Category: Stock Market

A new report from VanEck has reinforced the new tailwinds for emerging market focussed ASX ETFs. 

According to Anna Wu, Senior Associate, Cross-Asset Investment Research, last year marked the strongest annual performance for emerging market equities since 2017.

She believes there are a number of drivers that could support this momentum throughout 2026. 

US dollar weakness

According to last week’s report, assuming historical patterns hold, US dollar down cycles tend to persist once they begin. 

In 2026, factors such as high US government debt, easing monetary policy, and slowing US economic growth could contribute to further dollar weakness. 

Additionally, the US dollar’s share of global foreign exchange reserves has declined to its lowest level since the mid-1990s, suggesting a broader move away from dollar dominance.

A weaker US dollar typically boosts the strength of emerging markets currencies, making exports cheaper, improving revenues and contributing to outperformance in this environment.

Emerging markets are positioned for growth tailwinds

The report from VanEck also reinforced that emerging economies are growing at almost twice the rate of developed markets. 

This is along with relatively stable inflation, which positions them as the world’s primary growth drivers.

On a corporate level, street analysts are pricing in an upbeat earnings outlook for emerging markets companies, circa 20% EPS growth over the short and medium term. This highlights the upside potential for continued earnings growth. 

Valuations of emerging markets corporates also appear more attractive compared to their developed markets peers, at a 25% relative discount and at an absolute level closer to the historical average.

Key markets to watch

VanEck pointed to South Korea and Taiwan as markets that have performed well recently. 

It said investors have been chasing exposure to the AI ‘picks and shovels’ trade. 

These are the companies that supply the core building blocks of artificial intelligence rather than end-use applications. These markets are among the world’s top providers of semiconductors.

It also highlighted India as the next potential growth driver in emerging markets. 

India’s strong GDP and earnings growth, coupled with easing policy and strong corporate earnings growth, reinforces its potential to return as a key emerging market outperformer this year. 

Additionally, the country could be a beneficiary of the global AI infrastructure buildout, with US tech giants such as Google and Microsoft continuing to increase capital expenditure (CAPEX) commitments in the country.

This sentiment is also shared by Global X who also identified India as a structural growth market in a report last week.

How do investors gain exposure to emerging markets?

For broad exposure to emerging markets, there are several options including: 

• VanEck Msci Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ASX: EMKT)
• iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM)
• Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE)

For geographic specific ASX ETFs for the aforementioned countries: 

• iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)
• Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf (ASX: ASIA) – Includes roughly 63% combined weighting to South Korea and Taiwan
• VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (ASX:GRIN)
• Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

The post The case for emerging markets ASX ETFs strengthens: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX ETFs you need to know
• Investment themes investors should be watching closely – Expert
• 3 easy ways to invest in AI with ASX ETFs
• If US stocks disappoint, this overlooked ASX ETF could matter a lot more
• 3 ASX ETFs to target with exposure outside the US and Australia

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. 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.

Australian and global technology stocks have come under pressure as investors reassess the risks and rewards of the AI boom. Accordingly, it could be an ideal time to protect your portfolio through ASX ETFs. 

What’s going on with tech and AI?

After a period of strong gains driven by optimism around artificial intelligence, markets have turned more cautious. 

This has been driven by growing concern that AI could both fail to justify lofty valuations and disrupt the traditional software business models many ASX tech companies rely on. 

Many Software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies and online classified platforms have been sold off as investors worry that generative AI could replicate core software functions. 

We’ve seen this fear deplete the share price of many ASX stocks including REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) and CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR). 

While discourse amongst experts suggests this fear is largely overblown, it hasn’t stopped the steady decline due to negative sentiment.  

The sell-off has also been amplified by weaker leads from Wall Street and a rotation into more defensive, income-generating sectors such as banks and resources, leaving local tech stocks exposed to a sharp sentiment reversal.

How to protect your portfolio with ASX ETFs

For investors who are suffering with significant exposure to these tech shares, it could be an ideal time to gain exposure to other sectors. 

There are several ASX ETFs that target sectors that are less exposed to these fears. 

