The Australian dollar has been performing strongly recently, with major tailwinds suggesting it will remain that way for a while.

So what does that mean for Australian shares, and which ones might be the victim of a higher dollar?

The analyst team at Wilsons Advisory recently put out a research note to their clients which sets out what some of the tailwinds are for the local currency.

Rates pushing the dollar higher

One of the major factors was the Reserve Bank of Australia’s board decision to raise interest rates this week, and the expectation that it might raise rates again in the near future.

This contrasted, the Wilsons team said, with the US, where rates are expected to be cut “multiple times”.

A high interest rate creates demand for our dollar, as global investors can get better interest rates on their cash holdings if they move into Australian investments.

Wilsons went on to say:

This policy divergence is widening the AU-US interest rate differential, with futures markets currently implying the RBA cash rate will be 110 basis points higher than the Fed funds rate at year-end, enhancing the Australian dollar’s appeal to investors globally.

Support for the Australian dollar was also coming from ongoing strength in commodity prices, Wilson said, bolstered by “a resilient global growth outlook”, and also by general weakness in the US dollar against most major currencies.

Wilsons added:

On balance, our base macro view points to further moderate upside in the AUD from current levels.

Swings and roundabouts

The forecast strength in the dollar creates different effects depending on how a business is set up.

It’s a boon for those businesses buying goods and services in US dollars, while for those getting paid in US dollars, it’s a downside.

Wilsons said 40% of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) companies’ profits were derived offshore, but counterintuitively, resources companies, for example, tended to do well when the dollar was high, as commodity prices were often also high at the same time.

They added:

Additionally, Australian dollar strength often occurs amidst global risk-on environments, when positive investor sentiment encourages capital flows into Australian equities and other risk assets, providing support to valuations. Taken together, the impact of a stronger Australian dollar varies meaningfully across sectors and individual companies, creating a dispersion of winners and losers.

Companies that were exposed to the US dollar weakness in a negative fashion, Wilsons said, included ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Consumer-facing businesses were also at risk, with those exposed including Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), and Breville Ltd (ASX: BRG), while tech stocks such as Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) were also exposed.

Among the financials, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and insurer QBE Ltd (ASX: QBE) were exposed, as were Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Wilsons added:

These companies face near-term foreign headwinds to earnings (when considered in AUD terms), tempering our enthusiasm towards the group at the margin. However, we are sanguine that much of this impact is already reflected in valuations. P/E multiples have generally de-rated materially over the past six months, suggesting currency effects have been at least partially priced in by the market. Additionally, our preferred exposures – RMD, ALL, CAR, BXB and GMG – still offer attractive medium-term earnings growth prospects, even after accounting for adverse foreign impacts, which allows us to remain convicted in these names. Lastly, foreign exchange headwinds must be considered within the context of an otherwise broadly positive macro backdrop for offshore earners, with the currency impact to an extent offset by the superior US economic growth outlook and the prospect of multiple Fed cuts this year.

The post What the stronger Australian dollar means for your shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• ASX shares going ex-dividend next week
• 3 ASX 200 stocks jumping higher in this week’s falling market
• Why UBS says it’s time to sell Treasury Wine Estates shares
• Why are ASX 200 tech shares diving 13% this week?

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in CSL, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, ResMed, Treasury Wine Estates, and WiseTech Global. 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 Macquarie Group, ResMed, Treasury Wine Estates, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, CSL, Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Selloffs are rarely comfortable, but they can create opportunities for investors willing to look beyond the immediate fear.

This month, ASX technology shares have been hit hard as concerns grow around artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting traditional software business models. In response, many tech-focused stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been sold aggressively, dragging valuations lower across the sector.

For long-term investors, that weakness could represent an opportunity rather than a warning sign. Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering after the recent selloff.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF to consider after the selloff is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

It provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, a region that plays a critical role in global tech supply chains and digital services. Its portfolio includes businesses involved in semiconductors, ecommerce, gaming, and digital payments.

Recent weakness has been driven less by company-specific issues and more by broad concerns around global tech sentiment. However, many of the fund’s underlying holdings are not just software providers, but enablers of technology through hardware, platforms, and infrastructure.

As digital adoption continues across Asia and valuations reset, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers a way to gain exposure to long-term growth drivers at more attractive prices.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that looks interesting following the selloff is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund tracks Australia’s listed technology sector, which has been caught up in the broader global tech downturn. Fears that AI could lower barriers to entry or pressure margins have weighed heavily on local software names.

