From real estate to medical and even tech, if I had a spare $30,000, these are the ASX shares I’d add to my portfolio this week.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA shares closed 0.17% lower on Wednesday afternoon, at $180.04 a piece. The shares have dropped 2.75% so far in 2026 and are currently 25.94% below where they were this time last year.

The real estate advertising company’s share price suffered a gradual but consistent decline after it appointed a new CEO in late-August. At the time, some brokers also said they think the stock was overpriced. In late August, Toby Grimm from Baker Young said he sees challenges ahead for REA and suggested selling while the stock trades above his valuation.

By the end of the year, REA shares had lost over 30% of their value.

But analysts are still pretty bullish on the shares. And I agree that there could be a decent upside ahead for REA in 2026. 

REA’s latest results show the business continues to grow with first quarter FY26 revenue up 4% and profit up 5%. 

Most analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the ASX 200 stock, with a maximum 12-month target price of $290. That implies a massive 61.08% upside for investors in 2026, at the time of writing. 

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus shares rose 0.58% at the close of the ASX on Wednesday, at $215 each. The shares are 2.58% lower for 2026 so far and 17.15% below where they were this time last year.

The medical imaging technology provider’s shares peaked at around $330 per share in mid-July. They then tumbled over 33% by the close of 2025. 

But the company’s visage imaging platform appears to be becoming the system of choice for large hospital networks in the US. This is thanks to its speed, scalability, and cloud-based architecture. The company is gaining traction with long-term contracts, it has a strong earnings visibility, a growing pipeline of major contract wins, all against a backdrop of radiologist shortages. The stock is very much on my radar this week.

Analysts seem to be divided about the potential outlook for the stock. Data shows that 4 out of 7 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the ASX shares. The maximum 12-month target price is $350 per share, which implies a 62.79% upside ahead for investors in 2026, at the time of writing.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero shares closed 1.36% higher on Wednesday afternoon, at $108.60 a piece. The ASX 200 stock is 2.36% lower for the year so far and 37.58% below where it was last year.

From US-acquisition news to lower-than-expected results, the company has faced a couple of headwinds this year. But I think the reaction was way overdone and the level of sell-off unfounded.

I actually think Xero shares could double this year.

According to TradingView data, most analysts (11 out of 14) are bullish on Xero shares for 2026. 

The maximum 12-month target price is $228.85 a piece, which implies a huge 110.83% upside for investors at the time of writing.

UBS says that it is positive on the medium term growth outlook for Xero and believes the current share price is an “attractive buying opportunity”. The broker has a $194 price target on the shares.

Meanwhile, Macquarie is more bullish on the stock. The broker has an outperform rating and $228.90 price target on the shares, saying the company is well-positioned for growth in the US.

The post 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $30,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The simple buy and hold investing lesson that still works with ASX shares today
• 3 phenomenal ASX stocks that could double in 2026
• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026
• My 10 top stocks to buy to start the New Year off right
• Down 36% in a year, is it time to consider buying shares in this dominant ASX tech company?

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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and ended the day higher. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,695.6 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to edge lower

The Australian share market looks set to edge lower on Thursday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 3 points lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.6%, the S&P 500 is flat, and the Nasdaq is 0.5% higher.

Oil prices fall

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session on Thursday after oil prices fell overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.6% to US$56.20 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.95% to US$60.13 a barrel. This follows news that Donald Trump has reached a deal to import up to US$2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude.

Buy Premier Investments shares

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) shares could be dirt cheap according to Bell Potter. Despite a disappointing recent update from the Peter Alexander and Smiggle owner, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $20.00 (from $26.50). It said: “We see limited catalysts for Smiggle, apart from the interim management change and lower our assumptions. However, our views remain unchanged that the current share price implies minimum levels of earnings assumed in the Smiggle brand and any improvements from a lower base case should see some risk-reward for current conditions.”

Gold price eases

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session on Thursday after the gold price eased overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.75% to US$4,462 an ounce. This appears to have been driven by profit taking from traders.

