Category: Stock Market

The ASX dividend stock Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) has dropped heavily over the last year. The Lovisa share price has dropped 50% since August 2025.

Lovisa is one of the world’s leading affordable jewellery businesses, with its global store network spread across every continent.

In fact, the business has at least 20 stores in each of the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Poland, USA and Canada.

There are multiple reasons why the ASX dividend stock looks really appealing to me. Let’s dive into it.

ASX dividend stock credentials

As a retailer, I think it would be unwise to think that the business can grow its dividend every single year. But the long-term trend is very compelling.

In FY19 – the last year before COVID-19 impacts – the business paid an annual dividend per share of 33 cents. That compares with the two most recent half-year dividends declared by the business, which amounted to 80 cents per share. In other words, in seven years, the Lovisa dividend has grown by approximately 140%.

At the time of writing, its most recent dividends come to a dividend yield of 3.7%, excluding franking credits. Based on the latest dividend’s franking credit rate of 50%, that translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.4%.

Lovisa may not have the biggest dividend yield around, but it’s dividend growth that could make it particularly attractive today.

The Commsec forecast suggests the company’s annual dividend per share could climb to 89 cents in FY27 and 95 cents per share in FY28.

Business growth to drive passive income growth

All the ASX dividend stock seemingly needs to do to grow its payout is expand its global store network, as this will broaden its customer reach and provide scale benefits.

In the FY26 half-year result, the business reported that the global Lovisa store count increased by 15.5% to 1,089. The Lovisa store network achieved revenue growth of 22.7% to $498.1 million and 21.5% growth of net profit after tax (NPTA) to $58.4 million.

The company has also opened a new business in the UK called Jewells, with a higher price point, which gives Lovisa another growth avenue.

But, the most growth is likely to be found in expanding store networks in countries where there’s clearly a growth avenue for more locations (based that market’s population), such as the US, Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, China, Germany, France and Canada.

According to the Commsec projection, the Lovisa share price is now valued at 21x FY27’s estimated earnings. If its earnings can continue growing, I think it’s got a very good chance of hiking the dividend in the years ahead.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 50% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much is needed in superannuation to target $60,000 in annual passive income?
• ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
• Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Where I’d invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares in FY27

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 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.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares had a standout FY 2026.

Over the 12 months to 30 June, the growing tech share rose almost 50%, while the benchmark ASX 200 index gained around 3%.

Let’s find out why the network services provider’s shares smashed the market.

The Latitude.sh acquisition changed the narrative

Megaport was already known for its network-as-a-service technology, helping businesses connect to cloud providers, data centres, and digital services.

But its acquisition of Latitude.sh pushed the company into a broader market.

Latitude.sh is a compute-as-a-service platform offering high-performance CPU and GPU infrastructure. That gave Megaport a new way to serve customers needing not only connectivity, but also the computing power sitting behind artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-native applications, and data-heavy workloads.

That shifted the market’s view of the company. Megaport was no longer just selling flexible digital connections. It was moving toward a platform combining compute, network, and storage.

In an AI boom, that suddenly looked much more interesting.

Contract wins backed up the strategy

The share price strength was also supported by major contract wins after the Latitude.sh deal.

In April, Megaport announced that Latitude.sh had secured a 36-month compute and storage contract worth approximately A$35.4 million. The company also said Compute annualised recurring revenue (ARR), excluding that contract, had lifted strongly since the acquisition.

The momentum then accelerated in May. Megaport announced three major GPU, CPU, network, and storage contracts across two US-based technology customers running AI applications and inference workloads. Those contracts had a combined total contract value of approximately A$254 million and were expected to add about A$90.6 million in ARR once fully deployed.

That was a major validation point. Investors could see the Latitude.sh acquisition turning into real contracted demand, not just a strategic idea.

AI infrastructure became the bigger opportunity

The excitement increased again in June, when Megaport announced four new major contracts with total contract value of approximately A$458.9 million and ARR of about A$199 million.

These contracts were linked to US-based technology providers running AI applications and inference workloads.

