Physical gold posted an exceptional year of gains last year, adding more than 67% in value in US dollar terms over the period.

Such a strong run might have some gold holders feeling nervous about whether it’s time to pocket their gains and look elsewhere for investment ideas, but according to MineLife director Gavin Wendt, the fundamentals for further strength in the gold price are still firmly in place.

Mr Wendt recently issued a research note looking into gold and said there are several tailwinds for the price of the precious metal, which should underpin further gains even after its “record-breaking rally” in 2025, which has seen gold double in value in less than two years.

Global uncertainty a tailwind

One of the big factors, often cited as an impetus for gold buying, is “macro uncertainty”, Mr Wendt said – and keep in mind this research note was issued before the US’ military strike on Venezuela in recent days.

As Mr Wendt wrote in his research note:

Gold has long reflected global economic and political stress, with its price typically rising during periods of heightened uncertainty. In the wake of the global financial crisis, gold surged past $1,000. During the Covid 19 pandemic, it climbed to $2,000. Then, when Trump announced tariffs in April, it surpassed the $3,000 mark. The $4,000 mark was hit during the recent prolonged US government shutdown.

Mr Wendt said global demand for gold remained strong, with World Gold Council figures showing buyer demand hit a record quarterly figure of 1313 tonnes in the third quarter of 2025.

This surge was driven by strong investment demand, including purchases via exchange-traded funds, bars and coins, as well as significant buying by central banks. ETF investors added 222 tonnes of gold holdings, marking the biggest quarterly inflow in years. Bar and coin demand remained robust at 316 tonnes. Meanwhile, central banks bought 220 tonnes, up nearly 30% from the second quarter, led by emerging markets.

Governments buying up

Mr Wendt said central banks remained a key pillar of support for the gold price, with China’s central bank buying up gold for 13 months in a row and central banks overall adding a net 53 tonnes to global central bank reserves in October alone.

China is also attempting to widen its presence in the bullion market by extending gold storage facilities to foreign banks – an offer Cambodia has already accepted, signalling Beijing sees gold as more than a reserve asset, it’s also a tool of financial influence.

Mr Wendt said despite the high gold price, supply growth “tends to be slow and relatively inelastic”, with various factors such as sovereign risk, permitting delays, and funding challenges to blame.

What we therefore see is that many cashed-up gold producers are happy to acquire existing projects to secure production growth rather than fund new projects, thus minimising risk.

Mr Wendt did not put a figure on how high he thought gold might go, but said the reasons previously mentioned “strongly suggests that this bull run has further to go”.

Downside risks include a major market sell-off, which could force investors to dump gold in order to raise cash. However, I expect the downside to be limited (to US$4,000/oz), as any weakness will likely attract renewed interest from both retail and institutional buyers.

The post Is the gold bull run over? Far from it according to this market expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Argo just locked in its key dates for 2026. Here’s what investors need to know
• Searching for the perfect retirement ETF? These two might fit the bill as monthly income providers
• Should you buy the early 2026 big dip in Northern Star shares?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 3 ASX shares for beginners to buy with $1,000 in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

Shares in Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG) are little changed on Monday after the company released a brief update to the ASX.

At the time of writing, the listed investment company (LIC)’s shares are up 0.32% to $9.15.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is slightly higher by 0.1%.

While today’s announcement is mostly administrative, it provides useful visibility for income-focused investors.

Let’s take a look at what’s ahead for the start of the year.

Key dates now locked in

According to the release, Argo confirmed the key dates tied to its half-year results and interim dividend for early 2026.

The company will release its half-year results for the period ending December 31, 2025, on Monday, February 9, 2026. That announcement will also include confirmation of the interim dividend, subject to board approval.

For shareholders, the important dividend dates are:

• Ex-dividend date: Friday, 13 February 2026

• Record date: Monday, 16 February 2026

• Last day to elect the DRP or DSSP: Tuesday, 17 February 2026

• Dividend payment date: Friday, 20 March 2026

Why this matters for income investors

Argo is widely held by investors seeking steady, tax-effective income rather than rapid capital growth. As a long-established LIC, its appeal lies in diversification, low turnover, and consistent fully-franked dividends over time.