That said, many Australian tech companies, such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), operate in highly specialised niches with deep customer integration. These are not easily replaced overnight. In fact, AI may ultimately enhance productivity and expand addressable markets for some of these businesses rather than eliminate them.

With the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF trading well below recent highs, now could be an opportune time to invest. It was recently recommended by the fund manager.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A final ASX ETF to consider after the tech selloff is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

It tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which includes many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation-led companies. While software fears have weighed on the index, it is important to remember that Nasdaq leaders are often the ones driving AI adoption, not being displaced by it.

The index includes businesses that control cloud platforms, semiconductor design, and digital ecosystems, areas where AI investment is accelerating rather than slowing. Over time, these companies are likely to be beneficiaries of technological change rather than casualties.

For investors with a long-term horizon, its pullback could be an opportunity to add exposure to global innovation at a more reasonable entry point.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy after the brutal tech selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why I think this ASX tech share sell-off is a great time to invest
• The top Australian ETFs I would buy this week
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• 5 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this month

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and WiseTech Global. 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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares have had a tough time this week.

The energy producer’s shares have fallen heavily after investors responded negatively to its half-year results.

Has this created a buying opportunity? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the company.

What did the broker say about its results?

Bell Potter was pleased with Beach Energy’s half-year results, noting that its underlying EBITDA was stronger than expected and its net profit was in line with expectations. It said:

BPT reported 1H FY26 underlying EBITDA of $558m (BP est $531m), underlying NPAT of $219m (BP est $218m) and reported NPAT of $150m (BP est $163m). An interim fully franked dividend of 1cps was declared (BP est. 3cps, pcp 3cps). The underlying versus reported result reflects costs associated with unutilised NWS capacity of $33m (incurred because of delays to Waitsia Stage 2), exploration of $61m (unsuccessful Hercules well) and Cooper Basin flooding costs of $8m.

The dividend payout (10% of pre-growth free cash flow) was well below BPT’s targeted range of 40-50%; the company referencing near-term capital requirements. As previously disclosed, BPT ended the quarter with net debt of $445m and funding liquidity of $925m. 1H FY26 free cash flow was $61m and pre-growth capex free cash flow $225m.

Another positive was that its guidance has been reaffirmed for the remainder of the year. It adds:

BPT maintained FY26 guidance, including production of 19.7-22.0MMboe and capital expenditure of $675-775m. One off expenses are now expected to total $41m (previously $24m) and have been incurred in the 1H FY26 result.

Are Beach Energy shares a buy?

Despite the above, Bell Potter believes that Beach Energy shares are fully valued now.

As a result, the broker has retained its hold rating with an improved price target of $1.15 (from $1.10). This is in line with where its shares trade today.

The broker notes that the company is currently in a replacement cycle and should return to growth in FY 2027. Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

BPT is in a production replacement cycle with respect to exploration and appraisal. Production growth should return in FY27 and capex ease, enabling positive free cash flow to support balance sheet deleveraging and ongoing dividends. We are positive on BPT’s exposure to Australian east coast gas markets (around half of sales volumes) and cautious with respect to global oil markets.

The post Are Beach Energy shares a buy after its results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today
• Are Beach Energy shares a good buy for passive income today?
• Beach Energy H1 FY26 earnings: Profit drops as costs rise and volumes slip
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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 has been another busy week for many of 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 right now:

Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have upgraded this construction materials, equipment and service provider’s shares to a buy rating with a $5.10 price target. This follows news that Maas has agreed to sell its construction materials (CM) division, pivoting the business to focus on digital, AI, and electrification infrastructure. Morgans highlights that the sale and a $100 million investment from Firmus will leave Maas with a $550 million cash balance, which management believes it can reinvest to deliver a 20% return on capital (ROC). Overall, at the current valuation, Morgans believes there is a meaningful margin of safety for investors. The Maas share price is trading at $3.99 on Friday.

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. The broker highlights that Singtel and KKR have acquired ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for approximately S$13.8 billion ($15.5 billion). It estimates that this represents a 20x EV/EBITDA multiple, which is significantly greater than its 14.8x estimate for NextDC. In light of this, the broker continues to believe that NextDC shares are undervalued at current levels, making now an opportune time for investors to open positions. The NextDC share price is fetching $12.70 at the time of writing.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating and $3.60 price target on this agricultural chemicals company’s shares. According to the note, the broker was pleased with Nufarm’s annual general meeting presentation. It highlights that management’s comments were positive and point to a strong year. In addition, Bell Potter points out that Nufarm’s shares continue to trade at a material discount to global peers despite favourable indicators for omega-3 returns in FY 2026 and demand indicators in the higher margin northern hemisphere crop protection markets looking generally supportive. The Nufarm share price is trading at $2.13 this afternoon.

