ASX industrials stock Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) is set to release FY26 Half Year Results on Friday 20 February.

This is important for investors to monitor as earnings results can trigger strong share price movement.

A new report from Ord Minnett suggests this ASX industrials stock has long-term potential. 

Let’s see what is behind the optimism. 

Qube Holdings

Qube Holdings is Australia’s leading provider of logistics solutions, largely focused on import and export supply chains. 

It is comprised of two core units: the first is its logistics operating division.

The second is the company’s 50% interest in Patrick Terminals, Australia’s leading container terminal operator.

It has been in focus over the last couple of months due to the takeover proposal from Macquarie Asset Management. 

Macquarie Asset Management has made a non-binding, all-cash takeover proposal to buy Qube Holdings for about A$11.6 billion (A$5.20 per share) via a scheme of arrangement, representing a significant premium to Qube’s pre-bid share price. 

Ord Minnett’s view on this ASX industrials stock

In a new report from Ord Minnett, the wealth and investment services firm said Macquarie Asset Management has provided notice to extend the due diligence exclusivity period for its takeover of Qube Holdings until 15 February. 

Ord Minnett has run three adjacent scenarios to the $5.20 a share indicative offer to ascertain a likely price.

‍It said the mean of the scenarios show that the indicative offer is close to fair value in the short-term, albeit with a lower implied premium for control and/or less value ascribed to the circa $400 million in Qube’s franking credit balance. 

The scenarios, however, support a view that $5.20 a share understates the longer-term valuation potential within Qube. 

Given the entrenched market position in many verticals, earnings quality and scarcity of infrastructure assets of this size, our view is that an offer price of $5.42–5.60 per share is full freight in present value terms, with upside from franking credit value.

What does this mean for investors?

Macquarie Asset Management is still progressing its proposed $5.20 per share takeover, having extended its exclusive due-diligence period to mid-February. 

Ord Minnett thinks $5.20 is about fair value in the short term. However this likely undervalues Qube’s longer-term potential, given its strong market position, high-quality earnings, scarce infrastructure assets and valuable franking credits. 

They believe a more realistic “full value” price is $5.42–$5.60 per share, with extra upside from franking credits.

Operationally, Qube is performing well, with expected profit growth is around 6%.

This is supported by steadier port volumes, stronger grain logistics in NSW, and solid performance from Patrick Stevedoring.

Based on this analysis, this ASX industrials stock is trading below fair value. 

It closed last week at $4.74. 

Based on the full value price indicated from Ord Minnett, this ASX industrials stock would be set to rise between 14% and 18%. 

This gives investors a window pre-earnings results to potentially buy-low on this ASX industrials stock. 

The post Why investors should snap up this ASX industrials stock before 20 February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Qube Holdings updates investors on Macquarie Asset Management proposal

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion (A$27.3 billion) in net inflows in January, according to the World Gold Council.

The inflows plus a 14% rise in the gold price pushed global gold ETF assets under management to a record US$669 billion.

That’s a 20% increase on December.

Collective global holdings of the safe-haven asset rose by 120 tonnes to 4,145 tonnes, also a record high.

Asia invested a net $10 billion in gold ETFs in January, its strongest month ever, while the US invested $7 billion, its second-best month.

Europe invested a net $2 billion amid escalating geopolitical tensions over Greenland, which drove continued interest in gold ETFs.

Here in Australia, ASX gold ETFs attracted US$202 million in inflows, taking local AUM to US$8.6 billion.

What happened to the gold price in January?

The gold price reached a record US$5,608 per ounce during the month.

The commodities rout that started on 29 January put a three-day drag on gold’s otherwise impressive monthly performance.

The council said investors appeared to buy the dip, with all regions bar Europe recording net inflows on 30 January and 2 February.

The gold price fell from US$5,608 per ounce on 29 January to $US4,405  per ounce on 2 February before commencing a rebound.

