There are so many ASX shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy above others.

Luckily, the team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of popular options recently.

Two that have fared well are named below. Here’s why the broker is bullish on these names:

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

Morgans is positive on the building products company following its second quarter update. It has a buy rating and $35.50 price target on its shares.

The broker highlights that the details and its outlook were incrementally more positive than previously anticipated and that the bottom of the cycle could be here. In light of this, it sees its current valuation as attractive for investors. It said:

Whilst the headline 2QFY26 result was largely released in early Oct-25, the details and outlook were incrementally more positive than previously anticipated. Upgraded guidance reflects a c.6% organic decline (vs pcp), as a challenging environment sees volume declines exceed price increases.

However, this is better than feared and may prove to be a bottoming in the cycle as demand stabilises. JHX is trading on c.17.1x FY26F as the business navigates its acquisition missteps, earnings downgrades and a challenging consumer environment in North America (NA). However, at EPS of c.U$1.04/sh in FY26 we see upside from both earnings and an undemanding PER (ave PER. 20x). It is on this basis we upgrade to a BUY recommendation and $35.50/sh target price.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another ASX share that Morgans rates highly is data centre operator NextDC. It has a buy rating and $19.00 price target on its shares.

The broker was pleased with recent contract wins, which it believes support its medium term growth forecasts.

And given recent share price weakness, Morgans feels that now could be an opportune time to invest. It said:

NXT has announced that following recent customer contract wins, presumably including a large single customer contract win across multiple locations, its contracted utilisation has increased by 71MW to 316MW as at 1 December 2025. Further contract wins were, and remain in, our forecasts so this mostly underpins our expectations.

However, we upgrade our capex assumptions and lift our FY27/28 EBITDA forecasts by 5%. Our target price remains $19 per share. The share price has declined ~19% in the last three months and given a ~40% differential between the current share price and our $19 target price we upgrade our recommendation to BUY from ACCUMULATE.

The post Why Morgans rates these popular ASX shares as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX artificial intelligence stocks with up to 130% upside in 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. 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.

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

With Warren Buffett about to step down as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B), investors will surely be sad to see the Oracle of Omaha go.

Not only was Buffett a great CEO and investor who delivered outsize returns for Berkshire shareholders over six decades, but he also uniquely viewed the world, which was fascinating to observe when given the opportunity. Buffett also provided many important life lessons, whether in his annual letters to shareholders or in his occasional television appearances.

Naturally, as Buffett got older, many investors wondered if the 95-year-old was still as good as he used to be. After all, not many people work into their 90s, let alone run one of the largest conglomerates in the world. Luckily, there is an easy way to check.

If you’d invested $500 in Berkshire Class B shares a decade ago, here’s how much you would have today.

Berkshire is a different company than it used to be

As Buffett tends to remind investors, Berkshire is quite different from how it used to be, mainly because it is now so large, with an equities portfolio exceeding $300 billion.

This makes it significantly harder for Buffett and his team to move in and out of positions so easily, and Berkshire rarely encounters opportunities large enough that it finds attractive. Still, Berkshire has managed to beat the broader benchmark S&P 500 Index over the past decade.

Data by YCharts.

As you can see above, $500 invested in Berkshire Class B shares a decade ago is now worth $1,868, representing a total return of 274% and just edging out the broader market. I consider this a success, given Berkshire’s size and the market’s strength over the past decade.

With so much of the S&P 500 currently dominated by high-flying artificial intelligence stocks, I’d also consider Berkshire’s stock a safer investment to hold through the business cycle than the broader market. 

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

The post If you’d invested $500 in Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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• With 2026 approaching, Warren Buffett is sending investors 3 clear signals
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• A new leadership group is emerging at Berkshire Hathaway. Here are some changes that could be in store for Warren Buffett’s massive holding company.
• As 2026 gets closer, Warren Buffett’s warning is ringing loud and clear. Here are 3 things investors should do.