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

More reading

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• 3 stellar ASX growth shares that could rise 25% to 50%
• This ASX stock just crashed 24% after a $1.7bn deal. Here’s what spooked investors
• 5 ASX 200 shares forecast to soar 100% (or more) in 2026
• Why Beach Energy, Elders, Maas, and Neuren shares are dropping today

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

The gold price is recovering on Friday, up 0.8% to US$4,816 per ounce at the time of writing.

That’s still a long way off the record US$5,608 per ounce reached last month.

Analysts at Trading Economics said the gold sell-off earlier this week was triggered by the US President’s Fed chair pick, plus profit-taking.

Global asset manager, Sprott, runs one of the world’s largest gold bullion investment funds, the Sprott Physical Gold Trust (TSX: PHYS).

In an article last month, Sprott said gold was in a strong bull-run cycle with long-term tailwinds that are strengthening.

What got the gold price rising in the first place?

Let’s take a history lesson first.

Sprott explains that gold’s current bull cycle began in 2022 when Western authorities froze Russia’s foreign exchange reserves.

That event shattered the assumption of reserve neutrality and triggered a reassessment of what constitutes “safe” assets.

Gold, as a non-sovereign, non-liability asset, regained strategic importance for central banks seeking to insulate themselves from geopolitical risk.

Central bank purchasing is the primary reason why gold remains in a bull cycle amid a strong global debasement trade today.

In 2023 and 2024, China emerged as the dominant buyer.

Faced with severe stress in its property sector and mounting debt burdens, Beijing adopted a dual strategy: accumulate gold and allow the yuan to weaken against it.

The scale of Chinese purchases during this period was unprecedented, signaling a structural shift in reserve management priorities.

Last year marked “another turning point” for the gold price, according to Sprott.

Global trade and tariff wars intensified, deepening deglobalization and eroding trust among central banks.

The fragmentation of financial systems elevated gold’s status as the ultimate neutral reserve asset.

By mid-year, the narrative broadened, as investors woke up to the systemic debasement of fiat currencies and bonds underway.

Over the last four months of 2025, gold surged as the debasement trade gained momentum, driven by liquidity injections, monetary inflation, and a decline in confidence in traditional hedges.

What is the debasement trade?

Debasement occurs when the purchasing power of currencies is eroded. We’ve seen this play out with the US dollar.

The Australian dollar briefly traded at a three-year high of 71 cents last month. A year prior, the AUD was worth about 62 US cents.

The ‘debasement trade’ is an investment strategy whereby investors rotate out of paper assets, like bonds, and into hard assets, like gold, to protect against inflation and lower currency values.

Persistent geopolitical tensions and broader economic uncertainty also continue to support the gold price.

Sprott comments:  

Looking ahead to 2026, fiscal dominance is entrenched, with governments prioritizing debt sustainability over price stability, thereby ensuring that monetary inflation continues to grow.

Central bank diversification away from the U.S. dollar is expected to continue, with emerging markets likely to accelerate their gold accumulation as geopolitical fragmentation persists.

Investor flows into gold ETFs and physical holdings are likely to remain strong, supported by portfolio rebalancing away from long-duration bonds and into real assets. 

Will the gold price continue to run?

Bank of America is forecasting gold to reach US$6,000 per ounce.

In a note to clients, BoA analyst Michael Hartnett said (courtesy Kitco News):

History no guide to future, but avg gold jump past 4 bull markets ≈ 300% in 43 months which would imply gold reaching $6,000 by spring.

Some analysts are even more optimistic.

Julia Du from ICBC Standard Bank thinks the gold price could crack the US$7,000 per ounce mark, commenting:

I expect 2026 to be a year of heightened geopolitical risk and strong safe-haven demand, allowing gold to continue the volatile yet upward trend.

Central banks are likely to keep adding to reserves, institutional investors will increase portfolio allocations, and retail demand – especially in Latin America – should remain robust.

Combined with continued Fed rate cuts, these forces support a bullish bias.

Other experts are less ambitious with their forecasts.

Last month, Goldman Sachs raised its year-end forecast for the gold price to US$5,400 per ounce.

Sprott says:

While gold’s 2026 price action may not match its remarkable 2025 rally, the risk skew remains to the upside, particularly under renewed liquidity waves or geopolitical shocks.

