Category: Stock Market

2025 was a year of extremes for Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares. And it came in two halves.

The first half of 2025 saw the incredible run that this ASX 200 bank stock began in 2024 continue with gusto. Between January and June, Commonwealth Bank soared anther 20% or so, topping out at a new all-time record high of $192 a share mid year. But ever since then, investors have been running out of puff.

By the end of the year, CBA had fallen to $160.57 a share. The slump has continued into 2026, with CBA shares commanding a price of just $149.13 a share at the time of writing. That price represents a 22.3% drop from the bank’s record high in June.

CBA’s descent has also resulted in an ignominious loss of its status as the largest stock on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). As we documented this week, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) has nabbed CBA’s crown that it had held for about 18 months.

So one of CBA’s more forgettable periods in recent years.

But what of the future? Where might CBA shares be five years from today?

Of course, it’s impossible to know where any index, let alone an individual stock, will be at any given point in the future. But making a five-year prediction is particularly daunting.

Where will CBA shares be in 2031?

Saying all of that, I have an idea. As I’ve written about before, I think the performance of CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is a canary in the coalmine or sorts for CBA.

Over the five years to 2020, CSL went on one of the ASX’s most spectacular runs. The company jumped from about $100 a share in 2015 to the all-time high of $342.75 we saw in early 2020. That run transformed CSL into one of the ASX’s largest stocks. However, sentiment got carried away. Investors priced in far too much growth and were left holding the bag. CSL shares have, to this day, never reclaimed that all-time high and currently sit at $183.53. It’s a classic reversion to the mean, and I think this is what lies in wait for CBA shares.

As it stands today, CBA trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.7, well above what most banks trade at. And not just on the ASX, but around the world. Further, this lofty valuation has dampened the appeal of what draws most investors to an ASX bank stock in the first place – the dividend yield. As it currently stands, CBA trades on a yield of 3.25%. That’s well below what investors used to expect from an ASX bank, and also substantially under what the other ASX banks will pay out right now.

This bank is not growing at what one could call a rapid rate, either. Last year’s full-year earnings had CBA report a 4% rise in cash net profits to $10.25 billion. I would be shocked if we see anything materially better over the next few years, given CBA’s size and maturity.

Foolish takeaway

So all in all, I believe CBA shares will be around the same valuation they are today in five years’ time. And that’s an optimistic projection. I wouldn’t be surprised to see CBA ‘do a CSL’ and go backwards either. At the end of the day, the growth that would justify a higher CBA share price going forward just isn’t there, and the bank will probably revert to its own mean given enough time. I could be wrong, of course. But I wouldn’t be buying CBA shares today regardless.

The post Where will CBA shares be in 5 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX stocks I’m avoiding this week
• Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX financial stock
• Is the RBA about to increase interest rates? Here’s the latest forecast from CBA
• How to build income on the ASX without losing sleep at night
• Should I sell my CBA shares in 2026?

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

We’re closing off the first month of 2026, which means all eyes are still on companies tipped to be the top ASX stock climbers this year. While there are some top Australian stocks I’d buy right now with any spare cash, there are also some I’d avoid.

Here are three of them.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) 

CBA shares enjoyed a strong share price rally in mid-2025, with the ASX stock peaking at an all-time high of $192 a piece in June. But strong headwinds sent the share price plummeting. At the time of writing, the share price has dropped 22.24% from that peak price.

And I think the price declines could keep on going. In fact, I think it’s possible the shares could drop below $100 by the end of the year. The problem is, CBA’s share price is overvalued relative to its peers, and its premium price tag isn’t supported by its earnings or business fundamentals. 

At the time of writing, CBA’s current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 24.86. This is much higher (and therefore costs investors more) than other major banks. I’ll be staying clear of the banking major until I see a turnaround.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) 

The lithium miner’s shares have had an incredible run during the first month of the year, pushed higher by a rally in lithium prices and demand. The business has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months, with strong production numbers and revenue upticks.

But I’m concerned that, after such a strong increase, we could see some share price volatility ahead for PLS. I expect the price to cool in the coming months. And while I think we’ll see some more upside much further down the line, I’m going to sit out on this one for now. 

