Shares in ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) finished last week on a strong note, closing up 1.88% at $23.86.

Earlier in Friday’s session, the ALS share price also hit a fresh all-time high of $23.91, marking another milestone in what has been an impressive run.

Over the past 12 months, ALS shares are now up around 53%, comfortably outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). With momentum clearly building, investors may be wondering whether the rally still has room to run.

Let’s take a closer look.

Why ALS shares are back in the spotlight

ALS is a global testing, inspection, and certification business, operating across commodities, life sciences, energy, and industrial markets.

The company runs more than 370 sites across around 65 countries, giving it a diversified earnings base. That global footprint has helped smooth earnings across cycles and reduce reliance on any single market.

In its H1 FY26 results, ALS reported underlying EBIT growth of around 14.7%, driven by solid demand across its core divisions. Management also pointed to improving operating margins and continued cost discipline.

That result reinforced the market’s view that ALS remains well positioned despite broader economic uncertainty.

A reliable dividend with growth on top

ALS also continues to reward shareholders with dividends.

The company paid an interim dividend of around 19.4 cents per share, carrying a franking credit of close to 30%. While ALS is not a high-yield stock, the dividend provides a steady income stream alongside capital growth.

What the ALS chart is saying

The relative strength index (RSI) is hovering around 65, which suggests bullish conditions, though the stock is not yet at extreme overbought levels.

The share price is also trading above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, confirming a strong medium and long-term uptrend.

In terms of volatility, ALS has a beta of around 1.09, meaning it tends to move broadly in line with the market.

Support and resistance levels to watch

Now that ALS has moved above its previous highs, the $23.90 level could act as short-term support.

Below that, the $22 to $22.50 zone is an important support area based on recent trading activity. Further down, longer-term support sits closer to $21.50 to $21.80.

On the upside, the next psychological resistance level sits around $25.00, which some analysts see as a potential medium-term target if momentum continues.

Foolish takeaway

ALS has delivered strong gains, but the recent rally is backed by solid earnings growth, global diversification, and improving margins.

While short-term pullbacks are always possible after hitting an all-time high, the broader trend remains positive.

For investors looking for a quality industrial stock with momentum and defensiveness, ALS is one worth keeping on your watchlist.

The post This ASX stock just hit an all-time high. Is there more upside ahead? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX 200 shares that doubled in value in 2025

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 you are on the hunt for some of the best ASX shares to buy this month, then it could pay to listen to analysts at Bell Potter.

They have revealed a number of shares that they believe are best buys right now and could offer good returns in 2026. Let’s see what the broker is bullish on in January:

Region Group (ASX: RGN)

The first ASX share that could be a best buy is Region Group. It offers a defensive way to gain exposure to Australian retail property. The company owns a portfolio of neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centres anchored by supermarkets and essential services. This positioning helps stabilise rental income, as demand for food, healthcare, and everyday services tends to hold up even when discretionary spending softens.

Bell Potter sees value in Region Group’s focus on convenience-based retail, which benefits from high foot traffic and resilient tenant demand. With inflation-linked rental growth and improving operating conditions across parts of the retail property sector, the broker believes the company is well placed to deliver steady income and long-term value for investors. It said:

Whilst the immediate catalyst is valuation uplift, we also see a strong case for medium-term rental growth (c.15% under rented vs. benchmark; 9.7% specialty occupancy cost ratio is low vs historical levels/peers), adding to our longer-term conviction in the stock.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Another ASX share that Bell Potter is bullish on is Telix Pharmaceuticals. It specialises in radiopharmaceuticals used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which is an area of medicine that continues to attract strong interest and investment globally.

Its flagship products and development pipeline position Telix at the heart of medical innovation and increasing demand for more targeted cancer therapies.

