Category: Stock Market

  • Got $5,000? 2 top ASX growth stocks to buy that could double your money

    One hundred dollar notes planted in the ground, representing ASX growth shares.

    If you have $5,000 ready to invest, targeting companies with strong growth potential can be a smart strategy.

    Large blue-chip stocks usually deliver steadier returns, but smaller growth companies can generate much bigger gains if their business momentum accelerates.

    Right now, there are a couple of ASX growth stocks operating in sectors with powerful global tailwinds that could deliver significant upside over time.

    Both of these businesses are benefiting from long-term industry trends and could see their valuations climb substantially.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

    The EOS share price is currently up 4.55% to $10.35.

    EOS develops advanced defence technologies, including remote weapon systems (RWS), counter-drone capabilities, and laser-based defence solutions.

    These products are becoming increasingly important as governments around the world ramp up defence spending amid rising geopolitical tensions.

    The company recently secured new RWS orders worth around $17 million, adding to an order book that was previously reported at about $459 million. This provides strong visibility over future revenue.

    EOS also finalised a $100 million funding facility, which management says will support growth initiatives and working capital as the business scales.

    From a technical perspective, the EOS share price has been extremely strong over the past year. The stock has surged more than 760% over the last 12 months, reflecting renewed investor confidence after a difficult period.

    Momentum remains positive, though the relative strength index (RSI) currently sits around 66, indicating the stock is nearing overbought territory.

    Key support appears near $8.50 to $9, while a sustained break above the $11 resistance level could open the door to further gains.

    If defence spending continues rising globally and EOS converts its contract pipeline into revenue, the company’s share price could have significant upside.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    The Megaport share price is up 1.52% to $8.03 today.

    Megaport operates a global network-as-a-service platform that allows businesses to connect to cloud providers and data centres on demand. As more companies shift workloads to the cloud, demand for flexible connectivity continues to grow.

    Recent results highlighted strong underlying growth. The company reported annual recurring revenue of $338 million, up 49% year on year, while revenue for the half rose 26% to $134.9 million.

    Management also highlighted new products and acquisitions that are expanding Megaport’s addressable market across networking, compute, and artificial intelligence infrastructure globally.

    Despite these strong fundamentals, the Megaport share price has fallen significantly over the past year and remains well below previous highs.

    Technically, the stock appears to be stabilising after a prolonged downtrend. The RSI is sitting around 37 and nearing oversold territory.

    Support appears around $7.50, while a move above the $9.50 resistance level could signal the beginning of a stronger recovery trend.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Growth investing always comes with risks, but EOS and Megaport both operate in industries benefiting from strong long-term trends.

    If EOS keeps securing defence contracts and Megaport executes its cloud growth strategy, today’s share prices could look very cheap in the future.

    The post Got $5,000? 2 top ASX growth stocks to buy that could double your money appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

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

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

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

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems and Megaport. 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.

  • Lowy family buys into Magellan after merger news pushes share price 25% higher

    A close-up of a handshake depicting a business deal with one of the people in the background of the shot alongside a colleague looking pleased at the deal.

    The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price has risen 25% since news of its proposed merger with Barrenjoey broke.

    Magellan announced the deal last Monday, and by the end of the week, one of Australia’s wealthiest families had taken a 5.1% stake.

    Any investor who holds a 5% stake or more is considered a ‘substantial holder’, and their purchase must be formally disclosed to the ASX.

    According to the ASX lodgement, the Lowy family purchased 9.35 million Magellan shares through a trust on Friday.

    The Lowy family paid just over $79 million for their Magellan shares.

    That shakes out to an average $8.45 per share, which was the offer price in the $130 million institutional capital raise completed last week.

    The Lowy family has confirmed their participation, with Steven Lowy describing Magellan post-merger as ‘a sound long-term investment’.

    Who is the Lowy family?

    The Lowy family is best known for founding the global shopping centre corporation, Westfield.

    Bilionaire Frank Lowy built the business up to become one of the world’s largest retail empires.

    Frank Lowy’s son, Steven Lowy, is a principal of the family’s private investment business, Oryxium, and its family office.

    Steven Lowy told the Australian Financial Review (AFR) that the family had a long history as a Magellan investor.

    Steven Lowy said:

    We also have long-standing relationships with the senior team at Barrenjoey and have followed their progress since its establishment.