Hold SGH shares

Bell Potter thinks that SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) shares are fully valued. In response to its takeover offer for BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL), the broker has retained its hold rating and $52.00 price target. It said: “We believe SGH is securing a good deal for shareholders, acquiring the Australia and RoW businesses at cycle-lows. These assets will benefit from SGH’s capital-backing and high-performance operating model which has proven successful with the Boral turnaround. At an offer price of A$30.00/sh, we estimate SGH is paying A$6.00- 9.00/sh for the non-NA assets or 8.4-12.6x EV / FY25a EBIT (SGH: 15.2x pre-deal). We make no material changes to our EPS forecasts and valuation in this report.”

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

More reading

• What’s Bell Potter’s view on SGH shares after the BlueScope Steel acquisition proposal?
• Santos vs Woodside: Are these ASX 200 oil and gas shares a buy, hold or sell for 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: How does Morgans rate these ASX shares?
• Why this beaten down ASX 200 stock could rise 50%
• This ASX gold giant jumped almost 5% on Wednesday. Here’s why

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

The Global X S&P World Ex Australia Garp Etf (ASX: GARP) is a great ASX ETF for investors focussed on growth. 

The GARP acronym stands for growth at a reasonable price. 

It was made famous by investor Peter Lynch.

The strategy seeks to combine the best facets of growth and value investing approaches to select individual stock investments.

In the words of Global X, the fund provides access to global companies with:

• Strong earnings growth
• Solid financial strength
• Reasonable valuations

Inside GARP’s December 2025 Rebalance

In a fresh report out of the ETF provider yesterday, it highlighted the changes made to the fund.

These changes went into effect in December.

Marc Jocum, Senior Product and Investment Strategist said the latest rebalance resulted in a measured refresh rather than a wholesale shift. 

While some individual holdings changed, the portfolio’s core identity remains intact.

It is tilted toward high-quality global companies with improving earnings momentum, resilient fundamentals, and reasonable valuations.

Periods of market noise often tempt investors to chase momentum or retreat to defensives. However, the most durable outcomes tend to come from discipline – owning companies that can consistently grow earnings, maintain balance sheet strength, and trade at a fair price.

What’s in?

According to the report, the December 2025 rebalance saw the addition of companies where earnings are improving, but valuations are yet to fully re-rate.

The first inclusion was Rolls-Royce Plc (LSE: RR.). 

Global X said this was due to expanding earnings margins, driven by higher engine flying hours, improved pricing, a greater mix of recurring services revenue, and disciplined cost control.

The company is also emerging as a beneficiary of the AI-driven power generation theme. 

Another inclusion to the fund was Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) due to improved earnings momentum across its diversified entertainment ecosystem.

Additionally, SoftBank (OTC: SFBQ.F) – a global technology investment conglomerate was added. This was thanks to its unique leverage to the AI megatrend. 

What’s out?

The GARP ETF also saw key stock removals from the fund. 

Global X said several high-quality franchises were removed not because their businesses are broken, but because growth has slowed, balance sheet risks have risen, or valuations are no longer warranted.

• Visa (NYSE: V) was exited as earnings growth moderated, balance sheet leverage increased, all amidst regulatory and competitive pressures intensified.
• Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), despite its exceptional business model, faced slowing revenue momentum and emerging margin headwinds, challenging to reconcile with a premium valuation.
• General Motors (NYSE: GM) screened as optically cheap, but weakening margins and falling returns on equity, perhaps due to uncertainty around EV strategy, meant GM no longer fit a GARP framework.

The post Own the Global X GARP ETF? The fund just made some key changes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Costco Wholesale, Visa, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended General Motors and Rolls-Royce Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Visa and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Buy and hold investing sounds almost too simple.

In a world filled with market predictions, Reddit groups, and economic headlines, the idea of buying high-quality ASX shares and holding them for years can feel outdated. Yet time and again, this approach has proven remarkably effective for patient investors.

At its core, buy and hold investing is not about ignoring reality or pretending markets never fall. It is about recognising that wealth is usually built by owning great businesses for long periods, not by trying to outsmart the market every few months.

Why buy and hold investing ASX shares works

The power of buy and hold investing comes from compounding.

