ASX All Ords gold stock Strickland Metals Ltd (ASX: STK) is slipping today.

Strickland Metals shares closed on Friday trading for 20 cents. In morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for 19.7 cents apiece, down 1.5%.

For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.1% at this same time.

Despite today’s intraday dip, the Strickland Metals share price is up a jaw-dropping 146.3% in 12 months. Or enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $19,704.

Here’s what’s catching investor interest today.

ASX All Ords gold stock hits new targets

Strickland Metals shares have yet to get a fresh lift after the miner reported promising new exploratory drilling results from its Kotlovi Prospect, returning a series of high-grade gold intercepts.

Highlights from one hole returned 34.9 metres at 2.2g/t Au [grams of gold per tonne] from 324.2 metres, including 14 metres at 4.1g/t Au from 328.2 metres.

The emerging new discovery sits within the ASX All Ords gold stock’s 100%-owned 7.4 million ounce gold equivalent (AuEq) Rogozna Gold and Base Metals Project, located in Serbia.

The miner said it has received assays for multiple recently completed drill-holes at the Kotlovi Prospect, noting the new prospect was discovered in scout drilling in 2024, just 350 metres west of the 1.28 million ounce AuEq Medenovac deposit.

Strickland has now defined mineralisation along a 300 metre strike, which remains open in all directions.

The ASX All Ords gold stock reported that drilling continues apace. Strickland has seven rigs operating across its Rogozna Project. Assay results are still pending for multiple holes, with management expected to release further results in the coming weeks.

What did management say?

Commenting on the ASX All Ords gold stock’s new drill results today, Stickland managing director Paul L’Herpiniere, said, “Kotlovi is continuing to shape up as an important new discovery at Rogozna, with the potential to make a significant contribution to the project’s overall growth trajectory.”

L’Herpiniere added:

These latest drill results have further expanded the known mineralisation, which now extends over a 300 metre strike length. Several holes have now returned thick zones of strong mineralisation, with the mineralised zone still open in all directions offering further significant upside.

Given its strategic location just 350 metres from the 1.28 million ounces of gold equivalent Medenovac Deposit and the growing scale of the mineralisation, Kotlovi looks like it will feature prominently in our ongoing drilling and development plans.

Strickland said it remains well-funded, with cash and liquids totalling $41.8 million at 30 September.

The post Up 146% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock reveals ‘significant upside’ exploration results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guess which ASX All Ords gold stock is leaping 12% on big Serbian news
• Why Breville, Flight Centre, Mineral Resources, and Strickland shares are shooting higher

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.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) retains the top spot for another week with short interest of 21.7%. This is up slightly week on week. Short sellers are betting on the uranium miner’s production beyond 2026 falling short of expectations.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease again to 14.4%. Short sellers have been closing positions in a hurry after this pizza chain operator was the subject of takeover speculation.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 12.8%, which is up since last week. This may be due to production ramp-up concerns.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 12.3%, which is up since last week. Short sellers have been building positions possibly on valuation concerns and in response to the burrito seller’s poor start to life in the United States market.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11.6% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. This appears to be due to concerns that this language testing and student placement company will continue to underperform due to unfavourable student visa changes.
• Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has short interest of 10.9%, which is down week on week again. An oversupply of lithium has weighed heavily on the industry in recent years.
• PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 10.6%, which is down week on week. This motorsport products company is going through a lengthy transitional period that is weighing on its profits.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are back in the top ten with short interest of 10.4%. This biotech company has been hit with FDA approval delays this year.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 9.9%, which is down since last week. Short sellers may have been closing positions after the travel agent revealed a positive start to FY 2026.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 9.8%, which is down since last week. This medical device company’s shares trade on sky-high multiples and short sellers don’t appear to believe it is justified.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, Domino’s, and Temple & Webster
• Macquarie reveals ASX 200 share tips in each market sector for 2026
• Which ASX dividend shares are brokers recommending to clients?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

This S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech stock has snapped back to life this past week. The Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) share price finished last week at $40.43, gaining 10.7% for the week.  

That’s still a long way away from its peak of $55.87 at the start of October. This past month, the ASX tech share has lost 19% of its value, but it remains 64% higher over the past 12 months.

