Category: Stock Market

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has been a solid long-term performer, and if it delivers something like a 9% return in 2026, that would be a very respectable outcome for investors.

But when I look beyond Australia, I see parts of the global market that I think have a genuine chance to do much better than that.

One exchange traded fund (ETF) from Vanguard in particular stands out to me as having the right mix of growth potential, diversification, and valuation support to meaningfully outperform the ASX 200 this year.

That ETF is the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM).

Why I think international small caps could shine in 2026

VISM ETF provides exposure to more than 3,600 small cap stocks across developed markets outside Australia. These are businesses listed in countries like the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Small-cap shares tend to be more volatile than large caps, but that volatility is often the price investors pay for higher long-term growth. Smaller companies are typically earlier in their expansion cycle, which gives them more scope to grow earnings faster than established blue chips.

What I find compelling in 2026 is that many international small caps are coming from a relatively subdued period of performance. In contrast, large-cap indices have already enjoyed strong runs in recent years. That sets up a potential environment where leadership broadens beyond the biggest names.

Valuation and growth look well balanced

One of the reasons I am comfortable making a bullish call on the VISM ETF is that its underlying valuation does not look stretched.

According to Vanguard, the ETF is trading on a price-to-earnings ratio of around 17.9 times, which I think is reasonable given its forecast earnings growth rate of roughly 12.5%. Return on equity sits at about 9.3%, and while the dividend yield is modest at 1.85%, this fund is clearly designed for growth rather than income.

In other words, investors are not paying extreme multiples for speculative growth. They are getting exposure to thousands of profitable businesses with genuine earnings momentum.

Diversification the ASX simply cannot match

Another reason I believe the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF could outperform the ASX 200 is diversification.

The Australian share market is heavily skewed toward banks, miners, and a handful of large industrials. By contrast, this Vanguard ETF spreads its exposure across thousands of companies, multiple sectors, and more than 20 developed economies.

The United States makes up about 63% of the portfolio, followed by Japan at 13%, with meaningful exposure to Europe and Canada as well. Sector exposure is broad, with holdings spanning technology, healthcare, industrials, consumer businesses, and energy.

No single stock dominates the portfolio. The largest holding, SanDisk Corp (NASDAQ: SNDK), represents well under half a percent of net assets. That structure reduces company-specific risk while still allowing investors to benefit from overall small-cap growth.

Why I think this Vanguard ETF can beat the ASX 200 index

If the ASX 200 delivers a 9% return in 2026, I think the VISM ETF has a realistic chance to exceed that by a meaningful margin.

Faster earnings growth, broader diversification, reasonable valuations, and exposure to international economic expansion all work in its favour. It will not outperform every year, and there will be volatility along the way. But on a forward-looking basis, the setup looks attractive to me.

For investors willing to accept higher short-term swings in pursuit of stronger long-term returns, I think Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF is well placed to outperform.

The post Prediction: This unstoppable Vanguard ETF will crush the ASX 200 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the small-cap renaissance is only just beginning: Expert
• Vanguard will pay ASX ETF dividends today
• Vanguard reveals next lot of dividends for VAS and other ASX ETFs

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

When I am looking for income on the ASX, I want two things above all else: visible cash flows and clear dividend guidance.

A high dividend yield on its own is not enough. It needs to be supported by assets or earnings that give me confidence the income can be maintained.

With that in mind, here are two ASX income stocks offering dividend yields above 6% that I would be comfortable buying.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group is one of the most established income stocks on the ASX.

The company owns and operates critical energy infrastructure across Australia, including gas pipelines, storage assets, and electricity transmission. These assets are typically governed by long-term contracts and regulated frameworks, which helps underpin stable and predictable cash flows.

For FY26, APA is guiding to a distribution of 58 cents per share. Based on its current share price of $8.80, this represents a dividend yield of approximately 6.6%.

What I find attractive about APA is that its earnings are largely insulated from short-term economic cycles. Demand for energy transport does not fluctuate in the same way as discretionary spending, which makes APA well suited to income-focused portfolios.

While APA may not deliver rapid growth, it offers exactly what many income investors are seeking: visibility, scale, and consistency.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is another ASX income stock offering an attractive dividend yield. It is supported by a defensive property portfolio.

The business owns large-format retail assets leased to tenants that provide everyday goods and services. These include supermarkets, hardware stores, and other non-discretionary retailers. This tenant mix helps support rental income even when consumer conditions are softer.

