For investors focused on building passive income, ASX dividend shares remain one of the most reliable ways to generate long-term cash flow.

While interest rates and market sentiment can move around from year to year, quality dividend payers tend to reward patient investors through regular income and steady capital growth.

Rather than chasing the highest yield on offer, a smarter approach is to focus on companies with durable business models, strong balance sheets, and a proven commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

With that in mind, here are five ASX dividend shares that stand out right now.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a top pick for investors is Accent Group.

It owns and operates footwear focused retailers such as The Athlete’s Foot, Platypus, Stylerunner, and Hype DC. It also boasts exclusive distribution rights for major global brands such as Skechers and is rolling out the Sports Direct brand across Australia.

Although consumer spending weakness has weighed heavily on its performance this year, this is now fully priced in. So, with interest rate cuts expected to boost the retail sector in 2026, this dividend share could be well-placed for a rebound in fortunes.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

Another top ASX dividend share that could be a top pick is APA Group.

It owns and operates critical energy infrastructure across Australia, including gas pipelines and electricity assets. Its long-term contracts provide predictable earnings, which flow through to steady and growing distributions. For investors seeking inflation-linked income with lower volatility, APA is an appealing option.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

A third ASX dividend share that could be a top option for income investors in 2026 is BHP Group.

It is one of the most dependable dividend payers on the Australian share market. Backed by world-class iron ore, copper, and metallurgical coal assets, the mining giant generates enormous cash flow across the commodity cycle. This allows the miner to continue rewarding shareholders even when commodity prices are weak.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra Group could be another ASX dividend share to buy.

That’s because the telco giant offers defensive income backed by essential infrastructure. Demand for mobile data, broadband, and network services continues to rise, supporting stable cash flows. Telstra’s focus on cost discipline and long-term network investment underpins its ability to pay reliable dividends.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Lastly, Woolworths Group rounds out the list.

As one of Australia’s largest supermarket operators, it benefits from consistent demand for everyday essentials. This resilience allows Woolworths to deliver reliable dividends even during tougher economic conditions.

And while its performance has been underwhelming over the past couple of years, there are signs that it is now back on track and positioned for growth again.

The post 5 top ASX dividend shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Accent Group and Woolworths Group. 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 Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group and BHP Group. 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) share TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) looks like the top pick of the index right now, in my view.

For starters, the TechnologyOne share price has dropped around 30% in the last six months, making it an even more compelling time to consider the business.

TechnologyOne says it’s Australia’s largest enterprise software company, with a global presence. The business serves over 1,300 leading businesses, government agencies, local councils and universities.

Let’s get into why the ASX 200 share is an appealing long-term buy.

Strong revenue growth

Revenue growth is usually a key driver of how much a business grows over time. TechnologyOne’s revenue has been very impressive, and it continues to expand at a strong rate.

During FY25, the business reported total annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $554.6 million, representing growth of 18% year-over-year.

A significant portion of that ARR growth is being driven by a strong net revenue retention (NRR) of 115%. This means existing clients from last year delivered 15% revenue growth, which is a pleasing rate of expansion.

How is the ASX 200 share able to achieve such a strong NRR? It’s investing around 25% of its revenue into research and development (R&D), giving subscribers compelling reasons to adopt the ASX 200 share’s products and modules at a faster pace. The average customer ARR has grown from $100,000 in FY12 to over $442,000 in FY25.

If it continues with an NRR of 115%, then revenue could double in five years.

Great UK progress

One of the trickiest things about investing in businesses that are priced for a lot of long-term success is figuring out how long they’re going to be able to continue growing profits at a strong pace.

TechnologyOne already has a strong presence in Australia, but the business may have found its next leg of growth: the UK. For starters, the UK has a much larger population than Australia, with more than 69 million people. The UK has government, councils, businesses and universities that all need software for their operations.

In FY25, UK ARR jumped 49% to $51.8 million, driven by strong demand in the local government and higher education sectors. TechnologyOne won the signature London boroughs of Islington London Borough Council and the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich from global competitors.

I’m expecting its ARR to continue rising in the UK at a strong double-digit pace for the foreseeable future.

Rising margins and net profit

In FY25, the business achieved a profit before tax (PBT) margin of 30% despite investing in its long-term ‘SaaS+’ (software as a service) strategy, impacting its PBT margin by 2.7%.

The ASX 200 share expects its PBT margin to improve to at least 35% in the coming years, driven by the “significant economies of scale” from its software, as well as the customer response to SaaS+. According to the forecast on CMC Markets, the TechnologyOne share price is trading at 48x FY28’s estimated earnings. I think this makes it look good value considering the very positive outlook.