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

The Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG) share price is in the red today. This comes after the company released a business update to the market this afternoon.

At the time of writing, Autosports shares are trading around $3.88, down 0.51%. The S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is also drifting lower following a strong Christmas rally.

Here’s what the company had to say.

Major Victorian expansion now complete

According to the release, Autosports has completed the acquisition of 10 Barry Bourke Motors dealerships in Victoria through its wholly owned subsidiary, Autosports Castle Hill.

The dealerships sell a mix of well-known car brands, including Audi, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover, Geely, GMSV, LDV, Peugeot, Renault, and Suzuki. They are located in Berwick and Doncaster, which are two key car retail hubs in Melbourne.

The total cost of the deal was about $32.8 million. This includes around $29 million in goodwill and about $3.8 million for net tangible assets, plant, and equipment.

Autosports paid $14 million of the purchase price by issuing new shares at $4.50 per share. The rest was paid in cash using the company’s existing debt facilities.

Why Autosports wanted these dealerships

This deal supports Autosports’ long-term plan to grow its network of prestige and luxury car dealerships in major Australian cities.

The company has previously said it wants to build stronger relationships with large global car brands such as Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo. This deal supports that goal, while also increasing the company’s exposure to newer brands such as Geely and LDV.

Autosports expects the acquisition to start adding to earnings straight away. Over time, the company believes profit margins at the new dealerships will improve and move closer to the group average within the first year.

A growing business with advantages

Autosports is Australia’s only ASX-listed company focused on prestige car dealerships. It now operates more than 75 businesses across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Auckland.

Because of its size, Autosports has some advantages that smaller dealerships do not. It can negotiate better terms with car manufacturers, manage vehicle stock more efficiently, and offer a wider range of finance, insurance, and aftersales services.

The business also earns money from several areas, not just selling new cars. Used vehicles, servicing, parts, finance, and insurance all contribute to revenue.

In FY25, Autosports reported record revenue of $2.865 billion. That result shows demand for premium vehicles has held up reasonably well, even while broader consumer conditions remain uncertain.

What to watch from here

Now that the acquisition is complete, attention turns to how well Autosports runs the new dealerships.

Investors will be watching profit growth, cost control, and whether the company continues to expand through smaller deals.

For long-term investors wanting exposure to Australia’s premium car market, Autosports remains a stock worth keeping on the watchlist.

The post This ASX All Ords stock edges lower as investors digest key milestone appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If you’d invested $500 in Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today
• My top 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy with $10,000
• This ASX lithium share is soaring 16% today. Here’s why
• These ASX 200 growth shares could be much bigger in 2035
• Too scared to pick stocks? These ASX ETFs are beginner friendly

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.

If investing were about finding the single perfect shares, most of us would already be rich.

In reality, long-term investing is usually about stacking the odds in your favour. That means owning strong businesses with clear growth pathways and management teams that have the experience and ability to navigate uncertainty.

When I look at the ASX 200 today, I see a handful of shares that I believe tick all these boxes.

If I had $10,000 to invest at this moment, these are the five ASX 200 shares I’d choose to back for the long term.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is one of my favourite ways to gain exposure to Australia’s growing wealth management industry.

The shift toward platform-based investing, transparency, and adviser-led solutions continues to work in Hub24’s favour. As funds under administration grow, and they sure are growing, the business benefits from strong operating leverage. This is usually a powerful combination over time.

This ASX 200 share is admittedly not cheap, but high-quality compounders rarely are. And a 20% pullback from its 2025 high screams opportunity to me.

Wesfarmers (ASX: WES)

Every portfolio needs a stabiliser, and for me, that’s Wesfarmers.

With exposure to dominant businesses like Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline, Silk Laser, and many more, Wesfarmers offers diversification, strong cash generation, and a proven management team. It probably isn’t going to deliver explosive growth, but I believe it will continue to provide resilience, reliable earnings, and long-term capital discipline. Sometimes, boring is beautiful in the world of investing.

