Category: Stock Market

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a big gain. The benchmark index rose 1.85% to 8,870.1 points.

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

ASX 200 to rise again

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Tuesday following a decent start to the week on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 33 points or 0.35% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.65%, and the Nasdaq is up 1.15%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.4% to US$64.43 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.6% to US$69.12 a barrel. Traders were buying oil in response to rising US-Iran tensions.

Buy CAR Group shares

The team at Bell Potter thinks that CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) shares are undervalued. In response to its half-year results, the broker has retained its buy rating on the auto listings company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $39.80. It said: “CAR’s global network of auto and non-auto classifieds platforms has scaled the ability to generate cash flows supporting growth investment and shareholder returns simultaneously. CAR is proactively implementing AI solutions across its platforms and geographies on top of a technical eco-system integrated into Dealer management workflows, network effect and unique data sets. Retain Buy.”

Gold price storms higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have another good session on Tuesday after the gold price stormed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2.3% to US$5,094.2 an ounce. The precious metal was boosted by a weaker US dollar.

Sims update

Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) shares will be on watch on Tuesday after the scrap metal company made an announcement after the market close on Monday. Sims revealed that it has entered into an agreement to purchase assets of TCT Trading for US$66.5 million. It advised that this is seen as a key component to consolidating its Houston operations and significantly reducing its operating cost base. The company has also entered into an agreement to sell its nearby Mayo Shell property in Houston.

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

More reading

• Sims consolidates Houston operations with Tri Coastal Trading acquisition
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares worth buying after February’s sell-off
• Up 10%: Everything you need to know about the new Car Group dividend
• UBS raises gold price target to US$6,200 per ounce for this quarter

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

Putting small amounts of money to work regularly is one of the simplest ways to build a diversified portfolio over time. If I had $1,500 to invest right now, I’d be very comfortable splitting it evenly across three ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that give exposure to different regions and styles.

This isn’t about picking a single winner. It’s about spreading bets across global growth engines and letting time do the heavy lifting.

Here’s where I’d put $500 each.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF gives exposure to one of the most important long-term growth regions in the world.

This ETF invests across Asia excluding Japan, with meaningful weightings to China, Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong. These markets are home to globally significant companies and industries, including semiconductors, financial services, ecommerce, and infrastructure.

What I like about allocating a modest amount here is diversification. Asian economies don’t always move in sync with Australia or the US, and long-term growth rates in parts of the region remain structurally higher. It can be volatile at times, but as a long-term allocation, I think Asia deserves a seat at the table.

Putting $500 into the VAE ETF feels like a sensible way to tap into that growth without taking on single-country risk.

Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)

The Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF is a region many investors overlook, but I think it’s worth considering.

European equities tend to trade at more conservative valuations than US markets and offer exposure to world-class global businesses across healthcare, consumer goods, industrials, and financials. These are companies that generate revenue globally, not just within Europe.

The VEQ ETF provides broad exposure across developed European markets, which helps smooth out country-specific risks. It’s not the fastest-growing region in the world, but it does offer diversification and a different return profile to US-heavy portfolios.

For me, allocating $500 here would be about balance. It reduces reliance on a single market and adds exposure to high-quality global operators at reasonable valuations.

iShares Global 100 AUD ETF (ASX: IOO)

The iShares Global 100 AUD ETF is the ETF I’d choose for simple, concentrated exposure to the world’s largest and most influential companies.

The IOO ETF tracks the S&P Global 100 Index, which includes 100 multinational blue-chip businesses that dominate their industries. Its top holdings read like a who’s who of global corporate powerhouses, including NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, Eli Lilly, and Exxon Mobil.

What appeals to me here is clarity. You know exactly what you’re getting. These are companies with scale, pricing power, and global reach. They’re not early-stage growth stories, but they’ve proven their ability to generate cash flow and compound earnings over time.

As a long-term holding, the IOO ETF provides instant access to global leaders across technology, healthcare, energy, and financials, all in a single trade.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $1,500 today, I’d be very comfortable spreading $500 each across the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF, the Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF, and the iShares Global 100 AUD ETF.

