The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price is in focus today after the company released its December 2025 operating report, showing a 16.3% lift in December generation volumes and significant growth in customer connections.

What did Meridian Energy report?

• Total generation volume for December rose 16.3% year-on-year to 1,459 GWh, with hydro and wind both up.
• Average generation sales price in December dropped to $6.8 per MWh, 65% below the previous year.
• Retail sales volumes climbed 4.5% compared to December 2024, with residential segment sales up 26.4%.
• Total New Zealand customer connections increased 19.5% year-on-year to 457,336.
• Catchment inflows remained strong, with December at 123% of historical average and financial year-to-date inflows at 144%—the second highest on record.

What else do investors need to know?

December saw a period of plentiful rainfall across key catchments, leading to high hydro storage levels and extended periods of water spilling in both Waitaki and Waiau. As a result, wholesale electricity prices remained low, benefiting the market but leading to a lower realised price for Meridian’s own generation.

National electricity demand for December climbed 4.3% from a year earlier, with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters’ load also significantly higher. While Meridian’s average price received fell, the company offset this with higher sales volumes and new customer growth, including the onboarding of ex-Flick customers.

What did Meridian Energy management say?

Chief Executive Mike Roan said:

We’ve begun 2026 in a very strong position when it comes to hydro storage. Inflows, current storage and remaining snowpack are all well above the long-term averages, which has meant we’ve had extended periods of spilling in both the Waitaki and Waiau catchments since early December… Overall, we’re generating and selling more at this point of the financial year than we were a year ago. Generation volumes are 13% higher, and retail sales volumes 12% higher than the first half of the last financial year. Our customer numbers are also growing, with total connections 19.5% higher than in December 2024.

What’s next for Meridian Energy?

Looking ahead, the company expects high hydro storage, positive inflows, and rising customer numbers to support operational momentum through summer. The summer outlook from Earth Sciences suggests higher than average temperatures across New Zealand and variable South Island rainfall—a scenario that management believes Meridian is well-placed to manage.

Meridian’s focus will remain on retail growth, efficient operations, and adapting to fluctuating wholesale prices, aiming to convert strong hydrological conditions into lasting value for shareholders.

Meridian Energy share price snapshot

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

View Original Announcement

The post Meridian Energy reports record hydro inflows and rising customer growth 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 Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY) share price is in focus today after the company’s December 2025 quarter update showcased strong hydro inflows, lower wholesale electricity prices, and progress on its new geothermal generation project.

What did Mercury NZ report?

• Waikato hydro generation rose by 23% to 1,072 GWh for the quarter
• Wholesale spot electricity prices in Auckland averaged $40/MWh, down due to high hydro inflows
• Wind generation up 6% year-on-year; geothermal generation down 9% due to planned maintenance
• 223,000 customer accounts now use two or more Mercury products, up 10% from last year
• New geothermal OEC5 unit commissioning commenced in January 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Mercury NZ’s operational performance benefited from national hydrological inflows near record levels, resulting in above-average hydro lake storage. Notably, Taupō storage remained elevated, providing a strong base for future generation.

The company’s bundling strategy is paying off, with telco and mobile connections up by 30,000 compared to the same period last year. Commercial and industrial electricity yields were slightly lower, with some contracts repricing to better reflect 2026 forward electricity curves.

What’s next for Mercury NZ?

Looking ahead, Mercury NZ plans to finish full commissioning of the Ngā Tamariki OEC5 geothermal expansion by the end of the third quarter. Once online, this project is expected to add 390 GWh of annual generation and boost net output by 46 MW, supporting reliability and renewable supply.

The company remains focused on expanding integrated energy and telco customer offerings, supported by strong hydro reserves and continued investment in renewable projects.

Mercury NZ share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Mercury NZ shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Mercury NZ Q2 update: Hydro powers results, renewables on track appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Meridian Energy reports record hydro inflows and rising customer growth
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Summerset Group Holdings FY25 results: record sales and growth momentum
• Fletcher Building sells Construction Division to VINCI for $315.6 million

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.

