Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have jumped 7.99% higher in early afternoon trade on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $171.42.

The uptick means the shares are now 6.4% higher for the year to date and 5.77% higher than this time last year. CBA shares are also just 10.4% below their all-time high of $191.40 recorded in June last year.

What has pushed CBA shares higher today?

The banking giant reported its first-half results this morning. CBA posted a 5% increase in its statutory net profit after tax (NPAT), a 6% hike in its cash NPAT, and a 4% increase in its interim dividend, to $2.35 per share, fully franked.

It looks like investors are thrilled with the result, with many jumping at the chance to buy the stock, pushing the share price up higher as a result.

The latest update from the bank is great news for investors after dwindling confidence in the company’s overvalued share price saw many shying away from the shares over the past few months.

CBA shares crashed nearly 30% in November following its Q1 FY26 results, which revealed a 2% year-on-year increase in unaudited cash NPAT and a 4% increase in operating costs. 

Concerns that CBA’s shares are significantly higher than those of other major Australian banks, and its high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio continued to pile pressure on the share price through late-2025 and early-2026.

The Reserve Bank’s decision to hike interest rates earlier this month also dented investor confidence in the banking giant.

What’s the outlook for CBA shares this year?

Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt said, “While the geopolitical outlook remains uncertain, we are seeing more confidence in the economy, supported by lower interest rates and good export earnings in key sectors. This is evident in the uptick we’ve seen in business lending, with more lending growth across small business, commercial and rural this half than in the previous financial year.” 

“We remain well positioned to support our personal and business customers as they continue to tackle higher costs, navigate volatility or transition to growth.”

While the bank is somewhat optimistic that confidence is returning to the market overall, the update hasn’t reinvigorated analyst sentiment at present. We may see brokers reviewing their position on CBA shares in the coming days, although there won’t necessarily be a material change either way.

At the moment, TradingView data shows that most analysts (14 out of 16) hold a sell or strong sell rating on CBA shares. The target prices vary wildly, but they all imply a downside from the current trading price.

The average target price is $123.54. This implies the shares could drop another 27.91% over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

The post Here’s the outlook for CBA shares in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CBA share price jumps 8% on strong half-year results
• Why AGL, CBA, Domino’s, and James Hardie shares are jumping today
• Here’s everything you need to know about the new CBA dividend
• CBA half-year results: profit lifts, dividend grows, tech spend ramps up
• Will BHP shares soar past $55 this year?

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.

With everyone around the proverbial investing watercooler talking about Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)’s latest earnings today, it can be easy to forget that CBA isn’t the only ASX share with something to show investors. AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) has also given investors a look at its latest financials this Wednesday, and it makes for some particularly interesting reading for dividend investors.

As we covered this morning, AGL had to show off a mixed set of numbers covering the six months to 31 December 2025. The energy generator and retailer posted an underlying net profit after tax of $353 million, down 6% on the same period in 2024. The company also revealed a statutory profit after tax of $94 million. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at $1.09 billion, which was essentially flat year on year.

On the bright side, AGL told investors that it provided 4.7 million total customer services, an improvement of 108,000.

Investors seem happy with what AGL had to say for itself, though. That’s judging by the fact that, at the time of writing, the AGL share price is up a jubilant 9.3% to $9.68.

AGL shares surge amid dividend hike

But let’s talk about AGL’s dividend. Over the past decade, AGL hasn’t exactly endeared itself to ASX income investors. The company went from paying out $1.19 per share in 2019 to 26 cents per share in 2022 – a huge income cut that shareholders had to absorb.

However, the trend has been far more positive in recent years, and today’s earnings do nothing to change that.

AGL has revealed that its next dividend will be an interim payment worth 24 cents per share, alone worth almost as much as 2022’s full-year total. This dividend will come with full franking credits attached, in line with the company’s 2025 payments.

This dividend represents a 4.35% rise over last year’s interim dividend, worth 23 cents per share. Together with AGL’s final dividend of 2025, worth 25 cents per share, it takes the company’s 12-month total to 49 cents per share.

