The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed marginally to start the week, sending several ASX shares to fresh 52-week highs. 

This included: 

• Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) rose almost 3% to hit new highs of $71.53. 
• Korvest Ltd (ASX: KOV) climbed 1.5% to hit fresh highs of $17.07. 
• Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) rose nearly 4% to finish at $24.12. 

When ASX shares rise significantly in a short period, holders obviously enjoy quick profits. 

However it can make it difficult for prospective investors to pull the trigger due to fears of buying at the peak. 

Here is what was driving the strong performance for these ASX shares and what experts are anticipating in the next 12 months. 

Mineral Resources hits new highs 

Mineral Resources is a leading mining services company with a portfolio of mining operations across multiple commodities, including iron ore and lithium.

Its share price is now up almost 200% in the last year. 

Much of this growth has come on the back of improved lithium sentiment. 

After a brutal downturn that crushed lithium prices across 2024 and 2025, the market has started to anticipate a recovery in battery material demand as electric vehicle sales continue growing globally.

Because Mineral Resources owns significant lithium exposure through the Wodgina and Mt Marion operations, investors are increasingly viewing the company as a leveraged play on any improvement in lithium prices.

Additionally, the company recently delivered a strong quarterly update, with volumes across iron ore, lithium, and mining services all exceeding the broker’s expectations.

However now sitting at just over $71 per share, it appears these ASX shares are fully valued. 

Ord Minnett recently placed a $67 price target on the stock, while Morgans recently placed fair value at $71. 

Korvest hits yearly highs

Korvest manufactures electrical and cable support systems, steel fabrication and provides associated metal treatment and galvanising services.

It is up an impressive 67% in the last 12 months. 

It has benefited during this span from optimism around Australia’s infrastructure, mining, and energy-transition spending cycle.

However, in a similar vein to Mineral Resources, experts see limited further upside. 

Analysts forecasts are hovering around $17.30, right around its current share price. 

Sims could be a buy

Sims is a global leader in metal and electronics recycling. The company provides a crucial circular economy service that reduces the need for new metals and electronics.

Its share price hit fresh yearly highs yesterday, and is now up 61% in the last year. 

As Mark Verhoeven reported last week, it could be poised to benefit from rising demand for recycled metals driven by EVs, renewable energy infrastructure, and data centre growth.

Recent results show strong earnings momentum, with higher profits and improving margins across its key recycling and lifecycle services businesses, particularly in North America. This suggests both cyclical recovery and better operational execution.

Looking ahead, growth is supported by continued demand for non-ferrous metals, expansion in US recycling operations, and strong tailwinds from IT asset disposal linked to AI-driven data centre expansion.

The post Are these ASX shares a buy, hold or sell after hitting fresh 52-week highs? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX stock could be a surprise winner as metal recycling demand surges
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Ventia, Sigma, and Mineral Resources shares
• Why Technology One, Megaport and Mineral Resources shares are turning heads on Tuesday
• Up 167% in a year, here’s why this ASX 200 lithium stock is rising again

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

Not all gold miners are created equal. 

The gold price may be the headline driver of sector returns, but operational execution, cost discipline, and balance sheet strength ultimately separate the winners from the rest. 

Over the past twelve months, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has demonstrated all three with impressive consistency.

The performance gap

Evolution Mining shares have risen approximately 40% over the past twelve months, comfortably outpacing the ASX 200’s gain over the same period. 

That outperformance is even more striking when viewed against the backdrop of a sector that has been far from uniformly positive. 

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) issued two production guidance downgrades in FY2026, sending its shares sharply lower.

Against that backdrop, Evolution’s consistent delivery has made it stand out as one of the most reliable large-cap gold miner on the ASX in 2026.

What is driving it

The March 2026 quarter update told the story clearly. 

Evolution delivered record group cash flow of $406 million and moved to a net cash position for the first time in the company’s history, ending the quarter with net cash of $69 million after repaying all borrowings. 

Gold production came in at 181,533 ounces for the quarter, on track to meet full-year guidance of 710,000 to 780,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of A$1,640 to A$1,760 per ounce. 

At the current gold price of approximately A$4,900 per ounce, that AISC guidance implies margins of more than A$3,100 per ounce, which is among the strongest in Evolution’s history. 