SiteMinder (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder is another ASX 200 share that I like. Founded all the way back in 2006 in a rental house on Sydney’s Northern Beaches by Mike Ford and Mike Rogers, this growing Aussie company provides mission-critical software that helps 50,000+ hotels manage bookings, pricing, and distribution for 2.4 million rooms. As the travel industry becomes more digitised, tools like SiteMinder’s are becoming essential rather than optional.

While profitability is still a work in progress, it has a strong balance sheet and a long-term opportunity that looks compelling if management executes well.

Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre is a name that has been around for four decades. And though the travel industry has gone through seismic changes during that time, the ASX 200 share continues to reinvest, reinvent, and grow.

This includes increasing its exposure to the high margin cruise market with the acquisition of Iglu this month. In combination with its robust core business and growing corporate travel business, I believe Flight Centre will deliver good returns for investors through to the end of the decade.

Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster gives me exposure to Australian e-commerce with a clear point of difference.

Furniture is a challenging category, but Temple & Webster’s asset-light, online-first model provides flexibility that traditional retailers struggle to match. As housing turnover improves, consumer confidence recovers, and online penetration increases in the category, this ASX 200 share is well placed to benefit.

It is not without risk, but I think the brand, platform strength, and consumer trends give it a solid foundation for future growth.

The post My top 5 ASX 200 shares I would buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24 and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, SiteMinder, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group, Hub24, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) share price is attracting fresh attention today. This comes despite the company not releasing any new announcements to the market.

At the time of writing, the lithium developer’s shares are trading around 14 cents, up 16.67%.

In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is giving back its gains, down 0.3% for the day.

So why is the share price jumping while the broader market slips?

Let’s take a look.

Lithium prices surge overnight

Lithium carbonate prices in China jumped by almost 7% in a single day, pushing prices to around CNY 111,900 per tonne.

That move has taken lithium prices to their highest level in roughly 19 months, marking a notable shift in sentiment after a lengthy downturn.

The rebound has been driven by tighter supply conditions and improving demand expectations. In China, mine suspensions and delayed permit approvals have begun to reduce excess supply, while expectations around electric vehicle production and battery demand have stabilised.

While the broader market is softer, the sharp rebound in lithium prices is driving renewed interest in lithium-exposed ASX stocks.

Why lithium prices matter

Lake Resources is still a development-stage lithium company, with no production or revenue at this stage. That means changes in lithium prices can have a meaningful impact on how the market views the company’s long-term potential.

The company’s key asset is the Kachi Lithium Project in Argentina’s lithium triangle, a region central to global lithium supply. Kachi is planned as a brine-based project using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to lower costs and reduce environmental impacts.

Higher lithium prices generally make projects like Kachi more appealing. That can help improve the company’s economics, funding prospects, and market confidence.

Recent progress worth noting

While there’s no announcement today, Lake Resources has made progress in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the company confirmed it had completed a key Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) milestone for the Kachi project. This was an important regulatory step and keeps the project moving through Argentina’s approval process.

What could drive the next move?

In the near term, Lake Resources shares are likely to move in line with lithium prices.

If lithium prices continue to hold or move higher, sentiment across the sector could improve, supporting stocks with development projects.

That said, lithium prices have proven volatile in the past. With further approvals, funding needs, and execution risks still ahead, I’m happy to watch from the sidelines for now.

The post This ASX lithium share is soaring 16% today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Trying to predict which ASX 200 growth shares will thrive over the next decade is never easy. Technology changes, industries evolve, and market leaders today don’t always stay on top forever.

That said, some businesses already have the scale, competitive advantages, and growth runways that suggest they could be meaningfully larger ten years from now.

These are companies that are not just riding short-term trends but are embedded in industries with long-term structural growth.

With that in mind, here are two ASX 200 growth shares that brokers think still have plenty of room to grow between now and 2035.

