• Why this buy rated $1 billion ASX All Ords share is tipped to leap 22%

    Woman stepping on big rock in a lake.

    ASX All Ords share BCI Minerals Ltd (ASX: BCI) has delivered some outsized gains in 2025.

    BCI Minerals shares closed up 1.3% yesterday, trading for 38.5 cents each, giving the company a market cap of $1.1 billion.

    That sees shares in the ASX miner, which is primarily focused on producing potash and salt, up 42.6% year to date. To put those gains in some context, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 4.9% over this same period.

    And according to wealth manager Euroz Hartleys, which has as speculative buy rating on the ASX All Ords share, the stock is well-placed to deliver more outperformance in the year ahead.

    If you’re not familiar with BCI Minerals, the miner owns the Mardie Salt Project, located in Western Australia. The project spans around 115 kilometres on the Pilbara coast. It will the third largest salt project in the world on completion, and the largest in Australia.

    The company is targeting its first salt shipment in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2026.

    Should you buy the surging ASX All Ords share today?

    BCI reported its first quarter (Q1 FY 2026) results on 23 October.

    Commenting on those results, which saw the ASX All Ords share close up 2.7% on the day, BCI Minerals managing director David Boshoff said, “During the September quarter, we delivered strong operational performance and solid construction momentum at Mardie, with all ponds approaching capacity.”

    He added, “We embedded new technology on site, providing valuable data in real time, allowing us to monitor operations and better plan for the future.”

    Euroz Hartleys was also pleased with the results.

    The wealth manager noted, “Salt development construction now 74% complete, with total expenditure of $1,221m to date. On track for First Salt on Ship (FSOS) milestone end-CY26.”

    On the cost front, Euroz Hartleys said, “Importantly BCI outlines remaining estimated construction cost at $441 million, covered comfortably by available funding of $676 million.”

    And Euroz Hartleys expects BCI will be able to achieve higher future prices for its salt exports.

    According to the wealth manager:

    Salt import pricing (CFR: US$50/t to Asia ex-China, US$48/t to China) through the Jun’Q remained robust, although slight decrease QoQ (~-5%) due to lower freight costs (to Indonesia from Australia) and lower quality product (to China from India) impacting average prices. We assume LT US$60/t CFR with US$11.2/t freight costs

    Connecting the dots, Euroz Hartleys said, “BCI is at an attractive entry point just over 12 months out from first salt sales, with the major development executing nicely, on track of timing schedule and budget.”

    The wealth manager has a price target of 47 cents on the ASX All Ords share. That’s more than 22% above Thursday’s closing price.

    The post Why this buy rated $1 billion ASX All Ords share is tipped to leap 22% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BCI Minerals 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 BCI Minerals 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.

  • How to get Florence and the Machine tickets: How much are seats, dates, and prices

    When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

    Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine performs at Day 3 at Cala Mijas Festival 2023 on September 02, 2023 in Mijas, Spain

    While many people handle grief in private, Florence and the Machine processed hers in an album released on Halloween. Some fans got a taste when the band performed “Sympathy Magic” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. It’s an enchanting series of songs that make you feel like you’re meandering deep through a forest, encountering mythical beings before getting on a dark horse and clomping straight through the fog and shadows of grief straight through to heaven itself. To say that the album is a journey is an understatement. It is otherworldly and ethereal. Excitingly, fans can experience it all, live, and I'm here to help by breaking down how to get Florence and the Machine tickets.

    Even if you’re not yet a fan of the new album, Florence and the Machine have had several hits over the years. While not all of them are quite as witchy or grief-ridden as this one was, Florence Welch’s voice brings you through powerful moments that will inspire you to make your way through it to the other side, from "Dog Days Are Over" to "Shake It Out."

    Florence and the Machine are going on tour again next year. I'm here to bring you tips on how to have an experience that will leave you feeling an echo afterward. Come check out how to get the best deals on tickets from StubHub and VividSeats.

    Florence and the Machine’s 2026 tour schedule

    Florence and the Machine announced the coming concerts a week before they announced their new album: "Everybody Screams." The tour is highly anticipated among fans who have become enchanted with the recent Halloween album drop.

    The band is playing in several major cities and venues across the United States. In cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, they’ll be there for a couple of days to help ensure that more fans can hear them before they move on to the next location.

    Several of the stops along the tour are paired with other artists.

