Starting out as an investor can feel daunting, especially when markets are volatile and options seem endless.

For beginners, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can offer a straightforward way to get invested.

They provide diversification, transparency, and exposure to proven investment themes, all through a single ASX trade.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be particularly well suited to beginner investors in 2026.

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares ETF is often considered to be a natural first step for Australian investors.

This popular ASX ETF tracks the Australian share market’s largest 300 companies, giving exposure to banks, miners, healthcare leaders, and consumer staples in one investment. This diversification helps reduce reliance on the performance of any single stock.

For beginners, the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF offers two key benefits. It provides broad market exposure and delivers regular dividend income, which can be reinvested to help grow a portfolio over time. It also keeps investors connected to the local market, which many people are more familiar with when starting out.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF for beginner investors to consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF. It adds a growth-focused dimension to a beginner portfolio.

This fund tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which is home to many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation-driven companies. These businesses operate in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, digital payments, and online platforms. This includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).

For new investors, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers exposure to long-term global growth trends without needing to choose individual technology stocks. While it can be more volatile than the broader market, a long-term holding period allows those ups and downs to smooth out over time.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

Finally, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF could be worth considering. This fund provides a more defensive complement to growth-focused ETFs.

It invests in global stocks that generate strong and consistent free cash flow. Rather than chasing hype or rapid expansion, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF focuses on businesses with proven earnings power and financial discipline.

For beginner investors, this can add balance to a portfolio. Cash-generating companies often have greater resilience during market downturns and can provide steadier returns across cycles.

It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginner investors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Where I would invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs in January
• Own VAS ETF? Here’s how your investment performed in 2025
• Guess how much $10,000 invested in these ASX ETFs 3 years ago is worth today?
• New to Investing? Here are 3 ASX ETFs to get you started
• 3 reasons to buy and hold the NDQ ETF for 10 years

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Are you invested in the two biggest ASX 200 mining shares, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)?

The former is a diversified mining giant with significant operations in iron ore and copper, along with met coal.

It also has a nickel mining operation in care and maintenance, and is building a potash project in Canada.

The latter is an iron ore pure-play with a green energy business in its formative years, focused on hydrogen and ammonia.

As always, the iron ore price heavily influenced both BHP and Fortescue share prices and dividends in 2025.

The iron ore price finished the year at US$107.13 per tonne, up 6.5%.

The copper price was also relevant to BHP, which is now the world’s largest producer of the red metal.

The copper price ripped 42% in 2025 due to growing demand for electrification, and hit a record above US$6 per pound just last week.

Which ASX 200 miner provided the best returns in 2025?

In terms of capital growth, Fortescue shares win.

It was a terrific year for ASX 200 mining shares, with the materials sector the best performer of the 11 market sectors by a country mile.

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

The sector outperformed the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by more than 4:1.

The ASX 200 rose 6.8% and gave a total return was 10.32%.

As the chart below shows, Fortescue shares had superior capital growth to BHP stock last year.

The Fortescue share price rose 20.6% from $18.25 per share on 31 December 2024 to $22.01 per share on 31 December 2025.

The BHP share price lifted 15% from $39.55 per share on 31 December 2024 to $45.49 per share on 31 December 2025.

On dividends, Fortescue shares win, too.

In dollar terms, BHP actually paid more at $1.71 per share compared to Fortescue’s $1.10 in 2025, both with full franking credits.

But dollar terms is pretty meaningless.

The comparative dividend yield is much more relevant to investors.

Using the closing share prices on 31 December as our guide, we can assess which ASX 200 mining share delivered the best dividend.

On this basis, Fortescue shares delivered a trailing dividend yield of 5%.

BHP shares provided a trailing dividend yield of 3.8%.

The post Fortescue shares vs. BHP: Which delivered superior returns in 2025? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Silver prices dropped sharply overnight, falling about 5% in a single session, after recently reaching the highest level on record.

Earlier this week, silver surged above US$92 per ounce as investors piled into safe-haven assets. Rising global tensions, uncertainty around US interest rate expectations, and trade policy risks all helped push money into precious metals like silver and gold.

But after that rapid rise, prices suddenly pulled back.

So, what changed? Let’s take a closer look.

Why silver fell so quickly

The main reason for the white metal’s drop was profit taking.

After silver raced to record highs, many traders decided to lock in their gains. When prices move up very fast, it is common for investors to sell and take profits, which puts pressure on prices.

