Category: Stock Market

Some investments are exciting because of what might happen over the next year.

Others are interesting because of what could happen over the next decade.

But the very best businesses often share a different characteristic. They are the types of companies investors can buy, hold, and largely forget about while the business quietly keeps growing in the background.

These are usually companies with competitive advantages, strong management teams, and the ability to adapt as the world changes.

If I were looking for Australian stocks that could potentially be held for decades rather than years, three that immediately come to mind are in this article.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

One reason Wesfarmers stands out as a long-term holding is its ability to evolve.

Over the decades, the company has owned everything from coal mines to fertiliser businesses to hardware stores. Yet management has consistently shown a willingness to reshape the portfolio when better opportunities appear.

Today the group is anchored by high-quality retail businesses such as Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks. These are brands with strong market positions and significant scale advantages in their categories.

What makes the company particularly compelling is its disciplined capital allocation. Wesfarmers has a long history of selling businesses when the price is right and reinvesting that capital into new growth opportunities.

That flexibility has allowed the company to keep reinventing itself while continuing to generate attractive returns for shareholders.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is another Australian stock that has built a reputation for long-term value creation.

Unlike traditional banks, Macquarie operates across a wide range of financial services including asset management, infrastructure investment, commodities trading, and advisory.

What sets the business apart is its global reach. A large portion of Macquarie’s earnings are generated outside Australia, which gives it exposure to infrastructure, energy, and capital markets opportunities around the world.

Another key strength is its culture of identifying emerging investment themes early. Over the years, the company has built major businesses in areas such as infrastructure funds, renewable energy investment, and commodities trading.

That ability to evolve with global markets has helped Macquarie grow from a relatively small Australian investment bank into one of the most influential financial institutions in the world.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne represents a very different type of business but shares one crucial trait with the others: longevity.

The company develops enterprise software used by governments, universities, and large organisations. These systems manage critical functions such as finance, payroll, and operations.

Once these platforms are embedded, they tend to stay in place for many years because switching software systems can be expensive and disruptive.

TechnologyOne has spent years transitioning its business toward a cloud-based software model, which provides annual recurring revenue and stronger long-term customer relationships.

As more organisations migrate their systems to the cloud, the company continues to expand both its customer base and its recurring revenue streams.

That combination of sticky customers and predictable income is one reason the business has delivered consistent growth over many years.

Foolish takeaway

Buying and holding shares for decades requires confidence that a business can adapt, grow, and remain relevant over time.

Wesfarmers, Macquarie Group, and TechnologyOne operate in very different industries, but each has demonstrated an ability to evolve while continuing to deliver strong results.

No company is guaranteed to succeed forever. But I think businesses with competitive advantages, strong leadership, and long-term growth opportunities often give investors the best chance of building wealth over many years.

The post The ideal Australian stocks to buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates
• 3 reasons why the Wesfarmers share price is a buy
• Should I invest $2,000 in the VAS ETF?
• New to investing? Start with ASX ETFs and quality ASX stocks
• Where I’d invest $10,000 in ASX 200 blue-chip shares right now

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

It has been a volatile start to the year for Australian shares.

The ASX has already delivered a mix of strong performers and sharp pullbacks. Some sectors look fully valued, while others have become more attractive after recent weakness.

If I had $5,000 to put to work for the remainder of 2026, I’d be thinking about spreading it across a few businesses with different growth drivers rather than relying on a single idea.

Here’s where I’d be looking.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is a business I rate highly. Its core focus on sleep apnoea and respiratory care gives it exposure to a large and growing global market. Demand is being supported by ageing populations, rising awareness of sleep health, and increasing diagnosis rates.

There have been concerns around newer weight-loss drugs and their potential impact on demand. But management has made it clear that these treatments are unlikely to eliminate the need for sleep therapy.

What stands out to me is how consistently the company has executed over time. It continues to invest in digital health platforms, expand its product range, and grow its global footprint.

After a period of share price weakness, I think this Australian share offers a compelling long-term growth opportunity.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is one of the clearest beneficiaries of a structural shift in financial services.

More Australians are moving toward platform-based investing and seeking professional financial advice. That trend has been driving strong inflows for high-quality providers.

