Category: Stock Market

Owning Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares has typically been a good decision for the level of passive income paid each year.

The recent FY26 half-year result was stronger than what investors may have expected several months ago, and the dividend was particularly pleasing for shareholders.

Fortescue announced that its net profit increased by 23% to US$1.9 billion for the first six months of FY26 and the interim dividend per share increased 24% to 62 cents.

Let’s see what experts think of the potential dividends.

FY26

The company’s financials are benefiting from a combination of a higher realised price for the iron ore it’s selling, as well as lower production costs per tonne.

Broker UBS said that the HY26 dividend of 62 cents per share was stronger than the market’s expectations with a dividend payout ratio of 65%, which UBS said was “sector-leading”.

Underlying operating profit (EBITDA) was around 5% stronger than expected, though earnings was a “slight miss” compared to market expectations reflecting higher depreciation and amortisation (D&A) on Fortescue’s growing asset base.

Broker UBS predicts that Fortescue could pay an annual dividend per share of $1.22. At the time of writing, that translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 8.2%, including franking credits.

That’s a large payout, but it’s not expected to be as high in subsequent years because of a combination of a lower dividend payout ratio and a smaller net profit.  

FY27

Profit could struggle in the 2027 financial year. UBS predicts that the iron ore price could be around US$96 per tonne in the 2026 calendar year and then US$90 per tonne in 2027. The reduction is predicted because the new huge African iron ore project called Simandou (not owned by Fortescue) is going to ramp-up and add to global supply.

Negotiations by key Chinese iron ore buyer CMRG with iron ore miners are proving to be a challenge for the sector, and could hurt the iron ore price. But, Fortescue seems to have “encountered less scrutiny than peers”.

UBS predicts that owners of Fortescue shares could receive an annual dividend per share of 67 cents in FY27. The broker is modelling that the dividend payout ratio could fall to 50% in the medium-term as capital expenditure steps up against a muted iron ore price outlook.

While the dividend is expected to be lower, UBS predicts that the company’s net debt can steadily improve to a net cash position and continue strengthening in the following years.

FY28

The FY27 dividend is projected to be the lowest payout of the rest of this decade but then increase in dollar terms.

In the 2028 financial year, UBS is forecasting that Fortescue could pay an annual dividend per share of 77 cents.

FY29

The 2029 financial year could see an even larger dividend per share, with predictions that the profit could rise.

UBS suggests that the Fortescue dividend per share could rise to 81 cents per share in FY29.

FY30

The 2030 financial year could be the strongest dividend since FY26, according to the projections. Fortescue is forecast to deliver an annual dividend per share of 87 cents.

Interestingly, UBS highlighted that Fortescue could (further) expand in copper in the coming years:

Optionality: Alta Copper acquisition close and acceleration of studies toward FID at its Cañariaco project in Peru (2024 PEA: 158ktpa Cu annual average first 10yrs, 27yr LOM). Copper tenements in Kazakhstan and Canada are advancing toward drilling this year. Exploration strategy is to acquire tenements in world class terrain and aggressively drill out.

Overall, FY26 could be the best dividend we see for a while, but the dividends could get progressively better.

The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Fortescue shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Brainchip, Fortescue, Qantas, and Westpac shares are dropping today
• Is the Fortescue share price a buy in March?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Which ASX 200 mining shares raised their dividends this earnings season?

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

March is often a good time to reassess portfolios. Reporting season has just wrapped up, expectations have been reset, and we have a clearer view of how businesses are tracking into the second half of the year. 

That said, here are three ASX 200 stocks I’d consider buying in March.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport operates a global network-as-a-service platform, helping businesses connect to cloud providers and data centres on demand. As enterprise workloads continue shifting to the cloud, flexible connectivity remains a strong structural tailwind.

What makes the story more compelling right now, in my view, is the Latitude.sh acquisition. Megaport described it as “highly strategic and financially compelling.” Latitude adds a compute-as-a-service capability, giving Megaport exposure to a US$13 billion compute market that is expected to grow at around 20% annually.