By the market close on Friday (Australian time), the gold price had recovered to about US$4,870 per ounce.

Interested in ASX gold ETFs?

Global asset manager, Sprott, which runs one of the world’s largest gold bullion investment funds, says the reasons to invest in gold “remain in place, but are also compounding”.

If you’re interested in ASX gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), here are three options.

Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS)

The MNRS ETF invests in 56 gold shares, with 44% in Canada, 14% in the US, 13% in South Africa, and 8% in Brazil.

Its largest holding is Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM), which has CDIs listed on the ASX as Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM).

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

This ASX ETF has total net assets of $267 million and a management fee of 0.57%.

VanEck Gold Miners AUD ETF (ASX: GDX)

The GDX ETF invests in 93 shares, with 44% in Canada, 20% in the US, 11% in Australia, and 6% in China.

The ASX gold ETF’s biggest holding is Newmont shares.

GDX is also invested in Aussie miners like Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

This ETF has total net assets of $1.61 billion and a 0.53% fee.

Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD)

The GOLD ETF seeks to mirror the performance of the gold price in Australian dollars.

The index it tracks is the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (AUD).

Global X says GOLD is the largest and most liquid gold-backed ETF on the ASX, with the lowest bid/ask spread.

This ETF has total net assets of $6 billion and a 0.4% fee.

The post Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Today marks the beginning of the second week of February’s earnings season. 

This week features several blue-chip ASX stocks that are set to release earnings results.

This includes: 

• CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) reports Wednesday 11 February
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) reports Wednesday 11 February
• Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) reports Thursday 12 February
• Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) reports Friday 13 February

Earnings season can bring heightened volatility as investors react – positively or negatively – to full or half-year results. 

With that in mind, here is what experts are saying about these blue-chip ASX stocks. 

Reason for optimism for these ASX stocks?

CSL shares are trading close to its 52-week low right now. The general consensus seems to be the current share price is an attractive entry point according to experts. 

It closed trading last week at $180.50. 

This ASX stock is down more than 30% over the last 12 months. It remains one of the top 10 largest companies on the ASX by market capitalisation.

Recent analysis from Canaccord Genuity said it is trading at a forward P/E of 17.5x – its lowest in 10 years. 

Morgan Stanley recently put an overweight rating and $242.00 price target on its shares.

This would indicate an upside of roughly 34%. 

The company reports its HY26 on Wednesday, which could spark movement depending on the results. 

It’s worth noting that this ASX stock crashed 15.9% in October last year after management reduced the company’s full-year FY 2026 guidance.

Another ASX stock drawing optimism ahead of earnings results is Pro Medicus. 

Sentiment for this blue-chip healthcare company indicates it is now undervalued. 

Its share price has fallen more than 44% in the last 12 months, closing last week at $157.62. 

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and a $320.00 price target.

That indicates more than 100% upside. 

Mixed reviews 

CBA shares have shown some signs of life in the last week or so, rising 4% in that span. 

It closed last week at $158.91. 

Opinions remained mixed on this ASX banking giant.

The argument against CBA shares seems to always remain the same – it looks expensive. 

However Australia’s largest bank and second largest company could be a buy ahead of earnings results. 

It has now retreated significantly since passing $190 a share last June. 

Trying to time the market to perfection can be futile, and now could be close to a fair entry point. 

According to investment firm Wilsons, the upcoming result is expected to confirm that underlying sector fundamentals remain in good shape.

On the bearish side, Morgans estimates still suggest the stock is well overvalued. 

The broker has a price target on CBA shares under $100. 

Wait and see

For Cochlear shares, experts are suggesting a cautious approach before the company reports on Friday. 

It is currently trading almost 17% below their 52-week high.

Management has delivered three successive downgrades, driven by its services segment, which is reason for caution heading into its result.

However if the share price retreats further on Friday, it could land at an attractive buying opportunity. 

