Category: Stock Market

The big four S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank shares have experienced their very own market rotation in FY26.

In FY25, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) was easily the outperformer of the group, with its share price soaring 45% and reaching a record $192 in late June.

This compared to a still impressive 24% lift for Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares in FY25, as well as a moderate 8.6% gain for National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares, and just a 3.3% bump for the ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price.

The trend has reversed in FY26.

ASX 200 bank shares in FY26

ANZ shares are leading the group in FY26, with the share price 21% higher at $35.15, up 0.06% today.

The ANZ share price also reached a new record of $38.93 this month.

The Westpac share price has risen 12% in FY26 to $37.80, down 0.2% today, after setting a new record at $41 this month.

NAB shares have increased 3% to $40.47, up 0.2% today, after also peaking at a new all-time high of $45.25 this month.

Meanwhile, the CBA share price has tumbled 17% to $154.01, up 0.3% today, and is now 20% off its historical peak.

How does Morgans rate the big four bank stocks?

After the big four supplied reports to the market this month, Morgans released new notes on each ASX 200 bank share.

Let’s take a look.

ANZ shares

Morgans has a trim rating on ANZ shares with a 12-month price target of $33.09.

This implies a near 6% fall over the next year.

The broker recapped the ASX 200 bank share’s recent 2H FY25 report:

Earnings were materially below market expectations, albeit consensus may not have fully adjusted for the significant items.

However, 12 month target price lifts 29 cps to $33.09/sh due to CET1 capital outperformance in 2H25.

We recommend clients TRIM into share price strength, with the share price and implied valuation multiples trading at or around all-time highs.

Westpac shares

Morgans says investors overweight on Westpac should sell following the ASX 200 bank share’s strong gains in FY26.

The broker also noted various highlights from Westpac’s 2H FY25 report:

In the 2H25 result we appreciated the strong business lending growth, resilient asset quality, relatively stable underlying NIM, and regulatory capital strength. Cost investment is being made to deliver long-term revenue and cost gains.

With the stock trading around all-time highs but with limited earnings growth over coming years we continue to recommend clients SELL overweight positions.

NAB shares

The broker has a sell rating on NAB and a price target of $31.46.

This implies a more than 20% potential downside over the next 12 months.

Morgans said NAB missed consensus expectations of flat earnings in 2H FY25 and instead reported a 2% decline.

The broker commented:

While NAB has loan growth and revenue momentum heading into 1H26, it also has momentum in costs and showed signs of asset quality deterioration and tightness in regulatory capital. This is likely to see limited (if any) DPS growth and constrain capital management over coming years.

NAB is trading at historical extremes of key valuation metrics. The 2H25 result and earnings outlook doesn’t justify such pricing.

CBA shares

Morgans has a sell rating on CBA shares with a price target of $96.07.

This suggests a near 40% potential downside over the next 12 months (eek!).

CBA recently released its 1Q FY26 update, with the broker commenting:

While the market wasn’t expecting much earnings growth (c.2% for 1H26, and we were more bullish than consensus), growth was weaker than these expectations.

We remain SELL rated on CBA, recommending clients aggressively reduce overweight positions given the risk of poor future investment returns arising from the even-now overvalued share price and low-to-mid single digit EPS/DPS growth outlook.

The post Here is how Morgans rates the big four ASX 200 bank shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• $20,000 invested in CBA shares a year ago is now worth….
• Forget CBA shares and check out this buy-rated ASX financial stock
• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for income investors to buy in December
• Buy this ASX bank share instead of the ‘big four’: expert
• Invested in NAB shares? Here are the key dates for 2026

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 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.

If you are wanting to boost your portfolio with some big returns, then it could be worth considering the ASX All Ords stock in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes it could deliver outsized returns for investors between now and this time next year.

Which ASX All Ords stock?

The stock in question is Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV).

It is an integrated grower, processor, and marketer of almonds owning and operating farming and processing assets in Australia.

The broker notes that the ASX All Ords stock operates a diversified portfolio of almond orchards as well as start of the art processing facility in Carina, Victoria, with capacity to process 50,000t of almonds.