Importantly, Latitude was already profitable, with EBITDA margins of about 50% and annual recurring revenue growth above 50%. That adds a high-growth, high-margin layer to Megaport’s model.

I think this meaningfully broadens Megaport’s opportunity beyond connectivity and strengthens its long-term growth outlook without fundamentally changing its capital-light model.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is an ASX 200 stock that is building a powerful position in sports performance technology.

Its platform provides elite and professional teams with data analytics, athlete monitoring, video analysis, and performance insights. Once embedded, these systems tend to become deeply integrated into coaching and operational workflows, creating sticky recurring revenue.

The company has been expanding into new verticals and broadening its product suite beyond its original wearable technology. As annual contract values grow and the platform scales globally, there is scope for margin expansion.

I see Catapult as a business that is still relatively early in monetising its full opportunity. If it continues executing well, I think it has the potential to deliver strong earnings growth over the next few years.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is another structural growth story, this time in financial services.

This ASX 200 stock operates a wealth management platform that benefits from long-term trends in superannuation growth and the increasing complexity of financial advice. As advisers and investors seek more sophisticated and transparent solutions, platforms like Netwealth continue to capture flows.

What I find attractive about Netwealth is the scalability of the model. As funds under administration grow, operating leverage can improve margins and earnings. The shift towards digital wealth platforms is not a short-term trend, it is a multi-decade structural shift.

For investors seeking exposure to the growing pool of Australian retirement savings, Netwealth offers a direct way to participate in that expansion.

Foolish takeaway

Megaport, Catapult, and Netwealth operate in very different industries, but they share a common theme: scalable business models with long-term growth drivers.

For investors looking to add growth exposure in March, I think these three ASX 200 stocks stand out as star performers in the making.

The post 3 star ASX 200 stocks to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

February can be one of most volatile months for ASX 200 shares as investors and brokers react to earnings results.

But once the dust settles, it’s important to review buying opportunities from companies that were potentially oversold. 

It’s important to mention there’s no guarantee these shares bounce back, and there are reasons investors decided to move on.

However, on the flip side, those with a long term view could consider this an attractive entry point. 

With that in mind, here are some ASX 200 shares that could be undervalued right now after big sell-offs. 

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA shares are down more than 13% over the last month and 32% over the last year. 

This included a crash after the company released H1 FY26 results in early February.

REA group has divided experts, as some have tipped a rebound due to AI fears being overblown, while others have warned to stay away.

For investors who are more confident in a bounceback due to the company’s market share, now could be an attractive time to buy. 

Bell Potter sees this as a possibility. The broker has a $211 price target on REA shares which indicates an upside of roughly 27%. 

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

For investors looking for ASX 200 shares that could be trading at a value, Zip could also be an option. 

Zip Co was another ASX 200 company that endured a crash on the back of earnings results. 

Its share price is now down more than 47% year to date. 

It’s worth noting that after earnings results, UBS confirmed a buy rating on Zip shares and a $4.50 target price. 

This is more than 150% higher from yesterday’s closing price. 

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is the largest ASX 200 healthcare company by some margin. 

However it has been one of the worst performing amongst the sector lately. 

Its share price is down 14% year to date and almost 44% in the last 12 months. 

It reported half-year results on February 11, which led to a 12% share price crash.

The combination of poor results and a CEO exit weighed heavily on sentiment. 

However these ASX 200 shares might have been oversold. 

Ord Minnett cut its target price for the healthcare giant following results to $198.00. 

However that still indicates approximately 34% upside from current levels. 

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech shares actually jumped higher on earnings results late last month. 

However its share price is still down almost 34% year to date. 

It has been one of the many tech shares suffering from fears around AI.

Experts seem to be projecting a recovery. 

Bell Potter and UBS have price targets of $83.70 and $89 respectively. 

