ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) released a market update last night outlining changes to its senior leadership structure.

The announcement comes just ahead of the company’s half-year financial results, which are due to be announced on Thursday.

ASX shares finished Tuesday’s session 0.52% higher at $56.35, with details released after the close of trade.

ASX is Australia’s primary market operator, providing trading, clearing and settlement services across equities, derivatives and debt markets. The group also earns revenue from listings, data products and technology services used by market participants in Australia and overseas.

CEO departure confirmed

In its announcement, ASX confirmed that managing director and chief executive officer Helen Lofthouse will step down from the role in May 2026. Her tenure includes more than 10 years with the group and almost 4 years as chief executive.

Lofthouse was appointed in 2022 during a period of increased focus on the exchange, particularly around the failed CHESS replacement program. Since then, ASX has reset its technology strategy, cancelled the original blockchain based proposal and committed to a staged rebuild of its core clearing and settlement platform.

The first phase of the refreshed CHESS system is scheduled to go live in April. The board said the transition follows completion of key groundwork and positions the business for its next phase of leadership.

ASX has engaged an executive search firm to conduct a global process to identify its next chief executive. No successor or interim appointment has been named, and Lofthouse is expected to remain in the role until her departure.

Share price context

ASX shares remain well below their highs from earlier in 2025 but have rebounded from recent lows. Over the past year, the stock has faced pressure from regulatory oversight, technology execution risk and broader market volatility.

Despite this, the business continues to benefit from its position as critical national market infrastructure. Revenue is largely driven by trading volumes, listings activity and post trade services rather than direct exposure to market direction.

While the CHESS reset was generally supported, investor confidence has been affected by longer timelines and higher costs.

Half-year results due Thursday

ASX is scheduled to release its half-year results for the six months ended 31 December 2025 on Thursday 12 February. The update will be closely watched for revenue trends, cost control and progress on technology investment.

Investors will also be looking for commentary around market activity levels, capital expenditure and any changes to full year guidance.

While the leadership transition is a notable development, the upcoming earnings result is likely to be the main focus for the market.

The post Why ASX leadership is back in focus ahead of results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Are ASX Ltd shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent update?
• ASX Limited shares keep getting cheaper, but the market still isn’t convinced
• ASX Ltd 1H26 earnings: revenue rises, expenses guidance upgraded

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.

Building to a $50,000 ASX share portfolio can feel like a big milestone, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

The good news is that it doesn’t require a huge upfront investment.

What it does require is consistency, patience, and an understanding of how compounding works over time. When those pieces come together, progress can be far quicker than it first appears.

Here’s how an Australian investor could realistically build a $50,000 portfolio using ASX shares.

Start small

The hardest part of investing is not picking ASX shares, it is getting started. But the sooner you start, the sooner you can build wealth.

Small, regular investments matter far more than waiting for the perfect moment. Even modest monthly contributions can add up meaningfully when combined with time and growth. What matters is building the habit of investing and sticking with it through market ups and downs.

Unleash compounding

Compounding is an investor’s best friend. It is what happens when you generate returns on top of returns.

At first, progress can feel slow. In the early years, most of the portfolio’s growth comes from your own additions rather than your investment returns. But in time, compounding begins to take over and the portfolio can accelerate almost quietly in the background.

This is why patience matters. Many new investors give up just before compounding really starts to show its power.

Where to focus

When building a portfolio from zero, it pays to focus on quality.

That can mean starting with high-quality ASX shares that have strong and sustainable business models and positive long-term outlooks. Companies like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) are examples of businesses that have rewarded patient shareholders over long periods.

In addition, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be helpful when starting out.

Examples of strong ETFs are the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) or the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

The goal is not to find the next big winner, but to own assets that can steadily grow over time.

Getting to $50,000

Based on a 10% per annum return, which is not guaranteed but achievable, it would take 10 years of investing $250 per month to grow an ASX share portfolio to $50,000.

But here’s the thing. You don’t have to stop there. If you continued this for a further 10 years, you would see compounding really start to work its magic.

After that period, all else equal, you would have an ASX share portfolio valued at approximately $180,000.

Foolish takeaway

Going from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares is about starting small, investing regularly, aiming for steady long-term returns, and giving compounding time to work.