It released its FY 2025 results this week and delivered a result largely in line with expectations. The broker explains:

Revenue of $398.3m was up +18% YOY (vs. BPe $309.8m). Operating EBITDA of $76.5m was up +63% YOY (and vs. BPe of $78.0m). An operating NPAT of $27.8m compares to $2.3m in FY24 (and vs. BPe of $27.3m). FY25 results are predicated on a crop of 24,903t (vs. BPe of 24,700t and FY25e guidance of 24,700t) and an almond price assumption of A$10.18/kg (vs. BPe of A$10.17/kg and FY25e guidance at A$10.14-20/kg). Headline NPAT of $31.8m includes a $5.8m pretax gain on sale of water rights (which occurred in 1H25).

And while there was no real guidance for FY 2026, it believes the stage is set for a strong performance. It adds:

here is no formal guidance. Qualitative comments include: (1) Normal but quick bloom, with no frost damage. Harvest likely later than usual due to cooler weather season to date; (2) Favourable almond price backdrop through FY26e (we have spot at ~A$10.90/kg); and (3) some cost headwinds and notably water, bees and electricity (~$20m YOY) with some mitigation through business investment. NPAT changes are +4% in FY26e and +13% in FY27e.

Big potential returns

In light of the above, the broker feels that this ASX All Ords stock is too cheap at 9x forward earnings.

It has put a buy rating and $5.80 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 39% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, it expects a 1.7% dividend yield in FY 2026 (and 3.6% dividend in FY 2026), which takes the total potential return beyond 40%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. FY25 results appeared broadly consistent with our expectations and should benefit in FY26e from improved production volumes and elevated almond prices. While costs are lifting (this was anticipated in our forecasts) and there is the scope for this to be mitigated by cost out initiatives. At spot almond prices we would see SHV trading on a FY26e PE of ~9x, with upside to EPS through delivery of cost out initiatives and securing third party processing volumes.

The post Why this ASX All Ords stock could return 40% in a year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Almond grower’s shares up on positive full-year profit result

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 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.

Macquarie has revealed which S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares it expects to deliver strong capital growth in the new year.

The top broker has given the following shares outperform ratings and optimistic 12-month price targets despite today’s volatility.

Let’s check them out.

ASX 200 shares set to outperform in 2026: broker

Here is a selection of Macquarie’s top ASX 200 share tips across the 11 market sectors for 2026.

Materials

Macquarie likes ASX 200 gold share Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL), which is trading at $1.29 on Thursday, up 3%.

The broker has a price target of $1.70 on the stock, implying a potential 32% upside.

Macquarie is also backing James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) shares for a strong recovery after a 40% dive in 2025.

The James Hardie share price is currently $29.92.

The broker has a price target of $40.60 on the building materials supplier, implying a potential 36% gain over 12 months.

Technology

The Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) share price is down 22% in the year to date to $68.19 on Thursday.

The broker has high hopes for this ASX 200 tech share with a 12-month price target of $97.30, suggesting a 43% rise.

Macquarie also likes NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares with a price target of $20.90.

The NextDC share price is currently $13.87, suggesting a potential 51% upside over the next 12 months.

As we reported this week, ASX 200 tech shares are officially in a bear market amid fears of an AI bubble and high valuations.

Financials

The top broker has a $2.50 price target on GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) shares, which are trading at $1.80 today, up 7.5%.

This implies a potential capital gain of 39%.

Macquarie also likes Pinnacle Investment Management Ltd (ASX: PNI) shares with a price target of $26.55.

The ASX 200 financial share is $17.63 on Thursday, up 3.8%. The broker’s target implies a meaty 51% potential upside.

Industrials

Macquarie has a price target of $8.10 on navy shipbuilder Austral Ltd (ASX: ASB).

Increased global spending on defence is a major tailwind for this ASX 200 industrial share, which is $6.62 apiece today.

This implies a potential 22% gain from here.

The broker is also optimistic on IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) shares, which are trading for $3.46 on Thursday, down 0.7%.

Macquarie is tipping a 60% upside with its $5.55 price target.

