• This ASX mining stock is up 120% in a year. Can the rally continue?

    asx copper share price represented by chunk of mined copper

    Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) has been one of the ASX’s standout performers over the past year.

    The Chalice share price is up 7.11% today to $2.56, extending a strong run that has seen the stock climb 16% over the past week.

    Zooming out, the gains are even more eye-catching. Chalice shares are up 45% over the past month and an impressive 120% over the past 12 months.

    After such a powerful run, the key question is whether there is still upside from here.

    Let’s break it down.

    Gonneville project continues to drive momentum

    The key driver behind Chalice’s share price surge is its Gonneville palladium-nickel-copper project in Western Australia.

    Gonneville is a globally significant critical minerals discovery, containing palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group elements. These metals are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

    Last month, Chalice released a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the project. The study outlined a long-life, large-scale operation with strong forecast economics.

    According to the PFS, Gonneville has the potential to generate substantial cash flow over its mine life, with relatively low operating costs and a competitive capital profile. Importantly, the study confirmed that the project remains technically and economically viable at current commodity prices.

    The project has also received strong government backing. Gonneville has been granted Major Project Status by the federal government and recognised as a Strategic Project by the WA government. That support can help streamline approvals and reduce development risk over time.

    Strong commodity backdrop adds support

    Chalice’s recent rally has also been helped by improving sentiment across key commodities.

    Copper prices have pushed towards record highs, driven by strong demand from electrification and data centre buildouts. Nickel prices have also surged to multi-year highs amid supply concerns and policy changes in Indonesia.

    This gives Chalice exposure to a mix of critical minerals that are seeing favourable long term demand trends.

    Risks investors should keep in mind

    Despite the strong share price performance, Chalice is still a pre-production company. Earnings remain negative, and the path to first production will require further studies, approvals and funding.

    It is also worth noting that Chalice shares can be volatile and sensitive to changes in commodity prices and broader market sentiment.

    Foolish bottom line

    Chalice Mining’s 120% rally has been driven by solid progress at Gonneville and a supportive commodity backdrop.

    While the easy gains may now be behind it, further upside could come from continued project de risking and strong metals prices.

    For investors with a long-term view and a tolerance for volatility, Chalice remains a stock worth watching closely.

    The post This ASX mining stock is up 120% in a year. Can the rally continue? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Chalice Gold Mines Limited right now?

    Before you buy Chalice Gold Mines Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Chalice Gold Mines Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • Why Ansell, Elsight, Ramelius, and SGH shares are falling today

    Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a decent session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.2% to 8,710.7 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

    Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)

    The Ansell share price is down over 6% to $33.28. Investors have been selling this health and safety products company’s shares after it announced the exit of its CEO. Ansell revealed that Neil Salmon has decided to retire after 13 years with the company. Replacing Salmon will be Nathalie Ahlstrom, who brings strong global experience having served until recently as CEO and President of the Fiskars Group. Commenting on the appointment, Ansell’s chair, Nigel Garrard, said: “We are delighted to appoint Nathalie as Ansell’s next Managing Director and CEO. Nathalie brings exceptional leadership experience, a track record of delivering results in complex global markets, and a deep understanding of innovation and operational excellence.”

    Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS)

    The Elsight share price is down almost 3% to $3.48. This morning, this global provider of resilient connectivity solutions for unmanned systems announced a new contract win with a U.S.-based commercial customer in the public safety sector. However, the value of the contract is only US$460,000 (A$682,000). Though, Elsight’s CEO, Yoav Amitai, believes it is a positive signal. He said: “We see this as an early indicator of accelerating commercial momentum driven by regulatory progress in parallel to the continued growth in the defence market.”

    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

    The Ramelius Resources share price is down almost 3% to $4.14. This follows the release of a quarterly update from the gold miner. Ramelius reported gold production of 45,610 ounces for the three months. This was down 17% from 55,013 ounces in the previous quarter. The company also posted underlying free cash flow of $67 million for the three months, which was down from $129 million in the first quarter. Management believes it is positioned to meet its FY 2026 guidance of 185,000 ounces to 205,000 ounces.

    SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH)

    The SGH share price is down 2% to $48.01. This has been driven by news that BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) has rejected its takeover proposal. The company’s chair, Jane McAloon, said: “Let me be clear – this proposal was an attempt to take BlueScope from its shareholders on the cheap. It drastically undervalued our world-class assets, our growth momentum, and our future – and the Board will not let that happen. This is the fourth time we’ve said no, and the answer remained the same – BlueScope is worth considerably more than what was on the table.”