At the same time, the US government eased some short-term fears around trade policy. US President Donald Trump signalled that he would temporarily delay new tariffs on critical minerals, choosing instead to negotiate supply agreements with key trading partners.

That move reduced some of the uncertainty that had been driving safe-haven demand. With less fear in the market, investors have become less willing to keep chasing silver at record levels.

A big run still behind it

Even after the drop, silver remains well above where it was a year ago.

Silver prices have risen strongly over the past 12 months, climbing around 186%, supported by a mix of investment demand and industrial use. Silver is widely used in electronics, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, which has helped strengthen its long-term outlook.

What it means for ASX silver stocks

ASX silver stocks have closely followed the metal’s price movements.

One of the most well-known names is Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL). The company owns the Bowdens silver project in New South Wales and is often seen as a pure play on silver prices.

Another miner to watch is Andean Silver Ltd (ASX: ASL), which has also shown strong moves as silver prices surged and then pulled back.

It is worth remembering that junior mining stocks often move far more than the underlying commodity, both on the way up and on the way down.

Other ASX silver explorers have shown similar behaviour, with strong rallies followed by sharp pullbacks as market sentiment shifts.

What happens next?

Silver remains a volatile asset, and sharp daily moves are not unusual, especially after prices reach such extreme levels.

If global uncertainty returns or interest rate expectations shift again, silver could quickly find a stream of buyers. But in the short term, investors should expect continued ups and downs, particularly after such a historic rally.

Silver has had an incredible run, and this drop looks like a normal correction rather than panic selling. As always, prices can move fast in both directions, especially when markets are driven by news headlines.

The post Silver just tumbled 5% today. What on earth is going on? 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 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&P500 Index (SP: INX) soared 16.39% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 17.88% last year.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) outperformed the benchmark with 20.36% growth and total returns of 21.33%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI), which tracks 30 S&P 500 stocks, rose 12.97% and gave a total return of 14.92%.

Top broker Goldman Sachs said the US underperformed some other major markets for the first time in nearly 15 years last year.

In an article, the broker said:

Equity returns in Europe, China, and Asia generated almost double the total returns for the S&P 500 in dollar terms as the US currency declined. 

As a result, geographic diversification benefited shares investors last year.

Investors benefited last year if they diversified across regions, and that trend may continue—with diversification among styles and sectors also potentially boosting returns.

The MSCI Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (MXAPJ) and the S&P 500 delivered the best earnings per share (EPS) growth last year compared to the STOXX Europe 600 Index and the Tokoyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX).

In 2026, Goldman expects the MXAPJ to streak ahead to 19% EPS growth while the S&P 500 is expected to achieve a 12% EPS rise.

The broker expects the STOXX 600 to produce EPS growth of 5% while TOPIX is predicted to deliver 9%.

Goldman Sachs says global markets will lift this year on the back of earnings and economic growth supported by lower US interest rates.

New year predictions for S&P 500

Goldman has a target of 7,600 points for the S&P 500, or a price return of 9% and a total return of 11%, by the end of 2026.

Overnight, the S&P 500 closed 0.53% lower at 6,926.6 points.

The broker has a target of 825 points for the MXAPJ.

That would be a price return of 10% and a total return of 12%, by the end of the year.

The target for the STOXX 600 is 625 points.

That would equate to a price return of 3%, a total return of 7%, and returns in USD of 13%.

The target for the TOPIX is 3,600 points.

That would represent a price return of 2%, a total return of 4%, and returns in USD of 7%.

The broker said geographical diversification should continue to offer the potential for better risk-adjusted returns in the new year.

Goldman Sachs commented:

Investors should look for opportunities for broad geographic exposure, including an increased focus on emerging markets.

They should seek a mix of growth and value stocks and look across sectors.

And they may watch for the possibility that stocks move less in lockstep, creating a good opportunity for picking individual names. 

The broker foresees spillover benefits from artificial intelligence into other sectors outside technology in 2026.

Non-tech sectors may perform strongly this year … and investors may benefit from stocks that see positive spillover from technology companies’ capital expenditures.

There’s likely to be a rising focus on companies outside of the technology sector that will benefit as new artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities come to fruition.

