This S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock has experienced sharp volatility over the past year, with its share price swinging between $1.52 and $3.35.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares were amongst the big ASX winners on Thursday, lifting 6.8% to $2.67.  

What’s driving the recent surge of the ASX 200 healthcare stock, and can it be sustained this time?

One step closer to a breakthrough

After years of underperformance, the ASX 200 healthcare stock rebounded in 2025 as investor confidence returned to Mesoblast’s lead therapy, remestemcel-L.

The key question now is whether the company is nearing its first meaningful commercial breakthrough. On Monday, the ASX 200 healthcare stock issued a release that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had acknowledged positive results for its lead therapy.

The regulator indicated that the treatment reduced pain in patients with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. The FDA also noted that significant reductions in opioid use observed in at least one major trial could potentially appear on the product label.

The ASX 200 stock reported that many patients reduced or ceased opioid use for extended periods following treatment.

Sharp sales acceleration

Earlier in the month, the share price of the ASX 200 stock raced to a 52-week high of $3.35, following the release of a sales update.

According to the release, Mesoblast generated gross revenue of US$35.1 million from sales of Ryoncil (remestemcel-L-rknd) in the quarter ended 31 December 2025. That result represented a 60% increase compared with the quarter ended 30 September, highlighting a sharp acceleration in sales momentum.

Despite the positive FDA regulatory update and sales increase, the ASX 200 stock fell this month with 7%. Shares retreated to a two-month low, pointing to technical pressure and profit-taking after a strong rally late last year and at the start of 2026. Sentiment may have also weakened after Executive Director Dr Eric Rose sold roughly 640,000 shares.

Extended clinical trials

Material risks remain. Mesoblast has consumed substantial capital during its prolonged development cycle, repeatedly raising funds to support extended clinical trials and regulatory processes.

The company’s history of FDA setbacks has further tested investor patience. Even with approval, the ASX 200 company must still execute on commercialisation, scale sales, and compete in an increasingly crowded cell-therapy market.

Broker sentiment remains bullish

Despite these risks, brokers remain optimistic on the ASX 200 stock. The average 12-month price target for Mesoblast shares sits at $4.11, implying 54% upside from current levels.

TradingView data shows all covering analysts rate the stock a strong buy. Price targets range from $3.07, representing 15% upside, to $5.20, which implies potential gains of 95%.

The post Has this ASX 200 stock just turned the corner after 7% surge? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• This rising ASX 200 stock isn’t done yet – or is it?
• Mesoblast just cleared a key FDA hurdle. So why are investors exiting?
• Are these ASX 200 shares a buy after yesterday’s sell off?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

If you thought it was too late to gain exposure to the booming gold price, then think again.

That’s because Bell Potter has just named one ASX 200 gold share as a buy with plenty of upside.

Which ASX 200 gold share?

The gold miner that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

It was impressed with its performance in the second quarter, with gold production and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) beating expectations. It said:

EVN has reported a strong December quarter 2025 result. Group production was 191.2koz gold and 17.9kt copper (vs BPe 189.2koz gold and 18.9kt copper). All-In-Sustaining-Costs (AISC) were A$1,274/oz (vs BPe A$1,446/oz), dropping 26% QoQ as copper by-product credits made a significantly increased contribution. A solid lift in gold production and steady copper production was in line with our forecasts.

EVN ended the quarter with cash and bullion of $967m (from A$780m qoq), after early debt repayment of $110m, a dividend payment of $116m and cash tax payment of $207m. EVN reduced FY26 AISC guidance by $100/oz (or 6%, midpoint basis), production guidance is unchanged.

Overall, the broker felt this was a “very positive result” and highlights that its copper exposure differentiates it from peers. It adds:

This was a very positive result, demonstrating consistent operational delivery, capital discipline and surging cash flows due to EVN’s effectively unhedged gold exposure. It also highlighted EVN’s copper kicker – a key aspect of its business that differentiates it from the majority of its peers but, in our view, is often overlooked by the market. EVN’s annualised copper production of 70-80ktpa is a significant boost to margins, free cash flow and shareholder returns. The market is becoming more attuned to this with the rising copper price and, combined with EVN’s other attributes, we expect this to continue driving EVN’s outperformance.