While today’s announcement does not reveal how large the interim dividend will be, it does give shareholders a clear roadmap for early 2026. That can be very useful for retirees and self-managed super fund investors who rely on predictable income streams.

Argo’s most recent final dividend for 2025 was 20 cents per share, fully franked. Over the longer term, the company has built a strong reputation for maintaining dividends through market cycles, supported by a conservative investment approach.

A steady performer in a volatile market

The relatively muted share price reaction reflects the administrative nature of the update. There was no change to earnings guidance or portfolio positioning, and nothing unexpected for investors already familiar with Argo’s dividend pattern.

That said, the shares continue to trade at a modest premium to net tangible assets, which is common for well-regarded LICs with long dividend track records.

Foolish Takeaway

Today’s update is unlikely to shift Argo’s share price in the short term, but it reinforces the stock’s position as a dependable income option.

With key dividend dates now confirmed for early 2026, investors have greater clarity around timing, which matters for anyone planning regular income.

That helps explain why Argo continues to attract income-focused investors, even though the share price has moved little over the past year.

The post Argo just locked in its key dates for 2026. Here’s what investors need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

Retirees are often looking for companies or other entities that pay out regular, fully-franked dividends, which can supply a solid, and hopefully low-risk income stream.

Betashares recently shared its investing ideas for 2026, and among them were two exchange-traded funds (ETFs) they offer, which they say are set up to deliver just that.

So let’s have a look at the ETFs they are recommending for income investors.

Betashares Australian Enhanced Credit Income Complex ETF (ASX: ECRD)

The name of this  ETF is quite a mouthful, but to put it in simple terms, it invests in a portfolio of bonds issued by the “Big four” Australian banks and Australian investment-grade corporate bonds.

The ETF’s managers also seek to increase returns by borrowing, with its strategy in its own words, “using a combination of investors’ money and funds borrowed at institutional rates to enhance income potential, with all gearing managed within the fund and no risk of investor margin calls”.

The Betashares website goes on to say:

The gearing ratio of between 66.7% and 71.4% means that the fund’s geared exposure is anticipated to vary between about 300% and 350% of the fund’s net asset value on a given day. The fund’s portfolio exposure is actively monitored and adjusted to stay within this range.  

Betashares does warn that a geared investment might not suit everyone’s risk profile.

Gearing magnifies gains and losses and may not be a suitable strategy for all investors. Investors in geared strategies should be willing to accept higher levels of investment volatility and potentially large moves (both up and down) in the value of their investment. 

ECRD is set up to pay out dividends on a monthly basis and has a running yield of 7.68% per annum, although the fund was only set up in November, so there’s not a lot of historical data to go on.

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

This Australia-focused ETF has a monthly trailing dividend yield of 4.55%, and according to the Betashares website, a total return over the past year of 11.79% against the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s 5.47%.

HYLD provides exposure to the top 50 Australian companies, but does not aim to buy them all.

As is explained on the Betashares website:

HYLD seeks to improve on traditional high-dividend strategies by aiming to screen out potential ‘dividend traps’ such as companies projected to pay unsustainably high dividend yields, as well as companies that exhibit high levels of volatility relative to their forecast dividend payout. HYLD can be used as an investor’s core Australian shares exposure, aiming to provide higher income than the broad Australian share market, and the potential to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

The ETF’s top three holdings are ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), followed by the miners BHP Group (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO).

HYLD pays its fully-franked dividend in the first week of each month.

The post Searching for the perfect retirement ETF? These two might fit the bill as monthly income providers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

After tumbling 8.6% on Friday, the first trading day of 2026, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are in the green today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock closed on Friday trading for $24.43. In early afternoon trade today, shares are changing hands for $24.73 apiece, up 1.2%.

