Category: Stock Market

Yesterday, a2 Milk Co Ltd (ASX: A2M) released its FY26 results.

As Laura Stewart reported yesterday, the company reported preliminary FY26 results, featuring revenue up more than 12% to about $1.97 billion. 

This was despite China infant milk formula (IMF) sales declining due to supply chain disruptions.

Key results included: 

• FY26 revenue of approximately $1.97 billion, up over 12% year-over-year
• China label IMF sales down around 14% on FY25 after supply chain issues in 4Q26
• EBITDA margin expected at the high end of 14.0% to 14.5% guidance
• NPAT anticipated to be slightly up on FY25, with underlying NPAT also rising

Following the results, A2 Milk shares fell over 4%. 

What is Bell Potter’s updated outlook on A2 Milk shares?

Following the results, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on A2 Milk shares. 

Bell Potter views the update as broadly positive, with revenue expected to land within guidance at $1.97 billion and EBITDA margins at the top end of the guided range, resulting in EBITDA of around $285 million, broadly in line with expectations. 

Profit guidance has improved, with NPAT now expected to be slightly higher year-on-year and operating cash conversion upgraded to around 70%, reflecting stronger cash generation than previously guided.

The key disappointment was the weaker-than-expected performance of China label infant formula, with revenue expected to decline 14% year-on-year and second-half sales falling more than 40% after adjusting for foreign exchange, significantly below Bell Potter’s forecasts. 

While product supply issues have largely been resolved and management is now focused on marketing initiatives to win back former customers and attract new users, Bell Potter believes the weakness suggests the company may need to rebalance its China sales mix in FY27.

As a result, Bell Potter has modestly increased its FY26 earnings forecast but reduced FY27 and FY28 estimates to reflect higher expected brand investment and a slower recovery in China. 

NPAT forecasts have been revised up 3% for FY26, but down 6% for FY27 and down 5% for FY28.

Hold recommendation maintained 

A2 Milk shares have experienced volatility in 2026, and are currently down nearly 20% year to date. 

Yesterday, A2 Milk shares closed at $7.37 per share. 

Bell Potter has maintained its hold recommendation and share price target of $6.90 on the company. 

This indicates a 6% downside from current levels. 

The post What is Bell Potter saying about A2 Milk shares after its results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• A2 Milk shares jump again as China worries start to ease
• a2 Milk Company posts double digit FY26 revenue growth despite China supply setback
• Why this ASX financials stock is tipped to rebound 35% in the back half of 2026
• What is Bell Potter’s updated view on Telstra shares?

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.

It has been a tough 2026 so far for ASX 300 stock Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD). 

Elders is a leading supplier of fertiliser, agricultural chemicals and animal health products to rural and regional Australia. It has strong agency positions in livestock, wool and real estate.

Year to date, its share price has fallen 21%.

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 300 (ASX:XKO) index is up 0.5% in the same period. 

However after falling in 2026, the team at Bell Potter is optimistic it can recover in the next 12 months. 

Here is what’s behind the bullish view. 

Mixed conditions

Bell Potter notes that conditions for Elders have been mixed since the last reporting period. 

Strong livestock activity and significantly improved soil moisture across much of Australia’s cropping regions have been partly offset by lower crop input prices, particularly urea.

Livestock markets remained supportive during the third quarter, with higher cattle slaughter and yardings, stronger prices for cattle, lamb, mutton, and wool, and increased wool volumes, providing a positive backdrop for Elders’ agency business.

Cropping conditions have improved considerably after above-average rainfall across most of the Australian wheat belt, especially in southeastern Australia. 

Soil moisture and crop health indicators have strengthened to their highest positive deviation in the past 14 years, although drier conditions are still expected in the second half of 2026.

On the downside, crop input prices have continued to soften. 

Urea prices have fallen 47% from their peak and are now below pre-conflict levels, while glyphosate prices are down around 18%, which may reduce the value of Elders’ crop input sales despite benefiting farmers through lower costs.