The post Earnings preview: How do experts rate these blue-chip ASX stocks reporting this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 ASX shares that could be overdue for a new year jump

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

Earnings season is in full swing. One company’s results I am keeping an eye on is Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares. 

Earnings results can lead to significant share price movement. 

This can give investors both increased opportunity and risk. 

On one hand, investing before a company releases its February earnings can offer big upside if results beat expectations. 

However it also carries higher risk because disappointing results can lead to sharp price drops. 

The team at Ord Minnett has provided an updated outlook on Origin Energy shares ahead of its earnings results on Thursday, 12 February. 

Headwinds blowing for Origin Energy shares

Origin Energy is an integrated energy company engaged in the exploration and production of natural gas, electricity generation, wholesale and retail sale of electricity and gas, and sale of liquefied natural gas in Australia and internationally.

According to the report from Ord Minnett, the company posted December-quarter LNG production and revenue ahead of its forecasts.

Ord Minnett said the stronger realised pricing in the quarter was likely driven by sales into the spot LNG market. However this raises a question over whether the performance can be repeated in coming quarters considering weak domestic gas demand. 

According to the report, volumes in Origin’s electricity and gas volumes in its energy markets division were weak, with retail volumes stable but business demand falling.

Concerns over UK business

Ord Minnett also raised questions over Origin Energy’s UK business – Octopus Energy. 

It said Origin did not provide formal quantitative guidance on earnings from its UK Octopus Energy business but was at pains to emphasise the retail energy and software group’s seasonal bias to the second half of the year.

We note prior FY26 guidance for Octopus operating earnings (EBITDA) of $0–150 million was not mentioned, leading us to view it as being at risk considering persistent problems with bad debts in the retail segment in the UK.

Post the result, Ord Minnett raised FY26 EPS estimate by 4.1%, largely due to higher full-year LNG sales, while FY27 and FY28 forecasts were cut by 5.2% and 6.0% .

This incorporates increased depreciation and amortisation estimates and downgrades to expectations for Octopus.

Price target update

Based on this guidance, Ord Minnett has slightly increased its price target to $11.00 (previously 10.80). 

Last week Origin Energy shares closed at $10.91, indicating it is currently trading close to fair value. 

Ord Minnett also has a hold recommendation on Origin Energy shares. 

The rise in our FY26 EPS forecast leads us to increase our target price to $11.00 from $10.80, but we remain cautious on Origin given the headwinds we see – increased capital expenditure to maintain APLNG production, ongoing bad debt problems at Octopus, weaker wholesale electricity pricing, and a likely fall in spot LNG prices – and remain at Hold.

The post Are Origin Energy shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

Thinking in 25-year timeframes changes how you invest. Short-term noise fades into irrelevance, while strong business models, structural growth, and competitive advantages start to matter far more.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be particularly powerful over these horizons, because they let investors benefit from long-term trends without needing to constantly adjust their portfolio as individual winners and losers change.

With that mindset, here are three ASX ETFs that could be well suited to a true buy-and-hold approach measured in decades rather than years.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF to consider for a 25-year horizon is the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF.

It tracks the S&P 500 Index, which represents the largest and most influential companies in the United States. What makes this fund particularly attractive over long periods is its ability to evolve. Companies that lose relevance are removed, while new leaders are added as the economy changes. That adaptability could make it a compelling long-term core holding.

Current holdings include businesses such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA). These companies sit at the centre of global innovation, capital markets, and technology investment.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

Another ASX ETF that could reward patient investors is the VanEck China New Economy ETF.

It focuses on China’s new economy, targeting companies involved in areas such as technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and domestic consumption.

The ETF holds a wide range of emerging leaders, including businesses such as Intsig Information and Shennan Circuits. Many of these companies are still early in their growth journeys and benefit from rising incomes, innovation, and domestic demand.

China’s market can be volatile, but over a 25-year period, exposure to a transforming economy could prove valuable for investors willing to tolerate short-term uncertainty. It was recently recommended by VanEck.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A final ASX ETF to consider for long-term investors is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This fund provides exposure to a concentrated portfolio of international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats, that can endure for 20 years or more.

