Shares in Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) have been back in form recently.

The mining giant’s share price is up around 10% over the past month and has climbed roughly 24% over 2025. That puts Rio Tinto among the stronger performers in the ASX large-cap resources sector this year.

With the share price pushing higher again, investors are now asking whether Rio Tinto still stacks up at today’s prices as we look ahead to 2026.

Let’s take a dive.

A strong year for Rio Tinto shares

Rio Tinto has benefited from better conditions across commodity markets in the second half of 2025.

Iron ore prices have held up better than expected, while copper prices have stayed high due to tight supply. Strong demand for copper linked to electrification has also helped support earnings expectations across the business.

Together, these factors have pushed Rio Tinto shares back toward the top of their recent trading range. Compared with other large miners, Rio has delivered steady gains rather than sharp share price swings.

What are brokers saying?

Broker views on Rio Tinto remain mixed but generally supportive.

Some analysts remain cautious on iron ore prices heading into 2026. Westpac, for example, has warned that iron ore prices could ease from current levels as new supply comes online and Chinese steel demand stays under pressure.

However, most brokers also stress that Rio Tinto is not just an iron ore company.

Copper, aluminium, and lithium are becoming more important to the business and now make up a larger share of earnings. Demand for these commodities is expected to grow over time, which helps reduce reliance on iron ore prices.

Dividends remain a big attraction

One area where Rio Tinto continues to stand out is dividends.

In 2025, the company paid two large dividends to shareholders. This included an interim dividend of $2.22 per share and a final dividend of $3.71 per share.

That takes total dividends paid in 2025 to around $5.93 per share, supported by strong cash flow and a solid balance sheet.

Of course, future dividends will always depend on commodity prices, which can move up and down. However, Rio Tinto’s size, low-cost operations, and strong cash generation give it a good base to keep paying income over time.

More than iron ore

Rio Tinto is also working to grow parts of the business outside iron ore.

The company is investing more in copper, which it believes will be an important metal over the next decade. Projects in Australia, Mongolia, and the Americas are aimed at increasing copper production over time.

Rio Tinto is also building its lithium business, giving it exposure to battery materials used in electric vehicles.

Together, these moves help spread risk and reduce reliance on any single commodity.

However, that does not remove risk completely.

Like all miners, Rio Tinto is still affected by global economic conditions. A sharper slowdown in China, weaker commodity prices, or higher costs could all pressure earnings.

After a strong run, the share price could also pull back if investor sentiment changes.

Foolish Takeaway

Rio Tinto delivered a strong 2025, with the share price up 24% and momentum building late in the year.

While iron ore risks remain, diversification, a strong balance sheet and reliable dividends support the outlook for 2026.

The shares may not be cheap, but Rio Tinto remains a high-quality miner with income appeal and long-term exposure to key commodities.

It is a stock I am happy to keep on my watchlist heading into the new year.

The post Is Rio Tinto still one of the best shares to buy heading into 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Monadelphous wins $250m Rio Tinto contract: What it means for shareholders

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.

S&P/ASX All Ords (ASX: XAO) shares are down 0.21% at 9,003 points on the final day of trading for 2025.

Here are some ASX All Ords shares that attracted strong buy consensus ratings on the CommSec platform this month.

9 ASX All Ords shares with strong buy ratings for 2026

A consensus rating is the average rating from all analysts covering a stock.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU)

The Vault Minerals share price is currently $5.47, up 1% on Wednesday.

The ASX All Ords gold share has risen 154% in 2025.

Like all ASX All Ords gold stocks, Vault Minerals has benefited from the runaway gold price.

The yellow metal has ripped 66% higher in 2025 and is currently trading at US$4,354 per ounce.

UBS is among the brokers giving Vault Minerals shares a buy rating.

The broker’s 12-month price target is $6.60.

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) 

The Orica share price is $24.34, down 0.5% on Wednesday.

The explosives manufacturer has experienced 47% share price growth in 2025.

RBC Capital Markets is one of the brokers giving this stock an outperform rating.

Its 12-month price target for Orica shares is $27.50.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) 

The Qantas share price is $10.30, down 0.1%.