Bumpy rally ahead?

This year has been a volatile one for Life360. The latest spurt is propelled by renewed investor faith and strong results. However, analysts caution that the next rally might be bumpy as this ASX 200 stock is shifting its business model.

Life360 has grown from a family-tracking app to a global subscription platform. Monthly active users now exceed 92 million, paying circles are growing rapidly, and the company is experiencing both higher profitability and robust operating cash flow.

Rapid international expansion

With only a fraction of its global user base monetised and new advertising just beginning, Life360 has substantial growth potential. The business is expanding rapidly across the US and internationally, underpinned by subscription growth, rising average revenue per user, and expanding premium features.

This is reflected in the latest results, with third-quarter revenue rising 34% year over year to US$124.5 million and a sharp increase of 319% in operating cash flow to US$26.4 million. In addition, its adjusted EBITDA surged 174% to US$24.5 million.  

Management of Life360 also announced user growth, an important indicator for investors that subscription demand remains durable. Those fundamentals triggered an immediate rally in this ASX 200 tech stock.

Privacy and regulatory friction

Still, the rebound hasn’t been a clean sprint and halted in November. The stock plummeted after Life360 revealed the $120 million acquisition of ad-tech firm Nativo. Investors reacted warily as they viewed the deal as a signal that the company is leaning harder into advertising.

This is a lower-margin, harder-to-execute line of business. Advertising also carries privacy and regulatory friction. Monetising location data at scale invites scrutiny, while the integration of ad-tech teams will prove difficult. It will be challenging for Life360 to prove that ad revenue will be sticky and profitable.

Analysts’ outlook

After its strategic change, several brokers lowered their price targets for this ASX 200 tech stock, though they remain optimistic overall. While most analysts still recommend buying the stock, opinions differ on how much the new advertising strategy will improve margins and boost free cash flow.    

The average 12-month price target for the $6.6 billion tech company is close to $49.80. This suggests a 24% upside for this ASX 200 tech stock. Bell Potter is more bullish on the company’s outlook. It recently put a buy rating and $52.50 price target on Life360.

The post After springing back to life, how far can this ASX 200 tech stock climb? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Bear market alert: ASX 200 tech shares down 24% since September peak

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) closed at 8,918.7 points on Friday, up 0.075% for the week and up 2.5% over 12 months.

Experts have called out two ASX All Ords shares that they think are great buys with substantial potential upside ahead.

Let’s take a look.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

The Suncorp share price tumbled to a 52-week low of $17.54 on Friday.

The ASX All Ords financial share has fallen 24% over the past 12 months.

UBS reiterated its buy rating on Suncorp shares last week despite reducing its forecast earnings for the insurer.

The broker made changes to its forecast due to a sharp increase in natural disaster claims in Australia and New Zealand.

As reported on sharecafe, UBS expects that Suncorp will exceed its FY26 catastrophe budget by $580 million.

This has led to a 31% reduction in the broker’s forecast FY26 earnings per share (EPS) to 88 cents.

UBS has also reduced its EPS forecast for FY27 by 1% to $1.27 per share.

Potential mitigations may include continued increases in home and car insurance premiums during 2H FY26 and into 1H FY27.

The broker reduced its share price target from $23.15 to $22 following its earnings forecast downgrade.

The lower price target still implies a healthy potential upside of 25% over the next 12 months.

betr Entertainment Ltd (ASX: BBT)

The betr Entertainment share price hit a new 52-week low of 21 cents on Friday, down 25% over the past year.

Morgans maintained a buy rating on this ASX All Ords consumer discretionary share after its 1Q FY26 update.

The sports and racing betting group reported $363 million in turnover for the first quarter, up 27% on the prior corresponding period.

The broker said:

BETR Entertainment (BBT) reported a solid first quarter, delivering results modestly ahead of expectations across key metrics despite unfavourable sporting outcomes in September.

Turnover, gross win, and net win margins all exceeded forecasts, supported by improved customer engagement and product mix.

We take encouragement that the recent lift in brand and product investment is now translating into operating momentum.