The post Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

There are a lot of ASX stocks out there for investors to choose from.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three that analysts think could be among the best to buy in 2026.

Here’s what they are recommending to investors:

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Life360 is the company behind the eponymous family safety app that has become deeply embedded in the daily lives of 91.6 million users, creating a powerful network effect that is difficult for competitors to replicate.

The company’s focus on subscription revenue means it benefits from highly predictable cash flows, while its growing user base provides multiple avenues for monetisation over time. Importantly, Life360 has been demonstrating improving operating leverage, with revenue growth increasingly flowing through to profitability and cash flow.

Looking to 2026, the company’s global expansion opportunity remains significant, particularly as it continues to convert free users into paying subscribers and its new advertising business builds momentum.

Bell Potter sees potential for big returns in 2026. It has a buy rating and $52.50 price target on Life360’s shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX stock that could be a best buy in 2026 is REA Group. It is arguably one of the highest-quality businesses on the Australian share market. Its flagship platform, realestate.com.au, is the clear market leader in online property listings, giving it extraordinary pricing power and scale advantages.

While housing market cycles can create short-term noise, REA’s long-term economics remain extremely attractive. The company benefits from a capital-light business model, strong margins, and the ability to lift prices over time without materially impacting demand.

As interest rates stabilise and housing activity normalises, REA Group is well positioned to accelerate its earnings growth. Add in its expanding presence in adjacent services and international markets, and it is easy to see why REA remains a standout long-term compounder heading into 2026.

UBS is positive on the company’s outlook and recently put a buy rating and $255.00 price target on its shares.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Finally, Temple & Webster could be an ASX stock to buy for 2026. It offers investors exposure to the ongoing shift towards online retail, specifically in the furniture and homewares category. Despite recent consumer spending pressures, the company has continued to grow its customer base and improve its operating efficiency.

The key attraction here is its growth runway. Online penetration in furniture remains relatively low compared to other retail categories, suggesting that there is plenty of growth ahead.

It is partly for this reason that analysts at Macquarie have an outperform rating and $24.15 price target on its shares.

The post These could be 3 of the best ASX stocks to own in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, REA Group, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Macquarie Group, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are a lot of Australian stocks out there for investors to choose from. So many, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three of the best according to brokers. Here’s what they are recommending:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat Leisure is no longer just a traditional gaming machine manufacturer. Over recent years, the company has successfully transformed into a global gaming content and technology business, with exposure across regulated land-based gaming, online real money gaming, and social casino games.

Its Product Madness division has become a major growth engine, generating high-margin, recurring revenue from popular mobile titles enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. Meanwhile, Aristocrat’s core gaming operations continue to benefit from scale, strong intellectual property, and deep relationships with casino operators.

Looking to 2026, Aristocrat’s diversified revenue base and global footprint give it multiple levers for growth, while its balance sheet strength allows continued investment in content, technology, and strategic opportunities.

Bell Potter is bullish on Aristocrat. It has a buy rating and $80.00 price target on its shares.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group remains one of the ASX’s most compelling long-term growth stories, even after years of strong performance. The industrial property specialist sits at the centre of several powerful structural trends, including e-commerce, logistics optimisation, data centre expansion, and artificial intelligence-driven demand for digital infrastructure.

Goodman’s ability to develop high-quality assets for blue-chip customers, combined with its capital-light funds management model, provides a strong foundation for earnings growth. Its development pipeline and exposure to data centres are particularly attractive as global demand for computing power continues to rise.

For 2026, Goodman offers a combination of defensive characteristics, recurring income, and meaningful growth potential, which is why it continues to feature on many broker buy lists.

Morgan Stanley has it on its list. It has an overweight rating and $41.50 price target on its shares.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip is a higher-risk, higher-reward option, but one that could surprise to the upside if conditions fall into place. After a difficult period marked by rising interest rates and tighter credit conditions, this Australian stock has rapidly (and successfully) shifted its focus toward profitability, cost discipline, and its core markets.

The company has been simplifying its operations, exiting less attractive regions, and sharpening its product offering. As consumer sentiment improves, Zip’s growth could go up another gear in 2026. Especially given the increasing popularity of buy now pay later in the United States.

Macquarie is feeling very bullish on the company’s outlook. It recently put an outperform rating and $4.85 price target on its shares.

The post The best Australian stocks to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If you are fortunate enough to have $10,000 ready to invest and want a simple, low-maintenance way to build long-term wealth, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be the answer.

