Category: Stock Market

Choosing between two high-quality ASX shares is not always straightforward.

Both CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) have strong positions in their respective industries, and both have delivered solid returns for investors over time.

But right now, I think the comparison is becoming more interesting.

While Rio Tinto has been performing well, CSL’s recent weakness may be creating an opportunity to buy a fallen giant before it recovers.

CSL shares

CSL has had a tough period.

Its recent results disappointed the market, with earnings impacted by restructuring costs, impairments, and policy changes. That has weighed on sentiment and helped drive the share price lower over the past year.

But when I look beyond that, I still see a high-quality global healthcare business.

Demand for plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty medicines is supported by long-term trends. This includes an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs.

Those drivers have not changed. What has changed is valuation.

After the pullback, CSL shares are now trading on multi-year low earnings multiples. For a business with its track record, that stands out to me.

The company is also actively working through a transformation program aimed at improving efficiency and supporting future growth.

For me, this combination of quality, long-term demand, and a lower starting valuation is what makes CSL shares compelling.

Rio Tinto shares

Rio Tinto has been a very different story.

The company has benefited from strong commodity prices, particularly in copper, which has supported earnings and shareholder returns. Iron ore prices have also been robust.

It is a highly cash-generative business, and that often flows through to dividends. There is also a longer-term story around copper, which is becoming increasingly important for electrification and global infrastructure.

So I can understand why Rio Tinto shares have been performing well.

But that strength can also work the other way. When a company is in favour and performing strongly, a lot of that optimism can already be reflected in the share price.

That does not mean Rio Tinto is not a good investment. It just means the upside from here may be more closely tied to commodity cycles and less to a re-rating.

Which is the better buy?

I think both CSL and Rio Tinto are quality businesses.

If I were looking for income and exposure to commodities, Rio Tinto would still make a strong case.

But if I am thinking about potential returns over the next five years, I would lean toward CSL shares.

The share price has been under pressure, expectations are lower, and the valuation looks more attractive than it has for some time.

If the company can improve execution, deliver on its transformation, and rebuild investor confidence, I think there is scope for a meaningful share price recovery.

Foolish takeaway

Both CSL and Rio Tinto have their place. Rio Tinto offers strong cash flow and exposure to global commodities, particularly when markets are supportive. CSL, on the other hand, looks like a business going through a difficult period but still backed by strong long-term fundamentals.

For me, that creates a more interesting risk-reward opportunity. It may require patience, but I think CSL has the potential to deliver stronger returns from here if things start to fall into place.

The post Better buy? CSL vs Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• CSL shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s rare to see an ASX share with numerous buy ratings, but when we see that happen, it could signify there’s a clear opportunity there.

I’m going to highlight two businesses that are some of the most highly rated stocks on the ASX with multiple buys.

Of course, just because analysts like a company doesn’t automatically mean it’s going to produce strong returns. Let’s get into it.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 offers clients the Hub24 platform, which offers advisers and their clients a large range of investment options, including managed portfolio solutions and enhanced transaction and reporting functionality for advisers and clients.

It also has wealth accounting software called Class, as well as being a provider of client portals for accountants and financial advisers called MyProsperity.

There are currently 13 ratings on the business, with 10 buy ratings. Of those 13 ratings, the average price target is $108.71, which tells us where analysts think the share price will be within a year. The price target suggests a possible rise of 23% from where it is at the time of writing.

The ASX share is growing at a very strong pace – in the FY26 half-year result, total revenue grew by 26% to $245.9 million, while underlying operating profit (EBITDA) grew 35% to $104.9 million and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 60% to $68.3 million.

Those numbers show strong scaling and revenue and even faster profit growth as margins improve.

The projection on CMC Markets suggests the business could generate $1.616 of earnings per share (EPS). That means it’s now trading at 54x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

Sandfire is one of the largest copper miners on the ASX, with projects in Spain, Botswana, Australia and the US.

There have been 11 ratings on the business in the last three months, according to CMC Invest, with six of those being a buy. Of those ratings, the average price target is $18.92, which suggests a possible rise of 9% from where it is today.

But, the most optimistic price target is $21.24, which implies a possible rise of 22% within the next year, based on the share price at the time of writing.