    The post Why Ansell, Elsight, Ramelius, and SGH shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ansell Limited right now?

    Before you buy Ansell Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Ansell Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • 5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026

    Five candles on birthday cake.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index lifted 7.97% in 2025, with total returns (including dividends) of 12.05%.

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

    ASX financials were the third-best performer among the 11 market sectors last year.

    Looking ahead, here are five ASX financial shares that the experts are backing for price growth in 2026.

    5 ASX financial shares with new year buy ratings

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    The Hub24 share price rose by 38% to finish 2025 at $96.25 per share.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating on Hub24 shares with a price target of $125.

    On Thursday, the investment and superannuation platform provider is trading at $95.53 per share, up 2%.

    The broker’s price target suggests potential gains of 31% in the new year.

    Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)

    The Infratil share price fell 15.8% in 2025 to close at $9.74 on 31 December.

    Today, Infratil shares are $9.88 apiece, up 0.5%.

    Morgans has just initiated coverage on this ASX financial share with an accumulate rating.

    The broker has put a price target of $11.30 on the New Zealand-based investment company.

    This suggests a potential 14% upside over the new year ahead.

    Morgans said:

    Infratil (IFT) is a high quality, concentrated structural growth investor targeting 11-15% pa post fee returns. IFT’s investors have enjoyed c.18% pa returns over the last ~30 years.

    Assuming delivery of target returns, post fees the Net Asset Value (NAV) should nearly double over the next five years and create substantial value for equity holders.

    The share price is currently trading at a 30% discount to NAV.

    Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

    Retirement and investment solutions provider Generation Development Group was the best performer of the financials sector in 2025.

    The Generation Development Group share price rose 66% to finish the year at $5.89.

    Macquarie gives Generation Development Group shares an outperform rating with a 12-month price target of $6.70.

    Today, the ASX financial share is trading for $5.90, up 0.3%.

    The broker’s target implies a potential upside of 14% for investors who buy the stock today.

    Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

    Navigator Global Investments shares increased 72% last year to close at $2.96 on 31 December.

    Ord Minnett has a buy rating on this ASX small-cap financial share with a price target of $3.50.

    Today, the alternative asset manager is trading at $2.98 per share, up 4.9%.

    The broker’s price target suggests potential gains of 17% in the new year.

    Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

    Challenger shares also performed strongly last year, rising 57% to finish the year at $9.41 apiece.

    Citi has a buy rating on this ASX financial share with a price target of $10.25.

    Today, the Challenger share price is $9.39, down 0.2%.

    The broker’s price target implies a potential upside of 9% for 2026.

    The post 5 ASX financial shares to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Generation Development Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Generation Development Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Generation Development Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Hub24 and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger, Generation Development Group, and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025

    A woman holds a tape measure against a wall painted with the word BIG, indicating a surge in gowth shares

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose by 6.8% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 10.32% in 2025.

    Here, we look at the 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025 for capital growth.

    Large caps have a market capitalisation of $10 billion or more. All the stocks below fit this category.

    Investors like large caps because they are typically older, well-established companies that pay reliable dividends every year.

    Let’s check out last year’s best performers.

    10 best ASX 200 large caps for share price growth

    1. Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

    The Evolution Mining share price rose by 164% to close the year at $12.68 apiece.

    ASX gold shares had a fantastic year due to a 65% rally in the gold price on top of a 27% gain in 2024.

    The gold price rose to a new record of US$4,533 per ounce in December.

    Evolution Mining shares are $12.92 apiece on Thursday, down 0.6%.

    2. Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM)

    Newmont Corporation shares increased 152% to finish 2025 at $150.20 apiece.

    The ASX gold share continues to streak higher, hitting a new 52-week peak of $162.45 yesterday.

    The Newmont share price is $158.66 today, up 0.1%.

    3. Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

    The Lynas Rare Earths share price rose by 93.5% to $12.44 on 31 December.

    Today, the ASX 200 large-cap rare earths share is trading at $14.74, down 2.2%.

    Lynas shares were the market’s best performer yesterday amid improving sentiment about rare earths prices.

    4. PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    Formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, PLS Group shares lifted 93% to close the year at $4.22.

    The ASX 200 large-cap lithium share set a new 52-week high of $4.89 today.

    5. Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The share price of the ASX 200’s largest gold miner rose 73% to close the year at $26.73.

    The ASX gold share has fallen in the first week of 2026 to $24.88 today.

    An operational update released on 2 January prompted some investors to sell.

