Buying Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares could be a smart move for the long-term because of the high-quality businesses it operates and its impressive long-term record. However, there are a few aspects of this impressive business that investors should keep in mind.

The company is the owner of some of Australia’s leading retail names such as Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline and Target. It also has other businesses including WesCEF (chemicals, energy and fertilisers), an industrial and safety division, and healthcare businesses like InstantScripts, skincare clinics and more.

When it comes to assessing a large blue-chip like this, I think it’s a good idea to consider whether the business will be able to continue growing profit. I don’t want to own a slow-growing company. Let’s consider the positives first.

Pleasing aspects of Wesfarmers shares

Kmart and Bunnings are two of the most impressive operators in the retail sector, in my opinion. In FY25, both businesses delivered revenue growth and faster earnings growth.

Bunnings Group saw revenue rise 3.3% to $19.6 billion and earnings increase 3.8% to $2.3 billion. Kmart Group’s revenue climbed 2.9% to $11.4 billion and earnings grew 9.2% to $1.05 billion.

At the annual general meeting (AGM), Wesfarmers revealed that both Bunnings and Kmart had continued growing in FY26 to October. If these two businesses continue growing, the company is likely to have a positive future, particularly with their high returns on capital (ROC).

In FY25, Bunnings’ ROC was 71.5% and Kmart’s was 67.6%. With such a high return, it shows how profitable Wesfarmers is with the amount of money allocated to those businesses. It also suggests very strong returns on additional capital invested in those businesses.

I’m impressed by Wesfarmers’ ability to find other growth avenues for each of these businesses to generate earnings. For example, Bunnings has expanded in pet care and auto care, while Kmart is selling Anko products in North America and the Philippines.

In FY26, I’m also hopeful that the healthcare and WesCEF divisions can improve their earnings following a period of investment (particularly with the new lithium project – Wesfarmers is a joint venture partner in the Covalent lithium project). Lithium production is expected to ramp-up to the end of FY27.

Analysts are forecasting ongoing profit growth for owners of Wesfarmers shares in FY26 and beyond. Broker UBS projects net profit of $2.8 billion in FY26, $3.08 billion in FY27, $3.46 billion in FY28, $2.8 billion in FY29 and $4.2 billion in FY30.

Negative aspects to consider

It’s good to see that the company is predicted to grow profit, however its price/earnings (P/E) ratio has increased over time.

According to UBS, the P/E ratio for Wesfarmers shares was 22 in FY23, 25.7 in FY24 and 31.5 in FY25.

Based on the UBS projection for FY26, the Wesfarmers share price is trading at 33x FY26’s estimated earnings. I do believe that the ASX blue-chip share is worthy of trading at a higher P/E ratio than FY23, but investors should be cautious about paying an increasingly high P/E ratio – it needs to justify the valuation with earnings growth.

We should also be aware that the larger Bunnings and Kmart become, the more Wesfarmers may be reliant on the earnings of those powerhouses.

I’m expecting long-term success for the Wesfarmers, but it’s not as cheap as it was, and I’m monitoring the growth plans of the two big retail divisions to see if the bottom line can continue climbing at a good pace. Having said that, I still think the Wesfarmers share price is a good long-term buy.

The post The pros and cons of buying Wesfarmers shares in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• My top 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy with $10,000
• Is now the time to buy Wesfarmers shares?
• 3 steps to replace your wage with dividends from ASX shares
• Buy, hold, sell: DroneShield, Macquarie, and Wesfarmers shares
• 3 ASX dividend shares worth holding forever

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

Silver has had a standout year.

The price of the metal has surged to a fresh all-time high above US$79 an ounce. That makes silver one of the best-performing commodities in 2025, outperforming gold, oil, and iron ore.

Unlike gold, silver is not just a safe-haven asset. It is widely used across industrial and technology sectors, including solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics, and energy infrastructure. Demand from these areas has been rising, while supply has stayed tight.

With silver prices pushing into record territory, investors are taking a closer look at companies that are directly exposed to the metal.

Here’s one ASX small cap that offers direct exposure to silver’s record-breaking run.