Light & Wonder (ASX: LNW)

Light & Wonder has quietly transformed itself into a global gaming and digital entertainment powerhouse. Its business spans land-based gaming machines, online real-money gaming, and social casino games. This gives it multiple avenues for growth over the next decade.

What makes Light & Wonder particularly interesting over the long term is its increasing exposure to digital gaming. Online casino platforms and mobile-based gaming continue to expand globally, and Light & Wonder is positioning itself as a technology and content provider rather than just a traditional hardware supplier.

With recurring revenue streams, strong intellectual property, and a growing digital footprint, it is not hard to imagine Light & Wonder being a far larger and more diversified business by 2035.

Bell Potter is bullish on the company and has a buy rating and $176.00 price target on its shares. It said:

We rate LNW a Buy over the medium to long term due to a compelling GARP profile relative to the ASX 100 and ALL (38% discount to EV / EBITA, pre 3Q25 upgrades). In our view, the key catalyst in closing this discount is the ASX sole listing, which we believe will weigh positively on the stock after November 2025. In the short term we acknowledge risks to LNW including: a worsening in the ALL litigation matter (less likely, in our view); and market disruption due to the Nasdaq delisting.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Another ASX 200 growth share that could be destined for big things over the next decade is WiseTech Global. It is aiming to become the operating system for global logistics, and that ambition gives it a very long growth runway. Its CargoWise platform is used by freight forwarders, shipping companies, and logistics providers across the world.

Global trade continues to grow in complexity, and supply chains are under constant pressure to become faster, cheaper, and more transparent. WiseTech’s software addresses exactly those challenges, and its recurring revenue model benefits from customer stickiness and ongoing upselling.

Bell Potter is also bullish on this one. It has a buy rating and $100.00 price target on its shares. The broker remains positive on WiseTech despite recent issues relating to management and board upheaval, slowing growth, and insider trading allegations. It said:

These issues, however, are starting to subside and focus is returning to the outlook for the core business which is improving with the launch of new products, a new commercial model and the integration of a large acquisition (e2open). These initiatives are all expected to help drive a much stronger 2HFY26 result relative to 1HFY26 and then the first full year of benefits will be evident in FY27. All of these changes/initiatives are not without risk and there is still some risk of a soft downgrade to revenue guidance in FY26 at the half year result but the 12-month outlook is positive in our view.

The post These ASX 200 growth shares could be much bigger in 2035 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

For many Australians, the hardest part of investing isn’t finding money to invest, it is deciding what to buy.

The fear of picking the wrong ASX share, buying at the wrong time, or watching a single company disappoint can be enough to keep people stuck on the sidelines for years. That’s where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can make all the difference.

Rather than betting on one company, ETFs allow investors to own dozens or even thousands of businesses in a single trade. This spreads risk and removes much of the pressure that comes with stock-picking.

If you’re new to investing, or simply want a low-stress way to grow wealth, here are three ASX ETFs that stand out as beginner friendly.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If there’s one ETF that captures the idea of owning the world, it is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This popular fund gives investors exposure to over 1,000 large and mid-cap stocks across developed markets. Its holdings include global household names such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (FRA: MOH).

What makes Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF so appealing for beginners is its sheer simplicity. Instead of worrying about which country or sector will outperform next, investors get broad global diversification from day one. By holding stocks across many industries and regions, this fund helps smooth out the bumps that inevitably come with investing.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

For investors who want exposure closer to home, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF offers a beginner-friendly approach.

Rather than tracking the entire market, this ASX ETF focuses on Australian stocks with strong balance sheets, reliable earnings, and high returns on equity. Its portfolio includes familiar blue chips such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

Instead of chasing the hottest trends, this fund quietly leans into businesses that have demonstrated durability through multiple economic cycles. For beginners, this quality bias can provide reassurance during market volatility, while still offering long-term growth potential. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Ever wanted to invest in the world’s best technology and innovation leaders in one fell swoop? That’s exactly what the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF allows investors to do.