The board also approved new capital investments at Cowal, Ernest Henry, and Northparkes during the quarter, reinvesting in organic growth from internally generated cash flow rather than relying on debt or equity dilution. 

In its ASX release, Evolution CEO Lawrie Conway said: 

Our record cash generation in the March quarter reflects the quality of our asset base and the team’s continued focus on operational excellence. Moving to a net cash position is a significant milestone and provides us with the financial strength to continue investing in our operations and delivering value for shareholders.

The resource base is growing

Beyond the near-term operational numbers, Evolution’s annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement, released in May 2026, revealed that Group Mineral Resources have grown to 31 million ounces of gold and 4.2 million tonnes of copper.

Contained gold was up 3% year-on-year led by strong additions at Cowal and Northparkes. 

That growing resource base underpins Evolution’s ability to sustain and grow production well beyond the current mine plan, a quality that long-term investors should value highly.

Furthermore, Evolution’s copper by-product from Ernest Henry, which contributes meaningfully to the company’s AISC calculation, is benefiting from the same copper price surge that is driving excitement across the broader mining sector.

Foolish takeaway

Evolution Mining may not be the flashiest gold stock on the ASX. 

But is able to consistently demonstrate operational reliability, a growing resource base, record cash generation, and a net cash balance sheet.

This gives management the flexibility to keep investing in growth without diluting shareholders.

In a sector where execution risk is always present, that consistency is worth paying for.

The post Why this ASX gold miner is quietly outperforming its peers in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week
• 3 ASX 200 shares crashing in this week’s rebounding market
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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 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.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares climbed 2.3% higher to $2.25 a piece, at the time of writing. The latest uptick means the stock is now down 33% for the year-to-date.

The digital financial services company has suffered a volatile start to 2026 so far, with its share price swinging anywhere between $1.45 and $3.56 a piece.

After crashing over 40% from a multi-year high late last year, Zip shares continued to consistently tumble through the first through months of 2026.

By mid-March, the stock had lost another 56% of its value. 

The tech shares then staged a u-turn and quickly climbed 57% higher in April alone. While the market was optimistic the price climb would continue, the share price softened again through March.

What caused the sharp share price selloff over the past seven months?

Zip shares have lost 31% of their value between peaking at a multi-year high in October last year and the end of 2025.

The company was caught up in a tech sector-wide sell-off and this was likely exacerbated by investors taking gains off the table after a strong share price rally.

The shares also suffered pressure from short sellers in late-2025. 

In 2026, the headwinds continued. The company’s first-half FY26 results in February missed expectations and its value crashed quickly as investors fled from their shares. 

Investors were spooked by concerns about rising competition, slowing growth and margin compression.

More recently, a softer share price is likely down to slumping sentiment. Technology and growth shares have been under pressure again this month as investors reassess valuations and risk appetite. 

Meanwhile, concerns about higher interest rates, global uncertainty, and concerns around consumer spending have all weighed on the sector.

So, if I bought $10,000 of Zip shares 12 months ago, what are they worth now?

While the share price fell quickly through early-2026, a recent rebound means the shares are still 18% higher than 12 months ago, at the time of writing.

That means that $10,000 invested in Zip shares a year ago is worth $11,800.

What’s next for Zip shares?

It looks like analysts are unanimous that Zip shares are now oversold and undervalued. 

Brokers widely expect strong upside for the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider over the next 12 months, too.

Market Index data shows that brokers have a strong buy consensus on the shares. They tip an average 70% upside to $3.83 over the next 12 months.

TradingView data shows a very similar sentiment. The data also shows a consensus buy rating and an average target price of $3.83 implies a 70% upside, at the time of writing. But others are even more bullish and are tipping the shares to soar another 140% to $5.40 each.

Why are Zip shares expected to fly higher?

Zip’s financial results have been robust over the past few quarters. Its latest third-quarter FY26 results announcement in mid-April showed that growth has started to accelerate.

Zip reported a 22.4% year-on-year increase in its total translation volume (TTV). The company also confirmed a 20.2% increase in total income, a higher operating margin of 19.4% and confirmed it has grown its active customer base by another 3.5%.

The fintech business also upgraded its FY26 group cash EBTDA guidance to at least $260 million, from previous guidance of around $248.6 million.

The company is aggressively expanding in the US too. Its US transaction volume is forecast to rise over 40% in FY26. Meanwhile group operating margins are expected to remain above 18%.

