Category: Stock Market

  • Should you buy the dip on gold shares? Expert

    Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.

    After ASX gold shares enjoyed a rally through 2025, many have lost momentum in 2026. 

    A new report from VanEck suggests that this could be an opportunity for investors to buy the dip. 

    Gold is currently trading around US$4,600 per ounce, down approximately 22% from its all-time high of US$5,595 in late January.

    While the drawdown is significant, in our view it is presenting a compelling entry point for investors looking to add gold exposure.

    What’s causing the dip?

    VanEck CEO Jan van Eck addressed the recent pullback, highlighting that several forces have hit gold simultaneously. 

    He outlined that these drivers appear cyclical and technical rather than structural. 

    Firstly, gold had been trading well above its long-term averages, making a short-term correction unsurprising. 

    VanEck reinforced this move below the 200-day moving average aligns with normal pullbacks often seen during longer-term bull markets, rather than indicating a lasting bearish shift.

    Additionally, ongoing tensions involving the US and Iran, along with pressure on energy-related revenues, may have led some sovereign investors to sell gold holdings to raise immediate cash. 

    This appears to reflect temporary funding stress rather than any fundamental decline in long-term interest in gold.

    Why gold shares could be set for a rebound

    Despite recent volatility, VanEck said the structural drivers of gold remain firmly in place and in some cases are strengthening.

    While the immediate impact of the conflict has pressured gold, history shows that oil shock events ultimately drive higher inflation and macro uncertainty, conditions under which gold has historically performed strongly.

    VanEck said during previous oil-shock conflicts, particularly the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the 1991 Gulf War, gold demand surged over the medium term as investors priced in higher inflation and persistent macro uncertainty.

    The current conflict has disrupted roughly 20% of global seaborne oil supply, the largest such disruption in modern history.

    Looking through the volatility, we think the current environment continues to support gold’s role as a strategic portfolio allocation and reinforces the case for adding exposure at current levels.

    How to invest in gold shares

    The ASX is home to many gold mining and production shares. 

    Two of the largest ASX listed gold shares include: 

    There are also ASX ETFs that provide exposure to gold shares through a basket of miners, or tracking the spot price of gold: 

    The post Should you buy the dip on gold shares? Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vaneck Gold Bullion ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vaneck Gold Bullion ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vaneck Gold Bullion ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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.

  • Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy?

    Male building supervisor stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site with workers behind him.

    Yesterday, this S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock enjoyed a welcome bounce.

    James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) jumped 7.5% on Wednesday, offering some relief after a tough month that saw shares fall 17%. Even with Wednesday’s rally, the ASX 200 stock remains down around 25.7% over the past 12 months.

    So, is this the start of a recovery — or just a temporary rebound?

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Global leader fibre cement

    One thing is clear: James Hardie still boasts serious strengths.

    The $15 billion ASX 200 stock is the global leader in fibre cement siding and trim, with a dominant footprint in the US — its most important market. That scale gives it pricing power and a strong competitive moat, which few rivals can match.

    It also continues to deliver solid top-line growth. Its latest results show the business is still performing well operationally. For the three months to 31 December 2025, net sales jumped 30% to $1.24 billion, while adjusted EBITDA rose 26% to $329.9 million.

    And there’s a major growth lever in play.

    The acquisition of AZEK has significantly expanded its addressable market. James Hardie is no longer just a siding business. It’s building a broader outdoor living platform spanning decking, railing, and exterior solutions. If executed well, this could unlock a new phase of growth.

    Exposure risk US housing market

    But the ASX 200 stock is not without risks.

    The biggest concern remains exposure to the US housing market. If housing starts slow or remain weak, demand for building materials could come under pressure. That’s been a key driver behind the recent share price decline.

    There are also integration risks tied to the AZEK deal. Merging operations, extracting synergies, and managing costs will be critical — and any missteps could weigh on earnings.

    On top of that, broader market sentiment toward cyclical and industrial stocks has been shaky, adding another layer of volatility.

    So, what are the experts saying?

    According to Morgans, the outlook remains compelling for the ASX 200 stock. The broker has placed a buy rating on James Hardie with a $45.75 price target.

    Based on the current share price of $28.06, that implies potential upside of around 63% — a significant vote of confidence.

    The bottom line?

    James Hardie has been knocked down, but its core business remains strong. With market leadership, growth opportunities, and a more attractive valuation, this ASX 200 stock could be positioning for a comeback.

    If housing conditions stabilise and execution stays on track, yesterday’s rally might just be the beginning.

