A new year is almost here, so what better time to start thinking about some new investments.

For those who prefer a diversified, low-effort approach, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the simplest ways to gain exposure to high-quality businesses and powerful global themes.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be excellent additions to a portfolio in January and beyond:

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is designed for investors who want exposure to some of the strongest businesses in the world, without having to pick individual stocks. The fund focuses on companies with high returns on equity, strong balance sheets, and consistent earnings growth.

Its holdings include global leaders such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Visa (NYSE: V), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). These are businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and pricing power, which helps them perform across different economic cycles. For investors starting the year with a long-term mindset, this ETF offers an effective way to build a portfolio around quality.

It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

The VanEck China New Economy ETF provides exposure to a very different opportunity set. It targets companies operating in China’s new economy, including technology, healthcare, consumer, and advanced manufacturing businesses.

The fund holds a diversified portfolio of around 120 China stocks that are considered fundamentally sound and attractively valued. This includes businesses involved in pharmaceuticals, software, electric vehicles, and consumer brands serving China’s growing middle class.

While China-related investments can be higher risk, this fund could suit investors willing to take a long-term view on the country’s economic transformation.

Analysts at VanEck recently recommended this fund to investors.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Finally, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF offers targeted exposure to one of the most powerful investment themes of the coming decade.

It is fair to say that automation and AI are reshaping industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to logistics and defence.

This fund’s holdings include stocks such as Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), ABB (SWX: ABBN), and Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG). They all sit at the heart of the AI and automation boom.

And while this fund could be more volatile than broader market ETFs, it also offers significant long-term growth potential for investors prepared to ride out short-term swings.

It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs for 2026

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 Abb, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson 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 recommended Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Some of the best opportunities in the share market don’t appear when optimism is high and headlines are glowing. They tend to show up when sentiment is weak, patience is thin, and investors are focusing on what could go wrong rather than what could go right.

Buying quality businesses during these moments can feel uncomfortable, but it is often how long-term wealth is built.

The key is separating ASX stocks facing short-term headwinds from those with genuinely broken business models.

Here are three ASX stocks I would be happy to look at now the market has lost interest in them.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group is a good example of a business that can fall out of favour quickly when consumer sentiment weakens. As a footwear retailer, it sits right in the firing line when shoppers tighten their belts.

But look beyond the near-term noise and there’s a well-run company with strong brand relationships, a scalable store network, and a growing digital presence. Accent has also shown discipline around inventory and costs, which matters a lot during tougher retail conditions.

When retail stocks are unloved, valuations often assume the worst-case scenario. For patient investors, that can create opportunities to buy a proven operator before consumer spending eventually recovers.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

It hasn’t been a good year for Treasury Wine Estates. If anything could go wrong, it went wrong for the wine giant this year.

Despite this, it is worth remembering that the company owns some of the most valuable wine brands in the world, including Penfolds, and continues to focus on premiumisation rather than volume at any cost. Wine demand may fluctuate year to year, but global appetite for high-quality, aspirational brands has proven resilient over time.

The ASX stock now has a plan in place to arrest its decline. And while it will take time, it is likely that the worst is now priced in by the market. So, for patient investors willing to look past short-term earnings pressure, Treasury Wine could be worth a look.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is rarely described as cheap in absolute terms, but it can become deeply unpopular when growth stocks fall out of favour. Which is what we are seeing right now, especially in the tech sector given AI bubble fears.

Yet Xero continues to build a powerful global platform for small businesses, with millions of subscribers and high recurring revenue. Accounting software is mission-critical, switching costs are high, and the total addressable market remains vast.

For long-term investors, this could be a great time to build a position in one of the highest quality ASX stocks out there.

The post The ASX stocks I’d buy that nobody else wants appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: Develop Global, Metcash, and Treasury Wine shares
• Why I think these 3 ASX shares are top-quality buying at today’s prices
• Could these ASX ETFs be set for a rebound in 2026?
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• Down 60% with a 6% yield and P/E of 13x – are Accent shares a generational bargain?

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

A pullback in a quality share price can sometimes create an opportunity. Currently, there are two ASX 200 stocks where brokers believe the market may have become overly cautious.

Both have fallen well below recent highs, yet broker confidence in their longer-term outlooks remains intact. In fact, current price targets point to a level of upside that the market may be underestimating.

Here’s why brokers think these two ASX 200 shares could still have plenty of upside from current levels.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech’s share price has continued to slide, falling 4.3% to $67.16 at the time of writing. The stock is now well down from earlier highs as investors digest slower near-term growth, softer freight volumes, and elevated investment across the business.