Time to buy

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold share with an improved price target of $16.70 (from $12.35).

Based on its current share price of $14.11, this implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

EVN offers effectively unhedged gold and copper exposure via a portfolio of high quality, long-life assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions and overseen by a high-quality management team. EVN has stated its intention to pass growing free cash flows on to shareholders. Our NPV-based Target Price lifts 35% to $16.70/sh and we retain our Buy recommendation.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 gold share is a buy with 18% upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares
• This gold and copper producer is forecast to deliver double-digit returns
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Evolution Mining, Lynas Rare Earths, Paladin Energy, and Sovereign Metals shares are racing higher today

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

Much has been made of the rise of gold and silver over the past few years, but particularly over the last 12 months. Both precious metals have shot the moon, with gold up 73.5% since this time last year, and silver blowing it out of the water with its 205% surge. But another precious metal has been flying higher too, and somewhat more under the radar than its two more illustrious cousins. That precious metal is platinum. We might be more familiar with platinum as a marketing term than as an investment. But investors can and do buy platinum for many of the same reasons they buy gold or silver.

It is a scarce metal, scarcer even than gold, as it happens. Additionally, it shares many of the same qualities as gold, including invulnerability to wear and corrosion, and stable electrical properties. Like silver (and unlike gold), platinum also has extensive industrial applications, most notably in the catalytic converters found in most vehicles these days.

A year ago today, platinum was going for US$969 per ounce. Today, that same ounce is worth US$1,944 at the time of writing, a 12-month gain worth just over 100%. So platinum has outpaced gold as an investment over this period.

As such, many investors might wish to know how one actually buys platinum. As with silver, there are two methods one can employ if they wish to invest in this lesser-known precious metal.

How to buy platinum as an investment in 2026

Bullion: Bars and coins

The first method is also the most straightforward. Investors can buy physical platinum bullion in either coin or bar form. Like gold or silver, platinum bullion is readily available from most precious metal dealerships. The range of options is far narrower than its more popular cousins, but many prominent mints issue their flagship products in platinum form.

As with gold and silver bullion, many investors might regard physical ownership as the purest and most legitimate way to invest in this precious metal. But platinum bullion also carries some of the same risks. Investors will have to pay a hefty premium over the spot price for their bars or coins when purchasing. Additionally, there are transportation, storage, and insurance costs to consider.

That’s why the second method might appeal to some investors more.

Buy a platinum ETF

Again, as with gold and silver, investors also have the option of using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to buy platinum. A platinum ETF works in a similar manner to a gold ETF. The fund owns a physical store of platinum bullion, with its units representing an ownership stake of said store. Investors then indirectly invest in this store by buying or selling those units, which should rise and fall in value alongside the raw price of platinum itself.

Unlike gold, though, the options on the ASX are fairly limited for would-be platinum investors. The only real option investors have is the Global X Physical Platinum ETF (ASX: ETPMPT). This ETF holds a valuable stockpile of platinum in a London vault, with units of the fund representing this stockpile. Like the Metal itself, ETPMPT units have surged in value over the past 12 months.

An ETF like this one means investors can invest in (and out of) platinum as easily as shares, without having to take custody of physical metal itself.

This doesn’t come free, though. The Global X Physical Platinum ETF charges a management fee of 0.49% per annum for its services.

The post Want to buy platinum in 2026? Here are 2 ways to do it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Astronomical returns: Best 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares for 2025
• The best performing Global X ASX ETFs this year
• Forget gold! Meet the 2 metals up by +150% in 2025 and the ASX ETFs riding the wave

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

With February reporting season fast approaching, investors face a familiar decision. Do you wait for results and risk paying a higher price, or do you act early and accept the uncertainty that comes with buying ahead of updates?