The market’s largest ASX All Ords airline share has lifted 13% in 2025.

Here are the important dates for Qantas shareholders in the new year.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The NextDC share price is $12.45 on Wednesday, down 0.2%.

This ASX All Ords technology share is down 17% for 2025.

Jefferies is among the brokers backing NextDC shares for growth in 2026.

The broker’s 12-month price target is $18.10.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) 

The Westgold Resources share price is $6.41, up 0.5% today.

The ASX All Ords gold share has lifted 122% in 2025.

RBC Capital Markets is among the experts giving this stock a buy rating.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $5.80 to $7.80 this month.

Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price is $68.21, up 0.6% on Wednesday.

The tech sector’s No.1 stock by market capitalisation has had a turbulent year.

Overall, Wisetech shares are down 45% in the year to date.

Adore Beauty Group Ltd (ASX: ABY)

Adore Beauty shares are trading at $1.24 apiece, up 2% on Wednesday.

The ASX All Ords consumer discretionary share has ripped 32% in 2025.

Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)

The Cleanaway Waste Management share price is $2.62, up 0.2%.

The ASX All Ords industrial share is down 1% in the year to date.

Goldman Sachs is buy-rated on this stock with a price target of $3.15.

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price is $8.51, up 2.4% today.

The ASX All Ords industrials share is up 67% for 2025.

The nuclear technology developer ascended into the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in the December rebalance.

Shaw & Partners is among the brokers giving this stock a buy rating.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $11.20 on Silex Systems shares.

The post 9 ASX All Ords shares upgraded to strong buy ratings for the new year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shocking declines: Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025
• Why WiseTech shares are pushing higher today
• The Australian stocks I’d trust for the next 10 years
• 10 ASX shares I would buy in 2026
• Will the WiseTech share price crash again in 2026?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Adore Beauty Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adore Beauty Group. 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 track to end the shortened session with a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 8,706.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down 3% to $3.93. This is despite there being no news out of the medical technology company on Wednesday. However, it is worth noting that its shares have been on fire this year, so there’s potential for some profit-taking going on today. For example, since the start of the year, 4DMedical shares have risen by an astonishing 700%+. This has been driven by regulatory approval milestones and major contract winds for its exciting technology.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The Guzman Y Gomez share price is down 1.5% to $21.58. This Mexican food focused quick service restaurant operator’s shares have come under significant pressure this year. So much so, they are now down by approximately 46% year to date. This has been driven by valuation concerns and its disappointing performance in the United States market. Investors appear to believe that its expansion in the massive market could be a flop.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

The Lynas Rare Earths share price is down 1.5% to $12.40. This could also be due to profit-taking from some investors. After all, even after today’s weakness, this rare earths producer’s shares are up almost 90% since the start of the year. Supply concerns have given rare earths stocks a major boost in 2025.

Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI)

The Predictive Discovery share price is down 3% to 74.2 cents. This is despite news that Robex Resources (ASX: RXR) shareholders have approved the proposed merger with Predictive Discovery. The gold miner’s CEO and managing director, Andrew Pardey, was very pleased with the news. He said: “We are delighted with the strong support shown by Robex shareholders for the Transaction, which has the potential to create significant value for shareholders of the combined company. The Transaction consolidates two of the largest, lowest cost and most advanced gold projects in West Africa – Bankan and Kiniero – within a combined group with the execution capability and funding strength to grow into a significant gold producer with expected production of more than 400,000oz per annum1 by 2029.”

The post Why 4Medical, Guzman Y Gomez, Lynas, and Predictive Discovery shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Aeris Resources, Cobram Estate, EOS, and Robex shares are charging higher today
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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 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.

As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reviewing the businesses I want to own for the next stage of my investing journey. These will be the ASX 200 stocks I believe can compound value over many years.

One that continues to stand out is Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Despite its exceptional long-term track record, Pro Medicus shares are now trading around 33% below their 52-week high. For a business of this quality, that pullback has caught my attention and is a key reason the stock is firmly on my buy list as we head into 2026.

A best-in-class product

At the heart of the Pro Medicus investment case is its Visage platform, which provides enterprise medical imaging software to hospitals and healthcare systems.

