Category: Stock Market

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this appliance manufacturer’s shares with a trimmed price target of $37.10. Macquarie has been looking at industry data and believes it is favourable for Breville and suggests that it could be outperforming peers. The broker highlights that this is being driven by growth from its coffee business, as well as new products and new markets. Overall, Macquarie believes this leaves Breville well-placed for annual growth of 10%+ through to FY 2028. The Breville share price ended the week at $26.28.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $302.00 price target on this hearing solutions company’s shares. UBS believes that recent share price weakness has created an attractive buying opportunity for investors. This is especially the case given how the broker believes Cochlear’s new next-generation cochlear implant platform, Nexa, will underpin a strong earnings recovery. The broker believes that with limited competition, Cochlear is well-placed to win market share. And while there are concerns over gene therapies, UBS doesn’t believe this is something that will impact its near term performance. The Cochlear share price was fetching $170.23 at Friday’s close.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Another note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $2.20 price target on this lithium miner’s shares. UBS is feeling positive about lithium and believes now could be a good time for investors to consider a position in the industry. This is because UBS sees potential for another upcycle for lithium prices. It suspects that surging oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East could be good news for lithium. It feels that the impact this is having on the fuel market could lead to increased demand for electric vehicles and lithium for batteries. In fact, the broker sees potential for the spodumene price to reach US$4,000 per tonne by the end of the year. The Liontown share price ended the week at $1.76.

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

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• 3 high-quality Australian stocks I would buy and hold for a decade
• 5 oversold ASX 200 shares to buy according to Wilsons
• ASX lithium shares ‘compelling’ as top broker adjusts ratings
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) recently announced its FY26 half-year result. After seeing the financials and commentary, a number of reasons stuck out about why Soul Patts shares are still a great pick.

In the short-term, market confidence is being tested by events in the Middle East and the subsequent impacts. But, in the long-term, there are plenty of great reasons to like the business. It’s already one of my largest holdings and I’m planning to buy more because of the following reasons.

Ever rising dividend

One of the best attributes for Aussie investors is the passive income from this ASX share. It has increased its payout for 28 years in a row!

The business decided to increase the interim dividend per share by around 9% to 48 cents per share. Soul Patts was able to fund that dividend announcement thanks to a 12.5% increase in the net cash flow from investments (NCFI) to 89 cents per share. Impressively, the NCFI has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% over the prior three years.

The business could continue to deliver rising dividends for shareholders over the long-term thanks to its sturdy and expanding portfolio.

At the current Soul Patts share price, it offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.8%, including franking credits.

Improving portfolio balance

In the last few years, the business has been looking to protect capital through increased diversification and uncorrelated returns. It’s looking to seek out mis-priced risk and it’s prepared to be counter-cyclical or contrarian.

The idea is that its capital is invested in the highest-conviction ideas, while balancing growth and yield within the business.

Areas of its portfolio that it has been putting a significant portion of new investing money in recent times has been ‘real’ assets, private equity, emerging companies and credit.

Real assets include things like industrial and manufacturing properties, data centres, land for development, agriculture, water rights and retirement living.

The private companies are long-term investments in unlisted companies with growth opportunities. Soul Patts has the ability to hold minority, majority or control these investments, helping them grow into long-term growth platforms.

The emerging companies segment relates to investments in high-growth companies with structural tailwinds and potential capital gain potential. It has an increasing exposure to global investments in this segment.

With the credit segment, it’s looking to invest in businesses targeting income and strong risk-adjusted returns across domestic and global credit markets.

I like that the company is reducing its reliance on significant investments in large, listed businesses and building out its portfolio into other areas.

Focus on defensive growth

The business has deliberately built its portfolio to balance growth, yield and resilience across a range of industries and asset classes.

Looking at the past 25 years of ASX down months, Soul Patts has outperformed the ASX share market on average by 1.9%, which is an impressive track record and part of the reason why it has been able to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the long-term.