    North America

    Date City StubHub prices Vivid Seats prices
    April 8, 2026 * Minneapolis, MN $78 $70
    April 10, 2026 * Chicago, IL $89 $88
    April 11, 2026 Chicago, IL $80 $79
    April 13, 2026 * Detroit, MI $83 $84
    April 18, 2026 † Washington, DC $111 $104
    April 19, 2026 † Boston, MA $147 $139
    April 21, 2026 † New York, NY $90 $87
    April 22, 2026 † New York, NY $117 $113
    April 24, 2026 † Brooklyn, NY $112 $104
    April 25, 2026 † Philadelphia, PN $72 $74
    April 28, 2026 ‡ Tampa, FL $79 $74
    April 29, 2026 ‡ Miami, FL $78 $70
    May 1, 2026 ‡ Atlanta, GA $90 $82
    May 2, 2026 ‡ Nashville, TN $76 $69
    May 4, 2026 ‡ Austin, TX $80 $76
    May 5, 2026 ‡ Houston, TX $84 $78
    May 7, 2026 ‡ Fort Worth, TX $84 $77
    May 9, 2026 § Glendale, AZ $74 $74
    May 12, 2026 § Seattle, WA $113 $107
    May 13, 2026 § Portland, OR $80 $72
    May 15, 2026 § San Francisco, CA $93 $83
    May 19, 2026 § Los Angeles, CA $110 $102
    May 20, 2026 § Los Angeles, CA $110 $102

    International

    Date City StubHub prices Vivid Seats prices
    February 6, 2026 Belfast, Ireland £270 $293
    February 8, 2026 Birmingham. England £132 $455
    February 9, 2026 Glasgow, Scotland £155 $128
    February 11, 2026 Newcastle Upon Tyne, England £108 $175
    February 13, 2026 Liverpool. England £205 $230
    February 14, 2026 Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England £120 $206
    February 16, 2026 London, England £118 $134
    February 17, 2026 London, England £114 $147
    February 20, 2026 Manchester, England £112 $156
    February 22, 2026 Paris, France N/A $468
    February 26, 2026 Cologne, Germany $198 $432
    March 2, 2026 Wien, Austria $149 N/A
    March 4, 2026 Munich, Germany $220 $425
    March 5, 2026 Prague, Czech Republic $167 N/A
    March 7, 2026 Krakow, Poland $185 N/A
    March 9, 2026 Berlin, Germany $230 $539
    April 15, 2026 * Montreal, Quebec, Canada $85 N/A
    April 16, 2026 Toronto, Ontario, Canada $118 N/A
    July 3, 2026 Milan, Italy $124 N/A
    August 24, 2026 Edinburgh, Scotland £181 $164

    * Indicates a tour date shared with Rachel Chinouriri.

    † Indicates a tour date shared with Sofia Isella.

    ‡ Indicates a tour date shared with CMAT.

    § Indicates a tour date shared with Mannequin Pussy.


    How to buy tickets for Florence and the Machine’s 2026 concert tour

    Florence and the Machine tickets went on presale recently. This gives aspiring concertgoers a lot of options for possibly snagging seats, with tickets up for grabs on Ticketmaster as well as on StubHub and VividSeats.

    There is one festival appearance scheduled during the tour on Friday, July 3, 2026. That appearance in Milan is part of the I Days, a major festival that takes place annually in Italy.

    Some tickets are available to purchase via StubHub’s UK ticketing portal. Those tickets are priced in British currency to reflect that.

    The most expensive tickets currently are for the France and Germany shows. They are hundreds of dollars more than any of the other dates. When I researched purchasing tickets outside the United States, I found information stating that tariffs were in place that could be applied. Shoppers will want to be mindful of this when budgeting their spending.

    How much are tickets?

    Currently, resale tickets are not tremendously more expensive than their original counterparts, but it’s still early. We are in the pre-sale after all.

    The price ranges for tickets are quite substantial, even for the cheapest tickets. The lowest tickets are about $70 on a handful of dates. They can then reach upward of a couple of hundred dollars for tickets on Stubhub, to over $500 for the highest-priced tickets on VividSeats.

    That said, while I did find affordable tickets, I also found expensive ones. For example, if someone wanted to go to the show on May 20th in really good available seats in a lower bowl corner area of Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, they’d be looking at paying over $2,500 a ticket. While those are good seats, they aren’t even the top tier for the venue. Concert suite tickets at the Kia Forum can range between $5,000 and $15,000. People drop serious money going to events there and spare no expense to see their favorite performers. There is a huge difference not only in cost but in the experience itself when there.

    Who is opening for Florence and the Machine’s tour?

    Florence and the Machine is sharing the tour with a few other artists. The paired bands are marked with their corresponding dates on the charts above. The artists going with Florence and the Machine are: *Rachel Chinouriri in the early April dates, †Sofia Isella in mid April, ‡CMAT in the later April to early May dates, and §Mannequin Pussy for May dates.

