It has been a tough period for ASX growth shares. 

Many growth shares, especially those in the technology sector, have been hit hard over the past 12 months as investors rotate into other areas of the market.

As disappointing as this may be, history shows that the bulls will eventually return.

Two ASX growth shares that I would want to own when that happens are in this article. Here’s why I think they could boom when sentiment improves.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a business that looks far stronger today than it did a few years ago, even if the share price does not always reflect that. The company provides performance analytics and wearable technology to elite sports teams around the world, and its software has become deeply embedded in professional sporting programs.

What stands out to me is how much the business has matured. Revenue is increasingly recurring, customer churn is low, and management has shifted the focus from growth at any cost to disciplined execution and profitability. That transition matters. It means incremental revenue growth now has a much greater impact on margins and cash flow.

As professional sport continues to invest in data-driven decision making, Catapult sits in a niche with high barriers to entry and global scale. If investor sentiment toward ASX growth shares improves, I think Catapult has the foundations in place to be re-rated as a more durable, profitable business rather than a speculative one.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 operates a consumer technology platform that many families rely on every day, even if it does not always attract the same attention as larger tech names. Its location-based services help families stay connected and safe, and that utility has translated into strong engagement and retention.

The company’s growth story is increasingly about monetisation rather than user acquisition alone. As its installed base nears 100 million monthly active users, Life360 has more opportunities to lift average revenue per user through subscriptions and value-added features. That creates operating leverage over time, which is something the market tends to reward.

I also like the global nature of the opportunity. Life360 is not limited to one geography, and its product has proven to be highly scalable. If risk appetite returns to ASX growth shares, businesses with a large addressable market and improving unit economics are often among the first to benefit.

Foolish Takeaway

Trying to time the exact bottom in any stock or pocket of the market is almost impossible. What matters more is recognising when the conditions are falling into place for the next leg of growth. Catapult and Life360 are both showing signs of operational progress beneath the surface.

If the bulls start to come back, these are two ASX growth shares I would want to own early rather than chase later.

The post The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX growth shares to buy now to get ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Looking for double-digit returns? Check out RBC Capital Markets’ picks ahead of reporting season
• 3 underappreciated ASX growth shares I would buy with $1,000
• Why Fortescue, Life360, PLS, and Syrah shares are dropping today
• 3 unstoppable ASX shares to buy with $3,000
• Still under $30, these wealth-builders may not stay cheap for long

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Catapult Sports and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL) shares have performed well over the last year. 

At the time of writing, shares are trading at approximately $2.95 each. This is an impressive 34.09% higher than 12 months ago. 

The company supplies gas and oil to the domestic market. 

It is involved in the discovery and commercialisation of gas from the Otway and Gippsland Basins in Victoria and its sale in southeast Australia. Amplitude Energy is also a joint venture partner in onshore oil production in the Cooper Basin in South Australia.

It has benefited from its strategic market position, and strong management in the last 12 months. 

Analysts are bullish there is still more room for growth for this energy company. 

A new report from Bell Potter has reinforced that even after a 34% stock price rise in the last year, there is still more upside. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Record revenue

Bell Potter pointed to record revenue as a key catalyst for the company. 

In yesterday’s report, the broker said Amplitude Energy delivered a better-than-expected production quarter driven by strong Orbost performance and higher gas prices, offsetting natural field decline and supporting record revenue.

Key takeaways from the report include: 

• Orbost is outperforming: Record Gippsland production with the plant running above nameplate capacity, and approvals in place to lift throughput further.
• Otway decline continues: Lower production reflects expected natural field depletion.
• Growth project progressing: The East Coast Supply Project is moving into drilling and final investment decision, with expansion likely this quarter.
• Gas prices strengthening: Realised prices were strong and are expected to rise ~20% next quarter as higher-priced contracts kick in.
• Balance sheet improving: Net debt fell sharply, supported by equity raising and strong operating cash flow.

The broker also said the company expects contracted gas prices to lift this quarter by around 20% on indexation and new agreements. 

EPS changes in this report are: FY26 +4%; FY27 +41%; and FY28 +38%. These changes are mostly driven by AEL’s strong leverage to higher gas price assumptions.

