• Guess which ASX healthcare stock could rocket 70%

    A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.

    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares are having a strong week.

    This has been driven by a positive reaction to the release of a quarterly sales update.

    The good news is that Bell Potter believes this ASX healthcare stock could still have significant upside potential over the next 12 months.

    Let’s see what the broker is saying about the pharmaceuticals company.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter was pleased with Neuren’s update, highlighting that Daybue sales were higher than it was forecasting during the first quarter. It said:

    NEU’s commercial partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, provided a 1Q26 Daybue sales update, from which NEU receives royalties and milestones. Daybue sales were US$101.2m (+20% on pcp and -8% qoq), a beat to BPe US$96m albeit modestly below Acadia’s US analyst VA cons of US$104m. The 20% growth rate is a welcome uplift from the 11-14% growth in each of the last 5 quarters.

    The broker points out that the new Daybue STIX offering is proving to be a strong addition to the portfolio. It adds:

    A key driver of the step-up has been the launch of the new powder formulation, called Daybue STIX. Importantly, the improved convenience and flexibility of STIX is helping bring treatment-naïve and previously discontinued patients onto treatment rather than just converting existing patients. Roughly 30% of the 250 STIX patient prescriptions during 1Q were treatment-naïve or previously discontinued patients (split 1:1).

    Another positive according to Bell Potter is that Daybue guidance for 2026 is looking achievable following this strong start to the year. The broker explains:

    Acadia reaffirmed bullish CY26 Daybue guidance of US$460-490m sales, implying 18-25% growth. The +20% growth in Q1 falls within this ambitious range, thus confidence in meeting guidance is increased. At the end of the day, NEU receive a 10-12% royalty on sales, thus a few million +/- at the sales line makes relatively negligible impact to NEU; importantly, royalties show no sign of easing any time soon.

    Following the result, we increase Daybue Nth American sales forecasts, however this is offset by removing previously heavily risk-adjusted EU sales. A reversal of the EMA’s original decision in June is not expected but would be a welcome surprise.

    ASX healthcare stock tipped to rocket

    According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $22.00 price target on Neuren’s shares.

    Based on its current share price of $13.05, this implies potential upside of almost 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    No changes to our $22.00 PT or BUY recommendation. NEU’s biggest priority is quickly activating the 20+ US clinical sites and enrolling the 160 patients for its Phase 3 trial of NNZ-2591 in Phelan McDermid syndrome. The readout from this Phase 3 trial is the next company-defining catalyst event for NEU albeit remains some time away (end-CY27 pending recruitment). Before then, we will be looking out for updates in NNZ-2591’s other indications throughout 2H CY26, such as Pitt Hopkins and HIE.

    The post Guess which ASX healthcare stock could rocket 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Neuren Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Neuren Pharmaceuticals 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 Neuren Pharmaceuticals 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 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.

  • ASX 200 tech stock upgraded by Bell Potter after AI contract win

    A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.

    Now could be the time to buy TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) shares.

    That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, who believe a recent contract win by the ASX 200 tech stock is a sign to buy.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter points out that TechnologyOne announced a new contract with James Cook University last month.

    Although the contract was not announced to the market, the broker believes it is a bigger deal than you might initially think.

    That’s because it includes the ASX 200 tech stock’s Plus agentic AI offering. It explains:

    Technology One announced a new contract with James Cook University (JCU) last month which in our view is significant from a product perspective but perhaps less so from a financial perspective given the announcement was only released on the company’s website. The contract is for JCU to consolidate its core systems onto TechnologyOne’s OneEducation platform and for Plus – Technology One’s Agentic AI product – to help automate workflows, provide deeper insights and improve decision making.

    The contract is, therefore, an example of how Plus can drive greater adoption of Technology One’s products with a customer as the full value of an AI agent can only be effectively realised when there is a single, integrated platform. Plus looks likely, therefore, to be an effective marketing tool for Technology One that will provide a boost to NRR over the short to medium term. It will also then provide a boost to ARR [annual recurring revenue] and help the company achieve its goal of $1bn+ by FY30.