This would be an increase between 80% and 96%, however it is worth noting these targets are much lower than they had been previously. 

The post ASX 200 shares to buy on the cheap right now 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 positions in and has recommended CSL and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With February earnings season in the rear view mirror, analysts are adjusting their outlooks for the rest of 2026. 

Three ASX small-cap stocks just received updated guidance from the team at Bell Potter. 

Here is what the broker is tipping for these ASX small-cap companies. 

Titomic Ltd (ASX: TTT)

Titomic provides metal manufacturing as a service, offering end-to-end production, repair, and materials engineering through its proprietary Titomic Kinetic Fusion cold spray technology.

In a report out of Bell Potter yesterday, the broker said the recent financial results reflect expansion & qualification work. 

The broker also is optimistic about the year ahead. 

TTT provides leverage to the emerging application of its cold spray technology in Additive Manufacturing (AM) for defence, aerospace and natural resources markets. US defence spending as a percentage of GDP is growing off a cyclical low and is largely being driven by modernisation of its defence industrial base. TTT’s TKF technology has several advantages over traditional casting and forging manufacturing process including shorter lead-times and production cycles and improved material properties.

The broker has a speculative buy recommendation on this stock offering an entry into the defence sector.

Its price target of $0.50 indicates 117.4% upside from yesterday’s closing price. 

6K Additive Inc (ASX: 6KA)

6KA is a US-based manufacturer, upcycling metal scrap into premium metal powders and alloying additives.

The ASX small-cap stock is tipped to grow considerably this year according to guidance from Bell Potter. 

The broker has a speculative buy recommendation and $1.45 price target on the company. 

That indicates 73.7% upside.

In a report out of the broker yesterday, it said it is primed for US expansion. 

6KA has a competitive advantage in the production of high-value metal powders for the fast-growing global Additive Manufacturing sector. The company’s UniMelt® systems are energy efficient, high yield and accept recycled metal feedstock. 6KA is supporting US-based reshoring of critical metal supply.

Infotrust Ltd (ASX: ITS)

Infotrust is a leading provider of cyber security solutions and secure managed technology services to both small and medium businesses and enterprise customers in Australia.

In a recent report, Bell Potter said the 1HFY26 result was below expectations. 

1HFY26 underlying EBITDA (uEBITDA) was down 38% to $0.4m and only reflected the continuing operations of Cyber Security and Secure Managed Technology following the announced sale of the Cloud & Communications business (Nexgen).

The result was therefore incomparable to our forecasts though we had forecast improved underlying results for each of Cyber Security and Secure Managed Technology so the overall result was below our expectations.

Despite this, Bell Potter has maintained a buy recommendation on this ASX small-cap stock. 

It lowered its price target to $0.60, which still indicates 36.4% upside from current levels. 

The post What is Bell Potter’s view on these ASX small-cap stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 star ASX 200 stocks to buy in March
• ASX 200 shares to buy on the cheap right now
• 3 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in March
• Can this $7 billion ASX retail stock stage a comeback?
• 3 reasons to buy Telstra shares right 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 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.

March is shaping up to be an important month for income investors.

With dividend guidance clearer and market volatility still creating pockets of value, this could be a good time to position a portfolio for reliable passive income through the rest of 2026.

Here are three of the best ASX dividend shares to consider this month.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX dividend share to look at in March is APA Group.

APA owns and operates energy infrastructure assets across Australia. This includes gas transmission pipelines and renewable energy infrastructure. These are long-life assets that typically operate under contracted or regulated frameworks.

That structure gives APA strong visibility over future cash flows. It is not a business that relies on day-to-day consumer spending or short-term economic swings.

For FY 2026, APA is guiding to a dividend of 58 cents per share. Based on its current share price, this equates to a dividend yield of approximately 6.2%.

For investors seeking above-average yield backed by essential infrastructure assets, APA stands out as a best buy.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Another ASX dividend share that could be among the best to buy this month is Rural Funds Group.

