Category: Stock Market

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week on a positive note. The benchmark index rose 0.4% to 8,621.4 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise again

The Australian share market looks set for a good start to the week following a strong finish to the last one on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 41 points or 0.45% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.4%, the S&P 500 rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq stormed 1.3% higher.

Oil prices charge higher

It could be a decent start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices charged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.9% to US$56.52 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 1.1% to US$60.47 a barrel. Traders were bidding oil prices higher after Donald Trump wouldn’t rule out a war with Venezuela.

Quarterly rebalance

This morning, a number of ASX 200 shares will leave the benchmark index after being kicked out at the quarterly rebalance. Leaving the index this morning are the likes of Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP), HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) and Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD). Joining the index this morning are stocks including Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB), Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG), and Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX).

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price pushed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 0.5% to US$4,387.3 an ounce. Rate cut optimism gave the gold price a boost.

Buy Boss Energy shares

Bell Potter thinks that investors should be buying Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares after their sell off. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed their buy rating on the uranium producer’s shares with a reduced price target of $2.00 (from $2.90). It said: “Our valuation assumes production at Honeymoon over the short 10Y mine life is limited to ~1.6Mlbs pa and costs remain elevated, until such a time that management have completed the work to guide otherwise.”

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Bapcor shares are falling today despite a powerful 14% rebound this week
• Aussie Broadband shares sink 2% on ACCC report
• Downer EDI wins $870m NZ highway maintenance contracts: What investors need to know
• Buying Santos shares? Meet your new CFO

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

The Australian dividend stock Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) looks far too cheap to me after its fall of approximately 20% since 10 September 2025, as the chart below shows.

There are not many businesses as old as Soul Patts on the ASX – it has already been listed for 120 years.

I’d say there are plenty of reasons to believe the business will continue to be an excellent ASX dividend share for decades to come, for both passive income and capital growth.

There are a few reasons why I’ve made this business my largest holding and why I’m optimistic about the future.

Long-term investing

The business operates as an investment conglomerate, it makes active decisions about what to invest in.

Management has broad flexibility to invest in virtually any asset class, whether it’s a large or small business.

Thankfully, the company doesn’t need to invest with any particular time horizon in mind, unlike some active fund managers. The Australian dividend stock can be an investor, a partner, or the complete owner of the businesses/assets it invests in.

By taking a long-term approach with its own investments, Soul Patts itself is able to be a pleasing long-term investment for Aussies.

It has invested in a number of compelling areas in recent times, such as nuclear energy, agriculture, swimming schools, a funeral operator, electrification, industrial properties, building products, and more to diversify and potentially strengthen its long-term returns.

I think the business is boosting its appeal as it steadily adds to its portfolio. Its investment flexibility allows it to ensure its portfolio is future-proof by selling assets with weakening outlooks and buying into more appealing ideas.

Great dividend track record

In my view, Soul Patts is the best Australian dividend stock around. It doesn’t have the highest dividend yield. But it does have an incredible record of consistency for paying dividends.

It has paid a dividend every year in its listed life (of around 120 years) – that’s through the world wars, global pandemics, economic crashes, and various other challenges.

The business has also increased its annual ordinary dividend every year since 1998. That’s the longest dividend growth streak on the ASX and suggests to me the business is heavily focused on continuing that record of payout growth for investors, though that’s not a guarantee.

I’m expecting the business to grow its dividend in FY26, with the 2025 financial year payout of $1.03 per share translating into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.1%, including franking credits. That’s a great starting point, in my view, and the payout could steadily grow over the coming years.

The post 1 impressively awesome Australian dividend stock down 20% to hold for decades! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest $10,000 into ASX dividend shares right now
• $5,000 to invest? Consider 4 no-brainer ASX dividend shares with over 20 years of growth
• 3 Aussie passive income stocks delivering decades upon decades of dividends
• 3 great ASX shares I’m buying to become a millionaire
• 5 ASX 200 shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As the year comes to a close, it can be a great time to reflect on portfolio performance. 

It’s always fun to focus on the winners. However looking at traditionally strong sectors that underperformed this year can help reveal future opportunities. 

One way to target these sectors is by looking at ASX ETFs that track these indexes or themes. 

Here are three ASX ETFs that have historically performed well, however underperformed this year. Could they bounce back in 2026?

BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN)

This ASX ETF aims to track the performance of the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (before fees and expenses). 

The Index provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies in a range of tech-related market segments such as information technology, consumer electronics, online retail and medical technology.