    In light of this, the broker has boosted its estimates for ARR for the medium term.

    ASX 200 tech stock upgraded

    According to the note, the broker has upgraded TechnologyOne’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $31.75 (from $31.00).

    Based on its current share price of $27.44, this implies potential upside of 16% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, a modest 1.2% dividend yield is expected over the period, lifting the total potential return to approximately 17%.

    Commenting on the upgrade, Bell Potter said:

    We have rolled forward our PE ratio and EV/EBITDA valuations by a year – so that FY27 is now the base – given we are now in H2. We apply multiples of 50x and 30x compared to 60x and 32.5x previously. There is no change in the 8.3% WACC we apply in the DCF. The net result is a 2% increase in our target price to $31.75 which is >15% premium to the share price so we upgrade our recommendation to BUY.

    While the H1 result has already been flagged and is only expected to show high single digit earnings growth, a potential catalyst is strong ARR growth driven by, for example, contracts such as that highlighted above and “the power of Plus”.

    The post ASX 200 tech stock upgraded by Bell Potter after AI contract win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Technology One right now?

    Before you buy Technology One 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 Technology One 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One. 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.

  • 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with 5% to 6% yields

    Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    If you are looking for ASX dividend shares to buy, then read on.

    That’s because listed below are three top shares that Bell Potter thinks could be buys for income investors.

    Here’s what the broker is recommending to clients:

    Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

    Bell Potter continues to rate Cedar Woods as an ASX dividend share to buy.

    It is one of Australia’s leading property developers with a diverse portfolio. This includes subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

    The broker believes the company is well-positioned to benefit from Australia’s chronic housing shortage. It expects this to underpin dividends per share of 38 cents in FY 2026 and then 41 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.36, this equates to 5.15% and 5.6% dividend yields, respectively.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $9.65 price target on its shares.

    Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

    Another ASX dividend share that Bell Potter is bullish on is Elders.

    It is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia’s farming sector.

    Bell Potter believes the delivery on its system modernisation plan and backward integration initiatives, as well as the consolidation of Delta Agribusiness, will drive high double-digit earnings per share growth in FY 2026 and FY 2027.

    With respect to income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 45 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.03, this would mean dividend yields of 5.5% and 6.4%, respectively.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $9.00 price target on its shares.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    A final ASX dividend share to consider according to Bell Potter is Rural Funds.

    It is a property company that owns agricultural assets such as cattle properties, vineyards, and cropping land. Rural Funds leases these properties to high-quality tenants on long-term agreements with periodic rental increases built in.

    Bell Potter is expecting the company to reward its shareholders with 11.7 cents per share dividends in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.01, this would mean attractive 5.8% dividend yields.

    The broker currently has a buy rating and $2.50 price target on its shares.

    The post 3 ASX dividend shares to buy with 5% to 6% yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Cedar Woods Properties right now?

    Before you buy Cedar Woods Properties 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 Cedar Woods Properties 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • 5 ASX 200 shares downgraded by experts this week

    Thumbs down Facebook icon over dark screen

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose 1% to 8,878.1 points yesterday on hopes of an imminent US-Iran peace deal.

    Meanwhile, brokers have lowered their ratings on five ASX 200 shares this week.

    Let’s take a look.

    Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

    The Lottery Corporation share price finished yesterday’s session at $5.35, up 1.1%.

    This ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has risen 2.9% in the year to date (YTD).

    Morgan Stanley downgraded Lottery Corporation shares to a hold rating this week.

    The broker has a 12-month price target of $5.70, implying a 7% upside from here.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG

    The Sigma Healthcare share price finished Thursday’s session at $2.89, down 1%.

    Sigma Healthcare shares have risen 8.2% over the past month.

    Morgans downgraded the ASX 200 healthcare share from buy to accumulate this week.

    This means Morgans is still positive on the stock, but it says recent share price strength has necessitated a moderated rating.

    SIG has provided a solid trading update to 30 April (domestic) and to 31 March (international), noting continuing GLP-1s tailwinds.