Buy recommendation for ASX 300 stock 

Following share price weakness, the team at Bell Potter now views this ASX 300 stock as a buy-low candidate. 

Bell Potter has a buy recommendation along with a price target of $6.45 on the company. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $5.38, this indicates an upside potential of 20%. 

Our Buy rating unchanged. The market is pricing ELD for the effects of an El Nino, with the stock down -27% since the BOM announced the El Nino watch and the short interest >9%. 

While the intensity of El Nino is not anticipated until 2HCY26e, patterns over the major winter cropping selling window appear to have been broadly positive and livestock agency trends have remained favourable, to a degree derisking the FY26e outlook.

The post Is this ASX 300 stock a buy-low candidate after crashing 20% this year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Elders confirms Killara Feedlot sale completion for June 2026
• 5 ASX dividend stocks for passive income investors

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

I think the best exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are those that can give investors access to powerful long-term trends.

They provide exposure to areas of the global economy that can keep evolving over many years.

With that in mind, here are two Vanguard ETFs that I think are worth considering.

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

The first ETF I would consider is one that gives investors exposure to a region undergoing enormous change.

It provides access to large and mid-sized companies across Asian markets outside Japan.

What interests me about Asia is the scale of its economic development. Millions (even billions) of people across the region are entering higher levels of consumption, adopting new technologies, and accessing services that have become common in developed markets.

That creates opportunities for businesses involved in areas such as financial services, consumer products, technology, and infrastructure.

I think the VAE ETF offers a different type of growth exposure compared with many other global ETFs. It gives investors access to companies benefiting from changing lifestyles and rising economic participation across some of the world’s most populous markets.

Of course, Asian markets can experience periods of uncertainty. Different countries have different economic conditions, currencies, and regulatory environments.

But for long-term investors, I think the VAE ETF provides exposure to a region with significant room to continue developing.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The second Vanguard ETF I would look at is focused on one of the biggest forces reshaping the global economy.

It provides exposure to companies involved in the technology sector, including businesses developing the software, hardware, and digital infrastructure used around the world.

I think the interesting part of technology investing is how many industries now depend on it. Technology is influencing healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, transport, and everyday communication. The companies that create these tools can become deeply embedded into how other businesses operate.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating demand for chips, cloud infrastructure, software platforms, and the digital tools businesses use to automate work. While it is still early and individual winners are difficult to predict, I think owning a basket of global technology companies provides a way to participate in that long-term opportunity.

The VTEK ETF can experience larger price movements than broader market ETFs, particularly when investors change their expectations around technology companies. But for investors with patience, I think exposure to businesses driving innovation can be a powerful addition.

Foolish takeaway

I think these Vanguard ETFs appeal for different reasons.

One provides exposure to Asia’s ongoing development and the other captures the companies shaping technological change.

The common thread is that both funds give investors a way to own businesses benefiting from long-term economic progress.

That is why I think these ETFs could be valuable long-term holdings for investors who want simplicity without sacrificing exposure to global opportunities.

The post Why I think these Vanguard ETFs are strong buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Vanguard ETFs to build long-term wealth
• Why I’d put $2,500 into these top Vanguard ETFs
• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy if I wanted easy global investing

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.

ASX dividend shares are a straightforward way for Australian investors to earn an easy passive income.

The trickiest part is working out what ASX shares pay what, and the best ones to buy.

Here are two of my top high-yield ASX dividend shares. And they all pay a yield of 9% or more.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

IPH is an intellectual property (IP) service provider that operates through a network of brands and across ten jurisdictions in 25 countries. Its services cover everything from patent filing and trademarks to prosecution, portfolio management, and enforcement. Its huge scale makes it the largest IP services provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

The ASX dividend company consistently generates a strong cash flow from its operations. In fact, IPH reported cash conversion of 101% in its first-half FY26 results.

