Category: Stock Market

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares could be a top pick in the tech sector.

That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who are recommending the ASX tech stock ahead of its results next week.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter believes that Catapult will release a strong update next week and sees potential for stronger than expected earnings. It said:

Catapult will report its FY26 result next Wednesday, 20th May and we expect a result consistent with the trading update provided in late March if not slightly better. The one figure where we see some upside risk is management EBITDA where the guidance is growth of approximately 50% which implies a figure of c.US$22.9m and we forecast US$23.0m whereas consensus appears to be only around US$22.4m.

The other key metrics we expect to be consistent with the guidance of ACV b/w US133-134m (vs BPe US$133.6m), free cash flow excluding transaction costs b/w US$5-6m (vs BPe US$5.6m) and Rule of 40 >33% (vs BPe 44%/34% including/excluding IMPECT on a constant currency basis).

Bell Potter notes that the tech stock has provided the same guidance for two years running. The broker believes it will be more of the same with this update. It adds:

Catapult has provided the same guidance the last two years: ACV growth to remain strong with low churn; continued improvement in cost margins towards targets; and higher free cash flow as the business scales. We expect the same guidance to be provided again for FY27 and our forecasts are already generally consistent with that: ACV growth of 15% to US$153m and management EBITDA margin to increase from 16.7% in FY26 to 20.4% in FY27.

ASX tech stock tipped to rise

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX tech stock with a trimmed price target of $4.50 (from $4.75).

Based on its current share price of $3.10, this implies potential upside of 45% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

We have lowered the multiple we apply in the EV/EBITDA valuation from 27.5x to 25x and increased the WACC we apply in the DCF from 8.6% to 8.8% due to the continued weakness in the tech sector.

Catapult remains our key pick in the tech sector amongst mid cap stocks outside the S&P/ASX 100 index. We see little risk of AI disruption for the stock given its extensive proprietary data, multiple product platform and the hardware component to its solutions.

The post Bell Potter says this rapidly growing ASX tech stock could rise 45% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 super ASX tech stocks I’d buy in May with $3,000
• After declining nearly 50% in 6 months, has this ASX tech stock finally turned the corner?
• These 2 ASX All Ords shares are flying higher today, and tipped to jump another 70%
• 2 top ASX shares down over 50% to buy now

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

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have gone from market darling to deep-value debate in just a year.

The ASX software giant is now down around 65% over the past 12 months and roughly 46% year-to-date, sitting only marginally above its 52-week low.

At a market capitalisation of about $13 billion, investors are now asking a blunt question: how much further can WiseTech shares fall?

CargoWise remains central to global trade

WiseTech is best known for its flagship platform CargoWise, a logistics execution system used across the global supply chain industry.

This is not lightweight software. CargoWise is deeply embedded into mission-critical workflows including freight forwarding, customs compliance, shipping documentation, routing, and global trade processing.

Once integrated, systems like this are notoriously difficult and expensive to replace. That creates high switching costs, strong customer retention, and long-term recurring revenue visibility, typically the hallmarks of high-quality software businesses.

Why the market has turned cautious

Despite those fundamentals, investors in WiseTech shares have become increasingly uneasy.

Concerns have built around valuation compression following years of strong performance, as well as perceived risks tied to WiseTech’s acquisition-heavy growth strategy.

Broader macro factors have also weighed on sentiment, including global trade uncertainty and fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt parts of enterprise software over time.

On top of that, ongoing board-related issues have contributed to volatility and shaken investor confidence.

Geopolitical tensions have added another layer of complexity. Disruptions linked to global shipping routes — including risks around the Strait of Hormuz — have created uncertainty for freight flows and trade volumes.

However, these pressures appear cyclical rather than structural. Global trade may fluctuate, but it is not disappearing.

Massive long-term opportunity still in play

Despite the sharp decline of WiseTech shares, the company continues to highlight a large long-term opportunity.

At its recent Macquarie Australia Conference presentation, the company reiterated that CargoWise is targeting an addressable logistics market exceeding US$11 trillion.