Despite today’s rebound, that leaves the Northern Star share price down 7.5% here on the second trading day of the new year.

Before we look at whether that makes the Aussie gold mining giant a buy today, let’s recap why investors punished the stock on Friday.

Why did Northern Star shares tumble on Friday?

Investors were reaching for their sell buttons on Friday after the gold miner reported lower than expected gold sales of around 348,000 ounces for the December quarter.

Management cited equipment failures and unplanned maintenance at production sites including Jundee, South Kalgoorlie, and Thunderbox for the reduced output.

And Northern Star shares got walloped after the miner downgraded its full year FY 2026 gold sales guidance to between 1.6 million and 1.7 million ounces, down from prior guidance of 1.7 million to 1.85 million ounces.

But did investors overreact on Friday?

Is the ASX 200 gold stock a good buy for 2026?

Despite the miner’s December production issues, I’m still bullish on Northern Star shares.

On a company specific level, on Friday the Motley Fool reported:

The company is focusing on stabilising operations, completing its plant expansion at KCGM, and recovering output at Jundee and Thunderbox. The expanded plant at KCGM is on schedule.

And even with reduced sales in FY 2026, Northern Star is booking heady profits.

The miner forecasts full year all in sustaining costs (AISC) in the range of AU$2,300 to AU$2,700 per ounce.

The spot price of gold remains near its all-time highs, currently trading for US$4,391 (AU$6,565) per ounce.

And with gold catching tailwinds from ongoing central bank buying, potential additional interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve, and rising geopolitical tensions following the US incursion into Venezuela, Northern Star could be enjoying even juicier margins in the year ahead.

Indeed, Global X forecast the gold price will reach US$5,000 per ounce in 2026. Global X said the gold price could even hit US$6,000 per ounce if global equity markets perform poorly or geopolitical tensions increase.

Ole Hansen, Saxo Bank’s head of commodity strategy, also expects we’ll see gold trade for US$5,000 per ounce in 2026.

According to Hansen:

As we head into 2026, gold is no longer just a hedge against inflation or falling rates – it is increasingly a cornerstone asset in a world defined by fragmentation, fiscal strain, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Despite Friday’s tumble, Northern Star shares remain up 58% since this time last year.

The post Should you buy the early 2026 big dip in Northern Star shares? 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.

With most brokers taking a well-earned break over the holiday period, there haven’t been many notes hitting the wires.

But don’t worry! Summarised below are three recent recommendations that remain very relevant today. Here’s what brokers are saying about these ASX shares:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts retained their outperform rating on this travel agent’s shares with an improved price target of $17.85. It noted that Flight Centre has signed an agreement to acquire the UK’s leading online cruise agency, Iglu, for 100 million British pounds. Macquarie was pleased with the move, highlighting that Iglu has a 15% share of the UK market and upwards of 75% of online bookings. It also sees the cruise industry as attractive with further acquisition opportunities. Macquarie points out that Flight Centre is leveraging its scale and balance sheet to accelerate its growth with strategic acquisitions. Outside this, Macquarie likes Flight Centre due to its belief that the company will achieve its guidance in FY 2026, which is being supported by improving consumer trends. The Flight Centre share price is trading at $14.80 this afternoon.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A note out of Ord Minnett reveals that its analysts retained their buy rating on this data centre operator’s shares with an improved price target of $20.50. The broker was pleased to see that NextDC has signed an agreement with ChatGPT’s owner OpenAI for its proposed S7 data centre in Eastern Creek, Sydney. It notes that this centre will be a hyperscale AI campus and the largest in the southern hemisphere with a capacity of 650MW. It thinks there is a lot to like from the plan and believes it could be a big boost to its valuation if it goes ahead as planned. The NextDC share price is fetching $12.30 at the time of writing.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Analysts at Citi retained their buy rating and $7.25 price target on this energy giant’s shares. According to the note, the broker believes that Santos is well-positioned for a re-rating when the oil price bottoms out. It highlights that the company is emerging from its capital expenditure cycle with stronger cash margins, rising free cash flow, and higher quality earnings. In addition, the broker expects improving returns on invested capital (ROIC) through the next decade and Santos’ gearing to normalise as the Barossa and Pikka operations ramp up. In light of this, the broker thinks now could be a good time for investors to pick up the company’s shares. The Santos share price is trading at $6.10 on Monday afternoon.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. 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 Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When you’re starting out as an investor, the aim isn’t to be clever or to chase whatever’s moving fastest. It’s about owning good businesses with clear value propositions, learning how markets behave, and building the confidence to stay invested through volatility.