    The post Down 25%! Is this resurgent ASX 200 stock a strong buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in James Hardie Industries plc right now?

    Before you buy James Hardie Industries plc shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and James Hardie Industries plc wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

  • Want to retire at age 65? This is how much superannuation you need

    A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.

    The amount of money you need in your superannuation in order to retire at age 65 depends on your current living situation and what type of lifestyle you expect to live in retirement.

    Generally, in Australia, retirement lifestyles are split into two options: modest and comfortable.

    A modest retirement, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), is defined as being able to cover expenses slightly above the full Centrelink Age Pension. This includes basic health insurance, a cheaper model of car, and infrequent exercise. It also includes minimal utility expenses, limiting dining out, and maybe an annual domestic trip. It assumes you own your house outright.

    Then a comfortable retirement is one that allows you to maintain a good standard of living. This includes top-level private health insurance, ownership of a reasonable car brand, regular leisure activities, some funds for home repairs, occasional meals out, and perhaps an annual domestic trip. Again, it assumes you own your house outright.

    So, how much will these retirement lifestyles cost me?

    Thanks to rising inflation and cost of living, the benchmark for both a modest and comfortable retirement increased earlier this year. It’s a reminder that long-term returns from markets like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) play an important role in building retirement savings.

    Now, in order to live a modest retirement lifestyle at age 65, individual Australians need $35,503 per year, or a couple needs $51,299 per year. To fund that, ASFA estimates you need a superannuation balance of around $110,000, or a couple would need $120,000.

    The cost of a comfortable retirement is a lot higher. To obtain a comfortable retirement lifestyle at age 65, individuals can expect to spend around $54,840 a year, or for couples, this can be closer to $77,375 a year. To fund that, you’ll need a superannuation balance of around $630,000 for a single person, or $730,000 for a couple.

    Ok, but how do I know if my superannuation is on track to reach the balance I need?

    According to ASFA, in order to be able to fund a comfortable retirement starting from age 67, your superannuation balance at age 40 should be $178,000. 

    But if you want to retire just a couple of years earlier (at age 65) then you’ll need to stay ahead and aim for around $210,000 by around age 40 instead.

    By age 50, Aussies who want to reach the superannuation balance needed for a comfortable retirement by age 65 should have around $347,500.

    This would need to increase to around $539,000 by age 60. 

    The post Want to retire at age 65? This is how much superannuation you need appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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.

  • Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April

    Increasing white bar graph with a rising arrow on an orange background.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) could be one of the best businesses, if not the best, to buy right now in the index.

    Lovisa is a leading retailer of affordable jewellery, which is largely aimed at younger shoppers.

    I love buying undervalued businesses and this one seems like one of the most undervalued right now because it has dropped more than 40% in the past six months and it’s down roughly 25% in the year to date, as the chart below shows.

    Something isn’t a buy just because it’s down. However, I think the ASX 200 share is being significantly undervalued by the market, given my view of how much profit could grow.

    Rapid profit growth

    There are few ASX businesses that are growing globally as well as Lovisa. It has at least one store in numerous markets.

    In fact, comparing the FY26 half-year result (HY26) to the HY25 result shows it added at least one more store year over year in the following markets: Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Hungary, UAE, the USA, Canada, Mexico, and its Middle East and Africa franchise.

    Overall, its total Lovisa store count grew 15.5% year-over-year to 1,089 locations. I think it can quickly reach 1,500 stores over the next few years.

    This store growth assisted Lovisa’s core revenue to grow 22.7% to $498.1 million and net profit increased 21.5% to $69.6 million.

    Will it be impacted by the inflation?

    The ASX 200 share has a global customer base, so anything can happen, but I think younger shoppers are less likely to be impacted by rising rates because they’re less likely to have a mortgage.

    Lovisa’s FY23 result – which was in the thick of the higher inflationary period earlier this decade – saw (on a comparable 52-week basis) revenue growth of 33.1% and net profit growth of 20.1%.

    Past profit growth is not a guarantee of future profit growth, but I think the ASX 200 share’s ongoing store rollout will help sustain revenue and earnings growth during this period.

    According to the projection on Commsec, the business is currently forecast to generate 88.3 cents of earnings per share (EPS) in FY26, putting it at under 25x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    With the company’s expanding global network of stores, I think its scale benefits will continue to improve, giving it the ability to grow its gross profit margin (and other margins), even if costs are rising.

    The ASX 200 share’s growth option

    The final positive I want to point out is that the business has recently opened up another growth avenue with the fact that it has opened several Jewells stores in the UK. Jewells says sells trend-led affordable jewellery for everyday use, with sterling silver, gold vermeil and gold-plated designs.