    SIG continues its international expansion with entry into the UK market and expanding distribution capacity in New Zealand.

    We have made minor upgrades to forecasts however a higher risk-free rate sees our valuation reduce modestly to A$3.30 (was $3.36).

    The broker’s target price implies a potential 14% capital gain over the next year.

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    The Coles share price closed at $21.81, up 0.4%, on Thursday.

    This ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 2.5% over six months.

    Bell Potter downgraded Coles shares from buy to hold this week.

    The broker raised its price target from $22.35 to $22.80, suggesting a 4.5% upside from here.

    Bell Potter said:

    The shortfall between retail shelf price inflation and underlying food inflation in both Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and COL has widened in the recent quarter.

    The competitive backdrop appears to be lifting and liquor remains challenged in a rising cost environment.

    Trading a discount to WOW, there is a relative value argument to be made, particularly given the more limited exposure to discretionary channels in the near term, however we see more compelling GARP opportunities elsewhere in the consumer staples space at this juncture.

    Imdex Ltd (ASX: IMD)

    The Imdex share price closed at $3.94 yesterday, down 11.1%.

    Over the past year, this ASX 200 materials share has lifted 45%.

    Imdex develops cloud-connected devices and drilling optimisation products for the mining sector.

    Jefferies downgraded Imdex shares to a hold rating on Wednesday.

    The broker lifted its price target from $4.25 to $4.80, implying a 22% upside from here.

    Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

    The Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price closed at $5.27 on Thursday, down 3%.

    Over the past six months, this ASX 200 industrials share has leapt 22%.

    Morgans downgraded Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure shares to a hold rating this week.

    The change was largely due to a 17% share price surge since March.

    The broker explained:

    DBI’s share price has increased c.17% since our high conviction upgrade of the stock’s rating in March. We moderate from BUY to HOLD, given 12 month potential total return has compressed to c.3%.

    Next key event is this month’s AGM. We expect DBI to provide new DPS guidance for the next 12 months at or around that time and target 29.5cps.

    The broker shaved its price target to $5.31, implying virtually no upside ahead.

    Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure will host its AGM on Wednesday 20 May in Brisbane.

    The post 5 ASX 200 shares downgraded by experts this week 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…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    A businesswoman exhales a deep sigh after receiving bad news, and gets on with it.

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was in fine form and raced higher.  The benchmark index rose 0.95% to 8,878.1 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to sink

    The Australian share market looks set to sink on Friday following a poor night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 136 points or 1.5% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 0.65%, the S&P 500 fell 0.4%, and the Nasdaq edged 0.1% lower.

    Oil prices mixed

    ASX 200 energy shares including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) will be on watch on Friday after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.9% to US$95.91 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.1% to US$101.11 a barrel. Traders appear to be waiting to hear if the US and Iran sign a peace deal.

    Major ASX 200 share updates

    A number of ASX 200 shares will be on watch when they release their latest updates on Friday. Among the companies that are due to release updates are investment bank Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), property listings company REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), insurer QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE), and payments leader Block Inc. (ASX: XYZ).

    Gold price rises

    ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.65% to US$4,724.1 an ounce. This has been driven by optimism that interest rate hikes will be avoided if a US-Iran peace deal is signed.

    TechnologyOne shares upgraded

    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) shares are undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has upgraded the enterprise software provider’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $31.75. It said: “Technology One announced a new contract with James Cook University (JCU) last month which in our view is significant from a product perspective. […] On the back of this contract win and clear demonstration of “the power of Plus” we have modestly increased our ARR forecasts in each period.”

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Evolution Mining right now?

    Before you buy Evolution Mining 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 Evolution Mining 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in REA Group, Technology One, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Block, Macquarie Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. 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.

  • CSL shares hit a 9-year low, time to buy or stay away?

    A doctor shrugs and holds his hands out.

    Shares in CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) slid another 2.6% on Thursday to $122.00, marking a fresh nine-year low for the ASX healthcare giant.

    The numbers paint a brutal picture. CSL shares are down around 14% over the past month and have lost roughly half their value over the past year.

