Category: Stock Market

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares are a popular option for investors in the healthcare sector.

The ASX 200 stock is a leading healthcare provider with specialist operations in laboratory medicine, pathology, radiology, general practice medicine, and corporate medical services.

The company highlights that its diagnostic and clinical services are provided by more than 2,200 pathologists, radiologists, and other clinicians, and approximately 18,000 employees in science-based roles, including radiographers, sonographers, technicians and nurses.

Clearly, it is an impressive operation. But is this ASX 200 stock a buy? Let’s see what Ord Minnett is saying about Sonic Healthcare.

What is Ord Minnett saying about this ASX 200 stock?

Unfortunately, the broker thinks that the company could be negatively impacted by proposed changes to medical fees in Germany. It said:

Ord Minnett has reviewed the medium-term outlook for Sonic Healthcare (SHL) given the increasing likelihood of reforms to Germany’s Gebührenordnung für Ärzte (GOA), the medical fee schedule for patients with private health insurance that covers a wide range of consultation fees and outpatient services, including, in Sonic’s case, laboratory fees.

These reforms pose a risk to Sonic given GOA reimbursements account for almost 1/3 of its German division’s revenue, and equate to nearly 8% of group revenue, with drafts of the reforms aiming for a cut in laboratory fee reimbursements, on average, of 29% (although we expect this will be negotiated down as the legislation is developed and we model 20% in our numbers). The timing and details of mooted changes to the GOÄ are uncertain, although our talks with the industry indicate likely implementation from January 2028.

Should you buy, hold, or sell?

In light of this uncertainty and Sonic’s lack of organic growth, the broker has put a hold rating and $24.00 price target on its shares.

However, this still implies potential upside of 18% for investors, which is better than what some buy recommendations offer.

Commenting on its recommendation, Ord Minnett said:

Post our review, we have made very minor changes to our near-term EPS forecasts and our target price remains at $24.00. Ord Minnett finds it difficult to be constructive on Sonic given its inability to generate meaningful organic growth even after $3.3 billion of acquisitions over the past seven years.

There are undoubtedly some benefits from M&A, but other factors, such as price cuts and customer quotas specific to healthcare in its various markets, along with run-of-the mill costs such as wages and rents, appear to have constrained any meaningful earnings growth. This view leads us to maintain our Hold recommendation despite the apparent value on offer.

The post Buy, hold, sell: What is Ord Minnett saying about this popular ASX 200 stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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

Australia’s major banks have long been favourites among income investors.

That’s not hard to understand. The big four have historically generated strong profits, paid out a large portion of earnings as dividends, and offered franking credits that can boost after-tax returns for local investors.

For many portfolios, bank shares have been a reliable source of income.

However, it’s worth noting that the sector’s strong share price performance over the past couple of years has had an impact. As share prices rise, dividend yields naturally compress, which means investors today are generally getting lower yields than they might have a few years ago.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the major banks stack up right now based on consensus estimates according to CommSec.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA shares ended yesterday’s session at $173.18.

Consensus estimates currently predict fully franked dividends of $5.20 per share in FY26 and $5.50 per share in FY27 from Australia’s largest bank. That equates to dividend yields of around 3.0% for FY26 and 3.2% for FY27.

While that is the lowest yield among the big four, it reflects the bank’s premium valuation. Investors have historically been willing to accept a lower yield in exchange for what many consider to be the highest-quality banking franchise in Australia.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

NAB shares were trading at $42.56 at Thursday’s close.

CommSec’s consensus estimates point to fully franked dividends of $1.76 per share in FY26 and $1.82 per share in FY27. This implies dividend yields of approximately 4.1% and 4.3%, respectively.

That places NAB in the middle of the pack.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Westpac shares last traded at $40.46.

The bank is expected to pay fully franked dividends of $1.56 per share in FY26 and $1.60 per share in FY27. Based on those estimates, Westpac offers dividend yields of roughly 3.9% for FY26 and 4.0% for FY27.

Like NAB, this positions it as a relatively solid income option, though not the highest in the group.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

Finally, ANZ shares last traded at $36.65.

According to CommSec, the bank is expected to pay partially franked dividends of $1.68 per share in FY26 and $1.72 per share in FY27. That puts its forward dividend yield at roughly 4.6% for FY26 and 4.7% for FY27.