The balance sheet remains in a strong position, providing flexibility to pursue both organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

At betr’s annual general meeting last week, executive chair Matthew Tripp said:

The Company enters FY26 in its strongest position to date, with the foundations in place to support disciplined, sustainable growth…

Our key trading metrics confirm the new scale of the business with record levels of turnover and sustained growth more than one year on since the BlueBet/betr migration.

Morgans has a price target of 43 cents on betr Entertainment, implying the ASX All Ords share could double over the next year.

The post Experts say buy: 2 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Harvey Norman, Mirvac, Qube, and Suncorp shares are falling today
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Suncorp shares slump 16% this year: Are they a buy, hold or sell?

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.

When you’re retired, investing becomes less about chasing the highest possible return and more about finding stability, reliability, and income.

That’s where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) shine.

They offer instant diversification, lower risk than individual shares, and the comfort of knowing your portfolio is spread across many high-quality companies.

If you are looking for ASX ETFs that can help protect capital while still delivering steady returns, the three listed below could be excellent options. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

For retirees who rely on dividends to help fund everyday expenses, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF remains one of the most popular ETF choices on the ASX.

This fund targets Australian shares with above-average forecast dividend yields, giving investors broad exposure to income-rich sectors like financials, resources, and telecommunications.

Its current holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). These are three of the most dependable dividend payers on the market. They generate substantial cash flow, operate entrenched market positions, and have long histories of returning profits to shareholders.

At present, this ASX ETF trades with a dividend yield of 4.2%.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Consumer staples are some of the most defensive companies in the world, and the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF wraps them into a single, highly resilient ETF. It invests in global giants that sell products people continue buying regardless of economic conditions. Think groceries, beverages, household essentials, and healthcare items.

Its holdings include Walmart (NYSE: WMT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and Nestlé (SWX: NESN). These are companies with enormous scale and predictable demand. Whether the economy is booming or struggling, these businesses generate steady earnings, which is why they tend to hold up far better than growth stocks during market downturns.

For retirees who want international diversification and smoother returns, this fund offers a calm, defensive anchor for any portfolio.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

Finally, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF takes a quality-first approach by investing in global stocks that generate strong, consistent free cash flow.

These are companies with the financial muscle to reinvest in growth, maintain dividends, and weather economic uncertainty. Its holdings include names such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), and Visa (NYSE: V), which all produce significant excess cash beyond their operating needs.

This cash-centric strategy helps filter out speculative or unprofitable businesses, giving retirees exposure to global growth without unnecessary volatility. It was recently named as one to consider buying by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 ASX ETFs perfect for retirees seeking peace of mind 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 positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Palantir Technologies, Visa, and Walmart. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Wilsons Advisory says the major pullback in ASX 200 tech shares has been overdone, and recommends buying two stocks right now.

As we reported last week, the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is now 22% lower than its September peak.

The ASX 200 tech stock index hit a record 3,060.7 points on 19 September. On Friday, it closed at 2,370 points, down 22% in just 10 weeks.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has dipped by just 1.8% over the same period.

Here are the two ASX 200 tech shares that Wilsons Advisory recommends.

2 ASX 200 tech shares to buy now

Wilsons Advisory equity strategist Greg Burke says it’s mainly domestic factors putting a drag on ASX 200 tech shares of late.

In the meantime, he recommends we look for the opportunities. Helpfully, he names those opportunities in a new article.

Wilsons Advisory’s preferred large-cap ASX 200 tech shares are TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

Why buy Xero shares?

Xero is an accounting Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider.

The Xero share price closed at $122.25 on Friday, down 0.73%.

The second-largest ASX 200 tech share has fallen 24.8% since 19 September and is down 27% in the year to date.

Burke notes that the market has been cautious on Xero’s acquisition of Melio, which he says is likely to remain loss-making in the medium term.

… we see the acquisition as strategically important.

Melio broadens XRO’s product offering, deepens its North American presence, and strengthens its ability to compete with Intuit Inc (NASDAQ: INTU), while also unlocking additional growth levers such as enhanced cross-sell opportunities.

Burke said Xero’s forward EV/EBITDA has “de-rated sharply” from about 38x in July to about 24x today – the lowest on record. 

He compares the value on offer with Xero shares versus US rival, Intuit, which owns the popular Quickbooks accounting program.