Soul Patts noted in its recent result that its HY26 net asset value (NAV) return was 9.7%, outperforming the market by 6.6%. The 12-month NAV return (including dividends) was 14.3%.

Pleasingly, the NAV has compounded by 11.1% per year over the last three years (adjusted for dividends). While that’s not the fastest growth rate in the world, it is helping justify a long-term rise in the Soul Patts share price.

The post 3 reasons why I think Soul Patts shares are a better buy than ever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Everything you need to know about the latest Soul Patts dividend
• Soul Patts shares push higher on profit jump and 28th dividend increase in a row
• Soul Patts 1H26 earnings: Strong growth, dividend up again
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building long-term wealth in the share market often comes down to backing powerful trends and giving them time to play out.

For investors with a 10-year horizon, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can offer exposure to global growth drivers without needing to pick individual stocks.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the next decade.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

If you are looking for exposure to the world’s most innovative companies, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is a hard one to ignore.

This ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is heavily weighted towards technology leaders and disruptive businesses. Among its top holdings are Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Nvidia is a standout holding. It has become a central player in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Its graphics processing units power everything from data centres to AI training models, making it a key enabler of next-generation technology.

With the digital economy continuing to expand and AI still in its early innings, this fund offers investors a way to gain exposure to companies shaping the future.

BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

For those wanting more targeted exposure to automation and robotics, the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides access to a rapidly evolving theme.

Key holdings include Nvidia, ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), all of which are involved in advancing robotics and AI technologies.

Importantly, the robotics industry is entering a new phase of growth. BetaShares notes that the sector is shifting from traditional factory automation towards intelligent machines capable of operating in real-world environments.

Falling costs, labour shortages, and advances in AI are accelerating adoption. The fund manager highlights that the global robotics market could reach US$111 billion by 2030, with humanoid robots alone expected to grow rapidly.

With its portfolio now including humanoid technology and broader AI enablers, the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors exposure to what could be a major structural shift over the coming decade. It was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could reward patient investors is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

It focuses on leading technology companies across Asia. Its holdings include names such as WeChat owner Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), AliExpress owner Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), and iPhone manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

A key company here is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker. It plays a critical role in producing advanced semiconductors used in smartphones, AI systems, and high-performance computing.

As global demand for chips continues to rise, TSMC’s position in the supply chain makes it an essential part of the technology ecosystem.

With Asia home to some of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world, this fund provides exposure to a region that could play an increasingly important role in global innovation over the next decade.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy before the next bull market
• 3 reasons this AI and Robotics ASX ETF is a long term play
• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for when the market rebounds
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Alphabet, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, 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.

ASX 200 materials led the market sectors last week, rising 4.6% as mining shares began recovering from this month’s sell-off.

ASX mining shares have been the worst hit by the war in Iran, with the materials sector losing 15.3% of its value since the conflict began.

Some investors took profits this month after a strong run for ASX 200 mining shares, amid fears that higher diesel prices and potential shortages could hurt earnings and production for 2H FY26.

ASX 200 mining shares have also declined alongside metals prices, with gold down 17%, silver down 22%, lithium carbonate down 8%, and copper down 7% over the month. Iron ore has demonstrated resilience, rising 7% over the period to US$106 per tonne on Friday.

With the US and Iran still negotiating a 15-point plan for peace, it is hoped this war and the ensuing global oil shock will be over soon.

This may have motivated some investors to take up new or enhanced positions in ASX 200 mining shares last week, given the bright long-term outlook for the sector and the opportunity to buy the dip.

Reflecting the miners’ fightback last week, the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rose 4.4% while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1% to finish at 8,516.3 points.

Seven of the 11 market sectors finished in the green last week.

Let’s recap.

ASX 200 mining shares fight back

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price increased 6.1% to close at $50.37 on Friday.

BHP shares reached a record $59.39 on 3 March before the war prompted investors to take profits.

Despite last week’s rebound, the ASX 200’s largest mining stock remains 13.8% lower over 30 days.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares lifted 4.3% to $153.23 last week, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) gained 6.5% to $20.19.