If I were putting money to work before reporting season begins, these are three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares I would seriously consider buying. 

Each has clear near-term catalysts, but more importantly, each has a longer-term story that I think remains intact regardless of short-term volatility.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma is approaching reporting season with far more momentum than it had a year ago. The merger with Chemist Warehouse has reshaped the business into a much larger and more strategically important healthcare retail and distribution group. That scale matters. It improves buying power, strengthens supplier relationships, and increases the resilience of earnings across the cycle.

When it next releases its results, the market will be looking for confirmation that the Chemist Warehouse integration is tracking to plan and that cost and revenue synergies are beginning to emerge. Even without aggressive assumptions, I think Sigma now sits in a structurally stronger position than it did pre-merger, which makes the risk-reward ahead of results more appealing.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA is one of those businesses where timing matters less than long-term ownership. Reporting season tends to remind the market why that is the case. The company dominates Australian property listings with its realestate.com.au platform, and its pricing power is closely tied to transaction volumes rather than house prices themselves.

With housing activity showing early signs of stabilisation, February results could reinforce the view that REA is positioned to benefit from any recovery in listings and developer activity. Even if conditions remain uneven, REA’s margin profile and competitive moat mean it does not need a booming property market to continue growing earnings over time. That is a quality I look for when making investments.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix remains one of the more interesting healthcare names heading into earnings season. The company has already commercialised key products, which sets it apart from many earlier-stage biotech peers, and it continues to expand its pipeline and geographic reach.

It has already released a sales update for FY25, so there will be no surprises in February during reporting season. Instead, investors can focus on more important factors such as progress across clinical programs and the path toward broader adoption of its radiopharmaceutical therapies. 

Speaking of which, I think 2026 could be an exciting year for this ASX 200 share with potential game-changing US FDA approvals for two key products.

Foolish Takeaway

Buying shares before reporting season is never about certainty. It is about deciding whether the long-term opportunity outweighs the risk of near-term disappointment.

If I were investing today, these are three ASX 200 shares I would feel comfortable owning through February, knowing that volatility may come, but believing the underlying businesses are worth backing beyond the next few weeks and long into the future.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy before February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares this fund manager says are buys for 2026
• 3 ASX shares tipped to climb over 100% in 2026
• Top broker tips 57% upside for beaten-down Telix shares
• 3 underappreciated ASX growth shares I would buy with $1,000
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 shares to try and beat the market

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

As 2026 approaches, many Australians are quietly asking the same question: Am I actually ready to retire?

It is a big decision, and for most people, it is not helped by complex calculators, conflicting headlines, or wildly different opinions.

The good news is that you do not need a perfect plan to get clarity. In fact, a simple two-minute sense check can tell you whether you are broadly on track — or whether it is worth spending more time refining the details.

Here are three simple rules of thumb to help you find out:

1. Start with what your lifestyle really costs

Retirement planning often starts with super balances. In reality, it should also start with spending.

A practical first step is to estimate how much you currently spend each year to live the life you enjoy. That includes housing costs, food, utilities, transport, healthcare, insurance, and lifestyle expenses such as travel or hobbies.

This does not need to be precise. The goal is to arrive at a reasonable annual figure that reflects your day-to-day life, not an idealised version of retirement.

Once you have that number, you can move on to the more important question: Can your assets support it?

2. Can your assets reasonably support that income?

A common rule of thumb used in retirement planning is to compare annual spending needs against total investable assets, including superannuation.

Rather than focusing on short-term market movements, this approach looks at whether your savings could support your lifestyle over time using a conservative withdrawal range. It is not a guarantee, but it is a useful stress test.

If your assets appear comfortably ahead of your spending needs, that is a positive sign. If the gap feels tight, it does not mean retirement is off the table — it simply means flexibility and structure matter more.

This is also where asset mix becomes important.