That pullback hasn’t come out of nowhere. Management has flagged margin pressure linked to heavy product investment and acquisition integration, while sentiment has also been weighed down by company-specific headlines and a broader cooling across global technology stocks.

Even so, brokers are increasingly questioning whether the sell-off has gone too far.

WiseTech remains the global leader in logistics software through its CargoWise platform, which is deeply embedded across many of the world’s largest freight forwarders. Demand for end-to-end digital logistics solutions continues to grow, and brokers see WiseTech as well-positioned once conditions stabilise.

Broker price targets remain well above current levels. Citi has retained a buy rating with a $109 target, while Bell Potter has flagged a $100 valuation. From the current share price, that points to potential upside of around 50% to 60% if growth stabilises and margins begin to recover.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC shares are higher today, jumping 7.07% to $12.78 after the data centre operator released an upbeat market update. The move follows confirmation of stronger-than-expected contracted utilisation and continued demand from large customers.

In its announcement, NextDC reported a material lift in contracted utilisation, taking pro forma levels to more than 300MW, alongside a forward order book exceeding 200MW. Much of that capacity is expected to convert into revenue over the coming years, improving earnings visibility into FY26 and beyond.

Brokers have been quick to highlight the significance of the update. Ord Minnett recently reaffirmed its buy rating and lifted its price target to $20.50, while Morgans has maintained a buy rating with a $19 target. From the current share price, those targets imply potential upside of roughly 50% to 60%.

Analysts continue to point to strong demand from hyperscalers, government agencies, and enterprise customers, alongside NextDC’s growing exposure to AI-related infrastructure. Several brokers believe AI workloads could add to long-term demand and are not yet fully reflected in earnings forecasts.

Concerns around capital expenditure and funding have weighed on sentiment in recent months, but today’s update appears to have highlighted that demand remains strong.

Foolish Takeaway

Despite operating in different industries, brokers see a similar setup taking shape at both WiseTech and NextDC. Short-term uncertainty has weighed on share prices, while long-term growth drivers remain firmly in place.

For investors willing to look beyond near-term volatility, broker targets suggest both stocks could offer substantial upside if execution improves and sentiment begins to stabilise.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares with massive upside potential according to brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why DroneShield, Meteoric Resources, NextDC, and Nick Scali shares are charging higher today
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• This ASX AI stock is jumping 9% on huge news
• NEXTDC lifts contracted utilisation and order book in December update
• How to turn $25,000 into $100,000 with ASX stocks

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 ‘Magnificent 7’ tech stocks are some of the world’s best-known companies and best-performing investments that we’ve seen in recent times. This trend has continued in 2025, with all seven recording a positive year to date, as it currently stands anyway.

However, many investors around the world are concerned about the Magnificent 7, given their significance to the entire US stock market and, by extension, the global economy. Some investors are feeling queasy over the possibility that the Magnificent 7-led AI boom might not be as lucrative as some optimistic projections suggest, and thus could lead to a share market correction, or even a crash.

I’m not letting worries about a whole market event that may or may not happen impact my individual assessments of each of the Magnificent 7 stocks. Saying that, there is one Mag 7 company I’d be willing to buy (more) today, and one that I would avoid in 2026.

One Magnificent 7 stock to buy in 2026

That Magnificent 7 stock is Google-owner Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL). Alphabet has had a stellar 2025 to date, with Class A shares currently up 62.15% since the start of the year. This gain has still left Alphabet on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30.7 as it currently stands.

While that is not nearly as cheap as the company was a few months ago, when it was on a sub-25 earnings multiple, it still leaves it at a compelling entry point in my view. Despite its size, Alphabet is still growing at a healthy clip. In its most recent quarterly earnings from October, Alphabet reported year-on-year revenue growth of 16% to US$102.3 billion for the three months to 30 September.

Earnings per share (EPS) rocketed by an even more impressive 35% to US$2.87.

Given the near-monopoly that Google Search enjoys, together with the success of YouTube and Google Cloud, I think Alphabet has plenty of growth left in the tank. And that’s not even factoring in the advances Alphabet has made with its Gemini AI platform. Alphabet is one of the cheapest members of the Magnificent 7 right now. Given its growth and future plans, I think this stock is one to watch and potentially buy in 2026.

One stock to avoid

Whilst Alphabet is looking very interesting right now, I cannot say the same for its fellow Mag 7 member, Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL). Apple is an incredible company, to be sure. It would have to be to compel Warren Buffett to make it Berkshire Hathaway‘s largest single investment.