    We have taken the opportunity to become a cornerstone shareholder in MFG with immediate effect through the placement this week, as we believe the merged entity would be a sound long-term investment.

    What’s the latest news about the merger?

    Magellan has set a date for the shareholders’ vote on the Barrenjoey merger.

    It will take place at an extraordinary general meeting on Friday, 10 April.

    Following the institutional capital raise, Magellan will now conduct a $20 million Share Purchase Plan (SPP) for ordinary investors.

    The SPP will open on Thursday, with SPP booklets to be dispatched to retail investors tomorrow.

    Shareholders can apply for a maximum of $30,000 worth of new Magellan shares at the same offer price of $8.45.

    The SPP will close at 5pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday, 25 March.

    In a letter to shareholders attached to the EGM notice, Magellan chair Andrew Formica said:

    As a founding investor, MFG has participated in the strong growth of Barrenjoey over its first five years.

    This Merger sets the foundation for future growth and enhanced MFG economic participation.

    History between Magellan and Barrenjoey

    Magellan gave Barrenjoey $150 million in seed capital before its launch in 2020, and currently owns a 36% stake.

    The boutique investment bank is the brainchild of co-executive chairs Matthew Grounds and Guy Fowler OAM.

    Grounds and Fowler sensationally left global investment bank UBS to start up Barrenjoey.

    Barrenjoey’s current and founding CEO, Brian Benari, was previously CEO of Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) for seven years.

    The Magellan board unanimously recommends that investors vote in favour of the merger and the issue of new shares to pay for it.

    Magellan expects to complete the merger in 4Q FY26.

    Magellan share price snapshot

    The Magellan share price is $10.48, down 2.3% on Tuesday.

    The Magellan share price has been on struggle street since 2021.

    That was the year Magellan lost the St James Place mandate, worth about 12% of its revenue at the time, as well as its co-founder and chief stock-picker, Hamish Douglass, who resigned for health reasons.

    Magellan’s funds under management have fallen from $113 billion in July 2021 to $40 billion today.

    In July 2021, the Magellan share price was about $50.

    Over five years, the Magellan share price has crumbled by 73%.

    The post Lowy family buys into Magellan after merger news pushes share price 25% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Magellan Financial 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 Magellan Financial 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 Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial 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 Challenger. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX tech stocks that brokers rate as buys

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

    Technology shares have had a rough period recently as investors reassess valuations and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the sector.

    But history shows that selloffs in high-quality tech businesses can often create opportunities for long-term investors.

    With that in mind, here are three ASX tech stocks that brokers continues to rate as buys.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    The first ASX tech stock that could be a buy is WiseTech Global.

    WiseTech develops software used by freight forwarders, logistics companies, and global supply chains. Its flagship CargoWise platform helps customers manage everything from customs compliance to shipment tracking across international trade networks.

    Logistics is one of the most complex industries in the world. As global trade grows and supply chains become more digital, the demand for sophisticated software platforms continues to rise.

    WiseTech’s strategy has also included acquiring smaller software providers around the world and integrating their capabilities into CargoWise. Over time, this has expanded the platform into a comprehensive operating system for global logistics.

    If the company continues to execute on this strategy, it could remain a major technology provider to the global freight industry for many years.

    Morgans is bullish on WiseTech and has a buy rating and $83.80 price target on its shares.

    Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

    Another ASX tech stock that could be a buy is Life360.

    Life360 operates a family safety and location-sharing platform that allows users to stay connected with family members. While the core service began as a simple location app, the platform has evolved into a broader safety ecosystem.

    The company now offers services such as crash detection, emergency dispatch, and digital driver reports. These features have helped Life360 convert more of its large user base into paying subscribers.

    Importantly, the company still has millions of active users who use the platform for free. This provides a large pool of potential future subscribers as Life360 continues introducing new services and features. In addition, it has an advertising business which is able to leverage its troves of data to monetise its free users.

    As digital safety services become more important for families, the company has a long growth runway.

    Last week, Morgan Stanley put an overweight rating and $50.00 price target on Life360’s shares.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    A final ASX tech stock that could be worth considering is Xero.

    Xero provides cloud-based accounting software to small and medium-sized businesses. Its platform allows companies to manage invoices, payroll, and financial reporting through a simple online interface.

    The company has built a strong presence in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and continues to expand its reach in North America.