Netwealth has built a reputation for its technology, user experience, and ability to attract advisers. As funds under administration continue to grow, the business benefits from operating leverage, which supports earnings growth.

The opportunity here isn’t about a single year. It’s about a long runway as the wealth management industry continues to evolve. For the rest of 2026 and beyond, I think it remains well positioned to keep taking market share.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville offers something a little different. It’s a consumer brand with global ambitions.

The company has built a strong position in premium kitchen appliances, particularly in coffee machines. But the real story is its expansion into international markets.

North America and Europe continue to present significant growth opportunities, and Breville has been steadily building brand recognition outside Australia, especially in the coffee vertical.

There may be some short-term pressures from costs and global trade dynamics, but the long-term opportunity looks intact.

If execution continues, I think Breville has the potential to deliver solid growth over the coming years.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

No Australian portfolio feels complete without some exposure to mining.

BHP offers that exposure, but with a clear tilt toward future-facing commodities. Copper is now its largest earnings contributor, and demand for the metal is expected to grow as electrification and renewable energy investment accelerate.

On top of that, its Jansen potash project in Canada adds another long-term growth driver. Potash demand is linked to global food production, which is a structural trend that should play out over decades.

BHP also provides income through dividends, which can help smooth returns during more volatile periods.

While commodity prices will always move in cycles, I think BHP remains a strong core holding.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA is one of those businesses that quietly dominates its market.

Its realestate.com.au platform is deeply embedded in Australia’s property ecosystem. Agents rely on it, buyers use it, and vendors ultimately fund it through listing fees.

Even when property markets slow, REA has historically found ways to grow through pricing, premium products, and increased engagement.

It’s a high-quality, high-margin business with a strong competitive position. While this Australian share is rarely cheap, I think it’s the type of company that can keep compounding over long periods.

Foolish takeaway

There’s no single perfect way to invest $5,000. But spreading it across a mix of high-quality businesses with different growth drivers can help balance risk while still providing strong upside potential.

ResMed offers global healthcare growth, Netwealth is benefiting from structural industry shifts, Breville brings international consumer expansion, BHP provides resources exposure, and REA adds a dominant digital platform.

The post Where to invest $5,000 in Australian shares for the rest of 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• $10,000 invested in BHP shares 5 years ago is now worth…
• 3 things about BHP stock every smart investor knows
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and Woodside shares
• Life360 and two ASX 200 shares for smart investors to buy
• Should you buy the dip on ASX mining shares?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and ResMed. 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.

With plenty of volatility in global markets over the last few weeks, many investors may decide to shift some of their portfolio focus. 

One option is to look for exposure to more defensive shares.

However another option is to start focussing on passive income rather than growth. 

In volatile markets, prices swing unpredictably. If you’re focused on growth, your returns depend heavily on when you buy and sell.

With income investing:

• You’re paid regardless of short-term price movements
• You don’t need to sell assets in a downturn to generate cash. 

For example, if markets drop 20%, a growth investor may decide to sell at a loss.

A dividend investor can live off distributions and wait it out.

It’s important to note that volatility doesn’t mean you suddenly shift your entire portfolio. 

However, allocating some exposure to passive income may be worthwhile. 

One way to do this is through diversified dividend ASX ETFs. 

Here are three to consider. 

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

This ASX ETF is one of the most popular passive income generating funds. 

It seeks to track the return of the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index. 

Essentially, it targets stocks that have higher forecast dividends relative to other ASX-listed companies. 

Security diversification is achieved by restricting the proportion invested in any one industry to 40% of the total ETF and 10% for any one company. 

Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITS) are excluded from the index.

It currently provides a dividend yield of approximately 4%, paid quarterly. 

Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)

HVST ETF aims to provide franked income that exceeds the net income yield of the broad Australian sharemarket on an annual basis, along with exposure to a diversified portfolio of Australian shares.

The ETF’s share portfolio is generally selected from the largest 100 Australian shares on the ASX, screened for high dividend and franking outcomes based upon expected future gross dividend payments.

The share portfolio is rebalanced approximately every three months, with the aim of including the shares that are expected, within the next rebalance period, to provide the highest gross yield outcomes.