    Florence and the Machine are the big name for the date that they are headlining the Italian festival scheduled in July.

    Will there be international tour dates?

    There are lots of opportunities to see Florence and the Machine internationally. In fact, some of the tour's biggest shows are international dates.

    When was the Florence and the Machine presale?

    Tickets for Florence and the Machine went on sale via presale from November 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET to noon ET. This presale was special for American Express (AMEX) holders, as you had to pay for your tickets using an American Express card. An American Express gift card did not work for purchases. A select number of tickets were available with this pre-sale. The artist presale of tickets was also on November 3, 2025, and November 4, 2025. This was open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday and was available to fans who had signed up through the artist's website. Tickets for the show officially go on sale to the general public on November 5, 2025.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a reasonably positive session and edged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.15% to 8,592 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 rise again

    The Australian share market looks set to jump on Friday following a mixed night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 100 points or 1.15% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 1.4% and the S&P 500 is 0.2% higher, but the Nasdaq is down 0.2%.

    Oil prices tumble

    It could be a poor finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.45% to US$57.61 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.45% to US$61.31 a barrel. Optimism over Russia-Ukraine peace talks put pressure on oil prices.

    Buy Netwealth shares

    Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares are in the buy zone according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker upgraded the investment platform provider’s shares to a buy rating with a $31.50 price target. It said: “Upgrade to Buy. First Guardian is an overhang, but if net flows are maintained then the company is on-track to beating guidance and maybe consensus. Against this backdrop there continues to be noise – KKR is looking to exit CFS and Macquarie has disrupted its flows – so we view FY26 as a good setup and upgrade based on valuation, where NWL has averaged an EV/EBITDA multiple of 33x. The last traded price implies 29x our blended FY26-27 estimates.”

    Gold price jumps

    ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price jumped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.9% to US$4,303.9 an ounce. The precious metal has risen since the US Federal Reserve cut rates again.

    NAB AGM

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares will be on watch today when it becomes the second big four bank to hold its annual general meeting this week. It is possible that the bank will provide the market with an update on recent trading. Today is also pay day for NAB shareholders, with the bank scheduled to pay its fully franked 85 cents per share dividend today.

    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 Limited right now?

    Before you buy Evolution Mining 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 Evolution Mining 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 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 Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • A top Australian dividend stock with a 12% yield to buy in December 2025

    A golden egg with dividend cash flying out of it

    The ASX is home to many top Australian dividend stocks. From Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) to Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), the Australian markets offer many companies that have decades of paying fat, fully franked dividends.

    However, many of these dividend stocks have looked better as we survey them at the end of 2025. Some, perhaps Telstra and Westpac, are looking relatively expensive, and thus are offering dividend yields well below their historical averages right now. BHP and Woolies have their own issues, whether that be low commodity prices or minks in their business models that need ironing out.

    That’s why, if I had to choose an Australian dividend stock to invest in today, I’d probably go for something like the SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend yield ETF (ASX: SYI).

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF), like most ASX ETFs, holds a basket of underlying shares. In this case, those shares are all strong ASX dividend stocks with a history of providing relatively high yields to investors.

    An ASX dividend stock with a 12.7% yield?

    SYI contains all of the shares mentioned above, as well as Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). All in all, this fund holds just under 60 ASX dividend stocks in a well-diversified income portfolio.

    By investing in such a wide cross-section of the market, SYI can arguably offer the best income on the ASX has to offer, whilst diluting individual company risk.

    Unlike most ASX dividend stocks, the SPDR Australia Select High Dividend Yield ETF pays out four dividend distributions annually. Over 2025, these quarterly payments added up to $3.72 per unit. At the current SYI unit price of $29.23, that translates to a trailing dividend distribution yield of 12.73%.

    Now, before anyone rushes out to secure SYI units thinking they will enjoy a permanent 12.73% yield on their cash going forward, investors need to keep in mind that the dividend income from an ETF like this can fluctuate dramatically from year to year. The dividends received from this ETF’s underlying holdings largely dictate what the fund itself can pay out. Not to mention the erratic profits that can stem from this ETF’s periodic rebalancing.

    To illustrate this inconsistency, SYI units only paid out $1.07 per unit over 2024, down significantly from that $3.72 enjoyed over 2025. Even so, if this were repeated in 2026, it would give this ASX ETF a yield of 3.66%.

    Despite this unpredictable income stream, I think this Australian ETF would be a great investment for anyone who prioritises dividend income from their ASX shares today.

    The post A top Australian dividend stock with a 12% yield to buy in December 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund right now?