    What makes Xero particularly interesting is its growing ecosystem. Beyond accounting, the platform connects with a wide range of financial services, payment systems, and business applications.

    This ecosystem approach makes Xero increasingly embedded in the day-to-day operations of its customers. As businesses adopt more digital tools, platforms like Xero can become central to how companies manage their finances.

    UBS currently has a buy rating and $174.00 price target on Xero’s shares.

    The post 3 ASX tech stocks that brokers rate as buys 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, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice and buying ASX shares

    Warren Buffett

    I view Warren Buffett as one of the world’s greatest investors, leading Berkshire Hathaway to be one of the world’s largest businesses through numerous good investment decisions. While he hasn’t invested in many ASX shares, I’m using his advice to put money to work in the Australian stock market.

    The legendary investor from Omaha delivered an average return of around 20% per year for decades by focusing on long-term investing in businesses that had strong compounding potential and were good value.

    It’s during periods of uncertainty when the most attractive prices appear. Warren Buffett has provided timeless advice for investors who are uncertain about what to do.

    Warren Buffett’s advice

    One of the shortest quotes from Warren Buffett may be the most applicable to the current situation.

    He said:

    Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.

    It’s hard to get that mentality (and timing) right all of the time, but I think it’s a good idea to buy when prices have dropped and be more cautious when the share market is booming.

    There’s another quote that I really like which Warren Buffett said it regards to buying hamburgers at the supermarket. Don’t let a good discount go to waste.

    To refer to a personal taste of mine, I’m going to buy hamburgers the rest of my life. When hamburgers go down in price, we sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in the Buffett household. When hamburgers go up in price, we weep. For most people, it’s the same with everything in life they will be buying — except stocks. When stocks go down and you can get more for your money, people don’t like them anymore.

    I get excited when share prices go lower, which is why I’ve put my money into certain ASX share investments in the last few weeks.

    I’m buying ASX shares

    Motley Fool’s trading rules mean I can’t disclose what I’ve bought this week. But, last week I did purchase some Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares as a non-tech growth investment.

    I’ve also shared some ideas of names that I’d be excited to buy right now (but haven’t yet) such as Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) and Global X S&P World Ex Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GARP).

    Ultimately, I’m looking for names that I’m expecting earnings to grow significantly in five and ten years from now because that’s what will drive the share price higher, regardless of what happens in March (or even 2026). When you buy a growing business, it doesn’t matter as much if we don’t manage to invest at the lowest valuation level. Its underlying value will increase at a pleasing pace over time.

    I don’t know whether Warren Buffett has made any investment decisions in March, but I’d like to think he’d be supportive of being brave during this period. There are plenty of opportunities out there right now.

    The post I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice and buying ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Berkshire Hathaway right now?

    Before you buy Berkshire Hathaway 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 Berkshire Hathaway 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 Tristan Harrison has positions in Guzman Y Gomez, Temple & Webster Group, and Tuas. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Own BHP stock? Here’s why the miner is down 13% in a week

    Miner looking at a tablet.

    What a difference a week can make. Last Monday, shares of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) were riding high, minting a fresh new record high of $59.39 and clocking a 12-month gain of over 50%. Not bad for one of the largest shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). BHP stock is in a very different position today.

    Sure, the mining giant is in full recovery mode this Tuesday, up a healthy 2.7% at the tie of writing. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that BHP is still down by double-digits from last Monday’s high. Yep, at $51.42 a share at present, BHP has lost 13.1% over the past eight days.

    This has been an exceptionally wild ride for any ASX investor who owns the Big Australian in their ASX portfolios. More so than most other ASX blue chip shares. To illustrate, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has dropped by just 0.4% since last Monday. Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX :WOW) is down by about 3.8%, while Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) has drifted 1.15% lower.

    With this in mind, many ASX investors might be wondering why BHP stock has born so much of the sell-off brunt over the past week. This is particularly beguiling, given that BHP divested most of its energy assets years ago, so, at least in theory, is somewhat insulated from the oil supply fears that have so rattled markets over the past week.

    Well, it’s hard to know for sure what has gotten the bees in investors’ bonnets with BHP stock. But I’m guessing it comes down to a handful of factors.

    Why has BHP stock plunged 13% since Monday?