Keep in mind none of these are completely immune to broad market sell-offs – they can still decline if overall sentiment turns bearish. 

However they could hold up better relative to tech-focused or growth-oriented stocks during periods of risk aversion.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

This fund provides investors with the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples Sector Index. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of global consumer staples companies that produce essential products, including food, tobacco, and household items. 

These companies tend to have steady earnings regardless of tech cycle swings. 

Consumer staples are viewed as defensive because the demand for these products stays relatively stable even when markets wobble.

BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

This fund targets companies with strong profitability and balance sheets, which can help reduce volatility compared with growth or tech-heavy funds. 

These companies tend to be more resilient in market downturns.

By sector, it has a large exposure to ASX dominant sectors like financials (35.9%) and materials (16.2%). 

BetaShares Global Banks ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: BNKS)

This ASX ETF could appeal to investors seeking protection from an AI-driven tech sell-off. 

It provides exposure to a very different part of the market, namely global banks rather than high-growth software or platform companies.

SaaS or online marketplaces whose valuations hinge on future earnings growth and AI disruption narratives. 

Meanwhile, banks generate profits primarily from net interest margins, lending volumes and credit quality. 

Essentially, their earnings are tied to economic activity. 

Foolish Takeaway

It’s important for investors not to abandon AI or tech completely. 

These sectors remain powerful drivers of productivity, earnings growth and long-term innovation across the global economy. 

Rather, the recent global fears have driven valuations down, reminding investors of the importance of diversification.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to protect your portfolio from the tech sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Does AI spell doom for REA Group and Car Group?
• How to go from zero to $50,000 with ASX 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 positions in and has recommended iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week deep in the red. The benchmark index fell 1.4% to 8,917.6 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market looks set for a good start to the week despite a mixed finish on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 51 points or 0.55% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.1%, the S&P 500 rose a fraction, and the Nasdaq edged 0.2% lower.

Oil prices edge higher

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.1% to US$62.89 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.35% to US$67.75 a barrel. Traders were buying oil after data showed a slowdown in US inflation.

Treasury Wine results

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares will be on watch on Monday when the wine giant releases its half-year results. The team at Morgans isn’t expecting any surprises given that management has released guidance for the half. It said: “1H26 underlying EBITS guidance is A$225-235m, down 40-42.5% on 1H25. Penfolds EBITS is expected to fall 20%, Treasury America (TA) by 67% and Treasury Collective (TC) by 56.5%. Depressed earnings/cashflow means that TWE’s 1H26 gearing of 2.5x will be well above its target range of 1.5-2.0x. We don’t expect the Board to declare an interim dividend.”

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 2.3% to US$5,063.8 an ounce. This was driven by the release of US inflation data, which supported interest rate cut hopes.

Buy Aeris shares

Bell Potter thinks investors should buy Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares following a recent acquisition announcement. This morning, the broker retained its buy rating on the copper miner’s shares with an improved price target of 90 cents. It said: “AIS is a copper-dominant producer, with its near-term outlook highly leveraged to the copper price, increasing production at Tritton and gold production at Cracow. Tritton is a strategic regional asset and AIS is leveraging that to extract value from this deal.”

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

More reading

• Forget Rio Tinto, this ASX copper stock could rise 75%+
• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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

In the midst of earnings season, ASX 200 financials stock GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) is getting plenty of positive attention. 

It is a global boutique asset management company focused on active equity portfolios. It offers investment advisory and portfolio management services for investors across three continents.

The company released 2025 full year results last Friday. 

This ASX financials stock reported:

• Funds under management (FUM) ended at USD 163.9 billion, up 7.1% from the previous year
• Average FUM rose 10.8% to USD 164.3 billion
• Net revenue increased 6.3% to USD 808.3 million
• Net income attributable to shareholders climbed 7.3% to USD 463.3 million
• Diluted earnings per share grew 6.7% to USD 0.16
• Full-year dividends declared were USD 0.1469 per share, a 7.5% lift

Investors gobbled up GQG Partners shares following this announcement, leading to a 7.7% rise in share price to end the week. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 1.4% on Friday. 