    For a company once viewed as one of the ASX’s most dependable long-term growth stories, the fall has been dramatic.

    So, what’s gone wrong? And more importantly, is there a path back?

    Troubles beyond sector weakness

    Healthcare stocks broadly have struggled in 2026. Investor money has rotated heavily into energy producers, miners, and more defensive sectors, leaving healthcare names under pressure.

    But CSL’s problems have gone beyond sector weakness.

    The company has faced softer vaccine demand, operational restructuring, and the abrupt departure of its CEO. Those issues have weighed heavily on investor confidence.

    Recent developments in the US have added another challenge. The removal of the US military’s annual flu vaccination requirement has raised concerns around future influenza vaccine demand. That matters because CSL has significant exposure to the US vaccine market through its Seqirus business.

    Investors now worry vaccine revenue growth could weaken further, especially in areas where demand had previously benefited from mandates.

    Classic value trap?

    All of that has helped fuel the sell-off.

    And after such a sharp decline, some investors are beginning to ask whether CSL shares are turning into a classic value trap. A stock that looks cheap but keeps disappointing.

    Still, writing the company off entirely may be premature.

    Importantly, vaccines are not CSL’s core earnings engine. The bulk of the company’s profits come from CSL Behring, its plasma therapies division. This business develops treatments used for rare diseases, immune deficiencies, and bleeding disorders.

    Demand in these areas continues to grow steadily, supported by ageing populations, better diagnosis rates, and rising healthcare spending globally.

    CSL also holds a leading global position in plasma-derived therapies, giving it significant scale advantages and high barriers to entry. In other words, while one division is facing pressure, the company’s core business remains structurally strong.

    What do the experts think?

    Many analysts still see upside. According to data from TradingView, 12 out of 18 analysts currently rate CSL shares as a buy or strong buy.

    The most bullish price target sits at $267.53, implying potential upside of nearly 120% from current levels. Even the lowest target of $152.31 suggests gains of roughly 25%.

    Not everyone is convinced, however. Earlier this month, Bell Potter Securities warned CSL was “not out of the woods just yet.” The broker maintained a hold rating and cut its 12-month price target from $175 to $155.

    That cautious stance reflects the uncertainty still hanging over earnings momentum and vaccine demand.

    The bottom line is that CSL shares are no longer priced like a market darling. Investors are now weighing whether the recent collapse has created a rare long-term opportunity or whether more disappointment still lies ahead.

    The post CSL shares hit a 9-year low, time to buy or stay away? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL 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 CSL 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

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

  • After a 40% rally, what’s next for this ASX steel stock?

    Workers at a steel making factory.

    This $13 billion ASX steel stock is pushing higher again.

    Shares in BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL) climbed 2% to $30.96 on Thursday, hovering near 52-week highs. The ASX steel stock has now surged an impressive 40% over the past six months.

    By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has been pretty much flat during that time, with a gain of 0.6%.

    So, what’s the ASX steel stock getting right?

    Takeover chatter lingers

    Back in February, BlueScope received what was described as a “best and final” takeover proposal from SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and US-based Steel Dynamics Inc (NASDAQ: STLD) worth roughly $32.35 per share.

    That followed an earlier approach in January. The board of the ASX steel stock rejected both offers, arguing they undervalued the business and its long-term prospects. But even without a deal progressing, investor interest hasn’t faded.

    Takeover chatter around BlueScope hasn’t disappeared either. While no fresh formal bid has emerged in recent weeks, speculation continues to swirl following the rejected February proposal from SGH and Steel Dynamics. Both companies have publicly voiced frustration over the lack of engagement from BlueScope’s board.

    Add in BlueScope management’s recent comments about remaining open to the “right” valuation, and the takeover narrative continues to linger in the background. That alone can help support a higher share price.

    Unlocking hidden value

    But takeover tension is only part of the story. BlueScope is also trying to unlock additional value internally. The ASX steel stock has been selling surplus land across New South Wales and Victoria while developing a broader pipeline of property projects.