    Before you buy SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund 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 SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund 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 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX financial shares to sell and 1 to buy: experts

    A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.

    ASX financial shares closed higher on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) up 0.29% to 9,030.7 points.

    By comparison, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.15%.

    The financials index has fallen 9.5% since it peaked at a historical high of 9,978.4 points in October.

    The steeply declining Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has contributed to the sector’s fall.

    Not to mention the sharp turnaround on interest rate expectations due to resurgent inflation and economic growth.

    The markets are now pricing in a 27% chance of a rate hike after the next Reserve Bank meeting on 3 February.

    Let’s check out some new broker recommendations on ASX financial shares.

    2 ASX financial shares to sell

    On The Bull this week, experts reveal two ASX financial shares to sell now.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    The QBE share price closed at $19.15 on Thursday, down 0.1% for the day and down 18.3% over the past six months.

    Jabin Hallihan from Family Financial Solutions has a sell rating on QBE.

    Hallihan explains:

    Shares [are] trading at a premium to our fair value estimate of $16.50, despite falling from its June highs.

    In our view, the company faces margin pressure from pricing competition, so we recommend investors reduce holdings, while monitoring claims trends and premium rates.

    Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

    The Medibank Private share price closed at $4.67 yesterday, up 0.21% for the day and up 23% in the year to date (YTD).

    Blake Halligan from Catapult Wealth has a sell rating on the ASX financial share.

    Halligan notes the stock’s significant fall from $5.26 per share on 21 August.

    He says:

    The Federal Government is attempting to encourage private health insurers to increase payments to private hospitals.

    Net profit after tax of $500.8 million in fiscal year 2025 was up a modest 1.7 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

    Profit before tax of $728.8 million was up 2.4 per cent.

    The risk of increasing cost pressures paints a challenging outlook.

    1 ASX financial stock to buy

    Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR)

    The Tyro Payments share price closed at $1 on Thursday, up 0.5% for the day and up 21% in the YTD.

    Hallihan has a buy rating on the ASX financial stock.

    He explains:

    The company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance for normalised gross profit of between $230 million and $240 million and an EBITDA margin of between 28.5 per cent and 30 per cent.

    Tyro is launching a new banking platform to boost merchant adoption. Tyro’s modern technology and strong performance support growth.

    Shares remain below our fair value estimate of $1.30, so we recommend accumulating the stock.

    The post 2 ASX financial shares to sell and 1 to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in QBE Insurance right now?

    Before you buy QBE Insurance 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 QBE Insurance 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 recommended Tyro Payments. 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.

  • Ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for 2026. Here’s my No. 1 pick.

    Investor kissing piggy bank.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Microsoft can endure cyclical slowdowns.
    • Its growth and profitability continue to accelerate.
    • The company is a good value and pays a growing dividend.

    Welcome to the final article in a seven-part series ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for next year.

    To recap, Tesla was in last place, followed by Apple as the sixth seed, Amazon in fifth, Alphabet fourth, Nvidia third, and Meta Platforms second.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »

    Here’s why Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) takes the gold as the best Magnificent Seven stock to buy in 2026, and my top stock from the entire S&P 500 to buy and hold for at least the next three to five years. 

    Microsoft is a high-margin cash cow

    Microsoft doesn’t have as much growth potential as Magnificent Seven names like Nvidia or Tesla. However, what makes it attractive is its ultra high profit margins.

    Data by YCharts.

    Microsoft is the No. 2 player in cloud computing, behind Amazon Web Services. It features a comprehensive suite of integrated software tools, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and AI capabilities through Copilot). Its personal computing products include Surface and Windows-supported devices from a variety of brands. Microsoft owns LinkedIn and GitHub. And it’s a major player in gaming with Xbox and its ownership of Activision Blizzard.

    Mature tech companies often over-diversify and put innovation on the back burner, leading to slower growth and margin compression. Not Microsoft. Its growth is accelerating, and its operating margin is at a 10-year high.

    Delivering results without taking on too much risk

    With a 29.8 forward price-to-earnings ratio, Microsoft isn’t quite as cheap as Meta Platforms, but it’s still reasonably priced within the context of its historical valuation.

    Microsoft also has the best track record of the Magnificent Seven for delivering consistent, high-margin growth and returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

    Its outstanding share count has been ticking down over the years because buybacks have exceeded stock-based compensation. On Sept. 15, management announced a 10% dividend increase — marking the 16th consecutive year the company has boosted its payout. It has the highest yield among the Magnificent Seven at 0.8%.

    Microsoft also has one of the best balance sheets of the Magnificent Seven, ending its most recent quarter with $66.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments net of long-term debt.