This hugely popular ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which is home to many of the most influential companies shaping the global economy. Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP).

For beginners with a long time horizon, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be a real portfolio staple.

The post Too scared to pick stocks? These ASX ETFs are beginner friendly appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Starbucks, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and 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 positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Macquarie Group, and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Starbucks, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO) are firmly back on investors’ radars today. This comes after the company received a broker upgrade following a major update just before Christmas.

The olive oil producer’s share price is surging 17.48% to $3.83 following fresh broker commentary on the company’s recently announced US acquisition.

So, what’s driving the renewed interest, and why are brokers becoming more optimistic on the outlook?

One broker changes its tune

According to the release this morning, Ord Minnett has upgraded Cobram Estate shares to buy, from accumulate.

The broker also lifted its price target by 4% to $3.65 per share, reflecting improved earnings expectations following the company’s latest strategic move.

While the upgraded target still sits slightly below the current share price, the shift in recommendation is notable. It suggests Ord Minnett now has greater confidence in Cobram Estate’s medium-term earnings profile and execution.

A big step forward in the US

Last week, Cobram Estate announced it had entered a binding agreement to acquire California Olive Ranch, the leading producer and marketer of Californian extra virgin olive oil.

The business operates a vertically integrated model, spanning olive cultivation, milling, bottling, storage, and distribution. It also owns the number one selling Californian-produced extra virgin olive oil brand in the US.

Management expects California Olive Ranch to generate around US$150 million in net revenue and US$16 million in EBITDA in FY2026, before synergies.

Importantly, Cobram Estate expects the acquisition to be around 9% EPS accretive from FY2027, the first full year of ownership.

Synergies are forecasted to reach US$12 million in FY2027, rising to more than US$20 million annually by FY2030. This is expected to be driven by higher olive oil yields, lower grove costs, and operational efficiencies.

Supply improves as US operations scale

Alongside the acquisition, Cobram Estate also provided an update on its US supply position.

The company has completed its FY2026 Californian harvest and secured 3.8 million litres of olive oil supply for the next 12 months. That represents a 27% increase compared to last year, helping improve supply certainty for customers.

Production volumes were broadly in line with FY2025, despite lighter crops from some third-party growers. Importantly, output from Cobram Estate’s own groves continues to lift as assets mature and yields improve.

Foolish Takeaway

Cobram Estate’s share price has already had a strong run, and short-term volatility is always possible after a sharp move.

However, the bigger picture is becoming clearer. The company has meaningfully expanded its US footprint, strengthened its supply position, and outlined a clear pathway to earnings growth through scale and synergies.

That combination appears to be winning brokers back over.

While the stock may not look cheap on every metric, Cobram Estate is now a larger, more diversified business with increasing exposure to the attractive US market.

After this week’s broker upgrade, it’s easy to see why investors are taking a fresh look heading into 2026.

The post Why is Cobram Estate rocketing 17% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• What’s Bell Potter’s updated view on this booming consumer staples stock?
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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.

It’s that strange, yet familiar, time of year when most of us really aren’t sure what day it is.

And much to the chagrin of many of us, we don’t even have an ongoing Test match to both remind and occupy us.

The Christmas leftovers have all-but disappeared, but we’re not yet ready to go back to work.

Santa has come and gone, but it’s still 2025… we think.

It’s the time of ‘best/worst/highlights/lowlights of 2025’ in the papers, as they desperately try to bulk out what is otherwise a slow news week.

Even the ASX is the digital equivalent of an empty shell, with only a few traders rattling around, and most company secretaries off on leave.

(That doesn’t mean none are around, and we should be vigilant for those companies who seek to drop bad news when no-one is paying attention!)

No, I’m not going to do a ‘2025 in review’. We did one last weekend on the Motley Fool Money podcast, and that was enough.