Utilities

Macquarie is backing AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) shares for 2026 with a price guide of $11.

The AGL share price is $9, up 0.2% on Thursday, so the broker is expecting a 22% gain from here.

Consumer discretionary

Macquarie is positive on Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares with a price target of $31.30.

Temple & Webster shares were smashed this week after the online furniture retailer reported an 18% lift in sales for 1H FY26 so far.

The Temple & Webster share price is $14.20, up 2.7% today, with a potential 120% capital gain on the cards if Macquarie is right.

The broker also likes ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) shares with a price target of $44.90 compared to the current share price of $33.84.

Consumer Staples

In this sector, the broker likes ASX 200 agricultural share Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA).

The Bega Cheese share price is $5.98, down 0.8% on Thursday.

Macquarie has a price target of $6.80 on the stock, suggesting a potential near-14% upside.

The broker also foresees Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares surpassing their record high in 2026.

The Coles share price is $22.44, up 0.4% on Thursday and well down on the record $24.28 reached in September.

Macquarie has a price target of $26.10 on the second biggest ASX 200 consumer staples share on the market.

This implies a potential 16% capital gain from here and a new all-time high for Coles shares.

Healthcare

Despite its share price plunge this year, Macquarie is backing CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) for a comeback in 2026.

The CSL share price is $185.61 on Thursday, up 1.5%.

Macquarie’s 12-month price target is $275.20, suggesting a potential 48% gain from here.

The broker also likes sleep apnoea device maker, Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) shares.

Macquarie has a price target of $49.20 on this ASX 200 healthcare share, which is trading 0.2% lower today at $39.24.

Communications

Macquarie likes Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) shares with a price target of $32.50, implying a potential 32% increase over the next 12 months.

The Seek share price is $24.56, up 1% today.

Another ASX 200 communications share on the broker’s radar for 2026 is carsales.com.au owner Car Group Limited (ASX: CAR).

The CAR share price is $34.73 on Thursday, up 1.5%.

The broker foresees 13% in capital growth over the next 12 months with a price target of $39.

Energy

Macquarie has a share price target of $11.10 on the market’s largest ASX 200 uranium share, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN).

The Paladin Energy share price is $7.82, down 2%, so the broker’s tip suggests a potential 42% upside from here.

The broker also expects a recovery in the Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price after a difficult year and a withdrawn takeover bid.

The Santos share price is $6.44, down 1.9%. Macquarie’s price target is $8.15, implying a potential 26% increase ahead.

Real estate & REITs

Macquarie has a $6.74 price target on ASX 200 real estate share Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC).

Lendlease shares are $5.18, down 0.6% today, so the broker’s tip implies a potential 30% upside from here.

Macquarie also likes sector leader Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) with a price target of $34.73.

The Goodman Group share price is $29.66, up 0.9% on Thursday.

The post Macquarie reveals ASX 200 share tips in each market sector for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What Australia’s shocking inflation print means for ASX 200 investors and interest rates
• Why Amcor, DroneShield, Harvey Norman, and QBE shares are falling today
• Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star smashing the benchmark on Thursday
• Should you buy Temple & Webster shares after the crash?
• Are Lendlease shares a bargain after hitting fresh lows?

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 ARB Corporation, CSL, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, ResMed, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, CAR Group Ltd, CSL, Goodman Group, Gqg Partners, IPH Ltd , and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Reaching retirement age might be an exciting milestone for some Aussies, but a concerning time for others. What if you don’t have enough money in your superannuation to fund your lifestyle when you finally stop working? Here’s a rundown of exactly what you need at the age of 64, and how far you are away from it.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 64?

There isn’t an exact figure for the average superannuation balances at the exact age of 64, but there are rough estimates. 

According to Rest Super, the average superannuation balance for Australians aged 60-64 is $380,737 for men and $300,717 for women. 

Although at the age of 64, it’s safe to assume that you’d need closer to the balance bracket in the age group above. For men aged 65-69, the average super balance is $428,533, and for women it’s $379,483.

Is this enough for a comfortable retirement?