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) 

Evolution Mining has been riding the wave of the 2026 gold price rally. The price of gold rocketed to an all-time high this week, surpassing the US$5,300 per ounce barrier. But I think the ASX miner’s stock price peak is close, or potentially has already passed. Ultimately, the current share price looks overvalued to me, and I expect a correction in the near future.

I’m also wary that the ASX 200 gold miner is heavily reliant on higher-than-ever gold prices. That means that any pullback could send the shares crashing down. I wouldn’t be shocked if the miner’s shares halve in value this year.

The post 3 ASX stocks I’m avoiding this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where will CBA shares be in 5 years?
• Up 309% since June, why is the PLS share price leaping higher again on Friday?
• Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX financial stock
• PLS Group books 49% revenue leap and strong cash flow in December quarter earnings
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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 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 it comes to finding Australian stocks to buy, I’m more interested in long-term compounding than short-term trades.

Two stocks that I think fit the bill for long-term investments are discussed in this article. Here’s why I’d feel comfortable owning them for the long haul.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is one of the most consistent compounders on the ASX, and I think its recent performance reinforces why it continues to deserve a premium valuation.

The enterprise software company has now delivered 16 consecutive years of record profit, and its shift to the SaaS+ model is proving to be a genuine differentiator rather than just a marketing label. Annual recurring revenue (ARR) climbed 18% in FY25 to $554.6 million, with management now targeting more than $1 billion in ARR by FY30.

What stands out to me is the quality of that revenue. More than 90% of total revenue is now recurring, churn sits around 1%, and net revenue retention remains an impressive 115%. That combination gives TechnologyOne a high degree of earnings visibility and pricing power.

The UK is also becoming a meaningful growth engine. UK ARR grew 49% in FY25, driven by wins in local government and higher education. I think this shows that the product travels well beyond Australia. When you combine that with continued investment in R&D, in-product AI, and the expansion of its SaaS+ ecosystem, I think TechnologyOne still has a long runway ahead.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Seek doesn’t get talked about as much as it once did, but I wouldn’t let that put you off.

At its core, this Australian stock remains the dominant employment marketplace in Australia and New Zealand, with a highly profitable domestic business that continues to generate strong cash flow. That cash flow has been used to build exposure to online employment platforms across Asia and Latin America, regions where long-term workforce formalisation and digital hiring trends remain intact.

While short-term hiring conditions can ebb and flow, the structural shift toward online recruitment hasn’t changed. Seek’s investments in platform technology, data, and employer tools are designed to improve matching efficiency, not just volume. Over time, that should support higher yields per job ad and stronger returns when labour markets normalise.

I also like that Seek has been more disciplined in recent years, simplifying its portfolio and focusing on markets where it can be a clear leader. That discipline matters in a business that operates across multiple geographies and economic cycles.

Foolish takeaway

Both of these Australian stocks share a trait I value highly: they are not reliant on perfect conditions to succeed. TechnologyOne benefits from mission-critical software with deeply embedded customers, while Seek operates platforms that become more valuable as economies digitise and hiring rebounds.

If I were adding to my portfolio today with an eye on the next several years rather than the next few months, these are two Australian stocks I’d be very comfortable owning.

The post 2 Australian stocks I would buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Eight stocks to buy in the bruised tech sector according to RBC
• Here’s my buy list if the stock market crashes in 2026
• Sigma Healthcare, TechnologyOne, South32 shares: Buy, hold, or sell?
• The ASX blue chip shares I’d happily build a portfolio around
• 3 unstoppable ASX 200 shares to buy and hold forever

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 Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Earlier today, we looked at the current dividend yield one could expect from buying Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares in early 2026. It seems only fair that we give the same treatment to Woolies’ arch-rival, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) stock, before the week is through.

As we discussed this morning, Woolworths shares have had one of their worst slumps in a very long time in recent years. The ASX 200 consumer staples stock and popular blue-chip share remains down 11.1% today from where it was five years ago. A number of blunders have contributed to this shaky performance, not to mention the tangible market share losses the company has endured at the benefit of Coles.