    There are already a lot of jewellery businesses out there, but this gives Lovisa another way to grow revenue and earnings with products at a different price point.

    If Lovisa can grow Jewells to a sufficient scale, it can start boosting earnings, and this would help diversify its profit base further (beyond the great geographic exposure it already has).

    Over time, it could become a material contributor to the overall business.

    The post Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lovisa Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Lovisa Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Lovisa Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000

    strong woman overlooking city

    With a fresh month here, I think it is a good time to be putting money to work in quality businesses.

    The good news for investors is that there are plenty of ASX 200 shares with strong long-term growth outlooks that have pulled back from recent highs, potentially creating a buying opportunity.

    If I had $6,000 to invest this month, these are three shares I would be comfortable buying.

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

    Netwealth is one of those businesses that benefits from a structural shift that is still playing out.

    More and more financial advisers are consolidating onto platform providers that offer better technology and user experience. Netwealth has been a clear winner from that trend.

    What I like is the consistency of growth. Funds under administration continue to rise, supported by strong inflows and adviser adoption. As that base grows, so does the company’s recurring revenue.

    There is also operating leverage in the model.

    As more funds flow onto the platform, earnings can scale faster than costs over time. That is exactly the type of setup I want in a long-term compounder.

    It may not look cheap even after recent weakness, but I think the quality of the business justifies that premium valuation.

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    Breville is a very different kind of growth story. This is a consumer brand, but one that has successfully expanded beyond Australia and built a global presence.

    What stands out to me is how the company continues to grow through a combination of new product development and international expansion.

    Its coffee segment remains a major driver, and the broader premium appliance category appears to be holding up well, even in a more cautious consumer environment.

    I also like the brand strength. Breville has positioned itself at the premium end of the market, which can support margins and help differentiate it from lower-cost competitors.

    Retail can be cyclical, but I think Breville has shown it can navigate different environments while continuing to grow over time.

    Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

    Codan brings something different again. This is a business with exposure to communications technology, defence, and increasingly, drone and counter-drone systems.

    That last point is particularly interesting to me. The role of drones in modern conflict is expanding rapidly, and with that comes demand for technologies that can detect, manage, and neutralise them.

    Codan is positioning itself within that ecosystem through its communications and tactical solutions.

    At the same time, it still has a strong metal detection business, which provides another source of earnings.

    That combination gives it both stability and exposure to long-term growth themes.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were investing $6,000 this month, I would be looking for a mix of structural growth, strong execution, and long-term potential.

    Netwealth offers platform-driven growth in financial services. Breville provides global consumer expansion with a premium brand. Codan gives exposure to defence and communications, including the growing drone and counter-drone market.

    Each has a clear pathway to growth over time. And that is what I want to be buying for the long term.

    The post 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Breville Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Breville Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • 3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today

    A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.

    Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) shares have been strong performers so far in 2026.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock closed on Wednesday trading for $38.90 apiece.

    That sees the share price up 13.2% since market close on 31 December, which compares very favourably to the 0.8% loss posted by the benchmark index over this same period.

    Atop those share price gains, the ASX 200 healthcare stock also pays dividends. Over the past 12 months, Ramsay Health Care has paid out 82.5 cents a share in fully franked dividends.

    At Wednesday’s closing price, that sees the stock trading on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.1%.

    And looking to the months ahead, Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco believes the private hospital and care centre operator is well-positioned to keep outperforming (courtesy of The Bull).

    Should you buy Ramsay Health Care shares today?

    “The private hospital operator posted a better than expected first half year result for fiscal year 2026,” Greco said, citing the first reason he has a buy recommendation on Ramsay Health Care shares.

    “Revenue of $9.3 billion from contracts with customers was up 9.7% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax of $171.7 million was up 8.1%,” he noted.

    Ramsay Health Care CEO and managing director Natalie Davis was clearly pleased with those results, released on 26 February.

    “Ramsay’s positive momentum has continued in the first half of FY26, with revenue, EBIT and NPAT growth as we execute on our three core priorities to improve performance and returns to shareholders,” Davis said on the day.

    Moving on to the second reason Greco is bullish on the stock is the company’s decision to divest its 52.79% shareholding in European private health care provider Ramsay Santé.

    “RHC is spinning off its European business, which we believe paints a brighter outlook,” Greco said.

    Commenting on the rationale for the divestment in February, Ramsay Health Care stated:

    The proposal to separate recognises the fundamentally different geographic focus, strategies and capital profiles of Ramsay and Ramsay Santé. The board believes that a separation would enhance shareholder value over time.