For many Australians, this is where ASX shares come into the picture. A diversified portfolio of dividend shares and/or ETFs can provide a combination of income and long-term growth, helping retirement savings keep pace with inflation. Unlike relying on a single asset, shares offer liquidity and flexibility, which can be valuable when spending needs change over time. Of course, share markets move around, which is why many retirees use them as part of a broader mix rather than a stand-alone solution.

3. How long might your money need to last?

One of the most common retirement planning mistakes is underestimating longevity.

Australians are living longer than previous generations, and many retirees now need their savings to last 25 to 30 years or more. Planning for a longer retirement is not pessimistic — it is prudent.

This matters because early retirement years are often the most financially sensitive. Poor market conditions combined with heavy withdrawals can have an outsized impact if they occur too soon.

A simple question to ask is whether your plan still works if you live longer than expected. If the answer is yes, you are building resilience into your retirement, not just optimism.

How much flexibility do you actually have?

Retirement today is rarely a clean switch from work to no work.

Some people reduce hours gradually. Others work casually for a few years. Many adjust spending depending on markets, health, or personal priorities.

Flexibility is one of the most powerful tools retirees have. Even modest adjustments — delaying travel, drawing slightly less in weak markets, or earning a small side income — can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

A simple 2-minute check

If you can broadly say “yes” to the following, you are likely closer to retirement readiness than you think:

• I understand my annual spending needs.
• My assets reasonably support that spending under conservative assumptions.
• I have planned for a long retirement.
• I have flexibility if markets or life surprise me.

Foolish Takeaway

This quick check is not a full retirement plan, and it is not designed to replace personalised advice. It does not account for tax structures, superannuation rules, or Age Pension eligibility.

What it does offer is clarity.

If the answer today is “not quite,” that is still useful information. Time, flexibility, and small adjustments often matter far more than perfect timing or precise forecasts.

And if the answer is “yes,” then retirement in 2026 may be less about whether you can afford it — and more about how you want to spend it.

The post Can you afford to retire in 2026? Find out in 2 minutes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Premier Investments shares surge 10% on broker upgrade. Has this ASX retailer finally turned the corner?
• The ASX blue chip shares I’d trust with my money
• 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy now

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

Are you hunting some new investment ideas? If you are, then let’s take a look at three popular ASX shares and see if Morgans rates them as buys, holds, or sells.

Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

This gold miner delivered a strong second quarter update according to Morgans. It highlights that Evolution Mining reported production and costs that were better than expected, as well as record cash flow.

However, due to its current valuation, Morgans has retained its trim rating (between sell and hold) with an improved price target of $13.20. It said:

Strong 2Q26 with gold production and costs beating expectations. EVN generated record cash flow again. We expect EVN to reach net cash by the end of FY26. We maintain our TRIM rating as we view the stock as fully valued. However, we see merit in retaining some exposure given EVN’s significant leverage to gold and copper prices, which are currently at record levels.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Morgans was impressed with this investment platform provider’s performance during the second quarter. It highlights that its platform net flows were the largest on record and comfortably ahead of expectations.

But due to its current valuation, the broker has held firm with its hold rating and $110.60 price target. It said:

HUB’s 2Q26 Platform net-flows of $5.6bn were the group’s largest on record, coming in ahead of consensus expectations of $4.6bn. On an underlying basis (excluding $1.5bn of flows from the EQT migration in 2Q25), core net inflows were up +42% yoy. This strong organic momentum was also supported by positive mark-to-markets during the quarter which saw HUB report Total FUA of $152.3bn, +26% yoy, and Platform FUA of ~A$127.9bn, +29% yoy.

We see the company as well positioned to deliver strong growth at its upcoming 1H26 result and on track to reach its FY27 Platform FUA targets. We upgrade our underlying NPAT forecasts by 1-2% and retain our Hold rating with an unchanged $110.60 price target.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

A final ASX share that Morgans has been looking at is Rio Tinto. It was pleased to see the mining giant achieve its shipments guidance in FY 2025 despite cyclone disruptions early in the year. It was also pleased with its copper production, which was ahead of expectations.