Results prompt re-rating from Morgans

Earnings season often brings hefty share price swings like this one as investors react to results – either positively or negatively. 

Following this initial shift, as the dust settles, brokers and analysts often release updated guidance, taking into account the most recent results. 

That is exactly what has happened with this ASX 200 financials stock. 

On Friday, following the release, the team at Morgans updated its view on GQG Partners shares. 

Improved performance trends early in FY26

In a note out of the broker last week, it said GQG reported a FY25 NPAT of US$463m, up +7% on the pcp, and +1% vs consensus. 

Overall, we would describe this as an in-line result, with the key positive being signs of improved investment performance in January and February (as markets have turned more in GQG’s favour).

EPS outlook fell marginally, along with a 1 cent adjustment to its share price target. 

However, the broker upgraded the rating to accumulate (previously hold). 

The updated price target is $1.89. 

This ASX financials stock closed trading Friday at $1.735 following the 7% gain. 

From this share price, the updated target from Morgans indicates an upside of approximately 9%. 

The broker also noted the dividend contributes to its attractiveness. Estimates project it could be as high as 13% in the coming years.

Clearly there needs to be more evidence that the recent ‘flows risk’ period has passed, but trading on 7x PE and an 11% dividend yield, we see the stock as too cheap versus its long-term prospects.

The post This 200 ASX financials stock just got an upgrade from Morgans following earnings results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why AMP, GQG, NextDC, and Origin Energy shares are racing higher today
• GQG shares rise 4% as resilient earnings ease fund outflow concerns
• GQG Partners posts strong FY25 earnings and record FUM
• This ASX dividend stock is projected to pay a 13% yield by 2029

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

Earning $50,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares is an achievable goal. But it is not a quick one.

Unless you already have significant capital to invest, building that level of income is a slow burner. It requires time, consistency, and a portfolio designed to grow before it is designed to pay.

Here is how I would think about reaching that milestone.

Start with the numbers

If we assume a 5% average dividend yield is achievable over time, generating $50,000 a year in income would require a portfolio of around $1 million.

That figure can feel daunting at first, but breaking it down helps.

The journey is not about instantly building a $1 million income portfolio. It is about growing a balanced portfolio over many years until it reaches the scale where income becomes meaningful.

Focus on growth

In the early stages, I would not prioritise maximising dividend yields.

Instead, I would build a balanced portfolio capable of growing nicely into the future. Companies with strong business models, reliable cash flows, and long-term relevance tend to create more value over time than those simply offering the highest headline yield.

A mix of banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), infrastructure, resources like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), technology, and broad market ETFs can provide diversification while allowing capital to compound. Dividends can be reinvested along the way, helping the portfolio grow faster without needing constant new contributions.

The goal in the early years is scale.

Then focus on income

Once the portfolio approaches the level required to generate substantial income, the focus can gradually shift.

At that stage, I would lean more heavily into reliable dividend payers, such as established banks, infrastructure providers, and broad-based ETFs that distribute income regularly. The emphasis would be on sustainability rather than chasing the highest yield.

Diversification remains critical. Relying on one sector for income can create risk if conditions change.

Understand that it takes time

For most investors, building a portfolio capable of generating $50,000 a year in passive income takes years, if not decades.

Regular contributions, steady growth, and market returns all play a role. Trying to accelerate the process by taking excessive risk can undermine the long-term goal.

Foolish takeaway

Making $50,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares is possible, but it is rarely fast.

Unless you already have significant capital, the smarter path is to build a diversified growth-oriented portfolio first, allow it to scale over time, and then transition toward income stability as it matures.

With patience and a balanced approach, I believe that steady progression can eventually turn into a meaningful and sustainable passive income stream.

The post How to make a $50,000 passive income from ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget Rio Tinto, this ASX copper stock could rise 75%+
• The ANZ share price is a sell – UBS
• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• 3 blue-chip ASX 200 shares I would buy and hold
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have enjoyed a good run recently and are up approximately 15% year to date thanks partly to the booming copper price.

But with the mining giant already trading strongly, investors looking for bigger upside in the copper space may want to look further down the market cap spectrum.