When a company grows its earnings year after year, and reinvests those earnings, shareholders benefit in two ways. The value of the business increases over time, and dividends or retained profits are reinvested to fuel further growth.

Trying to trade in and out of the market often interrupts this process. It introduces timing risk, higher brokerage costs, and emotional decision-making. In contrast, buy and hold investors give compounding the time it needs to work its magic.

This is why legendary investors like Warren Buffett have long emphasised patience over prediction.

And you only need to look at his wealth generation over the past few decades to see that it works.

What makes a good buy and hold investment?

Not every ASX share is suitable for a buy and hold strategy. The strongest long-term candidates tend to share a few key traits.

They operate in markets with long-term demand rather than short-lived trends. They have competitive advantages that make them hard to replace. And they are run by management teams that allocate capital sensibly.

Importantly, buy and hold does not mean buy anything and forget about it. It means buying businesses you would be comfortable owning through economic cycles, industry shifts, and periods of market volatility. You only sell if the investment thesis is broken.

Examples

The Australian share market offers several examples of businesses that have rewarded long-term investors over decades.

One is CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL). Through consistent investment in research, global expansion, and operational excellence, CSL has grown into a world leader in plasma therapies. Short-term setbacks have come and gone, but the long-term growth story has remained intact.

Another is REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA). Its dominant realestate.com.au platform position and pricing power have allowed it to grow earnings at a strong rate for over two decades, despite periodic property downturns.

Then there is TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). By focusing on mission-critical software, recurring revenue, and steady product innovation, it has delivered decades of growth without needing to chase hype.

In each case, investors who held through volatility were rewarded far more than those who tried to time the perfect entry or exit.

Foolish takeaway

Buy and hold investing will never make headlines or deliver overnight riches.

But for investors willing to focus on quality, stay patient, and let time work in their favour, it remains one of the most reliable paths to long-term wealth.

The post The simple buy and hold investing lesson that still works with ASX shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Prediction: CSL shares could soar past $270 in 2026
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $30,000 this week
• Could these ASX 200 losers be among the best shares to buy in 2026?
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• 5 incredible ASX growth stocks to buy for 2026

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

SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) shares are in focus after the company confirmed it has submitted a proposal to acquire BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX:BSL). 

For a quick refresher, on Monday, it released an announcement the company has submitted a Non-Binding Indicative Offer (NBIO), together with Steel Dynamics Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD).

The offer is to acquire 100% of BlueScope Steel by way of a scheme of arrangement (the Proposal).

In the announcement, the company said if the proposal is implemented and following the transaction close, SGH would on-sell BSL’s North American operations to SDI.

This includes BSL’s North Star Flat Rolled Steel Mill and Building and Coated Products North America businesses. 

SGH would retain the remaining BSL “Australia + Rest of World” operations.

This includes Australian Steel Products, Asia Coated Products, and New Zealand and Pacific Islands businesses.

According to the announcement, the consortium has offered $30.00 cash per BlueScope share. 

What did management say?

Commenting on the proposal, Ryan Stokes, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of SGH said: 

We believe BlueScope’s Australian business is a strong strategic fit for SGH and we have a proven track record of driving performance improvement in domestic industrial businesses. We intend to leverage our disciplined operating model and capital allocation approach to deliver better outcomes for stakeholders.

Bell Potter weighs in

Following the announcement, Broker Bell Potter released a report with analysis on the company following the proposal. 

The broker said an all-cash consideration of A$30.00/sh was offered, representing a 27% premium to BSL’s share price at NBIO submission (12 December 2025). 

This values BSL at 18.6x EV / FY25a EBIT and 9.5x EV / FY25a EBITDA (SGH: 15.2x EV / FY25a EBIT and 11.4x EV / FY25a EBITDA). 

Bell Potter also noted that Steel Dynamics had made three prior offers through a consortium (not with SGH Ltd) and alone, targeting BlueScope Steel’s North American operations. 

However all prior proposals were rejected on the basis they undervalued BSL and presented a significant regulatory hurdle.

Ultimately the broker believes SGH is securing a strong deal. 

