I am not always looking for the cleverest or most complex investment.

More often than not, I find myself drawn to strategies that quietly stack the odds in your favour over time. That usually means focusing on quality businesses, sensible diversification, and a structure that encourages long-term thinking rather than short-term trading.

That is why the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) has caught my attention.

I do not own it yet, but it is very much on my watchlist as a potential next addition.

What this ETF actually does

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of high-quality international companies listed in developed markets outside Australia.

The ETF tracks the MSCI World ex Australia Quality Index, which is built by selecting companies based on three fundamental characteristics: high return on equity, stable earnings, and low financial leverage. These are not fashionable metrics. But over long periods, they have tended to matter.

Instead of simply owning the biggest companies by market value, the QUAL ETF tilts the portfolio toward businesses that score well on those quality measures. The result is a portfolio of around 300 stocks spread across multiple countries and sectors.

Why quality matters to me right now

Quality investing is not about avoiding volatility altogether. It is about owning businesses that are more likely to endure it.

Companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and high returns on capital tend to have more options when conditions get tougher. They can keep investing, protect margins, and avoid dilutive capital raisings. Over time, that resilience can compound into better outcomes for investors.

I am not suggesting that quality stocks always outperform in every year. But historically, quality-focused strategies have delivered attractive long-term returns relative to broader global equity benchmarks. That is the type of edge I am comfortable backing.

Diversification without overcomplication

Another reason the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF appeals to me is diversification.

The ETF holds companies across a wide range of geographies, including the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Sector exposure is also broad, with meaningful weightings to technology, healthcare, consumer staples, and industrials.

Looking at the holdings, you are effectively getting exposure to many of the world’s most established businesses, including names like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Eli Lilly, Visa, and Johnson & Johnson. Importantly, no single company dominates the portfolio, with individual weights capped at 5%.

For investors who want global exposure but prefer a tilt toward balance sheet strength and earnings quality, this structure makes a lot of sense.

A useful complement to Australian portfolios

Australian portfolios are often heavily skewed toward banks, resources, and domestic cyclicals.

The QUAL ETF offers access to areas that are less represented on the ASX, particularly global technology, healthcare, and consumer brands with international scale. I see it as a potential complement rather than a replacement for Australian equities.

For example, pairing this fund with a broad Australian ETF or a handful of local stocks could create a more balanced portfolio across different economic drivers.

Risks worth acknowledging

Like any global equity ETF, the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is not without risk.

Returns will fluctuate with global markets, and the ETF is exposed to foreign currency movements, as it is not hedged back to the Australian dollar. That can increase volatility in the short term.

There is also the risk that a quality-focused strategy underperforms during periods when lower-quality or more speculative stocks are leading the market. That is something investors need to be comfortable with.

For me, those risks are acceptable if the investment is approached with a long-term mindset and a time horizon of at least five years.

Foolish takeaway

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF appeals to me because it focuses on fundamentals that have historically mattered over the long run.

It offers diversified global exposure, a clear quality tilt, and access to some of the world’s strongest businesses, all within a simple ETF structure.

The post Why this high-quality ASX ETF could be my next ASX buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Investing in the VanEck International Quality ETF (QUAL)? Here’s what you’re really buying
• Why I’m betting on this ASX ETF to help me become a millionaire
• 3 steps to replace your wage with dividends from ASX shares
• I plan to invest $1,000s into these 2 ASX ETFs in 2026

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 Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Income investors are spoilt for choice when it comes to ASX dividend shares.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three that analysts have named as buys above others.

Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

The first ASX dividend share that analysts are tipping as a buy is Cedar Woods.

It is one of Australia’s leading property developers and the owner of a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type.

Cedar Woods’ developments include subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

Bell Potter is a big fan of the company due to its belief that it is well-placed to benefit from Australia’s chronic housing shortage.

The broker believes this will underpin fully franked dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.27, this equates to 4.2% and 4.7% dividend yields, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

Another ASX dividend share that is rated highly by analysts is the Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This property company owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services.

These assets tend to be highly defensive. That’s because shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions. In addition, long leases and high-quality tenants provide visibility over rental income. This supports consistent distributions to unitholders.

The team at Citi is positive on the company due to its successful capital deployment, improving margins, and retail property trends. It believes this will support dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 26 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.14, this would mean dividend yields of 6.15% and 6.3%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Finally, Elders could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia’s farming sector.

Macquarie is bullish on Elders due to its belief that the cycle is turning favourable after a tricky period.