In stark contrast, Coles has been the supermarket operator to have bought. Coles stock has been on fire, minting a fresh new record high of $24.28 back in September of last year. This ASX 200 blue chip has banked a decent gain of 15.5% over the past five years, significantly outperforming its larger rival.

This morning, we discussed Woolworths’ patchy dividend performance in recent years. But again, in stark contrast, Coles’ stock has been a relative beacon of stability. It has delivered an annual dividend increase every single year since its 2018 spinoff from Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

To illustrate, Coles paid out 35.5 cents per share in dividends in 2019, 57.7 cents in 2020, 61 cents in 2021, 63 cents in 2022, 66 cents in 2023, and 68 cents per share in 2024.

All of those dividends came with full franking credits attached too.

But what of the dividend yield available on Coles stock today?

Here’s the current dividend yield on Coles stock

Coles managed to keep its dividend streak alive in 2025. The company forked out an interim dividend worth 37 cents per share in March, followed by a final dividend of 32 cent sper sahre in September. Together, that annual total of 69 cents per share was a 1.47% increase over the 68 cents per share investors enjoyed in 2024.

Over the past few months, Coles stock has come down from that September record high. At the time of writing, the company is trading at $21.07. This share price drop has been good news for income investors htough. At $21.07 a share, Coles stock currently trades on a trailing dividend yield of 3.27%. That’s 4.67% grossed-up with Coles’ full franking. Keep in mind though that this represents what Coles has already paid out, not what investors will get this year.

No doubt investors will be hoping that Coles continues its dividend streak in 2026, and ups its payouts again. But we’ll have to wait and see if that’s the case.

The post Buying Coles stock? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Coles vs Woolworths shares: Which supermarket giant has the biggest upside for 2026?
• Buying Woolworths shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• Which ASX retail stocks look like good buying ahead of the looming reporting season?
• 3 top ASX dividend share buys for passive income in February
• 5 ASX stocks to hold for the next decade

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. 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.

As we’ve been documenting extensively in recent weeks, 2026 is fast becoming what one might call the ‘year of gold’. The yellow metal had a phenomenal run over 2025, of course. But investors have taken things to the next level so far this year. Gold is now up an extraordinary 24.55% since the beginning of 2026. But what of its digital ‘counterpart’, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)?

Proponents of Bitcoin have often described the cryptocurrency as ‘digital gold’, pointing to a number of characteristics the two asset classes share. Indeed, there are several striking similarities. Like gold, Bitcoin is inherently scarce, with only 21 million bitcoins ever to be mined. This scarcity is why some investors believe Bitcoin can function as an effective inflation hedge.

Bitcoin is also outside the control of a central government and cannot be manipulated in the same way a country’s currency can. That is another reason why investors are attracted to gold as an investment.

So if these two asset classes are so similar, it may come as a surprise to see how differently they have behaved in recent months. We’ve already discussed gold’s near-25% rise in 2026. However, Bitcoin has floundered this year, currently down 3.7% year to date. The 12-month performance comparison is even more divergent.

Gold has almost doubled since this time last year, rising from around US$2,800 to the current price of US$5,350. In contrast, Bitcoin has slumped from US$105,430 per coin to the US$84,175 we are seeing today. That’s a drop worth just over 20%.

Store of value? Perhaps not.

Why are investors ‘going analogue’ for gold over Bitcoin?

Ever since Bitcoin emerged onto the investing scene, its proponents have been making all sorts of ambitious claims. The ‘digital gold’ argument is one well-circulated. As is the idea that Bitcoin will eventually become so efficient that consumers will use it alongside the Australian dollar as everyday currency.

Well, the latter still appears to be a pipedream, and the former claim wilts under scrutiny.

Bitcoin bulls can point to the similarities between the cryptocurrency and gold all they like. But the last month has just reinforced the notion that investors are not ready to treat the two assets equally. Bitcoin has always been treated as a speculative, growth-stock-like investment, one that tends to rise and fall alongside market excitement.