Megaport also announced plans for a globally distributed AI inference cloud, including an on-demand GPU pool. That pointed to a much bigger ambition: giving customers access to compute power closer to users, data, and cloud platforms.

The company backed this with an $827.3 million entitlement offer to fund new compute, network, storage, and GPU capacity.

Capital raisings can sometimes weigh on share prices. But in this case, investors had large contracts and strong AI demand to assess alongside the dilution.

A breakout year

Megaport shares smashed the ASX 200 in FY 2026 because its growth story became larger and more tangible.

The Latitude.sh acquisition gave the company compute exposure, while the contract wins showed real demand from AI-related customers.

It is worth remembering that Megaport still has to deploy capital well, deliver hardware, manage customer concentration, and prove that these contracts convert into attractive returns.

But FY 2026 clearly was the year Megaport moved from cloud connectivity story to AI infrastructure contender, and the share price unsurprisingly followed.

The post Why did Megaport shares smash the ASX 200 in FY26? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 of the best ASX shares to buy in FY 2027
• 3 ASX tech stocks tipped to rocket higher in FY27
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These ASX growth shares are up 40%. Can they keep climbing?
• 3 super ASX shares that could be too good to ignore in July

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

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in positive territory. The benchmark index rose 1.4% to 8,844.4 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week despite a strong session in Europe on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 35 points or 0.4% lower. In the United States, Wall Street was closed for a public holiday. In Europe, the DAX was up 0.8%, the FTSE rose 0.25%, and the CAC climbed 0.4%.

Oil prices edge higher

ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a reasonably positive start to the week after oil prices edged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.15% to US$68.78 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.45% to US$72.12 a barrel. This was despite OPEC approving further output increases.

Austal shares given hold rating

Bell Potter thinks Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) shares are fully valued at current levels. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the shipbuilder’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $4.10 (from $6.30). Bell Potter said: “We downgrade our FY27-29e underlying earnings but upgrade statutory reflecting incorporation of MMF3/GDEB revenue. Our TP is lower on FY27 uEBIT downgrade. Although the valuation/growth arithmetic appears attractive, we believe we are entering a period of elevated risks as ASB ramps up several shipbuilding programs. A T-AGOS contract modification presents a potential near-term positive catalyst.”

Gold price storms higher

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a solid start to the week after the gold price stormed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.5% to US$4,187.3 an ounce. This was driven by traders scaling back their interest rate hike bets.

Buy ResMed shares

Morgans has named ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares as a buy. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $41.72 price target on the medical device company’s shares. It thinks recent weakness has created a buying opportunity. The broker commented: “RMD has de-rated to ~16x forward earnings, its lowest valuation since the post-GFC period, despite consensus continuing to forecast double-digit EPS growth. GLP-1 therapies, positive Phase III data from Apnimed’s oral OSA therapy, the prospect of Philips re-entering the US PAP market from 2027 and broader healthcare sector de-rating, have driven recent share price weakness. While these risks are real, current industry data and RMD’s operating performance provide limited evidence of a material deterioration in underlying demand. We make no changes to FY26-28 forecasts or our A$41.72 target price. BUY.”

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

More reading

• Why your superannuation in your 50s may matter more than you think
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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares ended last week 1.5% higher, climbing back above the $60 mark after recovering from a weak June.

While the mining giant lost around 6% during the month, the stock is still up an impressive 58% over the past 12 months.

So, where do brokers see BHP shares heading in FY27, and are they still worth buying today?

What do the experts think?

After a stellar 12-month run, analysts have become more measured on BHP shares. Most brokers now have a hold recommendation on the mining stock. They seem to suggest that much of the recent optimism is already reflected in the share price.

According to consensus estimates, the average 12-month price target sits around 6% above current levels, suggesting analysts still expect modest gains, but not another breakout year.

Morgan Stanley remains among the more bullish brokers. Last week, the investment bank reaffirmed its buy rating on BHP shares and maintained a 12-month price target of $67.50. That implies upside of more than 10% from current levels, excluding dividends.