That’s because ETFs provide Aussie investors with instant diversification, remove the pressure of stock-picking, and allow investors to benefit from powerful global and local growth trends over time.

Rather than trying to predict which individual shares will outperform, spreading capital across a handful of high-quality ETFs can deliver strong returns with far less effort.

But which funds could be worth considering for investors with $10,000 to put to work in the share market? Let’s take a look at three super strong ASX ETFs that could form the backbone of a long-term portfolio.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The popular iShares S&P 500 ETF gives Australian investors direct exposure to the 500 largest listed companies in the United States. This includes global leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

The S&P 500 index has delivered outstanding long-term returns over many decades, driven by a winning combination of innovation, productivity growth, and some of the world’s most profitable businesses. For investors looking to tap into US economic strength without picking individual stocks, the iShares S&P 500 ETF could be a compelling core holding.

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS)

Another ASX ETF that could be a top option for the $10,000 is the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF. It provides broad exposure to the Australian share market, holding around 300 local stocks. Major positions include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

This means that the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF offers a mix of growth and income, making it particularly attractive for Australian investors who value franking credits and home-market familiarity. It also ensures your portfolio benefits from Australia’s strong dividend culture while maintaining broad diversification.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A third ASX ETF to look at is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. Inspired by principles championed by Warren Buffett, this fund aims to own exceptional US stocks with lasting competitive advantages when they are trading at attractive valuations.

Its holdings change periodically but currently include the likes of Nike (NYSE: NKE), Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK).

The fund’s quality-first approach can help investors compound wealth over time while potentially reducing downside risk.

The post 3 super strong ASX ETFs to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Nike, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Amazon, Apple, CSL, Merck, Microsoft, Netflix, Nike, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Microsoft, Netflix, Nike, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Gold prices have surged to fresh all-time highs, climbing above US$4,500 an ounce for the first time.

Investors have been turning to gold as a safe haven amid geopolitical tension and rising expectations of interest rate cuts next year. Central bank buying has also continued to support prices.

With the yellow metal hitting record levels, attention has quickly turned back to ASX-listed gold producers, including Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST).

Northern Star shares have already had a strong run over the past year. Now, with gold prices continuing to push higher, investors are starting to ask whether there could be further upside ahead.

Gold prices doing the heavy lifting

There is no doubt the current gold price backdrop has been supportive for the entire sector.

Gold is up more than 70% over the past year, marking one of its strongest periods in decades. That has flowed directly into higher revenue and stronger cash generation for gold producers across the board.

Northern Star also benefits from a weaker Australian dollar, which boosts earnings when gold is sold in US dollars but reported in Australian dollars.

As long as costs remain under control, higher gold prices generally translate into stronger margins and free cash flow for larger, established producers like Northern Star.

Operations remain on track

Northern Star’s most recent quarterly update showed the business continues to perform well. Gold production remained in line with expectations, while costs were broadly stable despite ongoing inflation pressures across the mining sector.

Management also reaffirmed its full-year guidance. That was taken as a reassuring signal by the market, especially at a time when many miners are still facing higher labour and energy costs. Importantly, Northern Star continues to generate strong free cash flow, giving it flexibility to invest, reduce debt, and return capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

The company’s balance sheet remains in solid shape, with a strong cash position and plenty of liquidity heading into the second half of the year.

What are brokers saying?

Broker sentiment toward Northern Star remains broadly positive. Several analysts have pointed to its scale, asset quality, and disciplined capital management as key strengths.

Northern Star shares last traded at $27.01 at the time of writing.

Earlier this month, Citi lifted its price target on the stock by 17% to $28.10, reflecting stronger gold prices and confidence in the company’s outlook. That implies potential upside of around 4% from current levels, assuming the gold price remains supportive.

While some brokers note that the share price already reflects a lot of good news, most still see value, particularly if gold prices stay elevated over the medium term. The general view is that Northern Star remains well positioned to benefit if strong gold prices persist, without taking on excessive risk.

Foolish takeaway

Gold smashing through record highs has created a supportive backdrop for gold producers.

Northern Star has already delivered strong returns, but the underlying business remains in good shape.

Short-term movements will always be tied to the gold price. But if gold stays near current levels, Northern Star looks well placed to continue benefiting.

That said, after the recent run, I am happy to watch from the sidelines for now. Personally, I would be looking for a more attractive entry point, potentially back in the low $20’s, before getting more interested.

For investors seeking exposure to gold through a proven ASX producer, Northern Star remains a stock worth watching closely.