In contrast, gold is arguably fulfilling its traditional ‘safe haven asset‘ role right now (albeit more maniacally than usual), given ongoing global concerns and tensions in both the geopolitical and economic arenas.

Until I see evidence to the contrary, I don’t believe Bitcoin is close to being treated as a gold-like asset by financial markets. As with many other things, it seems analogue is back in vogue.

The post Is Bitcoin digital gold? It seems investors prefer the real thing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How is Ethereum stacking up against the Bitcoin price so far in 2026?
• Bold calls, big risks, and what really matters for Bitcoin price in 2026
• Better Buy in 2026: XRP, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. 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 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make life pretty simple for investors.

Instead of picking individual shares, investors can use ASX ETFs to buy into sectors, thematics, or whole markets.

There is now $331 billion invested across 423 ETFs on the ASX today, according to Betashares data.

The Australian Securities Exchange has just released the full-year performance data for ASX ETFs in 2025.

Here, we highlight three ASX ETFs that delivered exceptional total returns last year.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

XMET ETF delivered a return of 100.47% last year, as it capitalised on runaway commodity prices and mining stocks.

The XMET ETF tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials Select Index.

This ASX ETF invests in metal producers that are powering the global clean energy transition.

It has exposure to global producers of copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, silver, and rare earth elements.

Many of these metals show up in our article on the 12 best-performing commodities of 2025.

Betashares explains the ETF’s thesis:

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions is driving growth in a range of disruptive products and processes such as renewable energy generation, battery storage solutions, and electric vehicles, all of which are critically dependent on the select group of ETMs [Energy Transition Metals] that XMET provides exposure to.

Holdings include international shares like First Majestic Silver Corp and Ivanhoe Mines.

There are also Aussie shares like ASX lithium pure-play PLS Group (ASX: PLS) and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).

XMET has net assets of $122 million and the management fee is 0.69%.

This ETF is changing hands for $17.81 per unit, down 3.2% on Friday.

Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)

Over 2025, DTEC ETF returned 64% to investors as global defence spending ramped up amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

DTEC is a relatively new ETF launched in October 2024. It doesn’t yet pay dividends, so that 64% return was all capital growth.

ASX DTEC invests in 37 shares and seeks to track the Global X Defense Tech Index before fees.

The ETF’s holdings include Lockheed Martin Corp, Rheinmetall AG, RTX Corp, and Palantir Technologies Inc.

The annual management fee is 0.5% and the ETF manages $133 million in funds.

DTEC is $19.51 per unit today, down 0.46%.

VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR)

MVR ETF was the best-performing ETF holding Aussie shares in 2025, returning 40.53%.

MVR seeks to track the performance of the MVIS Australia Resources Index.

Of course, this ETF invests in major mining companies like Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST). But it goes beyond that.

MVR also invests in major energy players like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).

It also has positions in companies that provide services to the mining sector, like engineering services providers Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) and Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR), and railway freight services provider, Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ).

This ETF has $585.6 million in net assets. The management fee is 0.35%.

MVR ETF is trading for $48.56 apiece, up 0.27% on Friday.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that returned 40% to 100% in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Astronomical returns: Best 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares for 2025
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• Where to invest as global tensions rise? These ETFs might be worth a look
• Own DTEC or SEMI ETFs? Here’s why it’s a big day for you

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Palantir Technologies and RTX. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lockheed Martin, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, and Rheinmetall. 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.

With only a few hours before Friday’s close, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up a welcome 0.5% for the week, with these three ASX 200 stocks doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

All three of the top performers on my list this week earn their keep digging and drilling commodities from the earth. And all three have enjoyed a sizeable uptick in the price of those commodities.

So, which three stocks are racing ahead of the benchmark this week?

Read on!

Santos shares surge amid rising oil price

The first ASX 200 stock racing higher this week is Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).

Santos shares closed last Friday trading for $6.46. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $6.98 apiece. This puts the Santos share price up 8.1% for the week.

With no fresh price-sensitive news out this week, investors look to be bidding up Santos shares as growing concerns of military conflict between the United States and Iran have pushed global oil prices higher.

