Category: Stock Market

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Young happy people on a farm raise bottles of orange juice in a big cheer.

    It was a wildly successful session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday, as the index once again reset its all-time high. After starting strong this morning, the ASX 200 spent the whole day in positive territory and closed up a convincing 1.17% at 9,128.3 points. That’s after the index hit its new intra-day record of 9,130.3 points during afternoon trading.

    This happy hump day for ASX investors comes after a decent morning up on the American markets.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a fantastic time of it, rising 0.76%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did open better though, gaining a rosy 1.04%.

    But let’s get back to ASX shares now and check out how the various ASX sectors benefited from today’s unbridled optimism.

    Winners and losers

    Almost every corner of the markets saw a rise this Wednesday, with only a handful of sectors going backwards.

    Leading those losers were communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) had a rough one, shedding 1.47% of its value.

    Utilities shares were also unlucky, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slumping 0.7% lower.

    Consumer discretionary stocks were the other corner of the market that investors wanted to steer clear of. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) drifted 0.38% lower today.

    But it was all smiles everywhere else. Leading the charge higher today were tech stocks, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)’s euphoric 5.88% explosion.

    Consumer staples shares ran very hot, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) surged up 5.67% this session, assisted greatly by the earnings of Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

    Mining stocks saw strong demand as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) galloping 2.68% higher.

    Gold shares weren’t left out of that stampede. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) jumped 2.02% this Wednesday.

    Energy stocks were a little less enthusiastic, though, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 0.86% bounce.

    Financial shares found themselves on that playing field, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) added 0.58% to its total today.

    Healthcare stocks were on the winning side as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) lifting 0.36%.

    Industrial shares were the next cab off the rank. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) enjoyed a 0.3% boost this hump day.

    Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) managed to stick the landing, if only just, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 0.08% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Beating out an impressively crowded field today to top the index was gaming stock Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH). Tabcorp shares had a blowout this hump day, rocketing 23.53% higher to close at $1.05.

    As you may guess, this big leap came after the company reported its latest earnings, which obviously blew expectations out of the water.

    Here’s how the rest of today’s winners pulled up at the kerb:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) $1.05 23.53%
    Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) $6.26 16.36%
    ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) $24.36 14.04%
    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) $35.63 12.97%
    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) $3.39 12.62%
    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) $47.74 11.05%
    SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR) $3.25 10.54%
    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) $8.10 9.76%
    IRESS Ltd (ASX: IRE) $7.42 9.60%
    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) $1.75 9.38%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    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

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, DroneShield, Megaport, SiteMinder, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 exciting ASX growth shares to buy now

    A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.

    When markets turn volatile, growth shares can be the first to feel the pressure.

    But short-term weakness does not always change the long-term opportunity. In fact, periods of uncertainty can create attractive entry points for investors willing to think in years rather than months.

    With that in mind, here are three exciting ASX growth shares that could be worth considering right now.

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

    The first ASX growth share to consider is Life360.

    Life360 operates a location-based platform focused on family safety and connectivity. While it began as a simple location-sharing app, it has evolved into a broader ecosystem offering premium subscriptions, emergency assistance, and driving insights.

    What makes Life360 compelling is the combination of scale and monetisation potential. The company has almost 100 million active users globally, yet only a portion are paying subscribers. As premium adoption increases and new features are rolled out, revenue per user can grow without the company needing to acquire entirely new audiences. It is also aiming to monetise non-paying users through its advertising business.

    Bell Potter is bullish on Life360’s outlook and recently put a buy rating and $41.50 price target on its shares.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    Another ASX growth share to consider buying is Lovisa.

    It is a global fashion jewellery retailer with a fast-growing store network. The company has expanded aggressively into North America and Europe, taking its vertically integrated model into new markets.

    Its success comes down to execution. Lovisa controls its product design, sourcing, and distribution, allowing it to move quickly on trends and maintain healthy margins.

    With more than a thousand stores already and significant room for further rollout globally, the runway for expansion remains long. If store growth continues and like-for-like sales remain solid, Lovisa’s earnings could scale meaningfully over time.

    One top broker that is bullish is Morgans. It has a buy rating and $36.80 price target on its shares.

    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

    A final ASX growth share worth a look is NextDC. It is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading data centre operators.

    As cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation accelerate, demand for secure, scalable data centre capacity continues to rise.

    Importantly, NextDC is not just renting space. It provides critical infrastructure including power, connectivity, and security for hyperscale cloud providers and enterprise customers.

    This leaves the company well-positioned for growth over the next decade and beyond, which is partly the reason why Morgans currently rates NextDC shares as a buy with a $19.00 price target.