Price target upside for Amplitude Energy shares 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter increased its price target to $3.40 per share (previously $3.08) for Amplitude Energy shares. 

The broker also maintained its buy recommendation. 

Based on this target, Bell Potter sees an approximate upside of 15.25%. 

AEL’s conventional gas assets deliver into Australia’s east coast market. Debottlenecking at Orbost could incrementally lift near-term production and contracted prices are expected to strengthen on indexation and sales agreements. In the medium term, the ECSP could materially lift production from 2028, with a portfolio of low-risk wells tied into existing pipeline and processing infrastructure with latent capacity.

The post Up 34% in 12 months, here’s why Amplitude Energy shares can keep rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Three oil stocks to buy and one to sell

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.

$50 a month does not sound like an investing strategy.

It sounds like a couple of coffees a week. The kind of money that disappears without much thought. But when that small habit is redirected and given enough time, it can turn into something far more meaningful.

Here is how investing just $50 a month into ASX shares could realistically aim for a $10,000 portfolio over time.

Think in habits

Most people don’t struggle with the maths of investing. They struggle with the mindset.

A $50 monthly investment works because it is sustainable. It does not compete with rent, holidays, or major life expenses. It slips quietly into a budget and becomes routine rather than a sacrifice.

Once investing becomes a habit, the dollar amount matters less than the consistency. Missing one month does not derail the plan, but sticking with it year after year changes the outcome completely.

Time does more work than money early on

If you invest $50 a month in quality ASX shares like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), you are contributing $600 a year.

On contributions alone, reaching $10,000 would take a long time. But investing is not linear. The portfolio does not grow only from deposits. It grows from what has already been invested.

At an average return of around 10% per annum over the long term (not guaranteed but in line with long-term averages), something interesting happens. In the early years, progress feels slow. The balance barely moves. Then, gradually, your portfolio will start adding value without new money doing all the work.

The first $1,000 is built almost entirely from contributions. The latter thousands increasingly come from growth.

Reaching $10,000 is about patience

Aiming for $10,000 does not require perfect timing or clever stock picking.

It requires staying invested in ASX shares through boredom, market pullbacks, and long stretches where nothing exciting happens. That is where most plans fail, not because they are unrealistic, but because they are abandoned too early.

At $50 a month in ASX shares, reaching $10,000 would take a decade.

Keep the same investment strategy going for a further 20 years and your portfolio would grow to $100,000, all else equal. That’s from a total investment of $18,000, which demonstrates just how powerful compounding can be come.

Foolish takeaway

You do not need spare thousands to start investing.

Redirecting the cost of a couple of coffees a week into ASX shares can, over time, grow into a meaningful portfolio. With patience, consistency, and a long-term mindset, $50 a month has the potential to become far more than it first appears.

The post Here’s how to invest $50 a month in ASX shares to aim for $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX blue chip shares I’d trust with my money
• 2 ASX growth stocks set to skyrocket in the next 12 months
• As reporting season looms, where will the market head next and what should you be buying?
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 shares to try and beat the market
• 3 ASX shares I would hold for the next 10 years

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.

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price closed 3.04% higher at $42.43 a piece on Thursday afternoon.

It means the shares are now 0.07% higher for the year-to-date and 8.07% higher than this time last year. 

ASX bank stocks are in the spotlight right now thanks to a shift in direction for interest rate projections, cost-of-living fears, mortgage competition and valuation concerns after strong rallies last year.

Late last year, Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock said that she didn’t see a rate cut “on the horizon for the foreseeable future” and signalled that the board might consider an extended hold period or even a rate hike in 2026. 

The announcement followed news that inflation continues to persist above desired levels.

NAB currently predicts that the Reserve Bank will increase the cash rate by 25 basis points in February and again in May. It’s a u-turn from late last year when 2026 was widely expected to be a year of cash rate cuts.

The inflation figures also show that cost-of-living pressures continue to put stress on household finances and disposable income.

Meanwhile there are concerns that Aussie banks are now wildly overvalued following some incredibly strong price increases throughout 2025.

And NAB was caught up in all of these headwinds.