    6. Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

    Shares in this property fund manager ripped 71% higher to close out the year at $24.45.

    The ASX 200 large-cap real estate investment trust (REIT) is steady at $24.07 today.

    7. Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

    This ASX 200 large-cap mining share had a turbulent year due to governance issues and other factors.

    The Mineral Resources share price plunged to a 52-week low of $14.05 before commencing a recovery.

    Mineral Resource shares managed a 59% gain over the year to close at $54.38 apiece on 31 December.

    The Mineral Resources share price is $57.91 on Thursday, up 1.1%.

    8. Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

    Shares in the explosives manufacturer rose 46% to $24.28 in 2025.

    Today, Orica shares are trading at $25.85 apiece, down 0.1%.

    9. ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ

    The ALS share price rose 46% to $22.04 last year.

    ALS provides testing solutions to clients in a wide range of industries around the world.

    Today, the ALS share price is $22.79, up 2%.

    10. Bluescope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL

    The Bluescope share price lifted 29% to finish the year at $24.07.

    The steel maker is in the news this week after rejecting a takeover offer at $30 per share.

    A consortium comprising SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and Steel Dynamics, Inc (NASDAQ: STLD) made the offer.

    Today, Bluescope shares are $29.31, down 1.9%.

    The post 10 best ASX 200 large-cap shares of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd and Steel Dynamics. 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.

  • Up 147% since April, why this ASX 200 uranium share is tipped to keep outperforming in 2026

    rising asx uranium share price icon on a stock index board

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) uranium share NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG) is marching higher today.

    NexGen shares closed yesterday trading for $15.90. In afternoon trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $16.08 apiece, up 1.1%.

    This sees the NexGen share price up a whopping 147.0% since hitting one-year lows on 9 April.

    For some context, the ASX 200, which plumbed its one-year lows on 7 April, has gained 18.9% since its own low water mark.

    Amid the sharp increase in the company’s market cap, NexGen officially joined the ASX 200 on 22 December as part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices quarterly rebalance.

    What’s been lifting the ASX 200 uranium share?

    NexGen shares have in part been racing higher amid the miner’s own operational successes at its flagship Rook I uranium project, located in Canada.

    The ASX 200 uranium share, and its stockholders, have also benefited from resurgent uranium prices. The nuclear fuel is currently trading for US$82 per pound, up from US$64 per pound in early April.

    Investors have been pushing up uranium prices as an increasing number of countries, including the United States, are ramping up their nuclear power ambitions. With a growing global population and surging energy demand from power hungry AI data centres, more countries are seeking reliable baseload power amid the clean energy transition.

    And looking at the year ahead, Argonaut’s David Franklyn forecasts more outperformance from NexGen shares (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review)

    “We are most bullish on NexGen Energy, the emerging major in the uranium space,” Franklin said.

    He added, “Its Arrow project in the Athabasca Basin, Canada, is an emerging global leader with final environmental approvals likely to come through in the first half of 2026.”

    The Arrow project sits within NexGen’s broader Rook I project.

    What’s the latest from NexGen?

    On 2 December, NexGen announced its highest-grade assay results to date from a drill hole at the miner’s 100%-owned Patterson Corridor East (PCE), located nearby the Arrow project Franklin mentioned above.

    Commenting on the strong results that helped lift the ASX 200 uranium share on the day, NexGen founder and CEO Leigh Curyer said the “high-grade assay results, consisting of ultra-high grade 0.5 metres 74.8% U3O8, takes PCE into a rare mineralised category on a world scale for uranium deposits”.

    Curyer added:

    This type of basement-hosted mineralisation is synonymous with Arrow, only 3.5 kilometres to the west. It is clear, the frequency of this ultra-high-grade category of intercepts at Arrow and now PCE, is evidence of a very significant mineralising event occurring at Rook I and in the surrounding region of the southwest Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan.

    The post Up 147% since April, why this ASX 200 uranium share is tipped to keep outperforming in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in NexGen Energy right now?

    Before you buy NexGen Energy shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and NexGen Energy wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • These three biotechs show how the sector can produce huge outsized gains, but are they still good value?

    Female scientist working in a laboratory.

    Investing in emerging biotechnology stocks can be a high-risk, high-reward scenario, with the three stocks we’re examining today being a prime example.

    Generally speaking, companies move through phases from drug discovery to phase I, II, and III clinical trials, and then on to commercialisation.  