Together, they offer exposure to emerging growth in Asia, established global businesses in Europe, and the world’s largest blue-chip companies. It’s not about perfection. It’s about sensible diversification, global reach, and staying invested for the long term.

The post Why I would invest $500 in each of these ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Want to invest in the best stocks in the world? Try these ASX ETFs
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• 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February
• Microsoft shares slump as investors are split on the AI capex boom

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. 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) had a strong day on Monday, rising almost 2%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) is off to a good start to the week as well. 

Both of these important benchmark indexes are tracking close to all-time highs. 

With these valuations looking full, it can be a good time for investors to look elsewhere for opportunities. 

One great way to do this is to invest in global ASX ETFs. 

Many Australian portfolios will already include large exposure to Australian and US shares. 

With that in mind, here are 3 proven ASX ETFs which provide exposure to companies not based in either country. 

Betashares Global Shares Ex Us ETF (ASX: EXUS)

This ASX ETF is one of the newest funds to be listed. 

It aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to 900+ large and mid-cap companies from 22 developed markets excluding the US and Australia.

With the US historically representing the majority of developed markets, adding exposure outside the US provides both geographic and sector diversification. 

According to Betashares, compared to US focused exposures, EXUS ETF has a higher weighting to sectors such as financials and industrials, and a lower weighting to technology.

At the time of writing, no single holding makes up more than 2.2% of the fund. 

Its largest exposure geographically is to: 

• Japan (22.9%)
• Britain (13.2%)
• Canada (12.8%)

Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf (ASX: ASIA)

This has been one of the top performing ASX ETFs over the last 12 months. 

It has risen 42% in that span thanks to outperformance from leading technology stocks across Asia. 

It provides exposure to the 50 largest Asian technology companies not in Japan. 

These are largely based in South Korea, Taiwan and China. 

Within the sector, it has a large exposure to high growth industries such as: 

• Semiconductors (32.5%)
• Tech. Hardware, Storage & Peripherals (21.6%)
• Interactive Media & Services (11.8%)

Vanguard Ftse Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)

Looking elsewhere, this ASX ETF provides exposure to more than 1,200 companies listed in major European markets. 

Geographically, its largest exposure is to: 

• United Kingdom (23.1%)
• Switzerland (14.2%)
• France (14.1%). 

The underlying holdings focus on large and mid-cap companies across financials, industrials, and healthcare.

The European market overall has been a winner in the last 12 months, with this fund rising 16.47% in that span. 

The post 3 ASX ETFs to target with exposure outside the US and Australia appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I would invest $500 in each of these ASX ETFs
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy after the brutal tech selloff
• 3 exciting ASX ETFs with strong long-term growth potential
• 5 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this month
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. 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.

Last week, a report from VanEck laid out the case for ASX REITs to resurge in 2026. 

The report said office and retail REITs currently offer compelling value. 

REIT markets have been under pressure since COVID. However conditions are improving as supply pipelines thin, vacancies stabilise and demand normalises. 

With supportive economic conditions, potentially easing long-term yields and valuations still at discounts, the medium-term outlook for REITs is positive, albeit requiring selective positioning.

One such REIT that could be set to grow this year is Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC).

It is an externally-managed REIT with 91 wholly owned service stations and convenience retail assets. These are largely positioned alongside major roads on the Eastern Australian seaboard. 

Its share price is down roughly 3% over the last 12 months. 

A new report from Bell Potter has indicated it could be undervalued right now. 

Here is what the broker had to say. 

Stability and a strong yield

Bell Potter said the REIT’s 1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations, delivering funds from operation(FFO) per share of 10.5c. 

Full-year FY26 guidance was reaffirmed at 20.9c FFO and 20.9c DPS.

Net tangible assets increased 4.4% over the half, along with solid rental growth. Portfolio fundamentals remained strong at 99.9% occupancy.

The broker also noted that Dexus Convenience Retail has identified two new undisclosed acquisitions for $35m combined spanning one metro and highway site. Settlement is likely to be towards the end of CY26. 