What’s ahead for NAB’s share price in 2026?

In 2026, NAB plans to continue focusing on expanding its business banking and lending division and simplify its core business. The major bank is also making a strategic push on its technology.

Analysts forecast moderate earnings and revenue growth for NAB over the next few years. But when it comes to the NAB share price, analysts are far less bullish. TradingView data shows that 6 out of 16 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on NAB shares. Another 6 have a hold rating while 4 have a strong buy rating. Sentiment is incredibly mixed.

The average target price over the next 12 months is $38.91 a piece. This implies an 8.3% downside from levels at the time of writing. Although expectations do vary wildly. The minimum is $28.79, which implies a potential 32.15% drop. But the maximum is $47 per share, which suggests a potential 10.77% upside at the time of writing.

But not all is lost for the shares

Despite some not-so-positive expectations for the NAB share price this year, the stock is still a good buy for passive income.

Major banks, like NAB, are core income stocks on the ASX. The stock offers fully-franked dividends which appeal to investors looking for a reliable passive income. But, dividend payouts aren’t guaranteed.

In FY25, NAB paid an annual dividend per share of $1.70, which was 1 cent per share higher than in FY24. At the time of writing, that translates into a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of around 4%, including franking credits.

In FY26, some projections suggest the annual dividend will remain around the same level of $1.70 per NAB share. 

The post NAB share price climbed another 3% on Thursday. What’s next for the banking giant in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Is the NAB share price a buy today?
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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

ASX 200 materials outperformed the other 10 market sectors significantly in 2025.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by 31.71% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 36.21%.

This was mainly due to strongly rising commodity prices, which fuelled the growth of ASX 200 mining shares.

The best performing commodities last year included gold, silver, copper, lithium, palladium, platinum, and neodymium.

Rising commodity values and other tailwinds propelled the following three ASX 200 mining shares higher last year.

Brokers say they may go further, while others are less optimistic.

We review the latest ratings and price targets on these ASX shares.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

ASX 200 diversified mining share South32 hit a near three-year high of $4.44 on Thursday.

The South32 share price has lifted 23.6% over 12 months to a closing value of $4.40 yesterday.

South32 produces nine commodities, including silver at its Cannington mine, aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese.

This week, Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on South32 shares.

The broker raised its price target from $3.45 to $4.70.

RBC Capital also kept its buy rating and raised its target from $3.90 to $4.20.

UBS maintained a hold rating with a price target of $3.50.

The miner released its 1H FY26 report yesterday.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

The Lynas Rare Earths share price is 147% higher over the past year.

The ASX 200 rare earths mining share closed at $16.75 yesterday.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Lynas shares to a buy rating this week. The broker raised its price target from $19.45 to $17.55.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating and upped its price target from $17 to $17.50.

UBS also kept its buy rating with a target of $17.70.

Ord Minnett is the black sheep though, reiterating a sell rating with a price target of just $11, up from $10.50.

Last week, the company announced that its CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze will retire after 12 years in the job.

Lynas released its 2Q FY26 results on Wednesday.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price has ripped 207% over the past year to close at $2.18 on Thursday.

This ASX 200 lithium mining share has ripped alongside strongly rebounding lithium commodity prices.

The rebound is a welcome change for long-suffering ASX lithium shares investors.

Lithium prices crashed in 2023 and continued on a slow, painful decline before bottoming out in July last year.

The lithium carbonate price is now at a two-year high.

It’s up a staggering 65% over the past month, and 111% over 12 months.

Global supply has finally thinned out after many small players put their operations into care and maintenance.

Meanwhile, demand is ramping up as the green energy transition really gets going.

There is now improved demand for batteries, electric vehicles, and battery storage systems.

Canaccord Genuity has upgraded Liontown shares to a buy rating.

The broker raised its share price target from $1.55 to $2.40.

Bell Potter reiterated its buy rating and raised its target from $1.52 to $2.48.

However, some analysts are not optimistic.

Citi reiterated its sell rating on Liontown shares this week, raising its target from 50 cents to $1.70.

Macquarie also says this ASX 200 lithium mining share is a sell with a price target of just $1.

