Category: Stock Market

With February reporting season approaching, many investors are asking the same question. Is it worth buying Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares before the company reports or should you wait?

At a current share price of $80.91, Wesfarmers is trading 15% below its 52-week high of $95.18. 

That pullback has reopened the debate, particularly given the company’s reputation for quality and long-term execution. While buying any stock ahead of earnings carries risk, I think there is a reasonable case for considering Wesfarmers before February.

A high-quality ASX stock after a pullback

Wesfarmers is not a cheap stock on traditional valuation metrics. It rarely is. What investors are paying for is the quality of the portfolio, the resilience of earnings, and management’s long track record of disciplined capital allocation.

Consensus estimates from CommSec point to earnings per share of $2.52 in FY26, rising to $2.75 in FY27. That is not explosive growth, but it reflects steady progress from a diversified group that includes Bunnings, Kmart Group, Officeworks, WesCEF, and Wesfarmers Health.

The recent share price weakness does not appear to reflect a fundamental breakdown in the business. Instead, I think it looks more like a reset in expectations after a very strong run.

Dividends remain a key part of the appeal

For long-term investors, dividends matter. Wesfarmers has a strong history here, and current expectations remain supportive.

According to CommSec, fully franked dividends of $2.14 per share are expected in FY26, rising to $2.33 in FY27. At today’s share price, that represents an attractive income stream backed by cash-generative businesses and a strong balance sheet.

While dividends are never guaranteed, I think Wesfarmers’ focus on capital discipline and shareholder returns suggests income remains a priority.

What reporting season could bring for Wesfarmers shares

Buying before reporting season always comes with uncertainty. Short-term market reactions can be unpredictable, even when results are solid.

That said, commentary from the 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) pointed to resilient trading conditions, ongoing investment in productivity, and a diversified portfolio that helps offset weakness in individual divisions.

But if the results were to disappoint, I believe the downside risk from here may be more limited than it was at higher price levels.

Why I lean towards buying before February

For me, the decision comes down to time horizon.

If you are a short-term trader trying to guess the market’s reaction to earnings, waiting may make sense. But if you are a long-term investor looking to own a high-quality ASX 200 stock through multiple cycles, I think the current setup is reasonable.

Wesfarmers shares are not cheap, but I believe they represent value relative to the quality, stability, and long-term earnings power of the business. I would rather lock up a purchase at this price than waiting and risk them rising back towards their 52-week high.

Foolish takeaway

Buying Wesfarmers shares before February is not without risk. Earnings season always carries uncertainty. However, after a meaningful pullback, supported by solid earnings expectations and attractive fully franked dividends, I think the risk-reward balance looks acceptable for long-term investors.

The post Should you buy Wesfarmers shares before February? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) has been one of the ASX 200’s standout performers over the past year. The lithium producer’s share price is now sitting at $2.05, up an impressive 266% over the past 12 months, and more than 30% higher in just the past week.

That surge has pushed Liontown’s market capitalisation to around $6 billion, cementing its place among Australia’s most closely watched lithium stocks. After such a powerful run, is there more upside ahead in 2026?

Let’s unpack.

Lithium prices have rebounded sharply

A major driver behind Liontown’s surge has been the recovery in lithium prices.

Spot lithium carbonate prices are currently around US$19,800 per tonne, marking the strongest levels seen in more than 2 years. Prices had collapsed during the downturn but have rebounded as demand from electric vehicles and energy storage improves.

According to Trading Economics, lithium prices are expected to trade in a broad US$11,000 to US$28,000 per tonne range through 2026, depending on supply growth and EV demand. This improving pricing backdrop has lifted sentiment across the lithium sector.

Liontown’s financial position

Liontown is still in a heavy investment phase, which shows clearly in its financials.

Over the past 12 months, the company generated around $298 million in revenue, reflecting its transition into production. However, it remains loss making, with a net loss of roughly $193 million over the same period.

This profile is not unusual for a developing lithium producer, but it does mean the company is highly sensitive to lithium prices, production ramp up, and cost control.

Liontown has approximately 2.94 billion shares on issue, and its 52-week trading range spans from about 42 cents to just over $2.09, highlighting how quickly sentiment has shifted.

What brokers are saying

Broker views on Liontown have become more divided following the sharp rally.

Some analysts remain positive on the long-term outlook for lithium and continue to see strategic value in Liontown’s Kathleen Valley project. That said, valuation concerns are starting to surface at current price levels.