The most recent update from the ASX share was its quarterly update for the three months to March 2026, which showed copper equivalent production of 34.5kt in the third quarter of FY26. For the nine months to 31 March 2026, copper production was 106.5kt.

It also had a cash balance of $76 million at 31 March 2026, with the $63 million increase from 31 December 2025 reflecting “strong underlying operating cash flow”. In the FY26 half-year result, revenue grew 17% and net profit jumped 88%, showing the operating leverage of miners when revenue increases as a result of a higher copper price.

The projection on CMC Invests suggests its EPS could grow to $1.01 in FY26 and $1.64 in FY27. That means it’s trading at 17x FY26’s estimated earnings and under 11x FY27’s estimated earnings.

With the long-term outlook for copper looking positive amid electrification, batteries and renewable energy, this ASX share could be one to watch.

The post 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• The ASX 200 shares I think smart investors are buying after the tech selloff
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• Sandfire Resources posts Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintains guidance
• Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are ‘vulnerable’
• 5 ASX 200 shares I’d buy as the share market rebounds

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 positions in and has recommended Hub24. 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.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.15% to 8,960.6 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to jump

The Australian share market looks set for a strong 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 70 points or 0.75% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.55%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.35%.

Oil prices ease

It could be a subdued start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices eased on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 1.23% to US$96.57 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.75% to US$112.57 a barrel. This may have been driven by optimism over peace talks between the US and Iran.

Dividends being paid

A couple more ASX 200 shares will be rewarding their shareholders with dividend payments on Monday. This includes hearing solutions company Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) and auto listings giant CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR). They will be paying partially franked dividends of $2.15 per share and 42.5 cents per share, respectively, later today.

Gold price slides

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft start to the week after the gold price fell on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 0.65% to US$4,787.4 an ounce. This may also have been driven by news of peace talks between the US and Iran.

Hold Orora shares

Morgans isn’t a buyer of Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) shares despite their heavy decline last week. The broker has retained its hold rating with a heavily reduced price target of $1.55 (from $2.30). It prefers fellow packaging company Amcor (ASX: AMC) and has a buy rating and $76.00 price target on its shares. It said: “Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East, visibility on the timing of a potential restart at the RAK facility remains limited. In addition, global consumer confidence and spirits demand have already been negatively affected by the conflict and may remain subdued for some time, even in the event of a near-term resolution. Given this uncertainty, we believe it is prudent to await further updates before reassessing our view. Within the Packaging sector, our preference remains Amcor (AMC, BUY, $76.00 TP).”

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

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

The ASX small-cap share space is not one that many investors hunt for opportunities. It can be seen as riskier and more volatile. But, the medium-term returns could be market-beating, if we choose wisely.

The risks are certainly higher, the lower down the market capitalisation list you go. Brand power isn’t that strong and balance sheets haven’t developed to their full potential.

WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI) is one of the funds that’s focused on finding some of the most exciting opportunities at the small end of the market. The LIC recently highlighted two ASX small-cap shares in the portfolio that are exciting opportunities.

Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR)

WAM described Duratec as a specialist infrastructure services company providing remediation, protection and energy services across civil, marine, mining and defence sectors.

The fund manager noted that Duratec’s share price increased in March, supported by continued positive momentum after the release of the FY26 half-year result.

Duratec reported solid earnings in line with expectations, reinforcing investor confidence in its growth outlook and driving upward revisions to earnings forecasts.

Momentum was further supported by the award of a $45 million contract in Papau New Guinea (PNG) which was announced towards the end of March 2026. This highlights the ongoing expansion of the business.

WAM said the rising Duratec share price performance during the month reflected investor confidence in Duratec’s earnings trajectory, project pipeline and execution capability, as well as the ASX small-cap share’s exposure to resilient customer markets such as the defence sector.

Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG)

WAM described Autosports as a motor vehicle dealership operator and provider of automotive services, focusing on the luxury and prestige segment.

The Autosports share price declined in March, reflecting market weakness across interest rate-sensitive stocks maid ongoing interest rate uncertainty.

On top of that, as part of the free trade agreement between Australia and the EU, which was signed on 24 March 2026, the luxury car tax threshold was increased for electric vehicles only, despite wider expectations that it would be completely abolished for all vehicles.