With patience and discipline, what starts as a modest portfolio can quietly grow into something far more meaningful.

The post How to go from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• The ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding in an SMSF
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• 5 amazing ASX shares that could build serious wealth for investors

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

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is in focus after its half-year profit climbed 5% to $5.41 billion, and the bank announced an interim fully franked dividend of $2.35 per share.

What did Commonwealth Bank of Australia report?

• Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT): $5,412 million, up 5% from 1H25
• Cash NPAT: $5,445 million, up 6% on the prior year
• Pre-provision profit: $8,131 million, up 5%
• Interim dividend: $2.35 per share, fully franked, up 4%
• Net interest margin: 2.04%, steady on an underlying basis
• Return on equity (ROE): 13.8%, up 10 basis points

What else do investors need to know?

CBA grew its lending and deposit volumes in core businesses, helping offset a squeeze on margins from competition and higher operating expenses, particularly as investments in technology continued. The bank’s credit quality strengthened, with loan impairment expense down to $319 million and home loan arrears falling during the half.

The balance sheet remains robust, with a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio at 12.3%—well above regulatory minimums. Deposit funding accounted for 79% of total funding, while liquidity and funding ratios exceeded required levels. The bank also provided over $25 billion in business loans and returned $4.4 billion to shareholders.

What’s next for Commonwealth Bank of Australia?

Looking ahead, the bank notes that economic growth picked up, led by consumer demand and investment in AI and energy infrastructure. However, capacity constraints could keep inflation above target, putting upward pressure on interest rates. Commonwealth Bank plans to keep supporting customers, accelerate its technology modernisation, and bolster capabilities in areas like generative AI and cyber security.

The leadership remains positive on Australia’s economic outlook, with a commitment to balancing customer support, digital innovation, and capital strength to drive long-term value for shareholders and communities.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, CBA shares have declined 2%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post CBA half-year results: profit lifts, dividend grows, tech spend ramps up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) share price is in focus after the company posted a robust half-year FY26 result, with EBIT holding steady at $844 million and NPAT rising 2% to $518 million. Operating cash flow jumped 32% to $1.1 billion, and a 7% higher fully franked interim dividend of 32 cents per share was declared.

What did SGH report?

• Revenue of $5.4 billion, down 2% from 1HY25
• EBIT of $844 million, flat year-on-year, up 22% on 2H FY25
• NPAT of $518 million, up 2% on the prior corresponding period
• EBITDA of $1.1 billion, up 1%
• Operating cash flow of $1.1 billion, up 32%
• Interim fully franked dividend of 32 cents per share, up 7%

What else do investors need to know?

SGH saw EBIT margin expand 30 basis points to 15.6%, mainly driven by Boral and WesTrac performing strongly thanks to operating leverage and cost initiatives. Boral posted a 10% EBID growth, while continued focus on cash generation helped lower the adjusted net debt to EBITDA ratio to 1.9x, giving SGH extra financial flexibility.

Safety remains a top priority, with the company reporting a 36% reduction in Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate and further progress on operational safety across its businesses. The group also refinanced debt, securing longer maturities and reducing funding costs, with over $2.2 billion in liquidity available at the end of December.

What did SGH management say?

Managing Director & CEO Ryan Stokes said:

We are pleased to deliver a strong result for the first half of FY26. It demonstrates the strength and resilience of our diversified industrial businesses. In a dynamic market, we delivered earnings growth in our core Industrial Services segment, expanded our margins, and generated significant growth in operating cash flow.

What’s next for SGH?

SGH heads into the second half of FY26 with solid operational momentum and a balanced outlook across its sectors. The company is sticking with its “SGH Way” operating model, focusing on sales execution, efficiency, and innovation.

Management reiterated guidance for “low to mid single-digit EBIT growth” for FY26, supported by balanced market exposures and ongoing cost control. Investors can expect ongoing investment into key projects and disciplined capital management.

SGH share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, SGH shares have declined 4%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post SGH delivers strong first-half FY26 earnings with higher dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The team at Bell Potter has been busy this week assessing options for Aussie investors.

Three ASX shares that have fared well and are being recommended by the broker to its clients are named below.

Here’s why the broker is bullish on these names:

Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC)

Bell Potter believes that Dexus Convenience Retail REIT offers a compelling mix of defensive income and valuation support.