The benchmark for a comfortable retirement, according to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, is around $53,000 per year for a single person and $75,000 per year for a couple.

To support that level of spending, ASFA estimates you’ll need a super balance of roughly $595,000 for singles and $690,000 for couples by age 67.

That’s assuming you own your home outright, have access to some age pension payments, and your super continues to earn investment returns throughout retirement.

For a modest retirement, you’ll need around $100,000 more.

So there is a significant gap between the average and what Aussies actually need to fund their retirement.

What to do if your superannuation balance is falling behind

While there is no official retirement age in Australia, in order to be eligible for the Age Pension, individuals must be at least 67 years old. 

When it comes to accessing your superannuation, generally, it’s only possible to do so after you’ve reached your preservation age and retired from income-earning employment, or met some other condition of release. 

Preservation age is between 55-60 years old, depending on when you were born. It’s important to remember that once you have reached preservation age, you may be able to access some of your super, but not all of it. You’ll still need to meet a condition of release. Many wait until they’re 65 years old so they can access their full super balance regardless of their employment status. 

This means that, at the age of 64, you’re likely only one year away from withdrawing from it, if you haven’t already started. 

If your superannuation balance is falling behind, there is still time to close the gap. You can boost your super balance either before or in retirement by making additional concessional or non-concessional contributions (within your annual limits). 

It’s also important to make sure your super fund is performing well, particularly how its investments linked to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are tracking, since even small changes in returns can have a huge impact on your end balance. So, it’s crucial to review your investment strategy and ensure it aligns with your retirement goals and risk appetite.

The post Here’s the average superannuation balance at age 64 in Australia appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX All Ords stock could return 40% in a year
• Macquarie reveals ASX 200 share tips in each market sector for 2026
• This ASX All Ords stock has more than doubled investors’ money since January. Here’s why it’s tipped to surge another 45%!
• Are ASX ETFs the new vehicle for easy dividend investing?
• Mesoblast shares: Bull vs. bear

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.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 5.3% in 2025, but this ASX All Ords stock has left those gains wanting.

The fast-rising stock in question is technology-led consumer lending and investment company Plenti Group Ltd (ASX: PLT).

In afternoon trade today, Plenti shares are up 0.4%, changing hands for $1.29 apiece. That sees the Plenti share price up an impressive 89.7% since 2 January.

And investors who bought at 6 January’s 52-week lows will be sitting on gains of 101.6% today.

After that kind of blistering run, you might think this ASX All Ords stock is due for a breather. But according to the analysts at Moelis Australia, it still has plenty of growth potential to fuel further outsized gains.

Here’s why.

ASX All Ords stock on the growth path

Plenti shares closed up 6.8% on 18 November after the company released its half-year results covering the six months through to 30 September.

Highlights included a 20% year-on-year increase in revenue to $149.5 million.

And the company’s loan originations of $912 million were up 46% on the prior corresponding period, with Plenti reporting a closing loan portfolio of $2.83 billion, up 24%.

On the bottom line, the ASX All Ords stock achieved a 133% year-on-year increase in cash net profit after tax (NPAT) to $12.8 million.

The company highlighted that it had successfully delivered on Horizon 1 – “GROW by doing what we do but better” – of its breakout growth strategy, and said it remains on track for a $3 billion loan portfolio by March 2026

“Plenti delivered an exceptional first half, underpinned by continued operational execution and the compounding effect of our technology-led model,” Plenti CEO Adam Bennett said on the day.

Why Moelis is bullish on the outlook for Plenti shares

Commenting on their buy rating on the ASX All Ords stock, Moelis said, “Outlook remains positive as Horizon 2 provides the next leg of growth medium-term.”

The broker added:

PLT flagged maintenance of its 2Q26 loan origination rate would see its $3.0bn loan book target achieved in 4Q26, a modest upgrade on previous guidance. The company also expect acceleration of origination growth into Horizon 2, while keeping cost to net margin below 57%, driving meaningful cash NPAT.

Moelis noted Plenti’s half-year results confirm Plenti “are executing strongly, with several initiatives we expect to continue strong loan origination growth going forward”.