A rare pure-play silver stock on the ASX

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) is different from most mining stocks on the ASX.

Many miners produce silver as a side product while mainly focusing on gold, copper, or other metals. Silver Mines is a pure-play silver company. Its future is closely tied to the silver price.

That means when silver prices rise, the potential upside for the business is much more direct. There is no dilution from other commodities.

This direct exposure has helped keep the stock firmly on investor watchlists during silver’s rally.

At the time of writing, the company’s shares last traded at 19 cents and are up more than 140% year to date.

Bowdens remains the core project

The company’s key asset is the Bowdens Silver Project in New South Wales.

Bowdens is one of the largest undeveloped silver projects in Australia. It is large enough to support a long mine life and meaningful production if it eventually moves ahead.

The project is currently going through a fresh approval process after its previous development consent was overturned by the courts. Recent updates show the company is completing additional environmental and ecological work before resubmitting its application.

Progress continues beyond Bowdens

While Bowdens works through approvals, Silver Mines is still active elsewhere.

Exploration at the Tuena project has delivered early encouraging results. It is a smaller and earlier-stage asset, but it adds optionality and shows the company is continuing to build value.

The latest quarterly update also showed the company remains well funded for now, with cash of around $43.7 million at the end of the quarter. That should be enough to keep progressing work without needing to rush back to the market.

What brokers are focusing on

Silver Mines is a small-cap stock, so broker coverage is limited.

Those who do follow it tend to highlight two things. First, the quality and scale of Bowdens, especially at current silver prices. Second, the uncertainty around timing and approvals, which remains the biggest risk.

At around 19 cents per share, Silver Mines has a market value just over $400 million. That reflects both the opportunity if silver stays strong and the risks that come with development-stage projects.

Until there is more clarity on approvals, most analysts appear content to sit on the sidelines.

Foolish takeaway

Silver’s record-breaking move has brought renewed attention to the metal.

For those looking for direct exposure, Silver Mines stands out as a rare pure-play silver stock on the ASX. If silver prices remain elevated and progress at Bowdens improves, investor sentiment could shift quickly.

That said, this is not a low-risk investment. The path forward depends on approvals, timing, and being extremely patient.

For now, Silver Mines looks like a long-term option on silver rather than a stock I would chase today.

The post Silver surges to a record high. Is this ASX small-cap about to shine? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Aeris Resources, Capricorn Metals, Paradigm, and Silver Mines shares are sinking today
• Up 178% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords silver share sinking today?
• Silver price hits new record, firing up Aussie shares
• Up 109% or more! These 4 ASX mining stocks are booming as the silver price hits all-time high

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.

There are so many ASX shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy above others.

Luckily, the team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of popular options recently.

Two that have fared well are named below. Here’s why the broker is bullish on these names:

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

Morgans is positive on the building products company following its second quarter update. It has a buy rating and $35.50 price target on its shares.

The broker highlights that the details and its outlook were incrementally more positive than previously anticipated and that the bottom of the cycle could be here. In light of this, it sees its current valuation as attractive for investors. It said:

Whilst the headline 2QFY26 result was largely released in early Oct-25, the details and outlook were incrementally more positive than previously anticipated. Upgraded guidance reflects a c.6% organic decline (vs pcp), as a challenging environment sees volume declines exceed price increases.

However, this is better than feared and may prove to be a bottoming in the cycle as demand stabilises. JHX is trading on c.17.1x FY26F as the business navigates its acquisition missteps, earnings downgrades and a challenging consumer environment in North America (NA). However, at EPS of c.U$1.04/sh in FY26 we see upside from both earnings and an undemanding PER (ave PER. 20x). It is on this basis we upgrade to a BUY recommendation and $35.50/sh target price.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another ASX share that Morgans rates highly is data centre operator NextDC. It has a buy rating and $19.00 price target on its shares.

The broker was pleased with recent contract wins, which it believes support its medium term growth forecasts.

And given recent share price weakness, Morgans feels that now could be an opportune time to invest. It said:

NXT has announced that following recent customer contract wins, presumably including a large single customer contract win across multiple locations, its contracted utilisation has increased by 71MW to 316MW as at 1 December 2025. Further contract wins were, and remain in, our forecasts so this mostly underpins our expectations.