According to Bell Potter, Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares could offer significantly more upside from current levels. Here’s why.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter believes this ASX copper stock has made a value-accretive move with its proposed acquisition of Peel Mining via an all-scrip deal. The broker said:

AIS has made what we believe is a value accretive, strategic acquisition that bolsters and de-risks the long-term production outlook for its Tritton Copper Mine in NSW. We see potential for an extended mine life of +10 years and sustainable production rates of ~30ktpa copper in concentrate.

Under the deal, Aeris will acquire the Mallee Bull and Wirlong copper projects, which sit within trucking distance of Tritton. Bell Potter explains:

The primary assets of PEX are the Mallee Bull and Wirlong copper projects which contain a combined Resource of 10.6Mt @ 1.85% Cu for 197kt contained Cu. They sit within a ~150-200km trucking radius of Tritton. Combined with the current Resource at Tritton this is a total Resource of 29.5 Mt @ 1.73% Cu for 511kt contained Cu.

The broker believes this could extend Tritton’s mine life beyond 10 years, improve operating flexibility, and allow full utilisation of the processing plant.

Value accretive deal

On its modelling, Bell Potter sees meaningful value uplift from the acquisition. The broker said:

This adds ~$350m to our NPV for Tritton, which we risk adjust 15% lower to $300m… On our assumptions, this shows the acquisition to be strongly value accretive compared with the $170m value of AIS’ scrip consideration for PEX.

Importantly, the acquisition strengthens Aeris’ position in the Cobar Basin, which Bell Potter believes enhances its strategic regional footprint.

Earnings upgrades

Bell Potter has also upgraded its forecasts in response to the deal and updated commodity assumptions. The broker noted:

EPS changes in this report are: FY26: +9%, FY27: +12% and FY28: +27% on higher copper price forecasts. AIS is a copper-dominant producer, with its near-term outlook highly leveraged to the copper price, increasing production at Tritton and gold production at Cracow.

The broker’s earnings estimates show strong forecast growth, with EBITDA expected to rise from $160 million in FY 2025 to $310 million in FY 2026 and then $404 million in FY 2027.

Time to buy this ASX copper stock

According to the note, Bell Potter has maintained its buy recommendation and lifted its price target to $0.90 (from $0.82).

Based on its current share price of 51 cents, this implies potential upside of 76% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Forget Rio Tinto, this ASX copper stock could rise 75%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Mining Mammoths: Are Whitehaven Coal, Rio Tinto or BHP shares a buy ahead of earnings results?
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• These 3 ASX 200 shares have had a stellar month. Is there more upside to come?

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.

Despite a very excited ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price market reaction after the ASX bank share reported its result, not every analyst is convinced about its appeal.

ANZ reported its FY26 first-quarter update, with the bank showing a cash net profit of $1.94 billion, representing a 17% rise compared to the FY25 second half quarterly average, excluding significant items.

However, on that basis of excluding significant items, operating income only increased by 1%, while operating expenses fell by 8%.

The cash profit and cost cuts were stronger than what UBS and other market analysts were expecting.

What to like about the quarterly update

UBS said that it was particularly interested to see that expenses declined 1% year-over-year, leading to a cost to income ratio of 49.5%.

Additionally, as seen with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), the credit environment is still “very benign”, which helps support profit being stronger than expected.

UBS then said:

This is clearly a good start to FY26 for ANZ and the new management team but ANZ has reaffirmed cost guidance of -3% (~$11.5B) for FY26E and cautioned around run-rating Q1 26 into the half year…

Positively, Q1 26 operational deposit growth was strong at +5.0% YoY, with NIM (1.56% and +2bps) benefitting from the mix changes…

On the back of this stronger than expected Q1 26 update, we increase our EPS by +3.6% / +1.3% / +1.1% for FY26/27/28E, reflecting a number of factors…EPS changes mainly benefit from lower cost growth expectations and reduced credit impairments, with credit provisioning trends more favourable than expected.

Why UBS is not bullish on the ANZ share price

While there were positives with the ANZ update, there were also some negatives.