Most Australians with a superannuation fund (which is most of us) opt for the easiest option – a balanced fund. Almost every superannuation provider offers this no-frills option. In fact, it is normally the default place that your money will go within your super fund unless you say otherwise. And it’s fair enough. ‘Balanced’ has a nice ring to it, for one. For another, these configurations spread out your capital amongst several different asset classes, including shares, bonds and cash. That means it can offer something for everyone.

However, it’s my view that these balanced options are not a great fit for everyone. As I’ve discussed before, Australians under the age of 40 might be better off investing in a more growth-oriented fund that forgoes the stability that cash and bonds provide for a higher potential return by going all in shares. As anyone under 40 probably isn’t going to retire anytime soon, stability and capital protection arguably shouldn’t be high priorities at this stage of life.

When it comes to my own superannuation, I’ve put my money where my mouth is. My superannuation provider offers the choice of selecting individual index funds that I can invest my super into. So today, let’s talk about the three ASX ETFs that I use within my super fund to achieve the best returns possible. The funds themselves aren’t publicly traded, but have ASX counterparts which are essentially the same offering.

Three ASX ETFs that I’ve built my super fund around

Australian and international stocks

First up, we have a good old-fashioned S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fund. Roughly 40% of my super fund goes towards an ASX 200 index fund, one rather similar to the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) or the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: STW). This fund holds the largest 200 stocks on the ASX. That’s everything from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) to JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN).

This index fund represents the best of Australian business. As ASX shares have historically delivered meaningful growth and healthy dividend income, I am very happy for this fund to receive some of my retirement cash.

Next up, another 50% or so of my super capital goes towards an international shares ETF. This ETF holds hundreds of different stocks from dozens of advanced economies around the world. These include the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and France, among many others. A listed equivalent might be the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

Australia is a wonderful place to invest, but its best companies simply don’t have the firepower that international markets do. That’s why I’m happy that this component of my super fund invests in world-dominating stocks like Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA, Mastercard, Alphabet, Toyota and Nestle.

Adding some diversity to my super fund

My super fund’s final holding, making up that final 10% or so, provides even more diversification. It is an emerging markets fund, drawing thousands of holdings from emerging economies around the globe. An ASX equivalent might be the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE). It offers exposure to countries like China, India and Taiwan. I think these economies will offer a lot of growth over the next few decades, and, as such, I am happy to have part of my super fund invested there.

Foolish takeaway

As I am still a few decades away from the traditional retirement age, I am happy to have 100% of my super fund invested in shares. With the three ETFs mentioned above, I feel that I have adequate diversification across multiple markets and currencies, whilst still maintaining exposure to some of the world’s best companies. Individually selecting these investments also keeps my super costs as low as possible, which is of vital importance for building wealth over decades.

The post Here are the 3 ASX ETFs I use for my super fund appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and Mastercard. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX metals and mining shares have been one of the hottest stories of 2026. 

The S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining (ASX: XMM) index is up an impressive 7% already in 3 weeks of trading this year. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up just 1% in that same period. 

Here are 5 metals and mining shares off to hot starts in 2026. 

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

Whitehaven Coal is a large Australian independent thermal and metallurgical coal miner with mines in the Gunnedah Basin, New South Wales.

The coal miner has benefited from long-term global coal demand increases and strengthening coal prices this year. 

Already in 2026, its share price has risen from $7.80 to almost $9 per share. 

This is a 14.6% increase. 

NICO Resources Ltd (ASX: NC1)

NICO Resources is a small-cap mineral exploration and development company. 

It is engaged in exploring, developing, evaluating, acquiring, and exploiting mineral resource project opportunities.

It has been one of the hottest materials shares to start 2026, rising from $0.14 to $0.35 in that period. 

That represents a rise of 150%. 

Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM)

Viridis Mining & Minerals engages in mineral exploration primarily on a portfolio of coal assets in Indonesia.

Yesterday, its stock price rose by more than 7%. 

Including this gain, it is now up 46% in 2026 and more than 330% in the last 12 months. 

Investors have been reacting positively this year to the conditional Letter of Support (‘LOS’) for up to US$50 million from Export Finance Australia (‘EFA’). 