The broker highlights DXC’s high-quality portfolio of service stations and convenience retail assets, leased to long-term, non-discretionary tenants. This includes tenants such as 7-Eleven, Ampol (ASX: ALD), and Chevron. This provides stable cash flows and resilience through the cycle.

Importantly, Bell Potter sees scope for valuation upside as capitalisation rates stabilise. It said:

Petrol stations are typically a low volatility asset class given long term leases with strong covenants, however higher debt base rates are likely to see cap rate expansion ahead. Asset valuations however at a 6.3% portfolio cap rate do not look demanding to us vs. industry transactions and peer REITs.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and price target of $3.25 on Dexus Convenience Retail REIT’s shares. Based on its current share price of $2.82, this implies upside of more than 15%. That’s before factoring in a forecast dividend yield of around 7.5%.

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

Orica is an ASX share to buy this week according to Bell Potter.

The broker points to strong structural tailwinds driven by increased production of iron ore, copper, and gold, which should underpin long-term demand for blasting services. It notes that Orica’s scale, global footprint, and pricing discipline position it well to benefit from this trend. The broker said:

We expect EBIT growth momentum to be sustained in the short-to-medium term underpinned by cyclical tailwinds in mining and exploration markets. EBIT growth is expected to be supported by further premium product uptake, robust facility performance across AN and sodium cyanide supply networks and commercial discipline.

Bell Potter has put a buy rating and $28.50 price target on Orica shares. Based on its current share price of $25.38, this implies potential upside of 12% for investors.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Finally, Bell Potter believes Sonic Healthcare offers an appealing combination of income and share price upside.

The broker expects Sonic to return to double-digit earnings growth in FY 2026, driven largely by acquisitions, particularly in pathology, and steady demand across its diagnostics businesses. While cost control and execution remain key risks, Bell Potter believes much of this is already reflected in the share price. It said:

While SHL has outperformed the XHJ, it has materially underperformed the broader market, reflecting concerns with growth and cost control. If the new CEO can impress investors with financial performance and strategy, we believe upside remains in SHL.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $28.50 price target on Sonic Healthcare’s shares. Based on its current share price of $21.82, this suggests that upside of 30% is possible. In addition, the broker is forecasting a dividend yield of approximately 5% in FY 2026.

The post Broker names 3 ASX shares to buy this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

As per usual earnings season results are causing big price swings for ASX shares. 

It can be difficult for investors to not overreact both positively and negatively depending on the earnings results posted by a company. 

However these swings can sometimes be overcorrections, leading to great entry points for certain ASX shares. 

Here is one ASX stock that was heavily sold off yesterday that could now be attractively valued. 

AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)

AUB Group is the second-largest general insurance broker network in Australia and New Zealand.

This ASX 200 financials stock has experienced some significant volatility over the last 12 months and its start to 2026 has been difficult. 

AUB Group shares fell more than 6% yesterday, taking its year to date loss to 15%. 

It is now trading at 52-week lows.

Failed takeover 

Investors have been exiting their positions in this insurance company following a failed takeover deal late last year. 

The deal would have seen indicative offers up to A$45 per share – well above the prevailing share price at the time. 

Initially, this pushed the stock sharply higher. 

However, after due diligence negotiations, the buyers pulled out and terminated the takeover talks at the end of 2025, shocking markets and removing the potential takeover premium. 

The share price plunged sharply after that announcement.

Analysis via The Bull said this result was a disappointment for shareholders. 

AUB’s board had indicated the consortium’s offer appropriately valued the company, making the withdrawal a significant disappointment for shareholders who had anticipated a premium exit.

The subsequent announcement of the Prestige acquisition suggests management has pivoted quickly to pursue organic growth strategies rather than waiting for another takeover approach.

January acquisition

Late last month, AUB Group completed a $400 million institutional placement to help fund its acquisition of UK insurer Prestige and support growth. 

The placement was priced below the then-current share price (at about $29.40), diluting existing holders and signalling a reduction in valuation expectations.

Most of this year’s share price fall has come after this announcement. 

The $400 million raise represents a substantial capital commitment for the company. According to management, it will now focus on integrating Prestige while delivering on promised synergies.

Buy low opportunity?

These ASX shares now sit at roughly $26.00 per share after yesterday’s crash. 

Have they now hit rock bottom?

