• ASX All Ords shares smashing 52-week highs today

    Two fashionable ASX investors dancing among confetti.

    S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are up 0.95% to 9,277 points as a slew of stocks hit 52-week highs.

    ASX mining shares dominate the list of companies hitting these new price milestones today.

    Arguably, the most significant price peak today is for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

    BHP reclaimed its place as the All Ords’ largest share by market capitalisation from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) today.

    CBA took the title from BHP in July 2024 during an unprecedented run that took it to a record $191 per share in June 2025.

    The CBA share price is $150.35 on Tuesday, up 0.85%, while BHP shares are $49.66, up 2.54%, at the time of writing.

    The BHP share price hit a two-year high of $50.08 this morning, which is not far off its historical high of $50.84 reached in late 2023.

    But today isn’t all about BHP shares.

    Plenty of other ASX All Ords shares have smashed new multi-year highs as well.

    Here’s a sample.

    ASX All Ords shares reaching new price highs

    As stated earlier, mining shares dominate the list of company highs today, so let’s focus on them first.

    Besides BHP, two other large-cap ASX diversified miners hit new 52-week share price highs.

    The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price rose 2.8% to a 52-week high of $64.05.

    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares hit a 52-week high of $4.54 per share, up 3.4%.

    Among the ASX All Ords gold shares, Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) lifted 1.9% to a record high of $181.91.

    The Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) share price soared 10.3% to a 52-week peak of $1.50.

    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares surged 3.5% to a record $5.09.

    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares increased 2.8% to a multi-year high of $8.58.

    Copper and gold miner Firefly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM) lifted 5.8% to a 52-week high of $2.20 per share.

    Among ASX silver shares, Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) rose 12.5% to a 52-week high of 27 cents.

    Canaccord Genuity sees more growth ahead for Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1) shares, which rose 6.5% to a record $2.47 apiece today.

    ASX All Ords lithium shares also hit new price peaks.

    Shares in lithium and nickel producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) increased 2% to a two-year high of $9.50.

    The Winsome Resources Ltd (ASX: WR1) share price lifted 11.7% to an 18-month high of 67 cents.

    Hot Chili Ltd (ASX: HCH) shares soared 9.2% to a 52-week high of $1.89.

    Among ASX All Ords copper shares, Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) soared 8.8% to a record $16.27 per share.

    The Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) share price rose 5.8% to a four-year high of $5.67.

    What about ASX All Ords shares from other sectors?

    ASX All Ords retail stock Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) ascended 1.9% to a record $26.08 per share.

    Engineering services company Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) lifted 3.6% to a record $30.98.

    Testing and inspection services provider ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) rose 1.4% to a record $24.41.

    The post ASX All Ords shares smashing 52-week highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and South32. 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 BHP Group and Nick Scali. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Buying NAB shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today

    A toy house sits on a pile of Australian $100 notes.

    As an ASX 200 bank share, dividend investors have always been an important part of the investor base when it comes to National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares. The four major ASX bank stocks have built up a reputation over many decades as some of the ASX’s most reliable payers of fat, and (mostly) fully-franked dividends.

    NAB is no different. However, this particular bank stock has just come off one of the most dramatic share price rallies we have seen for years. And that has had a notable impact on the dividend yield one can obtain when buying NAB shares today.

    With that in mind, let’s get into just how much in dividends investors can expect to receive from NAB if they buy this bank’s shares right now.

    A record year for this ASX 200 bank stock

    2025 was a volatile, though still successful, year for NAB. The bank saw a precipitous sell-off back in April thanks to the ructions that US President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs sparked. This mini market meltdown saw the NAB share price drop from about $41 in late March to under $34 by 9 April. When those tariffs were walked back, though, NAB went on a tear. The bank rose by a whopping near-40% between early April and early November, finally topping out at $45.25 on 4 November.

    Today, NAB shares have walked back from that 18-year high and are trading at just under $43 at the time of writing.

    NAB paid out two dividends to shareholders over 2025, as is the bank’s habit. The first was the July interim dividend worth 85 cents per share. The second, the final dividend from December, is also worth 85 cents per share. Both payments came with full franking credits attached.