The partial franking is worth keeping in mind, as it can affect after-tax income compared to fully franked alternatives.

ANZ is the ASX bank with the biggest dividend yield

Based on current consensus estimates, ANZ offers the highest forecast dividend yield among the big four banks.

However, the difference is not especially large, and it comes with the trade-off of only partial franking.

Foolish takeaway

ANZ may currently offer the highest forecast yield, but its partial franking means the after-tax outcome may not be as straightforward when compared to fully franked alternatives like CBA, NAB, and Westpac. At the same time, CBA’s lower yield reflects the premium the market places on its quality and consistency.

In my view, the banks can still provide attractive and relatively reliable income, but the best choice will depend on whether you prioritise yield, franking, or overall business quality.

The post Which ASX bank has the biggest dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Would I buy BHP, CBA, and CSL shares today?
• Why NAB shares are slipping today despite a major business reset
• 3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April
• Westpac shares are climbing following UNITE update
• Why ASX dividend shares could still be better than term deposits

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

I think it is fair to say that the ASX has been under heavy pressure in 2026.

Growth shares have been hit particularly hard, as concerns around artificial intelligence (AI) disruption, rising interest rates, and global uncertainty have driven a sharp selloff.

Here are three ASX shares that are being unfairly punished by the market and analysts think could rebound strongly.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The first ASX share that has seen a steep decline is Megaport.

The network-as-a-service provider has been caught up in the broader tech selloff, with its shares down over 40% this year. However, the company continues to operate in a market supported by long-term demand for cloud connectivity and data infrastructure.

Megaport’s platform allows businesses to connect to cloud providers quickly and flexibly, which is becoming increasingly important as digital transformation accelerates. It has also expanded its addressable market and offering with the recent acquisition of Latitude.sh.

While growth stocks have been de-rated due to higher interest rates, the underlying need for scalable and efficient network solutions remains strong. If the company continues to execute, the current weakness could prove to be an overreaction.

Morgans remains very positive and has a buy rating and $16.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of almost 120% for investors from current levels.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Another ASX share that appears to have been hit too hard is Temple & Webster.

Its shares have fallen significantly from their highs, but the company continues to report strong revenue growth and increasing market share in the online furniture and homewares space.

The business is benefiting from a capital-light model, strong brand recognition, and a growing base of repeat customers. It is also expanding into new areas such as home improvement and commercial sales.

Despite these positives, concerns around consumer spending and AI disrupting ecommerce have weighed on its valuation.

Macquarie thinks this is a buying opportunity. It recently put an outperform rating and $13.70 price target on its shares. This is double its current share price.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

A final ASX share that could be worth a closer look is WiseTech Global.

The logistics software company has also been caught in the selloff, with its shares down sharply despite continuing to expand its global footprint. This has been driven by a combination of AI disruption concerns, business model changes, and CEO controversies.

But WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global supply chains, offering mission-critical software that helps logistics providers manage complex operations. This creates high switching costs and supports recurring revenue, which are attractive qualities for long-term investors.

Morgans has a buy rating and $83.60 price target on its shares. This is also more than double its current share price.

The post 3 ASX shares being unfairly punished by the market selloff and could rise 100% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Megaport, Temple & Webster Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Megaport, Temple & Webster Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Putting a lump sum like $50,000 to work can feel like a big decision, especially when there are so many different directions you can go.

For me, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a straightforward way to build a diversified portfolio without having to rely on picking individual stocks. 

The key is combining broad exposure with a few targeted themes that could drive returns over time.

Here’s why I’d be thinking about allocating that capital evenly across these five ETFs today.

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

I’d start by making sure I have exposure to Asia. The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF gives access to major economies like China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea. These regions are home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and I think that long-term growth is hard to ignore.

There will always be volatility here, especially with geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty. But over time, I think rising middle classes, urbanisation, and technological development could drive strong economic expansion.

iShares Global 100 AUD ETF (ASX: IOO)

For global blue-chip exposure, I’d look at the iShares Global 100 AUD ETF.

This ASX ETF holds some of the largest and most established companies in the world. These are businesses with strong balance sheets, global reach, and proven earnings power.

I like this as a core holding because it provides stability and diversification across industries and geographies. It’s not about chasing the fastest growth, but about owning high-quality companies that can compound over time.

