As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reviewing the businesses I want to own for the next stage of my investing journey. These will be the ASX 200 stocks I believe can compound value over many years.

One that continues to stand out is Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Despite its exceptional long-term track record, Pro Medicus shares are now trading around 33% below their 52-week high. For a business of this quality, that pullback has caught my attention and is a key reason the stock is firmly on my buy list as we head into 2026.

A best-in-class product

At the heart of the Pro Medicus investment case is its Visage platform, which provides enterprise medical imaging software to hospitals and healthcare systems.

Imaging volumes are increasing, data files are becoming larger, and clinicians are under growing pressure to work more efficiently. Visage is designed to address these challenges by delivering speed, scalability, and reliability in mission-critical environments.

Once implemented, the software becomes deeply embedded in hospital workflows. That creates long-term contracts, high switching costs, and a strong base of recurring revenue. These are exactly the characteristics I look for in a long-term compounder.

A long runway still ahead

What I find particularly compelling is how much opportunity remains.

Pro Medicus continues to expand its footprint in North America, the world’s largest healthcare market, and management has confirmed that much of the revenue from recently signed contracts is still to be recognised. That provides a visible growth runway into future years.

Importantly, the company is not standing still within radiology alone.

Expanding into cardiology and other “ologies“

The ASX 200 stock has highlighted cardiology as an increasingly important part of the Pro Medicus offering. Cardiology formed a meaningful component of the $170 million UCHealth contract from earlier in 2025.

What stands out is that the cardiology solution is built on the same code base as the Visage platform, rather than being a separate product. This allows customers to operate radiology, cardiology, and other imaging workflows within a single, unified system, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.

Beyond cardiology, Pro Medicus has confirmed it is developing solutions for other clinical areas, including digital pathology. Like cardiology, these offerings are designed to sit within the same cloud-native platform.

Management has framed this expansion as a way to increase the value of existing customer relationships, allowing hospitals to add new capabilities without adopting multiple systems. From an investor’s perspective, this builds directly on the technology and execution the company has already proven.

Exceptional economics support compounding

Growth alone isn’t enough; the quality of that growth matters.

Pro Medicus operates with very high margins, strong cash generation, and minimal capital requirements. Incremental revenue largely flows through to profits, creating powerful operating leverage as the business scales.

That combination of recurring revenue, premium pricing, and disciplined reinvestment is exactly what enables long-term compounding.

Recent pullback improves the risk-reward

There’s no denying Pro Medicus has historically traded on a premium valuation. The market has long recognised the quality of the business.

However, the recent share price pullback has begun to rebalance the equation. While the stock still isn’t cheap, the gap between business quality and market expectations has narrowed, which is something long-term investors should pay attention to.

Foolish takeaway

In my opinion, Pro Medicus is one of the highest-quality stocks on the ASX 200 Index. It has a world-class product, deeply embedded customers, expanding clinical applications, and outstanding financial economics.

With shares well below recent highs, I believe the risk-reward profile has become more attractive for patient investors. As we move into 2026, Pro Medicus is exactly the kind of business I plan to buy and hold for the long term.

The post Why I plan to buy this incredible ASX 200 stock in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Bell Potter names the best ASX 200 growth shares to buy in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the year in a subdued fashion. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 8,707.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

The Aeris Resources share price is up 4% to 59.7 cents. This copper miner’s shares have been pushing higher this week thanks to an announcement relating to its Constellation Project. That announcement revealed that Aeris Resources has been granted development consent from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Commenting on the news, Aeris Resources’ executive chair, Andre Labuschagne, said: “Receiving development consent represents a key milestone for the project.” Labuschagne added: Coupled with our recently declared Open Pit Ore Reserve, this places us in a strong position for Constellation to become the next major ore source for Tritton in the near term. We acknowledge and thank the NSW government for their continued support.”

Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO)

The Cobram Estate Olives share price is up 1.5% to $4.08. This olive oil producer’s shares have been on fire this week thanks to news that it has signed an agreement to acquire California Olive Ranch. It is a leading producer and marketer of Californian extra virgin olive oil. Cobram Estate Olives has agreed to pay a total consideration of US$173.5 million for the acquisition. This comprises cash of US$88.5 million, the issuance of vendor notes worth US$70 million, and an earn-out payment US$15 million. Speaking about the deal, Cobram Estate Olives’ chair, Rob McGavin, said: “The acquisition of California Olive Ranch, Inc., delivers a compelling set of strategic and financial benefits for CBO. It immediately expands our Californian olive growing footprint from approximately ~1,422 hectares to around ~3,292 hectares of planted groves, while accelerating sales growth through the addition of well-established, premium household brands.”

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price is up 3% to $9.42. Last week, this defence and space company announced a binding contract to deliver Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) to a prime contractor for integration onto a major U.S. Army ground combat vehicle. It revealed that the multi-year agreement with General Dynamics Land Systems includes RWS hardware, development, spare parts and training. The initial contract is for US$22m (approximately A$33 million). EOS shares are up over 600% in 2025.

Robex Resources (ASX: RXR)

The Robex Resources share price is up almost 5% to $5.75. This follows news that the gold miner’s shareholders have approved its proposed merger with Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI). Robex’s managing director and CEO, Matthew Wilcox, said: “This has been a defining 10 days for Robex. On December 21, we achieved the first gold pour at Kiniero, and today, December 30, our shareholders approved the merger with Predictive. These two milestones demonstrate our ability to execute and position the combined company for rapid growth.”

The post Why Aeris Resources, Cobram Estate, EOS, and Robex shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ASX gold stock tumbles on big merger news
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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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares have climbed around 10% over the past month, putting the stock back in focus.

The move adds to an already strong year for the miner, with shares rising sharply since April. With the stock now trading near the top of its range, investors are starting to ask what has been driving the strength and whether it can continue.

Big moves in commodity prices, especially lithium

One of the main drivers behind Mineral Resources’ recent momentum has been improving sentiment in the lithium market. Lithium prices in China have climbed sharply in recent weeks, as tighter supply and stronger demand for batteries and electric vehicles support the market.

Lithium remains a core part of Mineral Resources’ business. The company holds major stakes in lithium operations, including Wodgina and Mt Marion. While prices have been volatile in 2025, renewed optimism around future supply tightening and potential shortages has helped lift investor confidence.

Iron ore operations are ramping up

Another big catalyst for the stock is the company’s progress in its iron ore business, particularly at the Onslow Iron Project in Western Australia. Recent operational updates show strong production and a continued ramp-up, which is helping support the company’s revenue base.

Iron ore prices have also remained fairly solid, with ongoing infrastructure and construction demand from Asia supporting the market. This has given diversified miners like Mineral Resources additional earnings support as other parts of the business improve.

Balance sheet moves have reduced risk

Investors have also reacted positively to steps taken to strengthen Mineral Resources’ balance sheet.

Earlier this year, the company announced a deal to sell a 30% stake in its lithium business to POSCO Holdings. The sale brought in fresh cash, which Mineral Resources has used to pay down debt and improve its financial position.

The company has also refinanced parts of its debt and pushed repayment dates further into the future, giving it more flexibility as major projects continue to ramp up.

What are brokers saying?

Broker views on Mineral Resources remain mixed, but sentiment has improved in recent months.

Several analysts have pointed to stabilising lithium prices and strong iron ore performance as reasons for the recent share price strength. Others remain cautious, noting the stock has already had a strong run and commodity prices can change quickly.

Price targets currently sit across a wide range. Morgans has a more conservative view, with a target of $47.40. UBS and Bell Potter are more optimistic, with targets sitting at $58.60 and $59, respectively.

Foolish Takeaway

The Mineral Resources share price has lifted around 10% over the past month for a combination of reasons.

Improving lithium prices, solid iron ore performance, and balance sheet progress have all played a role. Overall, the business looks more stable today than it did earlier in the year, which has helped rebuild investor confidence.

That said, Mineral Resources is still a cyclical mining stock. Future performance will always depend heavily on commodity prices and the company’s continued execution.