    This annual total of $1.70 per share represented a modest 0.6% rise over the $1.69 investors bagged in 2024. At the current NAB share price, this gives this ASX 200 bank stock a trailing dividend yield of 3.96%.

    How much will NAB shares pay in dividends in 2026 and beyond?

    However, dividend yields always represent the past, not what investors can expect to receive going forward. Of course, we don’t yet know what kinds of dividends NAB has in store for shareholders in 2026. We won’t know until the bank shows its hand later in the year.

    However, we have some projections investors can contemplate. Last week, my Fool colleague Tristan looked at some analyst predictions for what kind of income NAB might provide for its investors over the next few years.

    Analysts have pencilled in a total payout of $1.70 per share over FY 2026. So no change there from 2025. If that does turn out to be the case, then NAB is indeed trading on a forward dividend yield of 3.96% today.

    Those analysts have then predicted a FY 2027 dividend total of $1.705 per share, rising to $1.72 by FY 2028. If those modest predictions are on the money, they would give NAB shares a forward yield of 3.97% for FY 2027 and 4% for FY 2028.

    The post Buying NAB shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and National Australia Bank Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 ASX small cap is rocketing 10% today. Here’s why

    A piggy bank on the cloud in the blue sky symbolising a record high share price.

    Another earnings surprise has put Mayfield Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYG) back in the spotlight.

    The electrical infrastructure group released an earnings update today that caught the market off guard and sent its shares higher.

    At the time of writing, the Mayfield share price is up 10.48% to $3.48, extending a stunning run that has seen the stock surge more than 310% over the past year.

    Let’s dive into what the company announced during mid-afternoon trade.

    Earnings guidance jumps sharply

    According to the release, Mayfield released its earnings guidance for the half-year ended 31 December 2025.

    The company expects unaudited NPAT of approximately $4.9 million for the half. That compares with $1.98 million in NPAT for the prior corresponding period and $7.47 million for the full year ended 30 June 2025.

    Mayfield is now on track to deliver close to two-thirds of last year’s full-year profit in just six months. The figures came in well ahead of the market’s expectations.

    Management did not provide revenue or margin detail in today’s release, but the earnings jump suggests demand remains strong across energy infrastructure, data centres, defence installations, and industrial projects.

    A stock that just keeps delivering

    Today’s update builds on the stock’s strong performance over the past year.

    Mayfield shares were trading below $1 a year ago. Since then, improvements in earnings visibility, strong order flow, and consistent execution have driven a sharp increase in investor confidence.

    The company designs, manufactures, and services critical electrical infrastructure, including switchboards, modular electrical rooms, and power systems. That exposure positions Mayfield directly in the path of Australia’s expanding energy transition, data centre build-out, and defence spending.

    Importantly, much of this demand is non-discretionary. Power infrastructure still needs to be built and maintained regardless of economic conditions.

    Brokers remain bullish

    Broker sentiment has also played a role in today’s move.

    According to market reports released this morning, Bell Potter lifted its price target on Mayfield to $3.60 per share, reflecting improved earnings expectations following the guidance update.

    That target implies there may still be upside from current levels, even after the stock’s extraordinary run.

    Earlier broker commentary has highlighted Mayfield’s scalable operating model, strong balance sheet, and ability to convert revenue growth into profits.

    What’s next?

    Despite the strong run over the past year, today’s update indicates the business continues to perform well.

    The company is due to release its full half-year results next month. That update should include more detail on margins, cash flow, and order books.

    The post This ASX small cap is rocketing 10% today. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mayfield Group Investments Pty Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Mayfield Group Investments Pty Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mayfield Group Investments Pty Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

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

  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.

    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:

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $225.00 price target on this biotherapeutics company’s shares. The broker highlights that CSL shares were sold off in 2025 amid concerns over margins, influenza vaccine demand, immunoglobulins growth, and Seqirus uncertainty. It believes there is scope for a recovery in 2026 even if its net profits don’t grow in the double-digits. Citi thinks that rebuilding investor confidence will be more important than beating earnings estimates. The CSL share price is trading at $183.18 on Tuesday afternoon.

    Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

    A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this location technology company’s shares with a reduced price target of $45.00. Bell Potter was impressed with Life360’s performance in the fourth quarter and FY 2025. It highlights that its trading update was ahead of both guidance and its forecasts. This includes monthly active users rising to 95.8 million (vs Bell Potter’s estimate of 93.5 million), paying circles of 2.83 million (vs Bell Potter’s estimate of 2.8 million), and adjusted EBITDA of between US$87 million and US$92 million (vs Bell Potter’s estimate of US$86 million). And with management guiding to monthly active user growth of 20% in 2026, the broker is feeling very positive about its outlook. And while its valuation has been reduced to reflect a re-rating of tech valuations, it still sees plenty of upside for investors. The Life360 share price is fetching $31.03 at the time of writing.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Analysts at Macquarie have upgraded this health imaging technology company’s shares to an outperform rating with a trimmed price target of $291.30. According to the note, the broker made the move on valuation grounds following significant share price weakness. In addition, it has received industry feedback that indicates that Pro Medicus is likely to continue winning market share over the near term. It also believes that its AI offering will strengthen the Visage offering and cement its leadership position. The Pro Medicus share price is trading at $188.00 this afternoon.

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

    Before you buy Life360 shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Life360 wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Life360, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Life360, and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX 200 shares that look like cheap buys to me

    A couple cheers as they sit on their lounge looking at their laptop and reading about the rising Redbubble share price

    When I’m looking for cheap shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), I’m not just chasing low valuation multiples or stocks that have fallen sharply. 

    What I really want are high-quality businesses where the share price has weakened more than the long-term investment case has deteriorated.

    Right now, there are a few ASX 200 names where sentiment looks overly pessimistic to me. These are three that I would genuinely consider at current levels.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    CSL is one of those rare companies that almost never looks cheap, which is why the current share price stands out. The biotech stock has been under pressure as investors reacted to a cacophony of headwinds hitting at once. This includes a slower CSL Behring margin recovery, weak US influenza vaccine sales, and albumin softness in China.

    However, the long-term story still looks intact to me. CSL remains dominant in its key immunoglobulins market, continues to invest heavily in capacity and R&D, and has a long history of working through short-term disruptions.

    At today’s share price, market expectations are clearly very low. For a business of CSL’s quality, that is often where longer-term opportunities start to emerge for investors.

    Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC)

    Amcor is a stock that I think the market is overlooking. Ongoing volume weakness has weighed on the share price.

    What changes the picture for me is the acquisition of Berry Global. This was a genuinely game-changing transaction, creating a global packaging leader with significantly greater scale, broader customer relationships, and improved exposure across flexible and rigid packaging markets.

    Execution will matter, particularly around integration and cost synergies. But if management delivers, the combined group has the potential to generate stronger cash flows and more resilient earnings than Amcor could on its own. At current levels, I think the market is still heavily discounting that longer-term upside.

    James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

    James Hardie has been caught up in concerns about the US housing cycle, higher interest rates, slowing construction activity, and the large acquisition of Azek. That has pushed the share price down sharply.

    Yet the business remains a clear leader in fibre cement products, with strong brand recognition and meaningful exposure to repair and renovation activity. Housing cycles turn, and when they do, James Hardie has historically been well placed to benefit.

    If US housing conditions stabilise over time, the earnings leverage in this business could become very apparent from current levels.

    Foolish Takeaway

    When I look at the quality of these businesses against the expectations implied by their current share prices, all three look more attractive to me than they have in quite a while.

    For patient, long-term investors, that’s often where the best opportunities begin to form.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares that look like cheap buys to me appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor plc shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Amcor plc wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. 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.

  • 3 Australian stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in 2026

    One hundred dollar notes blowing in the wind, representing dividend windfall.

    The Australian share market has had a subdued start to 2026, with many stocks struggling to gain traction over the past few weeks. But there are some Australian stocks which analysts have tipped to rocket in 2026.

    Here are three of them, all tipped to climb by more than 100% in the next 12 months!

    WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC

    The WiseTech share price is 1.94% higher in Tuesday afternoon trade. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands for $63.09 each. That’s a 7.99% decline for the year so far, and a huge 47.28% below where the stock was trading at this time last year.