It is this strong cash flow that has enabled the company to pay a reliable and constantly growing dividend payment to its shareholders.

IPH’s most recent interim dividend payment was 10 cents per share in March, up 11.8% on the prior period. 

The ASX share is expected to pay a fully-franked dividend of 38 cents in FY26. This translates to a forward dividend yield of around 9.6% at IPH’s $3.95 share price, at the time of writing.

Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT)

The MOT is a listed investment trust (LIT) with a portfolio of private credit and related opportunities, which can give investors direct exposure to private credit investments. This is an increasingly popular asset class for income-focused investors.

The Trust said its investment objective is to provide monthly cash income, preserve investor capital, and manage investment risks. It also seeks to provide upside potential through investments in private credit and other assets. These “other assets” include warrants, options, preference shares, and equity.

The Trust targets a cash yield of 7% per year. It has a total target return of 8% to 10% per year, net of fees and expenses. 

MOT pays its dividend distributions on a monthly basis. The Trust also has a distribution reinvestment plan (DRP), which allows its unitholders to reinvest monthly income distributions.

The ASX dividend share’s most recent payout to shareholders is a 2.65 cent dividend, with 3.02% franking, paid today (8th July). The Trust paid out 1.16 cents in June, 1.22 cents in May, and 1.09 cents in April. 

Over the past 12 months, Metrics Income Opportunities Trust has paid out 12 dividends totalling 15.39 cents per share either unfranked or with partial franking credits. This gives the LIT a dividend yield of around 9.5% using its $1.65 trading price, at the time of writing.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares that yield 9% (or even higher) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $5,500 per month in passive income?
• These ASX shares could generate $5,000 per year in passive income
• 2 ASX dividend shares with 10% yields and 25% upside potential
• 3 ASX dividend shares yielding 9% (or even more)

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

The team at Morgans have updated their outlook on three well known ASX listed companies this week. 

Two have received hold recommendations while one has drawn a clear positive outlook. 

Here is the latest from the broker. 

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

Morgans said that ASX has recently released its monthly trading activity report for June 2026. 

It was a mixed trading month overall for ASX, in our view, with higher cash markets activity (+54% volume on pcp), a downturn in raisings and stronger average daily futures/options contracts in June. Our FY27-FY28 EPS forecasts increased by ~+2% factoring in the recent trading activity. Our price target is increased to A$53.90 (from A$51.50). HOLD maintained.

ASX shares closed trading at $53.49 yesterday. 

PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA)

PEXA Group has been drawing positive ratings from experts recently. 

However Morgans appears less optimistic. 

PEXA recently responded to a draft decision by the NSW pricing regulator (The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) that would cut the fees it can charge for its dominant electronic property settlement platform by about 20% from July 2027. 

This would potentially reduce annual revenue by around $70 million.

Commenting on the release, Morgans said: 

The headline read-through from IPART’s draft report on proposed pricing changes for PXA is an anticipated reduction in revenue of A$70m (~20%) in year 1. We think a 20% hit to exchange revenue was much more punitive than consensus market expectations. Applying the cut in one year, rather than phasing it in over multiple years, adds to the disappointment. Our price target is reduced to A$9.35 (from A$14.23).

We Move PXA to HOLD. Proposed outcomes here are worse than expected, and this creates significant uncertainty around PXA’s future profit profile and its overall operating environment.

PEXA shares closed trading yesterday at $8.44 per share. 

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

After struggling earlier this year due to global conflict and soaring oil prices, Morgans now sees a rebound in store for Qantas shares. 

The broker said Qantas’s post-COVID balance sheet strengthening and cost discipline have positioned it to absorb the current fuel cost shock and consumer softness with genuine resilience. 

We forecast 2H26 PBT to be down on pcp as fuel and economic conditions bite, with FY27 forecast to deliver a moderate uplift. We view FY27 as a transition year for Qantas with higher growth expected from FY28 onwards as oil prices, refining margins and demand normalise. Structural growth drivers (fleet renewal, Project Sunrise, Loyalty scaling toward FY30 target) remain intact.