What does this mean for ASX gold shares?

Australia is the world’s third-largest gold producer.

ASX gold miners are well-placed to continue benefiting from the gold bull run, which has driven their share prices higher.

The Minerals Council of Australia says gold exports rose 42% to $47 billion in 2024-25, and are forecast to grow a further 28% to $60 billion in 2025-26, before stabilising in 2026-27.

That will make the yellow metal our second-largest export behind iron ore, surpassing coal and natural gas.

Council CEO Tania Constable said:

This unprecedented surge is being driven by record global prices and expanding mine output, combining to deliver a renewed period of strength for Australia’s gold industry.

The council expects production to rise from 293 tonnes in 2024-25 to 369 tonnes in 2026-27.

New and expanded projects across the country – including mill upgrades, extensions and new mines – are set to add around 67 tonnes to national production.

Meantime, ASX gold shares have soared.

Over the past 12 months, the Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price has risen 48%.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has increased by 142%.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares are 117% higher.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 85% over 12 months.

The post Gold price recovers as reasons for buying ‘remain in place, but are also compounding’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Amcor, Brazilian Rare Earths, Northern Star, and Pinnacle shares are racing higher today

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.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares are having a positive session on Friday.

Despite the market crumbling, the sleep disorder treatment company’s shares are up 1.5% to $37.98.

Investors have been buying the ASX 200 star since the release of another strong quarterly result at the end of last week.

Should you be joining them? Let’s see what analysts at Ord Minnett are saying about this blue chip.

What is Ord Minnett saying about this ASX 200 star?

Ord Minnett was impressed with ResMed’s performance during the second quarter, highlighting that its earnings were stronger than expected. This was driven largely by strong mask sales in the United States.

Commenting on the result, the broker said:

ResMed posted December-quarter EPS above market expectations, predominantly driven by strong sales of its masks in the key US market that supported a 16% rise in revenue in that segment, although mask sales in the rest-of-the-world (RoW) segment also grew, implying a gain in market share. Revenue growth in the residential care software (RCS) division was only 5% on a constant-currency basis although the company expects a pick-up in that pace to high single-digits by FY27.

Operating cash flow (OCF) proved the only disappointment in the quarter, albeit minor, rising 10% on a year ago but coming in 15% below Ord Minnett’s estimate due to a build-up of working capital. Gross margin 62.3% was up 310 basis points (bp) and circa 20bp ahead of market expectations, supported by cheaper component prices for its machines and masks and production efficiencies. ‍

Ord Minnett highlights that the ASX 200 star has lifted its gross margin guidance, which has underpinned an increase in its earnings estimates. However, due to the stronger Australian dollar, it has been forced to trim its valuation slightly. It explains:

ResMed is now guiding to an FY26 gross margin of 62–63%, up from 61–63% previously, and we have upgraded our own forecast to 62.4% from 64.1% as we incorporate cheaper input costs and production efficiencies into our numbers. A mark-to-market adjustment for the stronger Australian dollar currency means our target price in AUD falls to $43.70 from $44.56 despite a rise in our EPS forecasts.

Time to buy ResMed shares

Ord Minnett has a buy rating and $43.70 price target on the company’s shares. Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker revealed that it has “a strongly positive view” on the company following the result. It concludes:

We maintain a strongly positive view on ResMed as strong earnings growth boosts its net cash position, which should support higher dividends and more capital management. We reiterate our Buy recommendation.

The post Ord Minnett has a ‘strongly positive view’ on this ASX 200 star appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks have come off the boil this week, with the index falling 1.8% at the time of writing on Friday afternoon. The week took a turn on Tuesday afternoon when the Reserve Bank announced it was raising the cash rate.

The good news is that even among investor uncertainty, some ASX 200 stocks are still catching analyst attention.

Here are four ASX 200 stocks which are tipped to climb another 70% to 80%, or higher, this year.

Iperionx Ltd (ASX: IPX)

Titanium metal and critical materials company, Iperonix, was one of the ASX 200’s best-performers in January. The company recently revealed that it has received a prototype purchase order valued at US$300,000 from American Rheinmetall. Iperonix also recently confirmed plans to ramp up production with the goal of becoming America’s largest and lowest-cost titanium powder producer. Analysts are bullish on the company’s shares and have a strong buy consensus rating for Iperionix. The maximum target price is $11.03, which implies a potential 83.76% upside at the time of writing.

