Category: Stock Market

I believe ASX growth shares have excellent potential to deliver long-term returns because of their ability to compound earnings at a strong rate.

I’m going to highlight three investments I expect big things from over the next three to five years, which I’d happily invest $20,000 in.

Below are two of the ASX’s leading growth companies and one compelling exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster is one of the leading online retailers in Australia, selling hundreds of thousands of homewares and furniture through its website. A significant portion of the items are shipped straight from the supplier, reducing the need for the company to hold inventory and warehouse space – it creates a capital-light model for the business.

The company is growing rapidly and this is steadily giving it stronger scale benefits. Plus, it’s deploying technology and AI throughout its business, which is helping with costs and boosting customer conversion.

During this period of weaker consumer conditions, the ASX growth share is focused on increasing profitability. It expects to approximately double its operating profit (EBITDA) in FY27, even if trading conditions are challenging.

Over the longer-term, I expect rising e-commerce adoption in Australia can help the company increase its market share further. I’m also hopeful that the home improvement segment can continue growing in size and become a significant contributor in the coming years – home improvement revenue rose 46% in HY26 off a small base.

According to the projections on Commsec, the ASX growth share could grow its earnings per share (EPS) by around 160% between FY26 and FY28, with it trading at 32x FY28’s estimated earnings at the time of writing.

Global X S&P World Ex Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GARP)

This is an ETF focused on finding quality growing businesses at a reasonable price, with solid financial strength. There are 250 international businesses in this portfolio that demonstrate ‘GARP’ characteristics – it offers good diversification across countries and sectors.

There are three boxes that stocks need to pick. First, they must demonstrate growth with both sales and earnings. Second, they should be good value on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio basis. Third, they must be quality in terms of low debt levels a high return on equity (ROE).

This high-quality fund has an annual management cost of just 0.3%. Impressively, it has delivered an average return per year of 17.5% since inception in September 2024. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G)

Plenty of funds managers go through ups and downs, which can give investors buying opportunities. L1 is a highly respected funds management business with a compelling future with a number of high-performing funds.

Some of its funds like L1 Global Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: GLS) have a strong track record for delivering returns, which is a very powerful tailwind for growth of funds under management (FUM) and management fees. The great returns also help attract more FUM.

The ASX growth share has highlighted a number of other factors that could help earnings rise in the coming years such as joint ventures, acquiring other fund managers and launching more strategies.

Additionally, the business is working on unlocking synergies from the Platinum acquisition.

According to the projection on Commsec, the ASX growth share is valued at 23x FY27’s estimated earnings and is forecast to grow earnings per share (EPS) by 25.5% in FY27.

The post Where I’d invest $20,000 into ASX growth shares right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares near 52-week lows I’d buy today
• How should I invest my money in FY27?
• The currency-hedged ASX ETFs magnifying dividends by up to 10x this season
• Own FANG, WIRE or SEMI ETF? Global X just revealed your next dividend
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in 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.

The ASX is home to thousands of potential investments, though the biggest companies get the most attention. The smaller ASX shares could actually be some of the most compelling investments to own right now.

It’s quite easy to underestimate how much of a difference compounding can make to a company’s financial progress and what that can do for shareholders.

Fund managers from the listed investment company (LIC) WAM Active Ltd (ASX: WAA) have revealed two compelling ideas. WAM Active looks for mispriced opportunities in the Australian market.

Impressively, the WAM Active portfolio has returned an average of 14.4% per year since inception in January 2008, before fees, expenses and taxes. That shows the investment team are adept at picking ideas. Let’s look at the two names that WAM highlighted.

Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS)

WAM described Solstice Minerals as a copper-gold exploration company advancing its Nanadie Project in Western Australia.

Last month, the company released updated drilling results from its first diamond drilling program. This confirmed the mineralised system extends to a depth of more than 600 metres and remains open at depth.

The fund manager also noted the ASX share’s drilling showed mineralisation continues well below the existing resource, which highlights the potential for the deposit to grow.

WAM said these results build on earlier drilling and continue to demonstrate the scale and continuity of the system.

The investment team concluded that the project currently hosts a 40.4 million tonnes mineral resource estimate and WAM believes the latest results highlight the potential for the resource to grow as drilling continues.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The other ASX share that WAM highlighted in the WAM Active portfolio was Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, a national provider of electrical, instrumentation and communications services. It also has growing exposure to data centres, infrastructure and electrification projects.