The fund has returned almost 14% per annum (after fees) since launching in 2020. 

Since its inception, it is up more than 80%. 

However in 2025 it is down 12.6%. 

It’s no surprise this fund has struggled, as its largest exposure is to WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO). 

However these technology companies have all been tipped to rebound next year, making this ASX ETF a tempting buy-low option. 

Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP)

This fund seeks to track the return of the S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Index. 

This fund offers a diversified blend of Australian real estate investment trusts (A-REITs) with residential, office, retail, and industrial assets.

It is made up of 31 holdings, with its largest allocation being to Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) which makes up roughly 33% of the fund. 

In 2025 the fund has risen by a modest 2.2%. 

It has dropped almost 8% since late October. 

However since its inception in 2010, it has returned approximately 10% per annum.

BetaShares FTSE RAFI U.S. 1000 ETF (ASX: QUS)

This fund provides exposure to 500 leading listed US companies, with each holding in the index weighted equally. 

This ASX ETF rose just 1.9% in 2025 despite the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) rising almost 17% in the same span. 

It appears that this fund’s equal weight method worked against it this year. 

However, according to Betashares, it has generated annualised returns of 13.29% over the past 5 years.

Therefore, it could be another candidate to rebound next year. 

The post Could these ASX ETFs be set for a rebound in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think these 3 ASX shares are top-quality buying at today’s prices
• Are Computershare shares a buy after reaching new lows?
• Why experts think the Xero share price could rise 70% in 2026!
• 3 unstoppable ASX shares to buy with $3,000
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Some of the best Australian stocks are trading at much more appealing prices compared to where they were earlier this year. I think this could be a good time to invest in some of the leading ASX shares right now.

When businesses have a strong revenue growth outlook, they could deliver a lot of earnings expansion.

Both of the businesses have good tailwinds and I’m optimistic they can deliver good returns for long-term shareholders. I’d happily buy them with $5,000 (or more).

Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP)

Propel is the second-largest provider of ‘death care services’ in Australia and New Zealand. It currently has 208 locations, including 41 cremation facilities and nine cemeteries.

Australia’s growing and ageing tailwinds are likely to help deliver revenue growth for the business. Death volumes are expected to increase by 2.8% per year from 2025 to 2035 and then grow by 2.4% per year between 2036 to 2045.

That’s not the strongest growth rate around, but there are two other things that can help drive the Australian stock’s long-term success. Inflation is a powerful force to help drive its top line too – average revenue per funeral grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between FY15 and FY25.

The final tactic that Propel is utilising is acquisitions, which is helping expand its geographic presence and boost its scale.

According to the forecast on CMC Markets, the Propel share price is valued at 28x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster is one of the most compelling retail Australian stocks, in my view.

Its business model is impressive – the company sells a huge number of furniture and homeware products through a drop shipping model where products are sent directly to customers by suppliers, reducing the need to hold inventory, allowing for a larger product range. It’s also capital-light, unlocking strong cash flow generation.

It also has a growing range of home improvement products, as well as trade and commercials ‘solutions’.

The Australian stock’s recent trade update showed growth was slower than expected, but I think this is the right time to invest at a much lower valuation. It’s down 26% in the last month.

In FY26 to 20 November 2025, revenue grew by 18% year-over-year, with continuing market share growth. Home improvement revenue rose 40%, which bodes well for the future as it becomes a larger slice of the pie.

The company is steadily growing toward $1 billion of annual sales, which could bring benefits such as operating leverage and a larger marketing budget.

Temple & Webster is seeing fixed costs as a percentage of revenue decline over time – it reached 10.6% in FY25, down from 11.3% in FY24. Profit margins are also being boosted by AI and tech tools.

With ongoing adoption of online shopping and the recent expansion to New Zealand, the Australian stock still has a very promising future, in my opinion.

The post 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $5,000! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best Australian shares to buy and hold until 2035
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 2 quality ASX 200 stocks to buy for your 2026 portfolio
• 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher in this week’s sinking market
• Macquarie says these two ASX retail stocks are good buying at current levels

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Propel Funeral Partners and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) is an ASX materials stock that saw its share price jump 4% on Friday after announcing a key contract. 

The company operates under a hybrid model as an underground mining contractor and operator of two mining assets: The Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Mine in New South Wales and The Sulphur Springs Zinc-Copper Project in Western Australia.

Key contract win

On Friday, the company announced it has been awarded a A$200 million underground development contract to establish access tunnels at OceanaGold’s Waihi North Project in the North Island of New Zealand.