ARB Corp Ltd (ASX: ARB)

ARB shares came under heavy pressure late last month after the 4WD accessories giant released its half-year trading update. The company’s unaudited sales revenue slumped 1% on the prior period, and aftermarket sales dropped 1.7%. But it looks like the shares are now trading below fair value, and analysts are optimistic that we’ll see a turnaround this year. The maximum target price is $42.25, which implies that the shares could increase 73.44% this year, from the share price at the time of writing.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

Capricorn Metals posted record cash flow and production for the second quarter of FY26. The ASX 200 gold mining stock also benefited from support from the latest gold price rally. The company has some expansion plans in the pipeline too, meaning it’s well-placed to capture an uptick in gold demand this year. Analysts are bullish on its shares. The maximum target price is $24, which implies a potential 81.75% upside at the time of writing.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

GDG posted consistently strong financial performance and earnings growth in 2025. Both return on equity and earnings growth have outpaced the industry average over the past year. Last month, the company posted record earnings and inflows for the December quarter, and it looks like the strong run of financial results will continue into 2026, too. Analysts are very bullish on the ASX 200 financial stock and tip an upside as high as 84.72% for the shares this year, to $8.46 a piece.

The post These 4 ASX 200 stocks could jump another 70% to 80% in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 1.9% lower at 8,977 points at the time of writing on Friday.

The market is limping towards the finish line after an interest rate rise seriously dampened the ‘vibe’ this week.

ASX All Ords shares are down 2.1% since Monday.

Earnings season officially began this week, and as the half-year (and some full-year) reports come in, dividends are being announced.

Next week, a small group of ASX shares will go ex-dividend.

That means they will start trading without the latest dividend attached.

On the ex-dividend date, it is very common for share prices to fall.

This happens because stocks are simply less valuable without their next dividends attached.

So, keep an eye out for sudden dips in some of your portfolio stocks over the next month or so.

Going ex-dividend will likely be the reason.

Why watch the ex-dividend date?

If you’ve researched an ASX share and are ready to buy, you might want to do so before the ex-dividend date to pick up some income.

Alternatively, you might prefer to wait until the ex-dividend date, when the stock price is likely to fall.

Either option presents an opportunity.

Here are several ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

The biggest name is ASX All Ords heavyweight ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), which makes sleep apnoea devices.

We also recap how much these companies will pay investors and when they will deposit the money into their accounts.

5 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

ASX share	Ex-dividend date	Dividend amount	Payment date
BKI Investment Company Ltd (ASX: BKI)	9 February	4 cents	27 February
Sandon Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: SNC)	10 February	0.005 cents	27 February
ResMed CDI (ASX: RMD)	11 February	5.9 cents	19 March
Korvest Ltd (ASX: KOV)	12 February	25 cents	6 March
Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8)	13 February	0.006 cents	27 February

Which companies are reporting next week?

The calendar is pretty busy next week.

On Monday, we’ll hear from Argo Investments Ltd (ASX: ARG) and CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR).

Then on Tuesday, Amotiv Ltd (ASX: AOV), Arena REIT (ASX: ARF), and Region Group (ASX: RGN) will be up.

On Wednesday, investors will hear from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

There will be strong interest in these earnings reports, given that both stocks have endured significant sell-offs over the past year.

We’ll also hear from ASX gold miner, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

Investors will be curious to see how one of the market’s largest miners has leveraged the soaring gold price to maximise profits.

We’ll also hear from AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL), James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX), and investment house SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH).

On Thursday, 3 ASX financial shares will be in the spotlight.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX), and Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) will release their earnings.

We’ll also hear from Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), and Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW).

On Friday, Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) and Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) will be in the spotlight.

The post ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today
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• 3 reasons to buy this heavyweight ASX healthcare share
• Buy, hold, sell: Credit Corp, PLS, and ResMed shares
• What can investors expect from ResMed, Cochlear and CSL shares this reporting season?

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 positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, ResMed, and Temple & Webster 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 Region Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CAR Group Ltd, CSL, Cochlear, Korvest, Nick Scali, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.4% for the week, but not every ASX 200 stock has joined in the sell-down.

Below, we look at three companies that have managed to shrug off this week’s tech-driven market retrace to jump higher. As you might expect, there are no tech stocks among them.

So, without further ado…

ASX 200 stocks rising in this week’s sinking market

The first stock that’s managed to post gains this week is Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB).

Shares in the supply chain logistics company – which counts as the world’s largest supplier of reusable wooden pallets and crates – closed last Friday trading for $22.40. With just a few hours left before this Friday’s closing bell, shares are changing hands for $23.19.