    Investors who get on board early can make gains of 10 and even 20-fold, although there’s always the risk that trials will fail, and send a company’s shares south in a rapid fashion.

    On the other hand, if companies continue to perform and successfully commercialise their products, the upside can be huge.

    This one’s a market darling

    One of the best performers among Australian biotech shares over the past year has been 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX), whose share price has increased from lows of 22.5 cents to $4.58 currently.

    4DMedical is currently right in that sweet spot of moving from cash burn to revenue generation, with several key contract wins in recent months after it secured a key US Food and Drug Administration approval in August.

    Since that time, the company has secured contracts with four of the most respected academic medical centres in the US to use its CT:VQ technology for lung scans.

    It will be interesting to see how quickly these contract wins translate into material revenue for the company, which reported a net loss of $30 million in its last financial year.

    4DMedical founder and Managing Director Andreas Fouras said just this week that the company had “unstoppable momentum”, which appears to flag further good news in the near term.

    Despite its major gains over the past year, I think this is a company to watch closely.

    Up and coming

    A company at an earlier stage of development is heart drug company Nyrada Inc (ASX: NYR), which has also had huge share price gains over the past year.

    The company just today announced it had been granted ethics approval to start a Phase II clinical trial of its heart attack drug Xolatryp.

    Nyrada shares are up almost 20-fold over the past year, but the company is still valued at a modest $336.2 million.

    Ethics approval for the trial is a positive for the company and pushed the shares briefly to a new 12-month high of $1.43.

    It will take another nine to 18 months for this particular trial to be concluded. For investors with the right risk appetite, getting in at this stage before positive results potentially emerge could be a winning move.

    And finally, there’s PYC Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: PYC), which has more than doubled in value over the past year to $982.8 million.

    PYC is progressing a drug candidate called PYC-003, which seeks to address the underlying cause of polycystic kidney disease, with that program currently at the Phase I stage.

    The company said it expects to update shareholders on the Phase I trial this year.

    PYC is also aiming to develop drug candidates for use in treating retinitis pigmentosa, other forms of vision loss, and the neurodevelopmental disease PMS.

    Once again, for investors with the right risk profile, this might be one to keep an eye on.

    The post These three biotechs show how the sector can produce huge outsized gains, but are they still good value? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in 4DMedical Limited right now?

    Before you buy 4DMedical Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and 4DMedical Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Which ASX 200 market sectors delivered the best dividend yields in 2025?

    Happy woman holding $50 Australian notes

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) produced a total return of 10.32% last year.

    That was comprised of 6.8% capital growth and 3.52% dividends.

    That dividend yield is below the benchmark index’s historical average of 4.5% per annum since 2000.

    The reduction in yield was largely due to mining shares paying smaller dividend amounts after lower iron ore prices impacted earnings.

    Additionally, we saw lower dividend yields from the ASX 200 bank stocks last year due to elevated share prices.

    Ryan Felsman, Chief Economist at CommSec said:

    S&P/ASX 200 index dividend payout ratios have been under pressure in recent years amid weaker earnings growth, with ASX-listed companies paying out less of those earnings as dividends to shareholders.

    That has resulted in a declining dividend yield for Aussie shares. 

    Let’s take a look at the dividend yields of each of the 11 market sectors in 2025.

    Which ASX sectors delivered the best dividend yields?

    The sectors are listed in order of highest dividend yield for 2025.

    As you can see, ASX 200 utilities shares and energy stocks delivered the best dividend yields.

    The worst payers were the technology and healthcare sectors.

    Utilities

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) last year was 13.22%.

    Dividends made up 6.3% of the ASX 200 utilities sector’s total return.

    APA Group (ASX: APA) shares were the sector’s No. 1 performer, rising 29% in value.

    Energy

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was 3.21%.

    The index lost 2.25% of its market cap last year, but dividends of 5.46% brought the sector into the green.

    ASX 200 uranium explorer Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) delivered the strongest share price growth, up 63%.

    Materials

    The No. 1 sector for total returns in 2025 was materials, largely due to strongly rising ASX 200 mining shares.

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was a whopping 36.21%.

    Dividends made up 4.5% of the sector’s total return.

    ASX gold miner Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) was the materials sector’s strongest riser, up 220%.

    Financials

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was 12.05%.

    Dividends made up 4.08% of the ASX 200 financials sector’s total return.

    Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) shares performed best, rising 66%.

    Industrials

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was 13.98%.

    Dividends made up 3.78% of the ASX 200 industrials sector’s total return.

    Defence stock DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) was the No.1 riser, up almost 300%.