Beyond its core platform, WiseTech is also expanding into adjacent areas such as TradeWise, trade finance, customs systems, border management, and digital identity verification.

In other words, the company is still building out a broader global trade ecosystem.

Guidance remains steady, margins remain elite

Importantly, WiseTech has not downgraded its outlook.

The company continues to guide for FY26 revenue between US$1.39 billion and US$1.44 billion, alongside EBITDA of US$550 million to US$585 million. That implies EBITDA margins of around 40% to 41%, an elite level for enterprise software.

That margin strength helps explain why WiseTech shares historically traded on premium valuations.

Management is also leaning heavily into artificial intelligence, aiming to improve productivity, reduce labour intensity, and enhance platform capabilities across CargoWise.

What analysts are saying

Broker sentiment remains surprisingly constructive despite the collapse.

TradingView data shows 15 of 17 analysts rate the stock as a buy or strong buy, with the average price target sitting at $73.47 — more than double current levels.

At the bullish end, some forecasts imply upside of more than 200%. Bell Potter recently maintained its buy rating with a $78.75 price target.

The post WiseTech shares crash 65% — is the bottom near? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ASX tech shares vs. ATEC ETF: How they fared during sector downturn
• What on earth’s going on with WiseTech shares?
• Why Amotiv, DroneShield, Life360, and WiseTech shares are tumbling today
• Why is everyone talking about WiseTech, GQG and Life360 shares on Tuesday?
• 1 smashed-up ASX share I’d buy before it rebounds

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

Shares in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) have had an absolute shocker this week.

Actually, scratch that. It has been a rough month and an even tougher year.

CBA shares have now plunged 12% over the past five trading days, fallen 16% in the past month, and are sitting more than 7% lower than this time last year.

That is a brutal reversal for what had long been considered the market’s untouchable blue-chip bank stock.

So why is everyone suddenly rushing for the exits?

Painful double whammy

On Wednesday, CBA shares suffered one of the sharpest single-day falls in the bank’s history after getting hit by a painful double whammy.

The first blow came from Tuesday night’s Federal Budget. Investors appear increasingly concerned the government’s housing policy changes could pressure the property market and, in turn, hurt major ASX banks like CBA.

The abolition of negative gearing and tighter capital gains tax settings don’t exactly scream “housing boom”. If property prices soften, it could eventually flow through to slower mortgage growth, weaker lending activity, and rising credit risk for the banks.

Bracing for tougher times

But the budget alone wasn’t enough to spark such a savage sell-off. The second hit came from CBA’s own quarterly update released Wednesday morning.

At first glance, the numbers looked reasonably solid. Operating income was flat over the three months to 31 March, while cash profit still managed to rise 4% compared to the previous quarter.

However, investors in CBA shares seemed far more focused on what management said about the future.

CBA warned that economic and geopolitical risks are increasing. More importantly, it backed up that caution by lifting its collective provisions for loan impairment by $200 million. That followed another $316 million in loan impairments during the quarter itself.

In other words, the bank is preparing for a potentially tougher environment ahead and the market clearly did not like the signal.

Limited growth pathway

But there is another reason this sell-off may have become so violent.

CBA shares were arguably primed for a correction long before this week’s drama unfolded.

There is no denying CBA is one of Australia’s highest-quality businesses. It dominates the local banking sector, has a powerful brand, and continues generating enormous profits. But it’s also a mature bank operating in a highly competitive market with limited long-term growth avenues.

Yet even after the recent plunge, CBA still trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 25. That remains dramatically more expensive than rivals like National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), which currently trades closer to 19 times earnings.

Valuation gap

For many analysts, that valuation gap simply became too difficult to justify.

According to TradingView data, broker sentiment toward CBA shares remains firmly negative even after the sell-off. Morgans retained its sell rating following the quarterly update and cut its price target to $119.40. That still implies roughly 23% downside from current levels.

The broker noted that growth momentum has slowed since the first half and argued the shares continue to look expensive despite the recent crash.

So, is the sell-off over?

Possibly not.