The REIT is guiding to a distribution of 8.6 cents per share in FY26. At a current share price of $1.37, this translates to a dividend yield of around 6.3%.

For income investors, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT offers exposure to property-backed cash flows without relying on premium retail or office markets. Its focus on daily needs assets adds an extra layer of defensiveness to the income stream, in my opinion.

Foolish takeaway

APA Group and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT both offer dividend yields above 6%, backed by assets designed to produce recurring cash flows.

Neither stock is about chasing growth. Instead, they are about generating income with a reasonable level of visibility. For investors building or supplementing an income portfolio, I think both are worth serious consideration in January.

The post 2 ASX income stocks with 6% dividend yields I would buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to turn ASX dividends into long-term wealth
• DIY investors: How to build a stable income portfolio starting with $50,000
• These amazing ASX dividend shares offer 5.8% to 6.8% yields in 2026
• Forget term deposits! I’d buy these two ASX 200 shares instead
• 3 defensive ASX dividend shares to buy with $10,000

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

Shares in Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) will be on watch this morning after the company late yesterday revealed it had met its full year revenue guidance and had grown its fourth quarter revenue strongly.

The drug developer said its full year revenue had come in at US$804 million ($1.2 billion), in line with the company’s upgraded guidance of US$800-US$820 million.

Numbers strong across the board

Telix’s revenue for the fourth quarter came in at US$208 million, up 46% comparted with the same quarter last year.

Telix said its precision medicine division had revenue of about US$161 million, up 4% on the third quarter’s result, “driven by the successful United States launch of Gozellix following reimbursement by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), effective from 1 October 2025”.

The company’s managing director Dr Christian Behrenbruch said it was a good result.

Telix’s Precision Medicine business delivered excellent sequential growth in Q4 2025, driven in part by the successful U.S. launch of Gozellix. This revenue growth outpaced a 3% increase in dose volumes, demonstrating the positive impact of our two-product strategy on market share and pricing. With strong early uptake of Gozellix and a robust pipeline of key accounts integrating Gozellix and ARTMS technology, Telix is well positioned for sustained growth in 2026.

Trials progressing

On the clinical trial front the company said the first international patients had been dosed in part 2 of the ProstACT Global Phase 3 study of TLX591-Tx in advanced prostate cancer.

This compound is the company’s lead prostate cancer therapy candidate, and the company is also preparing for a readout of safety and dosimetry data from Part 1 of the trial.

Telix said further:

The study is open for enrolment in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with further sites to be opened in China, Singapore, South Korea, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Japan9, where regulatory approvals have already been granted. Data from Part 1 will be presented to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ascertain eligibility for U.S. patients to participate in Part 2.

The company said it had also dosed the first US patinets in Solace, which was a study of its therapeutic candidate for treating pain in patients with osteoblastic bone metastases from prostate and breast cancers.

Telix also yesterday announced that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) has accepted a new drug application (NDA) for Illuccix, which is Telix’s lead prostate cancer imaging agent.

The company said further:

The NDA was submitted with Telix’s strategic partner for the Greater China region, Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited. Seeking a broad label that reflects clinical utility at multiple stages of prostate cancer care, the submission includes data from the Illuccix China Pivotal Phase 3 Registration study1, which reported positive top-line results in December 2025.

Telix said more than 134,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, with that number increasing by about 6% each year.

Illuccix has already been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, by the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and in 19 countries within the European Economic Area.

The post Telix shares in focus as the company meets guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why Bellevue Gold, DroneShield, Hub24, and Telix shares are storming higher today
• Good news out of China has this drug company’s shares higher
• Telix Pharmaceuticals receives China’s nod for Illuccix prostate cancer imaging NDA
• Bell Potter says these ASX shares are best buys in January

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form again and tumbled into the red. The benchmark index dropped 0.65% to 8,815.9 points.

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

ASX 200 to fall again

The Australian share market looks set to fall again on Wednesday after a selloff on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 59 points or 0.7% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 1.8%, the S&P 500 is down 2%, and the Nasdaq is 2.3% lower. Traders have been selling US assets in response to Donald Trump’s Greenland threats.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session on Wednesday after oil prices stormed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.8% to US$60.53 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.1% to US$64.66 a barrel. Traders were buying oil in response to supply disruption in Kazakhstan.