    The post 3 exciting ASX growth shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Lovisa, and Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. 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 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher 

    Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) reached a new all-time high on Wednesday. And while many big achievers helped drive the index to new highs, some beaten-down shares have moved in the opposite direction.

    But not all of them will continue spiralling.

    Here are three ASX 200 stocks that are expected to stage a turnaround this year. And some could climb as high as 100%, or even more.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    Xero shares were in the green on Wednesday afternoon, but the stock is still down nearly 60% over the past 12 months. 

    The cloud-based accounting software company was caught up in the sector-wide tech sell-off and AI-related nervousness late last year (and into early 2026). This, combined with investor worry about the company’s Melio acquisition, and potentially overvalued share price, saw many sell up. 

    But Xero’s business model, which is often referred to as “sticky”,  has recurring revenue, global exposure, and profitability. It’s actively expanding its presence and its product suite, too. 

    I think there’s a chance that the ASX 200 stock could double in value in 2026. Some analysts think it could storm even higher. Data shows the majority (12 out of 13) have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock with a maximum target price of $229.89 a piece. That implies a huge potential 204.98% upside at the time of writing.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Pro Medicus shares enjoyed a reprieve on Wednesday and closed in the green for the day. It comes off the back of a long string of declines due to similar sector-wide headwinds, which affected Xero stock.

    Three of the company’s directors have increased their existing stake by purchasing additional Pro Medicus shares, which raises a green flag for other investors. 

    Out of 14 analysts, nine have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The average target price is $220.75, which implies a 91.57% upside at the time of writing. However, some think it could soar even higher to $300 a piece. That represents a potential 160.35% upside for Pro Medicus shares.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech shares jumped over 10% after the company posted its half-year results on Wednesday morning. From an AFP and ASIC raise to a boardroom fallout, the logistics software company has sent WiseTech shares crashing over the past 8 months.

    But investors are happy with the latest results announcement, suggesting that investor sentiment could finally be turning a corner for the beaten-down ASX 200 stock.

    Most analysts already had a strong buy rating on the tech stock, with a maximum target price of $167.64 over the next 12 months. Even after Wednesday’s rally, that implies a huge 253.23% upside for investors at the time of writing.

    The post 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pro Medicus right now?

    Before you buy Pro Medicus 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 Pro Medicus 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

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

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Happy man working on his laptop.

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

    Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

    Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

    According to a note out of Ord Minnett, its analysts have upgraded this metal detector company’s shares to a buy rating with a $40.00 price target. The broker was pleased with Codan’s half-year results, noting that it delivered a strong performance. And while the Minelab business was the star of the show, it was pleased with the communications business and highlights its unmanned drone systems as a potential growth driver in the coming years. This is especially the case given how much EU countries are investing in drone warfare. The Codan share price is trading at $34.50 on Wednesday afternoon.

    Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

    A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this diversified services company’s shares with an improved price target of $37.00. The broker was impressed with Monadelphous’ performance during the first half of FY 2026. It highlights that the company delivered a half-year profit ahead of expectations thanks to a stronger than forecast EBITDA margin. The good news is that Bell Potter believes that Monadelphous can sustain its current strong operating momentum in the short-term given its contracted position and further work package awards that are likely to land in the second half. In addition, it points out that the company’s increasing liquidity gives it optionality to lean aggressively on M&A or return excess capital to shareholders. The Monadelphous share price is fetching $30.72 at the time of writing.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this energy giant’s shares with an improved price target of $30.50. According to the note, the broker felt that Woodside’s FY 2025 result was strong, with profit and dividends ahead of expectations. Morgans sees further upside potential ahead from a recovering oil price and the successful execution of new projects. The broker also believes there’s potential for a production guidance upgrade in FY 2026 if everything runs smoothly. The Woodside share price is trading at $28.14 on Wednesday.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Codan 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 Codan 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

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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.

  • Why these 3 ASX lithium shares are charging higher today

    A group of miners in hard hats sitting in a mine chatting on a break as ASX coal shares perform well today

    Lithium shares are back in favour on Wednesday, with several ASX-listed producers and developers posting strong gains.

    rebound in lithium carbonate prices and improving sentiment across the battery materials space appear to be driving renewed buying interest.

    Here are 3 lithium stocks that are going gangbusters today.

    Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

    The Liontown share price is up 8.95% to $1.978 in late afternoon trade.

    That takes its gain to roughly 16% over the past week, marking an impressive short-term recovery for the Kathleen Valley developer.