Bell Potter is positive on Telix’s commercial momentum and longer-term growth outlook. As adoption of its products expands and new therapies progress through development, the broker believes Telix has the potential to deliver strong earnings growth over time. Especially with potential product approvals on the horizon. It said:

We are confident regarding the approval in CY 2026 of Zircaix following resubmission of the Biological License Application (BLA). The FDA rejected the original BLA due to CMC (chemistry manufacturing & control) matters at Telix’s manufacturing partner. There were no matters related to safety or efficacy.

We expect the market for Zircaix once approved will be in excess of US$500m. The product has been included in guidelines for disease management in the US and Europe and continues to be available in the US under the expanded access program. Elsewhere, sales of Iluuccix/ Gozellix in the PSMA franchise continue to grow and were recently boosted by the refresh on the pass through pricing.

The post Bell Potter says these ASX shares are best buys in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
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If you have $1,000 to invest and you are wondering where to start, I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is a very sensible option to consider.

It is not flashy. It will not double overnight. But for investors thinking in years rather than weeks, I believe the VGS ETF offers exactly the kind of foundation investment that makes sense.

What does the VGS ETF actually invest in?

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives you access to around 1,300 stocks across developed markets outside Australia.

That includes major economies like the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Switzerland. In practical terms, it means you are investing in many of the world’s most influential businesses, including global leaders in technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrials.

This matters because the Australian share market is relatively narrow. Banks, miners, and domestic retailers dominate the ASX. The VGS ETF helps fill the gaps by providing access to sectors that are underrepresented locally, particularly technology and global healthcare.

Holdings include Apple, Nestle, Nvidia, ASML, HSBC, and Rolls-Royce.

Why $1,000 makes sense

One of the biggest challenges for new investors is diversification.

With $1,000, buying individual shares can leave you overly exposed to a single ASX share or sector. The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF solves that problem immediately. With one investment, you gain broad global diversification across over a thousand businesses and multiple economies.

I also think $1,000 is a great way to get started psychologically. It is large enough to matter, but small enough that short-term market movements should not cause stress. That makes it easier to stay invested, which is ultimately what drives long-term returns.

A long-term growth focus

The VGS ETF is not designed to be an income investment. Its yield is modest compared to Australian dividend stocks.

The role of this ETF is long-term capital growth. Over time, global stocks have benefited from innovation, scale, and access to much larger markets than most Australian businesses. While returns will vary year to year, history suggests that global equities can compound strongly over long periods.

For someone investing $1,000 today, the real value comes from what that investment could look like in ten, twenty, or thirty years, especially if dividends are reinvested and additional contributions are made over time.

What about risk?

Like all share market investments, the VGS ETF will be volatile.

Its value will move with global markets and currency fluctuations, as it is not hedged back to the Australian dollar. That can work for or against investors in the short term. Over long periods, I see that currency exposure as a feature rather than a flaw, as it adds another layer of diversification.

The key point is that the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF should be approached with a long-term mindset. If you need the money in the next year or two, this may not be the right place for it.

Foolish takeaway

If you are asking whether investing $1,000 in the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF makes sense, my answer is yes.

It offers instant diversification, exposure to global growth, low fees, and a simple structure that is easy to understand and hold. As a starting point or as part of a broader portfolio, I think the VGS ETF is a strong long-term building block for investors in 2026 and beyond.

The post Should I invest $1,000 in the VGS ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• I would put $10,000 of my savings into these ETFs
• Investing in the VanEck International Quality ETF (QUAL)? Here’s what you’re really buying

HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 ASML, Apple, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended HSBC Holdings and Rolls-Royce Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Apple, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) remains the most shorted ASX share for another week even after its short interest eased slightly to 19.5%. Short sellers have successfully targeted this uranium producer after it released a disappointing production update on the Honeymoon Project.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease slightly again to 17.6%. Short sellers appear to be doubting that this pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will be a success.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.7%, which is flat week on week. This burrito seller’s shares trade on extremely high multiples. And with its US expansion disappointing the market, some may believe this premium isn’t justified.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 12.5%, which is down week on week again. There may be concerns over potential operational challenges for this uranium miner.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 12.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week again. Major student visa changes in key markets have weighed on this language testing and student placement services company’s performance.
• PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 11.7%, which is down since last week. Unfortunately for short sellers, this advanced cooling products and solutions provider’s shares jumped to a 52-week high last week thanks to a defence contract win.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 11.5%, which is down since last week. This medical device company’s shares may have been targeted due to valuation concerns.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11.3%, which is flat week on week. This radiopharmaceuticals company had a tough time in 2025 when it experienced delays to FDA approvals and increased regulatory scrutiny.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has short interest of 11%, which is down slightly since last week. Short sellers seem to think that this counter drone technology company’s shares are overvalued following very strong gains in 2025.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has entered the top ten with short interest of 10.4%. This wine giant is having a tough time due to distributor uncertainty and unfavourable consumer trends.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter says these ASX shares are best buys in January
• ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PWR Holdings, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For years, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have been the market’s favourite comfort stock. Rock-solid brand, dependable dividends and a balance sheet investors trust with their lives.

So far in 2026, the banking giant’s shares are down almost 4% and now sit 14.5% below their level of six months ago.

The weakness follows a stellar 2025, when CBA shares staged a powerful rally and surged to a record high of $192.00 in June.

Here are three reasons some investors are quietly heading for the exit.

Overvalued with modest growth

First, the valuation has gone from premium to punchy. CBA shares trade well above their big-four peers on almost every traditional metric. Its price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios suggest investors are paying luxury-car prices for a stock growing more like a family sedan.

CBA is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 26.68, significantly higher than its major Australian banking peers. By comparison, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) trades at a P/E of approximately 19.64, National Australian Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) at around 19.20, and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:ANZ) at about 18.67.

The problem? Banks aren’t high-growth tech plays. Earnings growth is modest at best, yet the market continues to price $258 billion CBA as if it deserves a permanent gold star. When expectations are this high, even a small disappointment can trigger an outsized share price reaction.

Squeezed margins, fierce competition

Second, profit margins are under pressure — and that’s hard to ignore. Net interest margins, the lifeblood of bank profitability, are being squeezed from all sides. Competition for deposits is fierce, funding costs remain elevated, and political pressure keeps mortgage pricing tight.

While CBA is arguably the best-run bank in the country, it can’t escape industry physics. If margins keep narrowing, earnings growth slows and suddenly that premium valuation looks even harder to justify.

Home lending risk

Third, the housing market cuts both ways. CBA’s dominance in home lending has long been a strength, but it also creates concentration risk. Australian households are carrying high debt levels, and cost-of-living pressures haven’t magically disappeared.

A weaker economic backdrop, rising unemployment or falling house prices could push loan impairments higher. Investors don’t need a housing crash to feel pain. Even a mild deterioration in credit quality can dent profits and sentiment.

This doesn’t mean CBA is a poor bank. It remains a high-quality business with strong capital, loyal customers and dependable dividends.

What do analysts think?

For long-term investors, the real question may be whether their capital is working hard enough, as other sectors offer better growth, value or income, making the case to trim CBA shares more about opportunity cost than risk.

Most brokers share this sentiment. TradingView data shows that 13 out of 15 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on CBA shares. The average 12-month target price is $124.90 a piece, which implies a 19% drop at the time of writing.

But some analysts think CBA’s share price will plummet even more sharply down to $99.81 per share. That suggests a significant 35% drop over the next 12 months.

The post 3 reasons why it’s time to sell your CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

I am not always looking for the cleverest or most complex investment.

More often than not, I find myself drawn to strategies that quietly stack the odds in your favour over time. That usually means focusing on quality businesses, sensible diversification, and a structure that encourages long-term thinking rather than short-term trading.

That is why the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) has caught my attention.

I do not own it yet, but it is very much on my watchlist as a potential next addition.

