

MSCI’s enhanced value overcomes many of the criticisms of value because it puts less weight on price-to-book as a metric and moves away from backward-looking dividend yield altogether. It uses a whole-firm valuation measure in enterprise value that could reduce concentration in leveraged companies.

The post This value ASX ETF has been smashing the ASX 200 over the past 5 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should investors be targeting growth or value ASX ETFs right now?

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.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shares are in focus today after the company released important information in an ASX release yesterday.

The company is an Australian-based funds manager investing in global equities and global listed infrastructure.

The Funds Management segment provides investment research, administrative services, investment management, and sub-advisory services.

As The Motley Fool’s Laura Stewart reported yesterday, the company reported that total assets under management (AUM) dropped to $37.5 billion as at 31 March 2026, down from $39.9 billion at the end of 2025.

In a release yesterday, the company announced that both retail AUM declined from $15.8 billion to $14.1 billion and institutional AUM slipped to $23.4 billion, down from $24.1 billion. 

It seems investors are disappointed with this news as the stock price has opened 4% lower this morning. 

Despite this drop, the share price remains up 33% over the last year. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 22% in that same span. 

Following yesterday’s announcement, the team at Morgans provided updated guidance on Magellan Financial Group shares. 

Buy maintained despite announcement 

Morgans has retained its buy recommendation on Magellan Financial Group shares despite the AUM drop. 

MFG has given an end-to-March 2026 quarterly FUM update. FUM (A$37.5bn) was down 6% for the quarter due to a combination of outflows across most funds and market movements. 

Overall this was a softer quarter at the headline level, albeit some impacts from market volatility are unsurprising.

As a result, it has downgraded its earnings per share forecast by 1%-8% over FY26/FY27. 

Price target reduction for Magellan Financial Group

As a result of this downgrade, Morgans has reduced its price target to $11.99 (from $12.43). 

Whilst MFG’s Investment Management performance remains patchy, we think the Barrenjoey merger fundamentally changes MFG’s overall outlook, strengthening the business and providing additional pathways for growth. MFG also retains a strong balance sheet (~A$650m of liquidity, post deal).

From today’s current stock price of approximately $9.60, this updated price target indicates a potential upside of 25%. 

The post What is this broker’s view on Magellan Financial Group after yesterday’s disappointing results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.