However, we upgrade our capex assumptions and lift our FY27/28 EBITDA forecasts by 5%. Our target price remains $19 per share. The share price has declined ~19% in the last three months and given a ~40% differential between the current share price and our $19 target price we upgrade our recommendation to BUY from ACCUMULATE.

The post Why Morgans rates these popular ASX shares as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. 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.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

With Warren Buffett about to step down as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B), investors will surely be sad to see the Oracle of Omaha go.

Not only was Buffett a great CEO and investor who delivered outsize returns for Berkshire shareholders over six decades, but he also uniquely viewed the world, which was fascinating to observe when given the opportunity. Buffett also provided many important life lessons, whether in his annual letters to shareholders or in his occasional television appearances.

Naturally, as Buffett got older, many investors wondered if the 95-year-old was still as good as he used to be. After all, not many people work into their 90s, let alone run one of the largest conglomerates in the world. Luckily, there is an easy way to check.

If you’d invested $500 in Berkshire Class B shares a decade ago, here’s how much you would have today.

Berkshire is a different company than it used to be

As Buffett tends to remind investors, Berkshire is quite different from how it used to be, mainly because it is now so large, with an equities portfolio exceeding $300 billion.

This makes it significantly harder for Buffett and his team to move in and out of positions so easily, and Berkshire rarely encounters opportunities large enough that it finds attractive. Still, Berkshire has managed to beat the broader benchmark S&P 500 Index over the past decade.

Data by YCharts.

As you can see above, $500 invested in Berkshire Class B shares a decade ago is now worth $1,868, representing a total return of 274% and just edging out the broader market. I consider this a success, given Berkshire’s size and the market’s strength over the past decade.

With so much of the S&P 500 currently dominated by high-flying artificial intelligence stocks, I’d also consider Berkshire’s stock a safer investment to hold through the business cycle than the broader market. 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The post If you’d invested $500 in Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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Bram Berkowitz 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 Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG) share price is in the red today. This comes after the company released a business update to the market this afternoon.

At the time of writing, Autosports shares are trading around $3.88, down 0.51%. The S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is also drifting lower following a strong Christmas rally.

Here’s what the company had to say.

Major Victorian expansion now complete

According to the release, Autosports has completed the acquisition of 10 Barry Bourke Motors dealerships in Victoria through its wholly owned subsidiary, Autosports Castle Hill.

The dealerships sell a mix of well-known car brands, including Audi, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover, Geely, GMSV, LDV, Peugeot, Renault, and Suzuki. They are located in Berwick and Doncaster, which are two key car retail hubs in Melbourne.

The total cost of the deal was about $32.8 million. This includes around $29 million in goodwill and about $3.8 million for net tangible assets, plant, and equipment.

Autosports paid $14 million of the purchase price by issuing new shares at $4.50 per share. The rest was paid in cash using the company’s existing debt facilities.

Why Autosports wanted these dealerships

This deal supports Autosports’ long-term plan to grow its network of prestige and luxury car dealerships in major Australian cities.

The company has previously said it wants to build stronger relationships with large global car brands such as Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo. This deal supports that goal, while also increasing the company’s exposure to newer brands such as Geely and LDV.

Autosports expects the acquisition to start adding to earnings straight away. Over time, the company believes profit margins at the new dealerships will improve and move closer to the group average within the first year.

A growing business with advantages

Autosports is Australia’s only ASX-listed company focused on prestige car dealerships. It now operates more than 75 businesses across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Auckland.

Because of its size, Autosports has some advantages that smaller dealerships do not. It can negotiate better terms with car manufacturers, manage vehicle stock more efficiently, and offer a wider range of finance, insurance, and aftersales services.

The business also earns money from several areas, not just selling new cars. Used vehicles, servicing, parts, finance, and insurance all contribute to revenue.

In FY25, Autosports reported record revenue of $2.865 billion. That result shows demand for premium vehicles has held up reasonably well, even while broader consumer conditions remain uncertain.