The post Goldman Sachs reveals 2026 predictions for S&P 500 and other global markets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginner investors in 2026
• Fortescue shares vs. BHP: Which delivered superior returns in 2025?
• Silver just tumbled 5% today. What on earth is going on?
• These ASX dividend stocks are built to keep paying and paying
• NIB share price up 22% in 12 months, but could face short-term weakness. Here’s what investors should know

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 positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

Investing in ASX dividend stocks for income can be a tricky process. Most income investors want relatively large upfront yields, as well as a high likelihood that a dividend share will continue to be able to fund payouts for the foreseeable future. Finding an ASX share that offers both of these traits is harder than many investors may think.

Today, let’s go over two such ASX dividend stocks that I think fit the criteria, and are thus built to just keep paying dividends.

2 ASX dividend stocks built to pay out dividends like clockwork

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is a relatively new ASX blue chip dividend stock, having listed in its own right back in late 2018. Ever since its listing, though, Coles has built an admirable track record of paying out reliable dividends. It has delivered an annual dividend increase every year since 2019, including in 2025. Its payouts tend to come with full franking credits attached too.

This reliability is arguably enabled by Coles’ nature as a consumer staples stock. As Coles sells food and household essentials – goods we tend to need to consistently buy – it is resistant to inflation, recessions and other economic problems that can damage other companies’ profits. As such, it is, at least in my view, a reasonable conclusion that Coles will continue to be able to pay a steadily rising dividend for years to come. Today (at the time of writing), this ASX dividend stock trades on a dividend yield of just under 3.3%.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Next up, we have Washington H. Soul Pattinson, or Soul Patts for short, to check out. Soul Patts is an investing house. It manages a vast underlying portfolio of subordinate investments on behalf of its shareholders. This portfolio is highly diversified, ranging from stakes in other blue chip ASX dividend stocks to private equity, venture capital and private credit investments.

Soul Patts has been doing this for decades, and has a long and successful track record to point to. Last year, investors were informed that Soul Patts shares had produced an average total return (share price growth plus dividends) of 13.7% per annum over the 25 years to 23 September 2025.

Speaking of dividends, Soul Patts has one of the best track records on the ASX. It has delivered an annual dividend increase (with full franking credits attached) every single year since 1998, including in 2025. Given that this ASX dividend stock has such a long record of delivering clockwork-like dividend increases, I am confident that Soul Patts will continue to do so.

This stock is currently trading with a dividend yield of 2.72%.

The post These ASX dividend stocks are built to keep paying and paying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) has been a solid performer for investors over the past year. The private health insurer’s shares are up around 22% over the last 12 months, pointing to steady confidence in the business.

However, the share price has lost some momentum recently. Over the past month, NIB shares have slipped almost 4% and are currently trading around $6.69, suggesting some investors are taking profits after the recent run.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving the recent pullback.

A strong year, but momentum has cooled

Over the past year, NIB’s share price has climbed from the mid $5 range to around current levels. That puts it comfortably ahead of the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), helped by steady earnings and reliable dividends.

That said, the shares have struggled to push higher recently. The price peaked late last year at $8.26 before pulling back, and it is now trading closer to the lower end of its recent range.

The relative strength index (RSI) shows the stock was previously in overbought territory, meaning it had risen too quickly. When that happens, a pullback is common as some investors lock in profits and momentum cools.

What the chart is saying

NIB shares are currently sitting near the middle-to-lower end of their Bollinger Bands, which often signals reduced momentum.

There appears to be support around $6.60 to $6.65, where buyers have stepped in before. On the upside, resistance sits near $6.90 to $7.00, a level the stock has struggled to break through in recent months.

Strong dividend profile is still a highlight

One reason investors continue to hold NIB is income. The company offers a dividend yield of about 4.3%, which is fully franked.

NIB has a long history of paying steady dividends, and payouts have been well supported by earnings.

What’s next on the financial calendar?

Investors should also keep an eye on several key dates in 2026:

• 23 February – FY26 half-year results

• 5 March – Interim dividend ex-dividend date

• 8 April – Interim dividend payment

• 24 August – FY26 full-year results

• 3 September – Final dividend ex-dividend date

• 7 October – Final dividend payment

• 11 November – Annual general meeting (AGM)

These events could move the share price, especially the upcoming February results.

Foolish takeaway

NIB looks like a steady, reliable business rather than a high-growth stock. The shares have done well over the past year, but short-term momentum has eased.

For long-term investors chasing income and stability, NIB still makes sense. For short-term traders, patience may be needed until momentum improves again.