According to the broker:

Management can balance NIM [net interest margin] through pricing levers plus its diversified funding mix (ABS, warehouse, retail platform). Accelerated loan book growth, below average credit losses and a step-change in growth medium-term from Horizon 2 could provide upside to our estimates.

Connecting the dots, Moelis retained its buy rating on the ASX All Ords stock with a $1.87 price target.

That’s 45% above current levels.

The post This ASX All Ords stock has more than doubled investors’ money since January. Here’s why it’s tipped to surge another 45%! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are ASX ETFs the new vehicle for easy dividend investing?
• Mesoblast shares: Bull vs. bear
• 3 defensive ASX ETFs for a rocky 2026
• This 8% ASX dividend stock pays cash every single month
• Why Morgans is bullish on these ASX tech shares

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

Dividend investing has fundamentally changed for ASX investors.

We can no longer blindly rely on the ASX 200 banks and miners to line our pockets with generous payouts.

Cameron Gleeson from Betashares says this is why Australian dividend investors are turning to high-yield ASX ETFs.

Here are three ASX ETFs tailored for dividend investing.

Keen on dividend investing? Here are 3 ASX ETF options

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

VHY is the largest ASX ETF for dividend investing on the market. It pays dividends quarterly.

This ETF aims to track the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index before fees.

This entails investments in 75 companies, 73% of which are large caps, with real estate investment trusts (REITs) excluded.

VHY ETF’s top holdings are currently BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares at 10%, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) 9%, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) 7%, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) 7%, and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) at 6%.

Since inception in May 2011, VHY ETF has delivered an average annual net total return of 9.69%.

The annual management fee is 0.25%.

Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)

Betashares launched this dividend-investing-focused ETF in August. It pays dividends monthly.

The HYLD ETF seeks to track the returns of the S&P/ASX 200 High Yield Select Index before fees.

This involves 50 companies. HYLD ETF’s top holdings are currently Westpac shares at 11%, ANZ at 11%, NAB at 10%, BHP at 10%, and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) at 5%.

Betashares explains HYLD’s unique offering:

HYLD seeks to improve on traditional high-dividend strategies by aiming to screen out potential ‘dividend traps’ such as companies projected to pay unsustainably high dividend yields, as well as companies that exhibit high levels of volatility relative to their forecast dividend payout.

A dividend trap is a share with an unsustainably high dividend yield. It usually occurs because the share price has declined.

Obviously, there is no long-term performance data on HLYD ETF because it’s only been trading on the ASX for a few months.

But the index that it tracks (S&P/ASX 200 High Yield Select Index) has delivered an average annual total return of 12.64% over five years.

The management fee is 0.25% per year.

Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX)

The YMAX ETF pays dividends quarterly while also trying to generate reasonable capital growth.

YMAX doesn’t track an index. Instead, it invests in the top 20 ASX shares and sells covered call options on up to 100% of its shares to generate additional income from the option premiums.

YMAX’s largest holdings are CBA shares 18%, BHP 13%, NAB 8%, Westpac 8%, and ANZ 7%.

Since inception in November 2012, YMAX ETF has delivered an average annual net total return of 6.52%.

The management fee and expenses are 0.64% of the ETF’s net asset value (NAV) per annum.

The post Are ASX ETFs the new vehicle for easy dividend investing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for income investors to buy in December
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• Is the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY) a buy for passive income?
• Unlock the Australian average salary by investing for passive income

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares are trading for $2.64, down 2.94% on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in the green today, up 0.34% at the time of writing.

The allogeneic cellular medicines developer held its annual general meeting and provided quarterly sales guidance earlier this week.

Mesoblast expects significantly higher second-quarter sales revenue due to rising demand for its flagship medicine, Ryoncil.

Ryoncil treats steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease (SR-aGvHD) in pediatric patients of two months and older.

It’s the first FDA-approved mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy in the market.

The FDA approved Ryoncil in December 2024, and Mesoblast released it to commercial clinics in late March this year.

The FDA also gave Ryoncil orphan-drug exclusive approval.

That means the FDA will not approve any other MSC therapies for SR-aGvHD for at least seven years.