    Communications

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Communications Index (ASX: XTJ) was 10.56%.

    Dividends made up 3.56% of the ASX 200 communications sector’s total return.

    Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB) shares outperformed, rising 41% in value last year.

    Real estate & REITs

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XPJ) was 8.38%.

    Dividends made up 3.35% of the ASX 200 real estate sector’s total return.

    Property fund manager Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) was the strongest share, up 70%.

    Consumer discretionary

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) last year was 4.09%.

    Dividends made up 2.32% of the consumer discretionary sector’s total return.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) was the sector’s highest riser, up 113%.

    Consumer Staples

    The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was 2.01%.

    The index fell by 1.43% last year, but a dividend yield of 3.44% put the sector into the green for the year.

    A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) was the consumer staples sector’s strongest riser, up 59%.

    Healthcare

    The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) was the worst performer of the 11 market sectors last year.

    The index fell 24.91%, with a small dividend yield of 1.25% only slightly offsetting the decline.

    The total return for the ASX 200 healthcare sector in 2025 was (23.66%).

    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares had the best price growth, up 49%.

    Technology

    The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) tanked in 2025. The total return was (20.8%).

    ASX tech stocks typically pay low or no dividends because they are much younger companies than their global counterparts.

    The tech index fell 21.04% and an 0.24% dividend yield only slightly mitigated the decline.

    Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) shares were the standout performers of the sector, rising 77%.

    The post Which ASX 200 market sectors delivered the best dividend yields in 2025? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in The a2 Milk Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy The a2 Milk Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and The a2 Milk Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Aussie Broadband and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aussie Broadband, Eagers Automotive Ltd, and Generation Development Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • This biotech is approaching 20-bagger status within a year and the good news continues to come

    A medical specialist holds a red heart connected via technology and artificial intelligence.

    Shares in Nyrada Inc (ASX: NYR) hit a new high-water mark for the year after the company said it had received ethics approval to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of its flagship drug candidate in patients who have suffered a heart attack.

    The biotechnology company‘s shares have been trending sharply higher, particularly since mid-October, and are now up almost 20-fold from levels as low as 7.4 cents about this time a year ago.

    The shares hit a new 12-month high of $1.43 on the clinical trial news on Thursday, meaning shareholders are sitting on an almost 20-fold return over a year.

    Trial set to start soon

    The company said on Thursday it had received ethics approval to go ahead with its Phase II trial of the compound Xolatryp, which will be tested for its use in treating “myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in patients suffering a heart attack”.

    The company went on to say:

    The trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy of Xolatryp in male and female patients of non-childbearing potential presenting with a heart attack undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention or angioplasty with stenting. Approximately 200 patients will be dosed for this 1:1 drug to placebo trial.

    The company said while safety was the primary endpoint for the trial, multiple efficacy signals were also being evaluated, including cardiac function, extent of cardiac injury, and the incidence of arrhythmias of interest.

    The ethics approval allows the company to start establishing trial sites across Australia, with patient approval expected to start in March and up to 10 hospitals excepted to be involved.

    The company said that “subject to recruitment rates, the trial is expected to conclude within nine to 18 months of first patient dosing”.

    The company added:

    Recruitment timelines will be closely monitored, and Nyrada’s study plan allows for flexible expansion to additional hospitals in Australia or internationally to further strengthen participation. Countries with well-aligned regulatory frameworks, such as New Zealand, Singapore, and Canada, offer potential avenues for broadening the trial’s reach.

    According to the company’s website, “Xolatryp, is designed to offer cardioprotection by preventing calcium ion overload in heart cells, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. Because heart cells cannot regenerate after death, this approach is critical for recovery”.

    The company said that in preclinical studies, “Xolatryp provided 86% cardioprotection when administered intravenously over 24 hours, starting 30 minutes post-MI event. Additionally, Xolatryp improved cardiac function and significantly reduced injury-related biomarkers”.

    Nyrada was valued at $336.1 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

    The post This biotech is approaching 20-bagger status within a year and the good news continues to come appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nyrada Inc. right now?

    Before you buy Nyrada Inc. shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Nyrada Inc. wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Why this ASX 200 gold stock is tipped for a ‘major re-rate’ in 2026

    A man leaps from a stack of gold coins to the next, each one higher than the last.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) has smashed the benchmark returns over the past year. Yet the gold miner has still underperformed many of its peers.