Zip is also pursuing a dual sharemarket listing on the Nasdaq in the US. This could also help to drive even opportunity for business expansion in the area.

The post $10,000 invested in Zip shares 12 months ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Why Brightstar, Catapult Sports, IperionX, and Zip shares are charging higher
• Why Zip, Contact Energy and Northern Star shares are making headlines on Thursday
• Buying Zip shares? Here’s why the ASX BNPL stock is rocketing higher today
• Down 55%: Should I buy Zip 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.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have both been hit hard.

Xero shares are down around 60% from their high, while WiseTech Global Ltd shares are down almost 70% from their high.

Falls that large can make investors nervous, but they can also create opportunity when the underlying businesses remain strong.

I rate both of these ASX tech shares highly. In fact, I would be happy to own both in a long-term portfolio. But if I had to choose only one today, this becomes a much harder decision.

Why I like Xero shares

Xero is one of the best software businesses on the ASX in my view.

The company started with accounting software, but I think the bigger opportunity is becoming a broader financial operating system for small businesses.

Small business owners need help with invoicing, payroll, payments, tax, reporting, cash flow, and financial decision-making. Xero sits close to those daily workflows, which can make the platform very sticky once customers rely on it.

The US opportunity is a key reason I rate Xero highly. It will not be easy, given the competitive landscape, but even modest success in that market could add meaningfully to the company’s long-term growth runway.

The risk is valuation and execution. Xero still needs to keep growing, improving margins, and proving it can win outside its strongest markets.

But I think the share price fall has made a high-quality software business look very attractive.

Why I like WiseTech shares

WiseTech is also a world-class ASX technology share.

Its CargoWise platform is used in complex global logistics and freight forwarding workflows. This is not light, optional software. Global trade involves documentation, customs, compliance, routing, pricing, transport, and endless exceptions.

That complexity is why I like the business. When software becomes deeply embedded in a customer’s operations, it can be difficult to replace. WiseTech has built a strong position in a specialised industry where domain knowledge is very important.

I also think AI could be genuinely useful for WiseTech. Logistics still involves a lot of manual data entry, document checking, compliance work, and exception handling. If AI agents can reduce some of that workload, WiseTech’s platform could become even more valuable to customers.

The acquisition of e2open also gives WiseTech a broader opportunity across trade, supply, demand, and connected supply chain networks. That adds complexity, but it also expands the possible prize.

Which would I buy?

This is close, because I think both businesses have strong long-term potential.

But if I had to buy only one today, I would choose WiseTech.

The main reason is the combination of share price weakness and embedded industry position. A fall of almost 70% from its high is not something to ignore, and there are clearly risks around execution, integration, valuation, and investor confidence.

But I think WiseTech’s role in global trade software is extremely hard to replicate. The business operates in a complex market, serves mission-critical workflows, and has a practical AI opportunity that could help customers save time and reduce errors.

Xero remains a share I would happily buy as well. Its small business platform opportunity is excellent. But at today’s prices, WiseTech edges ahead for me because the risk/reward looks slightly more compelling.

Foolish takeaway

This is not a case of one good ASX tech share and one bad one.

I think Xero and WiseTech are both high-quality businesses with long growth runways. Both could be much larger in a decade if management executes well.

But if I had to make the difficult choice today, I would buy WiseTech first. The sell-off has been severe, the business remains deeply embedded in global logistics, and the AI opportunity looks directly tied to real customer pain points. 

For patient investors, I think that makes it the more compelling buy right now.

The post Xero shares vs WiseTech shares: Which ASX tech share would I buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I would buy these world-class ASX shares for an SMSF
• Why I’d buy DroneShield, CSL, and WiseTech shares right now
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• How to turn $500 a month into $500,000 with ASX shares
• Experts name 2 ASX growth shares to buy this week

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.

At a time when inflation is higher and there has been a shift in the taxation system, I think it could be a good idea to look at ASX dividend shares as a way to build a second income.

I’m building a second income myself, and I’m focusing on businesses I believe can provide pleasing and growing payouts.

Rising payouts are appealing because we don’t need to invest as much to achieve passive income growth.

The below two are among my favourites for investing in dividend-paying businesses.  

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

I’d call this business the king of dividend payments in Australia. It has increased its payout every year since 1998, which is the longest growth streak on the ASX.