According to Develop Global, the five-year contract at the Waihi North Project will start in the first half of 2026. 

Develop Managing Director Bill Beament said: 

This contract reflects the strength and depth of our Mining Services division, which includes some of the most experienced underground mining specialists.

We are delighted to be working with such a highly regarded multi-national mining house as OceanaGold and we look forward to combining the skills and experience of our people with a strong local workforce.

Bell Potter adjusts forecast

Following the announcement, broker Bell Potter released an updated report on this ASX materials stock, which included an increased price target. 

The broker said it had not included any additional mining services contracts in previous forecasts.

According to the report, revenue generation from this contract over the next 5 years is therefore incremental to its estimates; that is, scaling up to ~$40m per annum by FY27. 

Importantly, Bell Potter noted the OceanaGold contract improves DMS’ revenue and earnings mix while building an important relationship with a global gold and copper producer that has a portfolio of four operating mines around the world.

The broker upgraded EPS forecasts by +2% in FY26 and +3% in FY27 after incorporating the OceanaGold contract.

Price target upside

Bell Potter has maintained its buy recommendation on this ASX materials stock. 

It has also raised its price target to $5.20 (previously $5.00). 

Based on Friday’s closing price of $4.36, this indicates an upside of 19.27%. 

We expect demonstration of earnings and FCF expansion from Woodlawn to drive a re-rate for DVP; spot copper, zinc and silver prices are currently ahead of our FY26 forecasts, presenting upside to valuation and earnings expectations the longer they remain ahead of forecasts.

It said near-term catalysts include Sulphur Springs financing completion and processing plant construction commencement and further external DMS contract wins.

The post Top broker just raised its price target on this ASX materials stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why 4DMedical, Develop Global, EOS, and Maas shares are racing higher today

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.

Warren Buffett didn’t become one of the world’s greatest investors by chasing the latest trends or reacting to short-term market noise.

Instead, the Oracle of Omaha built his fortune by owning high-quality businesses, buying them at sensible prices, and then letting time and compounding do the heavy lifting.

That approach translates surprisingly well to the Australian share market.

While the ASX doesn’t have as many global giants as the US, it does offer a handful of businesses with strong competitive advantages, resilient earnings, and the ability to grow shareholder value steadily over decades.

If I were building an ASX portfolio today with a 20-year horizon, Buffett’s playbook would be front and centre.

Start with businesses that have competitive advantages

One of Buffett’s most famous principles is the idea of an economic moat. He looks for stocks that competitors struggle to displace, whether through brand strength, scale, regulation, or switching costs.

On the ASX, REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) stands out as a textbook example. Its dominant position in property listings is extremely difficult to replicate, gives it strong pricing power, and allows it to grow earnings year after year.

Buffett favours companies that can raise prices without losing customers.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) also fits neatly into this category. Supermarkets aren’t exciting, but they are vital. Woolworths benefits from scale advantages, strong supplier relationships, and a brand Australians trust. Over time, those qualities translate into reliable cash flows and steady compounding, even through economic cycles.

Don’t ignore financial strength

Another quality that Buffett looks for is balance sheet strength and sensible capital allocation. Companies that manage debt carefully and reinvest profits wisely tend to survive downturns and emerge stronger.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) ticks this box. Its diversified global operations, disciplined risk management, and ability to generate earnings across market environments give it a resilience few financials can match. While its profits can fluctuate year to year, its long-term growth record aligns closely with Buffett’s preference for well-run financial businesses.

Think in decades

Perhaps the most important part of Buffett’s strategy is patience. He famously says his favourite holding period is forever.

Building an ASX share portfolio for the next 20 years means accepting volatility along the way while staying focused on business quality rather than share price movements.

By owning stocks with strong moats, pricing power, and talented management, investors give themselves the best chance of letting compounding work its magic. And history shows it is one of the most reliable ways to build lasting wealth.

Foolish takeaway

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to succeed in the share market. By borrowing Warren Buffett’s principles and applying them thoughtfully to high-quality ASX shares, investors can build a portfolio designed to grow for decades to come.

The post How to build significant wealth like Warren Buffett with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best Australian shares to buy and hold until 2035
• 4% yield: Is NAB’s dividend safe?
• Top picks! Macquarie says these ASX stocks can rise 20% to 30%
• Buy, hold, sell: Flight Centre, Suncorp, and Zip shares
• 5 top ASX dividend shares I would buy with $5,000

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

History shows that some of the best returns are generated when investors are willing to buy quality businesses during periods of pessimism.