UBS said that New Zealand and US rate cuts could be a headwind, particularly for the institutional division.

The broker also noted that net interest income only grew by 3%, with lending only increasing by 1% quarter-over-quarter, or 3% including institutional.

UBS then explained why it rates the business as a sell and has a price target of $36.50 on the ASX bank share, implying a possible double-digit decline over the next 12 months:

We remain Sell-rated on ANZ with a price target of $36.5/share (was $35/share), as we think the stock has run ahead of fundamentals, with a particularly strong positive price reaction to this 1Q26 earnings update (~+10%). We remain cautious on ANZ’s strategy to reset profitability. ANZ is trading at 15.8x P/E (2-years forward)…

The broker noted that the ASX bank share’s price/earnings (P/E) ratio is trading significantly higher than it has historically, so there could be other opportunities elsewhere.

The post The ANZ share price is a sell – UBS appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS
• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Breville, South32 shares
• How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime
• 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 200 utilities shares led the market sectors with an impressive 9.38% gain as earnings season continued last week.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lifted above 9,000 points for the first time in three-and-a-half months last week.

The benchmark index reached an intraday peak of 9,105 points on Thursday.

That was just 10 points shy of the all-time record of 9,115.2 points reached on 21 October.

Strong results from major companies, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), and ASX 200 gold miner Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), contributed to an overall 2.4% lift for the ASX 200 last week.

The ASX 200 closed at 8,917.6 points on Friday.

CBA’s 6% lift in cash profits to $5.45 billion for 1H FY26 saw the bank retake the ASX 200’s No. 1 spot from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

BHP shares reclaimed the title last month after CBA took it from the miner in July 2024 during an extraordinary share price run.

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

The worst performing sector was healthcare, down 12.61%, after investors hammered three of the sector’s giants.

Shares in CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) fell dramatically on their 1H FY26 reports.

Let’s recap.

Utilities shares led the ASX sectors last week

There are only 21 companies in the ASX 200 utilities sector.

Let’s look at the performance of the five largest players by market capitalisation last week.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares streaked 10.72% higher to finish the week at $12.08.

The electricity and gas provider reported an underlying profit of $593 million for 1H FY26, down from $924 million in 1H FY25.

Origin announced a fully franked interim dividend of 30 cents per share.

The APA Group (ASX: APA) share price rose 3.89% to $9.07 ahead of the company’s earnings release next Thursday.

Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY) shares fell 2.72% to $5.36 apiece.

The AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) share price skyrocketed 16.42% to close at $10.42 on Friday.

AGL reported an underlying profit of $353 million for 1H FY26, down 6% on 1H FY25.

The energy retailer will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 24 cents per share.

The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price rose 1.87% to $4.91.

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

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	9.38%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	5.41%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	5.1%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	2.16%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	2.07%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.42%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	0.19%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(0.65%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(0.97%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(5.37%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(12.61%)

Which ASX 200 shares will be on watch next week?

On Monday, JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) will release their earnings reports.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) will release its 1H FY26 report on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) will report.

Thursday will be a big day, with four ASX 200 sector leaders releasing their results.

They are Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

We’ll also hear from ZIP Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP), HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) on Thursday.

On Friday, Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) will reveal their numbers.

As for dividends, you can check out which ASX 200 shares go ex-dividend next week here.

The post Utilities outperform as ASX 200 ascends to a 3-month high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 4 ASX shares to consider buying with an average dividend yield of 6%
• The CBA share price is a sell – UBS
• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ Bank, Breville, South32 shares
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy after seeing their results this week!

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, Hub24, Megaport, The Lottery Corporation, Transurban Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Bendigo And Adelaide Bank, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, Hub24, Pro Medicus, The Lottery Corporation, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are no longer just about tracking the biggest indices. Some of the most interesting opportunities today sit in funds that tilt portfolios in a particular direction, whether that’s toward momentum, value, or overlooked regions.

If you’re looking beyond the usual suspects, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Australian Momentum ETF (ASX: MTUM)

The first ETF that stands out is the Betashares Australian Momentum ETF.