    A number of headwinds have put the logistics software provider’s stock under pressure in 2025, but WiseTech still has strong growth potential ahead of it this year.

    The business is strong; it is continually expanding its operations and has a proven track record of company growth, even amid volatility. 

    Analysts are incredibly bullish about the outlook for the tech shares. TradingView data shows that 12 out of 14 have a strong buy rating on the stock, and another has a buy rating. The maximum target price is $175.65, which implies the shares could jump a whopping 178.28% this year, at the time of writing.

    EBR Systems Inc (ASX: EBR)

    EBR Systems is a Silicon Valley-based medical device company that has developed Wireless Stimulation Endocardially (WiSE®) technology. It is the world’s only wireless, leadless left ventricular pacing device for heart failure patients.

    The technology helps to treat individuals with cardiac rhythm diseases by sending electrical stimulation directly to the heart. It conducts operations in the US, but it’s primary listing is on the ASX.

    At the time of writing, its shares are down 3.19% to 91 cents each. It means the shares are now 48.59% below where they were this time last year.

    The Australian stock has reached some excellent milestones over the past year, including the first implant of its WiSE technology and strong Q4 FY25 commercial and clinical progress. 

    Analysts are bullish on the outlook of EBR Systems in 2026. TradingView data shows all four analysts have a strong buy rating, with a maximum target price of $2.97 a piece. That implies a potential 226.12% upside at the time of writing. Even the minimum target price of $2.43 implies a potential 167.32% upside in 2026.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

    Zip shares have had a disappointing start to 2026 so far. The shares are down 2.14% today to $2.98 a piece. For the year to date, the stock has dropped 11.19% and it’s now 5.08% below this time last year.

    But I think the latest decline represents a great opportunity for investors to get into high-quality stock at a cheap price.

    Zip has posted some strong financial results over the past few quarters, and the business has some great growth plans in place for 2026. 

    The company is expected to post its FY26 half-year results in February, at which point investors will find out if the company is still on track. Good news could push the share price higher over a short period of time. I think the stock is a screaming buy for 2026.

    Analysts are optimistic too. TradingView data shows that 9 out of 11 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The maximum target price is $6.72, which, at the time of writing, implies a potential 126.26% upside ahead over the next 12 months. 

    The post 3 Australian stocks tipped to grow 100% (or more) in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in EBR Systems, Inc. right now?

    Before you buy EBR Systems, Inc. shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and EBR Systems, Inc. wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 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.

  • Why is the Coronado share price tanking 9% today

    Coal Miner in the tunnels pushing a cart with tools

    The Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) share price is under heavy pressure today, making it one of the ASX’s worst performers.

    At the time of writing, the Coronado share price is down 8.78% to 44.7 cents, wiping out a chunk of recent gains. By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.7%.

    Despite today’s sharp fall, Coronado shares are up almost 40% so far in 2026, supported by a strong rally in metallurgical coal prices.

    So, what’s going on?

    A sharp pullback after a strong run

    Coronado’s share price has staged a solid rebound over recent months, tracking the recovery in met coal markets.

    However, after such a fast move higher, the stock appears to be taking a breather. Today’s decline looks more like a pullback than a breakdown, especially given the broader context.

    Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is down 0.61% today, according to Trading Economics, but remains up around 13% over the past month. That suggests prices may simply be pausing after a strong rally, rather than starting a sustained decline.

    Met coal remains the key driver

    Coronado is a pure-play metallurgical coal producer, supplying coal used in steelmaking rather than power generation.

    Demand for met coal is closely tied to global steel production, infrastructure spending, and industrial activity. Over recent months, improved sentiment around steel demand and tighter supply conditions have helped lift prices.

    As long as met coal prices remain elevated compared to last year’s lows, Coronado’s earnings outlook looks much stronger than it did in 2025.

    What the charts are saying

    From a technical point of view, Coronado shares were looking a bit stretched before today’s fall.

    The relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator, had moved into the high 60s and low 70s. That often signals a stock may be due for a pullback.

    On the chart, support sits around the low 40-cent level, with stronger support closer to 38 to 40 cents. If selling pressure continues, those levels will be worth watching.