The fund manager noted that, last month, the company upgraded its earnings guidance and strengthened its balance sheet with a capital raising to support further growth.

WAM also said that the ASX share secured more than $150 million of new projects, including work linked to data centre construction.

With that update, Southern Cross Electrical Engineering upgraded its guidance for FY26 underlying operating profit (EBITDA) to at least $75 million, while introducing FY27 EBITDA guidance of at least $100 million.

WAM concluded:               

We believe the company is well positioned to continue growing earnings, supported by demand for data centre capacity and broader electrification trends, with the strengthened balance sheet providing flexibility to pursue further growth opportunities.

The post Leading fund manager reveals 2 exciting ASX shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Beach Energy, Ioneer, Solstice Minerals, and Transurban shares are pushing higher today
• How is this $1.2 billion ASX All Ords share rocketing 17% in Tuesday’s sinking market?
• Why Clinuvel, Elevra Lithium, Regis Resources, and SCEE shares are racing higher today
• Bell Potter says this ASX stock could rise 35%

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares finished last week on a strong note, climbing 2.5% on Friday to close at $58.28.

The ASX mining giant has eased around 4% over the past month, but the bigger picture remains impressive. BHP shares have surged 28% year to date and are up 54% over the past 12 months.

So, after such a powerful rally, should investors still be buying BHP shares in FY27?

What’s driving BHP higher?

BHP shares have ridden a powerful wave of investor enthusiasm for the mining sector, but it hasn’t just been lucky. The company has benefited from an 18% jump in copper prices and a 7% rise in iron ore prices, giving earnings a meaningful boost.

And while BHP remains one of the world’s biggest iron ore miners, it’s increasingly becoming a copper powerhouse. Copper has become the star of the show as demand continues to grow thanks to electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and expanding electricity networks.

The metal reached a record high of US$6.60 per pound in May, highlighting just how tight the market has become. That shift matters. During the first half of FY26, copper contributed more than half of BHP’s underlying EBITDA, underlining the company’s growing exposure to one of the world’s most sought-after commodities.

Strong operations, cost blowout

Operationally, the news has also been encouraging. In its third-quarter FY26 update, BHP said strong production from its flagship Escondida mine in Chile and Antamina mine in Peru meant full-year group production was expected to finish at the upper end of guidance.

Earlier this year, BHP secured a US$4.3 billion upfront payment through a long-term silver streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals. The deal strengthened the balance sheet while allowing BHP to unlock value from future silver production at Antamina.

Not everything has gone according to plan for BHP shares, however.

On the downside, the company’s Jansen Stage 2 potash project in Canada suffered a sizeable cost blowout. Management of BHP shares now expects the project to cost US$6.9 billion, up from an earlier estimate of US$4.9 billion.

What do the experts think?

Broker sentiment is mixed on BHP shares, although few analysts appear outright bearish.

Morgan Stanley remains one of the most optimistic, retaining its overweight rating and $67.50 price target. That points to a potential 16% upside.

The broker believes recent weakness reflects little more than profit-taking after a strong rally and sees the pullback as a buying opportunity, particularly given its positive outlook for copper.

However, hold remains the dominant rating across the market.

Morgans recently reiterated its hold recommendation while increasing its 12-month target to $59.80.

Meanwhile, Bank of America Corp (NYSE: BAC) maintained its hold rating but lowered its target to $65. CitiGroup Inc (NYSE: C) and Jefferies also kept hold recommendations while trimming their respective price targets to $63 and $65.

Foolish takeaway

BHP enters FY27 in a strong position, supported by rising copper exposure, healthy operations, and a robust balance sheet.

While the easy gains may already be behind investors after the stock’s exceptional run, brokers generally expect BHP to remain well placed if copper prices stay elevated.

For long-term investors seeking exposure to high-quality mining assets, BHP shares continue to make a compelling case.

The post Should you buy BHP shares FY27? Here’s what experts are saying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Do you want to earn passive income from your superannuation? Here’s a guide to get you started
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• VAS vs. VHY: Which is the better ASX ETF for retirement?
• How much must I invest in BHP shares to earn a $1,000 passive income in 2027?
• 3 ASX mining shares to buy now: experts

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose 2.77% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 7% in FY26.    

Here, John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities shares his insights on three ASX 200 shares (courtesy The Bull). 

Are they a buy, hold, or sell in the new financial year? 

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The TechnologyOne share price dropped 28% in FY26 to close out the year at $29.47.

ASX 200 tech shares were smashed between late August through to 30 March this year.