What to watch from here

Now that the acquisition is complete, attention turns to how well Autosports runs the new dealerships.

Investors will be watching profit growth, cost control, and whether the company continues to expand through smaller deals.

For long-term investors wanting exposure to Australia’s premium car market, Autosports remains a stock worth keeping on the watchlist.

The post This ASX All Ords stock edges lower as investors digest key milestone appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• If you’d invested $500 in Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today
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• This ASX lithium share is soaring 16% today. Here’s why
• These ASX 200 growth shares could be much bigger in 2035
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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.

If investing were about finding the single perfect shares, most of us would already be rich.

In reality, long-term investing is usually about stacking the odds in your favour. That means owning strong businesses with clear growth pathways and management teams that have the experience and ability to navigate uncertainty.

When I look at the ASX 200 today, I see a handful of shares that I believe tick all these boxes.

If I had $10,000 to invest at this moment, these are the five ASX 200 shares I’d choose to back for the long term.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is one of my favourite ways to gain exposure to Australia’s growing wealth management industry.

The shift toward platform-based investing, transparency, and adviser-led solutions continues to work in Hub24’s favour. As funds under administration grow, and they sure are growing, the business benefits from strong operating leverage. This is usually a powerful combination over time.

This ASX 200 share is admittedly not cheap, but high-quality compounders rarely are. And a 20% pullback from its 2025 high screams opportunity to me.

Wesfarmers (ASX: WES)

Every portfolio needs a stabiliser, and for me, that’s Wesfarmers.

With exposure to dominant businesses like Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline, Silk Laser, and many more, Wesfarmers offers diversification, strong cash generation, and a proven management team. It probably isn’t going to deliver explosive growth, but I believe it will continue to provide resilience, reliable earnings, and long-term capital discipline. Sometimes, boring is beautiful in the world of investing.

SiteMinder (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder is another ASX 200 share that I like. Founded all the way back in 2006 in a rental house on Sydney’s Northern Beaches by Mike Ford and Mike Rogers, this growing Aussie company provides mission-critical software that helps 50,000+ hotels manage bookings, pricing, and distribution for 2.4 million rooms. As the travel industry becomes more digitised, tools like SiteMinder’s are becoming essential rather than optional.

While profitability is still a work in progress, it has a strong balance sheet and a long-term opportunity that looks compelling if management executes well.

Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre is a name that has been around for four decades. And though the travel industry has gone through seismic changes during that time, the ASX 200 share continues to reinvest, reinvent, and grow.

This includes increasing its exposure to the high margin cruise market with the acquisition of Iglu this month. In combination with its robust core business and growing corporate travel business, I believe Flight Centre will deliver good returns for investors through to the end of the decade.

Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster gives me exposure to Australian e-commerce with a clear point of difference.

Furniture is a challenging category, but Temple & Webster’s asset-light, online-first model provides flexibility that traditional retailers struggle to match. As housing turnover improves, consumer confidence recovers, and online penetration increases in the category, this ASX 200 share is well placed to benefit.

It is not without risk, but I think the brand, platform strength, and consumer trends give it a solid foundation for future growth.

The post My top 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, SiteMinder, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group, Hub24, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) share price is attracting fresh attention today. This comes despite the company not releasing any new announcements to the market.

At the time of writing, the lithium developer’s shares are trading around 14 cents, up 16.67%.

In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is giving back its gains, down 0.3% for the day.

So why is the share price jumping while the broader market slips?

Let’s take a look.

Lithium prices surge overnight

Lithium carbonate prices in China jumped by almost 7% in a single day, pushing prices to around CNY 111,900 per tonne.

That move has taken lithium prices to their highest level in roughly 19 months, marking a notable shift in sentiment after a lengthy downturn.

The rebound has been driven by tighter supply conditions and improving demand expectations. In China, mine suspensions and delayed permit approvals have begun to reduce excess supply, while expectations around electric vehicle production and battery demand have stabilised.

While the broader market is softer, the sharp rebound in lithium prices is driving renewed interest in lithium-exposed ASX stocks.

Why lithium prices matter

Lake Resources is still a development-stage lithium company, with no production or revenue at this stage. That means changes in lithium prices can have a meaningful impact on how the market views the company’s long-term potential.