In a volatile environment, I think having that kind of foundation is important.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Closer to home, I’d want exposure to high-quality ASX shares.

The Betashares Australian Quality ETF focuses on businesses with strong returns on equity, solid balance sheets, and consistent earnings. In my view, those characteristics tend to hold up better during uncertain periods.

Rather than simply tracking the broader market, this ETF leans into quality, which I think can make a difference over the long term.

It also complements global exposure by ensuring part of the portfolio is invested in Australian companies with strong fundamentals.

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

For growth, I’d include the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This ASX ETF provides exposure to a range of ASX-listed tech shares, including names that have been sold off heavily in recent periods. That volatility can be uncomfortable, but it can also create opportunities.

I think technology remains a key driver of long-term economic growth, and having some exposure to that theme makes sense. The businesses in this ETF won’t all succeed, but the sector itself is likely to keep evolving and expanding.

VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND)

Finally, I’d include a thematic allocation to defence through the VanEck Global Defence ETF.

With geopolitical tensions remaining elevated, defence spending is increasing across many parts of the world. That’s not a short-term trend in my view, but something that could persist for years.

This ETF provides exposure to companies involved in defence and security, which are benefiting from that shift in government spending.

It’s a more specialised investment, but I think it adds diversification and taps into a structural trend that isn’t closely tied to typical economic cycles.

Foolish takeaway

This kind of $50,000 ETF portfolio blends broad market exposure with a handful of targeted growth themes.

There will be periods where some parts lag, particularly higher-growth areas like technology or emerging markets. But over time, I think this mix gives a solid foundation while still leaving room for stronger returns if those themes play out.

The post Where I’d invest $50,000 into ASX ETFs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Commentary from economists and experts is now pointing towards the possibility of continued interest rate hikes. 

A new report from Global X has shed light on how investors may be able to position themselves should this come to fruition. 

According to the report, the RBA remains in a tightening posture as inflation pressures persist, including from geopolitical-driven energy shocks such as Middle East tensions. This reinforces the need for portfolios designed to remain resilient through a higher-for-longer rate regime.

Here are 5 ASX ETFs the provider believes could be worth considering. 

Global X Australian Bank ETF (ASX: BANK)

This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of Australian banking debt across the full capital structure. 

Global X said the portfolio of floating rate notes through both senior and subordinated credit and hybrid securities allows investors to benefit from rising income as rates increase, while still retaining a modest allocation to fixed-rate bonds that may provide upside should the rate cycle eventually reverse.

These securities have coupons that reset periodically in line with interest rates, meaning income rises as rates move higher. As a result, they can offer a more resilient income stream while experiencing less capital volatility compared to fixed-rate bonds.

Global X S&P/ASX 300 High Yield Plus ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

This fund invests in 50 high-dividend stocks from the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

Global X argues that with Australian dividend yields near multi-decade lows and the total amount of dividends decreasing over the last few years, relying solely on broad market income may no longer be sufficient. 

Instead, investors can consider a combination of high dividend equities and options-based strategies.

By focusing on companies with higher forecast dividend yields, investors may be able to capture an incremental yield premium of close to 1% relative to the broader benchmark, while still maintaining sector diversification and applying disciplined screening to avoid potential dividend traps.

Global X S&P/ASX 200 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: AYLD)

This fund uses a “covered call” or “buy-write” strategy in an effort to generate yield enhancement over and above dividends and franking. 

Global X believes this strategy could be successful during high interest rate environments or during periods of volatility. 

These strategies can generate additional income by selling call options over an equity portfolio. Importantly, option premiums are partially driven by the risk-free rate.

As rates rise, the cost of protection increases, which can lead to higher premiums for option sellers. Moreover, covered call strategies tend to outperform during sideways and downward markets. This creates an opportunity to enhance portfolio income while potentially dampening volatility.

Global X Bloomberg Commodity ETF (Synthetic) (ASX: BCOM)

This fund invests in a highly liquid, broad-based basket of commodities, including energy, grains, precious metals, industrial metals, softs and livestock.

Global X said materials and energy sectors tend to exhibit a positive relationship with inflation. 

Commodity producers also benefit from rising input prices, which can translate into stronger revenues.