It has been listed on the ASX for more than 120 years and it has paid a dividend in every one of those years, including through the wars, global pandemics, recessions and so on.

The investment conglomerate has a diversified investment portfolio across a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, energy, swimming schools, agriculture, water entitlements, industrial properties, and plenty more.

Soul Patts is a single company, but it has a variety of assets, so it’s not reliant on one area.

The business has grown its dividend at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% over the last five years, which is an excellent pace of improvement.

On top of that, the company’s portfolio value has steadily increased over the years as its existing investments grow organically and it regularly makes new investments.

As the cash flow from its portfolio grows, it can fund larger dividend payments. In the FY26 half-year result, it reported cash flow growth of 15.4% to $334 million, funding a 9.1% increase of the interim dividend.

Its latest two half-year dividends come to a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.6%, including franking credits.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

The other ASX dividend share I really want to highlight as an option for a second income is MFF, which is best known as a listed investment company (LIC) that focuses on international shares.

MFF aims to invest in competitively advantaged businesses that have strong economic moats, great profit growth potential and are priced attractively. Its portfolio has performed and I think the US blue-chips it owns are very appealing options.

But, the LIC can provide good diversification with a single investment – we don’t need to monitor the entire share market.

MFF has committed to raising the passive income payments for shareholders, which I think makes it an appealing option for passive income.

The ASX dividend share expects to grow its FY26 annual dividend by 23.5% – that’s a great increase, in my opinion.

At the time of writing, it offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 6%, including franking credits. I think this is a great time to invest for the long-term and for a second income.

The post Don’t want to rely on your wage? Build a second income with these ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX industrials stock SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) has been attracting broker attention recently after the company’s investor day last week. 

SGH is a leading Australian diversified operating and investment Group with market leading businesses and investments in Industrial Services, Energy and Media sectors. 

The company has seen its share price slip almost 12% year to date, however brokers are anticipating a recovery throughout the next 12 months. 

What did the company report at its investor day?

According to the release, FY26 EBIT growth is expected to be within the range of low to mid single-digit. 

The company also reported HY26 EBIT up 22% on 2H FY25.

Bell Potter noted that the company also plans to generate $100m in benefits from AI initiatives over FY26–27.

The company also aims to grow earnings steadily over time, maintain strong returns on investments, and eventually increase its market value to $30bn and join the ASX50.

Management remains positive on long-term demand from Australian infrastructure spending, mining growth, ageing mining equipment needing maintenance, and stronger gas and LNG markets. 

Other updates included a new property development joint venture for Boral, plans for better equipment utilisation at Coates, and continued focus on improving Boral’s profit margins.

Bell Potter slightly lowered its earnings forecasts for SGH because it now expects weaker revenue growth and margins across some divisions.

Updated targets from Bell Potter

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter lowered its price target to $50.00 (previously $56.00). 

However, from yesterday’s closing price of $41.30, this indicates roughly 21% upside. 

We view SGH’s market valuation as undemanding. SGH has articulated a robust medium and long-term valuation creation framework at its FY26 Investor Day, underpinned by reasonable operational targets. Any forthcoming M&A activity would likely be well received by the market.

It’s worth noting that Bell Potter isn’t the only broker with a positive outlook for this ASX industrials stock. 

The team at Macquarie increased its price target on SGH shares to $50.40 following the investor day. 

Macquarie said while macroeconomic conditions remained complex, SGH’s execution remains strong, “and Boral likely continues to support the majority of near-term growth”.

Additionally, RBC Capital Markets also recently released a report on SGH, with a price target of $47.

These targets all indicate an upside hovering around 20% for this ASX industrials stock. 

The post This ASX industrials stock could be set to race 20% higher: Expert 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 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.

After getting hammered in the wake of the Federal Budget release, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have staged a strong comeback.

If you own the big four S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock, you’ll likely remember the 10.4% share price crash suffered on 13 May.

That historic selling pressure followed CBA’s own March quarter (Q3 FY 2026) update, which coincided with numerous analyst forecasts of the potential negative impacts the Federal budget could have on CommBank’s loan book.

But since market close on 13 May, CBA shares have gained 7.11%, closing on Monday trading for $164.60 apiece.

For some context, the ASX 200 has gained 0.71% over this same period.

