It’s that strange, yet familiar, time of year when most of us really aren’t sure what day it is.

And much to the chagrin of many of us, we don’t even have an ongoing Test match to both remind and occupy us.

The Christmas leftovers have all-but disappeared, but we’re not yet ready to go back to work.

Santa has come and gone, but it’s still 2025… we think.

It’s the time of ‘best/worst/highlights/lowlights of 2025’ in the papers, as they desperately try to bulk out what is otherwise a slow news week.

Even the ASX is the digital equivalent of an empty shell, with only a few traders rattling around, and most company secretaries off on leave.

(That doesn’t mean none are around, and we should be vigilant for those companies who seek to drop bad news when no-one is paying attention!)

No, I’m not going to do a ‘2025 in review’. We did one last weekend on the Motley Fool Money podcast, and that was enough.

No, I’m not going to do predictions for 2026. (We similarly have an upcoming podcast episode devoted to that, too, but with our tongues firmly in our cheeks.)

Instead, I’m going to hold up a mirror, of sorts.

If you’re feeling the strain of a forced ASX detox, with the market closed for four straight days, that might be a sign, of sorts.

Not a criticism, necessarily…

But it might tell you a little about how you approach your investing.

Look, I’m not going to give you grief for being human. We’re wired to notice things, to want more information, and to react to stimuli.

And when I say ‘wired’, I mean it. Our evolutionary path made good use of those instincts, without which our descendants likely wouldn’t have survived to create the line of humans that resulted in us.

So not only is it normal and natural, it’s been a superpower for thousands of years. Our predecessors were literally the best of the best when it came to those instincts that are at the foundation of how we interact with the world.

Which is why, for many of us, investing is so bloody hard!

Investing well requires us to switch off (or at least quieten down) some of the most important parts of our biology.

Take, for example, the fight or flight response.

Natural, when danger is present. More than that, it’s vital when life or death situations present themselves.

But for investors, both can be harmful. Instead, we need to understand the potential risk, acknowledge the innate drive to either run like hell or stand and fight… and do neither.

The acknowledgement is necessary, though, because it’s the only way we can reasonably address it.

“I’m feeling some serious panic, emotional pain and/or stress right now” is not only natural, it’s healthy.

And like the sinner, it’s not the temptation that condemns us, but the sin.

The same applies to investors: Feeling those things isn’t a problem, but letting them overwhelm your decision-making can be seriously harmful to your wealth.

Which takes me back to this week, when the market is closed as often as it is open, and not much happens when it is!

The human brain is wired to want more input; more information. Studies have famously shown that humans are more confident when we have more data but, past a given point, no more accurate.

That is, more data doesn’t make us any more ‘right’, but it sure as hell makes us more likely to think we are!

Again, that’s just evolution, so no judgement from me.

But it’s why I’ve weaned myself off checking my portfolio every five minutes. Watching share prices gyrate is easy to do, and can be kinda hypnotic.

One cent up, here. Two cents down there.

Now what? How about now?

It’s no wonder that, as kids, we routinely (and repeatedly, to our parents’ distraction) asked ‘Are we there yet?’.

Are you recognising yourself in this article?

If so, good.

If not, maybe you’re superhuman… otherwise, maybe it’s time to have another look in the mirror?

Because I’m not here to condemn you. But hubris might.

They say the first step to dealing with a problem is admitting you have one.

So… I’m admitting I have a problem.

I’m drawn to action over inaction. I’m drawn to the ‘need to know’, even if the data isn’t helpful… or is actively unhelpful.

I’m tempted to read those stupid ‘forecast’ articles that proliferate, even though no-one has a crystal ball.

And I know I’m not going to be able to escape the presence of those temptations.

What I have learned to do is to ignore them… or at least minimise their impact.

And that’s what I hope you can learn to do, too.

See, while the ASX was closed on the last couple of public holidays, businesses kept doing their things.

Just as they do every weekend. And before 10am and after 4pm weekdays, even though the market is closed.

Because a business is more than its share price. Far, far more.

But even that is an incomplete picture.

The last few days matter, a little, when it comes to this year’s sales and profit numbers.

