Category: Stock Market

  • These 2 ASX dividend shares are great buys right now

    A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.

    ASX dividend shares could be some of the smartest buys right now after multiple RBA rate cuts last year. Plus, some businesses can provide exposure to attractive Australian-based earnings, which could be wise if an investor is uncertain about the outlook for the global economy.

    If businesses are undervalued, they can be particularly appealing on the dividend yield side of things because a lower valuation boosts the yield.

    While the two names below aren’t the most famous, it looks to me like a good time to invest in both of them.

    Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

    This ASX dividend share is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a portfolio of industrial properties across Australian metropolitan locations.

    It continues to benefit from a low vacancy rate in Australian cities because of the limited space and the amount of demand for industrial properties.

    Australia requires more space for fresh food and pharmaceutical demand, increased data centre demand, onshoring of supply chains and increasing e-commerce adoption.

    The business has properties across the subsectors of distribution centres, manufacturing and production, transport logistics, data centres and cold storage, giving it broad exposure to the industrial sector.

    In FY26, it’s expecting to grow its rental earnings – as measured by the funds from operations (FFO) – per unit to between 18.2 cents to 18.5 cents. This guidance represents growth of up to 6% compared to FY25.

    The distribution is being paid in quarterly instalments and the ASX dividend share expects to deliver a payout of 16.8 cents per unit in FY26, representing a year-over-year increase of 3% to 16.8 cents. It has a distribution yield of 5.1%.

    It also reported $3.92 of net tangible assets (NTA) at 30 June 2025, so it’s valued at an attractive 16% discount.

    Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

    Adairs is a retailer of homewares and furniture. It has three businesses: Adairs, Focus on Furniture and Mocka.

    The company has suffered a valuation decline in recent months. Over the past three months its share price has dropped around 30%.

    But, for such a cyclical retailer like Adairs, this lower valuation could be the right time to pounce and then be patient.

    This ASX dividend share is not priced for a lot of success over the medium-term. But, analyst estimates suggest that the company could see steadily rising earnings and dividends in the coming years.

    The projection on CMC Markets suggests the ASX dividend share could generate earnings per share (EPS) of 20.1 cents in FY26, 24.1 cents in FY27 and 26.8 cents in FY28.

    With those forecasts, the potential dividend per share could be 12.5 cents in FY26, 15.5 cents in FY27 and 18 cents in FY28.

    At the current Adairs share price, it’s valued at less than 9x FY26’s estimated earnings with a possible grossed-up dividend yield of 10%, including franking credits.

    The trading update in October suggested that group sales are expected to grow by at least $9 million in the first half of FY26 to between $319.5 million to $331.5 million. Sales growth is a promising sign for earnings growth, even if it’s not as strong as the market was hoping for.

    The post These 2 ASX dividend shares are great buys right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Centuria Industrial REIT right now?

    Before you buy Centuria Industrial REIT shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Centuria Industrial REIT wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • 2 unstoppable ASX 200 stocks to buy in 2026 and hold forever

    A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price

    When investors talk about buying shares to hold forever, they are usually referring to businesses with durable competitive advantages, long growth runways, and the ability to adapt as markets evolve.

    These are not companies that rely on perfect economic conditions or short-term trends. Instead, they tend to sit at the centre of powerful structural shifts and compound steadily over many years.

    With that in mind, here are two ASX 200 stocks that could fit comfortably into a long-term portfolio in 2026 and beyond.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    I think it is fair to say that Goodman Group has quietly built one of the strongest long-term growth stories on the Australian share market.

    While it is often classified as a property stock, Goodman is far more than a traditional landlord. Its business is deeply embedded in global logistics, industrial property, and increasingly, digital infrastructure. This gives it exposure to some of the most powerful themes shaping the global economy, including ecommerce, supply chain modernisation, and growing data consumption.

    What sets this ASX 200 stock apart from the rest is its development-led model. Rather than simply collecting rent, the company earns attractive returns by developing high-quality assets in prime locations, often alongside global capital partners. This capital-light approach allows Goodman to scale without overburdening its balance sheet.

    As demand grows for data centres, automation-ready warehouses, and strategically located logistics hubs, Goodman appears well positioned to keep expanding its earnings base. For patient investors, this combination of global reach, structural tailwinds, and disciplined execution could make Goodman a compelling long-term holding.