    On the upside, resistance remains near 50 cents, which has capped recent rallies.

    Coronado also has a high beta, meaning it tends to move more sharply than the broader ASX market. That helps explain why the share price has fallen so sharply today.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Today’s sell-off is painful, especially for short-term holders.

    But Coronado’s strong gains in 2026 show how quickly sentiment can change when coal prices move. If met coal prices remain firm, today’s drop may turn out to be a short-term setback rather than a downward trend.

    The post Why is the Coronado share price tanking 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Coronado Global Resources Inc. right now?

    Before you buy Coronado Global Resources Inc. shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Coronado Global Resources Inc. wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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.

  • Forget CBA shares: I’m buying shares in another Aussie bank

    A young bank customer wearing a yellow jumper smiles as she checks her bank balance on her phone.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are 0.69% higher at $150.51 each at the time of writing on Tuesday.

    It’s a welcome reprieve from the multiple share price declines the banking giant has endured over the past few months. 

    For the year-to-date, CBA shares are now down 6.57%. They’re 5.49% below the share price this time last year, and 21.3% lower than an all-time high in June last year.

    In 2025, CBA shares enjoyed a fantastic rally, peaking at an all-time high of $192.00 per share in June. But the bank is facing strong headwinds right now that I think could keep pushing its share price lower.

    CBA’s share price is significantly higher than other major Australian banks. It’s concerning because many experts don’t think the share price is supported by the bank’s earnings and core business strength. 

    At the same time, CBA is facing ongoing net interest margin pressure due to intense market competition and regulatory changes. 

    And not to mention, it looks like the Reserve Bank could keep the cash rate on hold for the foreseeable future, or even hike rates in 2026. This puts even more pressure on banks to compete.

    I even think it’s possible that CBA shares could crash below $100 this year.

    I’d buy this ASX bank stock instead

    Analysts expect that all of the big four major banks’ shares will drop in 2026. Even sentiment on the smaller banks like Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) and Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) is bearish, with many analysts holding buy or sell positions.

    But then there is Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO). Judo Bank is an Australian bank which was built to focus on providing financial services and lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These SMEs have annual turnovers of up to $100 million.

    The bank was founded in 2016 and received its banking license in 2019, so it’s relatively new in comparison to the majors. It was listed on the ASX in 2021.

    The bank provides business lending starting at $250,000 and touts itself as providing more flexibility than major banks. It also offers personal term deposit products and home loans.

    Unlike its larger peers, the bank has had a strong start to FY26, and it looks set to continue. At its latest AGM, it said lending momentum was strong over the first quarter and that it’s confident it can achieve FY26 guidance of $180-$190 million.

    At the time of writing, Judo Bank’s shares are up 0.27% to $1.88 a piece. For the year-to-date the shares are 4.17% higher, although they’re still 4.82% below this time last year.

    The best part is analysts are incredibly bullish on Judo Bank shares. 

    UBS recently said it rates Judo as a buy, with a price target of $2.20, implying a potential 17.83% upside over the next 12 months. The broker thinks the bank is well placed to meet FY26 targets. It also noted that its new business origination “looks strong”, with agriculture and regional lending doing a lot of the heavy lifting for its growth.

    Some are even more optimistic. TradingView data shows 9 out of 10 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Judo Bank shares. Analysts have a maximum target price of $2.40. That implies a potential 28.34% upside from here!

    The post Forget CBA shares: I’m buying shares in another Aussie bank appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • If I had $5,000 to invest on the ASX today, this is how I’d split it

    A woman sits in front of a computer and does some calculations.

    If I were lucky enough to have $5,000 sitting in cash right now, I would look to put it straight to work in the share market.

    I’d focus on building a simple foundation, with one broad exchange-traded fund (ETF) to anchor the portfolio and one high-quality ASX business that I’d be comfortable holding through ups and downs.

    This is how I’d do it today.

    I’d start with a core ASX ETF

    The first thing I’d buy is the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV).

    For me, this is still one of the easiest ways to get instant exposure to the share market without having to make dozens of individual decisions. It gives you tech giants, banks, miners, healthcare, retailers, and infrastructure in one hit, and it does so at a low cost.