Because while CBA remains a world-class bank, investors are finally starting to question whether its premium valuation was ever sustainable in the first place.

The post Why is everyone selling CBA shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: COG Financial Services, Macquarie, CBA shares
• The CBA share price crash was an accident waiting to happen. Here’s why
• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Life360, and Macquarie shares
• NAB shares slump 26% from their peak: Buy, sell or hold?
• Are CBA shares a buy after the latest sell-off?

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.

Starting an investment portfolio can feel more complicated than it needs to be.

There are thousands of shares to choose from, constant market commentary to filter, and plenty of wild swings.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can make the first step much simpler. They allow investors to buy a basket of assets in a single trade, which means instant diversification without having to pick every holding individually.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could help new investors get started.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF.

It is designed as an all-in-one investment option. It provides exposure to Australian shares, international shares, emerging markets, and a smaller allocation to defensive assets.

That makes it a useful starting point for investors who want broad diversification without having to build everything themselves.

The fund has a high-growth profile, meaning most of its exposure is to shares. This gives it stronger long-term return potential than more conservative options, but it also means investors should expect market volatility along the way.

For someone who wants a simple first ETF, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF could be worth considering.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF that could appeal to new investors is the popular iShares S&P 500 ETF.

It tracks the S&P 500 index, giving investors exposure to many of the largest listed companies in the United States.

Its holdings include companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT).

The US market is home to a large number of global leaders across technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, and industrials. This fund allows Australian investors to access that market through the ASX.

This can be useful for diversification. The Australian share market is heavily weighted toward banks and miners, while the S&P 500 index gives investors exposure to a broader set of global businesses.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

A third ASX ETF for beginners to consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

It gives investors exposure to the Australian share market by holding a broad portfolio of ASX-listed companies.

Its 300 holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

This means the ETF could appeal to investors who want simple exposure to local shares, including companies they already know and use.

For those starting out, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF provides a straightforward way to invest in a broad slice of the local market.

The post How to start investing with ASX ETFs in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which Australian ETFs would be top buys this month?
• Why Aussie investors are pouring into international ASX ETFs
• 3 reasons to buy and hold the IVV ETF forever
• Are these ASX ETF giants still worth buying today?
• After surging nearly 200%, is this the best ASX ETF in 2026?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Walmart, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Passive income can come from many parts of the ASX.

Some companies generate cash flow from essential assets. Others are supported by long-term contracts, recurring demand, or disciplined capital management.

Here are three ASX dividend shares that could be worth looking at.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

The first ASX dividend share with a distinctive income profile is Rural Funds Group.

It owns agricultural assets across Australia and leases them to operators in sectors such as cattle, cropping, macadamias, almonds, and vineyards.

That structure gives shareholders exposure to rental income from farmland without the need to run the farms directly. It also means the group’s earnings are tied to long-term agricultural assets rather than traditional office, retail, or industrial property.

The appeal here is the essential nature of the end market. Food production remains a long-term need, and high-quality agricultural land is a finite asset.

For investors seeking passive income from real assets, Rural Funds offers a way to access agriculture through the ASX.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX dividend share worth considering is Transurban Group.

It owns and operates toll road networks in Australia and North America. These are long-life infrastructure assets located in major urban corridors.

Its income is supported by traffic volumes and toll revenue, with many concessions having pricing structures that can increase over time.

This gives Transurban a different profile from companies exposed to discretionary consumer spending. Roads remain important to commuters, freight operators, and airport traffic, even if usage can fluctuate during weaker periods.

With population growth and urban congestion continuing to support demand for transport infrastructure, Transurban arguably remains one of the ASX’s key passive income shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third ASX dividend share that could be worth a look is Universal Store.

It operates youth-focused fashion retail stores across Australia, with brands including Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and Thrills.

Retail can be cyclical, but Universal Store has shown an ability to connect with younger shoppers through curated ranges, own brands, and a strong store experience.

This is a different type of income idea from infrastructure or property. It carries more exposure to consumer spending, but it also offers the potential for dividend growth if the business keeps executing well.