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price soared 9.7% to $56.69.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares increased 1.3% to $4.03 per share.

ASX 200 copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) lifted 1.8% to $15.88, while Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) edged 0.6% lower to $10.14.

ASX 200 lithium shares had a ripsnorter of a week, with PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) rocketing 21.8% to close at $5.15 on Friday.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price soared 20.9% to $1.77, and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) gained 11.9% to 24 cents.

Nickel and lithium producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) lifted 16.5% to $7.93 per share.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares closed the week 2.7% higher at $10.08 apiece.

Bauxite and alumina producer Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) lifted 3.5% to $85.95 per share.

What about ASX gold shares?

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 0.3% to close at $18.55 on Friday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price lifted 0.4% to $12.46, and Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) rose 3.1% to $146.85.

Among the mid-caps, Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares lifted 2.1% to $3.96, and Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) rose 1.1% to $6.26.

Gold and copper miner, Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) fell 3.5% to $9.76.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	4.57%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	3.36%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	1.84%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	1.74%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.13%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	0.86%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	0.24%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(0.39%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(0.73%)
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.77%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(4.77%)

The post ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Core Lithium. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

There is a wide range of ASX dividend stocks offering different levels of dividend yields.

Some businesses are able to provide a high dividend yield because of a mixture of a relatively low price-earnings (P/E) ratio and a generous dividend payout ratio.

I’d put listed investment companies (LICs) into a somewhat separate category of ASX dividend stocks because they generate profits differently from other businesses.

Instead of selling goods or services, a LIC makes money by generating returns by investing in shares. LICs can then build up accounting profits, paying out a portion each year and retaining some of the gains (with a profit reserve in accounting terms) for when markets aren’t performing.

The LIC I want to highlight is WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI). I think it’s a strong ASX dividend stock pick for three reasons.

Impressive investment returns

A key element of LIC’s success has been its focus on buying “the most exciting undervalued growth opportunities” in the Australian microcap market.

ASX small-cap shares can deliver great returns because of how early on in their growth journey they are. It’s usually much easier for a business to double its revenue from $10 million to $20 million than it is to go from $1 billion to $2 billion.

WAM Microcap is very effective at generating returns thanks to its investment style and the size of the businesses it deals with. Between inception in June 2017 and February 2026, the portfolio return was an average of 15.4% per year, outperforming the small-cap benchmark by around 7% per year, before fees, expenses and taxes.

The WAM strategy is to invest in growing businesses where there’s a catalyst that could send the share price higher.

That level of return means the ASX dividend stock is capable of delivering a large dividend and capital growth for the LIC.

Large and growing dividend yield

The LIC has been steadily growing its annual payout each year since FY18 – the only year it hasn’t increased its payout was FY24, when it was maintained at 10.5 cents per share.

In FY26, the LIC is expecting to increase its annual payout by 1% to 10.7 cents per share.

Therefore, the ASX dividend stock could provide a grossed-up dividend yield of around 10.25%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

That’s a great starting dividend yield, in my view, and it could continue to grow.

Sizeable profit reserve

One of the key reasons WAM Microcap can be such a stable dividend payer is that it has built up a sizeable profit reserve to pay future dividends.

At 27 February 2026, it had built up a profit reserve of 55.4 cents per share. That means it has the accounting profits to pay around five years of dividends at the current level, even if it didn’t make any more profit in that time.

I think this ASX dividend stock is a very appealing business, and it looks like a good time to buy after dropping 13% since mid-January 2026.

The post This ASX dividend stock has a 10% yield and I think it’s a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%
• How to invest $10,000 to aim for a 15% dividend yield
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Wam Microcap. 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.

Wouldn’t it be nice to start again and build an ASX share portfolio from scratch?

No legacy holdings. No past mistakes. Just a clean slate and all the experience you’ve gained along the way.

If I had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch today, I wouldn’t rush into stock picking. I’d start with a solid foundation, then layer in quality and growth.