The post NIB share price up 22% in 12 months, but could face short-term weakness. Here’s what investors should know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium stocks are enjoying a strong run today amid resilient global lithium prices.

In early afternoon trade on Thursday, the ASX 200 is up 0.2%, with the Aussie lithium miners broadly outpacing those gains.

At time of writing:

• Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are up 1.7% at $62.41
• Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are up 0.7% at $2.19
• Pls Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) – formerly Pilbara Minerals – shares are up 1.1% at $4.93
• IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are up 2.4% at $9.34

The miners aren’t just beating the benchmark returns today. In fact, all four of these ASX 200 lithium stocks have smashed the 8% returns delivered by the ASX 200 over the past year.

Here’s what I mean:

• Mineral Resources shares are up 69% in a year
• Liontown shares are up 279% in a year
• PLS shares are up 115% in a year
• IGO shares are up 83% in a year

What’s sending ASX 200 lithium stocks like Liontown shares soaring?

The common thread helping lift the Aussie lithium miners has been the rebounding lithium price.

Following the collapse in lithium prices in 2023, many global miners and ASX 200 lithium stocks reduced or entirely paused their lithium production. But with strong demand from energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs), amid reduced global supplies, lithium prices just hit the highest levels in more than two years.

A lot of that growing demand is being driven by China.

According to Trading Economics, China intends to double its EV charging capacity by 2027. And with an eye on fast-growing EV sales, lithium producer Ganfeng expects lithium demand to increase by 30% in 2026.

“Fundamentals of the lithium market are strong,” Reg Spencer, a mining analyst at Canaccord Genuity, said in late December.

“The reality is that spodumene prices have doubled, chemical prices in China have almost doubled, and I still haven’t seen any new Western greenfield projects sanctioned,” he added.

And it takes a long time to build a new greenfield mine.

These tightening supply and demand dynamics appear favourable for ASX 200 lithium stocks, including IGO and Mineral Resources shares in the months ahead.

Indeed, Barrenjoey forecasts spodumene prices will rise to US$3,250 per tonne in 2026, forecasting a 40% year on year increase in ESS battery shipments.

(Spodumene, if you’re not familiar, is a lithium bearing ore mined in Australia.)

According to the broker (quoted by The Australian Financial Review), the factors pushing lithium prices higher are “set to sustain into 2026 and the medium term, particularly in regions with higher renewable energy penetration demanding increased ESS capacity for grid stability and reliability”.

Stay tuned!

The post Why ASX 200 lithium stocks like Liontown and Mineral Resources are making waves today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) set to release its results mid-next month, the team at Jarden has run the ruler over their expected performance and concluded that the company will come out with steady (but unremarkable) numbers.

That also seems to be the consensus across a broader survey of analysts, with Tradingview saying that based on 11 analysts recomendations, the consensus is for a neutral recommendation.

According to Jarden there is some mild upside left in the stock, although their target price of $5.30 was only just above the price at publication of their research note of $5.11.

Factoring in dividends, this would return 7% to investors if that share price target was achieved.

No luck from jackpots

The Jarden team said they were estimating first half lotteries turnover of about $3.2 billion, down 2% year on year for the first half, primarily due to fewer jackpots accruing in the half.

They went on to say this re the expected revenue result:

In our view, this is due to unfavourable jackpot sequences (Powerball/Oz Lotto aggregate jackpots -14% y/y), rather than underlying demand weakness. We estimate like-for-like draws have performed robustly through the period. First half FY26 turnover is also likely impacted by Saturday Lotto’s annual year-end draw falling in calendar year 2026.

Jarden said they expected the company to “look through” the jackpot weakness and declare a dividend of 8.5 cents per share, in line with the corresponding first half in the previous year.

The Jarden team also said that while there was a risk to earnings, this had likely been factored in.

While we see risk to consensus earnings, recent share price performance would suggest likely downgrades are more than reflected in market expectations given the high degree of visibility on jackpot activity. Consensus FY26 earnings per share downgrades since 1-Sep have been about 5% with Jarden estimates about 7% lower. Despite this, we now view current levels as already pricing in below theoretical jackpot activity near-term. With the stock trading on about 25x FY27 P/E (assuming normalised jackpot sequences), and at the low end of historical trade ranges, we now see positive risk/reward and upgrade our rating to Overweight (from Underweight).

Jarden said they saw the business as well-managed and cash-generative, “within an economically resilient, exclusive licensed market”.