For Australian investors, this is particularly relevant given the market’s natural tilt toward resources. Examining previous rate hiking cycles, energy and materials have typically been standout performers relative to other sectors, reflecting their sensitivity to inflation dynamics and their ability to benefit from elevated commodity prices and supply-side constraints.

Etfs Metal Securities Australia – Etfs Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD)

This ASX ETF delivers investors a return mirroring the growth in the Australian dollar gold price, minus the annual management fee.

The provider pointed towards historical data that suggests during times of inflation, precious commodities such as gold have outperformed. 

The post 5 ASX ETFs to navigate rising interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

Some ASX 200 shares come up again and again in investor portfolios, and for good reason. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) have each built dominant positions in their respective industries over many years.

They’ve also all had very different share price journeys recently. That raises a simple question. Are they still worth buying today?

Here’s how I’m thinking about each of them right now.

BHP shares

I still see BHP as an ASX 200 share to buy, particularly for investors who want exposure to global commodities.

What stands out to me most at the moment is its growing exposure to copper. This is now a major earnings driver for the business, and I think that matters. Copper demand is widely expected to increase over time as electrification, renewable energy, and infrastructure investment continue to scale globally.

That doesn’t mean the path will be smooth. Commodity prices can be volatile, and BHP’s earnings will always be tied to that cycle. But I think having exposure to a commodity with strong long-term demand tailwinds is a positive.

There’s also the Jansen potash project to consider. Potash is linked to global food production, which is another long-term structural trend. It adds a different layer of diversification beyond iron ore and copper.

On top of that, BHP continues to generate strong cash flow and pay dividends, which can help balance returns during weaker periods for commodity prices.

For me, it remains a high-quality way to gain exposure to resources, with a tilt toward future-facing commodities.

CBA shares

I think Commonwealth Bank is one of the highest-quality ASX 200 shares.

The bank has built an incredibly strong position in Australia, supported by its scale, brand, and deep customer relationships. That kind of dominance is difficult for competitors to replicate.

What I like most is the consistency. Through different economic cycles, Commonwealth Bank has continued to generate strong profits and deliver reliable dividends. That track record is a big part of why the market assigns it a premium valuation.

The company’s long-term investment in technology is another factor. It has helped the bank stay ahead in digital banking, which I think reinforces its competitive advantage.

The main consideration for me is valuation. Commonwealth Bank often trades at a premium to peers, and that can limit upside if expectations are already high.

Because of that, I would label CBA shares as a buy if you aren’t already heavily exposed to banks. But in terms of quality, I think it’s hard to look past.

CSL shares

CSL has probably been the most challenging of the three over the past year.

The share price has fallen sharply, reflecting softer results, impairments, and broader uncertainty around the business. It’s been a difficult period, especially for a company that has long been seen as one of the ASX’s premier names.

There’s also been a lot going on behind the scenes. The company has changed CEO abruptly and is in the middle of a transformation program aimed at simplifying operations and improving efficiency. These kinds of changes can take time and often create short-term disruption.

Even so, I don’t think the long-term story has disappeared.

CSL remains a global biotechnology leader with a portfolio of critical therapies, strong research capabilities, and a long history of innovation. It continues to generate significant revenue from products that treat serious diseases, and demand for those therapies isn’t going away.

Encouragingly, management has maintained its full-year guidance, suggesting expectations for a stronger second half as growth improves in key areas.

I think this is one where patience matters. The turnaround may not happen overnight, but if execution improves, the current weakness could prove to be an opportunity over the long term. As a result, I would buy CSL shares at current levels.

Foolish takeaway

All three of these ASX 200 shares have different strengths, and I think they can each play a role in a diversified portfolio.

BHP offers exposure to commodities with long-term demand drivers like copper. Commonwealth Bank provides consistency and income, supported by a dominant market position. CSL brings global healthcare exposure, even if the near-term outlook remains uncertain.

None of them are immune to volatility, and each comes with its own risks. But taken together, I think they highlight the kind of quality businesses that can compound value over time.

The post Would I buy BHP, CBA, and CSL shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April
• Why ASX dividend shares could still be better than term deposits
• Here’s one reason why experts think the CSL share price can rise 65%!
• How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares right now to help build long-term wealth

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

If you have $2,000 to invest into ASX dividend shares, then it could be worth considering the two in this article.