WAM believes that the March pullback does not reflect a deterioration in the company’s strategic position.

The fund manager concluded its commentary on the ASX small-cap share by saying the team still view Autosports Group as well-placed to execute on strategic mergers and acquisitions in a highly fragmented industry.

The post 2 ASX small-cap shares to buy with big potential for returns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

There are plenty of ASX shares to choose from right now, but a couple stand out to me.

These are not the only opportunities in the market, but they are two I could have on my shopping list next week.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is one of those businesses that I think could play an important role in a long-term portfolio.

What stands out to me is its exposure to future-facing commodities.

Copper, in particular, is becoming increasingly important. Electrification, renewable energy, and infrastructure investment all rely heavily on it. If those trends continue, I think demand for copper could remain strong for many years.

That matters because copper is now a major earnings driver for BHP, not just a side business.

On top of that, the company still benefits from its iron ore operations, which continue to generate significant cash flow. While iron ore prices can be volatile, this part of the business provides the financial strength that allows BHP to invest in future growth.

The Jansen potash project is another piece of that story. It adds exposure to global agriculture, which is supported by long-term trends like population growth and food demand. It is not something that will drive earnings overnight, but over time it could become a meaningful contributor.

I also think it is important not to overlook the income side. BHP’s dividends can help smooth returns during weaker periods, which is valuable when markets are uncertain.

For me, it is that combination of current cash flow, future-facing commodities, and income that makes BHP appealing.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield sits at the other end of the spectrum. This is a higher-growth, higher-volatility business operating in an emerging industry, and it is likely to behave very differently to a company like BHP.

What I find compelling is the direction of travel. The use of drones is increasing rapidly, both in military and civilian settings. That creates a growing need for technologies that can detect, track, and respond to those threats.

DroneShield is positioned directly within that theme.

I think this is an area that is still developing. Governments and organisations are only just beginning to build out their counter-drone capabilities, which suggests the opportunity could expand over time.

Of course, it will not be a smooth journey. Revenue can be lumpy, contracts can take time to materialise, and sentiment can shift quickly. That is part of investing in an emerging growth company.

But for me, that is also where the upside can come from.

If the company continues to win contracts and scale its technology, I think there is potential for strong growth over the long term.

Foolish takeaway

BHP and DroneShield are very different businesses, and I think that is part of the appeal.

One offers scale, cash flow, and exposure to global commodities. The other provides access to a developing technology theme with significant growth potential.

For me, it is not about choosing one over the other. It is about recognising that both can play a role, depending on how you think about risk, time horizon, and long-term opportunity.

The post Why I’d buy BHP and DroneShield shares next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why ASX dividend investing still works for building long-term wealth
• Buying BHP shares? Here’s how AI is boosting the mining giant’s revenue
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• Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. 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.

Investing in your 30s is all about time and opportunity. With decades ahead before retirement, investors are in a strong position to prioritise growth and let compounding do the heavy lifting. That often means leaning into higher-growth areas of the market and accepting some volatility along the way.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this easy, offering access to powerful long-term trends through a single investment.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be well suited for investors in their 30s.

Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

The first ASX ETF that could be a top pick is the Global X FANG+ ETF.

This fund takes a concentrated approach, investing in a small group of global technology and innovation leaders. Its holdings include companies like NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).

Rather than spreading exposure broadly, this fund leans heavily into the businesses shaping the future of the global economy.

For investors in their 30s, this kind of exposure can be powerful. These companies are at the forefront of trends such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

While the ETF can be volatile, its growth potential over the long term could be significant if these trends continue to play out. It was recently recommended by analysts at Bell Potter.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, including names like Tencent (SEHK: 700), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

This is important because much of the world’s future growth is expected to come from Asia.

For investors in their 30s, adding exposure beyond Australia and the United States can help diversify growth opportunities. The region is home to rapidly expanding digital economies, rising middle classes, and increasing technology adoption.

While there are risks, including regulatory uncertainty, the long-term growth story remains compelling. It was recently recommended by the team at BetaShares.

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

A third ASX ETF that could be a strong option is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund offers exposure to Australia’s leading technology companies, including Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

While the Australian tech sector is smaller than its global peers, it has produced a number of high-quality, globally competitive businesses.