With $1,000 to invest in 2026, I’d focus on ASX shares that combine easy-to-understand business models with long-term growth tailwinds, without venturing into speculative territory. Here are three ASX shares I think fit that brief particularly well for beginners.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR Group operates online automotive marketplaces across Australia and internationally, including the dominant Carsales platform.

This is a business that’s easy to understand. Dealers and consumers need an efficient way to connect, and CAR provides the leading digital marketplace to do exactly that. Its scale creates strong network effects, making it difficult for competitors to replicate.

For beginners, what stands out is the quality of earnings. Revenue is largely subscription-based and high margin, which provides resilience even when vehicle sales slow. CAR Group offers exposure to a proven digital business model without relying on untested technology or hype-driven growth.

IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG)

IPD Group is a provider of electrical solutions focused on energy management, automation, and secure connectivity. These are areas that sit at the heart of Australia’s electrification and decarbonisation journey.

While the business is less well known than some large-cap names, its role is straightforward. It supplies the infrastructure and components required to make modern energy systems work safely and efficiently. Demand for these solutions is being driven by long-term trends, not short-term cycles.

A recent acquisition of Platinum Cables strengthens IPD’s exposure to the mining and resources sector and expands its product offering in a highly specialised niche. Importantly for beginners, this growth has been achieved with limited shareholder dilution and is expected to be earnings accretive.

IPD offers newer investors exposure to industrial growth linked to electrification, without the volatility often associated with early-stage companies.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus provides enterprise medical imaging software to hospitals and healthcare systems globally through its Visage platform.

For beginners, I think this is a high-quality example of a technology business with real-world applications. Hospitals rely on imaging software every day, and once installed, Pro Medicus’ systems become deeply embedded in clinical workflows. That creates long-term contracts, high switching costs, and recurring revenue.

While Pro Medicus trades on a premium valuation, it also operates with very high margins, strong cash generation, and minimal capital requirements. In my opinion, owning a position in a business like this could be a smart move for a new investor.

The post 3 ASX shares for beginners to buy with $1,000 in 2026 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 Ipd Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Ipd Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM) share price is lower today after the company released a major update to the market.

At the time of writing, Metallium shares are swapping hands for 99 cents, down 7.04%. The sell-off comes after the metals recovery company lifted its trading halt and released details of a binding supply agreement.

So, what did Metallium exactly announce, and why are shares under pressure?

What the supply agreement includes

According to the release, Metallium confirmed it has executed a binding electronic scrap supply agreement with Glencore through its US subsidiary.

Under the deal, Glencore will supply up to 2,400 tonnes per year of shredded e-scrap to support Metallium’s US operations. The material will be used during commissioning and early commercial-scale processing using the company’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.

The agreement will run through 2026, with the potential for future extensions by mutual agreement. While pricing and some commercial terms remain confidential, the contract provides Metallium with a secured and reliable source of feedstock.

Management described the agreement as a key step in the company’s transition from commissioning to commercial operations in the United States.

Metallium Managing Director & CEO Mr Walshe said:

This is a defining moment for Metallium. Our first binding supply agreement gives us exactly what every processing technology company needs most: consistent, secure, high-quality feedstock.

Why this agreement matters

Metallium’s technology depends on having a consistent supply of suitable material. Without that, it is hard for the company to move beyond testing and into ongoing commercial processing.