    Firstly, BHP stock arguably had a lot of empty air under it a week ago. As we’ve already touched on, the stock had topped out after an incredible run in recent months. But BHP’s profits are always subject to rapid change, given the company’s underlying reliance on volatile commodity prices.

    It was probably primed for a correction anyway, and the rapid change in the global geopolitical environment no doubt helped trigger that correction.

    Secondly, the argument can be made that, although BHP wasn’t directly in line to be impacted by oil supply shock, it was still highly vulnerable to its consequences. For one, fuel inputs like diesel form a massive part of BHP’s cost base. It takes a lot of fuel to drive the mining equipment and transportation infrastructure that allows BHP to ship its iron ore and run its copper mines. A potential disruption to its fuel supply would be catastrophic for the miner.

    Further, the largest customers of the oil and oil by-products that come out of the Strait of Hormuz are in Asia. Particularly India and China. These countries are some of BHP’s largest customers. And if steel mills and refineries in China lose access to energy, one of the first companies they will call to cancel shipments of raw materials like iron ore and copper would probably be BHP.

    So with this in mind, it’s perhaps no surprise to see BHP shares lose so much value over the past week. Let’s see if today’s recovery can go the distance.

    The post Own BHP stock? Here’s why the miner is down 13% in a week 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 Sebastian Bowen 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.

  • Why are Coles shares sinking today?

    A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are missing out on the market rebound on Tuesday.

    At the time of writing, the supermarket giant’s shares are down 2.5% to $20.56.

    This compares to a 1.2% gain by the ASX 200 index this afternoon.

    Why are Coles shares underperforming?

    Today’s decline has been driven by the company’s shares trading ex-dividend.

    When a share trades ex-dividend, it means new buyers are no longer entitled to receive the company’s next dividend payment.

    In Coles’ case, it has just gone ex-dividend for its latest fully franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share.

    Because new buyers will not receive that upcoming dividend, the share price often falls by roughly the value of the dividend when the stock goes ex-dividend. That is why investors commonly see a decline in a company’s share price on the ex-dividend date.

    Shareholders who owned Coles shares before the ex-dividend date will still receive the dividend even if they sell their shares today.

    The Coles dividend

    Last month, Coles released a solid first-half result. For the 27 weeks ended 4 January 2026, the company reported group sales revenue of $23.6 billion, representing growth of 2.5% year on year.

    Earnings also improved on an underlying basis. Group EBIT excluding significant items increased 10.2% to $1.23 billion, while underlying net profit after tax rose 12.5% to $676 million.

    However, statutory net profit after tax fell to $511 million, reflecting significant items related to a Federal Court judgment linked to earlier Fair Work Ombudsman proceedings.

    The strong underlying earnings growth was largely driven by the company’s supermarkets division. Sales revenue in that segment increased 3.6% to $21.4 billion, while EBIT climbed 14.6% thanks to continued sales momentum and improved operational efficiency.

    Online sales were also a highlight, with supermarkets eCommerce revenue increasing 27% during the half.

    This ultimately allowed Coles to increase its fully franked interim dividend by 10.8% from 37 cents per share to 41 cents per share.

    When is payday?

    Eligible shareholders won’t have to wait long until payday comes around. The company intends to make its payout later this month on 30 March.

    After that, according to a note out of Bell Potter, a fully franked 34 cents per share final dividend is expected in August, bringing total dividends to 75 cents per share in FY 2026.

    Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $22.35 price target on Coles’ shares.

    The post Why are Coles shares sinking today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • 3 reasons to buy NextDC shares today

    Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.

    NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares are pushing higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) data centre operator and developer closed yesterday trading for $12.81. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $12.83 apiece, up 0.2%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.3% at this same time.

    After sinking over the last three months of 2025, NextDC shares are up 2.4% in 2026, outpacing the 0.1% year to date losses posted by the benchmark index.

    And with an eye on the year ahead, EnviroInvest’s Elio D’Amato forecasts more outperformance for the ASX AI stock (courtesy of The Bull).

    Here’s why.

    Should you buy NextDC shares today?

    “NextDC develops and operates data centres across Australia,” D’Amato said.

    Citing the first reason he’s bullish on the ASX 200 stock, he noted:

    Net revenue of $189.2 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026 rose 13% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] of $9.9 million was up 9%.

    D’Amato’s buy recommendation on NextDC shares also hinges on the company’s environmentally friendly and efficient energy production.