Morgans has initiated coverage on Qantas shares with an accumulate rating and $11.50 price target. 

Qantas shares closed at $10.60 yesterday. 

The post Buy, hold or sell, PEXA, ASX and Qantas shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• 2 ASX 200 stocks that could rise 31% and 121%
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Three ASX 200 companies Macquarie says are a buy right now

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

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is one of those ASX dividend shares that many investors already know well.

But for investors thinking about passive income, does Telstra still have the right mix of cash flow, reliability, and yield to deserve a place in a long-term income portfolio?

In my view, the answer is yes.

A business people keep using

The reason I like Telstra for income is not just that it pays dividends. It is that the business sits behind a huge amount of daily activity.

Every time people use mobile data, stream content, run a business from a phone, process digital payments, work remotely, check maps, use apps, or stay connected while travelling, telecommunications infrastructure is doing part of the work.

That gives Telstra a useful role in the economy. It is not selling a product customers buy once and forget. It is providing connectivity that people and businesses keep using every day.

That does not make Telstra immune from competition. Mobile plans, customer churn, network investment, satellite internet, and regulation are all worth keeping an eye on. But I think the underlying demand for reliable connectivity is about as durable as it gets.

The yield looks attractive

Telstra shares are currently trading around $5.07.

According to CommSec consensus estimates, the company is expected to pay dividends per share of 21 cents in FY26 and 21.5 cents in FY27.

At the current share price, that implies forward dividend yields of around 4.1% and 4.2%.

It may not offer the highest yield available on the ASX, but I think income investors should be careful about chasing a bigger number. A slightly lower yield from a more dependable business can be far more useful than a larger yield that later gets cut.

A $10,000 investment at $5.07 per share would buy about 1,972 shares. Based on the FY26 forecast dividend, that holding could generate roughly $414 in annual dividend income. Based on the FY27 forecast, the income would be around $424.

That is before tax and any franking credits. That looks attractive to me, especially for a business with defensive characteristics.

Why I’d buy

I think Telstra’s appeal comes from the combination of everyday demand and improving focus.

The company has spent years simplifying itself, investing in its networks, and leaning into its strongest asset: connectivity. That may not sound exciting, but I think it can be valuable for passive income investors.

Telstra’s mobile network remains a major competitive advantage. Customers may look for value, but reliability, coverage, and speed still count. For households and businesses, losing connection is more than an inconvenience.

That gives Telstra pricing power that many companies would like to have.

There are risks. Capital expenditure is ongoing, competition remains active, and dividend growth is unlikely to be dramatic every year.

But I think Telstra offers something useful in an uncertain economic environment: a business built around a service that remains essential even when consumers are watching their budgets.

Foolish takeaway

I think Telstra shares are a buy for passive income.

The forecast yield is attractive, but the bigger appeal is the nature of the business behind it. Connectivity is now woven into work, payments, entertainment, travel, security, and everyday communication.

That gives Telstra a defensive quality I value.

The shares may not deliver explosive growth, and investors should still watch competition and network spending. But for those wanting ASX passive income from a business with steady demand, I think Telstra looks like a strong option to buy today.

The post Are Telstra shares a buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• 5 of the best investments on the ASX right now to complement your superannuation
• If I invest $8,000 in Telstra shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $5,500 per month in passive income?

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.3% to 8,803.9 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to open slightly lower

The Australian share market looks set for subdued session on Wednesday following a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 3 points lower. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.25%, the S&P 500 is down 0.3%, and the Nasdaq has dropped 0.75%.