Since then, tech shares have recovered almost 20% while TechnologyOne stock has lifted 16%.

Athanasiou has a buy rating on TechnologyOne shares, commenting:

This technology company holds an embedded position in enterprise resource planning software across government, education and the corporate sector.

The business benefits from long duration contracts, expensive switching costs and a highly recurring revenue base underpinning strong earnings visibility.

The company has consistently delivered double-digit earnings growth, while maintaining disciplined cost control.

While the valuation remains elevated, it’s broadly supported by earnings visibility and structural digitisation tailwinds.

In a market favouring predictable cashflows and defensiveness, TechnologyOne remains a core long duration compounder.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price tumbled 29% in FY26 amid a broader healthcare sector rout. 

However, the ASX 200 healthcare share has been recovering ahead of its peers since hitting a 52-week low of $107.75 in February.

Pro Medicus shares are up 82% since that trough. The broader sector did not turn until 3 June but is rapidly rising.

Athanasiou explained his hold rating on Pro Medicus shares:

Pro Medicus remains a premium healthcare technology compounder with a dominant position in US medical imaging software.

The company exhibits strong operating leverage, minimal churn and structurally high returns on capital.

However, valuation is the binding constraint.

The market already embeds sustained high growth over an extended horizon, reducing the margin of safety.

PME remains a high quality hold, with upside dependent on continuing US market expansion and incremental large scale contract wins.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price soared 275% to close out FY26 at $5.02. 

PLS Group has reaped the rewards of strongly rebounding lithium prices over the past 12 months.  

Athanasiou has a sell rating on the ASX 200 lithium share, explaining:

PLS is a leading Australian lithium producer. Lithium remains structurally linked to electrification, but near term fundamentals are challenged by expanding supplies.

While PLS asset quality remains strong, earnings are highly leveraged to spot prices, generating volatility through the cycle.

Balance sheet strength provides a buffer, but doesn’t offset cyclical earnings pressure.

PLS remains a high risk recovery trade dependent on the timing of lithium re-balancing, with limited near term visibility.

The post Buy, hold, sell: TechnologyOne, Pro Medicus, PLS Group shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX All Ords shares that ripped 200% to 400% in FY26
• 10 fantastic ASX shares to buy for FY27
• 9 ASX 200 shares with reiterated buy calls this week
• Why I’d buy and hold ResMed and TechnologyOne shares with $5,000
• Top 5 ASX 200 lithium shares of FY26

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 Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Superannuation is not just a savings vehicle.

For investors who understand how to use it, it is one of the most tax-effective passive income generators available in the Australian financial system.

Earnings inside super during the accumulation phase are taxed at just 15%, compared to marginal rates outside super that can exceed 45%.

In retirement, those earnings become completely tax-free.

That tax advantage, compounded over decades, is what turns ordinary dividend income into extraordinary retirement wealth.

Start with what you actually own inside superannuation

Most Australians sit in a default balanced or growth fund option and have no clear picture of what they actually own.

The first step toward generating passive income from super is understanding your current investment mix and whether it is oriented toward income-producing assets.

Furthermore, the concessional contributions cap just rose to $32,500 from 1 July 2026. This has given investors more room to build a passive income portfolio inside this tax-advantaged structure.

Every additional dollar contributed at the 15% concessional rate rather than at a higher marginal rate is a dollar compounding more effectively toward retirement income.

Here are three ASX stocks known for their ability to generate passive income.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia: the fully franked income anchor

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is the most widely held stock inside Australian superannuation funds for a straightforward reason.

CBA pays a fully franked dividend, expected at approximately $5.15 per share in FY26.

For a super fund in accumulation phase taxed at 15%, the 30% franking credit attached to CBA’s dividend generates an additional net refund. This effectively lifts the after-tax yield above the headline figure.

At the current share price of approximately $169, CBA’s fully franked dividend implies a grossed-up yield of approximately 4.4%.

Inside super, that turns into one of the most tax-effective income stream available from any large-cap ASX stock.

What’s more, CBA has grown its dividend every year since 2021, giving investors a passive income stream that grows consistently each year.

Betashares Australia 200 ETF: instant diversification at the lowest possible cost

For investors who want broad exposure to Australia’s dividend economy without picking individual stocks, the Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) is the most cost-efficient option available.

A200 charges a management fee of just 0.04% per annum. This is the lowest among Australian share ETFs. Furthermore, the ETF pays quarterly distributions with 85.14% franking.