Telix FY 2026 update

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares will be on watch on Wednesday after releasing an update on its performance in FY 2025. The radiopharmaceuticals company’s unaudited group revenue came in at approximately US$804 million (A$1.2 billion). This was in line with its upgraded guidance of US$800 million to US$820 million. Fourth quarter revenue was up 46% on the prior corresponding period to US$208 million. Telix’s CEO, Dr. Christian Behrenbruch, said: “Telix’s Precision Medicine business delivered excellent sequential growth in Q4 2025, driven in part by the successful U.S. launch of Gozellix.”

Gold price jumps to record high

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price jumped to a record high. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 3.75% to US$4,767.2 an ounce. The precious metal hit a record high in response to increased safe haven demand, US dollar weakness, and a “sell America” trade.

Rio Tinto update

Mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) will be one to watch on Wednesday when it releases its fourth quarter and full year production update. The consensus estimate is for full year copper production of 863,000 tonnes and iron ore production of 322,756mt. Aluminium production of 3,224,000 tonnes is also expected.

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

More reading

• Telix shares in focus as the company meets guidance
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Want to buy gold in 2026? Here are 3 ways to do it
• 2 ASX 200 gold shares to buy and 1 to sell: experts
• Why Bellevue Gold, DroneShield, Hub24, and Telix shares are storming higher 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 positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

From miners to airlines, these are the ASX shares which have caught my eye this week.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip shares have had an unexciting start to 2026 so far, but analysts are bullish that there is plenty of upside left for the ASX financial tech company this year. I certainly think the stock is a screaming buy for 2026.

Zip has posted some robust financial results over the past few quarters and the business has some great growth plans in place for 2026. The company is expected to post its FY26 half-year results next month where investors will find out if the company is still on track. Good news could push the share price quickly higher.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles’ growth strategy has paid off. The business was a strong performer overall in 2025. The ASX retailer posted a strong quarterly update in late October, where it reported a 3.9% increase in group sales and quarterly results generally in line with analyst expectations. 

It looks like the supermarket giant could face some headwinds this year as resilient inflation and cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh heavily on Aussie pockets. But the stock is fiercely defensive and the business is now well positioned to remain resilient. I still think the stock is a good buy with some potential ahead this year.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Qantas and its subsidiary, Jetstar, are adding capacity to their routes this year. The aviation giant said it is also planning to scale AI usage across the business over the coming year.

Analysts at Macquarie think there is plenty more upside to come out of the ASX airline’s shares this year. The team recently said that its Jetstar business continues to be a key driver of growth for the business and that there is a “favorable outlook” ahead.

BHP Group (ASX: BHP)

The mining giant reported its first half production update yesterday. Its copper production was flat versus the previous corresponding period, iron ore was up 2%, steelmaking coal production was up 2% and energy coal production up 10%. Management also upgraded parts of its FY 2026 guidance.

The latest update follows strong production figures throughout 2025. It also follows an announcement in December that it has struck up a new US$2 billion infrastructure agreement with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), an investment group owned by BlackRock. 

Analysts are pretty divided about the stock but I think there is potential for some decent upside for the ASX miner’s shares in 2026 if its growth continues.

Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD)

Shares in the maintenance services company, which contracts to the resources sector, are in focus this week after analysts at Bell Potter upgraded its rating and target price on the stock (buy, $9.00). The broker said it thinks consensus expectations are conservative and disclosure of the company’s 5-year strategy could be a near-term catalyst. 

At the time of writing, Bell Potter’s target price implies a 7% upside for the shares over the next 12 months, however some analysts think the ASX stock could rise another 23.66% to $10.40.

The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• BHP shares rise on solid half and copper upgrade
• BHP lifts copper guidance after record half-year output

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

When I think about investing for the next ten years, I am focused on owning assets that can benefit from long-term global growth.

That is where exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be particularly useful. They offer exposure to powerful themes with the click of a buy button.

If I were building a portfolio to hold largely untouched for the next decade, these are three global ETFs I would feel comfortable owning.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The NDQ ETF provides exposure to many of the most influential companies shaping the global economy.

This ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which includes many of the largest and most widely respected stocks in the world. Many of these businesses are deeply involved in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, online shopping, electric vehicles, digital payments and social media.

What appeals to me is not just growth, but durability. These are stocks with fortress balance sheets, global reach, and a history of reinvesting in innovation. While the fund can be volatile at times, the underlying businesses continue to grow earnings over long periods.

For a ten-year horizon, I see the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF as a way to capture global innovation without needing to constantly rotate holdings.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF would play a different role in my portfolio.

Rather than focusing on one sector or theme, it provides broad exposure to developed markets outside Australia. This includes over a thousand companies across the United States, Europe, and other major economies.