What this ETF actually does

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of high-quality international companies listed in developed markets outside Australia.

The ETF tracks the MSCI World ex Australia Quality Index, which is built by selecting companies based on three fundamental characteristics: high return on equity, stable earnings, and low financial leverage. These are not fashionable metrics. But over long periods, they have tended to matter.

Instead of simply owning the biggest companies by market value, the QUAL ETF tilts the portfolio toward businesses that score well on those quality measures. The result is a portfolio of around 300 stocks spread across multiple countries and sectors.

Why quality matters to me right now

Quality investing is not about avoiding volatility altogether. It is about owning businesses that are more likely to endure it.

Companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and high returns on capital tend to have more options when conditions get tougher. They can keep investing, protect margins, and avoid dilutive capital raisings. Over time, that resilience can compound into better outcomes for investors.

I am not suggesting that quality stocks always outperform in every year. But historically, quality-focused strategies have delivered attractive long-term returns relative to broader global equity benchmarks. That is the type of edge I am comfortable backing.

Diversification without overcomplication

Another reason the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF appeals to me is diversification.

The ETF holds companies across a wide range of geographies, including the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Sector exposure is also broad, with meaningful weightings to technology, healthcare, consumer staples, and industrials.

Looking at the holdings, you are effectively getting exposure to many of the world’s most established businesses, including names like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Eli Lilly, Visa, and Johnson & Johnson. Importantly, no single company dominates the portfolio, with individual weights capped at 5%.

For investors who want global exposure but prefer a tilt toward balance sheet strength and earnings quality, this structure makes a lot of sense.

A useful complement to Australian portfolios

Australian portfolios are often heavily skewed toward banks, resources, and domestic cyclicals.

The QUAL ETF offers access to areas that are less represented on the ASX, particularly global technology, healthcare, and consumer brands with international scale. I see it as a potential complement rather than a replacement for Australian equities.

For example, pairing this fund with a broad Australian ETF or a handful of local stocks could create a more balanced portfolio across different economic drivers.

Risks worth acknowledging

Like any global equity ETF, the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is not without risk.

Returns will fluctuate with global markets, and the ETF is exposed to foreign currency movements, as it is not hedged back to the Australian dollar. That can increase volatility in the short term.

There is also the risk that a quality-focused strategy underperforms during periods when lower-quality or more speculative stocks are leading the market. That is something investors need to be comfortable with.

For me, those risks are acceptable if the investment is approached with a long-term mindset and a time horizon of at least five years.

Foolish takeaway

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF appeals to me because it focuses on fundamentals that have historically mattered over the long run.

It offers diversified global exposure, a clear quality tilt, and access to some of the world’s strongest businesses, all within a simple ETF structure.

The post Why this high-quality ASX ETF could be my next ASX buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why I’m betting on this ASX ETF to help me become a millionaire
• 3 steps to replace your wage with dividends from ASX shares
• I plan to invest $1,000s into these 2 ASX ETFs in 2026

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

Income investors are spoilt for choice when it comes to ASX dividend shares.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three that analysts have named as buys above others.

Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

The first ASX dividend share that analysts are tipping as a buy is Cedar Woods.

It is one of Australia’s leading property developers and the owner of a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type.

Cedar Woods’ developments include subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

Bell Potter is a big fan of the company due to its belief that it is well-placed to benefit from Australia’s chronic housing shortage.

The broker believes this will underpin fully franked dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.27, this equates to 4.2% and 4.7% dividend yields, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

Another ASX dividend share that is rated highly by analysts is the Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This property company owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail centres that are anchored by supermarkets, service stations, and essential services.

These assets tend to be highly defensive. That’s because shoppers continue to spend on groceries and everyday essentials regardless of economic conditions. In addition, long leases and high-quality tenants provide visibility over rental income. This supports consistent distributions to unitholders.