Importantly, the ETF also applies a valuation discipline, targeting companies trading below the estimate of fair value.

Holdings include businesses such as Roche Holding (SWX: ROG), GSK (LSE: GSK), and Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ). These are established global companies with strong brands, intellectual property, or regulatory advantages that make them difficult to displace. The fund manager also recently recommended this ETF.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 25 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Constellation Brands, GSK, and Roche Holding AG. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and 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.

Are you hunting market-beating returns for your portfolio? If you are, then it could be worth considering the ASX 200 shares in this article.

They have just been named as buys and tipped to rise very strongly from current levels. Here’s what you need to know:

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

Analysts at Bell Potter see significant value in this ASX 200 share at current levels.

Last week, the broker reaffirmed its buy rating on the pharmaceutical company’s shares with a $22.00 price target. Based on its current share price of $12.52, this implies potential upside of 75% for investors over the next 12 months.

While approval delays in Europe are disappointing and have hit sentiment, Bell Potter remains positive. It explains:

We have reduced the PoS assumption for Daybue EU approval and delayed first EU sales to CY27 for conservatism. We think there is still a possibility that, following reevaluation, the CHMP reverses its initial decision, however the risk to EU approval has increased considerably. Changes to CY26 forecasts are mainly from delaying the risk-adjusted milestone upon first EU sales into CY27.

NEU remains attractively valued based on the upside potential from its second drug candidate, NNZ-2591, hence we maintain our BUY. The Phase 3 trial for NNZ-2591 still has ~18 months until its readout, so investors will require patience to see through to this catalyst. Royalties from Daybue in the US alone will generate ~A$65m in CY26 income by our estimate, so NEU’s balance sheet remains very healthy regardless of the EU decision.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

The team at Morgans thinks this ASX 200 share could be undervalued following a pullback last week.

In response to its half year results, which fell short of expectations, the broker upgraded this investment company’s shares to a buy rating with a $23.21 price target. Based on its current share price of $17.49, this implies potential upside of 33% for investors.

While the headline result missed expectations, Morgans saw a number of positives from the release. It explains:

PNI’s 1H26 NPAT (~A$67m, -11% on the pcp) came in -4% below consensus, but it was more in line excluding one-offs (e.g. mark-to-market investment impacts). Overall, we saw the 1H26 result as compositionally stronger than the headline numbers suggested, and positively accompanied with a move-the-dial acquisition.

We reduce FY26F EPS by -7% on a softer-than-expected 1H26 “reported” result, and dilution from the PAM equity issue. Conversely, FY27F EPS rises +8% on PAM earnings benefits and a broader review of our assumptions. Our price target falls to A$23.21 (from A$26.30). We move to a BUY recommendation (previously Accumulate) with >20% upside existing to our PT.

The post These ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 75% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

After a bruising period for Australian stocks, two beaten-up ASX shares are starting to draw fresh attention from investors.

James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) have significantly lagged broader market gains over the past year, yet their underlying businesses are anything but broken.

James Hardie’s share price has tumbled 39% over 12 months, while Aristocrat Leisure has lost almost 32% in value.

For investors looking past the short term, I think both ASX shares deserve a fresh look.

James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie’s share price has been volatile. Housing markets have slowed. Higher interest rates have cooled construction activity, and that’s weighed heavily on expectations.

Yet the $19 billion ASX share remains a global leader in fibre cement products. It dominates key markets, especially in North America. Its products are essential, not discretionary. Replacement demand remains steady even when new construction is slow.

Pricing power is a major strength. The company has pushed through price rises to offset higher costs. Scale and brand strength support margins. Over the long term, renovation activity and urban growth remain powerful tailwinds.

Risks are clear for the ASX share. A deeper housing downturn would hurt volumes. If rates stay higher for longer, recovery could be delayed. As a result, earnings may remain under pressure in the near term.