An orphan drug is a treatment for rare diseases, which are defined as affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationwide in the US.

For 2Q FY26, Mesoblast expects gross revenue of more than US$30 million from Ryoncil sales, up 37% from 1Q FY26.

This month, two experts have presented their case for buying and selling the ASX biotech stock.

Let’s hear them out.

Bull case for Mesoblast shares

On The Bull this week, Nathan Lodge from Securities Vault revealed a buy rating on Mesoblast shares.

Lodge explains:

This regeneration therapy company offers growth momentum.

Mesoblast’s lead product Ryoncil achieved meaningful revenue growth and now benefits from favourable reimbursement codes in the United States.

The company holds a strong cash position of about $US145 million and offers flexibility via a $US50 million convertible note facility to fund the next growth phase.

Company commercialisation is progressing and MSB has generated a pipeline of depth.

Bear case for ASX biotech share

On The Bull last week, Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory put a sell rating on Mesoblast shares.

Wielandt said:

The company has been successful with its Ryoncil product since approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in late 2024.

I acknowledge research and development requires a lot of spending, but MSB has undertaken numerous capital raisings during its journey amid attracting short interest, where investors bet the share price will fall.

The share price can be volatile and has fallen from $3.35 on January 2 to trade at $2.305 on November 13.

I prefer more stable stocks.

ASIC’s latest short position report shows that professional traders have short positions on 7% of the Mesoblast shares on issue today.

The post Mesoblast shares: Bull vs. bear appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Leading analysts name 3 ASX 200 titans to buy today
• Mesoblast shares push higher on strong sales update
• Should you buy Mesoblast, Paladin Energy, and Xero shares?
• Brokers say Mesoblast, NAB, and Pilbara Minerals shares are sells

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Mesoblast. 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.

With markets wobbling on concerns about stretched valuations, slowing global growth, and lingering inflation pressures, many investors are beginning to rethink their allocations heading into 2026.

And while nobody can predict what the next 12 months will bring, this is potentially a market where defence could matter just as much as growth.

The good news is that you don’t need to overhaul your entire portfolio to reduce risk. A handful of carefully chosen defensive ASX ETFs can help stabilise returns, smooth out volatility, and add resilience during uncertain periods.

Here are three defensive ASX ETFs that could help investors navigate a choppy year ahead.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF has characteristics that make it more resilient than many global indices. Australia’s market is dominated by banks, supermarkets, telcos and major resource companies, there are sectors that generate steady cash flows and, in many cases, pay fully franked dividends.

Holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), all of which tend to hold up better than high-growth tech stocks when markets turn volatile.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF won’t eliminate downside risk, but for investors wanting core stability and income during turbulent periods, it remains one of the most reliable foundations on the ASX.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

The consumer staples sector has long been regarded as a safe harbour for investors. People still buy groceries, household essentials, and personal care products regardless of what the economy is doing.

This is why the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF is often considered one of the most defensive ETFs out there.

Its holdings include some of the most dependable companies on the planet, such as Walmart (NYSE: WMT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and L’Oréal (FRA: LOR). These businesses have strong brands, pricing power, and customer loyalty, making their earnings far more stable than companies tied to discretionary spending.

If 2026 turns out to be a slower, more unpredictable year for markets, the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF offers exactly the kind of balance that many portfolios may need.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF focuses on stocks with exceptional cash generation, which is a critical defence mechanism in uncertain economic conditions.

The fund selects global businesses with high free cash flow yields and strong balance sheets. Current holdings include Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Visa (NYSE: V). They all have the ability to self-fund growth, weather downturns, and avoid heavy borrowing when credit conditions tighten.

Cash flow isn’t exciting, but it is one of the best predictors of long-term resilience. This ASX ETF was recently named as one to consider buying by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 defensive ASX ETFs for a rocky 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Visa, Walmart, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group and iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, BHP Group, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s easy to find a good dividend-paying stock on the ASX that hands out cash to its investors. But most of these only pay out every 6 or 12 months.

Finding a dividend stock that pays out money every month is a lot harder to pin down.