Start with ETFs

First, I’d allocate around 35% to broad, low-cost ETFs. Why? Instant diversification. Lower risk. Less guesswork.

One core holding would be Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS). It tracks a broad index of ASX shares, giving exposure to banks, miners, and industrials. Top holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

To balance that, I’d add global exposure through iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This ETF gives access to the world’s largest companies, including Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Together, these ETFs create a strong base. You’re exposed to both local income and global growth.

Add defensive income

Next, I’d layer in defensive, dividend-paying stocks in my ASX share portfolio. These provide stability and a consistent income.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is a classic choice. It offers essential services, resilient earnings, and fully-franked dividends. Demand for connectivity doesn’t disappear in tough times.

Then there’s ASX share Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Its toll road assets generate steady, long-term cash flows. It is infrastructure investors can rely on.

These types of businesses won’t always deliver explosive growth. But they help smooth out volatility — and keep income flowing. I would allocate 30% of my funds to defensive ASX shares.

Build around growth leaders

Finally, I’d allocate the remaining 35% to high-quality ASX growth shares. These are market leaders with strong tailwinds.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) would be high on the list. It’s a global biotech leader with a long track record of innovation and earnings growth.

And I’d add NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT). This ASX share is riding the surge in data demand, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure.

These companies aren’t the cheapest. But they have scale, competitive advantages, and long runways for growth.

Foolish bottom line

Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch isn’t about chasing the hottest stock.

It’s about balance. Start with ETFs for diversification. Add defensives for stability and income. Then layer in growth leaders to drive long-term returns.

Get that mix right, and you give yourself the best chance of compounding wealth. No matter what the market throws at you.

The post Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should I invest $10,000 into CSL shares? Yes or no
• ASX chaos? Here’s how to invest smart, stay calm and win
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy if the market fell another 10%
• Forget Telstra shares! Buy this fast-rising ASX 200 telco stock instead
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, CSL, Nvidia, Transurban Group, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Nvidia, 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.

With the market experiencing heightened volatility in 2026, a number of high-quality names are trading below their recent highs.

While disappointing for existing shareholders, this weakness could give the rest of us a chance to build positions in companies with strong long-term potential.

Here are three Australian share ideas that could be worth considering with a $2,500 investment right now.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The first Australian share that continues to stand out is Pro Medicus.

Rather than competing across the entire healthcare software landscape, the company has focused on doing one thing exceptionally well. Its imaging platform is designed for speed and efficiency, which has helped it win contracts with some of the world’s largest healthcare providers.

This focus has allowed it to build a premium product that commands strong margins and long-term contracts. Once embedded, its software becomes difficult to replace, giving the business a durable revenue base.

With healthcare systems increasingly prioritising productivity and workflow improvements, Pro Medicus appears well placed to continue expanding its footprint.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another Australian share that could be a smart pick is REA Group.

It has built a dominant position in online property listings, but what makes it particularly interesting is how it continues to deepen its role in the property ecosystem.

Beyond listings, REA is increasingly monetising its audience through data-driven products, advertising solutions, and financial services. This allows it to extract more value from each property transaction without needing a large increase in listings volumes.

Even in softer property markets, this model can support growth by lifting yields per listing and expanding into adjacent services.

With strong brand recognition and a highly engaged user base, REA remains a powerful platform business.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

A final Australian share to consider is TechnologyOne.

The enterprise software provider has been quietly building momentum through its transition to a cloud-based model. This shift is changing the shape of its revenue, making it recurring and predictable over time.

Rather than chasing rapid expansion, TechnologyOne has focused on steadily increasing its customer base across government, education, and corporate sectors.

This disciplined approach has supported consistent growth while maintaining profitability, which is relatively rare among software companies.

As more organisations move their operations to the cloud, TechnologyOne’s long-standing relationships and industry-specific solutions could continue to drive adoption.