However, looking at the Apple stock price today, as well as its recent growth rates, I don’t see much to like. Apple is far more expensive than its Magnificent 7 peer, Alphabet, right now, given its current 36.82 P/E ratio. Yet it is growing at a much slower pace. Its own most recent quarterly report showed the company growing revenues by 8% year on year to US$102.5 billion, while EPS was up 13% to US$1.85. Sure, Apple had a good year, with its most recent round of iPhones seeing above-average interest. But if that isn’t repeated in 2026, we could see much lower numbers.

Additionally, I don’t see much in the way of exciting growth avenues for the company ahead. Its present AI offerings are arguably inferior to Magnificent 7 competitors like Alphabet and Microsoft, and the company remains dependent on hardware for the lion’s share of its earnings. I’d be happy to buy more Apple shares in 2026, but not at anything close to a P/E of 36.

The post 1 Magnificent 7 stock to buy in 2026 (and 1 to avoid) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• If you’d invested $1,000 in Apple 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today
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• Should you buy this “Magnificent Seven” stock before 2026?
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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Fresh from the terminated takeover bid by US company Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) has released a trading update for the first five months of FY26, highlighting weaker near-term earnings as the company steps up investment across its core growth franchises following a turbulent year marked by takeover uncertainty.

What did Mayne Pharma announce?

For the period from July to November, Mayne reported net revenue of $165 million, down 5.5% on the prior corresponding period, while underlying EBITDA fell to $11.5 million, roughly half the level recorded a year earlier. Management attributed the decline to increased operating costs, higher marketing spend, and the absence of one-off benefits that supported last year’s result.

Despite the softer earnings outcome, the update points to solid underlying demand, particularly in the company’s Women’s Health portfolio. Prescription volumes continued to grow across key brands, with total trade unit volumes up 15% year on year.

Management said additional investment in sales and marketing in both the United States and Australia was deliberately accelerated to build momentum and maximise the long-term value of its intellectual property, even though this weighed on short-term profitability.

The Dermatology division delivered a mixed performance. Revenue declined due to pricing pressure and increased competition affecting older products; however, gross margins improved materially, supported by a greater contribution from newer, branded treatments acquired earlier in the year. This shift in product mix lifted margins to 64% year to date, up from 52% previously.

International operations also recorded a lower contribution as investment increased following the recent PBS listing of NEXTSTELLIS® in Australia. While revenue was broadly flat, margins improved, reinforcing management’s view that the current earnings pressure reflects growth investments rather than a deterioration in underlying demand.

Mayne ended November with cash and marketable securities of $83 million, following payments related to recent product acquisitions, legal costs associated with the failed Cosette takeover, and the completion of divestment-related obligations. The company said its cash usage follows a predictable quarterly cycle and remains sufficient to support the current strategy.

What comes next?

Looking ahead, management expects continued volume growth across Women’s Health and International segments, with Dermatology benefiting from a full six months of contribution from newer products in the second half of FY26.

The update signals a clear pivot away from corporate activity and toward execution, with the near-term focus on converting growing demand into sustainable earnings recovery.

Mayne Pharma shares were relatively muted following the update and were down 0.8% at the time of writing.

The post Mayne Pharma signals short-term pain as it resets for growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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.

Vanguard has revealed the next distribution (or dividend) amount for the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS).

The VTS exchange-traded fund (ETF) will pay investors 95.08 US cents per unit on 22 January.

Based on today’s exchange rate, that equates to A$1.44 per unit.

Vanguard will formally convert the dividend into Australian currency on 16 January.

The VTS ETF went ex-dividend today. The record date is tomorrow.

Vanguard does not offer a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) with the VTS ETF, so all investors will receive a cash payment.

What is the VTS ETF?

The Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF provides exposure to the entire US stock market, or about 3,500 companies.

There is US$6.43 billion worth of assets under management in this ASX ETF.

VTS tracks the performance of the CRSP US Total Market Index (NASDAQ: CRSPTM1) before fees.

An investment in the VTS ETF includes some of the world’s biggest companies.

There’s the Magnificent Seven stocks — Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Alphabet Inc Class A (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ: GOOG), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA).

There’s also a new favourite among Aussie investors, AI and defence software company Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR).

There’s also Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class A (NYSE: BRK.A) and Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B (NYSE: BRK.B).

An investment in VTS has paid off in 2025, with US stocks on track to outperform ASX 200 shares for a third consecutive year.

As of today, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) is up 16.2% while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 6.1%.

In its 2026 investment outlook, top broker Morgan Stanley projects S&P 500 shares will rise about 14% next year.