For Australian investors, this helps address a common issue: home bias. Many local portfolios are heavily concentrated in Australian banks and resources. The VGS ETF adds balance by spreading exposure across industries and regions that are underrepresented locally.

It is not designed to be exciting. It is designed to be effective. Over a decade, that kind of broad diversification can be a powerful foundation for a portfolio.

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

The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF adds an important growth dimension that many global portfolios lack.

This ETF provides exposure to Asia outside Japan, including markets such as China, Taiwan, India, and South Korea. These regions are home to a large share of the world’s population and many of its fastest-growing economies.

The VAE ETF includes stocks that sit at the heart of global manufacturing, technology, and consumption.

For a ten-year holding period, I see the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF as a way to capture demographic and economic trends that may not be fully reflected in developed market indices.

How these ETFs work together

What I like about this combination is how complementary it is.

The NDQ ETF provides exposure to global innovation leaders. The VGS ETF offers broad developed market diversification. Lastly, the VAE ETF adds emerging and high-growth Asian exposure.

Each offers a different way to access global markets, and together they create a diversified portfolio built for the long term.

For investors willing to stay patient and let compounding do its work, these are global ETFs I would be comfortable recommending long into the future.

The post 3 global ETFs I’d hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build an ASX share portfolio for income and growth
• Why Aussies are pouring into ASX ETFs at a record pace
• How to build your first ASX share portfolio step by step
• Should I invest $1,000 in the VGS ETF?
• Vanguard will pay ASX ETF dividends today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

While investors chase the latest momentum trades, some proven ASX shares are being left behind — creating opportunities for those willing to look past short-term noise.

Two undervalued ASX shares that brokers believe fit that description today are Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1).

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus has built a reputation as one of the ASX’s highest-quality healthcare technology companies. Its Visage imaging platform is used by leading hospitals and health systems, particularly in the US. Demand for advanced diagnostic software continues to grow.

The $19.5 billion company benefits from sticky, long-term contracts, high switching costs and recurring revenue. This is a powerful combination in any market environment.

There are risks. Growth expectations remain high, and any slowdown in hospital IT spending could impact short-term momentum. But with a clean balance sheet, strong cash generation and clear structural tailwinds from digital healthcare adoption, brokers remain confident the longer-term outlook remains intact.

The main concern for investors has long been valuation. The ASX share has often traded at a premium, reflecting its strong margins and reliable growth. However, in the past 6 months Pro Medicus has lost 42% in value, trading at $187.94 at the time of writing.

The recent weakness may offer a rare chance to buy a top-tier healthcare business at a heavily discounted price. Most analysts see Pro Medicus as a buy with an average 12-month price target of $330. This points to a massive 76% upside.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport offers something different. It’s a higher-risk, higher-reward technology story. The company provides on-demand, software-defined network services that allow businesses to connect quickly and flexibly to major cloud providers.

As cloud adoption accelerates globally, Megaport’s addressable market continues to expand. Execution remains key. The ASX stock must prove it can convert growth into consistent profitability while managing competitive pressures in the cloud networking space.

Despite Megaport’s expansion, the share price has lagged, dropping 18% over 6 months. Concerns around margins, investment requirements and earnings visibility have weighed on sentiment, leaving the ASX share trading well below levels seen in previous years.

Brokers are pointing increasingly to meaningful upside relative to current prices. Megaport is now viewed as an undervalued way to gain exposure to global digital infrastructure growth.

Most analysts rate the ASX share as a buy. The average 12-month price target stands at $17.67, which suggests a 48% upside. The most optimistic forecast is set at $21.70, a potential of 82% compared to the current share price of $11.91.  

Foolish takeaway

Pro Medicus offers quality, stability and global reach, while Megaport provides leveraged growth at a discounted valuation.

For investors looking beyond today’s headlines, both ASX shares may be worth a closer look.

The post 2 undervalued ASX shares worth buying today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares I’d load up on if markets crashed tomorrow
• 5 ASX 200 shares I think could beat the market in 2026
• The 3 best undervalued ASX shares I’d pick up in January
• Why a smaller dividend yield can lead to more passive income

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 Megaport. 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.

Some of the biggest investment opportunities are driven by long-term structural change.

Megatrends such as electrification, artificial intelligence, and the shift toward new energy sources tend to play out over many years.

While picking individual winners can be difficult, you don’t have to worry about that.

That’s because there are ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that allow investors to gain diversified exposure to these themes in a simple and accessible way.