Based on the average rating of 8 analysts, these ASX shares are now undervalued. 

TradingView has an average 12 month price target of $37.63, with analysts one year targets ranging from $35.00 to $42.00. 

This average target is 45% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

The post This ASX 200 share crashed 6% yesterday – time to buy the dip? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gave back its intraday gains to record a small decline. The benchmark index dropped slightly to 8,867.4 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 31 points or 0.35% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.25%, but the S&P 500 is down 0.1% and the Nasdaq is 0.25% lower.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after oil prices eased overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.35% to US$64.14 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$68.96 a barrel. Traders appear to be waiting to see what happens next with the US and Iran tensions.

CSL shares on watch

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares will be on watch for two reasons on Wednesday. The first is because the biotherapeutics giant is scheduled to release its eagerly awaited half-year results for FY 2026. The second reason is the shock announcement of the exit of its CEO, Dr Paul McKenzie, during the close of play on Tuesday. CSL’s shares were heading for a positive finish before crashing 5% into the red during the closing auction on the news. Dr McKenzie is stepping down with immediate effect. 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.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a relatively poor session on Wednesday after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.65% to US$5,048 per ounce. Traders were taking profit ahead of the release of US jobs and inflation data.

Buy WiseTech shares

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating on the logistics solutions company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $87.50 (from $100.00). It said: “WiseTech is currently trading on an FY27 EV/EBITDA multiple of c.18x which is the lowest forward multiple in its listed history of almost ten years.” It adds that “the recent sell-off in the share price and the reduction in the forward EV/EBITDA multiple is unjustified and represents a key buying opportunity.”

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

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

After a year of solid outperformance, it may be time to hit the sell button on these three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) giants.

That’s according to Family Financial Solutions’ Jabin Hallihan and Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro, who believe the companies’ outperformance over the past months leaves them in overvalued territory (courtesy of The Bull).

The ASX 200 giants facing the analysts’ knife are National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), which has a market cap of just under $135 billion; Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), which commands a market cap of $99 billion; and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), with a market cap of just over $40 billion.

Atop of the dividends all three companies pay, NAB shares have gained 8.5% over the past 12 months; Wesfarmers shares are up 14.9%; and Northern Star shares have rocketed 57.8%.

Now, here’s why it may be time to take profits.

ASX 200 giants on the chopping block

“NAB is Australia’s largest business bank, benefiting from an oligopolistic market structure,” Family Financial Solutions’ Hallihan noted.

Commenting on his sell recommendation on this ASX 200 giant, Hallihan said:

Statutory net profit of $6.759 billion in full year 2025 was down 2.9% on the prior corresponding period. A credit impairment charge of $833 million was up from $728 million in the previous year.

In our view, the shares are materially overvalued and leave little margin for error. Capital is better redeployed into discounted quality.

Hallihan also has a sell recommendation on Wesfarmers shares.

“This industrial conglomerate owns high quality businesses, such as Bunnings and Kmart Group,” he said.

“The company is diversified, with other businesses including Officeworks, Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers and industrial safety,” he added. “Diversification is a benefit as it spreads risk.”

But Hallihan is also concerned over this ASX 200 giant’s current valuation. He concluded:

However, in our view, the stock remains significantly overvalued, with optimism already priced in. The stock was recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio above 32 times, so it’s exposed to a correction on signs of any weakness.

We would be inclined to trim holdings and re-invest the proceeds in stocks offering better value.

Also tipped as a sell

Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro noted, “Northern Star’s share price has performed strongly, supported by higher gold prices and improved sentiment towards large market capitalisation producers.”

But with the ASX 200 giant running into some recent operational headwinds, Locantro concluded:

However, the company’s most recent production report disappointed, with output and cost guidance undershooting market expectations. While the longer-term outlook for gold remains positive, recent operational softness tempers near term confidence.

With much of the upside already reflected in the share price, the risk-reward balance favours taking profits at current levels.

The post Experts name 3 ASX 200 giants to sell today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 ASX mining shares to sell: experts

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

When it comes to building a self-managed super fund (SMSF) portfolio, investors typically prioritise business quality and the ability to generate reliable returns across many market cycles.

