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.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs I’m buying in January 2026
• 5 amazing ASX ETFs for beginners to buy in 2026
• If Santa brought me one ETF this Christmas, it’d be this one
• I plan to invest $1,000s into these 2 ASX ETFs in 2026
• Did the ASX 200, NASDAQ 100, or S&P 500 perform better this year?

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.

More reading

• 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?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

More reading

• Was it a good idea to invest $10,000 in CBA shares in 2025?
• Did the ASX 200, NASDAQ 100, or S&P 500 perform better this year?
• Would I be mad to buy more CBA shares near $160?
• CBA shares down 16% since peak amid core advantages ‘slowly being eroded’
• Better dividend stock in December: Woodside or Whitehaven?

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.

More reading

• At record prices, why don’t ASX gold miners pay high dividends?
• Gold has just smashed record highs and these 3 ASX 200 mining stocks are riding the wave
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Bell Potter names the best ASX gold stocks to buy in 2026

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

More reading

• BHP, Macquarie, and Westpac: Naughty or nice? 3 popular ASX shares examined
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• NEXTDC receives approval for new S4 Sydney Data Centre
• Record copper price shines a light on BHP shares and these two other ASX 200 mining stocks
• Ventia wins $100m NSW cleaning contract, boosting services outlook

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.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40%
• 5 amazing ASX 200 shares I want Santa to bring me for Christmas
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Clarity, DroneShield, St Barbara, and Treasury Wine shares are charging higher today
• 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.

With the new year approaching, it’s a great time to consider future investment decisions. There are plenty of quality ASX 200 companies that could be set to bounce back next year. 

Overall, it’s been a modest year for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), with the benchmark index rising close to 7%. 

However, it has shown resilience since losing more than 7% amidst liberation day tariffs in early April. 

In fact, the ASX 200 is up almost 20% since April 7. 

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for all ASX 200 stocks though. 

With that in mind, here are three buy-low candidates that lost significant ground in 2025. 

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

The Motley Fool team has been hotly covering REA shares since it declined 30% since late August. 

The online real estate advertising company behind realestate.com.au has fallen significantly this year despite its continued market dominance and healthy fundamentals. 

In November, the company released Q1 results that included: 

• Revenue of $429m, up 4% YoY
• EBITDA excluding associates of $254m, an increase of 5%.

This ASX 200 stock closed before Christmas trading at $184.35.

However, brokers are tipping a bounce back in 2025. 

Morgans has an accumulate rating on REA shares with a price target of $247.

Additionally, Macquarie has a neutral rating with a $220.00 price target.

These targets indicate an upside between 19% to 34%. 

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre owns and operates a vast network of travel agencies, operating under various brands across the world, including Student Universe, Travel Money, Corporate Traveller, and Topdeck.

Its share price is down more than 8% this year. 

However the recent announcement of a key UK acquisition has drawn optimism from brokers. 

Morgans placed a price target of $18.38 on this ASX 200 stock following the announcement, which indicates an upside of roughly 20%. 

Meanwhile, TradingView has a 12 month price target of $16.62, indicating a 9% upside. 

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is an Australian designer and distributor of small kitchen and home appliances to more than 70 countries.

Its share price has fallen more than 15% this year, making this ASX 200 stock a buy-low candidate. 

Earlier this month, it drew attention from Macquarie. 

The broker listed it as a top pick due to its promising long-term growth potential in coffee, product development, and market expansion. 

It has a price target of $39.20 price target on this ASX 200 stock. 

This indicates an upside of 31.38%. 

The post Should you buy low on these ASX 200 shares before the new year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40%
• 5 amazing ASX 200 shares I want Santa to bring me for Christmas
• The easy way ASX investors can build wealth like Warren Buffett
• $5,000 to spare? I’d buy these 5 ASX 200 shares before the end of 2025
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Christmas Eve was a relatively flat trading day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

The index closed before Santa’s arrival, falling approximately 0.4%. 

However there were a few ASX 200 stocks that had strong performances, building on big gains over the month of December. 

Zimplats Holdings Ltd (ASX: ZIM)

This ASX 200 materials stock engages in the production of platinum group and associated metals. The firm’s metals include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, nickel, gold, copper, cobalt and silver.

It operates four underground mines, an open-pit mine, and various processing facilities, all located in Zimbabwe.

Its stock price rose an impressive 8.24% on Christmas eve. 

Its stock price is now up 40% over the last month, and roughly 83% year to date. 

The company has benefited from an increase in metal prices this year. 

In FY25, the company reported steady growth: 

• Revenue (+8%)
• Gross profit margins improved to 13% (FY2024: 11%) on higher metal prices. 
• Profit after tax increased to US$40.5 million (FY2024: US$8.2 million). 

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

On Christmas eve, IGO shares gained more than 2.27%. 

The company owns and operates the Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation, as well as the Forestania and Cosmos nickel operations – all of which are in Western Australia.

After last weeks’ gain, this ASX 200 stock is now up an impressive 21.8% in the last month. 

It’s been one of the many lithium shares enjoying a bull run in the back half of the year. 

Global lithium prices have lifted to the highest levels in 18 months, while spodumene (a lithium bearing mineral) is trading at its highest levels in two years.

Year to date, IGO shares have now risen more than 66%. 

MA Financial Group (ASX: MAF)

MA Financial Group is a diversified financial services company, specialising in managing alternative assets, lending, corporate advisory, and equities.