It provides exposure to agricultural assets including cattle properties, almond orchards, vineyards, and cropping farms. Rather than farming directly, it typically leases these assets to experienced operators under long-term arrangements.

This model allows Rural Funds to generate rental-style income while benefiting from exposure to Australian agricultural land and food production.

The company is guiding to dividends of 11.7 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price, this represents an attractive dividend yield of around 5.5% at current levels.

Agriculture can have cyclical elements, but long-term demand for food production and land scarcity provide structural support for the sector.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

A final ASX dividend share to consider in March is Transurban.

Transurban owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America, including major urban motorway networks. These are critical transport links with high barriers to entry and long concession lives.

Traffic volumes can fluctuate slightly with economic conditions, but over time, population growth and urban expansion tend to drive higher usage.

For FY 2026, Transurban is guiding to a dividend of 69 cents per share. Based on its current share price, this equates to an attractive dividend yield of approximately 4.75%.

The post 3 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in March 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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Rural Funds Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

This ASX retail stock has been sliding steadily since hitting a 52-week high of $7.70 in October.

Since then, shares in ASX retail stock Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) have tumbled 26%, wiping billions from its market value.

For a company long seen as a retail heavyweight, that’s a sharp pullback. So, what’s going on?

Softer than expected earnings

Last week’s half-year results of the ASX retail stock didn’t exactly inspire confidence. While the company remained profitable and cash generative, earnings came in slightly softer than many had hoped.

The owner of brands like Harvey Norman, Domayne, and Joyce Mayne reported a 6.9% increase in sales revenue to $5.16 billion and a 16.5% lift in net profit after tax to $321.9 million. Sales momentum was patchy across regions, and margins felt the squeeze from discounting and cautious consumers.

In short, it wasn’t a disaster — but it wasn’t a knockout either.

Strengths still matter

Harvey Norman isn’t a speculative small-cap. It’s a diversified retail group spanning furniture, bedding, electronics and appliances, with operations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Asia.

Its franchise model helps limit capital intensity and supports steady cash flow. The company also owns a significant property portfolio. That’s a hidden asset that underpins its balance sheet and provides long-term flexibility.

Importantly, the $7 billion ASX retail stock has navigated retail cycles before. When consumer confidence rebounds and housing activity lifts, big-ticket categories like furniture and appliances tend to follow.

Eroding profits, delayed purchasing

But retail is tough right now. Higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures have weighed on discretionary spending. Shoppers are trading down, delaying purchases, or hunting for deals.

Competition is intense, both from local rivals and global online players. Margin pressure can quickly erode profits if discounting ramps up.

There’s also the question of timing. Even if a recovery comes, it may take longer than bulls hope. Retail turnarounds rarely happen overnight.

What next for the ASX retail stock?

Broker views are mixed. Some analysts see value emerging after the recent pullback, arguing that much of the bad news is already priced in. They point to the company’s property backing, resilient balance sheet and potential upside if consumer conditions stabilise.

Others remain cautious, trimming earnings forecasts and price targets for the ASX retail stock after the latest result. For them, the near-term outlook is still cloudy, and clearer signs of sales momentum are needed before turning bullish.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares, which implies 46% upside.

The broker is one of the more bullish market watchers. The average 12-month price target is $6.65, a potential gain of 17%.

The post Can this $7 billion ASX retail stock stage a comeback? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Which ASX 200 retail stock looks stronger: JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman?

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is rarely the most exciting share on the ASX, but I think that is part of its appeal. It generates strong cash flow, operates in an essential industry, and has been executing well against its strategy.

Here are three reasons I would consider buying Telstra shares right now.

1. A growing and well-supported dividend

One of the biggest attractions of Telstra shares is income.

The company recently declared an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, which was up on the prior period and approximately 90% franked. If we annualise that interim payment, it suggests around 21 cents per share for the full year.

At a share price of $5.23, that implies a forward dividend yield of roughly 4%. That is not an extremely high yield, but it is better than a term deposit and reflects a payout that is comfortably supported by cash earnings. 