Bell Potter believes this growth could continue. 

The broker has a speculative buy rating and set a price target of $2.65 on these ASX mining shares. 

That indicates a further upside of more than 42%. 

Titan Minerals Ltd (ASX: TTM)

Titan Minerals shares jumped 5% yesterday to take its year to date gains to more than 30%. 

There has been plenty of positive news out of the gold miner already this year. 

Titan Minerals shares also jumped 7% on January 14 after a strong exploration update from its Dynasty Gold Project in Ecuador.

Titan Minerals Ltd. is a minerals exploration and production company, which focuses on medium-sized gold projects in South America.

It has enjoyed massive gains over the past year (like many other gold shares). 

This gold mining company is up more than 180% in the last 12 months. 

Benz Mining Corp (ASX: BNZ)

Benz Mining is a Canadian mining development company focused on advancing the Eastmain Gold Mine project in the James Bay Region, Quebec.

After yesterday’s 4.4% rise, it has now increased more than 22% this year. 

In the last 12 months it is up more than 400%. 

The post 5 of the hottest ASX metals and mining shares right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top broker just increased its price target on Whitehaven Coal shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 4 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Titan Minerals shares leaping 14% on Wednesday on ‘spectacular’ gold results

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 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.

For income investors, the Australian share market continues to offer plenty of choice.

From property and infrastructure to consumer-facing businesses, there are companies across the ASX generating reliable cash flows and returning a portion of them to shareholders.

To help narrow things down, here are three ASX dividend stocks that brokers currently rate as buys and believe can deliver attractive income over the coming years.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

Centuria Industrial REIT could be an attractive option for investors seeking property-backed income.

This REIT is one of Australia’s leading owners of industrial real estate, with a portfolio of high-quality assets leased to tenants in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and ecommerce. These are facilities that sit at the heart of modern supply chains, which helps underpin demand for space.

Importantly for income investors, the portfolio is weighted toward long-term leases, providing visibility over rental income. While higher interest rates have created challenges for parts of the property sector, Centuria’s focus on fit-for-purpose industrial assets in key locations leaves it well positioned.

UBS is positive on the company’s outlook and is forecasting dividends per share of 16.8 cents in FY 2026 and 17.9 cents in FY 2027. Based on the latest Centuria Industrial share price of $3.30, this equates to dividend yields of 5.1% and 5.4%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and a $3.95 price target on the stock.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is another ASX dividend stock that brokers believe is worth considering.

The company owns and operates toll roads across Australia and North America, including major assets such as CityLink in Melbourne and WestConnex in Sydney. These roads benefit from long concession lives and traffic volumes that tend to grow alongside population and economic activity.

What makes Transurban attractive for income investors is the combination of existing assets and a sizeable development pipeline, which supports both current distributions and longer-term growth.

The team at Citi is positive on the company’s outlook. It expects Transurban to be in a position to pay dividends of 69.5 cents per share in FY 2026 and 73.7 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $13.89, this implies dividend yields of 5% and 5.3%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and a $16.10 price target on its shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A final ASX dividend stock that could be a best buy according to brokers is Universal Store.

This youth fashion retailer operates a multi-brand strategy across Universal Store, Thrills, and Perfect Stranger, supported by a growing private-label offering. This approach has helped the company maintain margins and generate solid cash flow even as consumer spending has come under pressure.

Bell Potter believes Universal Store’s disciplined execution and brand positioning can support ongoing dividend growth. The broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 37.3 cents per share in FY 2026 and 41.4 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.37, this represents dividend yields of 4.5% and 4.9%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on the company’s shares.

The post 3 of the best ASX dividend stocks to buy now 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 Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australians have a wide selection of ASX dividend shares that can provide reliable and growing passive income.

The biggest dividend yields aren’t necessarily the only ones worth looking at, though one of the names I’ll look at today does have a very high yield.

Businesses that reward investors with rising dividends are very appealing to me. The below are three with impressive dividend growth records.

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

Soul Patts is the leader on the ASX that when it comes to dividend growth. The business has grown its annual regular dividend every year since 1998.