The team at Citi is positive on the company due to its successful capital deployment, improving margins, and retail property trends. It believes this will support dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 26 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.14, this would mean dividend yields of 6.15% and 6.3%, respectively.

Citi has a buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Finally, Elders could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is an agribusiness company that provides rural and livestock services, agricultural inputs, and real estate services to Australia’s farming sector.

Macquarie is bullish on Elders due to its belief that the cycle is turning favourable after a tricky period.

The broker expects this to allow Elders to pay fully franked dividends of 36 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 37 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.51, this would mean dividend yields of 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $8.25 price target on its shares.

The post Analysts say these ASX dividend shares are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• ASX income stocks: A once-in-a-decade chance to get rich
• Why 4DMedical, Amaero, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine shares are falling today
• The top 3 Australian dividend stocks I’d tell anyone to buy
• If I invest $15,000 in Macquarie shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?

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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider Betashares will pay its next round of distributions (dividends) today.

Investors in the Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) will be among those paid today.

The gold miners ETF was one of the best performers of 2025, delivering a whopping total return of 149%.

MNRS tracks the performance of the Nasdaq Global ex-Australia Gold Miners Hedged AUD Index.

The 65% rally in the gold price last year, building on the 24% lift in 2024, was a big tailwind behind MNRS last year.

Investors in Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR) will also be paid today.

ARMR is benefitting from a big increase in global defence spending amid volatile geopolitics these days.

It tracks the VettaFi Global Defence Leaders Index and gave investors a total return of 48% last year.

Dividends to be paid today

Here are the dividends that investors will receive, rounded to two decimal places, today.

The Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) will pay $1.15 per unit with 60% franking.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT) will pay 47 cents per unit with 93% franking.

The Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR) will pay 32 cents per unit.

Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) will pay 3 cents per unit.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA) will pay 67 cents per unit.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC) will pay 6 cents per unit with 106% franking.

Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF) will pay 30 cents per unit with 22% franking.

The Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI) will pay 4 cents per unit.

Betashares Australian Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: FAIR) will pay 29 cents per unit with 65% franking.

But wait, there’s more…

The Betashares Geared Australian Equity Fund – Hedge Fund (ASX: GEAR) will pay 45 cents per unit with 225% franking.

Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) will pay 6 cents per unit with 74% franking.

The Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD) will pay 12 cents per unit with 66% franking.

Betashares Australian Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN) will pay 28 cents per unit with 89% franking.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) will pay 9 cents per unit.

The Betashares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE) will pay 11 cents per unit with 101% franking.

Betashares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM) will pay 3 cents per unit.

The Betashares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX) will pay 13 cents per unit with 31% franking.

Betashares Global Banks Currency Hedged (ASX: BNKS) will pay 11 cents per unit.

Betashares Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: FUEL) will pay 9 cents per unit.

The post Own MNRS or ARMR ETFs? Here’s why it’s a big day for you appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF, Betashares Capital – Global Quality Leaders Etf, Betashares Global Defence ETF – Beta Global Defence ETF, and Betashares S&P Asx Australian Technology ETF. 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.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price has had a mixed 12 months and currently trades at $211.86.

Although it has made a solid recovery from its 52-week low of $160, it is still comfortably short of its 52-week high of $242.90.

That leaves investors asking an obvious question. Could the Macquarie share price rebound and reach $250 this year?

What would $250 imply?

A move to $250 would require an 18% gain from current levels. That would likely depend on a combination of improving earnings momentum and more supportive market conditions.

To assess whether that is realistic, it helps to look at valuation, history, and how Macquarie’s business is currently tracking.

According to CommSec consensus estimates, Macquarie is expected to deliver earnings per share of $10.85 in FY26, rising to $11.79 in FY27. Dividends per share of $7.10 in FY26 and $7.70 in FY27 are also forecast.

At a $250 share price, that would put Macquarie on a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of around 23 times FY26 earnings and roughly 21 times FY27 earnings.