Telstra has also been disciplined with capital management, including buybacks, which support earnings per share and dividend per share growth over time by reducing the total number of shares outstanding.

For income-focused investors, that combination of a good dividend yield and growth potential is attractive.

2. Mobile momentum and pricing power

Telstra’s mobile business remains the engine of the group.

The company has continued to grow mobile services revenue, supported by higher average revenue per user and ongoing customer demand for its premium network. In a rational competitive environment, Telstra’s brand strength and network quality allow it to defend margins more effectively than many peers.

Telecommunications is an essential service. Even in slower economic periods, consumers and businesses prioritise connectivity. That defensive characteristic gives Telstra a level of earnings resilience that I value in a portfolio.

3. Clear strategy and disciplined execution

Telstra’s Connected Future 30 strategy is focused on driving sustainable earnings growth through cost discipline, operating leverage, and smarter capital allocation.

In recent periods, the company has delivered on this. That tells me management is focused on execution, not just ambition.

When I look at Telstra today, I see a simpler, more focused business compared to the past. It is concentrating on connectivity, infrastructure, and disciplined investment rather than chasing unrelated growth initiatives.

That clarity of direction gives me confidence in its medium-term outlook.

Foolish takeaway

Telstra shares may not deliver explosive growth, but I wouldn’t let that put you off.

At $5.23 per share, investors are getting a defensive business with mobile momentum, improving cost control, and a dividend yield of around 4% that is largely franked.

For those seeking steady income and moderate earnings growth rather than high volatility, I think Telstra shares look like a sensible buy right now.

The post 3 reasons to buy Telstra shares right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 top ASX 200 shares I’d buy in March
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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 Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Buy and hold investing does not have to mean buying individual ASX shares.

For many investors, exchange traded funds (ETFs) offer a cleaner, lower-maintenance way to build long-term wealth. With a single trade, you can gain exposure to entire regions, themes, or investment styles.

With that in mind, here are five fantastic ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for years to come.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that could be a buy is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. It is an easy and effective way to access the digital transformation happening across Asia.

This fund includes major regional innovators such as Tencent (SEHK: 700), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU). These companies are deeply embedded in ecommerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital payments across some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Rather than relying solely on US tech giants, this fund gives exposure to businesses shaping how hundreds of millions of consumers interact online throughout China and broader Asia. As internet penetration, middle-class wealth, and AI adoption expand across the region, that structural growth story remains compelling.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF that could be a top buy and hold pick is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF. It provides investors with exposure to the heavyweights of global innovation.

This includes companies such as Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). While best known for its technology tilt, the Nasdaq 100 also includes global consumer brands and platform businesses with enormous pricing power.

The common thread is scale. Many of these companies generate massive free cash flow and reinvest aggressively into research, infrastructure, and new products. Over long periods, that reinvestment has translated into earnings growth that outpaces broader markets.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

The Betashares Global Defence ETF provides investors with exposure to global defence and security spending.

Its holdings include companies such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), and RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX). As geopolitical tensions rise and governments commit to long-term military and cybersecurity budgets, defence spending has become less cyclical and more structural.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is built around the idea of owning a collection of high-quality companies.

The fund screens for businesses with high returns on equity, stable earnings growth, and low financial leverage. Current holdings include Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), and Visa (NYSE: V).

These are companies that consistently convert revenue into profit and often dominate their industries. Quality investing does not chase hype. It focuses on balance sheets, margins, and durability. Analysts at VanEck recently recommended this fund.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF may be the most straightforward ETF on this list.

It tracks the broad Australian share market, giving exposure to companies such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

Owning this ASX ETF means participating in Australia’s banking system, resource exports, healthcare innovation, and consumer economy all at once. It also provides access to the relatively attractive dividend yields that the local market is known for.

The post 5 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, and CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Baidu, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, RTX, Tencent, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose a touch to 9,200.9 points.