The broker expects this to allow Elders to pay fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 37 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.51, this would mean dividend yields of 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $8.25 price target on its shares.

The post Analysts say these ASX dividend shares are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could the Macquarie share price reach $250 this year?
• ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich
• Why 4DMedical, Amaero, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine shares are falling today
• The top 3 Australian dividend stocks I’d tell anyone to buy
• If I invest $15,000 in Macquarie shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?

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. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider Betashares will pay its next round of distributions (dividends) today.

Investors in the Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) will be among those paid today.

The gold miners ETF was one of the best performers of 2025, delivering a whopping total return of 149%.

MNRS tracks the performance of the Nasdaq Global ex-Australia Gold Miners Hedged AUD Index.

The 65% rally in the gold price last year, building on the 24% lift in 2024, was a big tailwind behind MNRS last year.

Investors in Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR) will also be paid today.

ARMR is benefitting from a big increase in global defence spending amid volatile geopolitics these days.

It tracks the VettaFi Global Defence Leaders Index and gave investors a total return of 48% last year.

Dividends to be paid today

Here are the dividends that investors will receive, rounded to two decimal places, today.

The Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) will pay $1.15 per unit with 60% franking.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT) will pay 47 cents per unit with 93% franking.

The Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR) will pay 32 cents per unit.

Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) will pay 3 cents per unit.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA) will pay 67 cents per unit.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC) will pay 6 cents per unit with 106% franking.

Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF) will pay 30 cents per unit with 22% franking.

The Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI) will pay 4 cents per unit.

Betashares Australian Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: FAIR) will pay 29 cents per unit with 65% franking.

But wait, there’s more…

The Betashares Geared Australian Equity Fund – Hedge Fund (ASX: GEAR) will pay 45 cents per unit with 225% franking.

Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) will pay 6 cents per unit with 74% franking.

The Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD) will pay 12 cents per unit with 66% franking.

Betashares Australian Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN) will pay 28 cents per unit with 89% franking.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) will pay 9 cents per unit.

The Betashares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) will pay 11 cents per unit with 101% franking.

Betashares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM) will pay 3 cents per unit.

The Betashares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX) will pay 13 cents per unit with 31% franking.

Betashares Global Banks Currency Hedged (ASX: BNKS) will pay 11 cents per unit.

Betashares Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: FUEL) will pay 9 cents per unit.

The post Own MNRS or ARMR ETFs? Here’s why it’s a big day for you appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs right now
• The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF
• 5 ETFs for an effective global portfolio
• 2 ASX ETFs that delivered triple-digit returns in 2025
• Invest in the best stocks in the world with these ASX ETFs

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF, Betashares Capital – Global Quality Leaders Etf, Betashares Global Defence ETF – Beta Global Defence ETF, and Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF. 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 Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price has had a mixed 12 months and currently trades at $211.86.

Although it has made a solid recovery from its 52-week low of $160, it is still comfortably short of its 52-week high of $242.90.

That leaves investors asking an obvious question. Could the Macquarie share price rebound and reach $250 this year?

What would $250 imply?

A move to $250 would require an 18% gain from current levels. That would likely depend on a combination of improving earnings momentum and more supportive market conditions.

To assess whether that is realistic, it helps to look at valuation, history, and how Macquarie’s business is currently tracking.

According to CommSec consensus estimates, Macquarie is expected to deliver earnings per share of $10.85 in FY26, rising to $11.79 in FY27. Dividends per share of $7.10 in FY26 and $7.70 in FY27 are also forecast.

At a $250 share price, that would put Macquarie on a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of around 23 times FY26 earnings and roughly 21 times FY27 earnings.

How does that compare to history?

Looking at Macquarie’s valuation history adds some useful context.

According to CommSec, Macquarie’s average PE ratios over the past five years were approximately 16.25x, 34.1x, 23.1x, 25.4x, and 29.2x.

The lowest multiple, around 16 times earnings, occurred around the COVID period and is arguably an outlier given the extreme uncertainty at the time. Excluding that period, Macquarie has frequently traded in the low-to-mid 20s and, at times, closer to 30 times earnings when conditions were favourable.

Against that backdrop, a valuation of around 21–23 times earnings at a $250 share price would sit toward the lower end of its non-COVID historical range, assuming consensus forecasts are delivered.

How are Macquarie’s results tracking?

Macquarie’s most recent half-year result showed net profit of $1.655 billion, up 3% compared with the prior corresponding period. Performance across its operating divisions was mixed, with strong contributions from Macquarie Asset Management and Macquarie Capital, partly offset by softer conditions in Commodities and Global Markets.