    That matters because these assets could generate meaningful earnings outside the core steel business. In other words, investors may be starting to recognise value that previously sat under the radar.

    Some sceptics may also view this as part of a broader strategy to show the company is worth far more than recent takeover offers suggested.

    Sharp turnaround, risks remain

    Operationally, the business also appears stronger than in previous steel cycles.

    Management has focused heavily on cost discipline, product mix improvements, and expanding higher-margin steel products. That has helped reduce some of the earnings volatility traditionally associated with the steel sector.

    And recent financial results have been strong. In its latest half-year result, the ASX steel stock reported a 4% increase in revenue to $8.22 billion. Net profit after tax jumped 118% to $390.8 million for the six months to 31 December 2025.

    That’s a sharp turnaround and a major reason investor confidence has improved.

    Still, risks remain. Steel remains a highly cyclical industry. If global construction activity or manufacturing slows, steel demand and pricing can weaken quickly.

    BlueScope also faces exposure to international markets, particularly North America and Asia. That creates additional risks around currency movements, tariffs, and broader trade uncertainty.

    What next for the ASX steel stock?

    Analyst sentiment remains reasonably positive, although expectations appear more measured from here. According to data from TradingView, seven out of 10 analysts rate the ASX steel stock a buy or strong buy.

    However, the average price target sits only slightly above current trading levels. The most bullish forecast points to $35.00 per share, implying potential upside of around 13%. That suggests much of the easy optimism may already be reflected in the share price.

    The post After a 40% rally, what’s next for this ASX steel stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BlueScope Steel right now?

    Before you buy BlueScope Steel 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 BlueScope Steel 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 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.

  • 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade or more

    A stopwatch ticking close to the 12 where the words on the face say 'Time to Buy'.

    A long holding period can make exchange-traded fund (ETF) investing much simpler.

    Rather than trying to guess which market will perform best over the next few months, investors can focus on funds with broad exposure, durable themes, and the ability to compound over many years.

    Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for a decade or more.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    The first ASX ETF to look at is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

    This fund gives investors exposure to 500 of the largest listed companies in the United States. That makes it a simple way to access many of the world’s most influential businesses through a single ASX trade.

    The appeal is not just the size of the market. The S&P 500 includes companies across technology, healthcare, financials, consumer goods, and industrials. This gives the fund exposure to a wide range of earnings drivers.

    Its holdings include names such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).

    For long-term investors, this fund offers a straightforward way to participate in the growth of corporate America without needing to pick individual winners.

    iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

    Another ASX ETF that could suit a long holding period is the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF.

    Consumer staples companies sell products that people tend to buy regardless of economic conditions. This includes food, beverages, household goods, personal care products, and other everyday essentials.

    That gives this fund a more defensive profile than many growth-focused ETFs.

    Its underlying companies may not always be the fastest growers, but they can offer steady earnings and pricing power through different market environments.

    Its holdings include companies such as Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

    This type of exposure can be useful over a decade or more because it is tied to recurring consumer demand. People continue to buy groceries, cleaning products, and household essentials in strong and weak economies alike.

    Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

    A third ASX ETF worth considering is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

    This fund provides broad exposure to developed share markets outside Australia. This includes companies listed in the United States, Europe, Japan, and other major economies.

    The fund is designed to give investors access to global growth in a simple way. Rather than relying heavily on the Australian market, it spreads exposure across thousands of international companies.

    Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM).

    This breadth is the main attraction. The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives investors exposure to different industries, currencies, and economic regions, helping reduce reliance on any single market.

    For those looking to build global exposure through the ASX, it arguably remains one of the most straightforward options to hold for the long term.

    The post 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade or more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in iShares S&P 500 ETF right now?

    Before you buy iShares S&P 500 ETF 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 iShares S&P 500 ETF 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Costco Wholesale, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Nvidia, Walmart, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Microsoft, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another strong day this Thursday, building on the stunning session we saw yesterday. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had gained a solid 0.96%, leaving the index at 8,878.1 points.