Once again, though, the broker thinks Rio Tinto’s shares are fully valued. As a result, it has retained its trim rating and $140.00 price target. It said:

Record 4Q Pilbara production and shipments enabled RIO to land at the lower end of CY25 guidance, recovering from cyclone disruptions back in 1Q. Copper beat estimates by 14% on Escondida and Oyu Tolgoi strength. Simandou achieved first shipment in December as guided. Making hay while the sun shines, with copper and iron ore beats, but a quarter that will be hard to repeat with Pilbara shipments to normalise and Escondida grades set to moderate in CY26. Valuation remains stretched at current levels. We maintain our TRIM rating with target price unchanged at A$140.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This gold and copper producer is forecast to deliver double-digit returns
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why Evolution Mining, Lynas Rare Earths, Paladin Energy, and Sovereign Metals shares are racing higher today

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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Premier Investments shares surge 10% on broker upgrade. Has this ASX retailer finally turned the corner?
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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) are flashing a potential turning point after staging a sharp rebound from multi-year lows.

The Premier Investments share price is up 10.82% today to $14.14, following a broker upgrade that appears to have reignited investor interest. The rally comes after the stock recently hit a 5-year low of $12.76, capping off a painful 12 months for shareholders.

Despite today’s jump, Premier shares remain down roughly 30% over the past year.

While it may be a little too early to celebrate, the rebound suggests the worst of the sell-off may now be behind the company.

Let’s take a closer look at what is driving the move.

A broker upgrade sparks renewed interest

The catalyst for today’s rally appears to be a fresh broker note from Macquarie.

The broker upgraded Premier Investments to an outperform rating and set a $16.20 price target. Even after today’s surge, that still implies potential upside of around 15%.

Macquarie pointed to valuation support following the share price collapse, arguing the market may have become overly pessimistic about near-term retail conditions. The broker also highlighted the group’s balance sheet strength and exposure to higher margin brands as reasons sentiment could improve from here.

Breaking the downtrend

Premier shares have been locked in a clear downtrend for much of the past year, consistently making lower highs and lower lows. That pattern was only broken this week after the stock rebounded strongly off the $12.76 low.

The move back above short-term moving averages suggests selling pressure is easing. While this does not confirm a sustained uptrend, it does signal that bearish momentum has weakened.

Volume has also lifted on the rally, adding weight to the idea that new buyers are stepping in rather than just short covering.

A quality retailer facing tough conditions

Premier Investments owns well-known retail brands including Smiggle, Peter Alexander, and Just Jeans. These businesses have delivered strong returns over the long term, particularly during periods of robust consumer spending.

However, the past year has been difficult. Higher interest rates, cost-of-living pressures, and weaker discretionary demand have weighed heavily on apparel retailers. Premier has not been immune, with margins and sales growth coming under pressure.

While the share price collapse reflects those challenges, the rebound suggests investors may now be looking beyond the short-term headwinds.

What to watch next

For Premier Investments, the key question is whether operational performance can stabilise.

Upcoming trading updates, cost control progress, and any signs of demand improvement will be crucial. If earnings expectations stop falling, today’s technical break could mark the start of a broader re-rating.

For now, uncertainty remains. But after hitting a 5-year low, investors are starting to ask whether much of the bad news is already priced in.

The post Premier Investments shares surge 10% on broker upgrade. Has this ASX retailer finally turned the corner? 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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When markets are volatile and headlines change daily, it helps to own businesses you can rely on to keep executing regardless of conditions.

ASX blue chip shares earn that label not because they avoid setbacks, but because they have the scale, balance sheets, and business models to navigate them.

With that in mind, these are three ASX blue chip shares I would trust with my money over the long term.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

While 2025 was extremely disappointing, I believe it was just a blip and that CSL remains a business built for the long haul.