The group’s balance sheet remains conservative, with capital ratios comfortably above regulatory requirements and a significant capital surplus. Macquarie also continues to return capital to shareholders through dividends and its on-market buyback program.

That said, return on equity has moderated compared to recent years. Any sustained re-rating toward $250 would likely require a clear improvement in profitability or confidence that returns are heading higher.

What would need to go right for the Macquarie share price?

For the Macquarie share price to reach $250 this year, I think several things would probably need to fall into place.

Stronger market conditions could lift performance fees in asset management and increase deal activity in Macquarie Capital. Improved volatility and trading opportunities could also support earnings in global markets.

Just as importantly, investors would need confidence that earnings growth is sustainable, rather than cyclical or one-off in nature.

Foolish takeaway

Could the Macquarie share price reach $250 this year? Yes, it is possible.

However, it would likely require an improvement in operating performance, better market conditions, or a shift in investor sentiment toward higher valuations. At that level, the shares would not look cheap, but they also would not appear unreasonable given both consensus earnings forecasts and Macquarie’s longer-term valuation history.

The post Could the Macquarie share price reach $250 this year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich
• The top 3 Australian dividend stocks I’d tell anyone to buy
• If I invest $15,000 in Macquarie shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?
• Why EOS, Elevra, Lynas, and New Murchison Gold shares are pushing higher today
• Down 16%: Is this 8% yield ASX mining stock a buy?

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 Macquarie Group. 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.

When you have a lump sum like $10,000 to invest, the challenge is not finding ideas. It is deciding how to spread that money across themes that can work over time.

The good news is that exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this easier by allowing investors to position for different global trends.

Right now, a combination of value, structural growth, and long-term geopolitical change could make sense for investors looking beyond the short term. And here are three ASX ETFs that offer this:

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF.

It offers investors exposure to global share markets with a valuation-first perspective. Rather than focusing on the fastest-growing stocks, this fund invests in developed market businesses that rank highly on traditional value metrics. This includes price to earnings, book value, and cash flow.

The portfolio includes large, established companies across sectors like technology, industrials, healthcare, and financials. This provides diversification away from growth-heavy strategies and exposure to businesses that already generate meaningful cash flow.

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

This fund targets a theme that is becoming increasingly structural rather than cyclical. It invests in global stocks that are involved in defence, aerospace, and national security technologies.

Rising geopolitical tensions, changes in warfare, and increased defence spending across many countries have shifted these industries into long-term investment priorities rather than short-term budget items.

This ultimately means that the Betashares Global Defence ETF offers exposure to a sector benefiting from sustained global investment, without needing to select individual defence stocks. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides investors with exposure to the technology leaders shaping Asia’s digital economy.

This ASX ETF invests in major Asian technology stocks across areas such as ecommerce, digital payments, cloud services, and online platforms. These businesses stand to benefit greatly from large populations, rising digital adoption, and expanding middle classes across the region.

This means that for long-term investors, it provides access to growth drivers that differ from those in the United States and Europe, and can add a growth-oriented edge to a portfolio that is otherwise focused on developed markets.

It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF
• Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026
• Where I would invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs in January
• Which ASX defence ETF performed best in 2025?
• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs for growth investors to buy before it’s too late

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. 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 Australian share market has delivered a mixed bag over the past 12 months. While some sectors surged on strong tailwinds, others were hit hard by weaker earnings, changing interest rate expectations, and global uncertainty.

Looking at the ASX sector data, the gap between the best and worst performers has been wide.

The best performer: Materials

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was the clear standout over the past year, rising about 36%.

The sector includes miners and commodity producers, and it benefited from strong gains in gold, silver, copper, and iron ore prices. Gold prices surged as investors looked for safer places to park money amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. That flowed directly into higher share prices for gold miners and diversified resource companies.

China’s stabilising demand and limited new supply also helped support prices for key industrial metals. As a result, materials stocks became one of the most reliable places for investors seeking growth as the broader market moved sideways.

Solid performers: Industrials and Financials

The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) also delivered a strong result, climbing around 11.6% over the past year. Defence stocks, transport businesses, and infrastructure-related companies benefited from increased government spending and long-term contracts.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ), led by the major banks, rose about 5.3%. While gains were not spectacular, banks delivered steady earnings and attractive dividends. Falling inflation expectations and the possibility of rate cuts later in the year helped support sentiment across the sector.

Flat to modest returns: Staples, Property and Utilities

Several sectors produced only modest gains. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) rose roughly 1.6%, as supermarket and food stocks were steady, but returns were small.