For income-focused investors, BHP’s sizeable dividend payments could further enhance total returns if commodity prices remain supportive.

Why BHP remains a quality miner

BHP continues to stand out as one of the world’s highest-quality diversified mining companies.

Its portfolio spans iron ore, copper, potash and metallurgical coal, giving investors exposure to commodities that are expected to play an important role in global infrastructure spending and the energy transition.

Copper, in particular, has become an increasingly important growth driver. Rising demand from electrification, renewable energy and artificial intelligence-related infrastructure is expected to support long-term consumption, and BHP has been investing heavily to expand its exposure to the metal.

Meanwhile, its low-cost iron ore operations in Western Australia continue to generate strong cash flows, providing the financial strength to invest through commodity cycles while rewarding investors in BHP shares with dividends.

Why did BHP shares fall in June?

Despite its strong long-term performance, BHP shares came under pressure during June.

The decline largely reflected weaker iron ore prices, as investors became increasingly concerned about slowing steel demand in China. Continued uncertainty surrounding China’s property sector and broader economic growth also weighed on sentiment across the mining sector.

The company also disappointed investors in June with another cost blowout at its Jansen potash project. That and some profit taking likely added to the selling pressure.

However, the pullback proved short-lived, with BHP shares regaining momentum and reclaiming the $60 level last week.

The risks to watch in FY27

While BHP remains well positioned over the long term, investors should be aware of several risks. Commodity prices remain the biggest variable. A sustained decline in iron ore or copper prices would likely pressure earnings and dividends.

China also remains a critical market for BHP, meaning any further slowdown in construction activity or industrial production could affect demand.

In addition, large mining projects face ongoing risks from cost inflation, operational disruptions and regulatory changes.

Even so, BHP’s strong balance sheet, diversified asset base and disciplined capital allocation leave it well placed to navigate periods of market volatility.

With analysts expecting further, albeit more modest upside, BHP shares could still appeal to long-term investors seeking exposure to high-quality mining assets and reliable dividend income in FY27.

The post Should you buy BHP shares in FY27? This is what experts think appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings for FY27
• How Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP shares stacked up in June
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $5,500 per month in passive income?
• 6 ASX 200 large-cap shares that rose 60% to 275% in FY26
• Is it smart to invest $5,000 into BHP shares?

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

For many Australians, the 50s are when superannuation suddenly becomes very real.

In your 30s and 40s, retirement can still feel distant enough to ignore. There are mortgages, children, bills, career changes, and everyday costs competing for attention. Super often sits quietly in the background, growing slowly and receiving very little thought.

But by the time you reach your 50s, the balance starts to matter in a different way. Retirement is no longer an abstract future event. It is close enough that the decisions you make now can have a meaningful impact on how much choice you have later.

The final stretch can do a lot of work

One of the biggest misconceptions about super is that if you are behind by 50, the game is already over.

That is not true. In fact, the decade before retirement can be one of the most powerful periods for superannuation growth. This is because your balance is usually much larger than it was earlier in life, which means investment returns can have a bigger dollar impact.

A 7% return on a $50,000 balance is useful. The same return on a $300,000 superannuation balance is much more meaningful.

This is also the period where many Australians reach their highest earning years. If mortgage pressure has eased or children are becoming more independent, there may be more room to make additional contributions.

Small changes can still matter

The good news is that improving your superannuation in your 50s does not always require major sacrifices.

Reviewing fees, checking whether your investment option still makes sense, consolidating accounts, and considering extra contributions can all help. None of these steps may feel life-changing on their own, but together they can make a noticeable difference over 10 to 15 years.

The key is that the changes need to happen while there is still time for them to work.

Waiting until retirement is only a year or two away leaves far fewer options.

Being too conservative can be costly

As retirement gets closer, many Australians naturally become more cautious. That is understandable, because nobody wants to see their super fall sharply just before they stop working.

But being too conservative too early can create its own risk.

A person retiring in their 60s may still need their super to last 20 or 30 years. That means growth still matters, even after retirement begins.

The right investment mix will depend on personal circumstances, but moving completely away from growth assets too early may reduce the ability of a super balance to keep up with inflation and withdrawals.