    As flawless as it gets

    There are no perfect businesses, but Microsoft is arguably as close as it gets among U.S. companies.

    Going into 2026, the investment thesis has no weaknesses. The company is high-margin, diversified, innovative, and benefits from growth trends across the tech landscape, including AI.

    That means Microsoft is well positioned, regardless of what happens in the years to come.

    If there’s a recession, Microsoft can weather it.

    If there’s a sustained AI boom, it will benefit.

    If Microsoft-backed OpenAI loses market share to Alphabet’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude, the company can still thrive.

    Microsoft may not produce the largest gains of the Magnificent Seven over the next three to five years, but it is by far the best positioned to consistently outperform the S&P 500 over the long term.

    Add it all up, and Microsoft has the potential to be a foundational holding for both growth and value investors alike. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for 2026. Here’s my No. 1 pick. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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

    Before you buy Microsoft 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 Microsoft 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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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Daniel Foelber has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

    Woman in a hammock relaxing, symbolising passive income.

    Owning ASX dividend shares is one of the most rewarding things about investing in the stock market. However, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares aren’t particularly appealing to me for passive income right now.

    It’s great being able to receive cash flow into bank accounts from our ownership of compelling businesses. I think it’s important to focus on businesses that are at valuations that make sense and to aim for investments that can grow in value.

    CBA is not exactly firing on all cylinders right now. The lending industry is competitive, with this being an impact on both loan growth rates and the margins lenders can achieve.

    In the first quarter of FY26, the bank reported cash net profit after tax (NPAT) of $2.6 billion, representing just 2% year-over-year growth. That’s not a compelling growth rate, nor is the current grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5%, including franking credits, particularly exciting.

    There are quite a few ASX dividend shares I’d rather buy for passive income at the current valuations than CBA shares.

    Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI)

    This business is a fund manager that’s focused on managing commercial properties. While it may be best known for its office and industrial buildings, it’s also involved in areas like real estate finance, healthcare and agriculture.

    I like the diversification of the business and how it’s benefiting from recent interest rate cuts, which is reducing the cost of debt as well as providing a tailwind for the company’s earnings through higher property valuations – this is boosting its ability to generate management fees.

    In terms of passive income, the business paid an annual distribution per security of 10.4 cents in FY25, meaning it currently has a distribution yield of 4.9%.

    The business is expecting to grow its operating earnings per security (OEPS) by 10% in FY26, which is a much stronger growth rate than what I’m expecting in FY26 from CBA.

    I think this ASX dividend share is likely to deliver a stronger total shareholder return than CBA shares over the next three to five years. If the business continues making compelling property acquisitions, then it could be a pleasing market-beater, in my view.

    WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ)

    Commonwealth Bank is heavily concentrated on the Australian (and New Zealand) economy. Why not look at investments that help provide global earnings diversification?

    This exchange-traded fund (ETF) aims to invest in a portfolio of between 20 to 40 stocks that are quality global companies, primarily in the high-growth areas of consumer, technology and healthcare sectors.

    The fund targets an annualised dividend yield of 5% for investors, which is a stronger yield than what CBA shares currently provide.

    WCM looks for businesses that have expanding competitive advantages/economic moats and wants to see the businesses have a corporate culture that support the expansion of the economic moat.

    The strength and performance of these underlying businesses have allowed the WCMQ ETF to deliver an average return per year of 15.9% over the last five years. That implies good growth of the ETF’s net asset value (NAV), allowing for a growing distribution from the ASX dividend share.

    Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future investment performance. But, with a global share market to hunt for ideas, the future looks promising. Its three largest holdings are currently AppLovin, Taiwan Semiconductor and Amazon.

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Centuria Capital Group right now?

    Before you buy Centuria Capital Group 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 Centuria Capital Group 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

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

    More reading

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

  • Menopause treatment is getting personal

    A photo collage featuring a close-up image of a woman using a portable fan, a women's hand with pills, and a transforming treatment pattern.
    • Women experiencing menopause have long weathered uncomfortable symptoms in silence.
    • Advancements in menopause care include personalized hormone therapy, telehealth support, and non-hormonal therapies.
    • This article is part of "Transforming Treatments," a series on medical innovations that save time, money, or discomfort.

    For decades, menopause has been treated like a medical nuisance to be managed silently. Women, knowing it's taboo to talk about, have quietly dealt with symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, restless nights, brain fog, mood swings, and plummeting libido.

    "We've had a two-sided problem that is being unraveled: patients who have been left to suffer and providers who have been left without education," Jessica Nazzaro, a board-certified OBGYN, certified menopause practitioner, and a medical advisor for at-home hormone tracking company Mira, told Business Insider. Patients now "know they are not alone, not crazy, and can find help."