    According to D’Amato:

    NXT sources renewable energy for its facilities and designs highly efficient cooling systems, reducing carbon intensity per megawatt. Digital infrastructure is energy intensive, but efficient operators are poised to benefit.

    As for the third reason you may want to buy NextDC shares today, he concluded, “Structural demand and execution momentum, in our view, support further upside.”

    Commenting on that demand following the release of the company’s half year results in February, NextDC CEO Craig Scroggie said, “Our record forward order book is expected to drive a material uplift in revenues and earnings as we deliver this capacity across the period to FY29.”

    Advantage Aussie data centres

    NextDC shares also could find themselves in the sweet spot amid new laws spruiked by United States President Donald Trump last week.

    The proposed regulations would see the nation restrict AI chip exports to countries that don’t have US approval.

    Commenting on the potential impact of the proposed laws, Belinda Dennett, CEO of Data Centres Australia – whose members include NextDC – said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

    We would anticipate that Australia, as a Five Eyes security partner with the US and with the critical minerals trade deal negotiated by the Albanese government, would be at the top of the list to secure a licence under this proposal.

    This would give Australia an advantage over other markets, adding to land availability, abundant renewable energy, political stability, a highly skilled workforce and globally recognised leading local data centre operators in making us a favourable destination for data centre investment.

    The post 3 reasons to buy NextDC shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

  • 2 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: Experts

    A young man wearing a bright yellow jumper and glasses purses his lips together and moves them to the side of his face as he wonders about something.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) financial shares are 1.85% higher as the market recovers from yesterday’s $90 billion rout.

    Meanwhile, experts have recommended that investors sell two popular ASX 200 financial shares.

    Here’s why.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    The Soul Pattinson share price is 1.5% higher at $38.35 on Tuesday, and up 16% over the past 12 months.

    Soul Patts is a diversified investment house that invests across a range of industries and asset classes, including ASX shares.

    On The Bull this week, Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse revealed a sell rating on this ASX 200 financial share.

    Elzayed explains his sell rating:

    SOL has long earned its place in Australian portfolios because of its enviable dividend record and conservative stewardship.

    Even so, we see grounds for a tactical exit.

    The valuation has moved to a premium relative to underlying asset momentum, with the price-to-earnings ratio sitting well above its longer term average.

    Elzayed also spoke of moderation across Soul Patts’ core holdings of New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) shares and the Brickworks business.

    (New Hope shares are among the biggest fallers of the ASX 200 on Tuesday — here’s why.)

    Elzayed concluded:

    Softer global coal prices are tempering the exceptional cash generation previously delivered by New Hope, while TPG continues to navigate an intensely competitive telecommunications landscape.

    Absent a meaningful acquisition to reignite growth, the fading post-merger enthusiasm around the Brickworks restructuring could leave the shares marking time.

    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

    The Suncorp share price is $14.42, up 2.3% on Tuesday and down 25% over 12 months.

    Also on The Bull this week, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities gave the insurance giant a sell rating.

    Athanasiou explained:

    While premium rate increases have helped, we believe margin expansion is peaking. Earnings are exposed to claims inflation, natural catastrophe volatility and regulatory scrutiny.

    Half year results to December 31, 2025 highlighted these risks. Profit after tax of $263 million was down from $1.1 billion in the prior corresponding period. Cash earnings were hit by higher natural hazard costs and the interim dividend was reduced.

    Suncorp declared a fully franked interim dividend of 17 cents per share for 1H FY26, down from 41 cents per share in 1H FY25.

    The Suncorp interim dividend represents a payout ratio of 68% of cash earnings, and will be paid on 31 March.

    Athanasiou added:

    Much of the recent improvement reflects cyclical conditions rather than structural change.

    In our view, the valuation is vulnerable given competitive pricing pressure and rising affordability concerns. 

    The post 2 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company 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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company 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 Bronwyn Allen 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 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.

  • What’s a great ASX tech stock to buy right now?

    Concept image of a businessman riding a bull on an upwards arrow.

    Technology shares on the ASX have had a rough run over the past year.

    Rising interest rates, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, and broader market volatility have pushed many growth stocks significantly lower.

    But for long-term investors, this sell-off may be creating opportunities.

    One ASX tech stock that could be worth considering right now is WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

    At the time of writing, the WiseTech share price is $51.55, up 1.76% today.