Retirement is not a single date

Another reason your 50s matter is that retirement does not have to happen all at once.

Some people work full time until a set date and then stop completely. Others gradually reduce hours, move into consulting, or work part time for several years.

That flexibility can be important. Even a few extra years of income can reduce pressure on super, allow contributions to continue, and give investments more time to compound.

For many Australians, the path to retirement is less like flicking a switch and more like slowly turning down the volume on work.

Foolish takeaway

Your 50s are not too late to make a difference to your superannuation.

They may actually be the years where smart decisions count the most. A larger balance, higher earnings, and a clearer view of retirement can all work together to improve your outcome.

The important thing is not to panic if you feel behind. It is to pay attention, take control, and use the time you still have wisely.

The post Why your superannuation in your 50s may matter more than you think appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Can WiseTech shares double from here? Analysts are betting yes
• Does my superannuation affect my Age Pension eligibility?
• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings for FY27
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

Something big is about to happen to millions of Australian investment portfolios.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (NASDAQ: SPCX) is expected to be included in the Nasdaq-100 index this week, less than a month after its 12 June listing.

The inclusion is driven by the Nasdaq-100’s fast-track rules for extraordinarily large listings. This allows a company to be added to the index far more quickly than the standard schedule if its market cap is large enough to justify it.

SpaceX, now trading at US$160 per share at a valuation exceeding US$2 trillion, clearly meets that threshold.

For Australian investors, the implications are more direct than many realise.

What Nasdaq-100 inclusion actually means

The Nasdaq-100 is not just a list of large technology companies. Instead, it is the benchmark that underpins hundreds of billions of dollars in index-tracking funds and ETFs around the world.

When SpaceX joins that index, every fund that tracks the Nasdaq-100 must buy SpaceX shares, mechanically and at scale, regardless of what any portfolio manager thinks of the company’s valuation.

Estimates suggest between US$22 billion and US$27 billion in mechanical index buying will be required across QQQ and Russell 1000 trackers once the inclusion becomes effective.

What inclusion means for NDQ holders

The most direct impact for Australian retail investors is felt through the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). NDQ is one of the most widely held ETFs in Australia.

Anyone who owns NDQ, or other ASX-listed US-focused ETFs including the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) and the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV), will own SpaceX shares once the inclusion is effective.

That happens automatically, without the investor needing to do anything.

For investors who want Nasdaq-100 exposure and are comfortable with SpaceX as a holding, NDQ remains the simplest and most liquid way to access that index from the ASX.

For investors who are concerned about SpaceX’s valuation or its GAAP losses, it is worth noting that the inclusion means they will own SpaceX whether they want to or not.

What inclusion means for RCKT holders

For the Betashares Space Industry ETF (ASX: RCKT), index inclusion has come even faster.

SpaceX has already been included in RCKT following the fund’s fast-track inclusion feature. This allowed SpaceX to enter the Solactive Space Industry Index far more quickly than standard timelines would normally permit.

SpaceX now represents 25.9% of the RCKT portfolio, making it the fund’s single largest holding by a wide margin.

That means RCKT holders already own a meaningful and direct slice of SpaceX, alongside the fund’s 28 other holdings across the global space economy. Rocket Lab and AST SpaceMobile remain as the next two largest positions.

For investors who want concentrated and thematic exposure to the space economy, RCKT now offers something NDQ cannot: a dedicated space fund with SpaceX as its dominant holding.

The trade-off remains that RCKT is a smaller, less liquid fund with a higher management fee of 0.57% per annum compared to NDQ’s 0.22%.

What inclusion means for superannuation investors

Beyond direct ETF holdings, the Nasdaq-100 inclusion has implications for the millions of Australians whose superannuation funds allocate to international shares.

The vast majority of Australian super funds allocate a large portion of their international shares exposure to US equities. Those allocations typically include the largest companies in the US market.

Once SpaceX is in the Nasdaq-100, it becomes a holding in most institutional portfolios that benchmark against that index.