And with its shares hitting a 52-week low this week, now could be an opportune time to open a position.

The post Hunting passive income? Here are three ASX dividend shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Rural Funds Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares slumped further on Thursday.

At the close of the ASX on Thursday, the shares were are 0.92% lower at $8.59 a piece.

The tumble means the airline’s shares are now 18% lower year to date and 14% lower than this time last year.

The airline’s shares have faced significant headwinds so far in 2026 as conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel prices put the business under pressure.

The largest operating cost for airlines is its jet fuel, which is refined from crude oil. 

Australia imports more than 90% of its refined fuel, which means local prices track global oil prices and currency movements. 

When oil prices rise due to tight supply or geopolitical tensions, jet fuel prices also rise. This then means that airlines, such as Qantas, face higher operating costs, which can pressure profits and potentially weigh on their share prices.

Last month, the flying Kangaroo confirmed that its fuel costs for the second half of FY26 are now estimated to be significantly higher than prior expectations, at $3.3 billion. The airline previously forecast fuel costs to be around $2.2 billion. 

But Qantas has a plan to help tackle rising costs. The airline said it will increase ticket prices and reduce domestic capacity by about 5% in May and June. It will also temporarily suspend some routes. International fares have already risen by 5%.

It hasn’t been enough to ignite investor confidence, though, and the shares keep on tumbling.

The thing is. At the current trading price of $8.59, I think Qantas shares are now a bargain. Here’s why.

Second-half fuel exposure is hedged

Qantas said that around 90% of its second-half fuel exposure is already hedged. Its plan to increase fares and make some route changes will also help to recover part of the fuel price pressure.

Qantas is a dominant airline

The aviation heavyweight has dominated the Australian domestic aviation market for decades alongside rival Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN). Qantas’ share of the domestic market currently accounts for around 60%, and it’s still growing.

It’s expanding its offshore routes

The airline is planning to expand its route offering offshore, including routes to mainland US, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hawaii, which will open up more demand. 

Meanwhile, its subsidiary, Jetstar, is adding capacity to routes to Bali, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore, and it operated its first direct flight to the Philippines late last year.

Qantas is branching out with AI

The company is also planning to scale AI usage across the business this year. Earlier in 2026, the Qantas CEO said the business is laying the foundations for increased AI use and that he thinks Australia needs to move quickly on the “unprecedented” opportunities it represents. 

Travel demand is still stronger than expected

Despite cost-of-living pressures and higher fares, demand for domestic, international, and corporate travel remains high. 

In fact, last month, Qantas significantly upgraded its second-half FY26 revenue guidance off the back of strong demand and capacity shifts despite higher fuel costs. Its international and domestic unit revenues are currently running ahead of expectations. 

Brokers tip a strong upside ahead

Market Index data shows a consensus strong buy rating for Qantas shares. The average $11.25 target price implies a potential 30% upside ahead. 

TradingView data shows that some are even more bullish and are tipping the airline’s shares to climb as high as 49% to $12.80 a piece, at the time of writing. 

The post At just $8.59, it looks like Qantas shares are a bargain buy: Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Graincorp, Air New Zealand and Megaport shares are turning heads on Thursday
• Air NZ warns of ‘fuel shock’, what this means for Qantas shares
• 3 ASX retail shares exposed to a drop in consumer spending
• Down 17% since February, why Qantas shares are looking like a bargain buy
• How much passive income could I make with $10,000 in Qantas shares?

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.

ASX industrials stock ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) hit yearly highs back in March. 

However since then, it has fallen over 14%. 

A new note out of the team at Morgans suggests this could be an opportunity for investors to buy the dip. 

Company overview

ALS is one of the world’s largest laboratory testing, inspection, certification, and verification businesses. It operates from around 350 sites across 65 countries.

The company also provides environmental, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage testing and certification. ALS has a multi-billion dollar market capitalisation and is part of the ASX 100.

Its share price rose 60% in the 12 months to March 2026, however since then has been on a downward trend. 