Analyst sentiment on James Hardie has improved, but remains cautious. The stock is seen as well placed to benefit as housing conditions stabilise and interest rates eventually ease.

The expectation isn’t for a sharp rebound, but for steady progress driven by strong cash flow, operating leverage and long-term demand for fibre cement products.

The average 12-month price target for the ASX share sits around $36.93, implying roughly 14% upside.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat’s share price has also pulled back sharply in the past year. Valuations for the ASX share have reset, and concerns around gaming spend and regulation have weighed on the stock.

The business itself remains high quality. Aristocrat leads the global gaming machine market. Its digital and mobile gaming portfolio adds recurring revenue, and strong intellectual property underpins long-term earnings.

Cash flow is a key strength of the ASX gaming share. The company funds growth internally. It also returns capital through dividends and buybacks. Exposure to regulated markets provides stability.

But risks remain. Regulatory scrutiny is always a factor. Gaming machine replacement cycles can slow. Digital gaming success is never guaranteed.

Aristocrat’s disciplined capital management — including buybacks and debt reduction — supports earnings quality. Mergers and acquisitions optionality, and online game portfolio expansion could re-rate multiples if growth stabilises.

Investors looking for growth plus some defensive earnings might find the current price range appealing, but patience is key.

Bell Potter is bullish on the company’s outlook. The broker believes the ASX share is well placed to benefit from ongoing growth in digital gaming and continued investment in regulated gaming markets globally.

It recently put a buy rating and $80.00 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $50.79, this implies potential upside of over 55%.

The post Why these battered ASX shares deserve a second look appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this debt collector’s shares with a reduced price target of $19.35. This follows the release of Credit Corp’s first-half results, which revealed profits that were 10% short of expectations. While disappointing, Morgans feels the selloff that followed, which dragged its shares 17% lower, was overdone and has created a buying opportunity for investors. The broker highlights that at just 7x estimated FY 2027 earnings, Credit Corp’s valuation is undemanding. This is especially the case given that management has reiterated its guidance for FY 2026. The Credit Corp share price ended the week at $11.25.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $22.30 price target on this data centre operator’s shares. Macquarie points out that Singtel and private equity firm KKR have acquired Singapore-based ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for approximately S$13.8 billion (A$15.5 billion). It estimates that this represents a 20x EV/EBITDA multiple, which is significantly greater than its 14.8x estimate for NextDC shares. In light of this, the broker continues to believe that NextDC shares are significantly undervalued at current levels, making now an opportune time for investors to open positions. The NextDC share price was fetching $12.71 at Friday’s close.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares to a buy rating with a $47.73 price target. Morgans was pleased with ResMed’s performance in the second quarter of FY 2026. The broker highlights that its result was a beat across the board, with double-digit revenue and earnings growth, further gross margin expansion, and solid cash generation. In response to ResMed’s operating leverage, the broker has lifted its earnings estimates and valuation slightly. And with its shares down materially from recent highs, Morgans thinks now is a good time to invest. The ResMed share price ended the week at $37.92.

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

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

When it comes to building a long-term portfolio, I’m a big believer in keeping things simple. I’m not trying to own everything or chase the latest theme. I just want broad exposure, sensible diversification, and funds that I can hold through different market cycles without constantly second-guessing myself.

With that mindset, these are three Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that I think make a lot of sense for most investors. Not as the only holdings in a portfolio, but as strong building blocks you can layer other ideas around.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If I had to pick one ETF to represent global growth outside Australia, this would be it.

The VGS ETF gives exposure to around 1,300 companies across developed markets, with heavy weightings to the US but meaningful representation across Europe and parts of Asia as well. What I like is how naturally it tilts toward the parts of the global economy that Australia simply doesn’t offer in size, particularly technology, healthcare, and global consumer brands.