    In early afternoon trade today, Bellevue Gold shares are up 1.5%, changing hands for $1.70 apiece. That sees the Bellevue Gold share price up an impressive 59.9% since this time last year, racing ahead of the 4.2% gains posted by the ASX 200 over this same time.

    But with the gold price having rocketed 68% over 12 months, currently trading for US$4,454 per ounce, investors in the Aussie gold miner have watched many of Bellevue’s rivals post far juicier gains.

    Indeed, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) – which also contains some smaller miners outside of ASX 200 gold stocks – is up a blistering 114.7% over the past full year.

    However, 2026 could prove to be a different story for Bellevue Gold.

    Why 2026 could see Bellevue Gold shares outshine

    According to Acorn Capital’s Rick Squire, 2026 is shaping up to potentially be a much more profitable year for shareholders in the ASX 200 gold stock (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

    “Bellevue Gold is an emerging gold producer but struggled in 2025 during the start-up of its high-grade underground operation,” Squire said.

    “Now they have raised more money and lowered guidance, Bellevue has the potential to be hedge and debt free by late 2026,” Squire added. “If this is achieved, the company could experience a major re-rate.”

    What’s the latest from the ASX 200 gold stock?

    Bellevue Gold released its preliminary December quarterly update yesterday.

    Shares in the ASX 200 gold stock closed down 6.4% on the day, after the miner reported delays in access to high-grade headings in production at its Deacon and Viago mine areas in the last week of December. This followed a safety incident at the site.

    Underground development resumed on 4 January, and Bellevue Gold reported the high-grade tonnes will now be processed in January.

    On the cash flow front, Bellevue Gold reported free quarterly cash flow (before voluntary future hedge book pre-deliveries but including the 4,700 ounces of gold of December 2025 quarter contracted hedge book deliveries) of $62 million. That’s up from $33 million in the September 2025 quarter.

    As for the hedge-free potential Acorn Capital’s Squire mentioned above, the ASX 200 gold stock noted, “Bellevue continued pre-delivering gold and reducing near term hedge book commitments, which will increase future spot gold price exposure.”

    The post Why this ASX 200 gold stock is tipped for a ‘major re-rate’ in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bellevue Gold Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bellevue Gold Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bellevue Gold Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • With mining to kick off next month, this bauxite miner’s stock is on the rise

    Engineer looking at mining trucks at a mine site.

    Shares in Canyon Resources Ltd (ASX: CAY) were trading sharply higher on Thursday after the company said it was on track to start mining at its project in Cameroon next month.

    Canyon said the surface miner had arrived at the Minim Martap mine development, which would enable mining to start in February.

    Locomotives and wagons to transport the mined ore to port were scheduled for delivery in the first quarter, with ore haulage set to begin in the second quarter, “supporting first bauxite shipment targeted for late June 2026”.

    Looking to value add

    While the company will initially export bauxite ore, it was also working on a feasibility study for an alumina refinery, and this work was 45% complete, the company said.

    That study was “advancing Canyon’s downstream value-add strategy and supporting its objective of positioning the company as an integrated participant in the global aluminium value chain. The study leverages the cost benefits of operating in Cameroon and the project’s low-silica, high-grade bauxite, with completion targeted for Q3, 2026”.

    The positions of Mine Director and Port Manager had also been filled, the company said.

    The company added:

    Both appointees are scheduled to be in-country in this month, materially strengthening Canyon’s on-the ground leadership team as the company transitions from development into operations. These appointments significantly enhance operational readiness across mining and port logistics and support the continued progression of the Minim Martap Bauxite Project toward first production.

    Canyon Chief Executive Officer Peter Secker said the company continued to achieve key operational milestones.

    Project readiness continues to be strengthened, with key senior leadership appointments now completed. Downstream value creation remains a key focus, with the alumina refinery feasibility study advancing well and reinforcing Canyon’s long-term, value-add development strategy. Canyon is fully funded through stage 1 production through a balanced mix of debt and equity, underpinned by strong support from domestic and international investors and key in-country stakeholders, as the company remains firmly on track toward first production.

    The Minim Martap project is located in central Cameroon, near the main rail line leading to the port of Douala.

    The company has raised US$160 million in debt and equity to build the mine, which has a mineral resource of 1.1 billion tonnes of ore, and a 144 million tonne reserve at a grade of 51.2%.

    The project has an initial 20-year mine plan.

    Canyon was valued at $453.7 million at the close of trade on Wednesday.

    The post With mining to kick off next month, this bauxite miner’s stock is on the rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Canyon Resources Limited right now?

    Before you buy Canyon Resources Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Canyon Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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