But it is also true that not every beaten-down share is a bargain. Some deserve to be cheap, and many never recover. That is why selectivity matters.

I would avoid companies with stretched balance sheets, structurally declining industries, or business models that could be made obsolete over time.

Instead, I would focus on ASX shares with financial resilience, strong brands, and clear long-term growth drivers, even if the short term outlook looks uncomfortable.

Here are a couple of ASX shares that fit that bill, in my view.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group is a good example of a business that looks cheap because sentiment has turned against the retailer due to temporary headwinds, rather than because the company itself is broken.

As the owner of major footwear brands such as Platypus, Skechers, Stylerunner, Hype DC, and The Athlete’s Foot,, Accent Group has scale advantages, strong supplier relationships, and a proven ability to execute across both physical stores and online channels. While discretionary spending pressure has weighed on sales in the short term, footwear remains a non-negotiable category, and Accent’s exposure to global brands helps it stay relevant through economic cycles. And with interest rates easing in recent months, consumer spending could soon improve.

When it returns to consistent growth over the coming years, today’s low valuation could look overly pessimistic in hindsight.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is another ASX share that has fallen sharply, but for reasons that look cyclical rather than structural.

The biotech giant has faced margin pressure, weak influenza vaccine rates, and uncertainty related to strategic changes within the business. That has been enough to knock the share price to below average earnings multiples.

However, CSL still owns a collection of globally significant plasma and vaccine businesses, operates in markets with high barriers to entry, and continues to invest heavily in research and development. It is also embarking on a bold cost cutting plan that could save it upwards of US$500 million.

In addition, demand for plasma therapies is growing long term, driven by ageing populations and expanding medical applications.

For patient investors, CSL’s current valuation looks far more attractive than it has been for several years.

The post Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where will CSL shares be in 5 years?
• Down 60% with a 6% yield and P/E of 13x – are Accent shares a generational bargain?
• 5 ASX shares I’m avoiding this week
• Why these 2 battered ASX 200 stocks could shine in 2026
• Looking for ideas before Christmas? These 2 ASX shares stand out to me

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

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this travel agent’s shares with an increased price target of $17.85. This follows news that Flight Centre has signed an agreement to acquire the UK’s leading online cruise agency, Iglu, for 100 million British pounds. Macquarie was pleased with the deal and highlights that Iglu has a 15% of the UK market and upwards of 75% of online bookings. The broker sees the cruise industry as attractive and believes there are further acquisition opportunities for Flight Centre in the future. Outside this, Macquarie is feeling positive on Flight Centre due to its belief that it will achieve its guidance in FY 2026, which is being supported by improving consumer trends. The Flight Centre share price ended the week trading at $15.41.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to an overweight rating with a trimmed price target of $38.00. The broker believes that recent volatility in Lovisa’s growth is transitory rather than structural. In fact, the broker remains very positive on its outlook and sees earnings per share rising 83% by FY 2028. This is expected to be supported by its agility on product range and best-in-class supply chain execution. As a result, Morgan Stanley believes the recent de-rating of Lovisa’s shares is an opportunity for investors to build a position in a competitively advantaged Australian retailer. The Lovisa share price was fetching $30.50 at Friday’s close.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Analysts at Macquarie have also retained their outperform rating and $4.85 price target on this buy now pay later provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker believes that Zip will deliver on its net transaction margin guidance in FY 2026. This is despite elevating loss rates caused by its accelerating total transaction value (TTV) growth. Outside this, the broker is forecasting Zip to continue to deliver rapid growth, supported by increased product adoption, expansion of merchant network, increased customer engagement, and digital product innovation. The Zip share price ended the week at $3.11.

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

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 50%
• 2 great ASX shares to buy for 2026: experts
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Top picks! Macquarie says these ASX stocks can rise 20% to 30%

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

If you are new to investing and the stock market, getting started can be intimidating. There’s the jargon to get one’s head around to start with. And if you get past that, the sheer number of different companies to invest in can be overwhelming for a beginner who might just want to pick one, two or three to get started. That’s why I think any beginner investor should start with ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

ETFs can be thought of as collections of different shares that trade under one overarching name (and ticker code). To illustrate, the most popular ETFs on the ASX are funds that hold the largest 200 or 300 companies on our stock market. That’s everything from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) and JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH).

If an investor just buys one ASX 200 ETF, they are really investing in the 200 companies that the ETF holds. These companies are updated periodically, meaning the beginner investor doesn’t ever have to worry about them again once they’ve bought the fund. If they don’t wish to, of course.