This agreement helps reduce that risk. It gives the company greater confidence that its US facilities can be supplied during commissioning and early scale-up. This allows management to focus on running the operation rather than securing feedstock.

Why the share price fell

Despite the positive milestone, the market reaction has been subdued.

That is likely because the agreement does not immediately change revenue or earnings expectations. The supplied material supports commissioning and early operations, rather than full-scale production or near-term profitability.

Some investors may also have been expecting larger volumes or clearer financial guidance, which could help explain the share price reaction.

Foolish bottom line

This deal represents a solid step forward, even though it does not materially change the company’s near-term financial outlook.

I will be watching how commissioning progresses in the US and whether Metallium can convert secured feedstock into consistent commercial output. Execution, cost control, and progress toward repeatable processing will be key factors to watch in 2026.

The post This ASX stock landed a major deal. Here’s why its shares are down appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a small gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.1% to 8,734.4 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down 12% to $4.01. This may have been driven by profit-taking from investors after some very strong gains in 2025. For example, the respiratory imaging technology company’s shares are up over 700% since this time last year despite today’s pullback. The catalyst for this has been the US FDA’s approval of its CT:VQ platform. It is a CAT scan-based ventilation-perfusion software. In addition, the platform has been picked up by three of America’s leading academic medical centres since approval. This includes Stanford, University of Miami, and Cleveland Clinic. Management believes the “rapid adoption by elite institutions demonstrates the compelling clinical and operational advantages of CT:VQ over traditional nuclear VQ imaging.”

Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN)

The Coronado Global share price is down 12.5% to 31.5 cents. This has been driven by the tragic news that the coal miner has experienced its second fatality on-site in less than a month. In the middle of the month, one occurred at its Logan mining complex in West Virginia, United States. On Friday, a second incident occurred at the Mammoth Underground Mine, which is located within Coronado Global’s Curragh Mine complex, resulting in a fatal injury to an employee.

Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM)

The Metallium share price is down 7% to 98.7 cents. This is despite the company announcing a binding electronic-scrap supply agreement with Glencore (LSE: GLEN). It is a major recycler of end-of-life electronics, lithium-ion batteries, and other critical metal-containing products. Management notes that the agreement marks a significant commercial milestone for Metallium, providing secure long-term access to e-scrap feedstock to support the ongoing commissioning and scale-up of its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology platform in the United States.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The WiseTech Global share price is down 3.5% to $66.10. Investors have been selling WiseTech Global shares despite there being no news out of the logistics solutions technology company. However, it is worth noting that a number of ASX tech stocks have taken a tumble on Monday. This has led to the S&P/ASX All Technology Index falling 2.2% this afternoon.

The post Why 4DMedical, Coronado Global, Metallium, and WiseTech Global shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX uranium shares like Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) are off to the races in these first two trading days of 2026.

During the Monday lunch hour, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is just about flat.

Paladin Energy shares, meanwhile, are surging 8.2%, trading for $10.96 apiece.

If we add in Friday’s 5.6% gains, then the Paladin Energy share price has already gained 14.3% in this brand-new year. And this is a $5 billion company we’re talking about.

Here’s how some of the other top ASX uranium shares are performing:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are up 3.6% today and up 10.7% since 31 December
• Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) shares are up 5.4% today and up 11.4% in 2026
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) shares are up 9.2% today and up 15.5% this year
• Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) shares are up 6.7% today and up 10.2% since 31 December

Here’s what’s sending the Aussie uranium miners soaring.

ASX uranium shares enjoying growing global demand

While Australia continues to drag its heels on developing nuclear energy stations for reliable baseload power, much of the rest of the world is ploughing ahead.

In November, for example, the United States reported its intentions to buy up to 10 new large scale nuclear reactors.

This latest surge in ASX uranium shares like Paladin Energy and Deep Yellow comes after investors learned that Duke Energy Corp (NYSE: DUK) had filed an early site permit application to build a new nuclear reactor in the US state of North Carolina.