It pays distributions monthly, and has a 12 month gross distribution yield of 7.0%. 

iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ETF (ASX: IHD)

This ASX ETF includes roughly 50 ASX listed stocks that offer high dividend yields while meeting diversification, profitability and tradability requirements as well as being screened for sustainability considerations.

It also tracks an S&P/ASX ESG benchmark. 

According to iShares, it has a 12 month trailing yield of 4.32%. 

Distributions are paid quarterly. 

The post 3 of the best dividend ASX ETFs right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. 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 have long been one of the ASX’s most popular options in the mining sector.

With its exposure to iron ore, copper, and other key commodities, the mining giant has delivered strong returns for investors over the past two and a half decades during favourable market conditions.

But just how well have BHP shares performed over the past five years? Let’s take a closer look.

$10,000 invested in BHP shares in 2021

If you had invested $10,000 into BHP shares five years ago when they were trading at $39.98, you would have been able to buy approximately 250 shares.

Fast forward to today, and BHP shares are trading at $49.73.

This means your original investment would now be worth around $12,432 based on share price growth alone.

But that’s only part of the story.

Don’t forget the dividends

One of BHP’s biggest attractions is its dividend payments. The Big Australian generates significant free cash flow from its low-cost operations. This has underpinned some very generous dividends to shareholders.

For example, over the past five years (and including next week’s payout), the company has paid a total of $14.92 per share in dividends.

For an investor holding 250 shares, that would amount to $3,730 in dividend income over the period.

When you combine both capital growth and dividends, the total value of the investment rises to approximately $16,162.

That represents a gain of just over 61% on the original $10,000 investment.

It is also worth noting that this does not include the potential benefits of reinvesting dividends, which could have boosted returns even further through compounding. Nor does it account for any of the franking credits that come from its dividends.

In addition, it is worth highlighting that BHP shares have pulled back 16% from their record-high since war broke out in the Middle East, so the returns were even greater just a couple of weeks ago.

Overall, this highlights how a combination of steady share price appreciation and strong dividend payments can deliver solid long-term returns.

And with BHP’s exposure to commodities such as copper, which is expected to play a key role in electrification and renewable energy, the miner could continue to be an important option for long-term investors.

Here’s hoping the next five years will be equally successful for BHP’s shares.

The post $10,000 invested in BHP shares 5 years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where to invest $5,000 in Australian shares for the rest of 2026
• 3 things about BHP stock every smart investor knows
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and Woodside shares
• Should you buy the dip on ASX mining shares?
• Rio Tinto shares charge higher on big copper news

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.

It doesn’t always feel like it in the moment, but some of the best opportunities in the share market tend to appear after periods of weakness.

While parts of the ASX have held up well this year, a number of high-quality ASX 200 shares have been sold down heavily. In some cases, that weakness looks more sentiment-driven than fundamental.

That’s why I think the setup for a rebound in 2026 is starting to build.

If the mood shifts even slightly and investors begin rotating back into the technology sector, there are a couple of ASX 200 shares that I think could move quickly.

Here are two I’d be watching closely when the bulls return.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech has gone from market darling to heavily sold-off growth stock in a relatively short period of time.

Concerns around slowing growth, management and board issues, business model changes, and broader fears about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption have all weighed on sentiment. That has pushed the share price down significantly from its highs.

But when I look at the business itself, I still see a company with a powerful long-term opportunity.

Its CargoWise platform sits at the centre of global logistics operations. These are mission-critical systems that customers rely on every day, which makes them incredibly sticky.

On top of that, the company continues to expand its product offering, integrate acquisitions like e2open, and evolve its commercial model. These initiatives are expected to support stronger growth over time.

There are still risks in the near term, and volatility wouldn’t surprise me. But after such a large pullback, I think the risk-reward profile is becoming more attractive.

If sentiment improves, WiseTech could be one of the first to rebound.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another high-quality ASX 200 share that has lost some of its shine in the current environment.

Like many tech names, its shares have been under pressure as investors reassess valuations and growth expectations in the age of AI. But the underlying business continues to move forward.

Xero remains one of the leading cloud accounting platforms globally, with a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and growing traction in key international markets.

What stands out to me is the size of the opportunity ahead. Cloud accounting penetration is still well below its long-term potential in many regions, which gives Xero a long runway for growth.