For most superannuation members, that exposure will be small relative to the overall portfolio. But it will exist, automatically, without any action required.

The risk worth understanding

SpaceX is not a conventionally profitable company.

The company posted a GAAP net loss of US$4.94 billion in 2025. This was driven by losses in the xAI and Space divisions that offset the Starlink connectivity business’s profitability.

A company trading at US$2 trillion with significant GAAP losses is a demanding proposition even for investors who are excited about the long-term Starlink and space economy opportunity.

Nasdaq-100 inclusion forces index-tracking funds to own it regardless.

Foolish takeaway

SpaceX joins the Nasdaq-100 this week. Millions of Australian investors will automatically own a piece of the world’s most valuable space company through their ETFs and super funds.

For both RCKT and NDQ holders, exposure arrives without any further action required.

Whether SpaceX at US$2 trillion is a good investment is a separate question.

The post SpaceX will be included in the Nasdaq index this week. Here’s what that means for ASX investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How Vanguard’s biggest ASX ETFs performed in FY26
• The best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• The currency-hedged ASX ETFs magnifying dividends by up to 10x this season
• Why I think these Vanguard ETFs are perfect buy and hold investments
• Why is the SpaceX stock price trading higher?

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. 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 year for ASX financials stock HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB).

Year to date, its share price is down over 15%.

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed just over 1% in the same period.

However, this ASX financials stock closed last week with a strong 6% gain on Friday, which could be the beginning of a rebound for HUB24 shares.

The team at Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation on this ASX financials stock and laid out the potential for a big return in the next 12 months.

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Quarter update

Hub24 is a diversified financial services business. The company’s core platform segment develops and provides an administrative services platform to financial advisers, stockbrokers, accountants, and their clients.

Bell Potter updated its financial model after a strong June quarter for global investment markets.

Since HUB24’s platform fees are linked to the value of client investments, stronger markets increase funds under administration (FUA) and future revenue expectations.

Bell Potter slightly increased its FUA forecasts for FY2026–FY2028 but left earnings per share (EPS) forecasts unchanged.

Strong Recovery in Global Markets

After a weak start earlier in the year, global share markets rebounded strongly and reached new record highs.

The biggest gains came from the US, while Europe also performed well.

Australia’s market rose but lagged behind most major markets, with the ASX 200 gaining 3.5% over the quarter.

What does this mean for this ASX financials stock?

Bell Potter expects HUB24 to report around $4.1 billion of net new client inflows for the quarter, plus $6.3 billion from investment market gains.

Together, these factors should lift total funds under administration. If quarterly inflows are closer to $5 billion, it would signal that growth has returned to its previous pace and could be positive for the share price.

Based on this update, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation and $110 price target on this ASX financials stock.

From Friday’s closing price of just over $81, this indicates an upside potential of almost 36%.

Our Buy recommendation is unchanged. While lumpy, the company delivered record net adviser additions and consistent new distribution agreements, providing material growth runway, and guidance is de-risked through mark-to-markets.

The share price has fallen -32% from the November peak, despite earnings upgrades and further positive adjustments still yet to flow through.

 

 

 

The post Why this ASX financials stock is tipped to rebound 35% in the back half of 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
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• 2 quality ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows to buy 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 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.

The turnaround has been sharp.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) hit a nine-year low on 3 June 2026, having fallen 39% over the prior twelve months.

Since then, the index has risen by 21% in just one month, compared with a 0.7% rise in the broader S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) index over the same period.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), and ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) are all up.

The question is whether this recovery is real, or whether the sector has simply bounced from deeply oversold levels.

What drove the selloff in the first place

Understanding the recovery requires understanding what caused the fall.

Healthcare was the worst-performing sector of all eleven ASX 200 market sectors in FY26.

The sector was hit by a combination of factors specific to individual companies and broader macro forces.

A stronger Australian dollar eroded the offshore profits of CSL, which generates most of its revenue in the United States. Rising interest rates weighed on the valuations of high-multiple growth stocks across the sector. Earnings downgrades at CSL and Cochlear removed the premium earnings trajectory the sector had traded on for years. And a rotation toward energy and resources stocks pulled capital away from healthcare regardless of individual company fundamentals.