And looking ahead, Investor Pulse’s Mark Elzayed believes that Australia’s biggest bank could continue to outshine the wider market (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy CBA shares today?

“CBA remains Australia’s dominant retail bank,” Elzayed noted.

Citing the first reason you might want to buy CBA shares today, he said, “The recent sharp sell-off has created a more attractive entry point for long term investors.”

Indeed, despite the sizeable rebound since the recent closing low on 13 May, CBA shares remain down 5% over the past 12 months. And shares in the ASX 200 bank stock are still down 14% since hitting their all-time closing highs of $191.40 apiece on 25 June.

But, as Elzayed, noted, profits are still rolling in.

“The bank generated unaudited cash net profit after tax of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4% on the prior corresponding period,” he said, citing the second reason he’s bullish on the big four bank.

As for the third reason the bank stock could outperform, Elzayed said, “Lending and deposits continued to grow despite a softer economic backdrop.”

At its recent Q3 results, CBA reported:

Home loan new funding remained strong with $45 billion funded in the quarter. For the 12 months to March 2026, home loan balances grew $41 billion at 1.0x system, while household deposits grew $38 billion at 1.1x system.

Which brings us to the fourth reason you may wish to buy CBA shares today, namely the bank’s solid risk profile and reliable passive income.

“CBA also maintains strong capital levels and recently paid a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share for the first half of fiscal year 2026,” Elzayed said.

Summing up his bullish outlook on CommBank shares, he concluded, “The shares fell heavily following housing concerns flowing from the Federal Budget. We see scope for a recovery once sentiment stabilises.”

The post 4 reasons to buy CBA shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

A self-managed super fund (SMSF) can have a very long investment horizon.

That is why I think quality should sit at the centre of the portfolio.

Three ASX shares I think could suit that role are named in this article.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is an ASX healthcare share I would be happy to own in an SMSF.

The company is a global leader in sleep apnoea treatment and connected respiratory care. Its devices help patients start therapy, while masks, accessories, software, and data tools support ongoing treatment.

I like that model for a long-term portfolio. The initial device sale is only part of the story. Patients often need replacement masks, cushions, tubing, and other supplies. That creates a recurring element that can support high margins and long-term earnings growth.

The sleep health market also remains underpenetrated. Many people with sleep apnoea have not been diagnosed or treated, which gives ResMed a long runway if awareness and testing continue to improve.

There are risks from competition and new treatment options, but I think ResMed’s brand, scale, and patient ecosystem remain valuable.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another world-class business I would consider for an SMSF.

This ASX share provides cloud accounting and financial software for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers.

What I like is that Xero can become part of the operation of a small business. Invoicing, payroll, payments, tax, reporting, and cash flow are not occasional tasks. They are central to how a business runs.

That gives the platform a strong position if it continues improving.

Xero also has a large international opportunity. Australia and New Zealand are strong markets, but the UK and US could provide a much longer runway if management executes well.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could add another growth engine. Small business owners often spend too much time on admin. If Xero can automate more of that work, its software could become even more valuable.

For an SMSF, I think Xero offers exposure to a global software business with many years of growth still ahead.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group would give an SMSF a very different type of world-class exposure.

It is not a traditional Australian bank. Macquarie has operations across asset management, commodities and global markets, banking, financial services, and investment banking.

That variety is one reason I like it. The group can benefit from infrastructure investment, energy transition, commodities volatility, private markets, capital flows, and specialist financing.

Earnings can be uneven from year to year. That is part of owning a business exposed to markets and investment activity.

But over long periods, Macquarie has shown an impressive ability to adapt and find attractive areas to deploy capital.

I think that adaptability is valuable for an SMSF with a long horizon.

Foolish Takeaway

An SMSF portfolio does not need to be filled with only defensive assets. I think there is room for high-quality growth shares that can compound over many years.

ResMed, Xero, and Macquarie share one useful trait: they have built strong positions that would be difficult for competitors to copy quickly.

That is the kind of business I would want working inside a super portfolio for the long term.

The post I would buy these world-class ASX shares for an SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The ASX has no shortage of companies with strong long-term growth outlooks.

But which ones could be buys this week?

Let’s take a look at two ASX growth shares with bright prospects that could be worth considering for a balanced portfolio. They are as follows:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group has become one of the ASX’s most important property businesses, but it is no ordinary landlord.