It has the smallest payout out of the three names in this article, with a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.9%, including franking credits.

But, I have the most confidence in this ASX dividend share growing its payout because of how it’s funded by the cash flow of its investment portfolio.

It’s invested in industries such as industrial properties, building products, resources, telecommunications, swimming schools and agriculture.

By generating profit from numerous sectors, it has diversified its risks and looked broadly for opportunities. This helps secure its future cash flow generation and dividend payments.

Rivco Australia Ltd (ASX: RIV)

Rivco owns a portfolio of permanent water entitlements based in south east Australia. The water can be leased to farmers on short-term or long-term leases, generating lease income for the company.

This ASX dividend share is a pleasing way to benefit from Australia’s agricultural sector without some of the risks/volatility.

If water values increase over time, which I think they will, then the company can deliver capital growth too.

The business has increased its payout every six months since 2017, and currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.9% (including franking credits).

Shaver Shop Group Ltd (ASX: SSG)

Shaver Shop sells a wide variety of male and female hair removal products from its store network of more than 120 locations.

The ASX dividend share has proven to have resilient sales during the last few years, showing consistent demand for its items. Hair doesn’t stop growing, after all.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the ASX dividend share’s business model is that it has made agreements with multiple shaver brands, unlocking exclusive products for consumers.

Impressively, the business grew its annual dividend per share each year between 2017 and 2023. It maintained the payout in 2024 and then increased the payout in 2025 to 10.3 cents per share.

At the current valuation, the FY25 payout translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.4%, including franking credits. Growth is not guaranteed, but if it does increase the payout to 10.4 cents per share, it would represent a grossed-up dividend yield of 9.5%, including franking credits. That sounds like very pleasing passive income to me.

The post 3 great ASX dividend shares to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Rivco Australia and 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 Australia has recommended Shaver Shop Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When you look up a performance report for the Australian share market, or hear or see one on the radio, television or newspaper, you will typically see the performance of one or two indexes quoted. Those indexes are the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

Both are widely used as a gauge of the entire Australian stock market.

This is common throughout the world. American investors will often use the S&P 500 Index, for example, whereas in the United Kingdom, the FTSE 100 is used. Japan has the Nikkei 225, while Hong Kong is represented by the Hang Seng.

Each of these indexes basically works in the same way. They aggregate the performance of a set number of companies that are listed on a respective exchange, and weight them according to market capitalisation (or company size). However many points are gained or lost over one day’s trading then gives us a useful barometer of how the entire stock market has performed.

Back in Australia, the ASX 200 is fairly self-explanatory. It tracks the performances of the largest 200 stocks listed on the ASX stock exchange. That’s everything from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) to Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

It is common to see index funds that track the ASX 200 Index. The iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) is one, the SPDR S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: STW) is another.

But what about the All Ords? How easy is it for investors to hitch their wagon to the All Ordinaries Index?

Buying ASX All Ords shares?

The All Ordinaries is Australia’s oldest index, predating the ASX 200 by quite some margin. Instead of tracking the largest 200 Australian companies, the All Ords expands its remit to the largest 500 Australian stocks. In this way, it is a truer reflection of the broader Australian market.

Investing in the All Ords might sound easy. But it is not. As it happens, there is no way you can actually invest in the All Ordinaries. The ASX hosts no index fund, whether that be a managed fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that follows this particular index.

This is probably due to practical limitations. Many of the companies at the bottom end of the All Ords have a market capitalisation of less than $100 million. There simply isn’t enough liquidity in these companies that would make an index fund viable.

As such, investors who really want to gain exposure ot the entire All Ords have to get creative. They could start with the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

VAS is one of the only funds on the ASX that tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO). This index is similar to the ASX 200. But includes an additional 100 holdings on the smaller end to increase diversification. Adding a small-cap focused ETF like the Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO) or the iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO) would get an investor pretty close to an ASX All Ords experience.

The post ASX shares: Can you actually invest in the All Ords? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF and Vanguard MMSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. 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.

Australian investors continue to put their faith in ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for easy diversification and low ongoing fees.

Last year, we ploughed a net $53 billion of new funds into ETFs, which was 75% higher than 2024, according to Betashares data.