We believe SGH is securing a good deal for shareholders, acquiring the Australia and RoW businesses at cycle-lows. These assets will benefit from SGH’s capital-backing and high-performance operating model which has proven successful with the Boral turnaround.

Valuation remains the same

SGH shares have already jumped 6% higher in 2026. 

But following Monday’s announcement, Bell Potter made no material changes to EPS forecasts or valuations.

The broker has maintained its hold recommendation and $52.00 price target. 

This indicates an upside of approximately 6%. 

The post What’s Bell Potter’s view on SGH shares after the BlueScope Steel acquisition proposal? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BlueScope Steel shares soar 23%: Buy, hold or sell for 2026?
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• Why BlueScope, DroneShield, Monadelphous, and SGH shares are racing higher today
• BlueScope shares jump 20% on takeover news
• SGH confirms $13.2 billion acquisition offer for BlueScope Steel

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 recommended 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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares may have a reputation for large dividend payouts, but it’s not one of the first ASX dividend shares I’d buy today.

For starters, the ASX mining share has seen its valuation increase by more than 20% over the last six months, which is great for existing shareholders but not for potential investors seeking a large dividend yield.

When the share price of a business increases 10%, it pushes down the dividend yield by around 10%. For example, if the dividend yield was 5% and the share price rises 10%, new investors would only get a 4.5% dividend yield.

I rate the two ASX dividend share below as much more appealing ideas for passive income.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Like BHP, Universal Store is exposed to a cyclical sector. Universal Store operates in the retail space, with multiple premium youth fashion brands. Its two most compelling businesses are Universal Store and Perfect Stranger. It aims to sell on-trend apparel products to 16 to 35-year-old fashion-focused customers.

Despite being in retail, the company’s dividend has not been volatile – it has steadily grown since it started paying one in 2021. Owners of BHP shares have seen multiple annual dividend cuts in that time.

In FY25, Universal Store grew its annual payout by 8% to 38.5 cents per share, which translates into a current grossed-up dividend yield of almost 7%, including franking credits.

The prospect of dividend growth in FY26 looks promising, in my view.

In the AGM update in October, overall direct-to-customer sales were up 13.7% year-over-year, with Universal Store total sales up 11.4% and Perfect Stranger sales up 30.5%.

The company said it’s on track to roll out between 11 to 17 new stores in FY26, representing a rise of approximately 10%, which is a good tailwind for further earnings growth.

I think it’s likely the ASX dividend share will pay an annual dividend of at least 40 cents per share in FY26, which could translate into a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.1%.

WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ)

Most index-tracking exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have a relatively low dividend yield because the businesses they’re invested in have a low dividend yield.

But, some ETFs can become an attractive option for passive income if they target a specific dividend yield for investors.

WCM Quality Global Growth Fund is aiming for a minimum annualised cash yield of at least 5% each year, which I’d describe as a very good yield when combined with the overall offering.

The WCM investment team aim for a portfolio of between 20 to 40 stocks that they’d describe as quality global companies that have corporate cultures that promote a strengthening of their economic moats over time.

With that strategy, WCM has delivered an average return per year of almost 16% over the last decade. That leaves room for a good dividend yield, rising dividend and capital growth too from the ASX dividend share. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

Some of the positions in the current portfolio include AppLovin, Taiwan Semiconductor, Siemens Energy and Amazon.

The post Forget BHP shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Siemens Energy Ag. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, BHP Group, and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think it is fair to say that it is rarely comfortable buying ASX 200 shares that have disappointed investors.

Sharp pullbacks often come with negative headlines, downgraded forecasts, and shaken confidence. But history shows that some of the market’s best long-term opportunities emerge when high-quality companies fall out of favour.

With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares that have struggled recently but could prove to be among the most rewarding buys looking ahead to 2026.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL shares had a bruising 2025, falling heavily as investors reacted to slower-than-expected earnings growth, weaker demand trends in parts of its plasma business, and uncertainty around its Seqirus vaccine division.