Opportunities for structural earnings growth under new CEO Wayne Pickup will likely include digital penetration, cost and Victorian licence-related opportunities.

The Lottery Corporation was valued at $11.37 billion at the close of trade on Wednesday.

The post Are The Lottery Corporation shares a buy, sell or hold at current levels? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Healthcare was the worst performer of the 11 market sectors in 2025, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) falling 24.91%.

The typically small dividend paid by healthcare shares offset this only slightly, with the sector’s total returning negative 23.66%.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 6.8% and delivered total returns of 10.32%.

The sector was dragged lower by a significant share price fall for its largest company by market cap, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

The declining share price of the third largest company, Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), after a stellar run, also played a part.

The sector’s deterioration in 2025 can be seen in the comparatively tepid share price lifts of the top three stocks of the year.

Let’s take a look.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price leapt 49% to finish the year at $18.61.

For 1H FY25, the ASX 200 biotech reported revenue of $39.7 million, up 24%, and a net profit of $15 million, up 88%.

Neuren develops drug therapies to treat multiple serious neurological disorders with no or limited approved treatment options.

Its first approved drug, DAYBUE (trofinetide), for the treatment of Rett syndrome, was released to the market in April 2023.

Last month, the company got approval from US regulators for DAYBUE STIX.

DAYBUE STIX is a powder formulation of trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome in adult and paediatric patients.

Yesterday, Neuren Pharmaceuticals informed investors that global sales could reach about US$700 million by 2028.

This would be a huge increase on the company’s 2025 sales guidance of US$400 million.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals will report its full-year results on 25 February.

Sigma Healthcare (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price rose 12% to finish the year at $2.94.

The ASX 200 large-cap healthcare share rode a wave of positivity last year after completing the Chemist Warehouse merger in February.

For FY25, Sigma Healthcare reported normalised revenue of $6 billion, up 82.2%.

It also reported a normalised net profit of $579.1 million, up 40.1%.

Sigma Healthcare will report its 1H FY26 results on 26 February.

Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)

The Ansell share price lifted just 4% to close at $35.01 on 31 December.

For FY25, Ansell reported a 23.7% lift in reported sales to $2 billion, It also reported a 44.3% increase in EBIT to $282 million.

The results included the impact of its $635 million acquisition of Kimberly-Clark Corporation‘s PPE business (KBU) on 1 July 2024.

Ansell raised its prices last year to fully offset the cost impact of the new US tariffs.

Ansell will report its 1H FY26 results on 16 February.

The post Top 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell, CSL, and Pro Medicus. 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 another gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 8,849 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher on Thursday and named below. Here’s why they are falling:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down 2% to $4.20. This morning, this respiratory imaging technology company revealed that it has received total firm commitments from wholesale, professional, and sophisticated investors for a $150 million single-tranche institutional placement. These funds are being raised at $3.80 per new share, which represents an 11.4% discount to its last close price. The company’s founder and CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: “We are pleased to welcome several high-quality global institutional investors to our share register and sincerely appreciate the strong ongoing support from existing shareholders. This placement provides 4DMedical with the balance sheet strength to accelerate U.S. commercialisation of CT:VQ at a time when unprecedented interest from clinicians is driving rapid adoption across leading academic medical centres.”

Amaero Ltd (ASX: 3DA)

The Amaero share price is down 21% to 25.5 cents. Investors have been selling this high-value refractory and titanium alloy powders producer’s shares after it downgraded its guidance for FY 2026. Amaero now expects revenue of $18 million to $20 million in FY 2026. This is down from its prior guidance of $30 million to $35 million. Management advised that this “primarily reflects timing delays in contract awards and revenue recognition associated with extended U.S government funding uncertainty and a temporary federal government shutdown during the December quarter.”

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

The Clarity Pharmaceuticals share price is down 4% to $3.46. This is despite the pharmaceuticals company revealing that its Phase II SECuRE clinical trial will continue as planned. This follows a formal safety review by independent doctors. The SECuRE trial is testing a targeted treatment for advanced prostate cancer using a copper-based approach.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine share price is down 5% to $5.08. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the wine giant’s shares to a sell rating (from neutral) with a $4.80 price target. The broker has concerns over its outlook in the United States amid reports that distributor RNDC could sell operations in seven states. In addition, given recent share price strength, the broker thinks its shares are now overvalued.

The post Why 4DMedical, Amaero, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine shares are falling today 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 Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.