A very little.

And those sales and profit numbers matter, a little, when it comes to the value of a company.

What matters far more?

The future.

Even if I have every known and knowable datapoint at my fingertips…

Even if I slavishly hit ‘refresh’ on my portfolio dozens of times a day…

Even if I read every single ASX release available…

Even then, the only thing that counts, over the long term, is the performance of the business whose shares I own.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares sold for less than $5 each in late 1999. They’re now around $175.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) went from under $24 to over $160.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) from under $5 to almost $30.

Why?

In each case, because the business became more dominant, more successful, and more valuable.

Of course, selective data points along the journey might have told you that each was continuing to thrive, and sometimes dive.

But I hope it’s obvious that it was far more important – and profitable – to get the big, long-term picture right, rather than obsess over whether the share price of each had moved up or down 0.5% on a given trading day.

And lest you think I’m only picking winners, the same observations could be made of AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), whose shares fell from over $13 to under $2 in the same timeframe.

What mattered?

Not the second-by-second volatility in share prices.

Not the breathless reporting and predictions.

But rather, the performance of those companies, over the long term.

(The price you paid – or didn’t pay – mattered a little, but far less than the performance of the companies themselves.)

So, if you are suffering from a little unwanted ASX detox, can I suggest switching from the stock market equivalent of two cans of Red Bull to maybe something just a little less chemically-enhanced.

Maybe you’re not ready for herbal tea, just yet, but perhaps a coffee might replace the Red Bull, then a tea might replace the coffee, in time.

For investors, that’s paying less attention to the noise – the share price movements, articles, forecasts and (false) promises of quick riches – and more to the signal.

And what is the right ‘signal’ for investors?

Swap out the brokerage screen for an annual report or two. Spend time thinking about the company, not the price.

Focus on what and where the company might be in 3, 5 and 10 years’ time.

What is its business model? Is it growing? Does it have a competitive advantage? How sustainable is that advantage? Will that lead to higher profits, not just tomorrow, or next year, but in 5- and 10-years’ time?

Then when you do think about the price, don’t worry about whether it’s up or down. Instead ask yourself if it’s a reasonable price to pay, given the future you expect.

Not quite as exciting, is it?

That’s okay, the share market shouldn’t be exciting, if you’re doing it right.

Get your adrenaline shot somewhere else. Save the stock market for making money, instead.

In the meantime, enjoy the leftovers and not knowing what day it is.

And cross your fingers that the SCG Test lasts longer than an influencer’s Instagram story.

Fool on!

The post Lessons from a 4-day long weekend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• These agricultural stocks are fundamentally undervalued, Bell Potter says
• Revealed: Silver price explosion sends these 3 ASX mining stocks more than 200% higher
• Up 119% since April, 3 reasons to buy this newly-minted ASX 200 uranium share today
• Why Aeris Resources, Cobram Estate Olives, Metallium, and Weebit Nano shares are racing higher today

Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips 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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. 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.

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:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts retained their buy rating on this uranium producer’s shares with a reduced price target of $2.00. This followed the release of a review on future production at the Honeymoon project. Although Bell Potter concedes that the update was very disappointing and makes the project’s future uncertain, it still sees potential for it to work. In fact, given its bullish view on uranium prices, it doesn’t think higher costs at Honeymoon are the end of the story. Bell Potter continues to assume production of 1.6 million pounds per annum over a 10-year mine life. In addition, its analysts think that Boss Energy’s cheap valuation could make it an attractive takeover target for a larger player. The Boss Energy share price is trading at $1.38 on Monday afternoon.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