Serena Tang, Morgan Stanley’s Chief Global Cross-Asset Strategist, said:

There will be some bumps along the way, but we believe that the bull market is intact.

The broker predicts a 6% gain for ASX 200 shares.

When you add the current average ASX 200 dividend of about 3.5%, that implies a 9.5% return in 2026.

VTS ETF share price snapshot

The VTS ETF is $507.69 per unit on Monday, up 0.64%, while the ASX 200 is up 0.91% at 8,699.8 points.

VTS ETF has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27.45x and a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 4.64x.

The return on equity (ROE) is 24.745% and the earnings growth rate is 22.95%.

The management fee is a tiny 0.03% per annum.

The post Own VTS ETF? Here’s your next dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026 and beyond

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vanguard Us Total Market Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, 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, Berkshire Hathaway, 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.

Shares in Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) are down 2% after the aged care operator announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Dr Linda Mellors.

In an ASX release, Regis confirmed that Dr Mellors will step down after more than six years in the role, having decided to pursue an opportunity outside the aged care sector. She will remain in her position during a six-month notice period while the board conducts an executive search and manages a transition of responsibilities.

While leadership changes can prompt short-term uncertainty, today’s share price reaction also needs to be viewed in the context of a volatile year for Regis investors.

A strong year with a sharp reversal

On the surface, Regis shares are still up about 20% year to date, having started the year around $6. However, that headline gain masks a much bumpier journey.

Earlier in 2025, optimism around Regis shares, powered by sector reform and operational improvements, drove the Regis share price up as much as 53%, peaking at $9.22. That rally came to an abrupt end on 22 September, when the company released a funding update outlining the impact of changes to government aged care funding models.

At the time, Regis revealed that increases under the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) framework would fall well short of expectations, largely due to reweighting across resident classifications. The announcement triggered a sharp reassessment by the market, with the share price falling around 35% back to $6, effectively wiping out the year’s gains.

Why today’s news matters

Against that backdrop, the resignation of the CEO introduces another layer of uncertainty. Dr Mellors led Regis through major industry upheavals, including the Royal Commission into Aged Care, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rollout of the new Aged Care Act. The board acknowledged her role in stabilising and transforming the business, noting that Regis remains in a strong financial and operational position.

However, investors appear cautious about leadership change at a time when the company is still adjusting to funding pressures and wage cost increases across the sector.

What’s next for Regis?

An executive search is now underway, and the company has emphasised continuity during the transition period. For shareholders, attention will likely return to how Regis navigates government funding reforms, manages labour costs, and delivers on its FY26 earnings outlook.

For now, the market reaction suggests investors are taking a “wait and see” approach, wary after September’s funding shock, but still recognising the longer-term recovery story remains intact.

The post Regis Healthcare shares down 2% as CEO resigns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Regis Healthcare CEO resignation: Leadership transition update
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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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.

There are so many ASX shares to choose from it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three popular shares and see if analysts think they are buys, holds, or sells. Here’s what they are saying:

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP)

The team at Bell Potter is positive on this mining and mining services company. In response to news of an underground mining contract from OceanaGold, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $5.20.

The broker also likes the company due to its Woodlawn project, which it believes could drive a re-rating of its shares. It said:

DVP enters an important phase of its Woodlawn commercialisation journey with commissioning to be completed in the March 2026 quarter. We expect demonstration of earnings and FCF expansion from Woodlawn to drive a re-rate for DVP; spot copper, zinc and silver prices are currently ahead of our FY26 forecasts, presenting upside to valuation and earnings expectations the longer they remain ahead of forecasts. Near-term catalysts include Sulphur Springs financing completion and processing plant construction commencement and further external DMS contract wins.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

This wholesale distributor recently released its half year result for FY 2026. While Ord Minnett wasn’t overly impressed with the performance of its hardware and liquor divisions, it remains positive on valuation grounds. It has a buy rating and $4.00 price target on the company’s shares. The broker said:

Metcash posted first-half FY26 earnings short of market expectations, driven partly by the earlier recognition of restructuring costs than consensus had forecast. The key food business met forecasts, but the hardware and liquor divisions fell short of expectations. […] Post the result, we have cut our EPS estimates by 8.0%, 9.2% and 8.3% for FY26, FY27 and FY28, respectively, primarily due to the challenges facing the liquor and hardware operations. This leads us to cut our target price on Metcash to $4.00 from $4.60, but we maintain our Buy recommendation on valuation grounds.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

A recent update from this wine giant disappointed analysts at Morgans. Although the broker was expecting a bad update, it was even weaker than feared.