After tumbling in the back half of the year, ASX financials stocks are now slowly rebounding in December. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) is up 4.88% in the month of December. 

MA Financial Group has been among the stocks that has performed the best. 

It is up 13.22% in the month of December. 

This rise has come on the back of the acquisition in late November of Hyperdome Town Centre shopping centre for $678.7 million.

Year to date it is now up approximately 88%. 

The post Finishing strong – 3 ASX 200 stocks soaring in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Is it too late to buy surging ASX lithium shares like Mineral Resources and Liontown?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Wondering which ASX shares to buy for 2026? Experts weigh in
• ASX mining shares dominate stocks hitting 52-week highs

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price has tested investor patience like few other blue chips in recent memory. After falling almost 40% during 2025, CSL shares are now trading around the $170 mark. That is a level not seen for many years for one of Australia’s most consistent long-term performers.

With 2026 approaching, investors are asking a simple question. Is there more downside ahead, or has most of the bad news already been priced in?

Why CSL shares struggled so badly in 2025

CSL’s weak share price performance was not caused by a single event. Instead, it was the result of several issues compounding over time.

Profit guidance fell short of expectations, costs stayed higher than investors wanted, and the recovery in plasma collections took longer than hoped. Currency movements also weighed on earnings, adding to the pressure on the share price.

The company also announced a $500 million cost-cutting plan. While sensible, some investors took it as a sign that costs had grown too high. Confidence continued to slip, and CSL moved from market favourite to one of the most sold large-cap stocks on the ASX.

What the market may be missing

Despite the share price slump, CSL’s core businesses remain intact. Plasma collection volumes have been improving, Seqirus continues to deliver steady vaccine earnings, and CSL Vifor is beginning to settle after a difficult integration phase.

Just as importantly, CSL is moving out of a heavy investment cycle. As collection efficiency improves and cost controls tighten, operating leverage should begin to re-emerge.

Several brokers think the market has been too hard on CSL. While some, including Macquarie, have lowered their price targets and taken a more neutral view, most still see value well above the current share price. Many analysts believe CSL shares could be worth between about $260 and $300.

Could CSL shares really crash again?

For CSL shares to fall sharply again, fundamentals would likely need to weaken further. Issues with plasma volumes, margins, or execution could all cause renewed pressure.

That said, expectations are much lower than they were a year ago. The valuation has come back, confidence is low, and it wouldn’t take much good news to support the share price.

Foolish takeaway

After a brutal year, much of the bad news appears to be reflected in the current CSL share price.

While short-term volatility may persist, it is becoming harder to argue CSL looks expensive at these levels. Whether 2026 delivers a rebound will depend on management executing on its plans.

For now, the risk profile appears far more evenly balanced, with long-term upside becoming clearer.

The post Will CSL shares crash again in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 no-brainer ASX 200 shares to buy with $5,000
• 5 amazing ASX 200 shares I want Santa to bring me for Christmas
• My 5 top stocks to buy in 2026
• Should you buy CSL shares before 2026?
• I think these ASX blue chips shares are primed for a major rebound in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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.

There have been plenty of emerging stories in 2025 amongst global investing. Many investors were fortunate to cash in on individual stocks of ASX ETFs that had exposure to these markets. 

For example, hot topics this year have been the boom in ASX gold and silver shares.

Similarly, global defence emerged as a stock market winner. 

These sectors have been hotly covered – and rightly so. 

But there have been other niche themes that have brought investors strong returns. 

While many ASX ETFs are designed to track broad markets, this year more and more funds have joined the ASX targeting more niche themes.

This kind of investing is called thematic investing. 

Here are some ASX ETFs that fit into that category that have enjoyed big gains this year on the back of targeting niche sectors or themes. 

Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)

Put simply, this fund provides a portfolio of leading global video gaming and esports companies.

According to Betashares, the video games and esports industry has been growing strongly, with industry revenue, profit margins, and the number of global players all forecast to increase in the coming years.

Video games and Esports now generate more revenue than the movie and North American sports industries combined. 

At the time of writing, it is made up of 37 holdings. 

Three countries dominate the weighting of this fund: 

• Japan (35.1%)
• United States (32.6%)
• China (21.0%)

In 2025, the fund has risen by an impressive 26.72%. 

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming And eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

This fund focussed on the Esports and Gaming industry has also had success in 2025.  

The VanEck fund gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the largest and most liquid companies involved in video game development, esports as well as related hardware and software globally.

At the time of writing it is made up of 25 holdings, with a similar geographic profile to the previous fund: 

• Japan (29.0%)
• United States (28.3%)
• China (21.1%) 

In 2025, the fund has risen by almost 12%. 

Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE)

This ASX ETF invests in companies that potentially stand to benefit from further advances in the field of genomic science, such as companies involved in gene editing, genomic sequencing, genetic medicine/therapy, computational genomics, and biotechnology.

Essentially, this niche fund provides global exposure to emerging areas within the health care sector, at the intersection of science and technology.

It has more than 125 holdings, with no individual company representing more than 1.45% of the total fund. 

This theme has brought strong returns in 2025, with this fund rising almost 28%. 

The post 3 ASX ETFs to target in the new year – the booming themes of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where to invest $250 in ASX ETFs this month
• 3 explosive ASX ETFs to buy and hold

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.