This ETF doesn’t try to be clever. It just captures the long-term growth of some of the world’s most dominant businesses and lets compounding do the work. For investors who spend most of their time looking at ASX shares, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is an easy way to avoid being overly concentrated in one country or one economic cycle.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is about home-ground exposure.

The Australian market has its quirks. It’s heavy in banks, resources, and dividend-paying businesses, but that can actually be a feature rather than a flaw. The VAS ETF provides broad exposure to the ASX’s largest shares, many of which generate strong cash flows and pay reliable dividends.

What makes the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF especially useful is how it complements international ETFs. Where global funds lean toward growth and innovation, this ETF brings income, franking credits, and exposure to sectors tied to population growth and infrastructure.

For investors who want simplicity, I think this fund could be the backbone of an Australian equity allocation without needing to pick individual shares.

Vanguard Global Value Equity Active ETF (ASX: VVLU)

This one adds a different flavour to a portfolio.

The Vanguard Global Value Equity Active ETF is actively managed, but in a very systematic way.  It focuses on global stocks that look cheap relative to fundamentals like earnings, book value, and cash flow. That makes it a natural counterbalance to growth-heavy portfolios, especially after periods when expensive stocks have run hard.

I like the VVLU ETF because it gives exposure to global value without relying on discretionary stock picking. The rules-based approach keeps it disciplined, and the global remit means it’s not tied to the fortunes of any single region or sector.

In a world where market leadership can rotate quickly, having a value tilt alongside broad market exposure can help smooth returns over time.

Foolish Takeaway

I don’t think there’s such a thing as a perfect portfolio, but there are sensible foundations.

A combination of the VGS ETF for global growth, the VAS ETF for Australian exposure and income, and the VVLU ETF for valuation discipline covers a lot of ground with just three ETFs. From there, investors can add satellite positions, individual shares, or thematic funds depending on their goals.

The post 3 Vanguard ETFs I think deserve a spot in most portfolios appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index 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 recommended 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.

ASX 200 financial shares led the market during a difficult week, rising 1.52% over the five trading days.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 1.81% lower at 8,708.8 points as earnings season got underway.

The week began with a commodities rout that pummelled ASX 200 mining shares.

Investors took profits as metals, particularly gold and silver, plunged on news of the US President’s Fed chair pick.

On Tuesday, a 0.25% interest rate hike in Australia benefitted the ASX 200 financial sector but created pain for tech.

ASX 200 tech shares fell almost 12% last week. The sector is now down almost 20% in the year to date.

Out of the 11 market sectors, only two finished the week in the green.

Let’s review.

Financial shares led the ASX sectors last week

Share price performance varied across the ASX 200 financial sector, which incorporates bank shares, insurers, fund managers, and more.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price soared 6.39% to finish at $158.91 on Friday.

CBA will reveal its 1H FY26 results on Wednesday.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares closed the week at $37.01, up 0.84%.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares ascended 1.57% to $39.43.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares fell 0.02% to $43.36.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price lost 2.05% to close at $207.83.

Among the investment companies and fund managers, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares fell 4.09% to $37.01.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG) shares rose 7.96% to $1.70.

Shares in Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG), which reports on Monday, descended 0.77% to $9.02 apiece.

Among the financial services providers, AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares fell 2.94% to $1.65.

AMP will release its 1H FY26 results on Thursday.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price dropped 3.15% to $8.92.

Buy now, pay later share Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) fell 10.19% to $2.38.

Among the ASX 200 insurers, Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares fell 1.08% to $4.57.

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) share price ascended 2.23% to $20.18.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares rose 1.71% to $7.73.

IAG will release its 1H FY26 results on Thursday.

See our earnings calendar to find out when the companies you’re invested in will announce their dividends.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	1.52%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	0.03%
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(1.36%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(2.39%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(2.4%)
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	(2.42%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(3.88%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(4.08%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	(4.12%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(4.72%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(11.91%)

The post ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger and Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.