    Today, many can test their hormone levels at home, talk to menopause specialists online, and get personalized prescriptions shipped directly to their doors.

    This shift marks a reimagining of how women navigate their midlife years. Once dismissed as an inevitable decline, menopause is now treated as another phase of health — one that can be supported, studied, and optimized.

    Hormone therapy gets a makeover

    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — which restores a patient's levels of estrogen, progesterone, or both to relieve menopause symptoms — was once the only solution women could turn to for things like night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.

    Then came the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002, a long-term national study on preventing breast and colorectal cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, which found that HRT could increase cancer risk.

    Prescriptions plummeted, and stigma spiked.

    In the years after, a group of doctors and researchers revisited the study and found it to be flawed because of its narrow scope. The WHI, which looked at disease risk in postmenopausal women, did not include vaginal estrogen, for example.

    Experts now tend to advocate for personalized treatment plans and say that cancer risk depends on the type of hormones used and the duration of treatment.

    "We've learned that HRT is indeed protective of heart health, brain health, and bone health. It does not cause breast cancer, as was publicized by the WHI, but rather can proliferate an estrogen-sensitive tumor in the breast or other tissue," Nazzaro said.

    According to Dr. Kathleen Green, an OB-GYN at Maven Clinic, "More recent studies show that for most women, the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks."

    Starting hormone therapy closer to the onset of menopause — typically before age 60 or within 10 years of entering menopause — can help alleviate symptoms and improve bone health.

    The biggest change? Personalization. Doctors now consider a woman's age, symptoms, medical history, and time since menopause to determine the best form and dose of HRT — whether it's a pill, patch, gel, vaginal cream, or ring.

    Tech makes menopause more manageable

    As more women demand better care, tech companies are offering to meet them where they are. At-home hormone testing tools like Mira and Proov can track users' hormone levels and turn them into personalized scores and cycle insights.

    According to Nazzaro, Mira's device tracks hormonal shifts with lab-level accuracy and "helps women see patterns in their own cycles, understand which stage of menopause they're in, and make informed decisions about symptom management, lifestyle adjustments, or treatments."

    Dr. Sophia Yen, the CEO and cofounder of Pandia Health, is a fan of Mira and told Business Insider that it's seamless to use — you simply collect your urine in a cup — and it provides "lab-grade results," all from the comfort of your home.

    Telehealth companies such as Midi, Gennev, Pandia Health, and Winona provide virtual appointments with menopause-trained clinicians — such as board-certified OB/GYNs and doctors who are also NASM-certified menopause practitioners. Pandia Health also offers asynchronous telemedicine, where women can message doctors without face or voice contact — establishing a safe space to share their concerns.

    Beyond hormones: New options for symptom relief

    Even with the rise of personalized HRT, some women can't or prefer not to take hormones — especially breast cancer survivors. That's driving innovation in non-hormonal therapies.

    In 2025, the FDA approved Lynkuet, a gel capsule from Bayer that blocks brain receptors responsible for hot flashes. In clinical trials of more than 700 women, it cut the frequency of hot flashes within a week.

    "Many cannot or will not take hormones, so Lynkuet could be a wonderful option," Alyssa Dweck, the chief medical officer at Bonafide Health, told Business Insider.

    Other new options include estetrol, a natural estrogen steroid pill, which is designed to address hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and loss of bone mass. Vaginal estrogen creams and suppositories that treat dryness, itching, and irritation can also help.

    After years of debate, the FDA recently removed the "black box" warning — the FDA's highest issued safety label — from estrogen-related products. The move could make women feel more comfortable using these medications, Nazzaro said.

    "I've had patients who pick up their prescription for vaginal estrogen after a thorough discussion and decide not to use it specifically because of the black box warning," Nazzaro told Business Insider.

    Doctors say the shift isn't just happening among menopausal women — it's starting earlier.

    "I have women in their 30s presenting to my office wanting to understand what they might anticipate when they enter perimenopause," Dweck said. They want to understand "what proactive measures can be taken to avoid distressing symptoms."

    That proactive mindset, paired with more tools and data, could redefine menopause care for the next generation.

    "I feel incredibly optimistic," Dweck said.

    The bottom line in menopause care

    Staying open-minded to emerging research and aware of the risks and benefits of new therapies is crucial to navigating this phase of life, said Dweck. She suggested being proactive and educating yourself about menopause with credible sources like The Menopause Society.

    Certain lifestyle adjustments like exercise, nutrition, and sleep can also make a major difference and support treatments like hormone therapy, non-hormonal drugs, or clinically studied supplements, Dweck said.