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

More reading

• Are we in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy cheap ASX shares?
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy if the market fell another 10%
• Down 65%: Are Pro Medicus shares in the buy zone yet?
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus, REA Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The lower share prices we’re seeing in March 2026 means opportunities galore for investors who want to buy businesses at cheaper prices, including ASX dividend shares.

I don’t know how long the market will be feeling pessimistic about the Middle East and oil price situation – it could be days, weeks or even longer. Time will tell.

I prefer to buy at a better valuation while the opportunity is there, which is why I decided to pounce on the following ASX dividend at the start of this week.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

MFF is one of the larger listed investment companies (LICs) on the ASX, with a focus on quality international companies with above-average capabilities to compound earnings at a good speed over time. I don’t usually invest in international shares directly, so I like using this as a dividend-paying option to get that exposure.

I think the MFF investment strategy has been very effective, as demonstrated by the fact that MFF has delivered an average total shareholder return (TSR) of 15.3% per year over the last five years, according to CMC Invest. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

One of the advantages of the LIC investment structure is that the board of directors have control over what size dividend they want to declare. The business is currently increasing its half-year payout by 1 cent per share every six months.

MFF plans to pay an annual dividend per share of 21 cents in FY26, which translates into a forward grossed-up dividend yield of 6.5%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

I thought the dip in the MFF share price was appealing, offering better underlying value and a stronger dividend yield.

I expect the ASX dividend share to continue increasing its payout over time and owning high-quality businesses to help deliver capital growth.  

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

This is another LIC, which invests in a mixture of ASX shares and international shares, utilising a mixture of investing for the long-term and short selling.

I like how it has a track record of producing investment returns primarily through resource shares, industrial shares and communication shares. There are various ways to produce good returns, including in cyclical shares.

L1 likes to look at businesses that have lower price/earnings (P/E) ratios, which I think other investors may sometimes overlook. Under-researched and unloved ASX shares can be a smart choice to deliver good returns.

In the last five years, the ASX dividend share has returned a total shareholder return average of 16.5% per year over the last five years, according to CMC Invest. Again, past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.  

Pleasingly, the LIC has been steadily increasing its payout each year since 2021 and its latest two quarterly dividends for the FY26 half-year period was 13.6% higher than the FY25 half-year dividend. It currently has an annualised grossed-up dividend yield of 5.25%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

I’m expecting the ASX dividend share to continue increasing its payout thanks to the large profit reserve it has built and the investment strategy it’s using.

The post I invested thousands into these 2 ASX dividend shares this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund and Mff Capital Investments. 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 Mff Capital Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As March draws to a close, I find myself doing what I often do at this time of year: stepping back, reviewing my portfolio, and asking a simple question. Where do I want my money working from here?

But I’m not trying to predict what April will bring. Markets can move for all sorts of reasons in the short term. I’m thinking about what I would be happy to hold for the long term.

Right now, there are two ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on my watch list. 

Each could play a different role in a portfolio, and together I believe they offer a compelling mix of quality, growth, and global diversification.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

One of the hardest parts of investing, in my experience, is consistently sticking to high-quality businesses. It is easy to get distracted by hype or short-term opportunities. That is where I believe this ETF really earns its place.

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF systematically filters for stocks with strong returns on equity, stable earnings, and sensible balance sheets. In other words, it focuses on businesses that are already doing a lot of things right.

But what appeals to me most is not just the end result. It is the process.

I like knowing that there is a rules-based approach constantly refining the portfolio, keeping it tilted toward financially strong companies without me having to make those calls myself.

Of course, you end up with familiar global leaders in the mix. But I think the real value lies in the consistency of the quality filter over time. Personally, I see this as a core building block. It is the part of a portfolio I would feel most comfortable holding through volatility without second guessing.

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

I think it is very easy as an Australian investor to end up overly exposed to a handful of familiar markets. Australia. The United States. Maybe a bit of Europe. 

But when I look ahead 10 or 20 years, I find it hard to believe that growth will be concentrated only in those regions.

That is why I think the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF is well worth considering.