The post Lynas, South32, Liontown: Can these surging shares go higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• South32 shares hit a 12-month high after a solid first-half performance
• Why Cogstate, DroneShield, Premier Investments, and South32 shares are storming higher
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in South32. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For investors chasing income, the Australian share market remains one of the best places to look.

With that in mind, here are five ASX dividend shares that could be worth considering if you want an income boost:

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of Australia’s leading energy infrastructure companies. It owns and operates gas pipelines and energy assets across the country. The company’s revenues are largely regulated or contracted, which provides strong visibility over future cash flows. This stability has allowed APA to steadily grow its distributions over time. In fact, APA has been able to increase its dividend each year for over a decade. APA is guiding to a dividend of 58 cents per share in FY 2026. This represents a dividend yield of approximately 6.4%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Another ASX dividend share that could be worth a look is BHP. It is of course one of the world’s largest diversified miners, generating enormous cash flow from its iron ore, copper, and metallurgical coal operations. While commodity prices can bounce around, BHP’s low-cost operations and strong balance sheet have enabled it to pay substantial dividends across cycles. Morgans expects a dividend of $2.15 per share in FY 2026. This would mean a dividend yield of 4.5%.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Dicker Data is an IT hardware and software distributor with a long track record of steady revenue growth, resilient margins, and rising dividends. As digital infrastructure spending grows across the corporate sector, Dicker Data is positioned to continue rewarding shareholders with fully franked dividends. It currently trades with a trailing dividend yield of 4.3%.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

As Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, Telstra generates steady cash flows from its mobile and network businesses. The good news is that strong demand for 5G and data services, together with periodic price increases and a focus on cost control, means Telstra is expecting to grow its dividend over the remainder of the decade. Macquarie expects an increase to 20 cents per share in FY 2026. This represents a fully franked 4.2% dividend yield.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is a leading owner and operator of toll roads across Australia and North America. These roads generate recurring revenue supported by long-term concessions and inflation-linked toll increases. The team at Citi expects this to underpin an increase in its dividend to 69.5 cents per share in FY 2026. This would mean a 5% dividend yield at current prices.

The post 5 ASX dividend shares to buy for an income boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• How I would invest $3,000 in ASX shares if I were starting today
• 3 ASX 200 shares this fund manager says are buys for 2026
• How I’d invest monthly savings to generate over $50,000 passive income
• What is Morgans saying about ARB and BHP shares?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Macquarie Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Dicker Data, Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has had a rough run over the past year, down 27%. Higher interest rates, valuation pullbacks, and softer sentiment towards growth stocks have punished even the ASX’s highest-quality businesses.

That sell-off has created opportunities for patient investors willing to look past short-term volatility. Several ASX blue chips now stand out after being heavily sold down, despite continuing to dominate their respective niches.

Across the sector, share prices have retraced to multi-year lows. Momentum indicators point to selling pressure becoming stretched, a setup often seen as conditions begin to stabilise.

Here are 2 ASX blue-chip shares that I am watching closely today.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech shares have fallen sharply over the past year, dragging the stock back to levels last seen since October 2023. The sell-off has been driven by a mix of valuation concerns, slower global trade growth, and broader weakness across the tech sector.

From a technical perspective, the sell-off looks overdone. WiseTech has been trading near the lower end of its long-term Bollinger Bands, while momentum indicators have slipped into oversold territory.

Importantly, the underlying business remains strong. WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded across global freight forwarding and logistics networks. Switching costs are high, customer retention is strong, and the company continues to expand functionality through targeted acquisitions.

While earnings growth has moderated from its peak, WiseTech still benefits from long-term structural tailwinds tied to global trade digitisation. At current prices, investors are paying far less for that growth potential than they were just 18 months ago.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Once a market darling, Xero shares have been dragged lower as investors rotated away from high-multiple software names. The result is a share price sitting near multi-year lows, despite the business continuing to grow revenue and users.

Technically, Xero looks stretched on the downside. The relative strength index (RSI) has dipped into deeply oversold levels, and the share price has spent extended periods hugging the lower Bollinger Band. Historically, these setups mark an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

Fundamentally, Xero’s competitive position remains very strong. The company dominates cloud accounting for small businesses in Australia and New Zealand and continues to make progress internationally. Subscription revenue is recurring, margins are improving, and cash generation is strengthening.