How does that compare to history?

Looking at Macquarie’s valuation history adds some useful context.

According to CommSec, Macquarie’s average PE ratios over the past five years were approximately 16.25x, 34.1x, 23.1x, 25.4x, and 29.2x.

The lowest multiple, around 16 times earnings, occurred around the COVID period and is arguably an outlier given the extreme uncertainty at the time. Excluding that period, Macquarie has frequently traded in the low-to-mid 20s and, at times, closer to 30 times earnings when conditions were favourable.

Against that backdrop, a valuation of around 21–23 times earnings at a $250 share price would sit toward the lower end of its non-COVID historical range, assuming consensus forecasts are delivered.

How are Macquarie’s results tracking?

Macquarie’s most recent half-year result showed net profit of $1.655 billion, up 3% compared with the prior corresponding period. Performance across its operating divisions was mixed, with strong contributions from Macquarie Asset Management and Macquarie Capital, partly offset by softer conditions in Commodities and Global Markets.

The group’s balance sheet remains conservative, with capital ratios comfortably above regulatory requirements and a significant capital surplus. Macquarie also continues to return capital to shareholders through dividends and its on-market buyback program.

That said, return on equity has moderated compared to recent years. Any sustained re-rating toward $250 would likely require a clear improvement in profitability or confidence that returns are heading higher.

What would need to go right for the Macquarie share price?

For the Macquarie share price to reach $250 this year, I think several things would probably need to fall into place.

Stronger market conditions could lift performance fees in asset management and increase deal activity in Macquarie Capital. Improved volatility and trading opportunities could also support earnings in global markets.

Just as importantly, investors would need confidence that earnings growth is sustainable, rather than cyclical or one-off in nature.

Foolish takeaway

Could the Macquarie share price reach $250 this year? Yes, it is possible.

However, it would likely require an improvement in operating performance, better market conditions, or a shift in investor sentiment toward higher valuations. At that level, the shares would not look cheap, but they also would not appear unreasonable given both consensus earnings forecasts and Macquarie’s longer-term valuation history.

The post Could the Macquarie share price reach $250 this year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

When you have a lump sum like $10,000 to invest, the challenge is not finding ideas. It is deciding how to spread that money across themes that can work over time.

The good news is that exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this easier by allowing investors to position for different global trends.

Right now, a combination of value, structural growth, and long-term geopolitical change could make sense for investors looking beyond the short term. And here are three ASX ETFs that offer this:

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF.

It offers investors exposure to global share markets with a valuation-first perspective. Rather than focusing on the fastest-growing stocks, this fund invests in developed market businesses that rank highly on traditional value metrics. This includes price to earnings, book value, and cash flow.

The portfolio includes large, established companies across sectors like technology, industrials, healthcare, and financials. This provides diversification away from growth-heavy strategies and exposure to businesses that already generate meaningful cash flow.

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

This fund targets a theme that is becoming increasingly structural rather than cyclical. It invests in global stocks that are involved in defence, aerospace, and national security technologies.

Rising geopolitical tensions, changes in warfare, and increased defence spending across many countries have shifted these industries into long-term investment priorities rather than short-term budget items.

This ultimately means that the Betashares Global Defence ETF offers exposure to a sector benefiting from sustained global investment, without needing to select individual defence stocks. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides investors with exposure to the technology leaders shaping Asia’s digital economy.

This ASX ETF invests in major Asian technology stocks across areas such as ecommerce, digital payments, cloud services, and online platforms. These businesses stand to benefit greatly from large populations, rising digital adoption, and expanding middle classes across the region.

This means that for long-term investors, it provides access to growth drivers that differ from those in the United States and Europe, and can add a growth-oriented edge to a portfolio that is otherwise focused on developed markets.

It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF
• Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026
• Where I would invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs in January
• Which ASX defence ETF performed best in 2025?
• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs for growth investors to buy before it’s too late

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. 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.