However, the long-term investment case for CSL remains largely intact. The biotech operates in markets with powerful structural tailwinds, including ageing populations, rising diagnosis rates, and increasing global demand for plasma-derived therapies. Few companies can match CSL’s scale, research capability, and global manufacturing footprint.

Importantly, periods of slower growth are not new for CSL. In the past, similar phases have been followed by renewed earnings momentum. If the company regains even a portion of its historical growth profile, today’s valuation could look very cheap.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix Pharmaceuticals has also tested investor patience. After a strong run in earlier years, its shares have pulled back as the market reassessed regulatory milestones and commercialisation expectations.

Despite this, Telix arguably remains one of the ASX’s most compelling healthcare growth stories. Its flagship prostate cancer imaging product is already generating revenue, while a deep pipeline of diagnostic and therapeutic candidates offers significant long-term upside.

Radiopharmaceuticals are still a relatively young field, and successful execution could unlock very large global markets.

If the US FDA approves its Zircaix and Pixclara products in 2026, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Telix thump the market over the next 12 months.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global was one of the biggest ASX 200 share casualties in 2025. After years of premium valuations, concerns around acquisitions, executive behaviour, insider trading, and product launch delays triggered a sharp derating.

Yet WiseTech still owns one of the most mission-critical software platforms in global logistics. CargoWise is deeply entrenched in customer operations, creating high switching costs and recurring revenue. Global trade volumes may fluctuate year to year, but the long-term trend toward digitalisation and automation in logistics remains strong.

If WiseTech can restore market confidence, I think the combination of earnings growth and valuation recovery could be powerful over the next few years.

The post Could these ASX 200 losers be among the best shares to buy in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX materials stocks enjoyed a stellar year in 2025. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX: XMJ) sector rose by an impressive 31.7%. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose approximately 6.3%. 

This success was driven by record commodity prices including gold, silver and platinum. 

However the record run might still not be over. 

A fresh note out of Morgans has reinforced the upside in two ASX materials stocks. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

VBX Ltd (ASX: VBX)

VBX is a responsible and near-term producer of high-quality, low-silica Australian bauxite. 

It is focused on the near-term development of high-grade, low-silica bauxite resources at its flagship project, Wuudagu, in Northern Western Australia.

Its share price has fallen 20% in the last 6 months, however Morgans is optimistic on this ASX materials stock.

The broker said the company is continuing to advance its 95.9Mt Wuudagu bauxite project.

Recent drilling at Wuudagu D, E and F confirmed these areas as new discoveries that could significantly increase the project’s size.

With three additional discoveries confirmed, we see scope for an additional 35-55Mt in potential volume, before applying grade parameters. We are encouraged by average in-situ Al2O3 grades of ~40% across the reported drill datasets which may beneficiate in the same manner as the existing reserve.

The broker also said the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) work is progressing well and is on track for a 2026 update, supporting future offtake agreements and financing.

Based on this guidance, Morgans has reiterated its speculative buy recommendation and raised its price target to $2.10 (previously $1.60). 

This indicates an upside of 320% from yesterday’s closing price of $0.50. 

Tesoro Resources Ltd (ASX: TSO)

Tesoro Resources is a gold developer operating in the coastal Cordillera region of Chile.

Its share price already rose more than 300% in the last year, however Morgans believes it can keep soaring. 

The broker said it has maintained its buy recommendation following the company’s share consolidation. 

We update our TSO model, adjusting for the recently implemented 15:1 share consolidation. We maintain our SPECULATIVE BUY rating and price target of A$4.88ps. TSO remains inexpensive, trading at A$96/oz vs. a peer group average of A$220/oz, accompanied by quantum changing exploration potential.

Based on the price target of $4.88, Morgans is expecting an increase of 275% from yesterday’s closing price of $1.30. 

The post Could these ASX materials stocks really be set to triple? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s Bell Potter’s view on SGH shares after the BlueScope Steel acquisition proposal?
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• Could these ASX 200 losers be among the best shares to buy in 2026?
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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares ended the day 1.75% higher on Wednesday, at $10.48 a piece.

So far in 2026, the shares have climbed 0.67%. They’re currently trading 12.81% higher than this time last year.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 0.15% higher on Wednesday, is down 0.06% for 2026 so far, and 4.95% higher than this time last year.