Imaging volumes are increasing, data files are becoming larger, and clinicians are under growing pressure to work more efficiently. Visage is designed to address these challenges by delivering speed, scalability, and reliability in mission-critical environments.

Once implemented, the software becomes deeply embedded in hospital workflows. That creates long-term contracts, high switching costs, and a strong base of recurring revenue. These are exactly the characteristics I look for in a long-term compounder.

A long runway still ahead

What I find particularly compelling is how much opportunity remains.

Pro Medicus continues to expand its footprint in North America, the world’s largest healthcare market, and management has confirmed that much of the revenue from recently signed contracts is still to be recognised. That provides a visible growth runway into future years.

Importantly, the company is not standing still within radiology alone.

Expanding into cardiology and other “ologies“

The ASX 200 stock has highlighted cardiology as an increasingly important part of the Pro Medicus offering. Cardiology formed a meaningful component of the $170 million UCHealth contract from earlier in 2025.

What stands out is that the cardiology solution is built on the same code base as the Visage platform, rather than being a separate product. This allows customers to operate radiology, cardiology, and other imaging workflows within a single, unified system, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.

Beyond cardiology, Pro Medicus has confirmed it is developing solutions for other clinical areas, including digital pathology. Like cardiology, these offerings are designed to sit within the same cloud-native platform.

Management has framed this expansion as a way to increase the value of existing customer relationships, allowing hospitals to add new capabilities without adopting multiple systems. From an investor’s perspective, this builds directly on the technology and execution the company has already proven.

Exceptional economics support compounding

Growth alone isn’t enough; the quality of that growth matters.

Pro Medicus operates with very high margins, strong cash generation, and minimal capital requirements. Incremental revenue largely flows through to profits, creating powerful operating leverage as the business scales.

That combination of recurring revenue, premium pricing, and disciplined reinvestment is exactly what enables long-term compounding.

Recent pullback improves the risk-reward

There’s no denying Pro Medicus has historically traded on a premium valuation. The market has long recognised the quality of the business.

However, the recent share price pullback has begun to rebalance the equation. While the stock still isn’t cheap, the gap between business quality and market expectations has narrowed, which is something long-term investors should pay attention to.

Foolish takeaway

In my opinion, Pro Medicus is one of the highest-quality stocks on the ASX 200 Index. It has a world-class product, deeply embedded customers, expanding clinical applications, and outstanding financial economics.

With shares well below recent highs, I believe the risk-reward profile has become more attractive for patient investors. As we move into 2026, Pro Medicus is exactly the kind of business I plan to buy and hold for the long term.

The post Why I plan to buy this incredible ASX 200 stock 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 recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the year in a subdued fashion. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 8,707.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

The Aeris Resources share price is up 4% to 59.7 cents. This copper miner’s shares have been pushing higher this week thanks to an announcement relating to its Constellation Project. That announcement revealed that Aeris Resources has been granted development consent from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Commenting on the news, Aeris Resources’ executive chair, Andre Labuschagne, said: “Receiving development consent represents a key milestone for the project.” Labuschagne added: Coupled with our recently declared Open Pit Ore Reserve, this places us in a strong position for Constellation to become the next major ore source for Tritton in the near term. We acknowledge and thank the NSW government for their continued support.”

Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO)

The Cobram Estate Olives share price is up 1.5% to $4.08. This olive oil producer’s shares have been on fire this week thanks to news that it has signed an agreement to acquire California Olive Ranch. It is a leading producer and marketer of Californian extra virgin olive oil. Cobram Estate Olives has agreed to pay a total consideration of US$173.5 million for the acquisition. This comprises cash of US$88.5 million, the issuance of vendor notes worth US$70 million, and an earn-out payment US$15 million. Speaking about the deal, Cobram Estate Olives’ chair, Rob McGavin, said: “The acquisition of California Olive Ranch, Inc., delivers a compelling set of strategic and financial benefits for CBO. It immediately expands our Californian olive growing footprint from approximately ~1,422 hectares to around ~3,292 hectares of planted groves, while accelerating sales growth through the addition of well-established, premium household brands.”