    And remember — although the menopause care market offers many products that are touted as "solutions," they may not have solid scientific evidence to support their claims.

    "Product labels can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing, and for this reason, a comprehensive discussion with an experienced healthcare provider about indications for use, risks, benefits, and specific use instructions is warranted," Dweck said.

    She recommended considering personal needs based on symptoms, medical and family history, medications, and lifestyle habits. There's no one-size-fits-all approach or experience when it comes to menopause.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Prosecutors need more time to deal with pandemic fraud. A top senator says Democrats are blocking a bill to give it to them.

    Senator Joni Ernst at a podium
    Senator Joni Ernst

    • The deadline is approaching for prosecutors to file fraud chagres related to $43 billion in pandemic aid spending.
    • Senator Joni Ernst says her Democratic counterpart is blocking a bill to give them five more years.
    • Watchdogs previously flagged the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and a restaurant bailout fund.

    The top Republican on the Senate Small Business Committee said Democrats are blocking a measure to give federal prosecutors more time to investigate bailouts for restaurants and the live-entertainment industry.

    Senator Joni Ernst said Senator Ed Markey is holding up her bill that would give investigators until at least 2031 to file charges for defrauding the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund or the $14.5 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.

    "We are not getting a lot of cooperation coming from our Ranking Member, Markey, and the Senate Democrats," Ernst told Business Insider. "I'm not very optimistic that it's going to happen, and it's very, very frustrating."

    Markey's office declined to respond to a request for comment.

    Less than two weeks remain for the Senate to pass the legislation, which would enable the bill to move to the president's desk and possibly be signed into law.

    It's not clear whether Ernst has formally sought unanimous consent to pass the statute-of-limitations extender bill because the process can take place informally, off the Senate floor. It's possible the measure could be passed next year, though the deadline to prosecute some SVOG fraud cases could lapse as soon as April 8.

    Business Insider documented how over $200 million from the SVOG program went to celebrities who used taxpayer money for private jets, lavish parties, luxury clothes, and other questionable spending.

    Investigators haven't accused any of those recipients of wrongdoing, and most of the grants discussed in BI's stories were closed out by the Small Business Administration.

    Mike Galdo, a former prosecutor who focused on pandemic fraud, said the bill could give agents, analysts, and prosecutors more time to build cases.

    "Given some of the ambiguity in the language in the SVOG statute and regulations, as well as enforcement priorities other than fraud taking center stage for this Administration, it is unclear how many additional SVOG-related enforcement matters will be brought," he said in an email.

    Ernst said Democrats preferred to "rant and rail" against President Donald Trump. At a committee hearing for SBA matters on December 10, Markey accused Republicans of waging "an all-out assault" on an SBA program that sets aside billions of dollars in federal contracts for small businesses owned by women and racial and ethnic minorities.

    Christmas crunch time in Congress

    A similar bill to extend the statute of limitations for the SVOG program and the restaurant fund has already passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

    Both Ernst and Markey have pointed fingers across the aisle for delaying their legislative priorities. Ernst yesterday sought unanimous consent to pass a bill that would have clawed back more than $65 billion in unspent COVID relief funds, a measure that was blocked by Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat. And Markey blamed Republicans for blocking a one-year extension of two programs that dole out billions in grants to tech-oriented small businesses.

    Representative Gil Cisneros, a Democratic congressman from California, said earlier this month that the SBA's inspector-general has 31 open Restaurant Revitalization Fund cases and six open Shuttered Venue Operators Grant cases.

    A spokesman for the SBA's inspector-general's office didn't respond to a request for comment about those numbers.

    The two programs cut checks of up to $10 million meant to support businesses that had been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, as waves of the deadly virus and government stay-at-home orders led businesses dependent on in-person gatherings to struggle.

    Government auditors faulted the SBA over its internal controls, and the combined total of fraud and waste in those and other pandemic programs may exceed $400 billion. Prosecutions have barely scratched the surface compared to the scale of the suspected fraud, but some misspent money could also be recovered through administrative actions or civil lawsuits.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • How to get Linkin Park tickets: Remaining 2025 and 2026 dates and prices

    When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

    Emily Armstrong of Linkin Park performs at the I-Days Festival at Ippodromo Snai La Maura on June 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy

    Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour continues with a global slate of shows extending into 2026, supporting the band's long‑awaited 8th studio album From Zero. The tour was officially announced on September 5, 2024, when Linkin Park revealed their comeback, introduced new co-lead vocalist Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara and new drummer Colin Brittain, and shared the lead single, "The Emptiness Machine."