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

ASX 200 to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Tuesday despite a decent start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 12 points or 0.15% lower. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.3%, and the Nasdaq is up 0.6%.

Oil prices jump

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 6.3% to US$71.27 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 6.8% to US$77.85 a barrel. This was driven by the war in Iran.

Magellan shares on watch

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shares will be on watch today when they return from a trading halt. On Monday, the fund manager announced a proposed $1.6 billion merger with Barrenjoey. Magellan’s chair, Andrew Formica, said: “The merger with Barrenjoey marks a transformative step in MFG’s evolution, bringing together two highly complementary businesses to create an Australian financial services group with meaningful scale and breadth.”

Gold price storms higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a good session on Tuesday after the gold price stormed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.8% to US$5,342.1 an ounce. This was driven by strong demand for safe haven assets in response to the war in the Middle East.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend today and could trade lower. This includes pizza chain operator Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), property listings giant REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), scrap metal company Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM), and logistics solutions company Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB). The latter will be paying eligible shareholders a 5.4 cents per share dividend next month on 9 April.

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

More reading

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• This ASX 200 energy stock just jumped 13%. Here’s why
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and REA Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Investing in your 40s is about balance. You’re no longer just building from scratch, but you’re also not in full capital-preservation mode. You still need growth, yet you probably want more resilience and structure than you did in your 20s.

For many investors in this stage of life, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide exactly that mix of growth, diversification, and simplicity.

Here are three ASX ETFs I think could make a lot of sense for investors in their 40s.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

In your 40s, I still believe global exposure is essential.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides access to around 1,300 stocks across developed markets outside Australia. That includes global leaders in technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrials.

The Australian market is heavily concentrated in banks and miners. The VGS ETF helps diversify away from that concentration and gives exposure to sectors that can drive long-term structural growth.

With potentially 20 or more years until retirement, maintaining meaningful exposure to global growth remains important.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

If I’m in my 40s, I’d be increasingly focused on quality.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF invests in US-listed stocks that analysts believe have competitive advantages, or moats, and are trading at attractive valuations.

This aligns closely with the philosophy of investors like Warren Buffett, who emphasise buying wonderful businesses with sustainable advantages rather than chasing speculative growth.

For someone in their 40s, the MOAT ETF can offer exposure to high-quality global stocks while maintaining a valuation discipline. It is a way to position a portfolio for resilience and strong business fundamentals without selecting individual stocks.

Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDGR)

Simplicity becomes increasingly valuable as life gets busier.

The Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF provides exposure to Australian, international, and emerging-market shares, as well as fixed income, in a single fund. It is designed as a diversified growth portfolio, meaning it leans toward equities but includes some defensive assets.

For investors in their 40s who may not want to manage asset allocation themselves, the VDGR ETF can act as a core holding. It automatically maintains diversification across asset classes, helping to smooth volatility over time.

That structure can make it easier to stay invested during market swings.

Why ETFs can be powerful in your 40s

By your 40s, wealth is often starting to compound meaningfully. The priority shifts from chasing maximum upside to building something durable.

ETFs help reduce single-stock risk, provide broad diversification, and keep costs relatively low. They also make regular investing straightforward, which is crucial for staying disciplined.

A combination of global market exposure through the VGS ETF, quality-focused investing via the MOAT ETF, and diversified asset allocation through the VDGR ETF could form a well-balanced framework for this stage of life.

Foolish Takeaway

Your 40s are a pivotal investing decade. There is still time for growth, but portfolio construction and risk management matter more than ever. ASX ETFs can provide a thoughtful blend of global exposure, quality tilt, and diversification.

The post Why these ASX ETFs could be strong buys for investors in their 40s appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs for a stress-free start to investing
• The $10,000 ASX share portfolio I’d build for a 25-year-old today
• 2 incredible ASX share investments I’d buy to build long-term wealth
• How to make $25,000 of passive income a year
• The lazy investor’s guide to 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 recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and 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.