For investors in their 30s, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF provides a way to back local innovation and growth stories. It also adds a different dynamic to a portfolio that may already be heavily weighted toward international tech. It was also recommended by BetaShares recently.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for investors in their 30s appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Technology One, Tencent, Tesla, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Nvidia, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are not many S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares that have a long-term track record of resilient payments. But, there are a few ASX 200 dividend stocks that I think could be particularly good long-term buys.

One of the businesses I want to highlight is APA Group (ASX: APA). I think it’s one of the most defensive ASX shares that Australians can buy.

If I had $1,000 to invest in a reliable ASX 200 dividend stock, APA would be one of the top options to consider, along with Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).

Why APA is a great ASX 200 dividend stock

One of the most appealing things about the business is that it has increased its payout every year since 2004, which is the second-longest streak of annual passive income on the ASX.

Dividend growth isn’t guaranteed from any particular business, but it is clear which businesses are making an effort to increase their payouts. If an ASX 200 dividend stock has a history of dividend growth, I think it’s likely that the leadership will want to continue that streak.

APA is expecting to increase its FY26 annual payout to 58 cents per security, which translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.8%, at the time of writing.

The business has been able to grow its distribution so consistently because the energy infrastructure business has invested in expanding its portfolio of energy assets. Additionally, most of its revenue is linked to inflation, meaning there’s steady organic growth for revenue, net profit and cash flow – those metrics are key for affording its current and future payouts.

APA has a number of plans to help grow its business. One is expanding its gas pipeline network to help take more gas from sources of supply to where it’s needed in the country with strong demand.

Additionally, APA is working on a gas power plant in Queensland which help grow and diversify its earnings.

How much we could buy today

At the time of writing and the current APA share price, investors would be able to buy 100 APA shares if they had $1,000 to invest in it.

If someone did invest that much, then they’d receive $58 of annual passive income in the first year. I’m optimistic the business can grow its payout in the years ahead, particularly as it builds out its project pipeline and invests in the occasional acquisition.

While it’s not a high-flying growth stock, I think it can be viewed as an attractive idea for the long-term as part of an ASX 200 dividend stock portfolio.

The post $1,000 buys 100 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX 200 dividend stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

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

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

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this burrito seller’s shares with an improved price target of $26.70. Morgans was pleased with the company’s third-quarter update last week. It highlights that Guzman Y Gomez delivered a meaningful acceleration in Australian comparable store sales growth. It believes this provides tangible evidence that the business is executing well against a challenging consumer backdrop. In addition, Morgans points out that transaction growth continued to outpace comparable store sales growth. This maintains the company’s growth strategy to be volume and frequency-led rather than price-driven. The Guzman Y Gomez share price ended the week at $20.68.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

A note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to a buy rating with a $26.00 price target. UBS points out that Lovisa’s shares have fallen heavily this year. This has been driven by concerns over slower store growth, softer like-for-like sales in the Australian market, and ongoing losses from the new Jewells store brand. However, the broker believes much of this is now priced in. Furthermore, it believes the resilience of Lovisa’s youth-focused, low price point offering is underappreciated by the market, and expects management to prevent sustained losses from Jewells. This will be by either fixing the business or considering a closure. The Lovisa share price was fetching $23.32 at Friday’s close.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this pharmacy chain operator and wholesale distributor’s shares to a buy rating with a $3.36 price target. According to the note, the broker is forecasting Sigma to deliver strong earnings growth over the medium term. This is expected to be supported by same store sales growth, store rollouts, and synergies from the Chemist Warehouse merger. In light of this and recent share price weakness, Morgans sees now as a good time to invest. The Sigma Healthcare share price ended the week at $2.69.

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

More reading

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

ASX 200 financial shares led the market during the short trading week, rising 6.53%, with materials not far behind with a 6.33% gain.

The market was closed on Monday as Australians celebrated Easter.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ripped 4.41% to 8,960.6 points over the four trading days.

The remarkable recovery followed news of a two-week ceasefire deal between the US and Iran.

ASX investors hope this will pave the way toward an end to the war in Iran.

Investors continued to buy the dip last week following the steep sell-off over the first three weeks of March.

ASX 200 shares fell 9.1% between 2 March and 23 March before a rebound began, with the index now up 7.1% since then.