It also said the REIT is differentiated from competitors by the high-quality and long-term tenants that it leases these assets to including Chevron, 7-Eleven, United, Mobil and Ampol.

Buy recommendation in tact 

Based on this guidance from Bell Potter, it retained a buy recommendation on this ASX REIT. 

However the broker did reduce its price target to $3.25 (previously A$3.45). 

The broker still sees upside in tact for this company.

It reinforced that the company delivered a solid result with valuations up 4.4% half-on-half, supported by the commercial service station cycle and expansion into metro/highway assets and fund-through developments, which are improving portfolio quality. 

Rising debt costs make new acquisitions less attractive than six months ago, but the stock still trades at a 27% discount to Net Tangible Assets (NTA), indicating attractive relative value.

It closed trading yesterday at $2.80. 

Based on the price target of $3.25 from Bell Potter, the broker sees an upside of 16.07%. 

The post Broker tips 16% upside for this ASX REIT appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Forget term deposits and buy these ASX dividend shares

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.

When share prices fall 20% to 50% in a year, it’s easy to assume something is fundamentally broken. Sometimes that’s true. But other times, the market overshoots, pricing in far more bad news than actually eventuates.

Right now, I think there are a few ASX shares sitting firmly in that second camp. They’ve been hit by a mix of cyclical headwinds, short-term disappointments, and weak sentiment, but their long-term investment cases remain intact.

These are three cheap ASX shares I think are strong buys this month.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is not a stock that often looks cheap, which is why its share price decline over the past year stands out.

The weakness has been driven by slower-than-expected growth in its core hearing implant business, cost pressures, and cautious sentiment around margins. None of that is ideal, but it’s also not structural.

Cochlear remains the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, operating in a market with high barriers to entry and long product lifecycles. Its installed base continues to grow, supporting recurring revenue from upgrades, accessories, and services over time.

Demand for hearing solutions is also supported by powerful demographic tailwinds. Ageing populations don’t disappear just because growth is softer for a year or two. With expectations now far lower than they were previously, I think the risk-reward has become much more attractive.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates has been one of the hardest-hit large-cap consumer names on the ASX, with its share price down sharply over the past 12 months.

The reasons are well understood. Softer demand for premium wine, cost-of-living pressures, and challenges across key markets have weighed heavily on earnings and sentiment. On top of that, the company has been working through portfolio changes and operational resets, which has created near-term uncertainty.

What interests me now is how much pessimism is already reflected in the share price. Treasury Wine still owns a portfolio of globally recognised brands, generates solid cash flow through the cycle, and is expected to see dividends recover as conditions normalise.

This looks like a classic case of a quality consumer business being priced for prolonged weakness. If demand stabilises even modestly, the upside with this ASX share could surprise.

James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie Industries is another example of a high-quality ASX share caught in a cyclical downturn.

The housing slowdown in the US and other key markets has pressured volumes and margins, which has flowed directly into the share price. As a result, the stock is now trading well below where it sat a year ago.

However, James Hardie’s competitive position has not changed. It remains the market leader in fibre cement products, with strong brand recognition, pricing power, and exposure to long-term renovation and repair demand, not just new builds.

Housing cycles turn. When they do, businesses with scale and strong distribution networks tend to recover faster and more profitably than smaller competitors. That’s why I see current weakness as an opportunity rather than a reason to stay away.

Foolish takeaway

Cheap doesn’t always mean attractive, but when quality businesses fall 20% to 50% in a year, it’s worth paying attention.

Cochlear, Treasury Wine Estates, and James Hardie have all been hit by short-term headwinds and negative sentiment. In my view, the market has become too focused on what’s gone wrong recently and not focused enough on what these businesses can earn over the long run.

For investors willing to look beyond the next quarter or two, I think these cheap ASX shares offer compelling opportunities this month.

The post I think these cheap ASX shares are strong buys this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• How low can this ASX 200 share go after losing 53%?
• Earnings preview: How do experts rate these blue-chip ASX stocks reporting this week?
• Why these battered ASX shares deserve a second look
• 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump

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

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) has been one of the many ASX materials stocks charging higher in the last 12 months. 