At the same time, the company has been focusing on cost discipline and improving margins, which could support stronger earnings growth as scale increases.

With the share price well below previous highs, I think the current level could represent an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

And if the market starts to favour growth again, Xero could benefit significantly.

Foolish takeaway

Market sentiment can shift quickly.

The same factors that have pushed high-quality ASX 200 shares lower can reverse just as fast when the bulls return.

WiseTech Global and Xero are two businesses that I believe have been oversold relative to their long-term potential. That doesn’t mean the rebound will happen immediately, but the setup for stronger performance over the course of 2026 looks compelling to me.

The post The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy now to get ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d put $10,000 in Australian stocks right now
• 3 ASX shares tipped to race up to 188% higher
• New to investing? Start with ASX ETFs and quality ASX stocks
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have long been seen as a top pick for passive income in terms of the dividends that are provided to shareholders.

But, the ASX bank share is not particularly attractive to me at the current valuation. That’s because of two key reasons – the relatively low dividend yield and the slow growth rate.

According to the (independent) forecast on Commsec, the business is projected to pay an annual dividend per share of $5.20 on FY26 and then $5.50 per share in FY27.

At the current CBA share price, that translates into a fully franked dividend yield of 3%.

In percentage terms, the business is only expected to grow its payout by 5.7% in FY27. That’s not exactly a huge growth rate.

For me, there are other ASX dividend shares that make more sense.

WCM Quality Global Growth Fund – Active ETF (ASX: WCMQ)

CBA essentially makes all of its profit from Australia and New Zealand, which is only a small corner of the global economy. There’s not a significant growth runway for CBA because of how large the bank already is.

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) aims to give investors exposure to a global portfolio from across the world. The portfolio is invested in shares from the Americas, Europe, Asia and more. That’s excellent diversification, in my book.

The WCMQ aims to find businesses that have strengthening competitive advantages which is helping them become increasingly profitable.

The WCM investment team also want to see that the businesses have a corporate culture that fosters an improving economic moat.

The strategy has helped the fund deliver a net return of 15.1% per year to February 2026 since inception in August 2018. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, of course.

The ASX dividend share targets a distribution yield of 5% on the net asset value (NAV), which I think is a solid starting point. The distribution payout in dollar terms can grow in line with the NAV growth.

I’m planning to invest in the WCMQ ETF later this month for a combination of passive income and hopefully capital growth.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts doesn’t have a stronger dividend yield than CBA, but it does offer a couple of things that the ASX bank share can’t match.

Firstly, the dividend growth record by the ASX dividend share is truly impressive.

CBA has only increased its dividend each year since 2021, following a dividend cut in the COVID-affected year of 2020. Soul Patts has increased its regular annual dividend per share every year since 1998. That’s getting close to 30 years in a row of dividend growth!

The other reason to really like the ASX dividend share is that it has a diversified across multiple asset classes including listed businesses, private businesses, industrial property, other property and credit.

CBA is stuck being a bank, while Soul Patts already has a diversified portfolio and it has the flexibility to buy and sell assets as it sees fit to make good long-term returns.

The post Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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

This ASX lithium stock has taken a hit in 2026. Shares in Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) have been falling about 30% year to date to $3.07 at the time of writing.

The timing is awkward — it comes just as the ASX lithium stock nears entry into the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

So why the pullback? A combination of broader market volatility, investor caution in the lithium sector, and timing of project developments appears to have pressured the stock.

Yet analysts remain overwhelmingly positive on the long-term potential for the ASX lithium stock.

First lithium permit in Germany

Vulcan is a lithium and renewable energy developer focused on Europe’s growing electric vehicle market. On Tuesday the ASX lithium stock issued a release, that it received its first lithium production permit for its flagship Lionheart Project in Germany.

Lionheart produces lithium hydroxide from geothermal brine. This is a process the company says is carbon neutral — a rare feature in lithium production.

Lionheart targets annual production of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide. That’s enough to supply around 500,000 EV batteries each year, according to Vulcan.

Strategic location

The permit relates to Vulcan’s LiThermEx lithium extraction facility in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field in Germany’s Rhineland Palatinate.

The project is strategically located in Europe, close to major battery manufacturers, reducing shipping costs and geopolitical risk associated with overseas supply.