Balance sheets, competitive positions, and long-term relevance tend to matter more than short-term momentum.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding inside an SMSF for the long haul.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The first ASX 200 share I would be comfortable holding in an SMSF is Goodman Group.

Goodman has evolved well beyond a traditional property trust. It focuses on high-quality industrial property, logistics facilities, and data centres in major global cities. And it often develops these assets in partnership with long-term capital providers, as we saw here with CPP Investments.

This model allows Goodman to recycle capital, fund growth without excessive balance sheet risk, and maintain exposure to structural tailwinds such as ecommerce, supply chain optimisation, and digital infrastructure. For an SMSF, that combination of asset backing and growth optionality is attractive.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Another ASX 200 share that could suit an SMSF is Macquarie Group.

It operates a diversified global financial services business, with earnings generated across asset management, infrastructure, commodities, and advisory activities. This diversity is very attractive for SMSF investors as it helps smooth results across economic cycles and reduces reliance on any single revenue stream.

What makes Macquarie particularly attractive for long-term investors is its capital discipline. The group has a strong track record of investing alongside clients, managing risk conservatively, and returning surplus capital to shareholders when appropriate.

For an SMSF, Macquarie offers exposure to global financial markets without needing to constantly trade or reposition. This arguably makes it a solid candidate for a buy and hold approach.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

A final ASX 200 share I’d be comfortable owning in an SMSF is supermarket giant Woolworths Group.

It operates in a part of the economy that rarely disappears from household budgets. Food, groceries, and everyday essentials tend to see consistent demand regardless of economic conditions, which helps underpin revenue stability.

Beyond its supermarket dominance, Woolworths continues to refine its operations through digital channels, loyalty programs, and supply chain improvements. These initiatives are protecting margins and its market share.

Overall, for an SMSF, Woolworths offers a blend of defensive characteristics and steady cash generation. These are qualities that can be valuable when building a portfolio that is designed to last through to retirement.

The post The ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding in an SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy?
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When I look at the ASX right now, I’m not trying to make bold calls or predict the next big move. I’m simply asking a straightforward question: are there high-quality shares I’d still feel good about buying at today’s prices?

My answer is yes for the three ASX shares in this article, but for different reasons.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is the kind of stock I would own when I want exposure to resources and strong cash flow generation.

The near-term outlook for iron ore and other bulk commodities can move around, but BHP’s portfolio is increasingly about copper. That matters. Copper demand is being driven by electrification, renewable energy, data centres, and electric vehicles. Those trends are structural, not cyclical.

On top of that, BHP’s balance sheet is strong and its capital discipline has improved materially over the past decade. Even in softer commodity environments, it has the capacity to generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders.

For me, this is less about timing a commodity cycle and more about owning a global leader with assets that will be relevant for decades.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL has been through a frustrating period, and that’s why I’m more constructive now than I was a few years ago.

Slower plasma margin recovery, weaker influenza vaccine demand in the US, softer albumin sales in China, and the disappointment around CSL112 have all weighed on sentiment. Add in regulatory and tariff setbacks and it’s easy to see why investors lost patience.

But the core business remains intact. CSL still operates in an oligopolistic plasma market with very high barriers to entry. Demand for immunoglobulins continues to grow globally, and efficiency initiatives should gradually support margins over time.

Expectations are now far more realistic. I don’t think CSL needs everything to go right to deliver acceptable returns from here.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is an ASX share that I think has a lot of promise.

Counter-drone technology has gone from niche to essential. Military conflict, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety concerns are driving global demand for detection and mitigation systems. DroneShield operates right in the middle of that shift.

The company’s sales pipeline can be lumpy and contract timing will always create volatility. But its addressable market is large, defence budgets are rising, and its technology is already proven in the field. SaaS revenue and software upgrades also add a higher-margin layer to the story over time.

I wouldn’t expect a smooth ride, but I think the long-term opportunity is being underestimated.

Foolish takeaway

BHP offers strength and cash flow, CSL offers recovery potential, and DroneShield offers long-term growth. For me, that combination makes all three worth buying right now, as long as you’re investing with a long-term mindset.

The post Should you buy BHP, CSL, and DroneShield shares? Here’s my take appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CSL prepares for half-year results as CEO transition comes into focus
• CSL names Gordon Naylor interim CEO as Dr Paul McKenzie retires
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• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 shares to pick up in February

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.