Today, AGL shares are already trading on a hefty trailing dividend yield of 4.96% (it was 5.42% at AGL’s closing price yesterday). But this dividend hike means that the company can also be given a forward dividend yield of 5.06%. That grosses up to 7.23% with the value of AGL’s full franking credits.

Foolish Takeaway

As we’ve already touched on, AGL is not the reliable dividend stock it once was. It is at the centre of Australia’s ongoing energy transition, which has caused the company financial pain in the past and might do so again. Saying that, the company’s finances have stabilised remarkably over the past few years, and AGL’s hefty dividend yield (almost double CBA’s right now) is arguably worth considering as part of a diversified income portfolio today.

The post Income investors: You don’t want to miss AGL’s latest dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AGL, CBA, Domino’s, and James Hardie shares are jumping today
• Why Aussie Broadband shares are soaring 13% today
• Why AGL shares are jumping 8% on results day
• AGL Energy posts 1H26 profit and narrows FY26 earnings guidance
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February

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.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) shares are in the green in early afternoon trade on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the shares are 1.26% higher at $3.625 a piece.

The increase is welcome news for investors after the online travel booking services company’s shares crashed 41% to an 11-year low on Friday last week. The share price drop came after the ASX 200 travel stock announced that the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency had commenced an audit of its Spanish subsidiary.

The audit will review direct taxes paid (and owed) between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as indirect taxes for the period between January 2022 and December 2025.

The news sent tongues wagging, and investors rushed to hit the sell button in a state of panic.

All eyes are still on the ASX travel stock as we wait to hear the outcome of the audit and see what will happen to the share price next.

What has happened to Web Travel Group shares this week?

Web Travel Group shares have recovered 10% of their losses since the ASX opened on Monday, when the company issued an update to investors.

Management reassured investors that only the company’s Spanish subsidiary is being audited. 

Web Travel Group also said it does not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review.

The company reiterated its full-year FY26 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance of between $147 million and $155 million. That represents a 22% to 29% increase on the company’s FY25 EBITDA of $121 million.

While the uptick this week is positive, the shares have a long way to go before the price recovers to pre-crash levels.

What do analysts expect from the stock this year?

Despite the downturn over the past week, analysts remain very optimistic about the company’s outlook for 2026. 

Data shows that 12 out of 14 analysts hold a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. And the maximum target price is $7.40 a piece. That implies a 102.19% upside at the time of writing!

UBS has a bullish share price target on the stock of $6.15. The broker seems to be unfazed by the Spanish tax audit, saying that the company had been audited in Spain in 2024, and management “emphasised they consider this audit immaterial” on an investor call this week.

The team at Jarden also has a bullish price target of $5.70 per share. The team said the audit is immaterial and expects the company to remain on track to meet its growth targets this year.

The post Why is everyone talking about Web Travel Group shares this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The brokers are unanimous, this ASX travel stock is a buy
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Bravura, CAR Group, Pepper Money, and Web Travel shares are storming higher
• Why is the Web Travel share price rocketing 19% on Monday?
• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today

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.

Shares in Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) are trading strongly after the company reported record half-year earnings and declared a larger-than-expected dividend.

Evolution, in a statement to the ASX, said that it had generated a record underlying net profit of $785 million, up 104% on the previous corresponding period on record mine net cash flow of $1.09 billion.

The company had a “robust” cash position of $967 million at the end of December, and had materially reduced its gearing to just 6%, down from 23%.

The company’s Managing Director, Lawrie Conway, said it was a solid result.

Our half-year result reflects the strength of our operating discipline and our ability to capture the upside in a favourable metal price environment. We delivered record financial performance, robust and reliable cash flows and continued to deleverage the balance sheet. Our record dividend of 20 cents per share meets our commitment to reward shareholders in the current high metal price environment. With a clear pipeline of high-return projects now advancing, we’re positioned for strong, sustainable growth while continuing to return capital to shareholders.

Lots to like

The analyst team at Jarden had a look at the result and said it was “overall a robust result, with board and management expressing clear confidence over the portfolio by paying a record dividend whilst simultaneously committing to material life-extension and growth projects”.