The company’s key asset is the Kachi Lithium Project in Argentina’s lithium triangle, a region central to global lithium supply. Kachi is planned as a brine-based project using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to lower costs and reduce environmental impacts.

Higher lithium prices generally make projects like Kachi more appealing. That can help improve the company’s economics, funding prospects, and market confidence.

Recent progress worth noting

While there’s no announcement today, Lake Resources has made progress in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the company confirmed it had completed a key Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) milestone for the Kachi project. This was an important regulatory step and keeps the project moving through Argentina’s approval process.

What could drive the next move?

In the near term, Lake Resources shares are likely to move in line with lithium prices.

If lithium prices continue to hold or move higher, sentiment across the sector could improve, supporting stocks with development projects.

That said, lithium prices have proven volatile in the past. With further approvals, funding needs, and execution risks still ahead, I’m happy to watch from the sidelines for now.

The post This ASX lithium share is soaring 16% today. Here’s why 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.

Trying to predict which ASX 200 growth shares will thrive over the next decade is never easy. Technology changes, industries evolve, and market leaders today don’t always stay on top forever.

That said, some businesses already have the scale, competitive advantages, and growth runways that suggest they could be meaningfully larger ten years from now.

These are companies that are not just riding short-term trends but are embedded in industries with long-term structural growth.

With that in mind, here are two ASX 200 growth shares that brokers think still have plenty of room to grow between now and 2035.

Light & Wonder (ASX: LNW)

Light & Wonder has quietly transformed itself into a global gaming and digital entertainment powerhouse. Its business spans land-based gaming machines, online real-money gaming, and social casino games. This gives it multiple avenues for growth over the next decade.

What makes Light & Wonder particularly interesting over the long term is its increasing exposure to digital gaming. Online casino platforms and mobile-based gaming continue to expand globally, and Light & Wonder is positioning itself as a technology and content provider rather than just a traditional hardware supplier.

With recurring revenue streams, strong intellectual property, and a growing digital footprint, it is not hard to imagine Light & Wonder being a far larger and more diversified business by 2035.

Bell Potter is bullish on the company and has a buy rating and $176.00 price target on its shares. It said:

We rate LNW a Buy over the medium to long term due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL (38% discount to EV / EBITA, pre 3Q25 upgrades). In our view, the key catalyst in closing this discount is the ASX sole listing, which we believe will weigh positively on the stock after November 2025. In the short term we acknowledge risks to LNW including: a worsening in the ALL litigation matter (less likely, in our view); and market disruption due to the Nasdaq delisting.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Another ASX 200 growth share that could be destined for big things over the next decade is WiseTech Global. It is aiming to become the operating system for global logistics, and that ambition gives it a very long growth runway. Its CargoWise platform is used by freight forwarders, shipping companies, and logistics providers across the world.

Global trade continues to grow in complexity, and supply chains are under constant pressure to become faster, cheaper, and more transparent. WiseTech’s software addresses exactly those challenges, and its recurring revenue model benefits from customer stickiness and ongoing upselling.

Bell Potter is also bullish on this one. It has a buy rating and $100.00 price target on its shares. The broker remains positive on WiseTech despite recent issues relating to management and board upheaval, slowing growth, and insider trading allegations. It said:

These issues, however, are starting to subside and focus is returning to the outlook for the core business which is improving with the launch of new products, a new commercial model and the integration of a large acquisition (e2open). These initiatives are all expected to help drive a much stronger 2HFY26 result relative to 1HFY26 and then the first full year of benefits will be evident in FY27. All of these changes/initiatives are not without risk and there is still some risk of a soft downgrade to revenue guidance in FY26 at the half year result but the 12-month outlook is positive in our view.

The post These ASX 200 growth shares could be much bigger in 2035 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Is WiseTech a buy, sell or hold in 2026?

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 Light & Wonder Inc and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For many Australians, the hardest part of investing isn’t finding money to invest, it is deciding what to buy.

The fear of picking the wrong ASX share, buying at the wrong time, or watching a single company disappoint can be enough to keep people stuck on the sidelines for years. That’s where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can make all the difference.