Oil prices race higher

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good day of trade on Wednesday after oil prices charged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.9% to US$70.53 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 3.1% to US$74.22 a barrel. This followed reports of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Buy Netwealth shares

The team at Bell Potter continues to see value in Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares. This morning, in response to a quarterly update, the broker has retained its buy rating and $30.00 price target on the investment platform provider’s shares. It said: “Our Buy rating is unchanged, and we upgrade our net flow estimates +8% FY27-29. Building in margin guidance prompts us to downgrade EPS -7%/-4% and we leave headroom on the FUA target. NWL is looking to replicate EPS growth. The mandate win is the first example of a catalyst, independent of any potential vendor attrition.”

Gold price softens

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft session on Wednesday after the gold price softened overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.35% to US$4,153 an ounce. Rising oil prices have sparked fears of rising inflation and interest rate hikes.

A2 Milk shares go ex-dividend

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. Last month, the infant formula company declared a fully franked special dividend of 28.8 cents per share. Based on its last close price of $7.37, this represents an attractive 3.9% dividend yield. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this dividend later this month on 24 July.

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 slips again: Why the market can’t follow Wall Street higher
• A2 Milk shares jump again as China worries start to ease
• Qube Holdings: Supreme Court approves takeover scheme
• Summerset Group delivers Q2 update

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

Investing in superannuation is a great way to generate a passive income for your retirement years.

Not only does your super help to build wealth for later on in life, but it also comes with the added bonus of low tax rates and the benefit of long-term compounding.

But how much do you actually need to be able to get the passive income you want when you transition to your pension phase?

Let’s investigate using a $6,000-per-month passive income as a guide.

How much do I need in superannuation to get $6,000 of monthly passive income?

If you want to earn $6,000 in passive income every month from your superannuation, that equates to $72,000 per year in dividend payments.

In order to work out what superannuation balance you’d need to get that level of income, simply divide your annual passive income by the dividend yield.

The tricky part of the calculation is that the answer varies widely depending on the dividend yield of your portfolio. 

For example, a portfolio with a dividend yield of around 6% only needs to be half the size of one with a dividend yield of around 3% to generate the same level of passive income. 

How much do I need if my portfolio yields 3% to 7%?

If your overall portfolio has a dividend yield of around 3%, you’ll need a balance of around $2.4 million to earn $72,000 per year in passive income.

A $2.4 million portfolio isn’t achievable for many Australian investors, but the good news is that, as the dividend yield of your portfolio increases, the superannuation balance needed to earn the same passive income goes down.

Say the yield of your portfolio is around 4% or 5%, for example, your balance would need to be closer to $1.8 million or $1.44 million to earn the same dividend income. Again, these are huge numbers for a superannuation portfolio, but if you raise the yield a little higher, it’s even more achievable.

A superannuation investment portfolio yielding around 6% would need to be around $1.2 million in order to earn $72,000 per year in dividend payments.

Meanwhile, a 7% dividend yield would need closer to $1 million to earn the same amount in passive income. 

Note, though, that while it’s tempting to build a portfolio with a lower amount and a high yield, it can be risky from an investment perspective. Generally, the higher the yield, the higher the risk associated with that ASX stock. Instead, you should concentrate on good-quality stocks that are proven to stand the test of time.

Ok, so what ASX shares can I buy around these dividend yields?

There is a huge range of shares available, but here are some of my favourites.

Lower-yielding ASX dividend-paying shares such as Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) are solid and reliable shares that offer a yield of around 2% to 3%.

For a mid-range yielding ASX dividend option, I’d look at defensive assets like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). Qantas Ltd (ASX: QAN) is a good option if you want travel exposure. Meanwhile, Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) and blue-chip majors like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) pay a decent dividend of around 3% to 4%.

For a higher 5% to 6% dividend yield, I’d look at reliable payers like APA Group (ASX: APA) or Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG).

If you want to take on more risk and go for a much higher-yielding ASX stock, my picks would be something like IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) or the BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX). These typically yield around 9% or more.