The aviation heavyweight has dominated the Australian domestic aviation market for decades alongside rival Virgin Australia. Qantas’ share of the domestic market currently accounts for around 60%, and it’s still growing.

Qantas is adding capacity to its routes to mainland US, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hawaii. Meanwhile its subsidiary, Jetstar, is adding capacity to its routes to Bali, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore and executed its first flight direct to the Philippines in late-November.

Qantas is also planning to scale AI usage across the business over the coming year, according to The Australian. The airline company’s CEO said the business is laying the foundations for increased use of AI, and said that he thinks Australia needs to move quickly on the “unprecedented” opportunities it represents.

Just last month the airline appointed its first chief technology, AI and transformation officer, Rachel Yangoyan.

Are the shares a buy, hold or sell for 2026?

While I’m a little concerned about the concentration of Australia’s domestic aviation market, and that the airline has its work cut out to be able to achieve the rate of growth it expects in 2026, analysts are pretty bullish on the outlook for Qantas shares.

TradingView data shows that 11 out of 13 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares.  

At the time of writing the maximum 12-month target price on the shares is $13.17 each, which implies a 26.62% upside for investors, at the time of writing.

UBS has a buy rating on the business, with a price target of $11.50. 

Macquarie also thinks there’s still plenty more upside to come. The broker recently upgraded Qantas shares to an outperform rating with a $12.29 price target. This implies a potential upside of 17.27% for investors at the time of writing.

The broker said that Jetstar continues to be the growth driver, both domestically and internationally. It added that the outlook for the company is favourable, with strong low cost carrier growth and lower oil prices mitigating potential load factor pressure.

The post Are Qantas shares a buy, hold or sell for 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares have been motoring ahead recently, rising 17% in the past 6 months.

To put this in context, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) tumbled 5.3% over the same period.  

In the past month Ampol shares have lost a bit of ground though, losing 4.7% at $30.39 at the time of writing.  

The lower entry level is one reason to consider the ASX 200 energy stock. Let’s see what else makes Ampol appealing.

Bold billion-dollar bet

Ampol’s planned $1.1 billion acquisition of EG Group’s Australian operations has clearly struck a chord with investors. The deal would add around 500 company-owned fuel and convenience sites to Ampol’s network, dramatically expanding its national footprint and giving it greater control over retail margins.

Investors wasted no time applauding the move, sending Ampol shares nearly 10% higher on the day the deal was announced. Management says the acquisition should boost both earnings and free cash flow, assuming it completes by mid-2026.

To support the transaction, Ampol has also rolled out a $500 million delayed-draw subordinated notes facility. That’s clearly a sign the board is confident in its capital management strategy.

Convenience retail and refining tailwinds

The EG deal isn’t the only reason traders are piling in. Markets are also pricing in improving refining margins and a resilient performance from Ampol’s convenience retail division.

Ampol’s diversified business spans refining, fuel marketing and distribution across Australia and New Zealand, supported by an extensive network of service stations and convenience stores. It also sells lubricants and specialty products and is steadily building exposure to EV charging and low-carbon energy solutions.

These segments have helped cushion the impact of softer global refining conditions. About 60% of Ampol’s earnings are linked to its fuel retail and convenience stores, and roughly 40% to the more cyclical refining business.

Recent quarterly updates have shown stronger refiners’ margins linked to broader crude and product crack improvements, giving Ampol shares another nudge higher.

Brokers still see more upside

Despite the rally in the past 6 months, analysts aren’t hitting the brakes just yet. While refining margins remain cyclical and sensitive to crude price swings — and debt levels still demand discipline — broker sentiment remains broadly positive.

TradingView data shows most analysts rate Ampol a strong buy, with bullish forecasts as high as $37.40, implying 21% upside. The average 12-month price target sits at $35.02, still pointing to a respectable 13% gain from current levels.

For investors hunting an ASX energy stock with momentum, scale, and a clear growth play, Ampol shares look like it’s still got fuel left in the tank.

The post 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.