That quarterly income, combined with partial franking credits, gives super fund investors regular cash flow that compounds more frequently than the twice-yearly dividends paid by most individual ASX stocks.

The underlying index has returned approximately 8.53% per annum including dividends since inception.

For investors starting out with passive income investing inside super, A200 is the simplest and most effective starting point available.

BHP: commodity income with a structural growth tailwind

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) adds a third dimension: commodity income with a strong structural growth story behind it.

The company pays fully franked dividends twice per year. Specifically, BHP pays a trailing twelve-month dividend of approximately $1.96 per share, implying a yield of approximately 3.36% at the current share price of $58.28.

For the first time in BHP’s 136-year history, copper earnings exceeded iron ore contributions in the first half of FY26. This was driven by AI data centre construction, electric vehicle adoption, and grid infrastructure investment.

This structural tailwind supports the earnings that fund BHP’s dividend, giving superannuation fund income investors a defensible long-term outlook.

Foolish takeaway

Passive income from superannuation is the natural result of investing in quality, income-producing assets inside a structure that taxes earnings at 15% rather than your marginal rate.

CBA provides the fully franked income anchor. A200 provides the low-cost diversification with quarterly distributions. BHP provides the commodity income growth tailwind.

Together, they form the foundation of a portfolio that compounds into meaningful passive income over a superannuation career.

The post Do you want to earn passive income from your superannuation? Here’s a guide to get you started appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy BHP shares FY27? Here’s what experts are saying
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• If I invest $10,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• VAS vs. VHY: Which is the better ASX ETF for retirement?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $50k per year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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.

It’s pay day for iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) investors!

And anyone else who owns iShares ETFs, for that matter.

BlackRock is paying its next lot of distributions (dividends) for all of its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) today.

There are some mega payouts this dividend season, including six ASX ETFs paying a 10%-plus dividend yield in a single hit.

Currency-hedging has also magnified returns by up to 10x in some cases.

For example, iShares Global 100 (Currency-hedged) ETF (ASX: IHOO) will pay investors $10.82 per unit.

Its unhedged counterpart, iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO), will pay $1.82 per unit.

iShares ASX ETF dividends

Here is an abridged list of the finalised distributions that iShares ETF investors will receive today.

ASX ETF	Distribution
iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)	25 cents per unit
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)	23 cents per unit
iShares S&P 500 (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: IHVV)	270 cents per unit
iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)	182 cents per unit
iShares Global 100 (Currency-hedged) ETF (ASX: IHOO)	1082 cents per unit
iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC)	29 cents per unit
iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO)	17 cents per unit
iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)	720 cents per unit
iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP)	209 cents per unit
iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: ALTB)	104 cents per unit
iShares Core Cash ETF (ASX: BILL)	34 cents per unit
iShares Core FTSE Global Infrastructure (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: GLIN)	133 cents per unit
iShares Core FTSE Global Property Ex Australia (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: GLPR)	85 cents per unit
iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF)	76 cents per unit
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)	1,399 cents per unit
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (ASX: IVE)	308 cents per unit
iShares 20+ Year US Treasury Bond (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: ULTB)	212 cents per unit
iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD)	11 cents per unit
iShares Government Inflation ETF (ASX: ILB)	70 cents per unit
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 ETF (ASX: ITEK)	202 cents per unit
iShares Enhanced Cash ETF (ASX: ISEC)	29 cents per unit
iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR)	82 cents per unit
iShares S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ASX: IJH)	21 cents per unit
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)	126 cents per unit
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)	154 cents per unit
iShares S&P China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ)	45 cents per unit
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM)	75 cents per unit
iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)	196 cents per unit

 

The post ASX IVV and other iShares ETFs are paying dividends today! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to go from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares
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• SpaceX will be included in the Nasdaq index this week. Here’s what that means for ASX investors
• The currency-hedged ASX ETFs magnifying dividends by up to 10x this season
• Own ASX IVV or other iShares ETFs? Here is your next dividend

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in iShares S&P 500 Aud Hedged ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) finished up 0.47% at 9,003.7 points.

On Friday afternoon, Morgans updated its ratings on three ASX All Ords shares.

Let’s take a look.

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

The Minerals 260 share price closed at 62 cents, up 3.3% on Friday and up a whopping 425% over 12 months.

Minerals 260 is building one of Australia’s largest near-term gold mines, Bullabulling, in Western Australia.

The miner updated the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and released the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the project this week.