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

    TechnologyOne is one of the most reliable ASX 200 stocks out there, yet it often flies under the radar compared to higher-profile technology names.

    The company provides mission-critical enterprise software to governments, local councils, universities, and large organisations. These customers value reliability, deep functionality, and long-term partnerships, which historically results in exceptionally sticky revenue and low churn.

    Over recent years, TechnologyOne has successfully transitioned to a pure software-as-a-service model, dramatically improving revenue quality and visibility. Today, the vast majority of its income is recurring, providing a strong foundation for future growth.

    What makes TechnologyOne particularly attractive for a buy-and-hold strategy is its clear ambition to keep scaling over time. Management continues to invest heavily in product development, international expansion, and new functionality, while maintaining strong profitability and cash generation.

    In fact, management believes it can double in size every five years. And with a long runway in overseas markets and increasing adoption of cloud-based enterprise software, I think it can too.

    The post 2 unstoppable ASX 200 stocks to buy in 2026 and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Goodman Group right now?

    Before you buy Goodman Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Goodman Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • 3 of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025

    Child with superhero mask and cape flies after jumping on sofa

    Many sectors have posted impressive gains over the past year, and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) even reached an all-time high at one point. But three ASX stocks far outpaced the rest.

    Here are among the three fastest-growing stocks on the planet, and they’re all listed on the ASX.

    Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

    Droneshield shares skyrocketed 18.43% higher at the close of the ASX on Tuesday, to $3.92 a piece. For 2026 so far, the shares are 27.27% higher and they’re a huge 429.73% higher than this time last year.

    The ASX stock soared to a record-high in early-October last year, before crashing 74% within 6 weeks. But the counter drone operator clearly turned things at the end of 2025 and that growth has continued soaring through to 2026.

    There was no news out of the company on Tuesday, but it’s possible that investors believe the latest US-Venezuela situation translates to higher demand for counter drone solutions.

    The company has a strong growth strategy ahead, too. In 2026 it plans to scale its manufacturing capacity, expand its global footprint and continue converting its huge sales pipeline into secured contracts.

    Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)

    The second-best performer is small-cap gold producer and explorer Pantoro Gold. Its shares climbed 0.57% at the close of the ASX on Tuesday, to $5.27 a piece. For 2026-to-date, the shares are 7.55% higher, and they’re up a huge 219.39% from this time last year.

    The pace of growth isn’t quite as extreme as Droneshield, but Pantoro Gold’s enormous share price surge was more stable. The stock peaked at an all-time high in early-October last year when it reported promising drill results at its fully-owned Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia. 

    It lost around 25% of gains by the end of the month. But the share price then fluctuated around the $5 mark for the remainder of the year.

    Pantoro Gold has aggressive growth plans for 2026. It is focused on expanding its Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia. It plans to increase production to over 200,000 ounces, from 100,000 ounces per year.

    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

    4DMedical is a medical technology company focused on respiratory imaging and ventilation analysis for the treatment of lung and respiratory diseases. 

    The company is one of the fastest-growing stocks in the world. It rocketed to success in August last year following some successful partnerships and new commercial contracts. A run of positive financial results and achieved milestones followed throughout the remainder of 2025 and it sent the share price flying.

    The ASX stock closed 2.7% higher on Tuesday, at $4.19 per share. For 2026 so far, 4DMedical shares have climbed 3.46% but they’re up a staggering 1,645% from just six months ago.

    In 2026, 4DMedical will focus on accelerating the rollout of its newly-FDA approved CT:VQ imaging product through strategic partnerships and new contracts. The company hopes that 2026 will be a transformative year driven by increased product adoption and long-term commercial growth.

    The post 3 of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in 4DMedical Limited right now?

    Before you buy 4DMedical Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and 4DMedical Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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.

  • Best ASX ETFs to target winning Aussie sectors in 2026

    a hand of a man in a suit points a finger towards old fashioned brass scales that are not balanced in the foreground of the picture.

    The Australian economy has a unique profile weighted towards specific sectors. One great way to capture these is by investing in thematic ASX ETFs. 

    When you look at the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), you notice it is heavily weighted towards sectors like financials (big banks) and materials/resource giants. 

    In fact, these two sectors make up more than half of the ASX 200 in terms of market cap.

    While it’s important to have a diversified portfolio, investing in these markets can also capture strong returns when they outperform. 