    This impressive showing from the local markets comes after a similarly jubilant night over on the American boards.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire last night, shooting 1.2% higher.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even hotter, rising 2.02%.

    But let’s return ot the ASX now and check out how today’s optimism filtered down into the different ASX sectors this session.

    Winners and losers

    Today’s strong swing lifted most, but not all, sectors higher.

    The biggest losers were again energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had another shocker, plunging 2.94% lower.

    Utilities stocks were unlucky as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) crashing 1.6%.

    Healthcare shares didn’t fare well either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) dipped down 1.12% by the closing bell.

    Our last losers this Thursday were communications stocks, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.1% retreat.

    Turning to the winners now, it was gold shares that starred in today’s show. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up rocketing up 4.68%.

    Broader mining stocks were in high demand as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soaring 3.68% higher.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little less enthusiastic. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) still managed a pleasing 0.69% bump.

    Consumer staples shares were right behind that, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.66% jump.

    Industrial stocks managed a strong showing, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) lifted 0.47% today.

    We could say the same for financial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) leaping 0.37% higher.

    Consumer discretionary stocks made the cut as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) had appreciated 0.26% by the end of the session.

    Finally, tech shares got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)’s 0.24% uptick.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Titanium stock IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) beat out some stiff competition to take today’s top spot. IperionX stock shot up a huge 10.25% this Thursday to finish up at $5.27.

    Despite this sizeable jump, there wasn’t anything from the company itself today.

    Here’s how the other top stocks from today tied up at the dock:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) $5.27 10.25%
    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) $10.03 9.38%
    Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) $4.86 9.21%
    Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) $12.94 8.47%
    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) $5.99 8.12%
    Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) $6.26 7.93%
    Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) $22.50 7.55%
    NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) $7.14 7.05%
    Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) $12.50 6.84%
    Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) $13.20 6.33%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in IperionX Ltd right now?

    Before you buy IperionX Ltd 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 IperionX Ltd 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Megaport and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 amazing ASX growth shares to buy in May with $20,000

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    If you have $20,000 available to invest in May, the ASX growth shares in this article could be worth a closer look.

    Let’s see why they could be standout picks this month:

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    The first ASX growth share that continues to stand out is WiseTech Global.

    WiseTech provides software to the global logistics industry through its CargoWise platform. This software helps freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers manage complex cross-border supply chains.

    It operates in a large, fragmented industry that is still becoming more digital, and global logistics is full of manual processes, regulatory complexity, and time-sensitive decisions. That creates a strong need for software that can improve efficiency and reduce friction.

    WiseTech has also expanded its product suite through acquisitions and internal development, giving it more ways to deepen relationships with customers.

    As logistics companies continue investing in technology, WiseTech appears well placed to capture more of that spending.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    Another ASX growth share worth looking at in May is investment platform provider Hub24.

    It has been benefiting from a long-running shift away from legacy wealth platforms toward newer, more flexible technology.

    Funds under administration are a key driver for the business. As more advisers move client assets onto the platform, Hub24 can grow revenue while also benefiting from scale.

    The company has built a strong position in a competitive market by focusing on functionality, service, and adviser needs. That has helped it win market share from larger incumbents. In fact, it continues to report market share gains quarter after quarter. This saw it recently reveal a market share of 9.7%, which was up from 8.3% a year ago.

    With Australia’s wealth management industry still evolving, Hub24 has a long runway if it can keep attracting advisers and growing platform balances.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    A third ASX growth share to look at is Life360.

    It has built a global platform focused on family safety, location sharing, and digital protection. Its app is used by around 100 million people, giving the company a large base from which to grow.

    The opportunity is increasingly about turning engagement into earnings. Life360 can do this by converting more users into paying subscribers and expanding the services available within its platform.

    This makes the business more interesting than a simple app story. It is building a subscription ecosystem around safety, mobility, and family connectivity. It has even launched a pet service too.

    If Life360 continues improving monetisation while growing its global user base, it could deliver strong earnings growth over the coming years.

    The post 3 amazing ASX growth shares to buy in May with $20,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 20 Feb 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, Life360, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. 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.