I’ve written before about how the BetaShares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) is a great monthly-paying stock. It has a decent upside, too. Even the Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8) and its regular payments are an ASX investor’s dream.

But there is also another monthly-paying dividend stock I have my eye on right now.

Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT)

The Metrics Master Income Trust is a listed investment trust (LIT). It doesn’t invest in a portfolio of other ASX dividend shares, but instead it has a portfolio of corporate loans and private credit investments. 

This means it is able to give its investors the advantage of direct exposure to the Australian corporate loan market. This is a space currently dominated by Australia’s regulated banks. The LIT is able to offer diversity-seeking investors an alternative investment that prioritises income stability and pays out dividends on a monthly basis.

What does the ASX dividend stock pay out?

Metrics Master Income Trust targets a return of the Reserve Bank cash rate plus 3.25% p.a. (net of fees) through the economic cycle. Distributions are paid monthly, although there is also a distribution reinvestment plan (DRP), which allows unit holders to reinvest monthly income distributions.

The ASX dividend stock’s latest payout was 1.27 cents per share in October, paid on 10 November. That means that over the past 12 months, the Metrics Master Income Trust has paid out 12 dividends that total 16 cents per share (unfranked). At the time of writing, this gives the LIT a dividend yield of 8.03%.

Its next ex-dividend date is tomorrow, 28th November, where it plans to hand out 1.24 cents per share, payable on the 8th of December. 

At the time of writing, in Thursday lunchtime trade, the Metrics Master Income Trust’s shares are 0.38% higher at $1.9625 a piece. Over the past month, the shares have climbed 1.13% but they’re still 6.12% lower than this time last year.

The LIT’s annual decline means it has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). Over the same 12-month period, the ASX 200 Index has risen 2.74%, at the time of writing.

The post This 8% ASX dividend stock pays cash every single month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Morgans is bullish on these ASX tech shares

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.

There are plenty of quality options for investors in the tech sector, but which ones could be smart additions to a portfolio now?

Let’s take a look at two ASX tech shares that Morgans has been running the rule over this week and why it is speaking positively about them:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

This sports performance technology company has caught the eye of analysts at Morgans.

The broker believes that Catapult is well-positioned to grow its revenue at a strong rate in the coming years. So much so, Morgans believes that the company is destined to become a member of the coveted Rule of 40 club by FY 2027.

In light of this, the broker has initiated coverage on this ASX tech share with a buy rating and $6.25 price target. This implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months. Commenting on its initiation, Morgans said:

Catapult Sports Ltd (CAT) is a global leader in sports performance technology that provides a comprehensive all-in-one platform for elite professional and collegiate sports. This encompasses coaching, scouting, analytics and athlete management. Initially landing with its core wearables technology, CAT has since expanded its service offering and opened up new key verticals assisting its penetration into a large addressable market of ~20k teams globally.

We forecast strong topline growth for CAT, estimating a ~20% ACV 3-year CAGR, reaching ~US$180m by FY28. A scalable platform and strong SaaS metrics should see CAT join the ‘Rule of 40’ club by FY27. We initiate coverage on Catapult Sports (CAT) with a Buy recommendation and a A$6.25 per share price target.

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL)

Another ASX tech share that Morgans has been looking at is information technology software and services provider Objective Corporation.

The broker believes that momentum is building and it is positioned for profitable growth in the coming years. It has upgraded its shares to an accumulate rating with a $20.00 price target, which suggests that upside of 11% is possible from current levels. It said:

OCL’s recent investor day showcased the group’s product, strategy & the broader opportunity that sits across its solutions. OCL’s vision and direction is in our view clearer now vs. its inaugural event 2 years ago. We believe momentum across the business continues to build, which sees OCL well placed to deliver profitable growth in coming years. In light of the recent share price pull back, we move to an ACCUMULATE rating, with a revised PT of $20.00/sh.

The post Why Morgans is bullish on these ASX tech shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Catapult, Kingsgate, Light & Wonder, and Reece shares are storming higher today
• Is this ASX tech stock ready to be the next global success story?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

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