The post Gold just smashed a record high. Are Northern Star shares next? 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.

Dividend investors are always looking for income, especially when markets feel uncertain and share prices move around.

While many people focus on banks, telcos, or infrastructure stocks for dividends, one ASX 200 company currently stands above the rest for yield.

The payout on offer is far higher than most large Australian shares. In fact, it sits comfortably above 10% based on recent dividends paid.

So, which ASX 200 stock is it?

A dividend yield that stands above the rest

At current prices, Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) is offering the highest dividend yield in the ASX 200 based on dividends paid over the past year.

Shares are trading just shy of the $5 mark. Thanks to large cash returns to shareholders, Yancoal’s trailing dividend yield sits well into double digits. That puts it ahead of more traditional income stocks like the major banks and energy producers.

In comparison, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) offers a dividend yield of around 3%, while Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) sits closer to 2%.

Why the payouts have been so large?

Yancoal is one of Australia’s largest coal producers, exporting both thermal and metallurgical coal to overseas markets.

Coal prices surged in recent years, driven by tight supply and strong global demand. That allowed Yancoal to report very strong earnings and cash flow.

With costs under control and debt low, the company was able to pay out large dividends. In some years, those payments were far bigger than what investors normally expect from ASX 200 companies.

Dividends are strong, but not stable

While the yield looks attractive, this is not a reliable or predictable income stock.

Yancoal does not pay steady dividends every year. Its payouts rise and fall with coal prices, production levels, and market conditions.

That means today’s yield is based on past profits, not a promise of future payments.

Coal prices have come down from their highs, but they remain above long-term averages. According to Trading Economics, both thermal and metallurgical coal prices are still high enough to support profitable operations, even if margins are not as strong as before.

This suggests Yancoal can still generate cash, just not at the same level as during peak conditions.

What brokers are saying?

Broker views on Yancoal are mixed, but most price targets remain above the current share price.

Recent broker forecasts generally point to 12-month price targets between $5.50 and $6.00, with some more bullish estimates higher. That suggests potential upside of around 10% to 20% from current levels.

Several brokers continue to rate the stock as a buy, highlighting Yancoal’s strong balance sheet, low debt, and low-cost operations. These strengths give the company room to keep paying dividends, even as coal prices ease.

Not all analysts agree, however. Morgan Stanley remains more cautious, warning that earnings and dividends could fall as coal prices normalise. It has a $4.45 price target, which implies downside of around 10% from the current share price.

Foolish bottom line

Yancoal currently sits at the top of the ASX 200 dividend yield table.

That headline yield will appeal to income investors, but it comes with volatility. Dividends are closely tied to coal prices and are unlikely to stay this high.

For now, I am happy to watch from the sidelines. If coal prices weaken and Yancoal shares fall below $4, the risk and reward could start to look more attractive and worth reassessing.

Until then, Yancoal remains an interesting income stock, but not one I am rushing to buy today.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock has the highest dividend yield? 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.

Shares in Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) have had a huge run over the past year. The gold miner’s share price is up around 160%, putting it among the best performers in the ASX gold sector.

That rise has been driven by higher gold prices and improving performance across the business. With the stock sitting near recent highs, the focus now shifts to what comes next and whether Evolution can keep delivering.

Gold prices are pushing the sector higher

The gold price has been the biggest driver behind recent gains in mining shares.

Gold is trading at record highs above US$4,500 an ounce after rising strongly over the past year. Prices are well above where they were 18 months ago.

One major driver has been strong buying from central banks, particularly in emerging markets. Many countries have been increasing their gold reserves as a way to reduce reliance on the US dollar and protect against global uncertainty.

Investor demand has also picked up. With geopolitical tensions still elevated and financial markets moving around, gold has regained its appeal as a safe-haven asset.

Expectations of interest rate cuts in 2026 have also supported prices, as gold tends to perform better when rates are falling.

Together, these factors have created a strong backdrop for gold prices and helped lift sentiment across the entire gold mining sector.

A snapshot on the business

Evolution’s recent updates show the business is now in a much stronger position than it was just a few years ago.

The company operates six mines across Australia and Canada, including Cowal, Ernest Henry, Mt Rawdon and Red Lake. Together, these assets produce around 750,512 ounces of gold each year, giving Evolution a solid position within the sector.

Production has become more stable as key assets have matured, while management has taken a more disciplined approach to costs. Evolution’s all-in sustaining costs have been tracking around $1,572 per ounce, leaving healthy margins at current gold prices.

As more free cash flow starts to come through, Evolution has greater flexibility to reduce debt, pay dividends, or reinvest across its existing mine portfolio.