    If you are looking to ride the returns of Australia’s largest sectors, here are some thematic ASX ETFs to consider. 

    BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE)

    This ASX ETF offers exposure to the largest ASX-listed companies in the resources sector, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside Petroleum and more.

    Investors should be aware it is heavily weighted towards BHP Group (ASX: BHP) which makes up 33% of the fund. 

    In total, it is made up of 43 holdings. 

    A bet on Australian resources over the last 10 years has proved a strong investment. 

    This ASX ETF is up more than 200% since January 2016. 

    This includes a rise of more than 30% in the last 12 months. 

    VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB)

    Australian banks make up a massive part of the economy thanks to the dominance of the big four. 

    This ASX ETF from VanEck offers a portfolio of ASX-listed banks and financial institutions in one trade. 

    The fund is made up of 7 holdings: 

    • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA
    • National Australia Bank Limited (ASX: NAB)
    • Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC
    • Australia And New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ
    • Macquarie Group Limited (ASX: MQG)
    • Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX: BEN)
    • Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ)

    The fund has an almost equal weighting of 20% each for the big four banks. 

    Essentially, these four make up 80% of the fund, with Macquarie representing a 17.5% weighting and the final two, smaller banks combining for a 2.6% weighting. 

    The fund has risen 66% in the last 5 years. 

    VanEck Vectors Australian Property ETF (ASX: MVA)

    While real estate isn’t one of the biggest sectors on the ASX, it remains a vital component of the Australian economy due to its role in investment, employment, and housing.

    This ASX ETF from VanEck gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of Australian REITs.

    A real estate investment trust (REIT) is a company that owns and operates property assets that typically produce income.

    This fund from VanEck is made up of 13 holdings, and includes a 4% dividend yield.

    It has risen 13% over the last year. 

    The post Best ASX ETFs to target winning Aussie sectors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF right now?

    Before you buy VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and VanEck Vectors Australian Banks ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group and National Australia Bank. 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 Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 best ASX 200 industrial shares of 2025

    Three happy industrial engineers analysing the share price.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) increased by 6.8% and provided total returns, including dividends, of 10.32% last year.

    Industrials was the second-best performer among the 11 ASX 200 market sectors, rising 10.2% with total returns of 13.98%.

    Let’s check out the top performing ASX 200 industrial shares of the year.

    5 best ASX 200 industrial shares for capital growth

    These were the five best-performing shares for price growth in 2025.

    1. DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

    ASX 200 defence share Droneshield leapt 300% to close at $3.08 on 31 December.

    That was actually a major retreat on the industrial share’s 52-week high of $6.61.

    Droneshield is riding the wave of increased global defence spending.

    However, investors were alarmed in November when CEO Oleg Vornik sold more than $49 million worth of shares.

    In response, DroneShield announced a mandatory minimum shareholding policy for all directors and senior managers. 

    2. Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

    Fellow ASX 200 defence share, Austal, increased 116% to close at $6.69 per share on 31 December.

    Austal’s 52-week high last year was $8.60 per share.

    Austal is Australia’s largest defence exporter.

    Its clients include the Australian Navy and the US Navy, and it owns shipyards in the US, Australia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

    Austal announced several new contracts last year, including a $1.029 billion design and construct contract for the Australian Army.

    In December, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approved an application lodged by a long-time suitor for Austal to buy up to a 19.9% stake.

    South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Corp is a Fortune 500 company the offered to buy Austal for $2.825 per share in cash in 2024.

    3. Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

    The Monadelphous share price ripped 89% to close the year at $26.51. Its 52-week high was $27.83.

    Monadelphous provides engineering, construction, and maintenance services in the resources, energy, and industrial sectors.

    At the company’s AGM in November, chair Rob Velletri said Monadelphous had secured about $2.3 billion in new contracts and extensions in FY25, which was a record, plus another $570 million since the end of the financial year.

    The following month, Monadelphous announced a $250 million contract with Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) for it Brockman Syncline 1 iron ore development.

    4. Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

    The Silex Systems share price soared 71% to finish the year at $8.63.

    The industrial share’s annual high was $10.85 per share.

    The nuclear technology developer ascended into the benchmark index in the December rebalance.

    My colleague, Leigh Gant, describes Silex Systems as “one of the most fascinating energy technology stories on the ASX“.

    The company is working on one of the most advanced enrichment processes in the world.