    Among the potential benefits, the board noted the separation will enable Ramsay to simplify its portfolio and allow management to focus on “the transformation and growth potential of its core Australian hospitals business”.

    Which brings us to the third reason you might want to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today.

    Namely, the company’s growing passive income potential.

    “The fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents was up 6.3% and potentially points to a stronger final dividend for the full year,” Greco concluded.

    The post 3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ramsay Health Care Limited right now?

    Before you buy Ramsay Health Care Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ramsay Health Care Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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.

  • 3 reasons to buy this red-hot ASX healthcare stock today

    Scared people on a rollercoaster holding on for dear life, indicating a plummeting share price

    It’s been a wild ride for this erratic ASX healthcare stock.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) surged to $29.72 nearly a year ago, only to crash around 72% to $8.26 in February. In the past month the ASX healthcare stock has clawed its way back jumping 34% higher to $13.66 at the time of writing.

    That kind of volatility can shake out even seasoned investors. But here’s the twist: brokers are still firmly in the bullish camp and they see serious upside ahead.

    So, given that the biotech stock is still 50% down over 12 months, could this sell-off be a golden opportunity? Here’s three reasons why Telix shares might be worth a closer look.

    Not your typical biotech story

    First, this is a very different kind of biotech story. Telix isn’t a speculative, pre-revenue company hoping for its first breakthrough. It develops radiopharmaceuticals used in cancer diagnosis and treatment — a niche that combines precision medicine with complex manufacturing and global distribution.

    More importantly, it’s already commercial.

    That’s a big deal. While many biotech peers are still waiting on approvals, this ASX healthcare stock is generating real revenue and scaling globally. As more of its products gain regulatory clearance and adoption grows, revenue has the potential to ramp up quickly.

    This means its growth is driven less by macro conditions — and more by clinical uptake. That can create volatility, but also powerful upside.

    Doubling down on growth

    Second, the revenue growth is hard to ignore.

    Telix recently reported full-year revenue of US$803 million, up a massive 56% year-on-year. And it’s not slowing down.

    Management expects revenue to hit between US$950 million and US$970 million this year — pushing it comfortably toward the US$1 billion mark.

    At the same time, the company is doubling down on future growth, with research and development spending forecast between US$200 million and US$240 million.

    That’s exactly what long-term investors want to see: strong top-line growth backed by continued innovation.

    Major opportunity, limited competition

    Third, there’s a major opportunity emerging with limited competition.

    Telix is making big strides in brain cancer, one of the toughest areas in oncology. It has submitted a European marketing application and resubmitted to the U.S. FDA for its TLX101-Px imaging agent targeting glioblastoma.

    Here’s what makes this exciting: there are currently no widely available commercial alternatives. That gives the $4.4 billion ASX healthcare stock a rare chance to enter an underserved market with high demand and limited direct competition.

    If approved, this could unlock a powerful new growth engine.

    What next for the ASX healthcare stock?

    According to TradingView data, all 16 analysts covering Telix rate it as a buy or strong buy. The average 12-month price target sits around $23.97, implying roughly 75% upside from current levels.

    Some forecasts are even more aggressive, pointing to $31.59 — a potential gain of more than 130%. Meanwhile, Bell Potter has a buy rating and a $19.00 price target on the ASX healthcare stock, suggesting around 40% upside.

    For investors willing to ride the volatility, this explosive ASX healthcare stock could be gearing up for its next big move.

    The post 3 reasons to buy this red-hot ASX healthcare stock today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telix Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Telix Pharmaceuticals shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Telix Pharmaceuticals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield

    A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.

    If you are searching for a combination of major upside and an above-average dividend yield, then look no further than the ASX 200 stock in this article.

    That’s because the team at Bell Potter believes its shares can deliver both over the next 12 months.

    Which ASX 200 stock?

    The stock that Bell Potter is bullish on right now is Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN).

    It is of course one of Australia’s largest retailers with a growing network of stores selling electronic and household goods across the globe.

    Bell Potter has been looking at its recent half-year result and while it was a touch softer than expected, it remains positive. It said:

    Harvey Norman (HVN)’s 1H26 result back in February saw some minor misses, however with aggregate system sales +7% and the least variance in the Australian Franchising division supported by strong franchising operations margins.

