Looking to buy a few, or even seven, ASX mining shares to slip into your Christmas stockings?

Then Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has some new stock upgrades for you.

In the broker’s latest Commodities Update report, it notes that for 2026:

In the short term (CY26) we are overweight Gold (Au) with a 22% increase to CY26 price to US$4,225/Oz; we are 8% above VA consensus. Our Spodumene prices are 15%/20% below consensus/spot for CY26, but we note our med-long prices are 15% above consensus.

We are even-weight (within 5% of consensus) on Iron Ore (Fe), Met-Coal, Aluminium (Al), Thermal Coal and Nickel (Ni) in CY26E, but note our Fe and Thermal outlooks weaken over time.

Here’s what that all boils down to for these seven upgraded ASX mining stocks.

From underperform to neutral

Two large-cap ASX mining shares just earned upgrades from an underperform rating to neutral.

The broker noted that Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares were raised to neutral, with the diversified S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) miner seeing “large EPS changes in FY26/27 as iron ore and lithium prices are materially raised”.

With Macquarie’s bullish outlook on the gold price, ASX 200 gold stock West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) also earned an upgrade to neutral.

Macquarie expects these five ASX mining shares to outperform

Turning to the Aussie mining stocks Macquarie expects to outperform in 2026, ASX 200 coal miner Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) was raised from neutral to outperform.

Macquarie said:

WHC remains our preferred coal exposure, which benefits from an expanded earnings multiple from 4.0x to 5.0x due to a recent tightening of the spread against peers (BHP/RIO, etc).

In the diversified ASX mining share space, Macquarie said “We prefer Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) to BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and prefer South32 Limited (ASX: S32) outright.”

The broker upgraded South32 to outperform “given prospects of an improved returns outlook and a favourable catalyst backdrop”.

And three ASX gold stocks join the outperforming list.

Macquarie raised Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) to outperform, stating:

We switch our large-cap preference from NST to NEM, due to its relatively attractive valuation (P/NPV of 0.9x vs NST at 1.1x) and underperformance over the last three months with NEM +21% and NST +36%.

Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) also earned an upgrade to outperform.

Macquarie noted:

We still expect gold to trade at historically high levels in the near-term while also being held back by an upturn in global growth and a monetary policy easing cycle that falls short of market expectations.

And stating, “we remain overweight gold”, Macquarie also raised ASX mining share Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) to an outperform rating.

Happy Christmas stock shopping!

The post 7 ASX mining shares to buy for Christmas amid upgrades from Macquarie 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are lots of ASX dividend shares to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at two that Bell Potter thinks are among the best to buy in December.

Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

This leading household goods retailer could be one of the best ASX dividend shares to buy now according to Bell Potter.

It highlights that the company is one of the most diversified retailers in terms of both categories and regions, while also benefitting from its significant property portfolio. It commented:

Despite the strong re-rate in the name, HVN trades at ~2.0x market capitalisation to freehold property value as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio surpassing $4.5b and collectively owning ~40% of their stores (franchised in Australia and company operated offshore). This sees our view that of the 1-year forward ~19x P/E multiple as justified considering the multiple catalysts near/mid-term.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.30 price target on its shares.

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 30.9 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 35.3 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.32, this would mean dividend yields of 4.2% and 4.8%, respectively.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend share that has been rated as a best buy by Bell Potter is Universal Store.

It is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear, and accessories retailer with around ~85 stores under its flagship Universal Store brand. It is also expanding its presence with stand-alone formats for its private label brands Perfect Stranger and Thrills stores.

Bell Potter thinks its shares are undervalued, especially given its positive growth outlook. It said:

At ~18x FY26e P/E (BPe), we see UNI trading at a discount to the ASX300 peer group and see the multiple justified by the distinctive growth traits supporting consistent outperformance in a challenging category, longer term opportunity with three brands, organic gross margin expansion via private label product penetration (currently ~55%) and management execution.

While catalysts associated with further interest rate cuts for Australia in CY25 are not imminent post the third rate cut in August, we continue to see the youth customer prioritising on-trend streetwear and expect UNI to benefit with their leading position.

The broker has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on its shares.

With respect to dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked payouts of 37.3 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 41.4 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.41, this would mean dividend yields of 4.4% and 4.9%, respectively.

The post 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where to invest $20,000 in ASX dividend shares
• 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with $5,000
• Bell Potter names the best ASX dividend shares to buy in December
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I believe owning Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares is a great option for dividends because of both its consistently rising passive income and the size of the dividend yield.