Duke Energy this reflects its “strategic, ongoing commitment to thoroughly evaluate new nuclear generation options” to meet its customers increasing energy demand while reducing costs and risks.

Commenting on the application, Duke Energy North Carolina president Kendal Bowman said:

Nuclear energy has and will continue to play an essential role in powering communities in the Carolinas. Submitting an early site permit application is an important next step in assessing the potential for small modular reactors at the Belews Creek site.

Duke Energy said it has not yet made a final decision to build new nuclear units.

But Paladin Energy, Boss Energy and their rival ASX uranium shares look to be catching tailwinds with the US-based company reporting that it plans to add 600 megawatts of advanced nuclear to the system by 2037.

Management expects the first small modular reactor to come online in 2036.

The post Buying ASX uranium shares like Paladin Energy? Here’s why they’re starting 2026 with a bang! 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 recommended Duke Energy. 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.

As we kick off the first full week of 2026, investors buying ASX shares will be tuning into the outlook for interest rates in the year ahead.

That’s because interest rate moves, whether higher or lower, tend to have a greater impact on some ASX shares than others.

We’ll return to that important investing trend below.

But first…

Is the RBA poised to tighten in 2026?

This time last year, analysts and ASX investors alike were optimistic that inflation was coming down, and that Australia would see the Reserve Bank of Australia enter a lengthy easing period.

Today, however, that view appears to have been overly rosy.

The latter months of 2025 saw inflation move higher, rather than lower, with core inflation, the RBA’s preferred measure, notching up to 3.3%, well above its target range of 2% to 3%.

This saw the RBA keep the official interest rate on hold at 3.60% at its last meeting on 9 December.

“The recent data suggest the risks to inflation have tilted to the upside,” the board stated. “The data do suggest some signs of a more broadly based pick-up in inflation, part of which may be persistent and will bear close monitoring.”

With sticky inflation in mind, a growing number of economists are forecasting that Australia’s central bank will have no choice but to swing from easing to tightening monetary policy in 2026.

In a poll conducted by The Australian Financial Review, 17 of the 38 surveyed economists said they expect the RBA to hike rates at least twice in the next 18 months.

And seven of the 38 economists, including those at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), said they expect to see the central bank boost interest rates at its upcoming meeting on 3 February.

Jonathan Kearns, chief economist at Challenger, is among those expecting the central bank to raise rates at its next policy meeting.

According to Kearns (quoted by the AFR):

Inflation pressures will make the board uncomfortable, and it is increasingly apparent that financial conditions are not that tight, given low credit spreads and easy borrowing conditions.

Coming in on the hawkish side, Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)’s Warren Hogan added, “We expect the RBA to increase the cash rate by 40 basis points in February, followed by a 25 basis points increase at each of their next two meetings.”

Though if you’re buying ASX shares, take note that opinions remain divided on the prospect of higher interest rates in 2026.

Tim Toohey, the head of strategy at Yarra Capital, said “statistical quirks” and temporary government subsidies are muddying the waters and making it appear inflation is more resilient than it really is.

“We believe the next move for the RBA will be a cut,” Toohey said.

Buying ASX shares amid shifting interest rates

With the odds of higher interest rates in 2026 increasing, though far from certain, investors buying ASX shares should keep in mind that companies with high debt levels tend to suffer if the RBA hikes rates, while these stocks could outperform if rates end up below market expectations.

Higher rates also tend to hamper consumer discretionary stocks as well as growth stocks. A lot of ASX tech stocks, for example, are priced with future earnings in mind.

Real estate stocks also tend to be sensitive to cash rate moves, with higher rates likely to throw up headwinds for ASX REITs.

If the RBA does boost interest rates in 2026, as the economists at CBA, NAB, and Judo forecast, then consumer staples stocks should perform well. ASX bank shares could also benefit from higher rates, as this should help boost their net interest margin (NIM).

The post Experts forecast rising interest rates in 2026. Here’s what that means if you’re buying ASX shares 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.