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) gained less than 1%, held back by higher interest rates and cautious property markets. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) also delivered a small gain of under 1%, reflecting their defensive nature during uncertain times.

The worst performers: Healthcare and Tech

At the bottom of the leaderboard sits the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ), down a sharp 23.5% over the past year. Higher costs, earnings disappointments, and weaker global sentiment toward large healthcare names weighed heavily on the sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was not far behind, falling about 21.3%. Unlike US tech giants, many ASX tech companies struggled with slowing growth, tighter funding conditions, and valuation pressure.

Foolish takeaway

The past year shows how quickly market leadership can change. Hard assets and cash-generating businesses have outperformed high-growth stories, while sectors once seen as defensive have stumbled.

As markets move into 2026, investors will be watching whether materials can keep running, or if beaten-down sectors like healthcare and tech are finally due for a rebound.

The post The best and worst ASX sectors of the past 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 materials sector outperforms as mining shares continue their ascent
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 3 ASX 200 shares that doubled in value in 2025
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 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 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.

BlackRock will pay final distributions (or dividends) for 2025 on many of its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on Monday.

Those ETFs include iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) and iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO).

IOZ ETF delivered a solid 10.36% return for 2025 in line with the strength of the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) last year.

The ISO ETF outperformed, producing a 24.54% total return as ASX small-cap shares benefitted from three interest rate cuts.

Small-caps have market valuations of between a few hundred million dollars and $2 billion, and carry more debt to fund their growth.

Perpetual portfolio manager Alex Patten said 2025 represented the first time that small-caps had outperformed “in a number of years”.

Patten said:

… now that rates are starting to come down, we’re seeing more interest in small and micro caps and bit more liquidity in the market.

How much will ASX ETF investors receive today?

We have summarised the dividend amounts that investors will receive today, rounded to two decimal places.

ASX ETF	Distribution
iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: ALTB)	64.48 cents per unit
iShares Core Cash ETF (ASX: BILL)	34.26 cents per unit
iShares Core FTSE Global Infrastructure (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: GLIN)	16.7 cents per unit
iShares Core FTSE Global Property Ex Australia (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: GLPR)	19.5 cents per unit
iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF)	76.91 cents per unit
iShares Core Corporate Bond ETF (ASX: ICOR)	103.31 cents per unit
iShares Core MSCI Australia ESG ETF (ASX: IESG)	10.31 cents per unit
iShares Treasury ETF (ASX: IGB)	64.36 cents per unit
iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD)	14.52 cents per unit
iShares Core MSCI World ex Australia ESG (AUD Hedged) (ASX: IHWL)	26.69 cents per unit
iShares Government Inflation ETF (ASX: ILB)	42.58 cents per unit
iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC)	19.91 cents per unit
iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)	18.37 cents per unit
iShares Edge MSCI Australia Minimum Volatility ETF (ASX: MVOL)	63.61 cents per unit
iShares World Equity Factor ETF (ASX: WDMF)	25.08 cents per unit
iShares Enhanced Cash ETF (ASX: ISEC)	36.29 cents per unit
iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO)	4.78 cents per unit
iShares Yield Plus ETF (ASX: IYLD)	38.02 cents per unit
iShares Core MSCI World ex Australia ESG ETF (ASX: IWLD)	30.38 cents per unit

The post Own IOZ or ISO ETFs? It’s dividend payday for you! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ETFs for an effective global portfolio
• This is how I would build a sound ETF portfolio from scratch
• Own IVV or IOO ETFs? It’s dividend payday for you!
• What is the Russell 2000 Index and why has it been booming over the past 6 months?
• Own ASX IOZ or other iShares ETFs? Dividends just announced!

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.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in a positive fashion. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to 8,903.9 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued start to the week following a poor finish to the last one on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 1 point lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.15%, the S&P 500 fell 0.05%, and the Nasdaq edged 0.05% lower.

Oil prices rise

It could be a decent start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices pushed higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 0.4% to US$59.44 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 0.6% to US$64.13 a barrel. Traders were buying oil in response to multiple supply risks.

Buy Mader shares

Analysts at Bell Potter think investors should be buying Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD) shares. This morning, the broker has upgraded the specialised contract labour provider’s shares to a buy rating with a price target of $9.00. It made the move on valuation grounds following a pullback. Bell Potter said: “We upgrade our Recommendation to Buy. The recent retracement in MAD’s share price offers investors a more attractive risk-reward proposition, with 17.2% TSR implied by our $9.00/sh Target Price. We maintain the view that consensus expectations are conservative (FY26e NPAT of $67.6m; BPe $69.6m; NPAT guidance >$65.0m). Disclosure of MAD’s next 5-year strategy represents a near-term catalyst.”