James Gerrish from Shaw and Partners says “war fear” in the market is fading but “we’re not out of the woods yet”.

Businesses across multiple sectors are still assessing the impact of the oil shock, which is likely to reverberate for months to come.

Let’s recap the week.

Financial shares led the ASX sectors last week

The ASX 200 financial sector incorporates bank shares, insurers, fund managers, financial services providers, and more.

Let’s take a look at how some of these ASX financial stocks performed last week.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price rose 5.98% to close at $183.38 on Friday.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares lifted 6.31% to $38.84.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares ascended 6.87% to $42.77.

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price spiked 9.06% to $45.36.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price soared 9.3% to finish the week at $225.

Among the ASX 200 investment companies and fund managers, GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) shares fell 0.28% to $1.78.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shares fell 0.84% to $9.45 amid a shareholder vote on the Barrenjoey merger on Friday.

Magellan announced it had received more than 90% approval from shareholders.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares lifted 3.92% to $42.98.

Among the financial services providers, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares lifted 6.06% to $1.37.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price lost 2.6% to close at $8.07 on Friday.

ASX 200 buy now, pay later share Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) ripped 16.5% to $1.85.

Among the insurers, Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares fell 1.03% to $7.21.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares lifted 1.92% to $4.52.

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price ascended 4.13% to $22.46.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the four trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	6.53%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	6.33%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	4.77%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	3.78%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	2.79%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	2.32%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	1.16%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	1.12%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	(0.32%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(0.9%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(4%)

Looking for inspiration after the March sell-off?

Check out these 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy consensus ratings after last month’s turmoil.

The post ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial Group and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building a portfolio from scratch can feel like a big task.

But it does not have to be complicated. In fact, a well-constructed portfolio of just 10 ASX shares can provide diversification, income, and long-term growth potential.

The key is balance. You want exposure to different sectors, business models, and growth drivers so you are not relying on just one theme to succeed.

Here is one way investors could build a winning 10-ASX share portfolio in 2026.

Start with high-quality core holdings

The first ASX share that could anchor a portfolio is CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

CSL is a global healthcare leader with defensive earnings and long-term growth drivers. Demand for its therapies is supported by ageing populations and rising healthcare needs, making it a strong foundation.

Another ASX share that could play a similar role is Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Wesfarmers offers diversification through retail, chemicals, and industrial operations. Its ability to allocate capital effectively has been a key driver of long-term returns.

A third ASX share to consider is Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

While not the cheapest bank, CBA provides reliable earnings and fully franked dividends, making it a cornerstone for many Australian portfolios.

Add growth engines to drive returns

A fourth ASX share that could boost long-term returns is Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Xero continues to expand globally, with its cloud accounting platform gaining traction in multiple markets. It represents a scalable growth opportunity.

Another ASX share that could fit here is WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global logistics, giving it strong competitive advantages and a long runway for growth.

A sixth ASX share to consider is Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Pro Medicus is a high-margin healthcare technology company that continues to win major contracts globally. Its growth profile remains very strong.

Include income and stability

A seventh ASX share that could add income is Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

Telstra offers attractive dividend yields and is now focused on growth through its Connected Future 30 strategy, combining income with improving fundamentals.

Another ASX share in this category is Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

Transurban provides steady, inflation-linked cash flows from its toll road assets, making it a reliable income generator.

Add structural and thematic exposure

A ninth ASX share that could round out the portfolio is Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Goodman provides exposure to logistics and data infrastructure, both of which are benefiting from e-commerce and digitalisation trends.

Finally, a tenth ASX share to consider is Life360 Inc (ASX: 360).

Life360 offers exposure to a growing global user platform that is increasingly monetising its base. It adds a higher-risk, higher-reward element to the portfolio.

The bottom line

A 10-share portfolio like this gives investors exposure to defensive healthcare, financials, technology, infrastructure, and emerging growth opportunities.

By combining quality, growth, and income, investors can build a portfolio that is well positioned to navigate different market conditions and deliver strong long-term returns.

The post How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Goodman Group, Life360, Pro Medicus, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Life360, Transurban Group, Wesfarmers, WiseTech Global, and Xero. 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 Life360, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Goodman Group, Pro Medicus, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.