That sees this ASX 200 stock up 3.5% for the week.

There’s no fresh price-sensitive news out from Brambles this week. But with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) down 13.1% over the week, investors may see the logistics company as a defensive alternative to growth stocks.

Moving on to the second ASX share lifting off despite the broader market retrace, we have GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG).

Shares in the ASX 200 financial services stock closed last week trading for $1.57 and are currently trading for $1.70.

This sees the GQG Partners share price up a solid 8.1% over the week, also with no recent price-sensitive news out from the company.

Which brings us to…

Leading the pack

The top performing share on my list for the week is Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC).

Shares in the global packaging giant closed last Friday at $62.49. Shares are currently trading for $68.93 each. This sees the Amcor share price up 10.3% for the week.

The ASX 200 stock closed up 3.5% on Wednesday following the release of its December quarter results. Shares closed up another 6.7% on Thursday.

Highlights from the quarter included a 68% boost in net sales to US$5.45 billion. That strong growth was largely driven by the company’s acquisition of United States-based packaging company, Berry Global. Amcor first announced the deal to acquire Berry on 20 November 2024, and completed its all-stock acquisition on 30 April 2025.

In other core financial metrics, Amcor reported an 83% year-on-year increase in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to US$826 million.

In light of this performance, and catching the interest of passive income investors, management declared an unfranked interim dividend of 93 Aussie cents per share.

Unlike most ASX 200 dividend stocks, Amcor pays quarterly dividends, with the latest declared payout up 356% from the prior corresponding quarter.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks jumping higher in this week’s falling market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brambles, HMC Capital, ResMed, and Rio Tinto shares are rising today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Morgans names 2 ASX shares to buy now
• Why Amcor, Lovisa, Regal Partners, and SKS shares are pushing higher today
• These ASX shares look cheap and could reward patient investors

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are in a trading halt today after the company requested a pause during late morning trade.

The halt comes as EOS prepares a response to a report released by US-based short seller Grizzly Research.

According to the ASX notice, trading will remain halted until EOS releases its response or until the market reopens on Tuesday, 10 February, whichever comes first.

EOS shares are currently frozen at $6.00, after plunging roughly 33% over the past week. That sharp fall has erased a large chunk of the stock’s recent gains and reset expectations after an extraordinary run higher earlier this year.

What triggered the trading halt?

At a high level, the Grizzly report questions how EOS has described parts of its recent disclosures. It does not point to a single accounting error or regulatory breach.

The report focuses on 3 main areas.

First, it raises concerns around the size, timing, and profitability of some recently announced contracts, particularly the US$80 million South Korean high-energy laser contract announced late last year. Grizzly argues that parts of this contract may be conditional and that revenue may take longer to flow than some investors expected.

Second, the report focuses on EOS’s recent acquisition of European command-and-control business MARSS, questioning whether the acquired company’s historical revenue base can realistically support the growth targets outlined by EOS management.

Third, it highlights cash flow pressure and past funding activity, suggesting EOS has relied heavily on asset sales and financing to fund operations while scaling new technology platforms.

EOS has not yet responded publicly to these claims, which explains the trading halt. The company is expected to address the report directly in its upcoming announcement.

What EOS actually does well

Despite the controversy, it is important to remember why EOS attracted investor attention in the first place.

The company designs and manufactures advanced defence technology, including remote weapon systems, counter-drone solutions, and high-energy laser platforms. Demand for these systems has surged as global defence spending accelerates.

In its last update, EOS reported a contract backlog of $459 million, providing visibility into revenue over the next few years. That backlog, combined with growing global interest in counter-drone and laser defence technology, supports the company’s longer-term growth outlook.

Risk versus reward at $6

Short sellers profit when share prices fall, so Grizzly’s report is written from a deliberately bearish perspective. That does not mean its claims should be ignored, but it does mean investors should wait for EOS’s response before drawing conclusions.

The steep sell-off suggests the market has already priced in much of the bad news. If EOS can clearly explain its contracts, acquisitions, and cash position, confidence could stabilise quickly once trading resumes.

Foolish takeaway

EOS shares have been extremely volatile, but the long-term defence growth drivers have not disappeared.

With the share price frozen at $6, attention now turns to EOS’s response. That update will play a key role in how investors judge the recent sell-off once trading restarts.

The post Why EOS shares are halted today after a sharp sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 today
• EOS shares tumble on European listing update
• What is driving today’s sell-off in ASX defence tech stocks?
• Buy local: 3 Australian innovations to add to your watch list

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.