Rather than betting on one company, ETFs allow investors to own dozens or even thousands of businesses in a single trade. This spreads risk and removes much of the pressure that comes with stock-picking.

If you’re new to investing, or simply want a low-stress way to grow wealth, here are three ASX ETFs that stand out as beginner friendly.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If there’s one ETF that captures the idea of owning the world, it is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This popular fund gives investors exposure to over 1,000 large and mid-cap stocks across developed markets. Its holdings include global household names such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (FRA: MOH).

What makes Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF so appealing for beginners is its sheer simplicity. Instead of worrying about which country or sector will outperform next, investors get broad global diversification from day one. By holding stocks across many industries and regions, this fund helps smooth out the bumps that inevitably come with investing.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

For investors who want exposure closer to home, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF offers a beginner-friendly approach.

Rather than tracking the entire market, this ASX ETF focuses on Australian stocks with strong balance sheets, reliable earnings, and high returns on equity. Its portfolio includes familiar blue chips such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

Instead of chasing the hottest trends, this fund quietly leans into businesses that have demonstrated durability through multiple economic cycles. For beginners, this quality bias can provide reassurance during market volatility, while still offering long-term growth potential. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Ever wanted to invest in the world’s best technology and innovation leaders in one fell swoop? That’s exactly what the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF allows investors to do.

This hugely popular ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which is home to many of the most influential companies shaping the global economy. Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP).

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Starbucks, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Macquarie Group, and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Starbucks, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO) are firmly back on investors’ radars today. This comes after the company received a broker upgrade following a major update just before Christmas.

The olive oil producer’s share price is surging 17.48% to $3.83 following fresh broker commentary on the company’s recently announced US acquisition.

So, what’s driving the renewed interest, and why are brokers becoming more optimistic on the outlook?

One broker changes its tune

According to the release this morning, Ord Minnett has upgraded Cobram Estate shares to buy, from accumulate.

The broker also lifted its price target by 4% to $3.65 per share, reflecting improved earnings expectations following the company’s latest strategic move.

While the upgraded target still sits slightly below the current share price, the shift in recommendation is notable. It suggests Ord Minnett now has greater confidence in Cobram Estate’s medium-term earnings profile and execution.

A big step forward in the US

Last week, Cobram Estate announced it had entered a binding agreement to acquire California Olive Ranch, the leading producer and marketer of Californian extra virgin olive oil.

The business operates a vertically integrated model, spanning olive cultivation, milling, bottling, storage, and distribution. It also owns the number one selling Californian-produced extra virgin olive oil brand in the US.

Management expects California Olive Ranch to generate around US$150 million in net revenue and US$16 million in EBITDA in FY2026, before synergies.

Importantly, Cobram Estate expects the acquisition to be around 9% EPS accretive from FY2027, the first full year of ownership.

Synergies are forecasted to reach US$12 million in FY2027, rising to more than US$20 million annually by FY2030. This is expected to be driven by higher olive oil yields, lower grove costs, and operational efficiencies.

Supply improves as US operations scale

Alongside the acquisition, Cobram Estate also provided an update on its US supply position.

The company has completed its FY2026 Californian harvest and secured 3.8 million litres of olive oil supply for the next 12 months. That represents a 27% increase compared to last year, helping improve supply certainty for customers.

Production volumes were broadly in line with FY2025, despite lighter crops from some third-party growers. Importantly, output from Cobram Estate’s own groves continues to lift as assets mature and yields improve.

Foolish Takeaway

Cobram Estate’s share price has already had a strong run, and short-term volatility is always possible after a sharp move.

However, the bigger picture is becoming clearer. The company has meaningfully expanded its US footprint, strengthened its supply position, and outlined a clear pathway to earnings growth through scale and synergies.

That combination appears to be winning brokers back over.

While the stock may not look cheap on every metric, Cobram Estate is now a larger, more diversified business with increasing exposure to the attractive US market.

After this week’s broker upgrade, it’s easy to see why investors are taking a fresh look heading into 2026.

The post Why is Cobram Estate rocketing 17% today? 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.