A note out of Macquarie revealed that its analysts initiated coverage on this diversified financial services company’s shares with an outperform rating and $6.70 price target. Macquarie likes Generation Development Group because its businesses are market leaders in growth sectors, and are well positioned to scale. This includes its key Evidentia managed accounts segment, which Macquarie believes is poised to capture an outsized share of industry growth over 2024 to 2030. Another reason to be positive according to the broker is that management incentives are aligned with investors. It highlights that the top end of long term incentives require an earnings per share growth hurdle of +27.5%. The Generation Development Group share price is fetching $5.82 at the time of writing.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Analysts at Ord Minnett retained their buy rating on this data centre operator’s shares with an improved price target of $20.50. According to the note, the broker was pleased with news that NextDC has signed a memorandum of understanding with ChatGPT’s owner OpenAI. The two parties are looking to build the S7 data centre in Eastern Creek, Sydney. If constructed, it is expected to be a hyperscale AI campus and the largest in the southern hemisphere with 650MW capacity. Ord Minnett sees a lot of positives from the plan and believes it could be a big boost to NextDC’s valuation if it goes ahead as proposed. The NextDC share price is trading at $12.65 this afternoon.

The post Leading 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 Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Generation Development Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The team at Bell Potter have run the ruler over the ASX-listed agricultural sector and has come up with three companies they reckon are worth having a look at.

The Bell Potter team warns that investments in the sector can be high-risk, with commodity prices and seasonal factors coming into play.

That said, they’ve named three companies which they’ve picked on the basis of “valuation dislocations where we see a buying opportunity”.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

This company, which Bell Potter says sells its products both locally and abroad, has made some good changes recently, they reckon.

The Bell Potter team goes on to say:

Following recent restructuring announcements, with regard to the closure of Strathmerton and winding down of the PCA operations, there appears a clear pathway towards a $250-270m EBITDA target. If successful in generating this return and having consideration for the cash costs to achieve this target it would imply a share price of $8.00-9.00 per share (at BGA’s historical ~12x EBITDA multiple).

Keep in mind that the current share price is just $6.04 per share.

Bell Potter says the company has a “clearly-articulated strategy” towards generating more than 20% earnings per share growth, and the broker has a price target on Bega shares of $7.

Rural Funds Group Ltd (ASX: RFF)

This entity is a listed investment trust with a portfolio “focused on almond orchards, vineyards, cattle, cotton and macadamias”, Bell Potter says.

The Bell Potter team goes on to say:

Assets in the portfolio are some of the most productive in the industry and leased to high quality tenants including Treasury Wine Estates, Olam, JBS, AACo and Select Harvests.

The analyst team say the share price’s current discount to net assets of about 35% is well above the historical average of about 5%, and they expect the company to start selling off assets next year to unleash some of this untapped value.

Bell Potter has a price target on the shares of $2.45 against $2.04 currently.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Elders is a leading supplier of fertiliser, agricultural chemicals, and animal health products, and also has a real estate arm and is active in the wool and livestock sectors.

Bell Potter said it saw encouraging signs for FY26, “with livestock turnoff values up about 35% year on year through the first quarter of 2026, stable to rising crop protection active ingredient values and modestly higher fertiliser price indicators”.

Bell Potter said Elders could drive double-digit earnings per share growth across the next two financial years, which “does not look reflected in the current share price”.

Bell Potter has a price target on Elders shares of $9.45 compared with $6.99 currently.

The post These agricultural stocks are fundamentally undervalued, Bell Potter says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Silver hit an all-time high this week after bulldozing its way through US$80 per ounce.

Remarkably, the price of the metal has now surged by nearly to 190% since the start of the year.

It has also handsomely outperformed gold.

For comparison, the gold price has delivered strong gains of its own, climbing by approximately 73% in 2025.

Not surprisingly, both metals have left the broader market firmly in their wake.

For context, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has risen by about 6.8% during the same timeframe.

Despite this powerful rally, investors seeking exposure to silver have a limited number of ASX mining stocks to consider.

The silver conundrum for investors in ASX mining stocks

In essence, there are no dedicated silver mining stocks in the ASX 200.

This is a major difference to gold which offers a string of options.

These include ASX 200 stalwarts like Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM), and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

However, one of the few practical choices for exposure to silver is the Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG) exchange-traded fund (ETF).

This ASX ETF is designed to generate returns that mirror the silver price in Australian dollars, minus fees and expenses. 

Overall, shares in this ASX ETF are up by 145% since the start of the year, trading at $107.00 each at the time of writing.

However, the ASX is also home to several exploration companies moving their silver projects towards production.