That’s because they have recently been named as buys by analysts at Morgans. Here’s what the broker is recommending to clients:

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure is the owner of the Dalrymple Bay Terminal, which provides terminal infrastructure and services for producers and consumers involved in Australian coal exports.

It effectively functions as a metallurgical coal export facility that operates as a gateway for coal from the Bowen Basin and forms part of the global steelmaking supply chain.

Morgans believes that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for income investors. It said:

DBI’s share price has declined c.14% since its high on its FY25 reporting day in February. We see no factor causing a material change to the fundamental value of the business. Our forecasts and valuation includes the higher interest rate environment and elevated short-term inflation. Hence no change to our $5.35 target price. Forecast changes are negligible.

At current prices we estimate potential TSR of c.21% (including a forecast 6.2% cash yield). We view this as an attractive return (with significant margin of safety) for a defensive but growing infrastructure asset. Hence we upgrade from HOLD to BUY.

As for income, the broker is forecasting dividends of 28 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 31 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $5.07, this would mean dividend yields of 5.5% and 6.1%, respectively.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

Another ASX dividend share that Morgans recently upgraded to a buy rating is fund manager GQG Partners.

It appears optimistic that a recent uptick in its investment performance could be the start of a turnaround after a long period of fund outflows. It said:

GQG has provided a February FUM update.  Whilst monthly net flows remained negative (-US$3.2bn), strong February investment performance (+US$10.5bn), which drove +4.5% FUM growth, made this a positive update in our view. We lift our GQG FY26F/FY27F EPS by +1%-+2%, driven by increased FUM forecasts based on better investment performance than we expected. Our PT rises to A$2.03 (previously A$1.89).

We acknowledge it remains early, but the improved January and February investment performance for GQG might mark the start of a business turnaround. We continue to see the stock as undervalued trading on 8x FY1 PE and an ~11% dividend yield. With >20% TSR upside, we move to a BUY rating, previously Accumulate.

Morgans is expecting very generous dividend yields of over 10% in FY 2026 and FY 2027.

The post Where to invest $2,000 in ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If you’re building a long-term portfolio, high-quality ASX shares are essential.

The best ASX opportunities often come from companies with scale, strong management, and exposure to powerful growth trends. Get that mix right, and you give yourself a real chance of compounding returns over time.

Here are two ASX shares that could be worth buying and holding for the long term.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed offers a compelling growth story. The $48 billion ASX share is a global leader in sleep apnea and respiratory care devices.

Its products help millions of patients worldwide, and demand is growing. Why? Two key drivers: ageing populations and rising awareness of sleep health.

Sleep apnea is still underdiagnosed globally. As detection improves, more patients enter the treatment funnel. That creates a long runway for growth.

ResMed also has a strong digital ecosystem. Its cloud-connected devices and software platforms provide ongoing patient monitoring and data insights. That builds recurring revenue and strengthens customer relationships.

Global scale, market leadership, and exposure to a growing healthcare need are the key strengths of this ASX share.

Risks are not to be overlooked though. Competition and pricing pressure are ongoing challenges. There’s also regulatory risk across different markets.

But ResMed has proven it can adapt and keep growing. The ASX healthcare share has also lost 21% in value over 6 months, which makes it more appealing to jump in.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is a growth machine — and it’s showing no signs of slowing.

Its 1H FY26 result was impressive. Net inflows hit a record $10.7 billion. Revenue jumped 26% to $245.9 million. Even better, underlying net profit surged around 60% as the business scaled.

Funds under administration climbed to $152.3 billion. And the board rewarded shareholders with a 50% increase in the interim dividend.

That’s exactly the kind of operating leverage investors want to see.

But the real story is structural.

Hub24 is benefiting from a shift in the wealth industry. Financial advisers are increasingly consolidating onto fewer platforms — a trend often called “platform monogamy.” The $7 billion ASX share is winning that battle. It now has more than 5,200 advisers using its platform, and that number keeps growing.

Hub24’s biggest strengths are strong inflows, rising market share, and a scalable business model.

Risks are never far away, with valuation being the big one. The ASX share has surged and trades on premium multiples. That leaves little room for error.

Competition is also heating up as legacy players upgrade their technology.

The bottom line

Hub24 and ResMed operate in very different industries. But they share key traits: strong growth drivers, scalable models, and leadership positions.