The MRE increased a sizeable 38% to 190Mt at 1.0g/t Au for 6.2Moz.

On Friday, Morgans maintained its buy recommendation with a 12-month target of $1.38 target.

This suggests potential upside of 120% over the next 12 months.

The broker said:

MI6 has released its maiden Ore Reserve and PFS, confirming Bullabulling as one of Australia’s premier undeveloped gold projects.

The study outlines ~150kozpa production over the first decade, a 43% IRR, A$2.3bn NPV and a two-year payback period.

Importantly, the PFS was completed largely on the previous 4.5Moz resource base, with the upgraded 6.2Moz MRE providing scope for further reserve growth, mine plan optimisation and increased scale through the DFS.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The Adairs share price closed at $1.49, down 2.9% today and down 31% over 12 months.

Morgans downgraded Adairs shares from a buy rating to an accumulate recommendation on Friday.

The broker has a 12-month target of $1.70, suggesting 14% potential upside from here.

Morgans said:

ADH provided a FY26 trading update, with Adairs performing ahead of expectations, Mocka largely in line, but ongoing weakness in Focus on Furniture continues to weigh on group earnings.

Group EBIT is expected to be down ~1.3%.

Given the ongoing weakness in Focus on Furniture and the extended remediation time required, the group intends to recognise an impairment charge of $62-28m ($56-60m after tax). This will be excluded from underlying earnings.

We have made downward revisions to our earnings in FY26/27/28.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

The James Hardie share price closed at $35.05, up 0.6% today and down 17% over 12 months.

Morgans downgraded James Hardie shares to a trim rating on Friday.

The broker lowered its 12-month price target from $39 to $36.

This suggests a potential 3% upside in the new financial year.

The broker said:

The JHX share price is up 25% in three months, leaving the business trading on a PER (NTM) of 22x, back towards the pre-AZEK average multiple of 21x. JHX has FY27 guidance in the market for EBITDA growth 4-8% – an achievable ambition.

However, by Sep-26 investor attention will turn to 2028 earnings expectations, and with Consensus factoring in +22% EPS growth we see downside.

It is our expectation that any US housing recovery will progressively be pushed into FY29/30, with JHX eking out mid to high single digit growth over the medium term.

Given JHX is trading back at its average multiple, despite the AZEK acquisition, and combined with the potential downside revisions to consensus forecasts, we are moving to a Trim rating with a $36.00/sh price target.

The post Buy, hold, sell: James Hardie, Adairs, Minerals 260 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX mining shares that could more than double in value in FY27: experts
• This oversold ASX gold developer could more than double: Broker
• Which ASX 200 sectors paid the highest dividend yields in FY26?
• BHP shares may not double in 12 months but this ASX mining share could
• Are Adairs shares a buy, hold or sell after their trading update?

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 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.

Once a week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which ASX shares are being targeted by short sellers.

That’s because I believe it is worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, listed below are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC.

The top ten most shorted ASX shares

• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) continues its run as Australia’s most shorted share with short interest of 22.8%. The ASX uranium developer suspended its shares last month while it prepares an update on its Kayelekera Project. Lotus shares are due to return to trade on 16 July.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease again to 13.9%. Short sellers are betting heavily against the pizza chain operator’s turnaround plans.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has short interest of 11.9%, which is down slightly since last week. Short sellers have been targeting the counter-drone technology company after it revealed an ASIC investigation into some announcements and insider share sales.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11.9%, which is down slightly since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has seen its short interest ease since announcing the successful outcome of a Type B meeting with the US FDA.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 11.8%, which is down week on week again. There are concerns over this uranium miner’s production outlook. An update is due by the end of August.
• 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) has seen its short interest rebound to 11.5%. This medical technology company’s shares trade on sky-high multiples. It appears that short sellers believe this valuation is excessive.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has 11.4% of its shares held short, which is flat week on week. Short sellers may be expecting the travel agent giant’s near term performance to be negatively impacted by the Middle East conflict.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has 11.4% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Short sellers appear to be betting against the uranium bull market.
• CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR) has short interest of 11.3%, which is down since last week. This may be due to fears that higher interest rates could slow the growth of the automotive market and listing volumes.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest ease to 10.9%. The wine giant, which owns the Penfolds brand, is facing tough trading conditions because of the cost of living crisis.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 energy shares rebound after US-Iran peace deal falls apart
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Up 1,636%, but can 4DMedical shares reclaim their record high?
• 9 ASX 200 shares with reiterated buy calls this week

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a strong session and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to 8,806 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a positive start to the week following a solid session on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 43 points or 0.5% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.3%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.4%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.3% higher.