Consensus broker data points to an average 12-month price target of around $1.17, well below the current share price. As a result, many ratings now sit at ‘hold’, reflecting caution around valuation rather than a loss of confidence in lithium’s longer-term demand.

Can the rally continue?

Liontown’s share price momentum has been exceptional, but expectations are now much higher. For the stock to keep climbing, lithium prices will likely need to remain supportive and the company must deliver on production and costs.

After a 260% run, volatility should be expected. Pullbacks are common after moves of this size, particularly in commodity-linked stocks where sentiment can turn quickly.

The post Up 260% in a year, can this ASX 200 lithium stock keep climbing in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

As I covered this week, 2026 was a decent year for both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and my own portfolio of ASX shares. I was able to slightly outperform the market’s 10.3% return (growth plus dividend income) in 2025, thanks in part to the winners I discussed on Friday.

But not all of my ASX stocks did well in 2025. In fact, two stood out as notable laggards.

Two ASX shares that dragged on my portfolio in 2025

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

I first picked up CSL shares a number of years ago for about $225 each. This healthcare stock had a horrid 2025, which prompted me to pick up some more shares at just under $200. Alas, CSL finished the year at $172.65 each. That means my position went backwards by the best part of 30% last year. Ouch. At least I didn’t buy my entire position on 1 January last year, which would have lost me closer to 40% of my investment.

Even so, CSL was a stinker investment. But I’m not too worried. For one, it is still growing, with the company reporting underlying profit growth of 14% in August for its full-year earnings.

Yes, the company is facing some short-term hurdles, particularly from US tariffs. But as a world-leading vaccine and blood plasma medicine manufacturer, I think its long-term future is bright. Some experts agree, with Morgan Stanley recently giving the company a buy rating and a 12-month share price target of $256.

Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

ASX e-commerce share Kogan is my other 2025 stinker. This stock had a disastrous year last year, falling from $6.21 to the $3.67 it finished December. That’s a drop with a nasty 40.9%.

I’ll admit, I didn’t buy this ASX share at the right price. Kogan has had a few issues in recent years, including problems with its acquisition of the New Zealand-based Mighty Ape. But I’m not selling, as I think Kogan is primed for a recovery. Its 2025 financial results were encouraging, with Kogan reporting 6.2% revenue growth and a 12.7% lift in net profits.

With the company writing down some of the goodwill from its Mighty Ape acquisition last year, I feel confident that 2026 will be a better year. I am also encouraged by the ongoing share buyback program Kogan is pursuing. Given the company’s low share price over much of 2025, this should boost shareholder returns quite nicely in the years ahead.

The post Time to sell? These were my worst ASX shares in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has held relatively steady over the past few weeks, and currently sits at approximately 8 ,718 points. 

While this is below the record highs hit back in August and Octovber last year, it’s not too far behind. 

The same can’t be said for all 200 companies sitting within the index. 

But when quality companies see a share price dip, it can create an opportunity for investors to scoop them up at a discount. 

To be clear, companies trading close to 52-week lows don’t come without risk. 

After all, there’s a reason investors have exited. 

The question for potential buyers to consider is if the stock has fallen below fair value – with consideration for any red flags. 

Let’s look at two companies trading close to yearly lows. 

Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)

Amcor is an international plastics packaging company. 

It develops and produces responsible packaging solutions for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products.

Over the last year, its share price is down almost 17%. 

A big chunk of this selloff occurred following the company’s fourth quarter update last August. 

This ASX 200 stock fell 10% in one day, after EBITDA results fell short of the consensus estimates.

Now trading close to 52 week lows, there are some positives to consider with this ASX 200 stock. 

First of all, it’s expected to pay a dividend yield of over 6% in the next year. 

Secondly, experts are tipping a recovery for its share price. 

Morgans has a buy rating and $15.20 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

From last week’s closing price of $12.86, this indicates an upside of more than 18%. 

Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

Xero shares have been hotly covered here at The Motley Fool in recent months as general consensus indicates these shares are trading below fair value. 

Despite this sentiment, Xero shares have continued to tumble. 

The company offers cloud-based, accounting software for small to medium businesses.

These ASX 200 shares are down almost 37% in the last 12 months despite the company showing healthy growth in its subscriber base and revenue. 

Targets from analysts indicate this ASX 200 stock should recover. 