Instead of trying to predict which company will perform next, this fund simply follows the money. It invests in Australian shares that have demonstrated strong recent price momentum, meaning it systematically tilts toward what is already working.

This approach may not sound sophisticated, but momentum has been one of the most persistent factors in markets globally. When trends take hold, they often last longer than investors expect. The ASX ETF captures that by rebalancing regularly and letting performance guide allocations.

For investors who prefer rules over instincts, this can be a surprisingly effective way to stay aligned with market leadership without constantly making judgement calls. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

Another ETF worth considering is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF.

Global markets have been dominated by growth and technology stocks for years, but value cycles tend to reappear when least expected. This fund focuses on international shares that are trading at attractive valuations based on fundamentals such as earnings and cash flow.

Rather than betting on high-growth narratives, this ETF tilts toward established global businesses that may be out of favour but remain structurally important. In periods where investors rotate away from expensive growth stocks, value exposure can provide balance.

This ASX ETF can therefore act as both a diversification tool and a contrarian tilt in portfolios heavily weighted toward high-multiple sectors. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF (ASX: BEMG)

A third ASX ETF that could be a best buy for investors looking further afield is the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF.

Emerging markets are often viewed as volatile and unpredictable. This fund takes a more refined approach by focusing on emerging market companies with stronger governance, higher quality characteristics, and more resilient business models.

Instead of simply tracking the largest emerging market stocks, it attempts to filter for sustainability and financial strength. This can reduce exposure to weaker state-owned enterprises and tilt toward businesses benefiting from rising middle classes, digital adoption, and industrial development.

For investors wanting emerging market exposure without diving blindly into risk, the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF offers a more measured way in. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

The post Why these ASX ETFs could be best buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want to invest in the best stocks in the world? Try these ASX ETFs
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs
• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy now
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs right now
• The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF

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.

When I look for blue-chip ASX 200 shares to buy, I am looking for businesses that I believe have clear drivers of growth and the ability to deliver solid returns over time.

Right now, these are three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares I think are top buy-and-hold options for blue-chip investors.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

What I like about Goodman Group is that it never stands still. It consistently positions itself around powerful structural trends.

The company develops and manages high-quality industrial property and data centres in major cities around the world. Demand for logistics facilities remains supported by ecommerce, while the growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence is driving significant interest in data centre developments.

Goodman’s model allows it to partner with institutional capital, recycle assets, and reinvest in new projects. I like that this flexibility supports long-term growth while helping to manage risk.

Although the shares are not cheap, the company’s global footprint and exposure to long-term infrastructure demand make it a compelling option in the ASX 200.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas offers a different kind of opportunity.

Airlines are inherently cyclical businesses, but Qantas has strengthened its position in recent years through cost discipline, network optimisation, and a strong domestic market share. Travel demand has remained resilient, particularly in premium and international segments.

The company’s loyalty program also provides a valuable earnings stream that is not exposed to fuel prices and short-term travel fluctuations.

While Qantas shares can be volatile, the combination of improved operational focus and strong brand recognition makes it a stock I would consider buying at the right price.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is a blue-chip ASX 200 share that offers diversification and global exposure.

Unlike traditional banks, Macquarie operates across asset management, infrastructure, commodities, and advisory services. That mix of businesses helps smooth earnings through different economic conditions.

Macquarie has a long history of adapting its business model, investing in new opportunities, and maintaining balance sheet strength. Its exposure to infrastructure and energy transition themes also provides longer-term growth potential.

For investors seeking exposure to financial services with a global edge, I think Macquarie remains one of the more compelling shares on the ASX 200.

Foolish takeaway

Goodman, Qantas, and Macquarie operate in very different sectors, but each has identifiable drivers that I believe could support performance over time.

For investors looking within the ASX 200, these three shares offer a mix of infrastructure-backed growth, cyclical recovery potential, and diversified financial services exposure.

The post 3 blue-chip ASX 200 shares I would buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The $10,000 Test: Which ASX shares would I still own after 10 years?
• How I would build an income portfolio that lasts a lifetime
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, HomeCo, and Macquarie shares
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX growth shares

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