    I like the idea of using the IVV ETF as a core holding because it removes the pressure to constantly monitor news flow. You’re not betting on one company getting everything right. You’re backing the long-term growth of US businesses as a whole, while also picking up a reliable stream of dividends along the way.

    If I were starting today, I’d happily put roughly half my $5,000 here and let it compound quietly in the background.

    Then I’d add a high-quality ASX business

    With the remaining capital, I’d look for a single, high-quality business that has both income and growth characteristics. One that fits that bill for me is Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

    Macquarie isn’t a low-risk stock in the short term, but it is a business with a long track record of adapting to different market environments. Its earnings can fluctuate year to year, but over full cycles, it has consistently created value for investors through asset management, infrastructure, and capital markets.

    What I like most is that you’re not just buying a bank. You’re buying a global financial services platform with exposure to energy transition, infrastructure investment, and alternative assets, all areas that continue to attract long-term capital.

    On top of that, Macquarie has historically paid attractive dividends when conditions allow, which complements the income coming from an ETF like the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF.

    Why this simple mix appeals to me

    This kind of split appeals to me because it balances simplicity with opportunity.

    The ETF provides diversification and reduces the risk of getting a single stock call wrong. The individual share adds the potential for higher returns if the business executes well over time. Together, they form a portfolio that doesn’t rely on perfect timing or constant tinkering.

    It’s not the only way to invest $5,000, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last investment I’d ever make. But if I were starting today and wanted something sensible, flexible, and built for the long term, this is a combination I’d feel comfortable owning. Sometimes the best portfolios are the ones you can stick with.

    The post If I had $5,000 to invest on the ASX today, this is how I’d split it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in iShares S&P 500 ETF right now?

    Before you buy iShares S&P 500 ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and iShares S&P 500 ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in February

    Woman calculating dividends on calculator and working on a laptop.

    As a new month approaches, I think it’s a sensible time to take stock of portfolio positioning and consider whether there are opportunities to strengthen the income side of a portfolio.

    I’m not suggesting these are the only dividend shares worth owning, but if I were looking to add a mix of income, quality, and resilience, these are three ASX dividend stock names I’d be seriously considering right now.

    Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

    Pinnacle isn’t a traditional high-yield income stock. The current dividend yield of around 3.4% is modest, but it comes with genuine growth behind it.

    Pinnacle operates a multi-affiliate asset management model, which gives it diversified earnings across a range of investment strategies and market conditions. As funds under management grow, dividends have the potential to grow alongside them. For investors who want income today but also care about what that income could look like in five or ten years, Pinnacle offers an appealing balance.

    This is the kind of ASX dividend stock I’m happy to own early in its income journey rather than chasing yield later on.

    Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

    I see Sonic as an attractive option for dividends in February. With a yield of roughly 4.6%, it offers a solid income stream backed by a business that benefits from long-term structural demand rather than economic cycles.

    Healthcare testing volumes can fluctuate year to year, but the underlying need for pathology and diagnostic services doesn’t disappear. Sonic’s global footprint also helps smooth earnings across different regions and healthcare systems.

    I see Sonic as a classic defensive income holding. It may not deliver fireworks, but it can play an important role in stabilising a portfolio while still paying a respectable dividend.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    Transurban is one of the most reliable dividend stocks on the ASX, in my view. With a dividend yield of around 4.9%, it offers a combination of scale, predictability, and inflation-linked revenue that’s hard to replicate.

    Toll roads are long-life assets, traffic volumes tend to grow over time, and many of Transurban’s concessions include built-in price escalation. That makes its cash flows relatively resilient, even when economic conditions are uncertain.

    For investors focused on income, Transurban often acts as a cornerstone holding. It may not be cheap, but quality infrastructure rarely is, and I think that premium is justified by the stability it provides.

    Foolish takeaway

    If I were building or topping up a dividend-focused portfolio heading into February, this trio would give me a mix of growth-linked income, defensive stability, and infrastructure-backed cash flows.

    Together, I think they highlight an important point about dividend investing. It isn’t just about chasing the highest yield on offer, but about owning businesses that can keep paying and growing those dividends through different market conditions.

    The post My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.