The company is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of explosives and blasting systems, primarily to the mining industry. 

It is the world’s number one supplier of commercial explosives with operations across more than 100 countries and an approximate market share of around 28%.

Its share price has risen by 50% in the last 12 months. 

This helped it qualify as one of the 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 4.5% in that same period. 

It seems there could be more growth ahead for this ASX materials stock. 

A new report from Bell Potter released yesterday included a price target increase, along with an unchanged buy recommendation. 

Here is what the broker had to say. 

Market dynamics still favourable 

According to yesterday’s report, mining activity across the company’s two largest Blasting Solutions geographies (Australia Pacific & Asia and North America) continue to exhibit positive momentum in FY26TD.

Bell Potter said in Australia, the iron ore majors delivered record production in the Dec’ 25 quarter. 

In addition, the rapid appreciation of spodumene concentrate prices has prompted producers to assess plans to reactivate idled production capacity. 

Looking ahead, the Australian government projects iron ore and gold production CAGR of 3% and 12% over FY25-27, respectively.

Based on estimates, mining-related activity in North America was about 5% higher in Oct – Nov 2025 compared to Oct – Nov 2024.

In Canada, production of copper concentrate, gold and coal grew 13%, 8% and 1% YoY in Oct-Nov’25.

In summary, Bell Potter believes this ASX materials stock is benefiting from strong momentum across global mining and exploration.

This is being driven by rising production, higher commodity prices, and surging exploration funding – supporting confidence in higher activity levels and making the upgraded mid-teens Digital Solutions EBIT growth target achievable.

Target price rises for the ASX materials stock

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter lifted its price target to $28.50 from $26.00, while EPS forecasts remain unchanged.

The broker retained its buy recommendation. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $26.03, this indicates an approximate upside of 9.49%. 

The broker said EBIT growth is expected to continue on the back of strong mining and exploration conditions, solid operations and product mix. 

We expect EBIT growth momentum to be sustained in the short-to-medium term underpinned by cyclical tailwinds in mining and exploration markets. EBIT growth is expected to be supported by further premium product uptake, robust facility performance across AN and sodium cyanide supply networks and commercial discipline.

The post Is this ASX materials stock still a buy after rising 50% in the last year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Why I would invest $500 in each of these ASX ETFs
• 3 ASX ETFs to target with exposure outside the US and Australia
• Broker tips 16% upside for this ASX REIT
• I think these cheap ASX shares are strong buys this month

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

Yesterday, Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) announced it is moving to consolidate its Houston operations, agreeing to acquire Tri Coastal Trading assets for US$66.5 million and planning to sell its Mayo Shell property.

What did Sims report?

• Agreement to acquire Tri Coastal Trading (TCT) assets for US$66.5 million
• Expected proceeds from Mayo Shell property sale estimated at over US$100 million
• EBITDA multiple for the acquisition projected at less than 4x post synergies
• Combined Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) for Houston operations expected in excess of 20% post synergies
• Total Houston EBITDA (post-integration and synergies) forecast to exceed US$25 million

What else do investors need to know?

Sims’ acquisition includes the novation of TCT’s Enstructure LLC service agreement, securing exclusive access to a deep-sea dock and harbourside land in Houston’s Galena Park industrial area for the next 18 years, with options for further extension. This move will allow Sims to consolidate its operations, reduce operating and administrative costs, and boost logistics capabilities for sourcing and shipping scrap metal both domestically and overseas.

The planned sale of surplus land, including Mayo Shell, forms part of ongoing portfolio optimisation and is expected to recycle capital into higher-return opportunities. The Mayo Shell transaction remains subject to customary conditions and due diligence, with closure anticipated in the coming months.

What did Sims management say?

CEO and Managing Director Stephen Mikkelsen said:

We have been looking for a solution to our Houston business for some time. It is a big market. Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA and Texas’s GDP is US$2.5 trillion, the second largest in the USA. It also operates heavy industries such as oil and energy that have high metal intensity. While we have made significant progress in turning our Houston business around over the last two years, its ultimate potential was always hampered by the lack of a deep-sea dock, which would have only been achievable with significant capital expenditure at our Mayo Shell site.