This ETF gives exposure to a wide range of Asian economies, from China and India through to Taiwan and South Korea. And what I find compelling is the diversity within that region.

You have advanced semiconductor manufacturing, rapidly expanding middle classes, digital platforms with enormous user bases, and economies still earlier in their growth journey compared to the West.

I do not see this as a short-term trade. In fact, I think it requires patience. There will likely be periods of volatility, particularly given geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

But if I am investing with a long-term mindset, I believe having meaningful exposure to Asia is not just an option. It is something I want to build over time.

Foolish takeaway

As I head into April, I am not trying to make bold, all-or-nothing bets.

Instead, I am thinking about how to steadily build a portfolio of ASX ETFs that I would be comfortable holding for years.

For me, these two ETFs tick all the boxes and could move from my watch list to my portfolio next month.

The post Why I’m seriously thinking about buying these ASX ETFs in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Where I’d invest $50,000 into ASX ETFs today
• You can aim to beat the Age Pension for the price of a daily coffee!
• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• Why I’d buy VGS and these Vanguard ETFs right now

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 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.

It has been a tough period for CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

The biotechnology giant’s shares ended the week at $143.19, which leaves them trading close to multi-year lows.

Is this an opportunity to invest $10,000 into the fallen giant? Let’s take a closer look.

Why are CSL shares down?

There is no single reason behind CSL’s recent weakness. Instead, it has been a combination of factors weighing on sentiment.

The biggest source of frustration has been CSL Behring, the company’s core plasma therapies business. Margin recovery has taken longer than expected since the pandemic.

At the same time, its Seqirus vaccines business has faced softer demand, particularly in the United States, where influenza vaccination rates have come in below expectations.

China has also added to the pressure. Demand for albumin products has been weaker, which has impacted volumes at a time when investors were already becoming more cautious.

On top of this, the sudden exit of its CEO and its most recent result did little to calm nerves. A recent Morgans note commented:

1HFY26 result was softer and less clean than expected, with adjusted NPATA declining 7% and revenue modestly below forecasts. The result was further complicated by US$1.1bn in impairment charges, largely relating to Vifor and Seqirus, weighing on statutory earnings and sentiment.

Is this a buying opportunity?

Despite all of the above, there are reasons to believe CSL’s long-term story remains intact.

Demand for its life-saving therapies is not cyclical in the same way many other industries are. Plasma-derived treatments are essential for patients around the world, and that demand is expected to grow steadily over time.

The company also continues to invest heavily in research and development, which supports a pipeline of new therapies and future revenue streams. This has been a key driver of its success over decades and is likely to continue being the case long into the future.

Importantly, many of the current challenges appear operational rather than structural. Cost pressures, vaccine demand fluctuations, and China weakness may weigh on near-term results, but they are not necessarily permanent.

If its new CEO can execute on its recovery plans, CSL’s earnings growth could begin to normalise again over the coming years.

So, yes or no?

For investors with a long-term mindset, I think the answer is yes.

Morgans certainly thinks that is the case. In its note, it adds:

Importantly, FY26 guidance was maintained, despite Behring weakness and heightened scrutiny following the announced CEO transition, suggesting a 2H recovery, pointing to an execution reset, not structural impost, in our view. The outlook looks supported through a combination of cost-outs, marketing initiatives, new product launches and diminishing headwinds, reinforced by the Board’s urgency around operational delivery. We adjust FY26-28 forecasts modestly, with our PT decreasing to A$241.34. BUY.

Based on the current share price, Morgans price target implies potential upside of almost 70%.

All in all, CSL shares are not without risks and patience will likely be required. But with its shares trading well below historical levels and the business still underpinned by strong global demand, this could be a compelling buying opportunity.

The post Should I invest $10,000 into CSL shares? Yes or no appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX chaos? Here’s how to invest smart, stay calm and win
• ASX 200 healthcare shares down 33% in a year as heavyweights hit multi-year lows
• Would I buy BHP, CBA, and CSL shares today?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here’s one reason why experts think the CSL share price can rise 65%!

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