Another plus is the potential for strong long-term growth. Lithium demand is expected to rise sharply as EV adoption accelerates, and the ASX lithium stock is positioned to benefit directly.

Delays and cost overruns

That said, Vulcan is not without risks. The company is still in the development phase and has yet to achieve full commercial production. Delays or cost overruns could weigh on sentiment.

Commodity prices also matter. While lithium demand is strong, price volatility can affect revenue forecasts. And, as with any growth stock, share prices can swing sharply on news flow or broader market trends.

What next for the ASX lithium stock?

Despite recent weakness, brokers are extremely bullish on Vulcan. All currently covering the stock rate it a strong buy.

The average price target sits at $7.23, implying roughly 135% upside from current levels. The most bullish analyst sees the ASX lithium stock reaching $10.40, a 239% gain. The most conservative forecast is $5.77, still an 86% upside.

Analysts cite the combination of first-mover advantage, sustainable lithium credentials, and proximity to Europe’s battery market as reasons to stay confident in the stock.

The post This ASX lithium stock is slipping, but brokers see 135%+ gains 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 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.

It was a tough day of trading yesterday for Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) and Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) shares. 

Both companies experienced share price falls of more than 4.6%. 

Let’s take a look at what happened 

Lynas Rare Earths crashes after deal 

Lynas Rare Earths is primarily involved in the exploration, development, and processing of rare earth minerals in Australia and Malaysia.

On Monday, Lynas Rare Earths signed a major US rare earth supply deal with the United States Department of War (DoW). 

Under this arrangement, approximately US$96 million will be allocated by the DoW to the purchase of Light and Heavy Rare Earth oxide products from Lynas. The floor price for supply of NdPr oxide will be US$110/kg. 

The proposed agreement covers deliveries over a four-year period.

Despite the news, Lynas shares are now down 6% since this week’s open. 

Its share price remains up more than 60% year to date and 163% over the last 12 months. 

Yancoal hits a speedbump

Meanwhile, Yancoal shares fell 4.9% yesterday, and are also down 6% since Monday. 

The company is a coal miner involved in identifying, developing, and operating coal-related projects in Australia. 

It has a diversified mix of metallurgical and thermal coal mines. It owns, operates, or participates in 11 coal mines across NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Coal prices have been surging so far in 2026, which has helped Yancoal shares rise more than 50% year to date. 

However, coal prices (USD/T) have hit significant volatility over the past week amidst conflict in the Middle East. 

Should investors buy the dip?

Recent analysis from brokers indicates Lynas Rare Earths may now be fully valued. 

Last week, Lynas signed a major long-term supply agreement with Japan Australia Rare Earths (JARE) guaranteeing revenue of approximately $775 million. 

This prompted adjustments from brokers on the outlook for the company. 

Despite this good news, an updated price target from Bell Potter now sits at $19.00. 

From yesterday’s close of $20.02, that still indicates a downside of 5%. 

14 analysts’ forecasts via TradingView paint a similar picture, with an average one year price target of $20.89. 

This indicates the current share price is close to fair value. 

Meanwhile, Yancoal shares closed trading yesterday at $7.57 each. 

5 analysts forecasts via TradingView have a one year average price target of $7.66. 

This suggests this week’s pullback was warranted, and there is roughly 1% difference between yesterday’s close and the average price target. 

The post Should you buy Lynas Rare Earths or Yancoal shares after yesterday’s crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Rare earth stocks are tumbling today. Here’s why the Lynas share price is holding up
• Lynas Rare Earths announces US$96m US rare earth agreement
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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 rise of ASX gold shares was one of the most notable, emerging stories in 2025. 

The gold price rose to record highs, and along with it, many ASX gold shares. 

These companies also benefited from its position as a safe-haven asset.

Tariff fears, geopolitical uncertainty and global conflicts influenced investors decisions to push towards safe-haven assets like gold. 

Leading the way in 2025 were: 

• Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) rose 220%
• Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) shares climbed 206%
• Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price roared 196% 
• Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares increased 194%
• Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU), up 121%

Among the largest gold mining companies: 

• Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose by 73% in 2025.
• Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares climbed 164%
• Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares increased 152%.