    Liontown is one of the ASX’s largest pure-play lithium names, with its flagship Kathleen Valley project in Western Australia moving toward production. After a volatile 2025, investors appear to be repositioning as lithium prices show signs of stabilising.

    Spot lithium carbonate prices in China have rebounded sharply in recent weeks, climbing back above CNY 150,000 per tonne. While still well below the 2022 highs, the recovery has been enough to reignite optimism across the sector.

    With a market capitalisation of $6.26 billion and significant institutional support, Liontown is widely regarded as a key indicator of lithium sector sentiment on the ASX.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

    Core Lithium shares are also enjoying a strong session.

    The Core Lithium share price is up 6.52% to 24.5 cents, extending its weekly gain to approximately 25%.

    Core owns the Finniss Lithium Operation near Darwin. After facing operational and pricing headwinds during the lithium downturn, the company has been focused on cost management and balance sheet strength.

    As lithium prices recover, Core’s share price can move more aggressively as sentiment improves. And on the back of this, investors appear to be rotating back into smaller-cap lithium stocks as confidence builds around a potential sector recovery.

    Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

    Rounding out the trio is Lake Resources.

    The Lake Resources share price is up 7.90% today. Over the past week, shares have surged around 21%.

    Lake is developing the Kachi Lithium Project in Argentina and has positioned itself as a direct lithium extraction hopeful. Like many pre-production developers, its share price has been highly sensitive to changes in lithium pricing and investor risk appetite.

    While the project remains in development, improving sector sentiment is clearly driving strong short-term share price momentum.

    Why lithium shares are moving

    The common factor behind today’s gains is lithium pricing.

    After falling sharply through 2023 and 2024, lithium carbonate prices have rebounded in early 2026. Improving electric vehicle demand expectations, policy support in China, and supply discipline from producers have contributed to the recovery.

    Lithium shares tend to respond quickly to changes in pricing, particularly among producers and developers with higher exposure to spot markets.

    If prices continue to stabilise or move higher, sentiment across the sector could remain supportive in the near term.

    The post Why these 3 ASX lithium shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Liontown Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Liontown Resources 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 Liontown Resources 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

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

  • This stellar ASX stock is up 211% this past year — and there’s more growth ahead

    A cute little kid in a suit pulls a shocked face as he talks on his smartphone.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) hit a fresh record high in afternoon trade on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the index is up 0.88% to 9,101.80 points. Some of the index’s strongest performers have helped drive the market higher today, but there is one ASX stock in particular that I have my eye on.

    Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares have also reached an all-time high in afternoon trade today. The stock is 1.88% higher at the time of writing, trading at $7.845 per share. 

    The gold miner has enjoyed incredible momentum and is now one of the strongest performers on the ASX 200 index over the past year, delivering gains of 211.31%.

    What has driven the ASX stock price higher?

    Westgold’s share price has been pushed higher by a few tailwinds over the past 12 months. 

    Geopolitical uncertainty has seen investors flock to safe-haven assets, such as gold, so far in 2026. The repositioning has seen some sectors drop dramatically, while ASX gold stocks have soared.

    Just this week, investors have been snapping up shares in Aussie gold miners amid concerns about US President Donald Trump’s global tariff plans

    The upset around these planned “reciprocal traffics” has continued for over 12 months now. But fresh concerns have resurfaced this week after the US Supreme Court struck down Trump’s earlier nation-by-nation tariffs as exceeding his authority. 

    Trump’s new 10% global tariff came into effect yesterday. And his administration plans to hike it to 15% in an effort to rebuild its tariff agenda. Trump has also warned that higher tariffs could be imposed on countries that “play games” with recent trade agreements. 

    The soaring interest in gold has, in turn, sent the metal’s price surging. Trading Economics data shows that the gold price spiked to an all-time high in late January, and while it has since cooled, it’s still not far below that peak. Gold has risen to around $5,180 per ounce today. 

    So what can we expect next from the Westgold share price?

    Analysts are very bullish on the outlook for the ASX stock this year, even after its latest share price surge.

    TradingView data shows that all six analysts have a strong buy consensus on the stock. The average target price is $9.34, which implies an 18.4% upside at the time of writing. However, the maximum target price is $11.70, which translates to a potential 48.38% upside for investors.

    The post This stellar ASX stock is up 211% this past year — and there’s more growth ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Westgold Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Westgold Resources 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 Westgold Resources 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

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    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.

  • Why this ASX 300 stock is jumping 20% on Wednesday

    a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) shares are catching the eye on Wednesday.

    In afternoon trade, the ASX 300 stock is up 20% to 99.5 cents.

    Why is this ASX 300 stock rocketing?