    Its proprietary SILEX laser system separates uranium isotopes more efficiently than traditional centrifuge methods.

    The system recently gained TRL-6 validation, and could redefine how nuclear fuel is produced in the future.

    5. Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT)

    The Ventia Services share price rose 65% to close 2025 at $5.95 per share. The 52-week high was $6.05.

    Ventia is a leading infrastructure maintenance services provider in Australia and New Zealand.

    Ventia announced several new contracts in 2025.

    This included a $100 million NSW Whole‑of‑Government cleaning contract for Western Sydney, with a potential one-year extension.

    During the August earnings season, Ventia reported a 19.4% lift in the value of work in hand to a record $20.6 billion for 1H FY25.

    The post 5 best ASX 200 industrial shares of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Austal Limited right now?

    Before you buy Austal Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Austal Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    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 DroneShield. 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.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

    Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.

    On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and tumbled into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.5% to 8,682.8 points.

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

    ASX 200 expected to rebound

    The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday following a strong night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 45 points or 0.5% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.65%, and the Nasdaq is up 0.6%.

    Oil prices tumble

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2% to US$57.11 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.75% to US$60.68 a barrel. This was driven by a lower supply outlook and Venezuelan output uncertainty.

    BHP and Rio Tinto on watch

    It could be a good session for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares on Wednesday. Overnight on the NYSE, both mining giants saw their US-listed shares rise over 2% to new 52-week highs. This bodes well for the performance of their ASX-listed shares during today’s session.

    Gold price rises

    ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price pushed higher again. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.85% to US$4,490.6 an ounce. The precious metal neared a record high after geopolitical risks boosted demand for safe haven assets.

    Buy Aeris shares

    Bell Potter thinks that Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares are in the buy zone. The broker has retained its buy rating on the copper miner’s shares with an improved price target of 82 cents (from 65 cents). It said: “AIS is a copper-dominant producer, with its near-term outlook highly leveraged to the copper price, increasing production at Tritton and gold production at Cracow. Tritton is an attractive corporate target, in our view, with upside to our Target Price supported by low valuation multiples. Our Target Price lifts 26% to $0.82/sh. We maintain our Buy recommendation.”

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Aeris Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Aeris Resources Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Aeris Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Expecting a down year for the ASX? Here’s 3 ASX defensive shares to target

    A person holds their hands over three piggy banks, protecting and shielding their money and investments.

    Defensive shares can be a strong investment decision to weather the storm of volatile markets. 

    Last year, global geopolitical events contributed to market volatility, particularly in April, which saw a strong dip for ASX shares around the US liberation day tariff announcements. 

    Already in 2026, we have witnessed the US capturing of Venezuelan President Maduro.

    While here in Australia we might feel far removed, it’s important to understand how these kinds of geopolitical events can impact local markets. 

    Interconnected markets 

    Regardless of your political stance, geopolitical events can impact ASX shares by increasing global uncertainty, which prompts investors to reduce exposure to riskier assets such as equities. 

    Because Australia is closely integrated into global financial markets and relies heavily on foreign investment, sudden shifts to “risk-off” sentiment can trigger capital outflows from the ASX even when the event occurs overseas. 

    Such shocks often cause volatility in commodity prices and the Australian dollar. Both of these strongly influence major Australian sectors like mining, energy, and banking

    As investors reassess growth prospects, inflation risks, and credit conditions, Australian share prices may fall due to weaker confidence rather than any direct damage to the domestic economy.

    Of course, on the flip side, global events can create supply and demand shifts, which can also positively impact certain sectors.

    Yesterday, the Motley Fool’s Bernd Struben covered how recent the recent events in Venezuela might influence ASX energy shares.

    Defensive shares 

    It’s often a fool’s game to predict the future of the stock market. But one thing that is guaranteed is there will always be periods of volatility.

    However, for investors looking to position themselves with some safety, a good option is to consider defensive shares. 

    Defensive stocks are typically defined as established, dividend-paying companies that earn steady profits regardless of economic conditions. 

    They often operate in essential sectors like consumer staples, healthcare, utilities, and fast food, where demand stays strong even during economic downturns.

    Should the ASX experience volatility in 2026, from emerging geopolitical events or unrelated economic downturn, here are three defensive shares to consider. 

    Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    As Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, Telstra supplies essential services such as mobile, internet, and fixed-line connectivity that households and businesses continue to use during economic downturns. 

    Its large, recurring subscription revenues, strong market position, and historically reliable dividend payments make its cash flows more predictable than cyclical companies. 

    Investors often view Telstra as a safer place to park capital during periods of market uncertainty.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    Transurban operates tollways in Australia, Canada, and the United States. 

    Demand for road transport is relatively steady. People and freight keep moving even in downturns. 

    Essentially, it generates stable, long-term, inflation-linked cash flows regardless of economic cycles.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    Another option for a defensive investment is Woolworths. 

    Data shows Woolworths has 38% of supermarket grocery sales nationally, which means Australians depend on the company for essential groceries. 

    This dependence keeps Woolworths essential to the Australian economy regardless of market conditions. 

    Its large scale, strong market position, and steady cash flows help insulate earnings from economic downturns, making Woolworths relatively resilient during periods of market volatility.

    The post Expecting a down year for the ASX? Here’s 3 ASX defensive shares to target appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra Corporation Limited right now?

    Before you buy Telstra Corporation Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Telstra Corporation Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group, Transurban 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.

  • 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026

    A man sees some good news on his phone and gives a little cheer.

    The Australian share market has no shortage of high-quality companies with the potential to grow earnings well above the market average over the long term.

    While short-term volatility is always part of investing, history suggests that owning outstanding businesses with structural tailwinds, strong competitive positions, and scalable business models can be a powerful way to build wealth over time.

    With 2026 shaping up to be another year where innovation, technology adoption, and global expansion matter, here are five ASX growth stocks that I think could be well worth a closer look for long-term investors.

    Life360 Ltd (ASX: 360)

    Life360 has established itself as a global leader in family safety and location-based services, with over 90 million monthly active users worldwide.

    The company continues to execute on a highly scalable subscription model, converting free users into paying subscribers while expanding average revenue per user through new features and services. Importantly, Life360 has reached a point where strong revenue growth is now being matched by improving margins and cash flow.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Pro Medicus is widely regarded as one of the highest-quality businesses on the ASX.

    Its Visage imaging platform is increasingly becoming the system of choice for large hospital networks in the United States, thanks to its speed, scalability, and cloud-based architecture. Long-term contracts, high switching costs, and expanding margins underpin a business model that is both resilient and highly profitable.

    With strong earnings visibility, a growing pipeline of major contract wins, and a backdrop of radiologist shortages, I think Pro Medicus remains a standout ASX growth stock for investors.

    REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

    REA Group could be another ASX growth stock to buy. It is the property listings company best known for realestate.com.au, which remains the clear market leader in Australian property listings.

    What makes REA a compelling growth stock is not just its dominant position, but its ability to monetise that leadership through premium products, data services, and advertising tools. The company also has exposure to offshore markets, such as India, providing additional growth optionality over time.

    ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

    Another ASX growth stock that could be an incredible buy in 2026 is ResMed. It operates in the growing global sleep health and respiratory care market, supported by powerful demographic tailwinds.

    Rising awareness of sleep apnoea, increasing diagnosis rates, and ongoing innovation in connected medical devices continue to drive long-term demand. The company’s expanding software and data ecosystem also provides opportunities to deepen relationships with healthcare providers and patients.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Finally, WiseTech Global could be a great option for growth investors in 2026. It operates at the heart of global supply chains through its CargoWise logistics software platform.

    After a disappointing 2025 marked by leadership controversies and product launch delays, WiseTech Global’s long-term growth story remains compelling. Global trade continues to become more complex, increasing demand for software that improves efficiency, compliance, and visibility across logistics networks.

    And with its shares down heavily over the past 12 months, now could be a great time to make a patient long-term investment.

    The post 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Life360 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Pro Medicus, REA Group, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 unmissable ASX 300 shares that look too cheap to ignore!

    A man reacts with surprise when her see a bargain price on his phone.

    When an S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) share is trading substantially below its underlying value, I think it’s a great idea to invest while the opportunity is there.

    The two businesses I want to highlight in this article both have excellent long-term potential – one because of the longevity of the assets it owns and the other one because of its growth runway.

    I already own a piece of both of these ASX 300 shares and I’d happily invest more if someone gave me $5,000 to invest in them.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Farming has been an important asset for many centuries, if not thousands of years. We all need to eat food, so I imagine its assets will remain in demand for the rest of my lifetime (and beyond).