So today, I’ll discuss three ASX ETFs that are all a beginner investor needs to have a diversified portfolio of different stocks that will help to build real wealth over time. If an investor buys each fund, elects to reinvest all dividends received, and buys as many units (shares of ETFs) as they can, as often as they can, they are highly likely to increase their wealth dramatically over their lives. That’s if the past hundred years are anything to go off.

3 ASX ETFs that are perfect for a beginner investor

First off, we’ll start with an Australia-focused fund, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). This fund works as we discussed above. It holds the largest 300 shares listed on the Australian share market, with every name above included. Amongst many others. Australian shares have delivered healthy returns for decades, and this ETF is a great way to patriotically tap into that trend.

Next up, the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) is a perfect addition to our portfolio. Instead of holding the largest 300 stocks on the Australian market, this fund holds the largest 500 listed over in the United States. The USA houses many, if not most of, the world’s best businesses, hands down. With this ETF, you’ll be indirectly buying companies ranging from Apple, Amazon and Microsoft to Coca-Cola Co, Mastercard and Ford Motor Company.

These are the companies that dominate global commerce, and, if legendary investor Warren Buffett is to be believed, will continue to do so. I think following Buffett’s advice is a sensible path for any beginner investor, so this ASX ETF joins our portfolio.

Finally, we have another Vanguard ETF, the Vanguard All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU). This ETF plugs the giant gap in our portfolios’ diversification by branching out beyond just Australia and the US. And branch out it does. This ASX ETF holds thousands of underlying companies, hailing from dozens of different countries. These span from China, India, Brazil and Spain to Taiwan, Singapore, South Africa and Canada.

Over long periods of time, we sometimes see some markets thrive while others suffer. Holding this ETF mitigates some of that risk, as well as providing some potential protection if a country-specific issue affects the US or Australian economies.

Foolish takeaway

These three ASX ETFs together cover most corners of the global economy and form a well-diversified portfolio. All three are passive, hands-off investments that require little ongoing effort or even thought. That, in my view, makes them perfect choices for a beginner investor.

 

The post Simple, easy investing: These 3 ASX ETFs are all a beginner needs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ETF portfolio I’d build if I never wanted to watch markets again
• Is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) the best way to invest in ASX shares?
• Why these ASX ETFs could be better than buying CBA shares
• Where to invest $250 in ASX ETFs this month
• These are the ASX ETFs I would buy if the market crashed tomorrow

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Amazon, Apple, Coca-Cola, Mastercard, Microsoft, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, Microsoft, Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, Microsoft, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Are you on the hunt for some big returns for your investment portfolio? If you are, then it could be worth looking at the ASX 200 shares listed below.

That’s because they have been tipped to rise at least 20% over the next 12 months. Here’s what analysts are recommending:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

Analysts at Bell Potter remain upbeat on this ASX 200 uranium share despite its bitterly disappointing update last week.

The broker believes there could be a way to make the Honeymoon project work in 2027 and beyond. And investors may not have to wait too long to find out if that is the case. It said:

Details as to the hypothesised strategy may be provided as early as 2QCY26, with a wide-spaced test scenario to be conducted initially on zones north of the Honeymoon domain. This should provide greater clarity around the potential success of the approach. Should this fail, the likely outcome would be a lower production profile over LOM with higher AISC (which if you’re bullish uranium pricing might not impact the thesis). The selloff has highlighted one possibility. If the market continues to value Honeymoon at a material discount (on our numbers current implied value is ~A$91m), BOE may become a target for groups ISR experience and a longer outlook on uranium pricing.

Bell Potter has put a buy rating and $2.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $1.32, this suggests that upside of 50% is possible between now and this time next year.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

The team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) thinks that fashion jewellery retailer Lovisa could be an ASX 200 share to buy.

The broker believes that the market is undervaluing its shares based on its growth potential, which is being supported by its bold store rollout plan. It said:

We think LOV & UNI both have a strong outlook that isn’t reflected in their current valuations. Both stocks have de-rated over FY26 so far, and are now trading broadly in-line with their long-run average Relative P/Es to the ASX300 – despite the above data indicating relatively low macroeconomic risk, and our view that both stocks still have appealing store rollout stories (UNI: Australia, LOV: UK/US).

Macquarie currently has an outperform rating and $37.30 price target on its shares. Based on the current Lovisa share price of $30.50, this implies potential upside of 22% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 50% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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