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price is up 3% to $9.42. Last week, this defence and space company announced a binding contract to deliver Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) to a prime contractor for integration onto a major U.S. Army ground combat vehicle. It revealed that the multi-year agreement with General Dynamics Land Systems includes RWS hardware, development, spare parts and training. The initial contract is for US$22m (approximately A$33 million). EOS shares are up over 600% in 2025.

Robex Resources (ASX: RXR)

The Robex Resources share price is up almost 5% to $5.75. This follows news that the gold miner’s shareholders have approved its proposed merger with Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI). Robex’s managing director and CEO, Matthew Wilcox, said: “This has been a defining 10 days for Robex. On December 21, we achieved the first gold pour at Kiniero, and today, December 30, our shareholders approved the merger with Predictive. These two milestones demonstrate our ability to execute and position the combined company for rapid growth.”

The post Why Aeris Resources, Cobram Estate, EOS, and Robex shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares have climbed around 10% over the past month, putting the stock back in focus.

The move adds to an already strong year for the miner, with shares rising sharply since April. With the stock now trading near the top of its range, investors are starting to ask what has been driving the strength and whether it can continue.

Big moves in commodity prices, especially lithium

One of the main drivers behind Mineral Resources’ recent momentum has been improving sentiment in the lithium market. Lithium prices in China have climbed sharply in recent weeks, as tighter supply and stronger demand for batteries and electric vehicles support the market.

Lithium remains a core part of Mineral Resources’ business. The company holds major stakes in lithium operations, including Wodgina and Mt Marion. While prices have been volatile in 2025, renewed optimism around future supply tightening and potential shortages has helped lift investor confidence.

Iron ore operations are ramping up

Another big catalyst for the stock is the company’s progress in its iron ore business, particularly at the Onslow Iron Project in Western Australia. Recent operational updates show strong production and a continued ramp-up, which is helping support the company’s revenue base.

Iron ore prices have also remained fairly solid, with ongoing infrastructure and construction demand from Asia supporting the market. This has given diversified miners like Mineral Resources additional earnings support as other parts of the business improve.

Balance sheet moves have reduced risk

Investors have also reacted positively to steps taken to strengthen Mineral Resources’ balance sheet.

Earlier this year, the company announced a deal to sell a 30% stake in its lithium business to POSCO Holdings. The sale brought in fresh cash, which Mineral Resources has used to pay down debt and improve its financial position.

The company has also refinanced parts of its debt and pushed repayment dates further into the future, giving it more flexibility as major projects continue to ramp up.

What are brokers saying?

Broker views on Mineral Resources remain mixed, but sentiment has improved in recent months.

Several analysts have pointed to stabilising lithium prices and strong iron ore performance as reasons for the recent share price strength. Others remain cautious, noting the stock has already had a strong run and commodity prices can change quickly.

Price targets currently sit across a wide range. Morgans has a more conservative view, with a target of $47.40. UBS and Bell Potter are more optimistic, with targets sitting at $58.60 and $59, respectively.

Foolish Takeaway

The Mineral Resources share price has lifted around 10% over the past month for a combination of reasons.

Improving lithium prices, solid iron ore performance, and balance sheet progress have all played a role. Overall, the business looks more stable today than it did earlier in the year, which has helped rebuild investor confidence.

That said, Mineral Resources is still a cyclical mining stock. Future performance will always depend heavily on commodity prices and the company’s continued execution.

After such a strong run, I am happy to keep Mineral Resources on my watchlist rather than chase it higher.

The post Why the Mineral Resources share price is up 10% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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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.

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

But never fear! Summarised below are three recent recommendations that remain very relevant today. Here’s what brokers are saying about these ASX shares:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts retained their buy rating on this sports technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $6.50. This followed the release of a strong FY 2025 result which revealed earnings ahead of both guidance and Bell Potter’s expectations. It notes that this strong outcome was driven by a higher than forecast margin. Looking ahead, the broker sees strong double-digit growth in the core business. It believes this will be augmented by the cross-sell opportunity from the recent IMPECT acquisition, as well as potential expansion into other sports. And while it trimmed its valuation, this was to reflect a change in multiples due to the de-rating of the tech sector. The Catapult share price is trading at $4.10 on Wednesday.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