The post How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, South32, Wesfarmers shares
• How should I invest my money in FY27?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 of the best investments on the ASX right now to complement your superannuation

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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, IPH Ltd , and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a volatile and pessimistic Tuesday session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Tuesday. After briefly opening ahead in the early hours of trading today, the ASX 200 quickly fell into negative territory. Despite playing jump rope with the breakeven line for some of the day, investors kept their feet cold until the closing bell, recording a 0.31% loss for the day.

That leaves the index at 8,803.9 points.

This tough Tuesday for ASX investors comes despite a much bubblier night of trading over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) remained in fine form, gaining 0.29%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, rising 1.12%.

Let’s return to tour local markets now and take stock of how the various ASX sectors fared amid today’s trading conditions.

Winners and losers

Despite the market’s falls, there were a few sectors that put on weight this Tuesday.

But first, it was gold stocks that were first in the firing line. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was smashed this session, crashing down 4.28%.

Broader mining shares were hit hard as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 2.64%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) tanked 1.34% today.

Energy stocks were on the nose too, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 1.28% dive.

Utilities shares didn’t escape the storm either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) cratered 0.55% this Tuesday.

Industrial stocks suffered a similar fate, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.45%.

Healthcare shares were unlucky too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sank 0.11% today.

Our last losers were consumer staples stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.03% slip.

Turning to the winners now, it was tech shares that were the stars of today’s show. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) soared up 2.01% this session.

Communications stocks also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) surging 1.58%.

Financial shares got a reprieve as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) jumped 1.25%.

Finally, consumer discretionary stocks had a nice Tuesday, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.69% rise.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s top index stock was financial share Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL). Netwealth stock flew 6.73% higher this session to close at $24.43 a share. 

This came after the company revealed its outlook for FY26, as well as some other developments.

Here’s how the other winning stocks landed their planes: 

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)	$24.43	6.73%
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)	$37.37	5.65%
NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)	$13.80	3.60%
ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)	$18.72	3.14%
Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)	$26.83	2.99%
AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)	$28.49	2.59%
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)	$147.28	2.51%
Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)	$6.31	2.44%
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)	$36.13	2.38%
Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)	$34.31	2.27%

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

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

Although the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) isn’t quite at the all-time highs of over 9,200 points we were seeing earlier this year, Australian shares are arguably still relatively elevated. Whilst this has been welcome for long-term investors, it does make it difficult to find ASX dividend shares trading at healthy dividend yields today.

Just take a look at the most popular dividend stocks on the ASX. Whether it’s Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), none of these blue-chip ASX dividend stocks is currently offering yields over 4%. That would have been almost unthinkable a few years ago, but here we are.

However, all is not lost. There are still a few ASX 200 dividend shares offering yields of over 4% right now. Let’s discuss two of them.

Two ASX dividend shares offering yields over 4% today

Thankfully, not all of the ASX bank stocks have followed CBA. First up, we have CommBank’s big four stablemate Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC). Like the rest of its peers in the banking space, Westpac has long enjoyed a reputation as a solid income provider, thanks to the leading role in the Australian financial landscape that it has occupied for decades. Luckily for income investors, it still offers a generous dividend yield above 4%. 

At recent pricing, this ASX dividend share was trading on a yield of 4.3%. That comes with full franking credits attached, too. Sure, you might be able to secure an even higher yield from one of Westpac’s term deposits right now. But if you are after a fully-franked yield above 4%, this bank is well worth a look.

Next up, let’s check out Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). This toll-road operator is also a regular guest in your typical ASX income portfolio, thanks to its defensive earnings base and solid track record of dividend payouts. There’s a lot to like about Transurban as a dividend investment. It has generous government contracts that allow it to raise many of its tolls by at least the rate of inflation every quarter. Road traffic is also somewhat inelastic, giving Transurban protection against recessions and other economic shocks.

At the time of writing, Transurban shares are trading at just over $14.50 each. That gives this ASX dividend share a trailing yield of 4.75%. Keep in mind that this company rarely attaches meaningful levels of franking credits to its dividend, though.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares with yields over 4% right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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