TCT is an ideal solution to this problem. We free up all our Houston land for sale, avoid significant capital expenditure on the current facilities, significantly reduce our cost per tonne, and meaningfully grow our EBITDA, EBIT and ROIC.

What’s next for Sims?

The company will focus on integrating TCT’s operations, consolidating Houston activities at the Enstructure facility and realising synergies to improve earnings. Sims also plans to complete the sale of Mayo Shell and market additional Houston land parcels over the next 18 months.

Management reaffirmed ongoing efforts to optimise the asset base and recycle capital into higher-return investments, positioning Sims Limited to deliver sustained value for shareholders.

Sims share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Sims shares have risen 50%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Sims consolidates Houston operations with Tri Coastal Trading acquisition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares have enjoyed sector tailwinds to start 2026. 

The Australian coal mining company has seen its share price rise 55% in the last 12 months. 

That includes a gain of 17% already in 2026 alone. 

Whitehaven Coal develops and operates coal mines in Queensland and New South Wales. The company produces metallurgical and thermal coal. It operates mines, including open-cut and underground, located in the Gunnedah Coal Basin in New South Wales.

It has benefited from a surge in global commodity prices as the Australian energy sector has steamed ahead so far this year.

However after such a rapid rise, investors may be considering selling to cash in profits. 

A new report from Ord Minnett has provided updated guidance. 

Here is what the wealth and investment services firm had to say. 

Commodity tailwinds picking up

In a note out of Ord Minnett yesterday, it said Whitehaven Coal delivered a strong December-quarter result. 

This included managed production of 8.7 million tonnes (Mt). 

This exceeded Ord Minnett’s expectations by approximately 10%. 

Additionally, net debt declined faster than expected to $700 million. This was 6% below estimates. 

Ord Minnett said the improving outlook for metallurgical coal provides a significant tailwind, and it forecasts a strong underlying free cash flow (FCF) outlook for CY26 of $590 million for an 8% yield. 

This is based on a commodity price forecast of US$210 a tonne for premium low-volatile hard coking coal (PLV-HCC) in CY26. 

Price target adjustment

Whitehaven Coal shares closed yesterday at $9.16 after a 3% gain. 

Ord Minnett said after incorporating the December-quarter result, its target price increased 4% to $9.90. 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates a further upside of approximately 8%. 

We reaffirm our Accumulate recommendation given the outlook for underlying FCF and shareholder returns, although we note Whitehaven is starting to screen less attractively against smaller peers that have greater metallurgical coal exposure.

‍What are other experts saying about Whitehaven Coal shares?

Sentiment appears mixed on Whitehaven Coal shares. 

Late last month, the team at Bell Potter placed a sell recommendation on the coal miner. 

This was along with a price target of $8.40, which is slightly below current levels. 

Bell Potter said near-term output from Queensland is expected to be disrupted by heavy rainfall and Cyclone Koji. 

The broker also warned metallurgical coal prices could ease from current elevated levels.

Elsewhere, target prices are hovering between $8.40 and $9.90, with the most common rating being a hold. 

The post Is there any more upside for Whitehaven Coal shares according to Ord Minnett? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Imricor, Ioneer, Star, and Whitehaven Coal shares are falling today
• Why it’s time to sell Whitehaven Coal shares – Expert
• Why Appen, Imricor, Sunrise Metals, and Whitehaven Coal shares are charging higher today
• Why is the Whitehaven Coal share price smashing the benchmark on Thursday?

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.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to grow in popularity with Australians, with billions being poured into them each year.

It isn’t hard to see why they are so popular. These financial assets make investing easy and allow investors to gain exposure to areas of the market that would ordinarily be difficult to achieve.

But which ones could be worth considering if you had $20,000 to invest in the share market this month? Let’s take a look at five funds that could at least be deserving of a spot on your watchlist.