After such a strong run, I am happy to keep Mineral Resources on my watchlist rather than chase it higher.

The post Why the Mineral Resources share price is up 10% in a month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Is it too late to buy surging ASX lithium shares like Mineral Resources and Liontown?
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• Up 263% since April are Mineral Resources shares still a good buy today?
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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With most brokers taking a break over the holiday period, there haven’t been many notes hitting the wires.

But never fear! Summarised below are three recent recommendations that remain very relevant today. Here’s what brokers are saying about these ASX shares:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts retained their buy rating on this sports technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $6.50. This followed the release of a strong FY 2025 result which revealed earnings ahead of both guidance and Bell Potter’s expectations. It notes that this strong outcome was driven by a higher than forecast margin. Looking ahead, the broker sees strong double-digit growth in the core business. It believes this will be augmented by the cross-sell opportunity from the recent IMPECT acquisition, as well as potential expansion into other sports. And while it trimmed its valuation, this was to reflect a change in multiples due to the de-rating of the tech sector. The Catapult share price is trading at $4.10 on Wednesday.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

A note out of Macquarie revealed that its analysts retained their outperform rating and $26.10 price target on this supermarket giant’s shares. The broker visited Coles’ food manufacturing facilities and noted that the company has the capacity to manufacture 970 tonnes of cooked products and 1.5 million meals a week. This could be a big deal, as Coles has called out ready-made meals as a key growth area in the future. In addition, Macquarie believes that the company’s supply chain investment, operational execution, and market share gains will support an earnings per share compound annual growth rate of 10% over the next three years. The Coles share price is fetching $21.39 at the time of writing.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Analysts at Morgans upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $40.00. This followed the release of a trading update from Lovisa which covered the first 20 weeks of FY 2026. Morgans noted that the company’s sales and store growth have slowed over the past three months. However, it points out that Lovisa is still growing sales at 20%+, which is impressive given the challenging retail trading conditions. In light of this strong growth and the recent pullback in its share price, Morgans believes now could be a good time to invest in a high quality retailer with a global store rollout opportunity. Especially given that its shares are trading back around their average 10-year forward earnings multiple. This is despite offering a forecast ~20% earnings per share compound annual growth over the next three years. The Lovisa share price is trading at $29.13 today.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

As 2025 draws to a close, Australian investors are taking stock of a year that delivered mixed outcomes across the share market.

If your portfolio was overweight in gold or silver, you likely outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 6.3% for the year (before dividends), as of New Year’s Eve.

But not all investors have shared in that upside. Particularly with some of the Australian share market’s most widely held and well-regarded companies suffering steep declines, badly underperforming the broader index.

Unless there is a miraculous recovery before the market close, here are four prominent Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL entered 2025 as one of the ASX’s most trusted blue chips, but it proved to be a difficult year for shareholders.

At the time of writing, CSL shares are down 39% year to date. This is a sharp reversal for a company that has long been viewed as a defensive growth stalwart. Investor sentiment has been weighed down by a slower-than-expected margin recovery from CSL Behring, weak influenza vaccination demand, and government measures in China reducing demand for albumin.

Despite its long-term track record, CSL’s 2025 performance highlights how even high-quality healthcare leaders are not immune to sell-offs.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie shares have also struggled in 2025, falling 38% over the year.

The building products group has been caught in a challenging global construction environment, particularly in North America, where higher interest rates have dampened housing activity. Rising costs and uncertainty around demand have made investors more cautious, despite James Hardie’s strong market position and brand strength.

The result has been a year of sustained share price weakness, even as the broader market moved higher.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates has been one of the hardest-hit large caps in 2025, with its shares down a staggering 53% year to date.

The wine producer has faced a combination of softer demand, inventory challenges, and ongoing strategic uncertainty. While management has been working through these issues, investors have shown little patience, marking the shares sharply lower as confidence in near-term earnings faded.

Treasury Wine’s performance arguably stands out as one of the most painful declines among well-known Australian consumer brands this year.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global, long considered one of the ASX’s premier growth success stories, has uncharacteristically disappointed investors in 2025.