No, I’m not going to do predictions for 2026. (We similarly have an upcoming podcast episode devoted to that, too, but with our tongues firmly in our cheeks.)

Instead, I’m going to hold up a mirror, of sorts.

If you’re feeling the strain of a forced ASX detox, with the market closed for four straight days, that might be a sign, of sorts.

Not a criticism, necessarily…

But it might tell you a little about how you approach your investing.

Look, I’m not going to give you grief for being human. We’re wired to notice things, to want more information, and to react to stimuli.

And when I say ‘wired’, I mean it. Our evolutionary path made good use of those instincts, without which our descendants likely wouldn’t have survived to create the line of humans that resulted in us.

So not only is it normal and natural, it’s been a superpower for thousands of years. Our predecessors were literally the best of the best when it came to those instincts that are at the foundation of how we interact with the world.

Which is why, for many of us, investing is so bloody hard!

Investing well requires us to switch off (or at least quieten down) some of the most important parts of our biology.

Take, for example, the fight or flight response.

Natural, when danger is present. More than that, it’s vital when life or death situations present themselves.

But for investors, both can be harmful. Instead, we need to understand the potential risk, acknowledge the innate drive to either run like hell or stand and fight… and do neither.

The acknowledgement is necessary, though, because it’s the only way we can reasonably address it.

“I’m feeling some serious panic, emotional pain and/or stress right now” is not only natural, it’s healthy.

And like the sinner, it’s not the temptation that condemns us, but the sin.

The same applies to investors: Feeling those things isn’t a problem, but letting them overwhelm your decision-making can be seriously harmful to your wealth.

Which takes me back to this week, when the market is closed as often as it is open, and not much happens when it is!

The human brain is wired to want more input; more information. Studies have famously shown that humans are more confident when we have more data but, past a given point, no more accurate.

That is, more data doesn’t make us any more ‘right’, but it sure as hell makes us more likely to think we are!

Again, that’s just evolution, so no judgement from me.

But it’s why I’ve weaned myself off checking my portfolio every five minutes. Watching share prices gyrate is easy to do, and can be kinda hypnotic.

One cent up, here. Two cents down there.

Now what? How about now?

It’s no wonder that, as kids, we routinely (and repeatedly, to our parents’ distraction) asked ‘Are we there yet?’.

Are you recognising yourself in this article?

If so, good.

If not, maybe you’re superhuman… otherwise, maybe it’s time to have another look in the mirror?

Because I’m not here to condemn you. But hubris might.

They say the first step to dealing with a problem is admitting you have one.

So… I’m admitting I have a problem.

I’m drawn to action over inaction. I’m drawn to the ‘need to know’, even if the data isn’t helpful… or is actively unhelpful.

I’m tempted to read those stupid ‘forecast’ articles that proliferate, even though no-one has a crystal ball.

And I know I’m not going to be able to escape the presence of those temptations.

What I have learned to do is to ignore them… or at least minimise their impact.

And that’s what I hope you can learn to do, too.

See, while the ASX was closed on the last couple of public holidays, businesses kept doing their things.

Just as they do every weekend. And before 10am and after 4pm weekdays, even though the market is closed.

Because a business is more than its share price. Far, far more.

But even that is an incomplete picture.

The last few days matter, a little, when it comes to this year’s sales and profit numbers.

A very little.

And those sales and profit numbers matter, a little, when it comes to the value of a company.

What matters far more?

The future.

Even if I have every known and knowable datapoint at my fingertips…

Even if I slavishly hit ‘refresh’ on my portfolio dozens of times a day…

Even if I read every single ASX release available…

Even then, the only thing that counts, over the long term, is the performance of the business whose shares I own.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares sold for less than $5 each in late 1999. They’re now around $175.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) went from under $24 to over $160.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) from under $5 to almost $30.

Why?

In each case, because the business became more dominant, more successful, and more valuable.