While XRO still trades at a ~20% premium to Intuit, this is materially below its two-year average of ~47% (since XRO’s profitability pivot).

Given XRO’s three-year EBITDA compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% versus Intuit’s 14%, the market is currently assigning too small a premium, in our view.

Put another way, on a growth-adjusted basis, XRO appears undervalued relative to Intuit, with an EV/EBITDA-to-growth ratio of ~1.0x versus Intuit at ~1.4x.

Overall, with the growth story remaining firmly intact, XRO offers attractive value at current levels.

Why buy TechnologyOne shares?

TechnologyOne is also a SaaS provider but specialises in enterprise resource planning (ERP).

The TechnologyOne share price closed at $30.10 on Friday, down 0.07%.

The third-largest ASX 200 tech share has dropped 21.5% since 19 September and 1.7% in the year to date.

Burke says this presents “a rare opportunity to invest into one of the ASX’s highest-quality earnings compounders at a relatively attractive valuation”. 

The strategist explains:

The decline in TNE’s share price following its result largely reflects the correction of its supernormal valuation – with forward P/E having recently peaked at ~90x – leaving effectively no margin for even a very modest miss at reporting.

Most importantly, TNE continues to execute exceptionally well, and our conviction in the outlook remains as positive as ever. 

Ultimately, we believe TNE warrants a P/E premium to both its own history and IT peers, supported by structural improvements in its growth trajectory (now a high-teens EPS grower) and its earnings quality (now predominately recurring), as well as our confidence in management’s ability to deliver against consensus over the medium term.

Burke said Canaccord Genuity Research has a 12-month price target of $42.15 on TechnologyOne shares.

This implies a potential 40% upside for investors who buy today.

The post 2 ASX 200 tech shares to buy following sector sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These fantastic ASX 200 tech shares look far too cheap
• ASX 200 tech shares fight back after 10 weeks of decline
• Why today’s cheap ASX shares could double my money during the next bull market
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett’s advice to buy undervalued ASX shares today
• What’s driving the dramatic drop in ASX 200 tech shares?

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

The past year has not been kind to some of the ASX’s highest-quality technology shares.

Concerns over interest rates and warnings about an AI bubble have dragged several tech leaders sharply lower. But while prices have fallen, their underlying businesses remain strong, profitable, and positioned for long-term growth.

For investors willing to look beyond the short-term noise, three standout ASX 200 tech shares now look far too cheap relative to their long-term potential.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne shares have slipped 30% from their high, but the business itself has barely missed a beat. It continues to deliver double-digit recurring revenue growth, near-perfect customer retention, and expanding profit margins.

TechnologyOne’s software powers universities, councils, and government agencies across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. These are customers that do not switch providers easily, which gives it one of the stickiest and most predictable revenue bases in the market. So much so, management is confident that it can double in size every five years.

Despite this, its share price has been dragged down by the broader tech selloff and appears to have created a very attractive buying opportunity for patient buy and hold investors. Especially given the long runway of cloud migration ahead. Overall, TechnologyOne looks far too cheap for a business of its quality.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech shares have fallen a massive 46% from their high this year, despite the business continuing to win new customers, grow revenue, and expand globally.

WiseTech’s flagship product, CargoWise, is used by the world’s biggest freight forwarders, logistics groups, and supply chain operators. It is deeply embedded into customer workflows, which creates incredibly sticky, recurring revenue. Even during economic slowdowns, logistics networks still need mission-critical software.

The company has a long track record of compounding earnings, improving margins, and securing multi-year enterprise contracts. Very few ASX 200 tech shares enjoy this level of competitive dominance or profitability.

The share price, however, does not reflect that. But if sentiment toward tech rebounds in 2026, WiseTech could easily be one of the strongest performers on the market.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Another ASX 200 tech share that has fallen heavily is Xero. Its shares are currently 38% below their 52-week high, even though the company continues to deliver strong growth and expand globally. Across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and North America, Xero remains one of the most successful cloud accounting platforms in the world.

The company now generates more than NZ$2.7 billion in annualised monthly recurring revenue from 4.59 million subscribers, yet it has only penetrated a small portion of its estimated 100-million-business global addressable market. That is a huge runway for long-term expansion.