Its shares are down 45% for the year as founder controversies, insider trading allegations, product launch delays, business model changes, and softer-than-expected growth hit investor sentiment.

While WiseTech continues to operate a high-quality global logistics software platform, it seems that the market has been far less willing to pay up for growth in the current environment.

The post Shocking declines: Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Treasury Wine Estates, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates and WiseTech Global. 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.

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is edging higher on Wednesday. This comes after the logistics software giant released a new update to the market.

At the time of writing, WiseTech shares are changing hands for $68.15, up 0.49%. In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also slightly higher, up 0.1%.

So, let’s dive into what WiseTech had to say to the market today.

What WiseTech agreed to with the ACCC

According to the release, WiseTech confirmed it has voluntarily agreed with the ACCC to sell Expedient Software Pty Ltd, a business held through its Blujay Solutions subsidiary.

The decision forms part of the ACCC’s review of WiseTech’s e2open acquisition, which was completed earlier in 2025. Importantly, the company stressed that Expedient represents a very small and immaterial part of the wider WiseTech group.

Expedient employs fewer than 30 staff and contributes less than 0.4% of WiseTech’s FY26 revenue guidance. Its operations are primarily based in Australia and New Zealand.

WiseTech said the divestment does not reflect competition concerns in the Australian market. Instead, it is a voluntary step designed to address the ACCC’s questions and allow the company to move forward without distraction.

What it means for WiseTech’s numbers

From a numbers perspective, WiseTech was clear that the sale will not impact its FY26 revenue guidance, which remains unchanged.

The final financial outcome will depend on the sale price and completion timing. However, management expects the overall impact on WiseTech’s financial results to be immaterial.

The company did flag a likely one-off, non-cash goodwill write-down of between US$5 million and US$20 million once the transaction completes. While this may affect reported earnings in the year of sale, it does not impact cash flow or the underlying operating performance of the business.

What the company is focused on next

The bigger picture for investors is that this announcement helps clear the way for WiseTech to focus on its long-term strategy.

Management reiterated that e2open remains a core part of WiseTech’s growth plans, strengthening its position across global trade management and supply chain execution.

WiseTech’s ambition to build the operating system for global trade remains unchanged. With regulatory uncertainty easing, attention now shifts back to execution, integration, and delivering value from recent acquisitions.

Foolish Takeaway

For long-term investors, WiseTech’s fundamentals remain intact. The business continues to lead global logistics software, invest in its products, and expand across global supply chains.

With regulatory distractions now largely out of the way, management can focus on running the business.

I believe the current WiseTech share price represents extremely good value for patient investors.

The post Why WiseTech shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shocking declines: Australian shares that disappointed investors in 2025
• 10 ASX shares I would buy in 2026
• Will the WiseTech share price crash again in 2026?
• These ASX 200 growth shares could be much bigger in 2035
• Down over 40% this year, could these 3 ASX shares bounce back in 2026?

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

The start of a new year is often when investors reassess their portfolios and look to put fresh capital to work.

January 2026 will be no different. With markets coming off a volatile period and valuations resetting across several sectors, selectively buying high-quality ASX 200 shares could prove rewarding over the long term.

But which shares could be top picks for a $10,000 investment? Let’s look at three that analysts rate as buys:

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is one of Australia’s quiet global success stories. While it is listed locally, the vast majority of its revenue is generated offshore, particularly in North America and Europe. This gives investors international exposure while still buying an ASX 200 stock.

The company has built a premium brand around kitchen appliances, with a strong focus on innovation and design. Products such as espresso machines, air fryers, and food processors continue to resonate with consumers who are willing to pay for quality.

It is the coffee side of the business which is getting analysts at Macquarie most excited. In fact, the broker believes the coffee business will underpin 10%+ per annum revenue growth between FY 2025 and FY 2028.

In light of this, Macquarie has put an outperform rating and $39.20 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of over 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The team at Ord Minnett thinks that Macquarie Group could be a great pick for investors in January.