What is happening in 2026?

According to Trading Economics, gold prices have climbed more than 16% year to date. 

Although the continuing conflict in the Middle East has influenced volatility.

Despite global gold prices rising, many of these red hot ASX gold shares have stumbled in 2026. 

Let’s look how the best performing shares from last year are tracking so far in 2026. 

The only one in the positive at the time of writing is Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) which is up 12.9%. 

The other four: 

• Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) down 26% 
• Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) down 7.4%
• Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) down almost 15%
• Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) has fallen 7.4%

Among the largest gold mining companies, since the start of 2026, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) is up 7% and Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) is up 3%, while Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) is down 15%. 

What does this tell us?

There’s more that influences gold miners and producers than just the global commodity price. 

Gold miners and producers are influenced not just by the global gold price but also by operational performance, including production costs, mine efficiency, and reserves. 

Exploration success and new discoveries can boost a miner’s value, while project delays or cost overruns can hurt it. 

Regulatory, environmental, and political risks in mining jurisdictions can affect production and investor confidence. 

Finally, currency fluctuations, interest rates, and investor sentiment in equity markets also play a significant role in share price movements.

Global diversity with gold ASX ETFS

For investors looking to gain exposure to gold shares, without selecting specific companies, may benefit from more diverse gold ETFs. 

These funds can spread the risk across more than just Australian gold miners. 

Some options include: 

• Etfs Metal Securities Australia – Etfs Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD) – Tracks the price of physical gold with bullion held in London vaults.
• BetaShares Global Gold Miners ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS) – comprises the largest global gold mining companies (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars.
• VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) – Provides exposure to a basket of global and Australian gold mining companies rather than the metal itself.

Alternatively, here are emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners. 

The post Which ASX gold shares have risen the most in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What are the 5 emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners?
• Should you buy the dip on ASX mining shares?
• Buy, hold, sell: Collins Foods, Liontown, and Northern Star shares

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

Yesterday, The Reserve Bank of Australia announced its second cash rate hike of the year.

The RBA announced an increase of the cash rate target by 0.25%, bringing Australia’s official interest rate to 4.10%.

The decision was largely due to rising inflation according to the board. 

Australia’s benchmark index, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) crawled roughly 0.3% higher in Tuesday’s trade following the news. 

How does the cash rate impact ASX shares?

The RBA Cash Rate plays a central role in shaping the performance of ASX-listed shares. 

When the cash rate rises, borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and consumers, which can slow economic activity and reduce company profits, often putting downward pressure on share prices. 

Higher rates also make fixed-income investments like bonds more attractive relative to equities, leading some investors to shift money out of shares. 

Conversely, when the cash rate falls, borrowing is cheaper, encouraging spending and investment, which can boost corporate earnings and generally support higher share prices. 

In this way, changes in the cash rate influence both company fundamentals and investor behavior across the ASX.

For the everyday consumer, changes in the cash rate affect how much they pay on mortgages, loans, and credit cards, influencing their spending power and overall cost of living.

While past performance does not guarantee future returns, here are ASX shares that may benefit from a higher rate environment. 

Insurance companies

Insurers can benefit from interest rate rises because they invest premiums and earn more when yields rise. 

This could be ideal for ASX shares like: 

• QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)
• Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)
• Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

All three saw share price rises yesterday on the back of the RBA announcement. 

In simple terms, higher interest rates = higher investment returns on premiums, which directly lifts insurers’ earnings.

QBE and IAG have also attracted positive analysis from brokers recently, indicating it could outperform markets in the short-term. 

Financial and cash-sensitive businesses

Two other ASX shares that could outperform due to rising interest rates are: 

• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
• Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU)

These companies directly earn more income from cash balances or client funds. 

For example, Computershare’s profits can rise significantly as interest earned on client balances increases.

Meanwhile, Macquarie Group can benefit from higher interest rates because it earns more income on its large pools of client funds and investments, while also profiting from increased margins in its lending and financial services businesses.

The company also has a long track record of generating strong profits across market cycles.

The post 5 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• IAG shares jump 12%: Buy, sell or hold?
• 3 reasons to buy QBE shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Magellan, and QBE shares
• Where I’d invest $10,000 in ASX 200 blue-chip shares right now
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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