It owns, develops, and manages high-quality logistics and industrial assets in major markets around the world. These are the types of properties that sit at the centre of modern supply chains, ecommerce networks, and data-heavy economies.

What makes Goodman attractive is the way its business has evolved. It is not just collecting rent from warehouses. It is using its global platform, development expertise, and landbank to meet demand from some of the world’s largest companies.

That includes customers looking for well-located logistics space close to major cities, ports, and transport corridors. It also includes growing demand for data centre infrastructure, which has become a major opportunity as artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive huge requirements for power and capacity.

For patient investors, Goodman’s combination of global scale, scarce assets, and exposure to structural demand could keep it relevant for many years.

Life360 (ASX: 360)

Another ASX growth share that could be a top long-term buy is family safety and location technology company Life360.

Its app helps people stay connected through location sharing, driving safety features, emergency support, and other family-focused services. That kind of engagement is important. A software platform becomes far more valuable when it is part of a regular routine rather than something customers use only occasionally.

The company has also been improving the way it turns its large user base into revenue. Subscription products, advertising, and connected device opportunities all give Life360 multiple paths for growth.

There is also a network effect element. The product becomes more useful when more family members and close contacts are on it. That can make it harder for competitors to displace, provided Life360 continues to invest in trust, safety, and product quality.

Like many ASX growth shares, Life360’s share price can be volatile. Expectations can move quickly when investors are paying for future earnings rather than today’s profits.

Even so, the company has a large addressable market and a clear consumer use case. If management keeps executing successfully, Life360 could remain one of the ASX’s standout technology stories.

The post 2 ASX growth shares that could be long-term winners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Starting to invest in ASX shares can seem harder than it needs to be.

There are thousands of companies, daily market moves, broker opinions, dividend forecasts, interest rate headlines, and economic data points.

But I think the best starting point is much simpler.

A beginner does not need to know everything on day one. The goal is to build a sensible process, buy quality assets, and let time do some of the heavy lifting.

Start with the purpose

The first question I would ask is: What am I investing for?

Some investors want long-term growth. Others want passive income. Some want a mix of both.

That answer can shape the types of ASX shares that make sense.

For long-term growth, I would focus on companies with strong market positions and room to expand. For income, I would look for businesses with reliable earnings and dividends that appear sustainable.

A beginner could also use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to get started, but individual ASX shares can play an important role if chosen carefully.

Keep the first few choices simple

When starting out, I think it is worth looking at businesses that are easy to understand.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is one example. The group owns brands that reach across everyday Australian spending, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline. It also has exposure to industrial earnings and lithium through Mt Holland.

That mix gives investors exposure to several parts of the economy in one company.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is another ASX share I think beginners could understand quickly. Mobile and internet services are part of daily life, giving the company a defensive advantage. The dividend can also appeal to investors wanting income.

For healthcare exposure, ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) could be worth considering. It is a global sleep health business with devices, masks, accessories, and software. I like that it has a recurring revenue element because patients often need replacement products over time.

Do not try to be perfect

One of the biggest mistakes beginners can make is waiting for the perfect entry point. The market rarely makes things obvious.

If prices fall, investors worry they will fall further. If prices rise, investors worry they have missed the opportunity.

That is why I recommend investing gradually. A beginner might invest a set amount each month or quarter. This reduces the pressure of trying to time the market and helps build the habit of investing.

Focus on quality and patience

The ASX will always have speculative shares promising huge upside.

Some will succeed, but many (or most) will disappoint.

For a beginner, I think quality should come first. That means strong brands, useful products, recurring revenue, healthy balance sheets, and management teams with a record of execution.

The returns may not be exciting every month. But over many years, owning better businesses can make a huge difference.

Foolish Takeaway

Starting in 2026 requires a first step and a plan that is easy to keep following.

I think beginners can do well by starting with understandable businesses, investing gradually, and giving compounding time to work.

There will be corrections, bad headlines, and moments when cash feels safer. That is part of the journey.

But the investors who keep buying quality through those periods give themselves a real chance of building wealth over time.

The post How to start investing in ASX shares in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares
• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell now
• Buy, hold, sell: Wesfarmers, Telstra, CBA shares
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Telstra and Woodside shares
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett and load up on cheap ASX shares

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