Here are three ASX ETFs that delivered excellent returns last year.

Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)

Over 2025, WIRE ETF returned 93% and finished the year at $22.20 apiece.

This ASX ETF is having an incredible run on the back of rising global demand for the red metal.

WIRE seeks to mirror the performance of the Solactive Global Copper Miners Total Return Index before fees.

The copper price soared 42% last year and hit a new record above US$6 per pound earlier this month.

Copper is essential for electrification and is playing a huge role in the green energy transition.

WIRE holds 39 stocks and offers good geographical diversification.

Investments are 37% Canada, 11% US, 10% Australia, 10% Hong Kong, 7% Japan, 6% Poland, 5% Sweden, and the list goes on.

The ASX copper shares among WIRE’s investments include the ASX 200’s largest pure-play, Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), at 3.2%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), the world’s largest copper producer, makes up 4% of WIRE’s investments.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares provide another 3%, and Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) makes up 0.36%.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares are in there, too, at 0.2%.

Vaneck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND)

Over 2025, DFND ETF returned 57% and closed out the year at $36.74 apiece.

DFND ETF holds 36 shares and tracks the MarketVector Global Defence Industry (AUD) Index before fees.

The top holding is Thales SA (FRA: CSF), a French company that produces advanced defence electronics and cybersecurity systems.

There’s also RTX Corp (NYSE: RTX), a major US aerospace and missile systems manufacturer, and Leonardo SpA (FRA: FMNB), an Italian aerospace and defence company that builds helicopters.

DFND ETF also holds Hanwha Aerospace Co Ltd (KRX: 012450), a South Korean company that makes military aircraft engines, artillery systems, and satellites, and Saab AB (FRA: SDV1), a Swedish aerospace and defence company.

Plato Global Alpha Fund Complex ETF (ASX: PGA1)

Last year, PGA1 ETF returned 31% and finished the year at $36.74 apiece.

PGA1 aims to outperform the MSCI World Net Returns Unhedged Index by 4% per annum, after fees, over the medium to long term.

The ETF holds more than 250 shares.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory holds this ASX ETF in his self-managed super fund (SMSF).

Wielandt has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Last November, he explained the appeal of this ASX ETF on The Bull:

The Plato Global Alpha Fund, established initially as a managed fund in September 2021, operates as a long/short exchange traded fund.

The fund is overweight in financials and defence and is underweight in materials and energy.

Contributors to its performance in the past 12 months include Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ: AVGO).

The price of the ETF has been steadily rising since mid-April and I like the outlook.

PGA1 ETF began trading on the ASX in November 2024.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that returned 31% to 93% in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group, Global X Copper Miners ETF, and Vaneck Global Defence Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Microsoft, Nvidia, and RTX. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares ended the day in the red on Tuesday afternoon. At the close of the ASX the shares had declined 0.15% to $13.51 a piece.

The decline has barely dented the huge run that the gold miner’s shares have had over the past year, though. For the year-to-date, Evolution Mining shares are already 6.55% higher. And they’re currently trading a huge 143.86% above this time last year.

What has pushed the stock higher so far in 2026?

The gold price rose 1% to over $4,720 per ounce on Tuesday, setting a new record high. The latest increase follows renewed US-EU trade tensions, which have strengthened demand for safe-haven assets, according to Trading Economics. 

Gold’s strong performance this year builds on exceptional gains in 2025, underpinned by tensions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as lingering concerns about the Fed’s independence.

Gold is now more than 6% higher than last month and more than 70% higher than just a year ago.

These impressive gains pushed Evolution Mining shares to an all-time high on Monday this week. Investors rotated their interest to precious metal miners to benefit from the gold price upside.

While this has benefited Evolution Mining recently, I think the window to buy has now passed.

Evolution Mining’s share price gains and financial performance over the past year have shown incredible growth. However, I’m concerned that the stock has run it course. I’m also wary that the ASX 200 gold miner is heavily reliant on higher-than-ever gold prices and any pullback could send the shares tumbling.

What do the analysts think?