On top of the pleasing dividend, Coles has a defensive earnings base – we all need to eat, of course.

The business has grown its dividend each year since it was listed several years ago, and we’re going to take a look at how large the dividend could grow in the coming years.

FY26

Coles has started FY26 strongly, in the first quarter of FY26, it delivered group total sales revenue of $10.96 billion, representing 3.9% growth – this beat UBS’ expectations.

Broker UBS said that Coles supermarkets are executing strongly and leveraging key investments.

Those investments include Witron automated distributed centres, which are improving product availability in NSW and Queensland. Ocado customer fulfilment centres (CFCs) helped drive 28% online sales growth in the FY26 first quarter.

UBS also pointed out that Coles supermarkets are delivering ongoing promotional effectiveness, which are fewer and better, and product ranging is better (which is increasingly store-led), according to UBS. Both of these advantages have been enabled by the supply chain.

With the effective execution of its strategy, UBS is projecting that the business could decide to pay an annual dividend per share of 79 cents following an increase of the company’s net profit.

If Coles does decide to pay that projected amount, it would mean a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.2%, including franking credits.

FY27

The company could see further dividend growth in the 2027 financial year, thanks to the strength of its revenue and net profit.

UBS is forecasting the business could grow its dividend to a pleasing 93 cents per share in FY27. If that comes true, it would translate into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.1%, including franking credits, at the current Coles share price.  

FY28

The 2028 financial year could get even better for owners of Coles shares.

In FY28, the board of directors of Coles is projected by UBS to declare an annual dividend per share of 97 cents. If that happens, the business could have a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.3%.

FY29

The broker is projecting that the business could deliver more profit and dividend growth for investors in FY29. UBS is currently suggesting the Coles annual dividend per share could climb to $1.01.

If that happens, Coles would deliver investors a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.6%, including franking credits, using the valuation at the time of writing.

FY30

The final year of this series of projections is expected to see the biggest dividend of all.

UBS forecasts that Coles may deliver investors an annual dividend per share of $1.04. That means the business could provide a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.8%, including franking credits.

The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for Coles shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now
• Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys in December
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• 2 top ASX dividend shares for retirees

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

There are a number of reasons why ASX blue-chip shares usually make strong investments each year. Stability, strong earnings generation each year and (usually) a good dividend yield together can be very appealing.

I wouldn’t focus purely on the dividend income. I think it’s a good idea for investors to ensure that the target business has a good outlook for earnings growth too, otherwise the dividends may not be reliable, with the share price lacking that organic tailwind.

The two ASX blue-chip shares I’m going to highlight both have strong dividend yields.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The Australian telecommunications giant is one of the most impressive names for payouts because of how generous it is with its dividend payout ratio. In recent times, it has paid out close to all of its net profit generation each year, though it has held onto a higher proportion of its cash earnings.

The company has invested significant sums into its spectrum assets and 5G network to ensure that it has the most appealing network for customers. More subscribers mean the business can spread its costs across more users.

We saw this effect in the FY25 result, with mobile revenue climbing 3% and operating profit (EBITDA) climbing 5%.

I’m expecting the company’s EBITDA and net profit margin to slowly rise over the rest of the decade. I’m particularly optimistic this can happen if Telstra can win more broadband customers onto its wireless (5G-powered) offering, which would enable a higher margin from that household (rather the margin going to the NBN).

I think it’s quite likely the ASX blue-chip share will hike its FY26 annual dividend to at least 20 cents per share, which could mean a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.8%, including franking credits. If it paid a dividend of 21 cents per share, it’d be a grossed-up dividend yield of 6%, including franking credits.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

The other business I want to highlight for its yield is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a diversified portfolio of properties which are, on average, long-term rental leases.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years, meaning its rental earnings are locked in for the long-term.

The business owns properties in a number of areas including service stations, hotels and pubs, telecommunication exchanges, data centres, distribution centres and more. I like that this lowers the risk of being too exposed to one subsector.

This REIT has lots of blue-chip tenants, which is one of the reasons why it’s able to provide investors with pleasing defensive earnings. Its rental income (on a per-property basis) is growing thanks to regular rental increases that are either fixed or linked to inflation, providing a tailwind or rental profits and the distribution.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT is expecting to grow its FY26 distribution to 25.5 cents per security, translating into a forward distribution yield of 6.3% thanks to its 100% distribution payout ratio.