They went on to say:

Evolution continues to deliver strong operating and financial momentum, vastly superior to main peer Northern Star Resources. We forecast the balance sheet to return to a net cash position in the current half, positioning Evolution well to prosecute the Bert and E22 block cave projects.

The Jarden team said the underlying net profit was in line with their expectations, albeit 3% below consensus, while the 20-cent dividend was “materially higher” than the consensus estimate of 17 cents.

They added that while the company had previously grown through acquisitions, they believed this was unlikely at the moment.

They said:

Whilst the gold price remains elevated, we consider the prospect of further inorganic growth activity to be relatively low, although opportunistic activity remains a possibility. 

The company said it was targeting returning about 50% of cash flow to shareholders as dividends.

The dividend is up from just 7 cents for the same period last year.

Evolution shares were up 7.1% on Wednesday to be changing hands for $16.04.

The post Evolution mining shares surge after unexpected dividend boost announced appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Evolution Mining unlocks $120m Northparkes deal with Triple Flag
• Evolution Mining half-year results: record profit and higher dividend
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• UBS raises gold price target to US$6,200 per ounce for this quarter
• Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’

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

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is surging on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the banking giant’s shares are up 8% to $171.40.

Investors have been buying the bank’s shares after it delivered a strong half-year result and lifted investor confidence with a solid dividend and resilient credit performance.

CBA share price jumps on solid profit and dividend increase

For the six months ended 31 December, CBA reported statutory net profit after tax of $5.41 billion, while cash net profit came in at $5.45 billion. The latter was up 6% on the prior corresponding period.

This strong half was supported by lending and deposit volume growth in its core businesses, which was partly offset by lower margins and higher operating expenses. The latter was primarily due to inflation and its continued investment in technology.

The bank’s net interest margin was 2.04%, down four basis points on the prior half, as home lending competition and lower Treasury income weighed.

Credit quality improved, with loan impairment expense flat at $319 million and home loan arrears declining. Importantly, 87% of home loan customers are now ahead of their scheduled repayments. Provision coverage remains strong, and the bank continues to hold a buffer of around $2.8 billion relative to expected losses under its central economic scenario.

In light of its solid profit growth during the half, the CBA board declared a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share. This is up 4% year on year and represents a payout ratio of 74%.

Management commentary

Speaking about the half and current trading conditions, CBA’s CEO, Matt Comyn, said:

We have continued to execute our strategy with discipline, maintaining a strong focus on supporting customers while delivering sustainable outcomes for shareholders. A strong labour market and, until recently, easing interest rates, have provided some relief for borrowers, and our credit quality has improved. While conditions remain challenging for some customers, recent improvements in economic activity reinforce the resilience of the Australian economy.

Our history of long-term decision making has created a strong, resilient bank that supports our customers and communities and delivers for shareholders. This has allowed us to declare an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked.

Outlook

Looking ahead, CBA noted that economic growth strengthened during the half, but inflation is expected to remain above the Reserve Bank’s target band for some time, potentially placing upward pressure on interest rates.

Nevertheless, Comyn is feeling positive about the bank’s outlook. He said:

We are optimistic about the prospects for the economy and will play our part in building a brighter future for all.

The post CBA share price jumps 8% on strong half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AGL, CBA, Domino’s, and James Hardie shares are jumping today
• Here’s everything you need to know about the new CBA dividend
• CBA half-year results: profit lifts, dividend grows, tech spend ramps up
• Will BHP shares soar past $55 this year?
• With global valuations stretched here are 3 great income ASX ETFs

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a strong session on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 1.45% to 8,995 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

The ASX share price is down 4% to $54.14. Investors have been selling this stock exchange operator’s shares after it announced the exit of its CEO. The company advised that its CEO, Helen Lofthouse, will step down from the role in May. It also revealed that the CHESS project Release 1 is targeting go-live in April, just before she leaves.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price is down 6% to $160.54. This has been driven by the release of a soft half-year result and news that the biotech giant’s CEO, Dr Paul McKenzie, has resigned with immediate effect. With respect to the latter, CSL’s chair, Dr Brian McNamee AO, said: “Paul and the Board have determined that now is the right time for new leadership to continue to drive CSL’s strategic transformation and performance.” For the first half, CSL posted underlying NPATA of US$1.9 billion, which was down 7% on the prior corresponding period. One positive is that management has reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2026.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

The GQG share price is down 3.5% to $1.59. This follows the release of the fund manager’s latest funds under management (FUM) update. GQG Partners revealed that its FUM increased to US$165.7 billion (from US$163.9 billion) during January. However, this reflects a strong investment performance, which offset US$4.2 billion of net outflows.