The Brent crude oil prices gained 3.4% overnight and are now trading for US$70.71 per barrel, their highest level since July. The Brent crude oil price is up 9.5% since last Friday.

Santos shares have been in a strong uptrend since the company reported its December quarter results last Thursday, 22 January. Among the highlights, Santos reported sales revenue of $1.23 billion, up 9% from the September quarter.

Which brings us to…

Two ASX 200 stocks riding the copper boom

The top two performing ASX 200 stocks on my list for the week are both enjoying tailwinds from the ongoing boom in global copper prices.

Demand growth for the non-corrosive, conductive metal – critical in the global energy transition as well as its more traditional uses in construction and plumbing – continues to outpace supply growth.

The copper price leapt another 4.1% overnight, with the red metal currently fetching a record high US$13,618 per tonne. This sees the copper price up 6.8% since last Friday and up a whopping 50% in a year.

Investors are taking note, with shares in Aussie copper producer Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) gaining 8.9% this week. Sandfire shares are currently trading for $20.75 each.

Rival copper producer Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) is also grabbing plenty of investor interest this week.

The ASX 200 stock closed last Friday trading for $14.95. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $16.97 each. This puts the Capstone Copper share price up 13.5% over the week.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• ASX copper shares surge as commodity hits record high
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stocks are enjoying a strong end to the week, and indeed a strong start to 2026.

During the Friday lunch hour, the ASX 200 is up 0.2%. This sees the benchmark index up a healthy 2.4% in the new year.

Here’s how the big four ASX 200 energy stocks stack up:

• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 1% today and up 7.3% year to date
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are up 2.9% today and up 14.7% year to date
• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are up 2.1% today and up 6.2% year to date
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are up 3.3% today and up 13.5% year to date

Here’s what’s driving the outperformance.

ASX 200 energy stocks buoyed by rising global oil prices

Many analysts had been advising investors in ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos to expect ongoing weakness in global oil prices in 2026. Those forecasts are based on supply growth outpacing demand growth.

But the early days of the new year aren’t quite playing out that way.

International benchmark Brent crude oil prices leapt 3.4% overnight to currently be trading for US$70.71 per barrel. That’s the highest oil price since July. And it sees the Brent crude oil price up 16.2% in 2026.

Much of these gains look to be linked to increasing sabre rattling from United States President Donald Trump.

Indeed, oil prices have taken a sharp turn higher after Trump threatened to attack Iran if the nation doesn’t make a deal on its nuclear ambitions.

US warships are steaming to the region, leading to fears of military conflict, and that Iran may retaliate by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. It’s far from the first time Iran has threatened to disrupt the vital, narrow shipping passage, with previous historic disruptions also sending global oil prices soaring.

Commenting on the geopolitical tensions impacting global oil markets, and by connection ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside, Citigroup analyst Anthony Yuen said (quoted by Bloomberg):

The potential for Iran getting hit has escalated the geopolitical premium of oil prices by potentially US$3 to US$4 a barrel. Oil prices can stay more elevated than many had expected, despite markets starting the year anticipating large oversupply.

What’s the latest on Woodside shares?

Woodside shares closed up 2.7% on Wednesday after the company released its December quarter results.

The ASX 200 energy stock reported record production for the full 2025 calendar year of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). Investors reacted positively, with production exceeding Woodside’s full-year guidance of 192 to197 MMboe.

Woodside reported full-year revenue of US$12.98 billion.

The post Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Woodside shares storm higher on record production

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Manuka Resources Ltd (ASX: MKR) has updated the prefeasibility study for its Cobar Basin silver project, saying it can produce 13 million ounces of silver and healthy profits over a 10-year mine plan.

The company said in a statement to the ASX on Friday that it could produce 35,000 ounces of silver and 35,000 ounces of gold from existing stockpiles and open pits at the Wonawinta Silver Mine and the Mt Boppy Gold Mine in New South Wales.

Manuka said the mining plan was expected to generate an average EBITDA of $127 million per year at an average cost of production of $34.40 per ounce of silver. This compares with the current price of silver of $170.88.

Pre-production capital costs were expected to be $26.6 million.