The post 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The smart way to make a $25,000 passive income from ASX shares
• Invested in Telstra shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026
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• Brokers name 3 ASX dividend shares to buy in December
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) share is slowly slipping toward this year’s record low of $2.74. Monday it lost another 2% to close at $2.79.

In 2025, the $33 billion dollar pharmacy group has lost 5.2% in value and in the past 6 months 10%. To put this in context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 5.4% this year.

The tumble has left some investors are asking: is Sigma Healthcare share a buy-the-dip opportunity?

Short-term headwinds

The slide in the Sigma Healthcare share reflects growing caution around short-term headwinds. Beneath the turbulence, Sigma remains a major player in Australian health care, and there are reasons to believe its long-term outlook still holds promise.

Sigma is a leading Australian pharmaceutical wholesaler and retail group, supplying medicines and healthcare goods to community pharmacies and operating brands such as Amcal, Discount Drug Stores, and Chemist Warehouse.

Rocketing integration expenses

So why has the price of the ASX healthcare share dropped? A major factor has been a steep increase in transaction and integration costs tied to its recent merger with Chemist Warehouse and restructuring efforts. The extra costs weighed on profitability, and the sharp focus on merger expenses put pressure on investor confidence.

Moreover, past operational missteps have left a mark. A poorly executed enterprise resource planning (ERP) rollout a couple of years ago disrupted supply chains. This triggered customer losses and prompted many pharmacies to re-contract with other wholesalers.

That dented market share and eroded trust in execution, forcing Sigma to restructure and simplify its business.

Powerful Chemist Warehouse synergies

Still, the Sigma Healthcare share also has solid strengths. The company’s recent merger with Chemist Warehouse has dramatically expanded Sigma’s scale, bringing together wholesale, distribution and retail under one roof. This model could deliver powerful synergies.

Additionally, the demographics underpinning demand remain favourable. An ageing population combined with rising demand for over the counter and health-related products gives the company a foundation for long-term stability.

On the flip side, risks remain. The steep integration and merger costs have dented earnings in the near term, making Sigma Healthcare shares vulnerable until those investments begin to pay off.

Is Sigma Healthcare share a buy, hold or sell?

Looking ahead, analysts offer a cautious but mixed picture. Some see value now that the shares are near recent lows, noting that the merger gives Sigma a shot at becoming Australia’s leading pharmacy-wholesale-retail group.

Broker’s recommendations span from strong buy to strong sell with an average target price over 12 months at $3.21, representing 15% upside.

UBS currently has a price target of $3.40, implying a potential gain of 18% over the next year. The broker is also expecting the company to pay an annual dividend of 4 cents per share in the 2026 financial year.

Ord Minnett has a buy recommendation on Sigma Healthcare.

The broker recently noted:

SIG has started strongly in fiscal year 2026, with Chemist Warehouse posting double-digit network sales growth and an upgraded synergies target. Furthermore, we continue to expect upside via the international rollout and private label strategies.

The post Is Sigma Healthcare share a healthy buy, after hitting new lows? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.1% to 8,624.4 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Tuesday following a poor start to the week on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 30 points or 0.35% lower. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.55%, the S&P 500 is 0.5% lower, and the Nasdaq has fallen 0.35%.

Oil prices fall

It could be a poor session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.1% to US$58.81 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2.1% to US$62.44 a barrel. This was driven by optimism over the Russia-Ukraine peace deal.

Reserve Bank meeting

All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank of Australia today when it makes a decision on Australian interest rates. According to the ASX 30 Day Interbank Cash Rate Futures December 2025 contract, the market is pricing in only a 3% chance of a rate cut at today’s meeting. The big question, though, is whether the central bank will give hints about whether the cuts are over and hikes are coming in 2026.

Hold Cobram shares

Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO) shares are a fairly valued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its hold rating and $2.90 price target on the olive oil producer’s shares. It said: “There is no change to our Hold rating. While offering ~10% EPS CAGR to FY28e (on a R24M basis), CBO trades at ~32x FY26e EPS (R24MA basis). This multiple vs. growth equation does not stand out as relative value in the sector.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a subdued session on Tuesday after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.6% to US$4,216.7 an ounce. Traders appear cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision this week.

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Charter Hall Group declares interim distribution for 1H FY26
• After smashing 50 record highs in 2025, what’s ahead for the gold price and ASX gold shares like Northern Star in 2026?
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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 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.