Macquarie currently has an outperform rating and $230.30 price target on Xero shares.

From last week’s closing price of $107.46, this indicates more than 114% upside.

The post Snap up these ASX 200 stocks trading close to 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The team at Morgans have just lowered their price target on ASX industrials stock Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX). 

Let’s find out why. 

What is Atlas Arteria?

Atlas Arteria is a global owner, operator, and developer of toll roads. It has a portfolio of five toll roads in France, Germany, and the United States. The company was created out of the reorganisation of Macquarie Infrastructure Group in 2010. 

This ASX industrials stock has experienced some volatility in the last 6 months. 

Its stock price has fluctuated between $5.50 and $4.75. 

It closed last week at $4.86. 

However, in a recent note out of Morgans, the broker has updated its guidance on this ASX industrials stock. This was alongside a decreased price target. 

Looking big picture

Morgans have made slight adjustments to forecasts ahead of Atlas Arteria’s FY25 result due to be released on 26 February. 

These changes were made due to newer traffic data, inflation updates, FX moves, and a few financing/toll tweaks across ALX’s assets.

APRR, the French toll road business, saw slight earnings downgrades as lower inflation will lead to smaller toll increases than previously expected, along with some tax-related adjustments.

At Dulles Greenway in the US, earnings have been upgraded in the short term, but the long-term outlook has been trimmed because future toll increases will be lower than Morgans had previously assumed.

The Chicago Skyway also saw a modest improvement in earnings, although this was partly offset by higher borrowing costs.

The assumption adjustments result in earnings downgrades for APRR, FY25-26 upgrades for Dulles Greenway (but long term downgrades), and mild upgrades for the Chicago Skyway. Forecast of ALX free cashflow and cash reserves is downgraded (but we still see ALX as capable of sustaining the current DPS of 40 cps until at least the end of the decade).

Is there any upside for this ASX industrials stock?

Based on this guidance, Morgans 12 month target price (which includes a mild premium for potential takeover activity) declined 31 cps to $4.74. 

Based on last week’s closing price, it seems Atlas Arteria shares are trading close to fair value. 

The updated price target indicates a downside of just over 2.4%. 

Elsewhere, TradingView has an average one year price target of $5.26. 

This indicates approximately 8% upside from current levels. 

It is worth reminding investors this ASX industrials stock also is expected to is pay unfranked dividend yield of more than 8% this year.

The post Why did Morgans just downgrade its view on this ASX industrials stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX ETFs offer diversification in one simple trade. 

Investing in hundreds or even thousands of companies at once can help smooth out market volatility. 

However with the rise of thematic ETFs, even successful funds can be exposed to market dips. 

The following three funds have had a successful track record of returns, but underperformed last year relative to historic performance.

This could make them attractive investment options at current prices. 

Etfs Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH)

This ASX ETF targets companies positioned to benefit from the increased adoption of technology, including companies whose principal business is in offering computing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and/or cloud and edge computing infrastructure and hardware.

Since its inception in 2017, the fund has risen more than 100%. 

This includes almost 8% p.a. returns over the last 5 years. 

This hasn’t come without years of volatility.

It is down 10% over the last 12 months. 

With that in mind, this fund has exposure to sectors that are paramount to the growth of technology and cloud computing.

These include semiconductors, software and electronics. 

At the time of writing, it includes 38 underlying holdings, with its largest geographical exposure being to: 

• United States (60.76%)
• Netherlands (8.90%)
• Germany (6.65%)

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

Another thematic fund with a good track record, but a down year is the Betashares India Quality ETF. 

As the name suggests, it targets high quality Indian companies. 

According to Betashares, it includes 30 high quality Indian companies based on a combined ranking of the following key factors: high profitability, low leverage and high earnings stability.

The thematic nature of this fund means it relies on the performance of the Indian economy. 

However despite falling more than 5% over the last year, its long-term prospects are intriguing. 

India’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with future growth potential underpinned by strong structural fundamentals.

India is expected to remain among the best performing economies globally; the IMF forecasts GDP to expand 6.4% p.a. in the next year. 

Furthermore, this fund has actually already shown a strong track record. 

It has risen 60% since March 2020. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR)

As the name suggests, this fund focuses on small-cap US stocks. 

According to iShares, it tracks the performance of the S&P Small-Cap 600, before fees and expenses. The index is designed to measure the performance of small-capitalisation US equities.