One is riding the wealth platform shift. The other ASX share is tapping into global healthcare demand.

Neither is cheap. But for long-term investors, quality rarely is.

If they continue executing, both could deliver strong returns over the long term.

The post 2 amazing ASX shares to buy for long-term growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares right now to help build long-term wealth
• What could $500 a month in ASX 200 shares become in 20 years?
• Forget CSL shares, this ASX healthcare stock could double in value
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Inflation is when an economy’s price of goods and services increases over time. It is measured as the rate of change in a period.

According to a new report from Betashares, after years of low inflation, the environment investors have become accustomed to is starting to shift.

Hans Lee, Senior Finance Writer at Betashares, said for most of the past two decades, inflation was low enough that many investors didn’t need to think about it. But that backdrop may now be shifting.

Treasury modelling flagged this month that the Iran conflict could push inflation to 5% or above. Both the RBA and the Federal Reserve have revised their inflation forecasts higher this year, with the RBA now expecting inflation to remain above its 2-3% target until early 2027.

How is inflation measured?

One way we measure this metric is using the The Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

It measures household inflation and includes statistics about price change for categories of household expenditure.

The most recent data shows CPI annual inflation was 3.7% in the 12 months to February 2026. 

This is above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s goal range of between 2-3%. 

How does it impact investors

Inflation can eat away at returns more than many investors realise. 

For example, if your portfolio gains 6% but inflation runs at 4%, your real return is only about 2%. Investors must beat inflation just to preserve wealth.

According to Betashares, this is also extremely relevant for investors approaching retirement. 

A higher assumed rate of inflation may also move the goalposts on your FIRE number retirement target. That nominal $1 million figure would now be $1 million plus the rate of inflation meaning the number you need to reach keeps rising, which means the return your portfolio needs to deliver rises with it.

Where to invest in a high inflation environment

According to the report from Betashares, for investors looking to add inflation resilience to an existing portfolio, there are particular assets that may help.

Firstly, there is historical evidence that gold has been able to preserve most of its purchasing power through inflationary periods when paper assets have struggled.

Gold focussed ASX ETFs include: 

• BetaShares Gold Bullion ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: QAU)
• Vaneck Gold Bullion ETF (ASX: NUGG)

Another asset class to consider according to Betashares is royalty companies. 

These are businesses that own royalty streams on commodities or other assets, collecting a percentage of revenue rather than bearing production costs. 

That structure may be less exposed to rising input costs, although performance will depend on commodity prices and other factors.

For exposure to royalty companies, investors may consider Betashares Global Royalties ETF (ASX: ROYL). 

Finally, listed infrastructure often have revenues that are linked (to varying degrees) to inflation through regulated pricing or contractual arrangements. 

However, the extent of this linkage and its impact on income may vary.

An ASX ETF that provides exposure to this sector is FTSE Global Infrastructure Shares Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: TOLL). 

The post Where to invest if inflation keeps rising – Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a subdued session and slipped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.1% to 8,525.7 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to sink

The Australian share market looks set for a heavy decline on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 87 points or 1% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 1%, the S&P 500 is down 1.75% and the Nasdaq is down 2.4%.

Oil prices rebound

It could be a good finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 4.5% to US$94.38 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 5.4% to US$107.78 a barrel. Oil prices jumped after Iran rejected peace talks with the US.

Xero-Anthropic deal

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares will be on watch on Friday after the cloud accounting platform provider announced a deal with AI giant Anthropic. The multi-year partnership will bring Claude’s AI directly into Xero, and Xero’s financial data and tools into Claude.ai. The company notes that this will give small businesses and their accounting and bookkeeping advisors real-time financial intelligence and the ability to act on it, wherever they choose to work.

Gold price tumbles

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 3.9% to US$4,375.5 an ounce. Inflation and higher interest rate concerns are weighing on the precious metal.

Buy Fenix shares

Fenix Resources Ltd (ASX: FEX) shares could be good value according to the team at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating on the iron ore miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of 63 cents (from 67 cents). It said: “FEX has outlined a clear pathway to incrementally grow iron ore production to 10Mtpa at significantly lower unit costs, leveraging its integrated logistics network to underpin cash flows and fund its substantial organic growth outlook. FEX holds the largest storage position at the strategic and fast-growing Geraldton Port.”

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

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