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI)

The Meteoric Resources share price is down almost 5% to 20 cents. Investors have been selling the rare earths company’s shares despite a positive update on the production performance at its recently commissioned Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) Pilot Plant at the Caldeira Rare Earth Project in Brazil. The company’s managing director, Stuart Gale, said: “Results achieved at the Pilot Plant to date have bettered the extensive test work conducted by ANSTO which is a great credit to our team who have spent significant time developing Meteoric’s understanding of the Caldeira Ionic Clay deposits.” Average magnet rare earth element recoveries were 70%. It is possible some investors were expecting stronger recoveries.

The post Why ASX, CSL, GQG, and Meteoric Resources shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CSL shares crash 12% on half-year results and shock CEO exit
• Here’s everything you need to know about CSL’s upcoming dividend
• GQG Partners lifts FUM to US$165.7b in January update
• CSL half-year earnings: profit drops but guidance reaffirmed
• Why ASX leadership is back in focus ahead of results

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Gqg Partners. 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 and Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Listed investment fund WAM strategic Value Ltd (ASX: WAR) has boosted its dividend to a grossed up 8.1% following strong performance in its underlying investments.

The fund’s managers said in a statement to the ASX on Wednesday that its investment portfolio had increased in value by 14.9% for calendar 2025, and 9.8% for the second half of the year.

Profits looking good

WAM Strategic value also delivered a 158.6% increase in operating profit to $12.8 million after tax for the first half, while total shareholder return was 9.4%, or 10.7% including the value of franking credits.

Chairman and lead portfolio manager Geoff Wilson AO said:

The investment portfolio’s performance builds on the strong performance of 2023 and 2024, as the investment portfolio increased 15.9% per annum in the two-year period and 14.5% per annum over the three-year period, delivering shareholders consistent investment portfolio returns. One of our priorities is for the company’s share price to fully reflect its net tangible assets (NTA) value. We are confident that our experience in managing listed investment companies (LICs) will deliver this. Investing in undervalued asset plays can take time to be recognised by the market and we believe the portfolio is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities in 2026 and beyond.

The fund said its portfolio performance in the December half year was driven by holdings in listed investment companies with exposure to global equities including Regal Partners Global Investments Ltd (ASX: RG1), Pengana International Equities Ltd (ASX: PIA) and Regal Asian Investments Ltd (ASX: RG8).

The fund’s statement to the ASX went on to say:

In the six months to 31 December 2025, the investment portfolio’s allocation to equities was 82.7% at 31 December 2025, providing a weighted average return of 11.8% and the investment portfolio allocation to cash and cash equivalents was 17.3% at 31 December 2025.

The fund will pay a fully-franked dividend of 3.25 cents, up from 3c for the same period last year, which equates to a dividend yield of 5.7% or 8.1% when franking credits are included.

The ex-dividend date is May 1 with the dividend to be paid on May 29. The fund’s dividend reinvestment plan is in operation.

The fund said since inception, it has paid 18.75 cents per share in fully franked dividends to shareholders, and 26.8 cents per share when including the value of franking credits.

WAM Strategic value shares were changing hands for $1.16 on Wednesday morning, up 1.3%.

The fund said its net tangible asset backing was $1.30 per share as at December 31. WAM Strategic Value was valued at $206.2 million at the close of trade on Tuesday.