    This marks Linkin Park's first full world tour in seven years and their first without former front man Chester Bennington, who tragically died in 2017.

    If you’re looking to catch a piece of the action and see Linkin Park live this year, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our breakdown for how to get tickets for Linkin Park’s 2025 From Zero World Tour, as well as their festival appearances. This will include information on Linkin Park’s tour schedule, purchasing details, and price comparisons between tickets. You can also look at ticket details at your leisure on StubHub and Vivid Seats.

    Linkin Park’s 2025 tour schedule

    Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour spans multiple continents with dates scheduled well into 2026. The global trek follows the band's 2024 reunion and live return, with shows across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In 2026, the tour continues with international stops including the Middle East, India, Australia, and a European leg that runs through stadiums and festivals in Sweden, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland through late June. The run also includes high-profile festival appearances, such as Download Festival and Rock in Rio Lisboa, providing fans around the world with numerous opportunities to see Linkin Park live.

    International

    Date City StubHub prices Vivid Seats prices
    May 29, 2026 Johanneshov, Sweden $59
    June 1, 2026 Hamburg, Germany $136 $267
    June 3, 2026 Hamburg, Germany $132
    June 5-7, 2026* Nurburg, Germany $363
    June 9, 2026 Vienna, Austria $148
    June 11, 2026 Munich, Germany $157 $339
    June 12, 2026 Munich, Germany $157 $351
    June 16, 2026 Lyon, France $260
    June 21, 2026* Lisbon, Portugal $97
    June 23, 2026 Rivas Vaciamadrid, Spain $109 $230
    June 24, 2026 Rivas Vaciamadrid, Spain $95 $164
    June 26, 2026 Firenze, Italy $109
    June 28, 2026 Werchter, Belgium $151
    June 30, 2026 Zurich, Switzerland $202

    * Indicates a music festival Linkin Park will be performing at, in addition to several other artists.

    Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park performs at the opening ceremony before the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany

    How to buy tickets for Linkin Park’s 2025 concert tour

    Original tickets for Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour are available for purchase on Ticketmaster. Tickets can also be purchased from verified resale vendors such as StubHub and Vivid Seats. As the demand for each show varies by location and performance date, you may find better options from resale vendors if you are looking for a specific seating location or are interested in attending a high-demand event.

    How much are Linkin Park tickets?

    Ticket prices for Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour in 2025 and 2026 vary widely depending on the city, venue, and whether tickets are purchased through official sources or secondary marketplaces. Official tickets for tour stops are available through Ticketmaster, as long as they are still in stock. General-admission and standard seats start at different price points, based on demand and location. Verified resale platforms, such as StubHub and Vivid Seats, also list tickets, often at higher prices due to limited availability and market demand.

    On resale marketplaces, the lowest secondary-market prices typically appear for less-in-demand international stops, while larger US and European shows command higher rates. For example, resale listings on StubHub show some 2025 dates with lower prices compared to high-demand stops later in the tour, and Vivid Seats currently shows resale prices starting around the mid-hundreds for select 2026 European dates.

    In addition to standard tickets, many Linkin Park tour stops offer VIP packages through Ticketmaster and partner sites. These may include perks such as early entry, exclusive merchandise, premium seating, and VIP-only experiences. Popular VIP tiers for the From Zero World Tour have ranged from mid-hundreds to higher-end pricing, depending on inclusions and venue, and actual costs can vary by market and availability. Always check the specific event page on Ticketmaster for the most accurate pricing and VIP options before buying, as packages can sell out quickly.

    Who is opening for Linkin Park’s tour?

    Linkin Park’s From Zero World Tour has announced several opening acts for select performances, including Queens of the Stone Age, Spiritbox, AFI, Architects, Grandson, Jean Dawson, JEPG Mafia, and Pvris.

    Will there be international tour dates?

    There are currently 22 international Linkin Park tour dates scheduled, including festival appearances and tour stops on the From Zero World Tour. These dates span South America and Europe, extending through June 2026. Additionally, Linkin Park is scheduled to make a stop in Vancouver, Canada, on September 21, 2025.

    Who is the new Linkin Park singer?

    Linkin Park announced on September 5, 2024, during a livestreamed concert, that Emily Armstrong would join Linkin Park as a co-vocalist, replacing Chester Bennington, who tragically died in 2019. Emily Armstrong, previously the lead vocalist of the group Dead Sara, began collaborating with Linkin Park in 2019 during their six-year hiatus. Armstrong has been praised for her vocal abilities, which complement the established sound of Linkin Park. The group released “From Zero”, their first album with Armstrong as vocalist, on November 15, 2024.

    Read the original article on Business Insider