A note out of Macquarie revealed that its analysts retained their outperform rating and $26.10 price target on this supermarket giant’s shares. The broker visited Coles’ food manufacturing facilities and noted that the company has the capacity to manufacture 970 tonnes of cooked products and 1.5 million meals a week. This could be a big deal, as Coles has called out ready-made meals as a key growth area in the future. In addition, Macquarie believes that the company’s supply chain investment, operational execution, and market share gains will support an earnings per share compound annual growth rate of 10% over the next three years. The Coles share price is fetching $21.39 at the time of writing.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Analysts at Morgans upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $40.00. This followed the release of a trading update from Lovisa which covered the first 20 weeks of FY 2026. Morgans noted that the company’s sales and store growth have slowed over the past three months. However, it points out that Lovisa is still growing sales at 20%+, which is impressive given the challenging retail trading conditions. In light of this strong growth and the recent pullback in its share price, Morgans believes now could be a good time to invest in a high quality retailer with a global store rollout opportunity. Especially given that its shares are trading back around their average 10-year forward earnings multiple. This is despite offering a forecast ~20% earnings per share compound annual growth over the next three years. The Lovisa share price is trading at $29.13 today.

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

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

As 2025 draws to a close, Australian investors are taking stock of a year that delivered mixed outcomes across the share market.

If your portfolio was overweight in gold or silver, you likely outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 6.3% for the year (before dividends), as of New Year’s Eve.

But not all investors have shared in that upside. Particularly with some of the Australian share market’s most widely held and well-regarded companies suffering steep declines, badly underperforming the broader index.

Unless there is a miraculous recovery before the market close, here are four prominent Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL entered 2025 as one of the ASX’s most trusted blue chips, but it proved to be a difficult year for shareholders.

At the time of writing, CSL shares are down 39% year to date. This is a sharp reversal for a company that has long been viewed as a defensive growth stalwart. Investor sentiment has been weighed down by a slower-than-expected margin recovery from CSL Behring, weak influenza vaccination demand, and government measures in China reducing demand for albumin.

Despite its long-term track record, CSL’s 2025 performance highlights how even high-quality healthcare leaders are not immune to sell-offs.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie shares have also struggled in 2025, falling 38% over the year.

The building products group has been caught in a challenging global construction environment, particularly in North America, where higher interest rates have dampened housing activity. Rising costs and uncertainty around demand have made investors more cautious, despite James Hardie’s strong market position and brand strength.

The result has been a year of sustained share price weakness, even as the broader market moved higher.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates has been one of the hardest-hit large caps in 2025, with its shares down a staggering 53% year to date.

The wine producer has faced a combination of softer demand, inventory challenges, and ongoing strategic uncertainty. While management has been working through these issues, investors have shown little patience, marking the shares sharply lower as confidence in near-term earnings faded.

Treasury Wine’s performance arguably stands out as one of the most painful declines among well-known Australian consumer brands this year.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global, long considered one of the ASX’s premier growth success stories, has uncharacteristically disappointed investors in 2025.

Its shares are down 45% for the year as founder controversies, insider trading allegations, product launch delays, business model changes, and softer-than-expected growth hit investor sentiment.

While WiseTech continues to operate a high-quality global logistics software platform, it seems that the market has been far less willing to pay up for growth in the current environment.

The post Shocking declines: Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why WiseTech shares are pushing higher today
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Treasury Wine Estates, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is edging higher on Wednesday. This comes after the logistics software giant released a new update to the market.

At the time of writing, WiseTech shares are changing hands for $68.15, up 0.49%. In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also slightly higher, up 0.1%.

So, let’s dive into what WiseTech had to say to the market today.

What WiseTech agreed to with the ACCC

According to the release, WiseTech confirmed it has voluntarily agreed with the ACCC to sell Expedient Software Pty Ltd, a business held through its Blujay Solutions subsidiary.

The decision forms part of the ACCC’s review of WiseTech’s e2open acquisition, which was completed earlier in 2025. Importantly, the company stressed that Expedient represents a very small and immaterial part of the wider WiseTech group.