However the team at Morgans expects this to be corrected over the next 12 months. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Perfect storm presents an opportunity

The team at Morgans said this ASX industrials stock’s recent share price weakness reflects a perfect storm of headwinds – slowing organic growth from offshore peers, FX pressure, Middle East exposure, and concerns around fuel availability. 

We have sought to capture the first three in our forecasts and see limited net impact at the group level, as softer Life Sciences growth is offset by a stronger Commodities outlook. Fuel availability is an unknown, though we view any disruption as a blip given juniors’ balance sheets and supportive commodity prices. Copper is trading at all-time highs (US$6.65/lb) and the GDXJ is back around the 2011-12 cycle peak, when exploration spend topped US$20.0bn. This is +65% above CY25 spend (US$12.4bn) and over +125% higher in real terms.

Target price rises

Based on this guidance, Morgans has increased its price target to $27.20 (from $25.30).

From yesterday’s closing price of $22.27, this indicates a 22% upside. 

Morgans isn’t the only broker with an optimistic view for this ASX industrials stock. 

According to TradingView, 8 analysts offering a one year price target have an average price target of $24.34, and maximum of $28.

This indicates an upside potential between 9% and 25%. 

Similarly, UBS recently put a buy rating on the business, with a price target of $26. 

The broker said there are early signs of a recovery in the resources exploration cycle. 

Geochemistry demand continues to be driven primarily by major miners, despite increased capital raising activity among junior and mid-tier miners, indicating the sector remains in the early stages of the exploration cycle.

UBS also noted that ALS appears to be recapturing previous geochemistry pricing discounts as demand strengthens.

The post Why investors should buy the dip on this ASX industrials stock 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.

A recent report showed the continued rise in popularity of ASX ETFs. 

It’s clear that Australians are more consistently turning to ASX ETFs for diversification and growth prospects. 

This increased investment is pushing funds higher this week. 

Here are five funds hitting record highs. 

Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

This fund pushed to a new all-time high yesterday, flirting with $21 per share during Thursday’s trading session. 

Yesterday’s gain now takes its 12 month return to over 83%. 

The fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) comprising the 50 largest technology and online retail stocks in Asia (ex-Japan).

Many of these companies are leading Asia’s (ex-Japan) technological revolution.

Global X AI Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)

This ASX ETF from Global X also hit an all-time high during Thursday. 

The artificial intelligence movement has accelerated as businesses and industries have accepted AI demand is real, not theoretical. 

The benefits are spreading beyond software into hardware, infrastructure and materials. 

This ASX ETF has captured these tailwinds in a thematic fund, and is now up over 65% in the last 12 months. 

It offers targeted exposure to the physical and operational backbone enabling AI’s global expansion. 

While most AI investments focus on chips or platforms, AINF ETF looks underneath the surface at the energy, data, and materials infrastructure powering this transformation.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

This new fund from Vanguard has enjoyed a steady climb since its initial listing in March 2026. 

It rose again yesterday, pushing to a new all-time high. 

This fund aims to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index, giving investors exposure to 500 of the largest publicly listed companies in the United States. 

It is up more than 6% in its short history. 

Betashares Climate Change Innovation ETF (ASX: ERTH)

This ESG focussed ETF hit yearly highs yesterday. 

It comprises a portfolio of up to 100 leading global companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and services that help to address climate change and other environmental problems through the reduction or avoidance of CO2 emissions. 

This covers clean energy providers, along with leading companies tackling green transport, waste management, sustainable product development, and improved energy efficiency and storage.

It is now up over 18% in the last 12 months. 

VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE)

Another ESG focussed fund, this ASX ETF has rocketed 70% higher in the last 12 months. 

It is now also trading at a 52-week high.

It gives investors a diversified portfolio of 30 of the largest and most liquid companies involved in clean energy production and associated technology and clean energy equipment globally.

The post These ASX ETFs are smashing record highs  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• These ASX ETFs just hit 52-week highs but I’d still buy them
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• How to tap into Asia’s growth using ASX ETFs

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.

The shift to clean energy is creating a decade-long demand surge for copper, lithium, and iron ore. 

Australia’s big three miners sit right at the centre of it.