In the last 12 months it only rose 1%. 

However it has an average annual return of 10% over the last 5 years. 

The post 3 undervalued ASX ETFs with proven track records appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Investing does not have to be complicated to be effective.

Over time, I have come to appreciate the value of owning investments that quietly do the heavy lifting in the background.

Rather than constantly adjusting a portfolio or trying to predict short-term market moves, I like assets that give me exposure to powerful long-term trends and high-quality businesses in a simple, disciplined way.

While individual ASX shares certainly offer this, it can also be achieved easily with exchange traded funds (ETFs).

And two ASX ETFs that I own for this reason are named below. Here’s why I think they are amazing picks for Aussie investors.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives me exposure to some of the most influential companies in the global economy through a single ASX investment.

This hugely tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which includes many of the world’s leading technology and innovation-driven businesses. These companies sit at the centre of long-term trends such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital advertising, and e-commerce.

Major holdings typically include global leaders like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA). These are businesses with scale, global reach, and the ability to invest heavily in innovation year after year.

What appeals to me most about the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is how it allows the portfolio to evolve over time. As new leaders emerge and others fall away, the index adjusts. That makes this ETF a simple way to stay exposed to where growth and innovation are actually happening, without needing to constantly make the decisions myself.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF complements the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF by taking a more selective approach to investing.

Rather than focusing on the fastest-growing companies, it invests in US businesses that have wide economic moats. These are companies with strong brands, high switching costs, or structural advantages that protect profits over long periods.

The portfolio is relatively concentrated and currently includes companies such as United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM), and Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE). These are businesses that tend to generate strong cash flow and maintain pricing power through different economic environments.

For me, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF adds an extra layer of quality and discipline to a portfolio. It focuses on businesses that are not only strong today, but also difficult to displace over time.

The post Why I own these amazing ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, Salesforce, and United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Salesforce, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are a popular option for Australian investors.

This is particularly the case for those with a penchant for passive income, with Australia’s oldest bank among the most generous dividend payers on the Australian share market.

For example, in FY 2025, the bank’s steady financial performance and strong capital position allowed its board to declare a final ordinary dividend of 77 cents per share with its full year results, taking its fully franked dividends to $1.53 per share for the year. This equates to a payout ratio of 75% of profit after tax, excluding notable items.

This represents a total payout of $5.2 billion to its 571,800 shareholders.

To put that into context, this is more than the market capitalisation of Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) and Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE).

But what sort of passive income could I earn from Westpac shares in the future? Let’s take a look at what the market is expecting from the big four bank.

Passive income from Westpac shares

Let’s first imagine that I have $100,000 to invest in the bank’s shares. With the Westpac share price currently fetching $37.90, this means I could buy approximately 2,638 shares.

According to a recent note out of UBS, its analysts are expecting Westpac to increase its fully franked dividend to $1.70 per share in FY 2026.

This represents a dividend yield of almost 4.5% and would mean that those 2,638 Westpac shares would generate $4,484.60 in passive income.

The good news is that the broker believes that another increase is coming for shareholders in FY 2027. UBS has pencilled in a fully franked dividend of $1.75 per share for that financial year.

This represents a 4.6% dividend yield and would mean passive income of $4,616.50 for that $100,000 investment. Combined, investors are looking at a total of $9,101.10 across the two financial years.

It is worth noting, however, that the interim dividend for FY 2026 has just been paid. But barring a sudden cut in FY 2028, the actual dividend income paid out over the next 24 months shouldn’t diverge too much from the above.

Should you invest?

Although UBS is very positive on the bank’s outlook, it currently only has a neutral rating and $40.00 price target on Westpac’s shares.

This implies potential upside of 5.5% for investors over the next 12 months. Together with forecast dividends, this means there’s a total potential return of 10% if UBS is on the money with its recommendation.

The post How much passive income could I earn from Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Treasury Wine Estates. 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.

With most brokers taking a break over the holiday period, there haven’t been many notes hitting the wires.