It has also made a major acquisition in the US, to support its expansion in that key market. Overall, for long-term investors, today’s lower share price may prove to be a gift.

The post These fantastic ASX 200 tech shares look far too cheap appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 tech shares fight back after 10 weeks of decline
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Why today’s cheap ASX shares could double my money during the next bull market
• I’d listen to Warren Buffett’s advice to buy undervalued ASX shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

With interest rates drifting lower and term deposit returns shrinking again, many income-focused Australians are wondering where to put their cash next.

While deposits offer safety, they rarely offer meaningful long-term returns, especially once inflation takes its slice.

For investors willing to move slightly up the risk curve, the Australian share market has plenty of reliable dividend payers that can deliver stronger income potential, along with the prospect of capital growth.

Three ASX dividend shares that could be good alternatives are named below:

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

If you are looking for dependable distributions, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is one of the more attractive options on the market. It owns a high-quality portfolio of convenience-based shopping centres, anchored by major tenants such as the big two supermarket operators, along with pharmacies, medical centres, and essential retail.

These assets tend to hold up well regardless of economic conditions, which is exactly what income investors want. Even better, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT typically locks in long lease agreements with annual rent increases, helping keep its distribution profile consistent.

The consensus estimate is for the company to reward shareholders with a dividend increase to 8.7 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $1.35, this would mean a dividend yield of 6.4%.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra has long been one of the most reliable ASX dividend shares. As the country’s largest telco, it benefits from stable cash flow generated by mobile, broadband, and network services. These are the kinds of services that Australians rely on every day.

While competition and price wars have created challenges over the years, the telco market appears rational at present and Telstra’s long-term strategy remains focused on higher-margin mobile products, network efficiency, and cost reductions. Its Connected Future 30 plan, which aims to deliver stronger long-term earnings, should be supportive of dividend growth in the coming years.

For now, analysts are expecting a 20 cents per share fully franked dividend in FY 2026. Based on the current Telstra share price of $4.92, this would mean a dividend yield of approximately 4.1%.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Finally, supermarket giant Woolworths is another defensive dividend option worth considering. Even in tough economic conditions, consumers continue spending on essential groceries, fresh food, and household staples. This gives Woolworths consistent revenue, resilient margins, and significant pricing power.

The company’s strong balance sheet, market-leading position, and scale advantages support its ability to keep returning cash to shareholders.

And while Woolworths may not deliver the highest yield on the ASX, its reliability is what makes it an appealing alternative to low-return term deposits. You get a stable income stream, defensive characteristics, and long-term growth potential if its earnings continue to expand.

The market is expecting a fully franked dividend of 93.2 cents per share in FY 2026. This equates to a 3.2% dividend yield at current prices.

The post Forget term deposits and buy these ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths 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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. 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 with a small decline. The benchmark index was down a fraction to 8,614.1 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a decent start to the week following a positive finish to the last one on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 4 points higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 0.6%, the S&P 500 rose 0.55%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.65% higher.

Oil prices ease

It could be a soft start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices eased on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 0.2% to US$58.55 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.8% to US$62.38 a barrel. Russia and Ukraine peace talks have weighed on prices.

Metcash results

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS) shares will be on watch today when the wholesale distributor releases its first half results for FY 2026. According to a note out of UBS, it is expecting the company to report sales of $9.69 billion, underlying EBIT of $253.7 million, and a net profit of $136.1 million.

Gold price jumps

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could start the week strongly after the gold price jumped on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 1.25% to US$4,254.9 an ounce. This was driven by expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month.

Buy Hub24 shares

Bell Potter thinks that Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) shares could be in the buy zone today. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the investment platform provider’s shares with a trimmed price target of $125.00. It said: “Negative surprise in the expense guidance, but we left confident in the growth outlook and cadence over peers. More than mitigated from scale and entrenches customers in line with our initial thesis. Adviser efficiency has historically benefitted flows/valuation.”

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

More reading

• ASX 200 tech shares fight back after 10 weeks of decline
• Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at 50
• Why this ASX 200 tech stock could rise 20%
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• $10,000 invested in Woodside shares 4 years ago is now worth…

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