Gold price drops

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a soft start to the week after the gold price dropped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 0.5% to US$4,601.1 an ounce. This was driven by a combination of profit-taking from traders and easing geopolitical risks.

Yancoal update

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price will be one to watch on Monday. That’s because the coal miner is scheduled to release its fourth quarter update today. Management is guiding to 2025 saleable production of 35-39Mt with $89-$97 per tonne cash operating costs. During the third quarter, it was tracking towards the mid-point of both ranges.

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

More reading

• ASX 200 materials sector outperforms as mining shares continue their ascent
• Why Australian Ethical, Northern Minerals, PLS, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Brokers issue new price targets on soaring ASX 200 mining shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why I think ASX 200 gold shares like Newmont and Northern Star will keep surging higher in 2026

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

Vanguard will pay the final distributions (dividends) for 2025 to investors in its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) today.

This includes the market’s largest ETF, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

Aussie investors have $22.58 billion invested in ASX VAS, which seeks to track the performance of the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

VAS ETF delivered a total gross return of 10.07% last year, made up of 7.05% in capital growth and a dividend yield of 3.02%.

The ETF closed out the year at $108.90 per unit on 31 December after retracing a little from its 52-week high of $113.18 on 16 October.

On Friday, VAS closed the week at $110.50 per unit, up 0.53%.

Let’s recap the dividends to be paid out today for investors in VAS and other Vanguard ETFs.

How much will Vanguard ETF investors receive?

Here is a summary of the dividends that Vanguard will pay to investors today.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) will pay a dividend of 82.08 cents per unit.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY), which tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, will pay 65.83 cents per unit.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) will pay a dividend of 47.36 cents per unit.

The Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO) will pay 129.60 cents per unit. The VSO tracks the MSCI Australian Shares Small Cap Index.

Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ), which tracks the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars before fees, will pay 61.60 cents per unit.

The Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF (ASX: VAF) will pay a dividend of 42.44 cents per unit.

Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP), which tracks the performance of the S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Index before fees, will pay 45.61 cents per unit.

The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE), which tracks the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars before fees, will pay 132.88 cents per unit.

Vanguard Ethically Conscious Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VETH), which tracks the FTSE Australia 300 Choice Index before fees, will pay 55.39 cents per unit.

The Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM) will pay 85.44 cents per unit.

Vanguard MSCI Australian Large Companies Index ETF (ASX: VLC) will pay a dividend of 63.34 cents per unit.

The post Vanguard will pay ASX ETF dividends today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF 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.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts upgraded this gold miner’s shares to a buy rating with an increased price target of $13.50. This followed the release of a strong quarterly update from Catalyst Metals which came in ahead of the broker’s expectations. Looking ahead, Bell Potter thinks that the company’s Plutonic operation will become a long-term production hub that underpins a significant increase in output in the coming years. In fact, it is expecting Catalyst Metals to increase its production to 200,000 ounces a year by FY 2029. This compares favourably to its current guidance for FY 2026 of 100,000 ounces to 110,000 ounces of gold. Combined with its upgraded gold price forecast, this has seen th broker boost its valuation of this gold miner’s shares materially. The Catalyst Metals share price ended the week at $9.00.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts retained their buy rating on this mining and mining services company’s shares with an increased price target of $68.00. According to the note, the broker has been looking at the company’s upcoming quarterly update. While it is expecting a small decline in iron ore production, slightly higher costs, and steady lithium production, it thinks investors should overlook this due to significantly better than expected commodity prices. In fact, higher prices mean the broker has upgraded its earnings estimates and valuation materially. Looking even further ahead, Bell Potter believes that Mineral Resources is positioned to benefit from a recovery in lithium markets given that it has around 338ktpa of offline spodumene production capacity. The Mineral Resources share price was fetching $59.78 at Friday’s close.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and $109.15 price target on this logistics solutions technology company’s shares. According to the note, its analysts believes the company can achieve the midpoint of its annual revenue guidance in FY 2026 despite giving some customers a short-term exemption from its new pricing model. Although Citi concedes that second half revenue from Cargowise value packs could be smaller than previously expected, it sees scope for this to be offset by stronger than expected industry freight volumes. Citi also sees potential earnings outperformance from lower than forecast operating expenses. The WiseTech Global share price ended the week at $67.02.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.