The post After a strong performance, this ASX listed fund is now paying a handy dividend yield appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CBA share price jumps 8% on strong half-year results
• Why ASX, CSL, GQG, and Meteoric Resources shares are sinking today
• Why Computershare shares are wobbling despite a solid half
• Why AGL, CBA, Domino’s, and James Hardie shares are jumping today
• Why I think this Vanguard ETF is a strong buy in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) are seesawing on Tuesday after the company delivered its half-year FY26 results.

At the time of writing, the Computershare share price is down 0.28% to $32.21.

That leaves the stock around 6% lower so far in 2026, even after management upgraded guidance and lifted the interim dividend.

Let’s take a dive into what happened today.

A good result, but not enough to excite

For the six months ended 31 December 2025, Computershare delivered steady results in a lower interest rate environment.

Management revenue rose 3.9% to US$1.6 billion, while management earnings per share (EPS) increased by the same margin to 67.9 US cents. Excluding margin income, EBIT jumped 12% to US$190.8 million, with margins expanding by 70 basis points to 16%.

Return on invested capital climbed to a very healthy 36.1%, underlining the capital-light nature of the business.

The softer spot was margin income, which fell 5.4% to US$372.9 million. This was expected, given that cash rates sharply declined across key markets during the half.

The company said the net impact of lower interest rates was limited to around US$8 million, or just 1.5% of profit before tax, thanks to Computershare’s natural hedge.

Balance sheet strength shines through

One of the key takeaways was the strength of the balance sheet.

Net debt leverage was reduced to just 0.3 times EBITDA, giving the company plenty of flexibility. That strength supported a 22.2% increase in the interim dividend to 55 cents per share, 30% franked.

The group said buying back shares would currently be tax inefficient, signalling that dividends and reinvestment remain the preferred use of capital for now.

On the operations front, Issuer Services delivered the fastest revenue growth across the group, supported by new client wins and a recovery in corporate action activity. Corporate Trust also benefited from higher client balances, while Employee Share Plans posted solid growth, driven by higher client fees and transactional revenues.

Outlook lifted for FY26

Computershare upgraded its FY26 outlook, now expecting management EPS of around 144 US cents. That implies growth of roughly 6% year-on-year, an improvement on the initial guidance provided in August.

Lower interest rates are expected to support higher client balances in the second half, while cost discipline and operating leverage continue to support margins.

Management reiterated its focus on delivering consistent earnings growth and increasing shareholder returns through the cycle.

Foolish takeaway

Despite the upgraded outlook and dividend hike, the market response has been lukewarm.

After a strong run over recent years, expectations for Computershare remain high. With margin income still under pressure and broader equity markets volatile, some investors appear to be taking a wait and see approach.

That said, the result supports Computershare’s reputation as a high-quality, cash-generative business with a long-term growth track record.

The post Why Computershare shares are wobbling despite a solid half appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Computershare lifts outlook and dividend after solid 1H26 earnings
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy after hitting a 52-week low
• Where I’d invest in ASX shares if the RBA increases the interest rate
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.4% to 8,994.1 points.

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

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

The AGL Energy share price is up 9% to $9.65. Investors have been buying this energy giant’s shares following the release of its half-year results. Although AGL posted a decline in underlying net profit, it has updated its guidance for FY 2026. The company now expects full-year underlying EBITDA of $2.02 billion to $2.18 billion. This compares to its previous range of $1.92 billion to $2.22 billion. Its underlying net profit guidance was also tightened to $580 million to $680 million, from the previous range of $500 million to $700 million. This reflects improved consumer margins and lower than previously indicated operating costs due to disciplined cost management.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is up 8% to $171.38. This has been driven by the release of the banking giant’s half-year results this morning. CBA reported a 6% increase in cash net profit to $5,445 million and lifted its interim dividend by 4% to $2.35 per share. CBA’s CEO, Matt Comyn, said: “Economic growth strengthened during the half, driven by increases in consumer demand and rising investment in AI and energy infrastructure.”