Below, we introduce three little-known ASX mining stocks advancing their respective projects and riding this year’s silver price explosion.

Andean Silver Ltd (ASX: ASL)

Andean Silver is progressing its Cerro Bayo silver and gold project in Chile towards mining.

So far, the ASX mining stock has defined a resource containing 47 million ounces of silver and 800,000 ounces of gold.

Current work is focused on expanding the resource through extension and exploration drilling, with recent results hinting at the project’s upside potential.

Earlier this month, the company reported “outstanding” silver and gold intersections at Cerro Bayo, extending the known mineralisation beyond the current resource.

Since the start of the year, Andean shares have surged by 207% to reach $2.58 per share at the time of writing.

Sun Silver Limited (ASX: SS1)

Sun Silver is advancing its Maverick Springs silver and gold project in the US state of Nevada.

The ASX mining stock believes Maverick Springs is the largest undeveloped primary silver project on the ASX.

It hosts a resource containing 347 million ounces of silver and 2.2 million ounces of gold.

Management also noted that the mineralised system at Maverick Springs remains open in all directions, potentially paving the way for further growth.

Shares in Sun Silver haven rocketed by 210% so far this year, climbing to $1.99 apiece at the time of writing.

Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL)

Unico Silver is progressing two silver and gold projects in Argentina: Cerro Leon and Joaquin.

So far, it has defined a resource containing 232 million ounces of silver equivalent across both projects.

However, the ASX mining stock aims to grow this number beyond 300 million ounces through an ongoing exploration drilling campaign.

Its efforts will likely be aided by a significant cash injection announced last month.

In a nutshell, Unico pocketed $50 million from an institutional placement and share purchase plan to fast-track its growth strategy.

At the time of writing, shares in this ASX mining stock are changing hands at $0.90 per share.

They have now rocketed by 350% since the start of the year.

The post Revealed: Silver price explosion sends these 3 ASX mining stocks more than 200% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ASX mining shares dominate stocks hitting 52-week highs
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• Up 118% in 2025, why is this All Ords ASX silver share crashing on Monday?
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Motley Fool contributor Bart Bogacz 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 200 Index (ASX: XJO) uranium share NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) has been on a tear since plumbing multi-year lows on 9 April.

How much of a tear?

Well, at the 9 April close you could have bought NexGen shares for $6.51 apiece.

In early afternoon trade today, those same shares are changing hands for $14.24 each. That sees the ASX 200 uranium share up a very impressive 118.7% over the past eight and a half months.

For some context, the ASX 200 has gained 18.6% after closing near its own multi-year lows on 9 April.

The rapid share price gains also saw NexGen officially added to the ASX 200 last week, on 22 December. That was part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices December quarterly rebalance.

But with the stock having more than doubled since April, has the train already left the station on this one?

Why this ASX 200 uranium share could keep rocketing in 2026

L1 Capital’s Raphael Lamm has a bullish outlook for NexGen shares (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

Among his reasons for tipping the ASX 200 uranium share as a buy is the global resurgence for nuclear energy. This is being spurred by changing government policies as nations seek reliable baseload power amid the clean energy transition, and surging energy demand from power hungry AI-enabled data centres.

And this comes as new global uranium supplies remain limited.

The second reason you may want to by NexGen shares for the new year is its Rook I uranium project in Canada. Rook I is reported to host the largest undeveloped uranium deposit in the world.

The third reason NexGen shares could continue to outperform in 2026 (at current uranium prices) is its “highly attractive valuation”.

According to Lam (quoted by the AFR):

Rook I is capable of generating about CAD$2.8 billion (AU$3.1 billion) of EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] at US$80 a pound uranium, which implies a 3.5 times enterprise value to EBITDA multiple. By comparison Cameco, the largest Western producer of uranium, currently trades at about 28 times EV/ EBITDA.

NexGen shares on the uranium bull run

NexGen isn’t the only ASX 200 uranium share to amply reward shareholders since the 9 April market dip.

Taking a look at a few of the other top Aussie miners, the Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) share price has surged 136.1% since 9 April. And Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares have rocketed 140.3%.