It is one of the most diversified financial shares on the ASX 200. Often described as a global asset manager rather than a traditional bank, Macquarie generates earnings from infrastructure, renewables, commodities, and financial markets across the world. This diversification has helped it navigate different market cycles better than most financial peers.

And while its performance this year has been slightly underwhelming, management remains very positive on its long-term growth outlook. So, with its shares down meaningfully from their highs, Ord Minnett thinks that now could be a good time to invest.

It has a buy rating and $255.00 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 25% is possible between now and this time next year.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

A final ASX 200 share to consider for a $10,000 investment is Woodside.

It is one of the world’s largest energy producers with a collection of world class assets from across the globe.

Energy prices can be volatile, but Woodside’s scale and low costs leave it better positioned than most to navigate weaker periods and prosper during booms.

Morgans thinks it could be a top option for investors looking for energy exposure. It currently has a buy rating and $30.60 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Where to invest $10,000 into ASX 200 shares in January 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI) shares are ending the year on a disappointing note.

In morning trade, the ASX gold stock is down 4% to 73.5 cents.

Why is this ASX gold stock tumbling?

Investors have been selling the gold miner’s shares despite the release of an update on its proposed merger with Robex Resources (ASX: RXR).

According to the release, Robex Resources shareholders have approved the merger of the two gold miners at a special meeting overnight.

The ASX gold stock highlights that Robex shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of the transaction. In fact, a total of 94.54% of votes recorded were in favour of the merger.

It notes that this satisfies one of the outstanding closing conditions under the arrangement agreement between Predictive Discovery and Robex Resources. That condition was at least 66% of the votes cast by Robex shareholders voting in person or by proxy at the meeting were in favour.

Though, there are still a few boxes to tick before the merger completes. Management points out that closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the remaining closing conditions, including the approval of the Superior Court of Quebec and receipt of the key regulatory approvals. The latter include the consent of the Government of Guinea and the consent of the Government of Mali.

But if everything goes to plan, the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2026.

Commenting on the news, the ASX gold stock’s CEO and managing director, Andrew Pardey, said:

We are delighted with the strong support shown by Robex shareholders for the Transaction, which has the potential to create significant value for shareholders of the combined company. The Transaction consolidates two of the largest, lowest cost and most advanced gold projects in West Africa – Bankan and Kiniero – within a combined group with the execution capability and funding strength to grow into a significant gold producer with expected production of more than 400,000oz per annum1 by 2029.

The Robex team has done an outstanding job of developing Kiniero, recently achieving first gold pour on time and budget and now progressing through ramp-up towards commercial production. We are looking forward to the team turning their focus to the development of Bankan post completion of the Transaction, with 2026 shaping up as an exciting year for the combined company to advance its strategy of building a leading West African gold producer.

Why are its shares falling?

There are a few reasons why this could be the case. It could be that some investors hold shares in both companies and are now selling one holding to diversify. Alternatively, some investors may not be a fan of the plan and are exiting positions.

A third reason is that some traders may believe that Robex Resources shares are better value and are selling their Predictive Discovery shares to buy them for exposure to the merger. It is worth highlighting that Robex shares are up 4% on the news.

The post ASX gold stock tumbles on big merger news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

After a strong rally through to the end of 2025, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is still trading close to its record high. But there are concerns emerging that the index is overheating, with stretched valuations indicating we could face an ASX market crash in 2026. 

After big share price rallies, markets are even more vulnerable to sharp corrections if investor confidence starts to waver. 

At the same time, news that the Reserve Bank could keep interest rates on hold (or even hike) for longer than planned puts pressure on household spending and company profits.

And all this is on the backdrop of ongoing global uncertainty, such as trade disruptions, increasing tension between the US and China, and the risk of war and conflict between countries or regions.

There’s no telling exactly what will happen in 2026. But for investors concerned that an ASX market crash is coming, here are two ASX stocks I’d buy and one I’d sell.

2 ASX stocks I’d buy in 2026

As one of Australia’s largest and most established supermarket businesses, Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) is high up on my list. 