CSL: the most important recovery to watch

CSL is up 32% since 3 June, but remains down close to 50% over the past twelve months.

The FY26 result, due on 19 August 2026, will be the most important test of whether the recovery has earnings support or is simply a valuation rebound.

Management has pointed to improving Behring division revenue in the second half of FY26 as the key catalyst.

Morgans retains a buy rating on CSL with a price target of $147.59. However, the broker acknowledges that a sustained recovery in sentiment may take several quarters to fully materialise as the market waits for proof in the numbers.

ResMed: the most compelling valuation story

ResMed is up 18% since 3 June but remains at its lowest valuation in over a decade.

Morgans has retained its buy rating on ResMed with a price target of $41.72. The broker noted that the stock has de-rated to just 16 times forward earnings despite the market continuing to forecast double-digit earnings per share growth.

Morgans points out that while GLP-1 therapy risks exist, current industry data and operational performance continue to support the long-term investment case.

Q2 FY26 showed ResMed revenue rising 11% to $1.42 billion with net income up 14%, confirming the underlying business is growing strongly despite the macro noise.

Cochlear: the longest road back

Cochlear is up 31% since 3 June but remains the most deeply impaired of the three. Cochlear shares are still down approximately 52% year to date and 58% over twelve months.

The majority of brokers covering the stock still carry a hold rating, with the consensus price target of $137.10 implying only modest further upside at current levels.

Bell Potter’s Christopher Watt said that while near-term trading challenges persist, the long-term opportunity remains compelling. The broker added that until there is clearer evidence that volumes are stabilising, a more balanced stance is appropriate.

Is the recovery sustainable for ASX healthcare shares?

The honest answer is that the recovery has largely been driven by sector rotation rather than a genuine improvement in underlying fundamentals.

That matters because sector rotation can reverse just as quickly as it appears.

The August reporting season will be the real test.

CSL’s FY26 numbers, due 19 August, will either confirm that the Behring margin recovery is tracking as management described or force another round of earnings estimate cuts.

For investors who believe the long-term investment cases for CSL, ResMed, and Cochlear are intact, the current entry points, even after a 21% sector rally, look more attractive than anything available in the past five years.

For investors looking for a quick trade, the easy part of the recovery may already be done.

Foolish takeaway for ASX healthcare shares

ASX healthcare shares surged 21% in a month from a nine-year low.

CSL, ResMed, and Cochlear have all participated meaningfully in that recovery.

Whether the rally continues depends on the August reporting season delivering the earnings support that sector rotation alone cannot provide indefinitely.

The post ASX healthcare shares have jumped 21% since June. Can the recovery continue? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• After losing half their value, can CSL shares reclaim $275?
• 3 ASX shares down at least 50% in FY26
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Healthcare shares lead the ASX 200 again as sector rotation gathers pace
• Buy, hold, sell: Objective Corp, ResMed, and South32 shares

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 CSL, Cochlear, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX shares Echo IQ Ltd (ASX: EIQ) and Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) have enjoyed big returns in 2026.

These ASX shares have risen by over 500% and 125% respectively since the start of the year. 

This huge rise is difficult to ignore for growth investors, and experts have provided updated commentary on these soaring stocks. 

Here is what brokers are saying. 

Volatility expected for Echo IQ

A new report from Bell Potter has included updated guidance on Echo IQ shares. 

It is an ASX-listed medical technology company utilising proprietary, AI-driven software (the EchoSolv platform) to analyse echocardiographic data to aid clinicians in diagnosing serious conditions like aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular dysfunction more accurately.

Its share price has stormed higher in 2026 on the back of key US deals and AI development.

A note out of Bell Potter indicates it could experience some volatility moving forward. 

Looking on the positive side, the broker said Echo IQ is making good progress by developing new products and securing long-term funding.

A major positive was partnering with Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), which gives credibility to its EchoSolv platform.