Given its poor performance in the US, its weakening balance sheet, and high level of earnings uncertainty, the broker rates it as a hold with a $5.25 price target. It said:

As we feared, but even weaker than expected, TWE’s trading update meant that consensus estimates were far too high. Its US performance was particularly disappointing given of all the capital spent in recent years. Gearing is now well above TWE’s target range and will remain high for the next couple of years. While we made large downgrades to our forecasts only two weeks ago following the goodwill write-down, TWE’s new trading update has seen us make another round of material revisions. We stress that earnings uncertainty remains high. It will take time for new management to deliver more acceptable returns and for TWE to rebuild credibility with the market. We maintain a HOLD rating.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Develop Global, Metcash, and Treasury Wine shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Boss Energy, Paragon Care, Treasury Wine, and Woodside shares are falling today

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this uranium producer’s shares with a reduced price target of $2.00. This follows the release of an update on future production at the Honeymoon project. While the update was very disappointing and makes the project’s future uncertain, Bell Potter sees potential for it to work. And given its bullish view on uranium prices, it doesn’t think higher costs are the end of the story. It continues to assume production of 1.6M pounds per annum over a 10-year mine life. Outside this, the broker feels that Boss Energy’s cheap valuation could make it a takeover target. The Boss Energy share price is trading at $1.30 on Monday afternoon.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $4.50 price target on this property company’s shares. The broker has been busy adjusting its estimates for the REIT industry to reflect its forecast for two rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia in 2026. This is expected to lead to a modest increase in financing costs for REITs. Nevertheless, given resilient consumer demand and constrained new supply, the broker remains positive and continues to rate the Charter Hall Retail REIT highly. So much so, it is one of its top picks in the industry. The Charter Hall Retail REIT share price is fetching $4.12 at the time of writing.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their speculative buy rating on this lithium developer’s shares with a reduced price target of $5.05. This follows news that the company has raised funds for phase one of the Lionheart project. Bell Potter was impressed with the strong level of strategic support for the company and Lionheart project. Outside this, when the project is operational, the broker believes it will be well-placed to benefit as lithium markets rebalance over the medium term. In fact, the broker expects average annual EBITDA of 290 million euros (A$513 million). Though, it concedes that as an asset development company with only forecast cash flow, it is a speculative pick. The Vulcan Energy share price is trading at $3.93 on Monday.

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

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• Forget Pilbara Minerals shares, this ASX lithium stock could be better
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) share price is powering higher today after the company released an upbeat trading update and upgraded its profit guidance.

At the time of writing, the furniture retailer’s shares have jumped 10.11% to $23.30, making it one of the best-performing stocks on the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) on Monday.

So, what did Nick Scali say to excite investors? Let’s take a look.

What changed in today’s update?

In a trading update released this morning, Nick Scali upgraded its outlook for the first half of FY26.

The company now expects first-half revenue across Australia and New Zealand to be 10% to 12% higher than last year, up from previous guidance of 7% to 9%. That step-up was clearly enough to immediately get investors’ attention.

More importantly, the stronger sales performance is flowing through to earnings. Management now expects statutory net profit after tax of $37 million to $39 million for the first half, compared with earlier guidance of $33 million to $35 million.

Building on earlier momentum

Today’s announcement builds on the commentary that Nick Scali provided at its AGM in late October.

At that time, management pointed to improving trading conditions in Australia and New Zealand, alongside steady progress across its offshore operations. While guidance wasn’t formally upgraded at the time, the company made it clear that trading was tracking ahead of expectations.

This latest update confirms that momentum has carried into the early part of FY26, despite cost-of-living pressures continuing to weigh on consumer demand.

Why investors are paying attention

Retail stocks have spent much of the past year on the back foot, as investors worried about stretched household budgets, slower housing activity, and the impact of higher interest rates.

Nick Scali’s update indicates that sales are holding up better than expected, with margins remaining intact and trading conditions stable in the near term.

It also helps that the stock has already attracted strong broker support in recent months, with several analysts highlighting its balance sheet strength, disciplined cost control, and long-term growth.

Foolish bottom line

While furniture retail remains a competitive and cyclical space, Nick Scali continues to stand apart from many of its peers.

The company has built a track record of consistent execution and conservative guidance, which is paying off again this year.

If the current momentum carries into the second half, the Nick Scali share price could top its previous all-time high of $25.98.

Given the upgraded outlook and continued operational consistency, this high-quality discretionary retailer has earned a place on my watchlist.

The post Why this ASX 300 furniture retailer is soaring on Monday 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 recommended Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.