Its global plasma collection and manufacturing network underpins treatments used by patients around the world. That infrastructure is expensive, complex, and time-consuming to replicate, which gives CSL a powerful competitive advantage.

What makes CSL particularly trustworthy as an ASX blue chip investment is its approach to capital allocation. The company consistently reinvests in research and development, ensuring that it has the facilities and development pipeline to support its growth over the next decade and beyond.

For investors, CSL represents a rare mix of defensiveness and long-term growth potential.

The team at Morgans remains positive on the company and has a buy rating and $249.51 price target on its shares.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is another ASX blue chip share I would trust with my money. Unlike traditional banks, the company operates across asset management, infrastructure investment, commodities, and financial services, which allows it to pivot as conditions change. This diversified model has enabled Macquarie to perform successfully through very different market environments over the years.

Overall, I think Macquarie offers a winning combination of exposure to global markets and infrastructure while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth.

The team at UBS upgraded Macquarie’s shares to a buy rating with a $235.00 price target this week.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Finally, ResMed could be one of the best ASX blue chip shares to trust with your hard-earned money

It is a medical device company operating in sleep and respiratory care. These are areas supported by long-term health trends rather than economic cycles. Its devices, masks, and software platforms are deeply embedded in patient care, creating recurring revenue and strong customer relationships.

And with a total addressable market estimated to be 1 billion sleep apnoea suffers worldwide, it has a significant growth runway over the next decade and beyond.

Macquarie is bullish on this one and has an outperform rating and $49.20 price target on its shares.

The post The ASX blue chip shares I’d trust with my money appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. 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.

One of the advantages of exchange traded funds (ETFs) is flexibility.

Rather than trying to predict which individual company or country will perform best next, investors can position their portfolios around regions, themes, and long-term trends. Right now, a mix of global technology, emerging markets, and non-US exposure could make sense for investors looking to stay diversified.

With that in mind, here are five ASX ETFs that look worth considering today.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides exposure to some of the most influential companies in the global economy.

The ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which includes large technology and innovation-driven businesses such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA). These companies tend to dominate their markets and reinvest heavily to maintain leadership.

For investors, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers access to global growth through established businesses rather than early-stage speculation, making it a popular long-term holding.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF focuses on technology leaders across Asia.

Its holdings include companies such as Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU). These businesses sit at the centre of ecommerce, digital payments, gaming, and communication across the region.

The appeal of the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF lies in its exposure to large populations, rising digital adoption, and technology ecosystems that operate differently from those in the United States.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

The Betashares India Quality ETF offers a more targeted way to invest in India’s long-term growth story.

The ETF invests in high-quality Indian companies with strong balance sheets and consistent earnings. Examples of holdings include Reliance Industries, Infosys (NYSE: INFY) and HDFC Bank.

India’s expanding middle class, increasing digital infrastructure, and ongoing economic reform provide a structural backdrop that could support growth over many years.

Betashares Global Shares ex‑US ETF (ASX: EXUS)

The Betashares Global Shares ex US ETF gives investors exposure to global share markets outside the United States.

The ETF includes companies across Europe, Japan, and other developed markets, with holdings such as Nestle, Toyota Motor Corp, and ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML).

There is currently some discussion around a so-called “sell America” trade, partly linked to geopolitical uncertainty and comments from Donald Trump, including threats related to Greenland. While no outcome is certain, this fund offers an option for investors who want to reduce reliance on Wall Street and increase exposure to other developed markets.

Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF (ASX: BEMG)

The Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF provides broad exposure to emerging markets.

The ETF invests across countries such as China, Taiwan, India, and Brazil, with major holdings including SK Hynix, Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), and Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn).

Emerging markets can be volatile, but they also offer access to faster-growing economies and expanding consumer bases. For long-term investors, the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF can add a different growth engine to a diversified portfolio.

The post 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Apple, Baidu, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and HDFC Bank and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.