    Investors have been buying the footwear retailer’s shares following the release of its half-year results.

    For the six months ended 28 December, the footwear retailer reported a 2.4% increase in total sales to $865.2 million and EBITDA of $156 million. While the latter was down 1.5% on the prior corresponding period, it was comfortably ahead of Bell Potter’s estimate of $141.3 million.

    In addition, the Platypus and The Athlete’s Foot owner’s board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 3.25 cents per share. This was also better than Bell Potter’s estimate of 3 cents per share.

    Also potentially giving the ASX 300 stock a lift today was management’s update on its Sports Direct rollout. It advised that it “successfully opened the first Sports Direct store and website with pleasing early trade.”

    Furthermore, management is in active negotiations on a further 9 store locations, supporting its long-term target of at least 50 stores over the next 6 years.

    The ASX 300 stock wasn’t just opening stores during the half. It also closed a number of loss-making businesses and stores, with further store closures planned in the second half. It notes that these actions not only improve profitability but also enable senior management to redirect focus and resources toward growth initiatives.

    Management commentary

    The ASX 300 stock’s CEO, Daniel Agostinelli, said:

    In a promotional trading environment, growth was achieved across many of our businesses. The Athlete’s Foot, HOKA, Merrell and Nude Lucy all experienced strong growth, pleasingly Platypus and wholesale sales were ahead of prior year with wholesale forward orders also ahead of prior year into the second half of FY26. Cost of doing business (CODB) and inventory continue to be well managed.

    Trading update

    Accent Group has started the second half in a positive fashion. It advised that sales between 29 December and 22 February have grown by 7.1%. Continuing business gross margin in January was also in line with the prior year.

    In light of this, the ASX 300 stock has confirmed its guidance for second-half EBIT in the range of $30 million to $35 million.

    Agostinelli added:

    I am pleased with the early trade from Sports Direct, the launch of Lacoste and the forward pipeline of Wholesale orders. Recent refinancing and facility extension reinforces the strength of the balance sheet and supports ongoing investment in growth. The team remains focused on driving profitable sales, tightly managing controllable costs and executing our key growth initiatives.

    The post Why this ASX 300 stock is jumping 20% on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Accent 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 Accent 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

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Accent Group. 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 Accent Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • $15,000 invested in BHP shares at the start of 2026 is now worth…

    A woman looks excited as she fans out a wad of Aussie $100 notes.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are climbing higher again on Wednesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the mining giant’s shares are up another 2.69% to $56.22 a piece. Today’s uptick means the stock is now sitting at an all-time high, and is 39.47% higher than 12 months ago. This follows the miner hitting new all-time highs yesterday and on Monday.

    The gains have also helped push the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) to a new record high this afternoon.

    It’s been a big month for the miner after it posted an impressive half-year result, which confirmed an 11% revenue increase and a 28% profit hike. At the same time, BHP announced a 46% increase in its fully-franked interim dividend to US73 cents. 

    It also announced a new silver agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE: WPM). Under the long-term streaming agreement, BHP will receive an upfront payment of US$4.3 billion at completion. In exchange, the miner will deliver silver to Wheaton calculated by reference to its share of silver produced at the Antamina mine in Peru.

    Investors are clearly thrilled with the company’s latest developments and are falling over themselves to get their hands on the stock. 

    So, if I bought $15,000 worth of BHP shares in early 2026, what are they worth now?

    For the year to date, BHP shares are up 22.85%, and for the year, they are up 39.47%. 

    Today’s share price increase means that $15,000 invested in the mining giant’s stock when the ASX first opened for the year on the 2nd of January is now worth $18,427.50.

    Meanwhile, $15,000 invested in BHP shares this time last year would be worth even more, totalling $20,920.50 at the time of writing.

    Can BHP shares keep climbing even higher this year?

    Analysts are divided about the outlook for the miner’s shares this year. Many think that the stock has run its course and there isn’t much room left for it to run higher, while others think we could see a small uptick.

    TradingView data shows that 7 out of 20 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on BHP shares. Another 11 have a hold rating, and 2 have a sell or strong sell rating.

    The average target price of $52.58 implies a potential 6.43% downside ahead, at the time of writing. But the more optimistic $59.94 target price suggests the stock could rise another 6.71% over the next 12 months.

    The post $15,000 invested in BHP shares at the start of 2026 is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP Group 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 BHP Group 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

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

  • Top ASX shares to buy right now with $2,500

    Woman holding $50 notes with a delighted face.

    If you have a spare $2,500 and want to invest it wisely, these four ASX shares are tipped to multiply your investment.

    Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT

    Nextdc operates a fast-expanding network of data centres for cloud computing and telecommunications, and it also supports AI workloads. It has physical centres, cooling, power, security services, and also project support. I think that, as data usage grows, demand for this type of secure, high-quality infrastructure will also increase. Some analysts think the stock could climb as high as 107.78% to $29.36 over the next 12 months.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    Life360 is a US-based software development company that took the tech industry by storm in 2025 before crashing by the end of the year. The company delivered a standout quarterly update in January, which beat expectations and caused a share price surge of nearly 30%. It looks like the business is poised for good growth this year, with some strong user acquisition numbers and monetisation expected by the end of the year. Data shows that 11 out of 14 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The average target price is $43.03, which implies an 86.76% uplift over the next 12 months.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    The fashion jewellery and accessories retailer was hammered by a profit miss in its first-half FY26 results earlier this month, but some think the selling was overdone. The company’s revenue figures were solid, though, and its sales growth remained positive. If it continues to grow in profitable markets, then its bottom line could be stronger than expected. Data shows the 16 analysts are split on their position for Lovisa shares. However, the average target price still represents a significant upside. I think the stock has legs to run further this year. Out of 16 analysts, 7 have a buy or strong buy, and another 8 have a hold rating. The average target price of $30.98 implies a 23.86% potential upside from the trading price at the time of writing.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL

    The ASX biotech share was the second-most traded stock among CommSec clients last week. The biotech stock has been subdued since it crashed 15% following its half-year results and shock CEO exit earlier this month. The latest downturn is just one of many headwinds the company has faced over the past 6 months. But I think the current share price offers investors an opportunity to buy the stock cheaply. There is still great growth potential and a strong core business. Analysts are mostly (12 out of 18) bullish, and the potential upsides are impressive. The average target price of $211.82 represents a possible 46.06% increase over the next 12 months, at the time of writing. 

    The post Top ASX shares to buy right now with $2,500 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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

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

  • An Australian dividend stock I’d hold through anything

    Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.

    When markets turn volatile, I look for businesses that can keep paying me no matter what the economy is doing. For me, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) sits firmly in that category.

    Last Thursday, Telstra released its half-year results. There was plenty to digest across earnings, cash flow, and guidance. However, the key takeaway for income investors was the dividend and the strength of the cash earnings supporting it.

    A dividend that keeps climbing

    Telstra declared an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, up from 9.5 cents a year ago. That represents growth of just over 10% year-on-year.

    Importantly, the dividend was 90.48% franked. For shareholders, that adds significant after-tax value, particularly for retirees and those holding shares outside super.

    Based on Telstra’s recent share price of $5.09, the dividend yield is roughly 6% before franking.

    Management highlighted continued earnings growth, disciplined capital management, and strong cash flow generation. Cash earnings per share (EPS) rose 20% in the half, helping underpin both dividends and ongoing share buy-backs.

    For me, that mix is attractive. It provides income today, alongside capital management that supports long-term shareholder returns.

    Defensive by nature

    One of the reasons I would hold Telstra through almost any market condition is the nature of its business.

    People might cut discretionary spending in a downturn. They might delay buying a new car or cancel a holiday. But they are unlikely to cancel their mobile phone plan or home internet.

    Connectivity has become an essential service. Whether the economy is booming or struggling, Australians still need to work, stream, bank, and communicate.

    Telstra remains the dominant player in mobile, with a premium network and strong market share. That scale provides pricing power and earnings stability. It also underpins recurring revenue, a key feature for income-focused investors.

    Cash flow doing the heavy lifting

    The latest results showed underlying EBITDA growth and improved cash generation. Operating cash flow funded ongoing network investment while also enabling increased returns to shareholders.

    Telstra is continuing to invest in infrastructure, including fibre and 5G, while also executing on a sizeable buy-back. At the same time, it reaffirmed its full-year guidance, providing further confidence around dividend sustainability.

    Maintaining this balance between reinvesting in the business and returning capital to shareholders is essential. A high yield means little if it is not sustainable. Telstra’s payout is well supported by earnings and cash flow for the foreseeable future.

    The kind of stock you can sleep on

    Telstra is unlikely to double overnight. It is not an artificial intelligence darling or a speculative explorer.

    But it does something arguably more valuable. It provides reliable income, moderate growth, and defensive characteristics in a single package.

    In uncertain times, that is exactly the type of business I want in my portfolio. And this is why Telstra remains an Australian dividend stock I would be comfortable holding through almost anything.

    The post An Australian dividend stock I’d hold through anything appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra Corporation Limited right now?

    Before you buy Telstra Corporation 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 Telstra Corporation 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

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