    Even after this small rebound, the stock remains well below where it traded last year.

    A huge fall from its highs

    WiseTech shares have fallen dramatically over the past 12 months.

    The stock reached a 52-week high of $121.31 in July last year, before sliding as investor sentiment towards tech companies deteriorated.

    More recently, the share price dropped to $40.59 on 13 February, marking its lowest level in almost 4 years.

    Although the stock has bounced from that level, it is still trading more than 50% below its peak.

    That steep decline could be one reason why the current valuation is starting to look far more attractive.

    A global logistics software leader

    WiseTech develops software used by freight forwarders and logistics companies around the world.

    Its flagship platform, CargoWise, helps businesses manage complex global supply chains. Once embedded in a customer’s operations, the software tends to become deeply integrated into their systems.

    That creates high switching costs and strong recurring revenue for the company.

    WiseTech continues to expand its platform through product development and acquisitions. Management is also investing heavily in automation and AI, which could help customers improve efficiency and reduce costs.

    Technical indicators suggest a recovery may be building

    From a technical outlook, there are signs that the worst of the selling pressure may be easing.

    The stock recently found support around the $40 to $45 range, where buyers stepped in during February.

    Since then, the share price has been trending higher and is now approaching potential resistance near $60.

    Momentum indicators are also improving. The relative strength index (RSI) is currently around 52, suggesting the stock is neither overbought nor oversold.

    Meanwhile, the share price is trading slightly above its Bollinger Band midpoint, which can indicate a short-term recovery trend.

    If momentum continues to build, a move back toward the $70 to $80 range could be possible over time.

    Foolish takeaway

    WiseTech shares have fallen well below their highs, but the underlying business continues to expand.

    If the company delivers on its growth strategy and tech sentiment improves, the current share price could prove a compelling long-term opportunity.

    For this reason, WiseTech could be one ASX tech stock worth watching closely right now.

    The post What’s a great ASX tech stock to buy right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global 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 WiseTech Global 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 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.

  • Why are Life360 shares soaring 10% higher today?

    A couple are shocked and elated at the good news they've just seen on their devices.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares are flying higher in early afternoon trade on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the ASX tech stock is up 10.49% to $22.54 a piece.

    Today’s rally means the US-based software development company’s shares are now 30.56% lower year to date and just 2% below where they were this time last year.

    The tech stock has been caught up amid the tech-sector-wide sell-off over the past 6 months. This was driven by a growing fear that companies’ core services could be replaced by AI. At the same time, there was concern that tech sector share prices had become overinflated.

    Why are Life360 shares flying higher today?

    Today’s share price reversal is great news for investors after the stock crashed 18% this time last week, off the back of its FY25 financial results. 

    Life360 delivered record growth in both its subscription and international segments, by 33% and 26% year-on-year, respectively. The company also said that it expects strong growth to continue in FY26. The news saw investors flock to the stock, with the share price spiking 15% in early morning trade on the same day. But then the share price took a significant U-turn, potentially due to investors taking their gains off the table.

    Now that the dust has settled, it seems as if many are buying back into the growth stock.

    There has been no price-sensitive news from the company today to explain the share price spike.

    The rebound in tech stocks is evident across many stocks in the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) today, raising questions about whether ASX technology shares have finally hit the bottom.

    At the time of writing, the index is 1.75% higher for the day.

    Are Life360 shares a buy, sell or hold for the remainder of 2026?

    TradingView data shows that most analysts are extremely optimistic about Life360’s outlook over the next 12 months. 

    Out of 15 analysts, 12 have a buy or strong buy rating. Another three have a hold rating on the stock. 

    The average target price is $39.82, implying a huge potential 77.13% upside at the time of writing. But some are even more bullish, expecting the stock to rocket 126.50% to $50.94 apiece over the next 12 months.

    The team at Bell Potter recently confirmed its buy rating on Life360’s shares with a price target of $40. The broker said it is pleased with the company’s guidance for FY26 and sees now as a good time for investors to pick up shares in this rapidly growing company. 

    Morgan Stanley has an overweight rating and $50 target price on the stock. The team said it believes Life360 is well-positioned for strong long-term growth. They added that its defensive qualities and large user base make it difficult for AI to disrupt or replace the company’s business model. 

    The post Why are Life360 shares soaring 10% higher today? 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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.