But, in a reminder of the importance of diversification, Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares have tanked 37.8% since 9 April. That follows a significant downgrade in the production expectations at Boss Energy’s Honeymoon uranium project, located in South Australia.

The post Up 119% since April, 3 reasons to buy this newly-minted ASX 200 uranium share today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started the week in a subdued fashion. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.35% to 8,731.3 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 10% to 60 cents. This morning, the copper miner announced that its Constellation Project has been granted development consent from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. 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 16% to $3.79. Investors have been buying this olive oil producer’s shares since it announced an agreement to acquire California Olive Ranch. It is the leading producer and marketer of Californian extra virgin olive oil. The company has agreed a total consideration of US$173.5 million. 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. 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.”

Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM)

The Metallium share price is up 4.5% to 98.2 cents. This follows news that the critical and precious metals company has commenced commissioning at its Texas Technology Campus. Management believes this milestone represents a major step in de-risking its U.S.-based critical-metals recovery platform. It notes that commissioning activities are progressing in parallel with ongoing construction works to support future expansion.

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

The Weebit Nano share price is up 11% to $5.45. This morning, this semiconductor company revealed that it has signed a licensing agreement for its ReRAM technology with Texas Instruments (NASDAQ;:TXN). In addition, the company released revenue guidance for FY 2026, revealing that it expects revenue of at least $10 million. The company’s CEO, Coby Hanoch, said: “This agreement is another strong signal that the industry is moving towards ReRAM as the successor to flash memory in SoC designs.”

The post Why Aeris Resources, Cobram Estate Olives, Metallium, and Weebit Nano shares are racing 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 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 200 Index (ASX: XJO) copper stocks have raced ahead of the benchmark in 2025.

And they look well placed to outperform again in 2026.

In early afternoon trade today, the ASX 200 is down 0.1%.

Meanwhile, shares in Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), perhaps Australia’s most pure play ASX 200 copper stock, are up 0.6% at $17.97. And shares in dual-listed, Canadian-based Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC), which joined the ASX on 8 April, are up 1.8% at $15.50 each.

As for Australia’s largest miner, the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is up 0.2% today at $45.69. Iron ore remains BHP’s top revenue earner but, as we’ll look at below, the mining giant’s copper earnings are rapidly growing and now come in at number two.

As for that blistering rally in ASX copper stocks, Sandfire shares are up 92.9% in 2025; Capstone Copper shares have gained 52.6%; and the BHP share price is up 14.4% (not including dividends).

For some context, the ASX 200 has gained 6.7% year to date.

ASX copper stocks enjoying surging copper price

Atop its broader use in construction, like plumbing, copper is considered a critical metal in the world’s energy transition.

Amid various recent mining disruptions, the copper price – as well as ASX 200 copper stocks – has also gotten a big added boost from the tariffs proposed by United States President Donald Trump. This has caused a material lift in the amount of copper being shipped to the US ahead of the potential implementation of those tariffs.

Indeed, the Aussie 200 copper stocks, including BHP, Capstone, and Sandfire, are enjoying all-time high prices for the red metal. Copper is now trading for US$12,163 per tonne, up 37% in 12 months.

And, as reported by The Australian Financial Review, both Morgan Stanley and Citigroup expect strong demand and limited new supplies to support copper prices in 2026.

With an eye on further interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve, Citigroup said the copper price could reach US$15,000 per tonne, or more than 15% above current levels, in its bull case scenario.

Little wonder then, that BHP is actively working to increase its copper exposure.

BHP shares boosting copper footprint

Though far from a pure play ASX 200 copper stock, BHP is rapidly increasing its copper production.

In its FY 2025 full year results release, BHP noted:

In FY25, BHP’s total copper production increased for a third consecutive year to a record 2,017 kt, 28% higher than in FY22, driven by strong performances across all operated copper assets.

This drove a 44% increase in our total copper Underlying EBITDA to US$12.3 bn and increased copper’s contribution to the Group’s Underlying EBITDA to 45% (FY24: 29%).

Group copper production for FY26 is expected to remain strong at between 1,800 kt and 2,000 kt on a consolidated basis.