    The Australian business saw comparable sales growth easing towards the ~1% level (as per BPe) in the last 6 weeks of 1H (21-Nov to 31-Dec) as HVN cycled ~9% comps. The month of Jan in 2H26 started at a slightly better 3.6% comparable sales growth in Australia (cycling +2.1%), however tougher comps 2H to be cycled in Feb-Jun. The Home, Lifestyle and Technology categories have remained robust during 1H26.

    Major upside and a big dividend yield

    According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $6.70 (from $8.30).

    Based on its current share price of $4.87, this implies potential upside of 38% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, it is expecting the ASX 200 stock to provide investors with a generous 6.1% fully franked dividend yield over the period. This boosts the total potential return to over 44%.

    Bell Potter thinks its shares are being undervalued by the market at just 13x forward earnings. Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN’s well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

    The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Harvey Norman Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Harvey Norman Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Harvey Norman Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy for the tech rebound

    Happy man and woman looking at the share price on a tablet.

    Technology shares have had a volatile period, but sentiment is starting to improve.

    After a tough stretch driven by war in the Middle East, higher interest rates, AI concerns, and valuation de-ratings, investors are beginning to look ahead again.

    As conditions stabilise and confidence returns, the tech sector has historically been one of the first to rebound.

    Importantly, many technology stocks and tech-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) are still trading below their previous highs. That could create an opportunity for investors who are willing to take a longer-term view.

    Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth buying for a potential tech rebound.

    BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

    The first ASX ETF to consider for the tech rebound is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

    This fund provides investors with exposure to some of the largest and most influential technology companies across Asia. But what makes it particularly interesting right now is how differently these businesses operate compared to their Western peers.

    Many Asian tech companies have built integrated ecosystems that combine payments, ecommerce, entertainment, and social platforms into a single experience. This creates strong user engagement and multiple revenue streams within the same platform.

    While sentiment towards the region has been volatile, the long-term drivers remain intact. Digital adoption continues to rise, and large populations are becoming increasingly connected. This bodes well for its holdings, which include WeChat owner Tencent (SEHK: 700) and Temu owner PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD). This fund was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

    BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

    Another ASX ETF that could be a top pick for the tech rebound is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

    This fund focuses on Australian technology shares, offering exposure to a mix of software, platforms, and digital infrastructure businesses.

    What makes this ETF interesting is that many of its holdings are still in earlier stages of their growth journeys compared to global giants. This can mean higher volatility, but also greater upside if conditions improve. This includes Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

    For investors wanting exposure to local tech innovation, this ETF provides a direct way to access that opportunity. It was recently recommended by a number of analysts at Catapult Wealth.

    BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    A third ASX ETF to consider for the tech rebound is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

    It gives investors exposure to the Nasdaq 100, which includes many of the world’s leading technology and growth companies.

    What stands out here is the scale and profitability of these businesses. Unlike earlier-stage tech companies, many Nasdaq leaders generate significant cash flow and have entrenched positions in global markets.

    These companies are also at the centre of major trends such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services. As these themes continue to evolve, they could drive the next phase of growth.

    With sentiment improving and valuations having reset from previous highs, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers a way to invest in global tech leaders as the sector looks to rebound.

    The post 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy for the tech rebound appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

    A male ASX 200 broker wearing a blue shirt and black tie holds one hand to his chin with the other arm crossed across his body as he watches stock prices on a digital screen while deep in thought

    On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a very strong session and stormed higher. The benchmark index jumped 2.25% to 8,671.8 points.

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

    ASX 200 set to rise

    The Australian share market looks set for another rise on Thursday following a good 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 0.6%, the S&P 500 is up 0.9% and the Nasdaq is 1.25% higher.

    Buy Harvey Norman shares

    Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) shares could be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the retail giant’s shares with a reduced price target of $6.70. Based on its current share price of $4.87, this implies potential upside of 38%. It said: “Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.”

    Oil prices fall

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Thursday after oil prices dropped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.6% to US$99.73 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.8% to US$101.03 a barrel. This has been driven by optimism that a US-Iran peace deal is near.

    Graincorp shares are fully valued

    The team at Bell Potter has also been looking at Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares. However, it thinks the grain exporter’s shares are fully valued at current levels and has retained its hold rating and $6.80 price target. It said: “As the focus shifts to the upcoming crop, soil moisture profiles are in general the opposite of a year ago, being improved in the south and drier in the north. At this stage, the increasing shift in outlook towards an El Nino bias in 2HCY26 warrants consideration against potential yield outcomes.”

    Gold price rises

    ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2.4% to US$4,658.4 an ounce. A softer US dollar gave the precious metal a lift.

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy Limited right now?

    Before you buy Beach Energy Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Beach Energy Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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