At the same time, gold prices at record highs and easing capital spending should allow stronger gold prices to translate more directly into cash flow and balance sheet strength.

Is there still upside from here?

After climbing 160% in a year, Evolution shares are no longer cheap. Short-term pullbacks are possible, especially if gold prices move lower or investor sentiment shifts.

However, if gold prices stay high and Evolution continues to deliver steady results, the longer-term outlook could remain positive. Strong cash flow gives the company more flexibility and supports shareholder returns.

Evolution may not look cheap today. However, for investors bullish on gold, it remains a strong large-cap option heading into 2026.

The post Up 160% in a year, could Evolution Mining shares keep climbing? 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.

On Christmas Eve, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in the red. The benchmark index fell 0.4% to 8,762.7 points.

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

ASX 200 to open flat

The Australian share market looks set for a flat start to the week following a subdued finish to the last one on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day right where it closed last time out. In the United States, the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 fell a fraction, whereas the Nasdaq edged 0.1% lower.

Oil prices drop

It could be a poor start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices dropped on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 2.75% to US$56.74 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 2.6% to US$60.64 a barrel. This was driven by concerns over a looming supply glut and a potential Ukraine peace deal.

BHP and Rio Tinto on watch

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares could have a good session on Monday after their NYSE-listed shares rose over 1.5% on Friday night. A surging copper price could have been behind this, with the base metal hitting a record high in London and Shanghai. Strong demand and soft supply have helped the metal this year.

Gold price storms higher

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price stormed higher on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.1% to US$4,552.7 an ounce. Rate cut optimism gave the gold price another boost.

Accumulate Infratil shares

Morgans thinks that investors should be accumulating Infratil Ltd (ASXL IFT) shares. The broker has initiated coverage on the global infrastructure investment company with an accumulate rating and $11.30 price target. It said: “Infratil (IFT) is a high quality, concentrated structural growth investor targeting 11-15% pa post fee returns. IFT’s investors have enjoyed c.18% pa returns over the last ~30 years. Assuming delivery of target returns, post fees the Net Asset Value (NAV) should nearly double over the next five years and create substantial value for equity holders.”

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

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

2025 was a rough year for the Aussie share market. Higher interest rates and weaker demand pushed many ASX shares lower, including several well-known names.

When a share price drops sharply, people begin to question the business and its outlook.

Here are 3 ASX shares that had a tough year and could be worth watching as we move into 2026.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Reece shares struggled throughout 2025 as housing and construction activity slowed across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Higher interest rates reduced new building and renovation activity, putting pressure on sales and margins.

Recent results showed weaker earnings, which disappointed investors who had become used to steady growth. Brokers have also taken a more cautious view in the short term, pointing to uncertainty around when construction markets will recover.

Despite that, Reece remains a high-quality business with a strong distribution network and leading market position. The company has navigated housing cycles before, and when demand eventually stabilises, earnings should begin to recover.

If interest rates ease and building activity picks up, Reece shares could start to look much more attractive heading into 2026.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates shares were among the worst performers on the ASX in 2025, falling more than 50% over the year. Weaker global wine demand, higher costs, and disappointing earnings all weighed on the share price.

Management has responded by cutting costs and resetting expectations. While near-term conditions remain challenging, several brokers believe much of the bad news is already priced into the share price.

There has also been renewed investor interest in the business, particularly given its portfolio of premium global wine brands. If demand improves in key markets or cost pressures ease, earnings could stabilise faster than expected.

There are risks, but the recent sell-off has made Treasury Wine’s potential recovery more appealing than a year ago.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech shares fell sharply in 2025 as global freight volumes normalised and investors pulled back from high-growth technology stocks.

Slower near-term growth and ongoing investment weighed on margins, which unsettled investors. However, the company remains the global leader in logistics software through its CargoWise platform.

Several brokers continue to see value at current levels, with price targets sitting well above the current share price. Those analysts argue that the market has become overly pessimistic about WiseTech’s long-term growth potential.

If global trade activity improves and margins begin to recover, WiseTech could be well placed for a rebound into 2026.

Foolish takeaway

All 3 ASX shares have fallen more than 40% in 2025, but for different reasons.

Each has short-term challenges, but none of the businesses look fundamentally broken.

For investors willing to look beyond the near-term market noise, these sell-offs could create opportunities if conditions improve in 2026.

The post Down over 40% this year, could these 3 ASX shares bounce back in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Down 56% in 2025, are Treasury Wine shares a good buy for 2026?

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