While near-term sentiment remains cautious, Xero still has significant scope to grow internationally.

Foolish takeaway

WiseTech and Xero are high-quality blue-chip businesses that have been sold down aggressively, pushing valuations and technical indicators to pessimistic extremes.

For investors with a long-term mindset, these periods of fear can offer compelling opportunities to buy top-tier stocks.

The post 2 beaten-down ASX blue-chip tech shares I’d buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 28% in 5 years. Is it time to consider buying this ASX 200 fallen icon?
• 3 ASX shares tipped to climb over 100% in 2026
• 2 ASX growth stocks set to skyrocket in the next 12 months
• A once-in-a-decade chance to buy WiseTech Global shares?
• Why I would buy BHP, Xero, and Flight Centre shares today

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

Periods of sharp share price declines are uncomfortable, but they are often where long-term opportunities begin to emerge. When high-quality businesses fall 25% to 35% from their highs, it is usually worth asking whether the market is pricing in permanent damage, or simply a tough phase in the cycle.

If I had $10,000 to invest today and was deliberately looking for value on the ASX, here are three beaten-down shares I would seriously consider.

James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie shares are down roughly 35% over the past 12 months, largely reflecting concerns around US housing activity and the major acquisition of AZEK. That weakness has fed directly into sentiment, even though the long-term fundamentals of the business remain intact.

James Hardie is still the dominant player in fibre cement products in North America, with strong brand recognition and pricing power over time. While volumes can fluctuate with housing cycles, repair and remodel activity tends to be more resilient than new builds, which provides some buffer during slower periods.

If US housing conditions stabilise or improve over the next couple of years and the AZEK acquisition is successful, I think James Hardie shares could re-rate meaningfully.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

ARB shares are down around 32% since last January. A decent part of this decline has occurred this month following a disappointing trading update. Earnings in the first half were weaker than expected, reflecting softer group sales, margin pressure from currency movements, and lower factory recoveries.

This was clearly not a good result, and it explains the market’s reaction. However, I think it is important to separate short-term earnings softness from long-term business quality.

This ASX share still operates a high-return, vertically integrated 4×4 accessories business with a strong balance sheet and net cash. While domestic aftermarket demand has softened alongside weaker new vehicle sales, there are signs that this may represent a cyclical low rather than a structural decline.

Looking ahead, there are growth tailwinds that remain in place. This includes continued strength in the US, new OEM launches, network upgrades, and an ecommerce rollout. If these play out as expected, ARB could return to a sustainable growth trajectory, supporting a recovery in its share price.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR Group shares are down about 25% over the past 12 months, despite the business continuing to generate strong cash flows and operate market-leading automotive classifieds platforms across multiple regions.

The pullback appears to reflect valuation compression rather than a collapse in fundamentals. Advertising markets have been uneven, and investors have become more cautious toward premium-priced growth stocks. That said, CAR Group still benefits from dominant market positions, network effects, and a highly scalable digital model.

Over time, as vehicle markets normalise and pricing power reasserts itself, CAR Group is well placed to compound earnings. I think the share price weakness provides an opportunity to access that quality at a more reasonable entry point than was available a year ago.

Foolish takeaway

Each of these ASX shares share something important in common. They are high-quality businesses experiencing a difficult phase, rather than a broken business facing terminal decline.

If I were investing $10,000 today with a long-term mindset, I would be comfortable spreading that capital across opportunities like these, where expectations are low, sentiment is weak, and the potential for recovery is not being fully priced in.

The post Why I would invest $10,000 in these cheap ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why James Hardie shares can keep the rally going
• What is Morgans saying about ARB and BHP shares?
• How to turn ASX dividends into long-term wealth
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Should you buy the dip on these ASX 200 stocks?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation and CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) returned to form and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.75% to 8,848.7 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise again

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Friday following a good night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 6 points or 0.1% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.95%, the S&P 500 is up 0.8%, and the Nasdaq is up 1.15%.