However, winning new hospital and radiology customers in the US will take time – likely years, not months.

Price target increased 

Bell Potter has increased its price target to $1.75 per share (from $1.65).

The higher valuation reflects the stronger financial position after the capital raise.

However, the broker expects the share price to remain volatile because:

• Revenue growth is expected to be modest over the next two years.
• The company will continue to spend significant cash.
• The share price will likely move based on announcements of new customer wins.

The broker now has a speculative hold recommendation, and based on the updated price target, sees limited share price upside in the next 12 months. 

Last week, these ASX shares closed trading at $1.65. 

Sunrise Metals could keep rising 

Sunrise Metals shares have also rocketed higher in 2026. 

The company is focused on the development and application of ion-exchange technology for extracting valuable metals in the mining industry and for purifying and recycling wastewater.

Positive development updates have helped swing momentum to the positive side for these ASX materials shares. 

According to analyst views via TradingView, this could continue. 

These ASX shares closed last week trading at $17.75 per share. 

The average analyst forecast indicates Sunrise Metals shares could hit $20.00 per share in the next 12 months. 

From last week’s closing price, this indicates a further 12% upside. 

 

 

The post What are experts saying about these red hot ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have endured a brutal fall over the past year, with investors watching nearly a decade of gains disappear.

The healthcare giant shares are now trading around levels last seen in March 2017, effectively wiping out nine years of share price appreciation. However, there are early signs sentiment may be improving, with CSL shares rallying an impressive 34% over the past month.

Even after that rebound, the stock remains down around 50% over the past 12 months. That raises the big question for investors: can CSL shares eventually recover to last year’s highs above $275?

What do analysts think?

Broker sentiment remains divided. According to TradingView data, 18 analysts have updated their ratings on CSL shares over the past three months. Eight recommend buying the stock or rate it a strong buy, while the remaining 10 have a hold recommendation.

Despite the mixed views, the average price target sits at $141.53, implying upside of around 16% from current levels. The most bullish analyst has a target price of $201.07, suggesting potential upside of roughly 65%.

Among the more optimistic brokers is Morgans, which recently retained its Buy rating and a price target of $147.59. That implies approximately 20% upside, with the broker continuing to back the company’s long-term fundamentals.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), however, remains more cautious. The broker has a neutral rating and a price target of $114, reflecting uncertainty across CSL’s core plasma and albumin businesses, alongside ongoing competitive pressures.

A quality business facing headwinds

Not long ago, CSL shares were widely regarded as one of the ASX’s most dependable compounders. The company built its reputation on consistent earnings growth, global leadership in plasma-derived therapies, and a long history of delivering strong returns for patient shareholders.

That perception has changed dramatically over the past year. A series of earnings downgrades, leadership changes, and roughly US$5 billion in non-cash impairments linked to the CSL Vifor acquisition have significantly dented investor confidence. Combined, these factors have contributed to the stock’s decline of more than 50%.

Yet despite the sharp sell-off, the underlying business remains highly defensive. CSL is still the world’s second-largest plasma-derived therapies company, operating in an industry with high barriers to entry, stringent regulation, and complex global supply chains. Those competitive advantages are difficult for rivals to replicate.

Can CSL shares recover?

CSL’s latest guidance suggests the business continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace than investors had become accustomed to.

Management expects FY26 revenue of around US$15.2 billion and underlying net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) of approximately US$3.1 billion on a constant currency basis.

The biggest challenge remains the US immunoglobulin business within CSL Behring.

While demand continues to grow at a healthy mid-to-high single-digit rate, supply constraints and pricing dynamics have prevented the company from fully capitalising on that demand. That mismatch has weighed on margins and earnings momentum, helping explain why investor sentiment has remained subdued.

Whether CSL shares can eventually reclaim their previous highs will likely depend on management’s ability to improve execution, restore earnings growth, and rebuild market confidence.

For long-term investors, the recent rebound may be encouraging. But with analysts still split and operational challenges yet to fully ease, the path back to $275 is unlikely to be a straight line.

The post After losing half their value, can CSL shares reclaim $275? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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