    The business is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns farmland across Australia, which includes cattle, almonds, macadamias, vineyards and cropping farms.

    Pleasingly, Rural Funds’ properties are spread across different states and climate conditions, giving the business pleasing diversification.

    Rural Funds has long-term leases with its tenants, giving the business pleasing income security and visibility. Some of its tenants include names like Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) and Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC).

    The ASX 300 share has in-built rental increases with most of its contracts, which are predominantly either linked to inflation or the increases are fixed at an annual pace each year. This gives the business a pleasing tailwind for rental profit growth and an improvement in the underlying value of the farms.

    It reported its adjusted net asset value (NAV) was $3.08 at 30 June 2025, so the current Rural Funds unit price is trading at a 36% discount to this. That’s a very attractive discount!

    Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

    Siteminder is a tech business that provides software for hotel management and booking.

    The business is responsible for helping hotels generate more than 130 million reservations worth more than A$85 billion in revenue each year.

    This ASX 300 share is truly a global company, with offices in Bangalore, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City.

    The company wants to achieve 30% annual revenue growth in the medium-term, which it could achieve through winning new subscribers and offering them more advanced software to help subscribers maximise their revenue.

    Siteminder is seeing its gross profit margin increase over time thanks to operating leverage and efficiencies.

    I’m expecting the company’s operating profit (EBITDA), net profit and free cash flow margins to increase in the coming years as revenue rises. If revenue can continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 20% over the next few years, then I think the business could be substantially undervalued today.

    Since 29 October 2025, the Siteminder share price has dropped by 24%, making this growing business a lot cheaper. I think this ASX 300 share could be a top performer over the next five years.

    The post 2 unmissable ASX 300 shares that look too cheap to ignore! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rural Funds Group right now?

    Before you buy Rural Funds Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Rural Funds Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Rural Funds Group and SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group, SiteMinder, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 quality ASX 200 shares to buy now amid a rising Aussie dollar

    A happy young couple celebrate a win by jumping high above their new sofa.

    Looking to buy a few quality S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares to add to your 2026 investment portfolio?

    Then you may wish to run your slide rule over Aussie electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and home furnishings and whitegoods retailer Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN).

    The past year delivered widely differing results from the two ASX 200 shares.

    But with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) forecasting an ongoing rebound for the Australian dollar, 2026 could see both stocks outperforming.

    If you’ve been following currency moves, you’ll know that the Aussie dollar plumbed a five-year low of 59.22 US cents in April amid the height of US tariff fears and uncertainties. At market close on Tuesday, that same dollar was worth 67.22 US cents.

    And CBA expects further strengthening in the months ahead.

    The bank noted, “The Aussie typically does well against most currencies when the world economy is in a cyclical upswing.”

    CBA also expects growth-supportive US tax cuts and US Fed interest rate cuts (while the RBA holds firm or possibly hikes rates) to drive gains in the Aussie dollar.

    Indeed, CommBank noted that analysts are forecasting the Australian dollar could reach 73 US cents in 2026 “if tariff fears ease and US tax cuts support growth”.

    As for ASX 200 shares that could stand to benefit, CBA noted, “A stronger currency is good news for local companies that re-sell imported goods, especially volume retailers such as Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi.”

    What’s been happening with these quality ASX 200 shares?

    As mentioned above, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman shares delivered very disparate returns to stockholders over the past 12 months.

    Turning to JB Hi-Fi first, shares in the electronics retailer closed yesterday trading for $93.99 apiece. This sees the ASX 200 share down 0.8% since this time last year.

    Though investors will also have received two fully franked dividends totalling $3.75 a share over this time, putting them back in the green. JB Hi-Fi shares trade on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 4%.

    Harvey Norman stockholders have enjoyed a much more profitable year.

    Harvey Norman shares closed on Tuesday trading for $6.90. That puts this ASX 200 share up 46% over 12 months.

    Harvey Norman shares also trade on a 3.8% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

    Looking ahead, both companies stand to benefit from lower realised costs for their imported electronics, furniture, and appliances should the Aussie dollar continue to appreciate as CBA forecasts.

    The post 2 quality ASX 200 shares to buy now amid a rising Aussie dollar appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Harvey Norman Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Harvey Norman Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Harvey Norman Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    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 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.