But don’t worry because summarised below are three recent recommendations that remain very relevant today. Here’s what brokers are recommending to clients:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts retained their buy rating on this sports technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $6.50. This followed the release of a strong result, which revealed that Catapult delivered earnings ahead of both guidance and Bell Potter’s estimates. The broker highlights that this was driven by a higher margin than forecast. Looking ahead, Bell Potter sees strong double-digit growth in the core business and believes this will be boosted by the cross-sell opportunity from the recent IMPECT acquisition, as well as potential expansion into other sports. And while Bell Potter trimmed its valuation, it points out that this reflects a change in multiples due to the recent de-rating of the tech sector. The Catapult share price ended the week at $4.14.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

A note out of Macquarie revealed that its analysts initiated coverage on this diversified financial services company’s shares with an outperform rating and $6.70 price target. The broker highlights that Generation Development Group’s businesses are market leaders in growth sectors and well positioned to scale. This includes the key Evidentia managed accounts business, which it believes is poised to capture an outsized share of industry growth over 2024 to 2030. Another positive that Macquarie highlights is that management incentives support alignment with investors. This includes the top end of long term incentives requiring an earnings per share growth hurdle of +27.5%. The Generation Development Group share price was fetching $6.00 at the end of the week.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

Analysts at Morgan Stanley upgraded this enterprise software provider’s shares to an overweight rating with an improved price target of $36.50. This followed the release of TechnologyOne’s full year results for FY 2025. Although the broker acknowledges that there has been a slight slowdown in its growth outside the UK, it remains highly profitable and is generating significant cash flow. In light of this and its positive growth outlook and defensive earnings, Morgan Stanley thinks that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. The TechnologyOne share price was trading at $27.50 at Friday’s close.

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, Macquarie Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Generation Development Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 materials lead the market sectors last week, rising 3.67% amid a slew of mining shares setting new 52-week highs.

Reflecting the miners’ dominance, the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rose 3.64% last week and the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) lifted 1.41%, while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) weakened 0.11% to finish at 8,717.8 points.

Only four of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let’s recap.

Scores of ASX 200 mining shares reach 52-week highs

Ongoing strength in commodity prices boosted ASX 200 mining shares last week.

At the time of writing, the iron ore price is up 0.45% for the week at US$107.65 per tonne.

This helped send several ASX 200 iron ore shares to 52-week highs.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares reached $48.49, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) $154.75, and Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) $58.64.

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price didn’t reach an annual high but increased 2.57% over the week to close at $22.71 on Friday.

Copper futures surged above US$6 per pound, a new record, which also supported BHP given it is now the world’s largest producer.

Several ASX 200 copper shares also reached 52-week peaks, including the market’s largest pure-play Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR).

The Sandfire Resources share price hit an all-time record of $19.43, as did Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) shares at $15.89.

Lithium prices also surged, with the carbonate price streaking 16% higher for the week and 49% over the past month.

Unsurprisingly, ASX 200 lithium shares ripped, with many also setting new 52-week price milestones last week.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares rose to $4.89 apiece, Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) hit $2.10, and IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) reached $8.95.

ASX 200 rare earths shares increased on news that China will limit exports of rare earths to Japan.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares shot the lights out, ripping 15.38% to close the week at $14.10.

The Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price flew 9.26% to close at 30 cents per share.

What about gold?

The gold price rose 3% last week to above US$4,467 per ounce in late trading on Friday Australian time.

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 1.19% to close at $24.72 on Friday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price rose 1.1% to close at $12.82.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares hit a record high of $162.45 apiece last week.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares hit a 52-week high of $5.80, as did Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares at $7.84.

Gold and copper miner, Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) lifted 9.09% over the week to close at $11.52.

The Greatland Resources share price reached a record high of $11.66 on Friday.

Silver continues its amazing run, up 5% over the week and 152% over the past 12 months.

This helped ASX 200 diversified miner South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) hit a 52-week high of $3.87 per share.

South32 is exposed to silver via its Cannington mine, which is one of the world’s largest producers of silver and lead.

The rising aluminium price also supported South32 shares.

Aluminium gained 2.2% last week and is up 22% over the past year.

This also helped bauxite and alumina producer Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) hit a 52-week high of $94.31 last week.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	3.67%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	0.65%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	0.53%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	0.13%
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(0.06%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(0.51%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(0.7%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(0.77%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(1.11%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(1.33%)
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(2.49%)

Final word on the week

Here at the Fool, we continued to dissect all the results of 2025 for your review last week.

We revealed the 5 best ASX 200 mining shares of 2025 for capital growth.

We also considered what $10,000 invested in the BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) returned over the past year.

You might also be interested in the 5 top ASX 200 gold shares, the 12 best performing commodities, and the best sectors for dividends.

The post ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Alcoa, BHP Group, and South32. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.