Expedient employs fewer than 30 staff and contributes less than 0.4% of WiseTech’s FY26 revenue guidance. Its operations are primarily based in Australia and New Zealand.

WiseTech said the divestment does not reflect competition concerns in the Australian market. Instead, it is a voluntary step designed to address the ACCC’s questions and allow the company to move forward without distraction.

What it means for WiseTech’s numbers

From a numbers perspective, WiseTech was clear that the sale will not impact its FY26 revenue guidance, which remains unchanged.

The final financial outcome will depend on the sale price and completion timing. However, management expects the overall impact on WiseTech’s financial results to be immaterial.

The company did flag a likely one-off, non-cash goodwill write-down of between US$5 million and US$20 million once the transaction completes. While this may affect reported earnings in the year of sale, it does not impact cash flow or the underlying operating performance of the business.

What the company is focused on next

The bigger picture for investors is that this announcement helps clear the way for WiseTech to focus on its long-term strategy.

Management reiterated that e2open remains a core part of WiseTech’s growth plans, strengthening its position across global trade management and supply chain execution.

WiseTech’s ambition to build the operating system for global trade remains unchanged. With regulatory uncertainty easing, attention now shifts back to execution, integration, and delivering value from recent acquisitions.

Foolish Takeaway

For long-term investors, WiseTech’s fundamentals remain intact. The business continues to lead global logistics software, invest in its products, and expand across global supply chains.

With regulatory distractions now largely out of the way, management can focus on running the business.

I believe the current WiseTech share price represents extremely good value for patient investors.

The post Why WiseTech shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shocking declines: Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025
• 10 ASX shares I would buy in 2026
• Will the WiseTech share price crash again in 2026?
• These ASX 200 growth shares could be much bigger in 2035
• Down over 40% this year, could these 3 ASX shares bounce back in 2026?

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 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.

The start of a new year is often when investors reassess their portfolios and look to put fresh capital to work.

January 2026 will be no different. With markets coming off a volatile period and valuations resetting across several sectors, selectively buying high-quality ASX 200 shares could prove rewarding over the long term.

But which shares could be top picks for a $10,000 investment? Let’s look at three that analysts rate as buys:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is one of Australia’s quiet global success stories. While it is listed locally, the vast majority of its revenue is generated offshore, particularly in North America and Europe. This gives investors international exposure while still buying an ASX 200 stock.

The company has built a premium brand around kitchen appliances, with a strong focus on innovation and design. Products such as espresso machines, air fryers, and food processors continue to resonate with consumers who are willing to pay for quality.

It is the coffee side of the business which is getting analysts at Macquarie most excited. In fact, the broker believes the coffee business will underpin 10%+ per annum revenue growth between FY 2025 and FY 2028.

In light of this, Macquarie has put an outperform rating and $39.20 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of over 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The team at Ord Minnett thinks that Macquarie Group could be a great pick for investors in January.

It is one of the most diversified financial shares on the ASX 200. Often described as a global asset manager rather than a traditional bank, Macquarie generates earnings from infrastructure, renewables, commodities, and financial markets across the world. This diversification has helped it navigate different market cycles better than most financial peers.

And while its performance this year has been slightly underwhelming, management remains very positive on its long-term growth outlook. So, with its shares down meaningfully from their highs, Ord Minnett thinks that now could be a good time to invest.

It has a buy rating and $255.00 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 25% is possible between now and this time next year.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

A final ASX 200 share to consider for a $10,000 investment is Woodside.

It is one of the world’s largest energy producers with a collection of world class assets from across the globe.

Energy prices can be volatile, but Woodside’s scale and low costs leave it better positioned than most to navigate weaker periods and prosper during booms.

Morgans thinks it could be a top option for investors looking for energy exposure. It currently has a buy rating and $30.60 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Where to invest $10,000 into ASX 200 shares in January 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buying ASX shares? Why, and how, you should prepare for higher interest rates in 2026
• 2 Australian dividend giants to buy and never sell
• Why DroneShield, IPD, Mesoblast, and Woodside shares are charging higher today
• Woodside shares lift off amid big news out of Turkey
• The ASX blue chip shares I’d buy during the next correction

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