Funding almost locked in

The company said this regarding the funding of the project:

The company raised $15 million in October 2025 and is in the final stages of reaching a binding agreement for a US$22.5 million debt facility with Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund. This ensures Manuka is fully funded to production and profitability.

The project includes the Wonawinta mines as well as an existing processing plant, which was placed on care and maintenance in early 2024 after intermittently processing silver and gold ore from 2021 to 2023.

The production plan outlined in the new prefeasibility study calls for recommissioning the plant to boost performance, followed by processing silver ore from selected stockpiles and five open pits.

Existing gold ore from Mt Boppy would also be processed.

Manuka is also doing further exploration work at Mt Boppy, which it said had historically delivered about 500,000 ounces of gold.

Manuka Executive Chairman Dennis Karp said this regarding the project:

Manuka is uniquely positioned among junior ASX resource companies as one that is well set to translate historically high silver and gold prices into substantial near-term cash returns for the Company and its shareholders. With our existing 1Mtpa processing plant set to restart within the coming months, debt funding to support the modest capital costs nearing finalisation, and an initial 10-year production plan demonstrating outstanding economics, Manuka presents both as a compelling and significantly undervalued investment opportunity. Project execution is ramping up, and we look forward to providing updates to the market as we progress towards first production.

Mauka Resources shares were steady at 22 cents on Friday after hitting a high of 22.5 cents.

The shares are up from a low of just 2.3 cents over the past 12 months.

Manuka was valued at $319.5 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post This 10-bagger silver stock has just updated its mining plans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buying Coles stock? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• Is Bitcoin digital gold? It seems investors prefer the real thing
• 3 ASX ETFs that returned 40% to 100% in 2025
• 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week
• Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its morning gains and dropped into the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.15% to 8,913.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 3% to $3.53. This follows news that the respiratory imaging technology has expanded its partnership with University of Chicago Medicine to include commercial deployment of CT:VQ. 4DMedical’s founder CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: “University of Chicago Medicine is one of the nation’s most respected AMCs and a pioneer in medical innovation. Their expansion of our partnership to include CT:VQ represents powerful validation of both the clinical value our technology delivers and the strength of our commercialisation approach.”

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is up a further 24% to $1.75. This artificial intelligence data services company’s shares have been on fire this week following the release of a strong quarterly update. Appen reported revenue of $73.4 million. This was a 10% lift on the prior corresponding period and a 33% increase on the third quarter of FY 2025. Appen’s CEO, Ryan Kolln, said: “Q4 was a strong finish to the year for both our China and Global businesses. Appen China exited the quarter with an annualised revenue run-rate growing to over $135 million – a pleasing result, providing strong momentum heading into FY26.”

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

The Nine Entertainment share price is up 4.5% to $1.14. This morning, the media company announced a major strategic shake-up. This includes acquiring digital outdoor media platform QMS Media for $850 million. In addition, it is offloading its radio assets and transitioning its regional TV station NBN to affiliate status. Nine’s CEO, Matt Stanton, said: “Today’s announcements mark a critical milestone in our Nine2028 transformation. These transactions will create a more efficient, higher-growth, and digitally powered Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, shareholders and people.”

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

The ResMed share price is up 3.5% to $37.66. Investors have been buying this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares following the release of another strong quarterly update. ResMed reported an 11% increase in revenue US$1.4 billion thanks to increased demand for its portfolio of sleep devices, masks, and accessories. And thanks to further margin expansion, ResMed posted an 18% increase in income from operations. ResMed’s chairman and CEO, Mick Farrell, said: “Our second quarter results demonstrate the strength and resilience of our global business as we continue advancing our mission to help people sleep better, breathe better, and live longer and healthier lives in the comfort of their own home.”

The post Why 4DMedical, Appen, Nine Entertainment, and ResMed shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Appen share price surging 67% since Wednesday. Here’s why
• Nine Entertainment shares jump on major acquisition and strategic shift
• Why is the ResMed share price jumping 7% today?
• Resmed posts Q2 FY26 earnings growth, lifts dividend
• Nine Entertainment shakes up portfolio: QMS buy, radio sale, and digital focus

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