Of course, selective data points along the journey might have told you that each was continuing to thrive, and sometimes dive.

But I hope it’s obvious that it was far more important – and profitable – to get the big, long-term picture right, rather than obsess over whether the share price of each had moved up or down 0.5% on a given trading day.

And lest you think I’m only picking winners, the same observations could be made of AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), whose shares fell from over $13 to under $2 in the same timeframe.

What mattered?

Not the second-by-second volatility in share prices.

Not the breathless reporting and predictions.

But rather, the performance of those companies, over the long term.

(The price you paid – or didn’t pay – mattered a little, but far less than the performance of the companies themselves.)

So, if you are suffering from a little unwanted ASX detox, can I suggest switching from the stock market equivalent of two cans of Red Bull to maybe something just a little less chemically-enhanced.

Maybe you’re not ready for herbal tea, just yet, but perhaps a coffee might replace the Red Bull, then a tea might replace the coffee, in time.

For investors, that’s paying less attention to the noise – the share price movements, articles, forecasts and (false) promises of quick riches – and more to the signal.

And what is the right ‘signal’ for investors?

Swap out the brokerage screen for an annual report or two. Spend time thinking about the company, not the price.

Focus on what and where the company might be in 3, 5 and 10 years’ time.

What is its business model? Is it growing? Does it have a competitive advantage? How sustainable is that advantage? Will that lead to higher profits, not just tomorrow, or next year, but in 5- and 10-years’ time?

Then when you do think about the price, don’t worry about whether it’s up or down. Instead ask yourself if it’s a reasonable price to pay, given the future you expect.

Not quite as exciting, is it?

That’s okay, the share market shouldn’t be exciting, if you’re doing it right.

Get your adrenaline shot somewhere else. Save the stock market for making money, instead.

In the meantime, enjoy the leftovers and not knowing what day it is.

And cross your fingers that the SCG Test lasts longer than an influencer’s Instagram story.

Fool on!

The post Lessons from a 4-day long weekend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. 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.

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:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts retained their buy rating on this uranium producer’s shares with a reduced price target of $2.00. This followed the release of a review on future production at the Honeymoon project. Although Bell Potter concedes that the update was very disappointing and makes the project’s future uncertain, it still sees potential for it to work. In fact, given its bullish view on uranium prices, it doesn’t think higher costs at Honeymoon are the end of the story. Bell Potter continues to assume production of 1.6 million pounds per annum over a 10-year mine life. In addition, its analysts think that Boss Energy’s cheap valuation could make it an attractive takeover target for a larger player. The Boss Energy share price is trading at $1.38 on Monday afternoon.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

A note out of Macquarie revealed that its analysts initiated coverage on this diversified financial services company’s shares with an outperform rating and $6.70 price target. Macquarie likes Generation Development Group because its businesses are market leaders in growth sectors, and are well positioned to scale. This includes its key Evidentia managed accounts segment, which Macquarie believes is poised to capture an outsized share of industry growth over 2024 to 2030. Another reason to be positive according to the broker is that management incentives are aligned with investors. It highlights that the top end of long term incentives require an earnings per share growth hurdle of +27.5%. The Generation Development Group share price is fetching $5.82 at the time of writing.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Analysts at Ord Minnett retained their buy rating on this data centre operator’s shares with an improved price target of $20.50. According to the note, the broker was pleased with news that NextDC has signed a memorandum of understanding with ChatGPT’s owner OpenAI. The two parties are looking to build the S7 data centre in Eastern Creek, Sydney. If constructed, it is expected to be a hyperscale AI campus and the largest in the southern hemisphere with 650MW capacity. Ord Minnett sees a lot of positives from the plan and believes it could be a big boost to NextDC’s valuation if it goes ahead as proposed. The NextDC share price is trading at $12.65 this afternoon.

The post Leading 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 Nextdc. 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 Australia has recommended Generation Development Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.