Oil prices tumble

It could be a tough finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.2% to US$59.27 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2% to US$63.95 a barrel. This was driven by Donald Trump toning down threats against Greenland and Iran.

Sell Lynas shares

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares could be seriously overvalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. According to the note, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating on the rare earths producer’s shares with an improved price target of $11.15. This implies potential downside of 33% for investors from current levels. It said: “Our target price increases to $11.15/sh (previously $9.60/sh), and we maintain our Sell recommendation. Whilst we like the business, asset, and team, we believe there is significant optimism priced into the stock, with investors using it as a hedge on US-China relations.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.8% to US$4,925.4 an ounce. Safe haven demand has been driving gold higher this week.

Buy Regis Resources shares

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares could be heading higher according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the gold miner’s shares with an improved price target of $8.85 (from $7.05). This suggests that upside of 17% is possible from current levels. The broker said: “We remain attracted to RRL’s all-Australian, multi-mine asset portfolio, its demonstrated leverage to the gold price, highly competitive cash generation and its fully unhedged, debt free position. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 26%, to $8.85/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation.”

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

More reading

• Bell Potter says this ASX 200 gold share is a buy with 18% upside
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 drops as lower unemployment raises the risk of an interest rate hike
• 3 ASX 200 shares this fund manager says are buys for 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

Wilson Asset Management has been buying ASX 200 coal share Whitehaven Ltd (ASX: WHC) amid the coal price recovery.

Portfolio managers of listed investment company (LIC) WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) revealed their purchase in an update this month.

Whitehaven is a thermal and metallurgical coal producer with six mines in the Gunnedah Basin of NSW and Bowen Basin of Queensland.

Wilson described Whitehaven Coal as a leading Australian producer with high quality assets and a robust balance sheet.

Why this fundie bought more Whitehaven shares

The portfolio managers explained their decision:

We increased our holding in Whitehaven Coal as coal prices began to firm after bottoming earlier in the year.

The company continues to deliver sound operational results despite a challenging backdrop and is executing cost out initiatives, with increased volumes at Blackwater and Daunia mines expected to drive unit cost reductions from FY2027.

Whitehaven Coal also maintains strong capital management flexibility, supporting shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends.

Recovering coal prices are a tailwind for Whitehaven shares.

Demand from China is ramping up, with the government intending to open more than 100 coal-fired power generators this year to supply electricity domestically and via export.

China is the world’s largest coal producer, importer, and consumer.

Despite China’s moves to adopt nuclear power as part of the green energy transition, coal continues to provide more than 50% of the nation’s energy requirements.

China’s coal production reached a record last year at 4.83 billion tonnes, but they still needed imported coal to keep the lights on.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

China, by far the world’s largest coal consumer, producer, and importer, continues to rely on the fuel to power its economy alongside the ongoing expansion of renewable energy.

However, Beijing has pledged to begin phasing down coal use before 2030.

What’s happening with coal prices?

The coking (metallurgical) coal price is US$240.75 per tonne, up 1.5% over the past month and up 26% year over year.

Met coal has risen from a 12-month low of about US$169.70 per tonne in March.

The thermal coal price is US$109.35 per tonne, up 1% for the month and down 6% over 12 months.

It has risen from a 12-month low of US$93.70 per tonne in April.

This chart shows that Whitehaven shares have risen over the same period, rebounding strongly after the US tariff-inspired rout.

Should you buy this ASX 200 coal share, too?

The Whitehaven share price is $9.01 on Thursday, down 0.39%.

On the CommSec trading platform, 15 professional analysts offer a rating on Whitehaven shares.

The consensus rating is a hold. Four analysts say the ASX 200 coal share is a buy, and two say it’s a moderate buy.

Six say hold, and three think Whitehaven shares are a strong sell following a 42% rally over 12 months.

This week, UBS reiterated its sell rating on Whitehaven and raised its 12-month share price target from $7.15 to $8.45.

Bell Potter kept its hold rating but also increased its price target from $7 to $8.40.

Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating with a price target of $9.50.

The post Which ASX 200 coal share is this fundie buying more of? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.