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

The Domino’s share price is up 3% to $22.99. This follows news that the pizza chain operator has appointed its new CEO. Domino’s has named experienced global quick service restaurant executive Andrew Gregory as its incoming group CEO and managing director. The company notes that Mr Gregory will start with Domino’s once his obligations to his current employer have been discharged. This will be no later than 5 August 2026. He most recently served as McDonald’s senior vice president of global franchising, development and delivery in the US.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

The James Hardie share price is up 12% to $37.20. Investors have been buying this building materials company’s shares following the release of its third-quarter update. The company reported a 30% jump in sales to US$1,239.8 million and a 26% lift in adjusted EBITDA to US$329.9 million. This growth was driven largely by the addition of the AZEK business following its recent acquisition. James Hardie’s CEO, Aaron Erter, said: “In the third-quarter, we achieved or exceeded each of our financial commitments despite a mixed macro backdrop. We are taking actions to address the current market environment, including optimizing our manufacturing footprint and better aligning our cost structure with the slower, but stabilizing, pace of demand.”

The post Why AGL, CBA, Domino’s, and James Hardie shares are jumping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CBA share price jumps 8% on strong half-year results
• Why Aussie Broadband shares are soaring 13% today
• Why AGL shares are jumping 8% on results day
• James Hardie shares rocket higher after earnings beat expectations
• Here’s everything you need to know about the new CBA dividend

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

When I look at where long-term wealth is likely to be created over the next decade, I keep coming back to one simple idea: owning the world’s best businesses, across many countries, at low cost, and holding them patiently.

That’s why I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is a particularly strong buy in 2026.

Rather than trying to guess which single country or sector will outperform, this exchange-traded fund (ETF) gives exposure to global growth engines that Australia simply doesn’t have in meaningful size.

This Vanguard ETF offers a genuinely global portfolio

The VGS ETF holds around 1,300 stocks across developed markets, excluding Australia. That means meaningful exposure to the US, Europe, Japan, the UK, Canada, and parts of Asia.

This matters because the Australian share market is heavily concentrated in banks and resources. This ETF fills the gaps by giving investors access to sectors like global technology, healthcare, industrial automation, and consumer brands that operate at enormous scale.

A look at its holdings

While the largest holdings include familiar US names like Apple and Microsoft, the depth of the portfolio is where the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF really shines. Many of its most interesting exposures sit outside the US.

One of the most strategically important companies inside the ETF is ASML Holding.

It is a Dutch company with a near-monopoly on extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, which are essential for producing the world’s most advanced semiconductors. These machines are so complex and specialised that no competitor has been able to replicate them at scale.

Every cutting-edge chip used in AI, high-performance computing, and advanced electronics relies on ASML’s technology. That gives it extraordinary pricing power, long-term visibility, and a competitive moat that is almost unmatched globally.

Another standout holding is Nestlé, the Swiss consumer giant.

Nestlé owns a vast portfolio of food, beverage, and nutrition brands that are embedded in daily life across the globe. Its strength isn’t just brand recognition, but distribution, scale, and pricing power across both developed and emerging markets.

What I like about Nestlé as part of the VGS ETF is how it balances growth and defensiveness. It may not deliver explosive returns in any single year, but it compounds steadily through economic cycles, which is exactly what you want inside a core ETF.

Why the VGS ETF works so well as a core holding

What makes this Vanguard ETF particularly attractive to me is that it doesn’t rely on any single theme working perfectly. It owns thousands of companies across regions, sectors, and economic conditions.

It also does this at very low cost, which quietly but powerfully boosts long-term returns. Over decades, minimising fees and staying invested often matters far more than trying to time markets or rotate between trends.

For investors building wealth in 2026 and beyond, VGS offers global diversification, exposure to world-class businesses, and a structure that rewards patience.

Foolish takeaway

I see Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF as a cornerstone investment. It gives access to companies like ASML and Nestlé, alongside hundreds of other global leaders, in a single, low-cost ETF.

For anyone looking to grow wealth over the long term without overcomplicating things, I think this Vanguard ETF is a very strong buy in 2026.

The post Why I think this Vanguard ETF is a strong buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How ETFs can help investors build significant passive income
• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• 3 Vanguard ETFs I think deserve a spot in most portfolios
• How could I turn $500 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares?
• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?

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 ASML, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Apple, Microsoft, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.