Looking to what could impact BHP shares longer-term, the miner said:

As we look ahead to the 2030s, we have a number of projects in execution and under study that we estimate could deliver ~2 Mtpa of attributable copper production during the decade.

The post Can the sizzling rally in ASX 200 copper stocks boost BHP shares in 2026?  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 top ASX dividend shares to buy now
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• BHP, Macquarie, and Westpac: Naughty or nice? 3 popular ASX shares examined
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Record copper price shines a light on BHP shares and these two other ASX 200 mining stocks

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

In the last, and shortened, trading week of 2025, S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) are off to the races.

In late morning trade today, the ASX 200 is down 0.1%.

That’s despite the lifting efforts of most Aussie gold miners, with the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 0.3% at this same time.

Here’s how some of the leading ASX 200 gold shares are tracking at time of writing:

• Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are up 0.9% at $27.26
• Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) shares are up 0.5% at $157.05
• Ramelius Resources Ltd(ASX: RMS) shares are flat at $4.20
• Evolution Mining shares are up 1.8% at $13.18
• Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) shares are down 0.2% at $1.71
• Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 0.5% at $5.76
• Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares are up 1.6% at $5.53
• Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares are up 0.9% at $6.56

Although the gold miners have given back some of their loftier early morning gains, they’re still clearly grabbing ASX investor interest today.

Here’s why.

What’s boosting ASX 200 gold shares today?

When the gold price rises, so too do the profits for most Aussie gold miners.

That’s because the costs of digging up an ounce of the yellow metal remain relatively fixed, regardless of the price the ASX 200 gold shares receive for it at the end of the day.

And, as you likely know, the gold price has been going ballistic.

Over the weekend the gold price set a new all-time high, topping US$4,533 per ounce. It’s since slipped a touch to be trading for US$4,516 per ounce at time of writing. This sees the gold price up more than 73% over the past 12 months in a historic rally for the precious metal.

And it’s come as welcome Christmas news to investors in ASX 200 gold shares, who have watched the share prices of their investments soar over the year. Pleasingly for passive income investors, a number of the top gold miners have also materially upped their dividend payments.

Gold has been catching tailwinds on numerous fronts. These includes strong central bank bullion buying, the prospect of further interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve, and ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.

Is it too late to ASX gold stocks like Evolution Mining?

Evolution Mining shares have surged 172.5% over the past year. And the ASX 200 gold share trades on a fully franked 1.5% trailing dividend yield.

The ASX All Ords gold index has gained 124.2% over this same time.

The outlook for further outsized share price gains for Evolution Mining and it rival ASX gold miners will depend largely on how gold moves in 2026.

While the future remains unknown by definition, a number of analysts are bullish on the trajectory of the gold price in 2026.

According to Global X investment strategist Justin Lin (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

Momentum is sweeping through the precious metals space as retail investors have adopted a ‘better-late-than-left-behind’ mindset, even at the year’s end.

While some of the gold buying reflects genuine hedging demand, a sizable share too likely stems from fear of missing out as gold and silver have outshone every other asset class this year.

Global X forecasts the gold price to hit US$5,000 per ounces in 2026, with the potential to reach US$6,000 per ounce if global stock markets perform poorly or geopolitical tensions rise further.

Saxo Bank’s head of commodity strategy, Ole Hansen, also forecasts the gold price to reach US$5,000 per once in 2026. He noted:

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

If 2026 does deliver ongoing gains in the gold price, we should see more outperformance from these top ASX 200 gold shares.

The post Can surging ASX 200 gold shares like Evolution Mining keeping smashing the benchmark in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Gold just smashed a record high. Are Northern Star shares next?
• Up 160% in a year, could Evolution Mining shares keep climbing?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• At record prices, why don’t ASX gold miners pay high dividends?

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

Shares in Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) are back on investors’ radars today. This comes after the infant formula company released a fresh update on its progress in the United States.

The announcement centres on Bubs’ pathway toward permanent regulatory approval in the US, which remains the company’s most important growth market.

At the time of writing, Bubs shares are trading around 13.5 cents, giving the company a market capitalisation of roughly $121 million.