The world needs enormous quantities of copper, lithium, and iron ore to build wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and the grid infrastructure that ties it all together. 

Australia’s three largest miners have been reshaping their portfolios to benefit from this.

Investors who recognise that shift early could benefit handsomely.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP has made its strategic direction clear: copper is the future. 

The company reported a 31% increase in its average realised copper price to US$5.47 per pound in its March quarter update. 

The copper price itself has been one of the standout commodity stories of 2026, climbing 27% year to date to trade above US$12,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange.

This has been driven by surging demand from electrification and AI data centre construction. 

BHP’s Escondida mine in Chile, the world’s largest copper operation, and its Olympic Dam asset in South Australia position it as one of the best ways to gain exposure to the copper megatrend.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Rio Tinto has arguably made the most aggressive pivot toward energy transition metals of any major global miner. 

The company’s $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium immediately positioned Rio as one of the world’s largest lithium producers. 

Its Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia is on track to become the world’s fourth largest copper operation by 2028. 

The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea shipped its first cargo in December 2025, with 2026 ramp-up targets of five to ten million tonnes marking the beginning of what will eventually become a major earnings contributor. 

Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan both noted the Arcadium acquisition as a well-timed entry into the lithium market.

Beyond that, Rio’s 60% dividend payout policy makes it attractive to income-focused investors alongside the growth story.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

Fortescue takes a different but no less ambitious approach to the green transition. 

The company committed to spending US$6.2 billion on decarbonisation, including a US$680 million investment to accelerate its 200-megawatt Pilbara Green Energy Project. 

The goal is net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across all operations by 2030, a target that would make Fortescue one of the greenest large-scale miners in the world. 

Fortescue shares have risen substantially over the past six months, reflecting both the iron ore price recovery and growing investor appreciation for its clean energy ambitions.

Foolish takeaway

BHP leads on copper scale. 

Rio brings diversification across copper and lithium. 

Fortescue bets that green iron ore production itself becomes a competitive advantage. 

For long-term investors for whom the impact of their investments is important, and who are willing to navigate commodity price volatility, all three deserve serious consideration. 

The post 3 ASX mining stocks positioned to benefit from the green transition appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Rio Tinto shares hit fresh all-time high. Can they keep going?
• Can these ASX shares hitting record highs keep climbing?
• BHP shares just hit a new all-time high. Here’s why
• BHP shares regain their market crown as CBA slides 10%
• Why Arafura, Aristocrat, BHP, and Perenti shares are racing higher today

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

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) snapped its losing streak with a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.1% to 8,640.7 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Friday following a solid night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 51 points or 0.5% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.75%, the S&P 500 rose 0.75%, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch on Friday after a decent night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.95% to US$102.00 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$106.55 a barrel. With no sign of a US-Iran peace deal being agreed, traders have been bidding oil prices higher.

Hold Graincorp shares

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares were out of form and sank 13% on Thursday following the release of its half-year results. The team at Bell Potter doesn’t think this is a buying opportunity. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating with a reduced price target of $5.90 (from $6.80). It said: “Global production forecasts for 2026/27 remain at elevated levels (~2% above the 5YR avg.), suggesting ongoing tight grain trading margins. Oilseed crush margins remain strong and have the potential to be a tailwind as hedge positions rollover.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.1% to US$4,656 an ounce. Rising oil prices appear to have spooked traders. They may believe higher inflation could increase the risk of rate hikes.

Buy Catapult shares

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares are being undervalued by the market according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the sports technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $4.50 (from $4.75). It commented: “Catapult remains our key pick in the tech sector amongst mid cap stocks outside the S&P/ASX 100 index. We see little risk of AI disruption for the stock given its extensive proprietary data, multiple product platform and the hardware component to its solutions.”

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 slips as weakness spreads across the board
• Why Bapcor, Coles, Graincorp, and Xero shares are tumbling today
• Why Graincorp, Air New Zealand and Megaport shares are turning heads on Thursday
• Worley unveils new growth strategy and $300m buyback at Investor Day

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