Here’s what you need to know about them:

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF gives investors direct exposure to the stocks leading the charge in cybersecurity. Its portfolio includes major players such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), which are benefiting from surging demand for cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, and enterprise protection. With cyberattacks only getting more prevalent, this ASX ETF taps into a long-duration megatrend.

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth a closer look is the Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF. It provides investors with easy exposure to the leading companies in battery materials, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. Its holdings include Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB), and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL). It was recently recommended by analysts at Global X.

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

A third ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF. It brings together some of the most innovative stocks on the ASX, tracking the performance of the S&P/ASX All Technology Index. Its holdings include WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). These businesses are expanding globally while generating recurring revenue from software and digital services. Following a sharp decline in recent months, now could be an opportune time to consider a position. This fund was recently recommended by the fund manager.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

If you want a simple way to invest in Australian shares, then the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF could be the way to do it. This fund tracks the 300 largest stocks on the ASX, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL). It could work well as a core portfolio holding for those wanting long-term stability, broad diversification, and a source of income.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

Lastly, the Betashares India Quality ETF could be worth considering. It offers an easy way for Aussie investors to tap into India’s economy, which is one of the fastest growing in the world. This ASX ETF invests in 30 of India’s highest-quality stocks. Key holdings include Infosys (NYSE: INFY), Hindustan Unilever, and ICICI Bank. With India expected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, this fund gives investors a foothold in a market driven by a young population, rapid urbanisation, and surging middle-class spending. It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 5 ASX ETFs to buy with $20,000 in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CSL, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Technology One, Tesla, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, CrowdStrike, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for small-cap ASX shares to buy, then read on.

Listed below are two that experts are tipping as buys and one that they believe investors should be selling, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what they are recommending:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The team at Ord Minnett thinks that respiratory imaging technology company 4DMedical is a small-cap ASX share to sell now.

However, this isn’t due to a lack of quality. The recommendation is based on valuation grounds after a very strong rise over the past 12 months. It explains:

4DX enjoyed a positive start to calendar year 2026 after the company announced UC San Diego Health had adopted its CT:VQ product. Also, the company completed a $150 million institutional placement to primarily accelerate the commercialisation of CT:VQ. The share price has risen from 32 cents on June 2, 2025 to trade at $3.16 on February 5, 2026. In our view, there’s a growing disconnect between 4DX’s valuation and the uncertainty around near term CT:VQ revenue generation. While we remain positive on 4DX’s technology, we pull back to a sell recommendation on valuation grounds.

Legacy Minerals Holdings Ltd (ASX: LGM)

Over at Alto Capital, analysts think this mineral exploration company is a buy.

It notes that the company is due to release its scoping study for Mt Carrington in the coming months, which could be a positive catalyst for its shares. Alto Capital said:

This exploration company focuses on gold, silver and base metals targets in New South Wales, with its flagship Mt Carrington project located in the Lachlan Fold Belt. Recent funding has strengthened the balance sheet and supports ongoing drilling across priority targets. The company is also expected to release a revised scoping study for Mt Carrington in March, providing a key near term catalyst. While early stage exploration carries inherent geological risk, any success at Mt Carrington would be significant given LGM’s modest market capitalisation.

Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS)

This investment platform provider’s shares could be a buy according to analysts at Ord Minnett.

It has been pleased with its performance in FY 2026 and believes the trend can continue thanks to its improving outlook. Ord Minnett explains:

PPS provides an investment platform to enable financial advisers to manage client accounts. The company’s second quarter update in fiscal year 2026 revealed some encouraging trends, even if progress was uneven across its products. Improving inflows to the Powerwrap platform was a highlight, while Praemium SMA was impacted by a client transition. Overall, net inflows were solid and platform funds under administration of $32.5 billion were up 8 per cent and in line with expectations. We still see an improving outlook for PPS.

The post Experts name 2 small-cap ASX shares to buy and one to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why this incredible ASX tech stock could be ‘set to conquer’
• Why 4DMedical, DroneShield, New Hope, and Zip shares are pushing higher today

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 positions in and has recommended Praemium. 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.