It looks like many analysts agree that the ASX 200 gold miner’s share price may have run its course. After an explosive rally in 2025, which has continued into 2026, analysts think the stock is now beyond fair value.

TradingView data shows that 8 out of 19 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating. Another 8 have a hold rating on the miner’s shares.

The average target price is $11.52, which at the time of writing, implies a potential 14.59% downside over the next 12 months. But some analysts think the price plummet could be even bigger. The minimum price target is $7.10 which implies a huge 47.45% downside at the time of writing. 

The team at Goldman Sachs reiterated its sell rating on Evolution Mining shares just last week. The broker raised its share price target from $9.95 to $12.40 but this still implies a potential 8.21% downside ahead, at the time of writing. 

The post Prediction: Evolution Mining shares will halve in value in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want to buy gold in 2026? Here are 3 ways to do it
• 2 ASX 200 gold shares to buy and 1 to sell: experts
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Gold, silver hit new highs as US punishes Europe with tariffs over Greenland stance
• Resolute Mining shares have surged 217% in a year. Can the momentum last?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Australian investors ploughed a net $53 billion of new money into ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) last year.

That was a 75% increase on net inflows in 2024, according to Betashares data.

There is now $331 billion invested across 423 ETFs on the market.

There was a net increase of 56 ETFs launched on the ASX last year, with the three major issuers being Vanguard, Betashares, and iShares.

Aussies have fallen in love with ASX ETFs for their simplicity and low cost.

They provide great diversification, and are an easy vehicle for investing in international shares through the ASX.

The Australian Securities Exchange has just released the full-year performance data for ASX ETFs in 2025.

Here, we look at the six ETFs holding ASX shares that delivered the best total returns (that’s capital growth plus dividends) for investors.

6 top ASX ETFs for total returns in 2025

Two key themes are evident in the top six ETFs of 2025.

They are rising commodities and ASX mining shares, and turbocharged growth for small-cap companies.

The ASX 200 materials sector was the top performer of 2025 due to fast-rising mining shares buoyed by stronger commodity values.

S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX: XMJ) returned 36.21% in 2025 compared to 10.32% for the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

ASX small-cap shares also had a fantastic year due to interest rate cuts and staggering share price growth for junior gold miners.

The S&P/ASX Small Ords Index (ASX: XSO), which tracks companies ranked 101 to 300 by market cap, gave a total return of 24.96% last year compared to a 10.56% return for the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO), which tracks the 500 largest companies on the market.

Let’s take a look at those ETFs.

1. VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR)

The No. 1 ETF for total returns was the VanEck Australian Resources ETF.

MVR ETF delivered a total one-year return of 40.53%. The historical distribution yield is 2.57%.

The ETF closed at $45.96 per unit on Tuesday.

2. Betashares Australian Small Companies Select ETF (ASX: SMLL)

The SMLL ETF delivered a total one-year return of 36.39%. The historical distribution yield is 2.26%.

SMLL ETF closed at $4.92 per unit yesterday.

3. SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources ETF (ASX: OZR)

The OZR ETF delivered a total one-year return of 35.73%. The historical distribution yield is 2.62%.

The OZR ETF closed at $16.05 per unit yesterday.

4. Betashares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE)

The QRE ETF delivered a total one-year return of 35.42%. The historical distribution yield is 2.36%.

QRE ETF closed at $9.20 per unit yesterday.

Learn more about this ETF here.

5. Firetrail Aust Small Companies Fund — Active ETF (ASX: FSML)

This active ETF delivered a total one-year return of 35.2%. The historical distribution yield is 0.22%.

FSML ETF closed at $2.37 per unit yesterday.

Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO)

VSO ETF delivered a total one-year return of 25.11%. The historical distribution yield is 6.75%.

The VSO closed at $80.01 per unit on Tuesday.

The post 6 best-performing ASX ETFs holding Aussie shares in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Own MNRS or ARMR ETFs? Here’s why it’s a big day for you
• Vanguard will pay ASX ETF dividends today
• 3 ASX ETFs that returned 32% to 64% in 2025
• Vanguard reveals next lot of dividends for VAS and other ASX ETFs
• ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs

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.