Oil prices ease

ASX 200 energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a subdued start to the week after oil prices eased on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 0.95% to US$71.41 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.4% to US$76.01 a barrel. This couldn’t stop oil prices from recording a decent weekly gain amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Buy Mesoblast shares

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares could be in the buy zone according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has essentially upgraded the biotechnology company’s shares to a buy rating (from speculative buy) with a $4.45 price target. This is almost double its current share price. It said: “MSB is expected to commence submission of the various modules of the Biological Licence Application for Rexlemestrocel-L in heart failure and commence recruitment of the adult study in GvHD (for Ryoncil). We expect MSB will also engage in preliminary discussions with distributors for Rexlemestrocel-L in the chronic lower back pain indication, ahead of the phase 3 readout in mid CY27. Investment thesis: TP $4.45 (unchanged) There are no changes to earnings and we retain our $4.45 target price and Buy rating. As MSB is generating strong revenue growth the Speculative risk rating is no longer warranted.”

Gold price falls

It could be a soft start to the week for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price softened on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 0.65% to US$4,113.7 an ounce. Increased interest rate hike bets have been weighing on the precious metal.

Buy Aroa shares

Bell Potter also sees major upside in Aroa Biosurgery Ltd (ASX: ARX) shares at current levels. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating and $1.09 price target on the biotechnology company’s shares. It commented: “Beyond the clinical readouts, 2H CY26 should bring further clarity on the reimbursement environment. Key watchpoints should include the final PFS and OPPS rules following CMS’s proposal to retain the current flat-rate methodology for CY27, while any revised DFU/VLU LCDs could further raise the evidence threshold and narrow the reimbursable product set.”

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares finished last week on a disappointing note, falling 2% on Friday to close at $122.89.

The decline interrupted what had been an impressive recovery, with the ASX healthcare stock climbing 24% over the past month.

Even so, it’s important to keep that rally in perspective. CSL shares remain down around 29% year to date and have lost roughly half their value over the past 12 months.

So, is this just a short-lived bounce, or could the recovery have further to run?

Why are CSL shares recovering?

After one of the steepest sell-offs in the company’s history, investors appear to have concluded that much of the bad news is already reflected in the share price.

CSL spent decades earning a reputation as one of the ASX’s highest-quality businesses, consistently delivering earnings growth and rewarding long-term shareholders. Its leadership in plasma-derived therapies and strong global footprint made it a favourite among growth investors.

That narrative unravelled for CSL shares over the past year.

A series of earnings downgrades, leadership changes, and approximately US$5 billion in non-cash impairments related to the CSL Vifor acquisition severely damaged investor confidence and sent the shares tumbling.

However, bargain hunters have started returning as the valuation became increasingly difficult to ignore.

Competitive advantages remain

Importantly, the fundamentals of the business remain intact. CSL is still the world’s second-largest plasma-derived therapies company, operating in a highly regulated industry with significant barriers to entry.

Its global plasma collection network, manufacturing expertise, and long-standing customer relationships continue to provide competitive advantages that are difficult for rivals to replicate.

While earnings growth has slowed, the business is still expanding.

Management expects FY26 revenue of around US$15.2 billion and underlying net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) of approximately US$3.1 billion on a constant currency basis.

The biggest challenge for CSL shares remains its US immunoglobulin business within CSL Behring, where competitive pressures continue to weigh on margins and growth expectations.

What do the brokers think?

Broker sentiment has become more balanced as CSL shares recover, although opinions differ on just how much upside remains.

Morgans is among the more optimistic brokers. It has a buy recommendation and a price target of $147.59, implying meaningful upside from current levels.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is more cautious. The broker has a neutral rating and a $114 price target, citing uncertainty surrounding CSL’s core plasma and albumin businesses, as well as ongoing competitive pressures.

According to TradingView data, analyst sentiment remains mixed. Of the 18 analysts covering CSL, 10 have a hold recommendation, while the remaining eight rate the healthcare giant as either a buy or strong buy.

The consensus price target sits at $140.15, suggesting around 14% upside over the next 12 months.

Forecasts vary widely, however. The most bearish analyst expects CSL shares to fall to around $104.55, while the most bullish believes they could climb as high as $199.68.

The post Where could CSL shares go next? Here’s what brokers are predicting appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.