So, what exactly did Bubs say, and why does it matter?

Progress continues on US approval

According to the release, Bubs confirmed that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to review the company’s New Infant Formula Submissions (NIFS).

These submissions cover all three of Bubs’ infant formula ranges currently sold in the US:

• Bubs Essential
• Bubs 365 Day Grass Fed
• Bubs Goat powder infant formulas

Management said the FDA review process remains on track, and importantly, there are currently no outstanding requests for information from the regulator.

Products can stay on shelves for now

One of the more reassuring parts of today’s update is around near-term sales continuity.

Bubs said the FDA has confirmed it will continue to allow the importation, sale, and distribution of Bubs’ infant formula products in the US after 31 December 2025, while the final review process is completed.

This will occur under the FDA’s ‘Enforcement Discretion’ framework, which has allowed certain international suppliers to operate in the US since the infant formula shortages emerged.

Why the US market matters so much

The US is already Bubs’ largest and most strategic market.

Earlier this year, Bubs completed what it described as the world’s largest single clinical infant formula trial, enrolling 478 infants over 16 months. The results from that trial formed a critical part of the data submitted to the FDA as part of the company’s approval process.

Permanent regulatory approval would move Bubs from a temporary supplier to a fully approved participant in the US infant formula market. That shift would open the door to broader distribution, longer-term contracts, and more predictable growth.

The bigger picture for investors

Bubs operates in a highly regulated industry, so progress can sometimes feel slow. However, today’s update points to steady progress for the company.

With the FDA still engaged, no new data requests, and ongoing access to the US market confirmed, Bubs appears to be nearing the final stages of its approval process.

For investors, timing is now the main focus. Formal approval remains the key hurdle, and until that happens, sentiment is likely to move around.

The post Why this ASX small-cap share is back in focus after a US market update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Can surging ASX 200 gold shares like Evolution Mining keeping smashing the benchmark in 2026?
• Why Boss Energy, DroneShield, EOS, and Netwealth shares are falling today
• Treasury Wine shares pile on the gains after French billionaire buys in
• Forget gold! Meet the 2 metals up by +150% in 2025 and the ASX ETFs riding the wave
• Argo Investments launches 12-month on-market buy-back for up to 37 million shares

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

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 8,744.2 points.

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

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is down 3% to $1.37. This uranium producer’s shares have been crushed this year following the release of its Honeymoon project review. That review has indicated an expected material and significant deviation from the assumptions underpinning its 2021 Enhanced Feasibility Study (EFS). Boss Energy’s managing director, Matthew Dusci, remains hopeful that there is still a way forward. He said: “Although Boss acknowledges this disappointing outcome, the Honeymoon Review and delineation drilling programs have enabled the identification of a potential pathway forward through a new wide-spaced wellfield design. While additional work is necessary to finalise a New Feasibility Study, this development presents an opportunity for Boss to potentially lower operating costs, optimise production profiles, and extend mine life compared to the current wellfield design.”

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is down 6% to $3.09. This is despite there being no news out of the counter drone technology company today. However, it is worth noting that DroneShield’s shares have been strong performers this month. So much so, despite today’s pullback, its shares remain up by 55% since this time last month. They are also up over 300% since the start of the year.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price is down 5% to $8.79. This could also be due to profit taking from some investors following a strong gain this month. EOS shares remain up over 90% since this time last month despite today’s weakness. In addition, optimism that Ukraine and Russia could soon sign a peace deal could be weighing on its shares. Investors may believe a peace deal would lessen demand for its defence products.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

The Netwealth share price is down over 5% to $25.43. This is despite there being no news out of the investment platform provider on Monday. Earlier this month, the company revealed that it had agreed to compensation payments of approximately $101 million to members impacted by the First Guardian Master Fund collapse.

The post Why Boss Energy, DroneShield, EOS, and Netwealth shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Clarity, DroneShield, St Barbara, and Treasury Wine shares are charging higher today
• Why are DroneShield shares racing higher again today?
• DroneShield secures $6.2 million Asia Pacific contract

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 DroneShield, Electro Optic Systems, and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.