Here are three ASX ETFs that provide exposure to some of the most compelling megatrends shaping the global economy.

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF. It is designed to capture the backbone of the electrification trend.

This ETF invests in shares across the battery supply chain, including lithium miners such as PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), battery manufacturers, and energy storage specialists. This gives investors exposure not just to electric vehicles, but also to grid storage, consumer electronics, and industrial batteries.

Lithium prices have rebounded strongly as demand accelerates and supply struggles to keep pace. With electric vehicle adoption continuing and energy storage becoming increasingly important for renewable power, the long-term case for battery technology remains intact.

The Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF allows investors to participate in this theme without relying on a single commodity producer or technology outcome.

Betashares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM)

The second ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Uranium ETF. It offers investors exposure to what many believe could be a multi-year turnaround for nuclear energy.

Governments around the world are reassessing nuclear power as a reliable, low-emissions energy source. At the same time, rising electricity demand from data centres, electrification, and AI workloads is putting pressure on existing power systems.

Uranium supply remains constrained after years of underinvestment, while demand is expected to grow steadily over the coming decade. This combination has led many analysts to anticipate a prolonged uranium bull market.

The Betashares Global Uranium ETF provides diversified exposure to uranium miners and nuclear fuel companies like Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN), allowing investors to access this theme without the risks of picking individual stocks.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Finally, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF focuses on the technologies reshaping how work gets done.

This ETF invests in shares involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and software. These technologies are increasingly being adopted to address labour shortages, improve efficiency, and handle growing volumes of data.

Unlike consumer-facing tech trends, robotics and AI are deeply embedded in industrial and enterprise processes. That makes adoption more structural than cyclical.

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors exposure to the tools and systems enabling this transformation like Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), rather than betting on any single application or use case.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for exposure to exciting megatrends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

More reading

• Should you buy DroneShield, Westpac, and BHP shares?
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• Why Bellevue Gold, DroneShield, Hub24, and Telix shares are storming higher today
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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield, Hub24, Lovisa, Megaport, Netwealth Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When investors talk about blue chip shares, they are usually referring to businesses that have proven their worth over decades rather than years.

These are companies with scale, entrenched market positions, and the ability to keep delivering through changing economic conditions.

One popular blue-chip share on the local market is Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Is it a buy right now? Here’s what I think.

A business built on everyday relevance

At the heart of Woolworths is a simple advantage that is surprisingly powerful. The company is woven into the weekly routines of millions of Australians.

In fact, it estimates that it serves 24 million customers each week across its growing network of businesses.

Food and groceries are not discretionary purchases. That gives Woolworths a level of demand stability that few businesses can match. While consumer preferences and shopping habits may evolve, the underlying need for food retail does not disappear. This provides a strong foundation for long-term earnings.

This everyday relevance is one of the key traits investors look for in a blue-chip company. And Woolworths has it in spades.

Scale that is hard to challenge

Woolworths’ size is not just about having more stores. It operates a nationwide ecosystem that includes procurement, distribution centres, private-label sourcing, data analytics, and digital platforms.

That scale creates advantages competitors struggle to replicate. It also allows Woolworths to negotiate effectively with suppliers, invest in efficiency, and respond quickly to changes in customer behaviour. Over time, these advantages help protect margins and support consistent cash generation.

A track record of adaptation

Blue chip companies cannot stand still. The good news is that Woolworths has shown it can adapt as retail changes, whether through improving supply chain efficiency, expanding online grocery services, or refining its loyalty and digital engagement strategies.

These changes are rarely dramatic, but they matter because they help the business remain relevant rather than relying on past success.

The company’s focus on steady improvement rather than aggressive reinvention has allowed it to navigate inflation, cost pressures, and shifting consumer expectations more effectively than many peers.

Consistency

Woolworths shares are unlikely to be the most exciting purchase you will make.

However, blue chip investing is not about excitement. It is about reliability. Woolworths has a long history of generating cash flow, paying dividends, and maintaining a strong market position even when conditions are challenging.

For investors building a long-term portfolio, that consistency can be just as valuable as high growth.

Should you buy Woolworths shares?

Woolworths shares tick the key boxes investors typically associate with a blue chip.

And with its shares still trading comfortably below their 52-week high and the company’s outlook improving, I think now could be an opportune time to pick them up.

The post Are Woolworths shares a blue-chip buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Goldman Sachs expects Woolworths shares to leap 21%, plus dividends!
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• 5 reasons to buy Woolworths shares in 2026

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