It’s an oligopoly, with supermarket rival Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), meaning the two supermarkets have significant power over the Australian grocery sector. The latest Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) estimates indicate that Woolworths accounts for approximately 38% of Australia’s nationwide supermarket grocery sales.

Both businesses are defensive stocks that will consistently experience relatively stable demand for their products throughout every part of the economic cycle. After all, everyone needs to eat! 

If I had to pick between the two, I’d go for Woolworths. 

Coles has been a strong performer this year, and it looks like its ongoing growth strategy has paid off. But I’m concerned that its share price has reached a ceiling a few months ago and will continue to correct from its peak. Meanwhile, after a more subdued 2025, Woolworths has much more room for growth throughout the next 12 months.

Another ASX stock I’d buy in 2026 is Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Again, the stock is defensive, which makes it a great option when facing a potentially unstable market. The company operates toll roads, which have stable traffic volumes, meaning it generates a resilient cash flow regardless of the economic conditions. 

1 ASX stock I’d sell ahead of a market crash

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) is one I’d sell if a market crash looked imminent. The business and its revenue depend heavily on fund flows, performance fees, and market valuations, which means it is very cyclical.

It’s vulnerable in a market crash because its revenue is tightly tied to market sentiment, economic conditions (like rate rises), and investor confidence.

The Australian-based funds manager revealed its group earnings in October. It announced an increase in total assets under management (AUM) to $40.2 billion. But this followed the company’s fiscal year results, which showed operating profit was 5% higher, but its net profit after tax was down a huge 31%. I think the tide has already begun turning for this ASX stock.

The post 2 buys and 1 sell for investors worried about an ASX market crash in 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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When markets become volatile, it’s natural to feel uneasy. Sharp share price swings, alarming headlines, and endless predictions can make investing feel more stressful than it needs to be.

In times like these, I’m not looking for the fastest-growing shares or the next big trend. Instead, I would focus on Australian shares with essential services, predictable cash flows, and long-term relevance. These are the kind of companies I would be comfortable holding even when markets turn rough.

Here are four Australian shares that I think fit that bill.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group owns and operates some of Australia’s most critical energy infrastructure.

Its portfolio includes more than 15,000 kilometres of gas transmission pipelines, alongside renewable energy assets and gas-fired generation. These assets sit at the heart of Australia’s energy system, servicing governments, utilities, and large industrial customers.

What makes APA appealing during volatile periods is the stability of its earnings. Energy transport and infrastructure don’t disappear during downturns, and long-term contracts help provide reliable cash flows. As Australia navigates the energy transition, APA’s existing assets and future-focused investments give it continued relevance.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is a global toll road owner and operator with assets across Australia and North America.

The company operates 22 toll roads, handling millions of trips each day across major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Washington D.C., and Montreal. Population growth and urban congestion continue to support long-term demand for efficient transport infrastructure.

While traffic volumes can fluctuate in the short term, toll roads tend to deliver resilient, inflation-linked cash flows over time. That makes Transurban the kind of business I’m comfortable owning through market ups and downs.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another Australian share I would be happy to buy now and hold through market volatility is Telstra. It plays an essential role in Australia’s digital infrastructure.

With around 22.5 million retail mobile services and 3.4 million retail bundle and data services, Telstra provides connectivity that households and businesses rely on every day. Mobile phones and internet access are no longer discretionary; they’re necessities.

For investors, Telstra offers exposure to stable demand and a focus on sustainable cash generation. While it’s not a high-growth stock, I believe it can provide reliability and income during volatile market conditions.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

When it comes to defensive businesses, supermarkets are hard to ignore.

Woolworths has been serving Australian customers since 1924 and now reaches around 24 million customers every week. Regardless of economic conditions, people still need to buy groceries, making food retail one of the most resilient sectors in the market.

Although the last 12 months have been challenging for one-off reasons, Woolworths’ scale, supply chain strength, and trusted brands traditionally help it navigate inflationary pressures and shifting consumer behaviour better than most. For me, that makes it a core defensive holding.

The post Safe Australian shares to buy now and hold through market volatility appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.