2025 has been a spectacular year for a range of commodities.

For example, the gold price has jumped by 63% since early January to more than US$4,250 per ounce.

Overall, the precious metal has notched up fresh all-time highs on dozens of occasions throughout the year.  

Not surprisingly, the gold price has also comfortably outpaced the broader market.

During the same period, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has risen by 4.87%.

But gold isn’t the only metal breaking new ground in 2025.

Both silver and copper hit record prices in recent days, with silver even eclipsing gold’s performance.

To elaborate, the silver price has skyrocketed by approximately 120% since the start of the year, currently trading above US$63 per ounce.

The copper price also reached a historic milestone on Thursday, surpassing US$11,800 per tonne for the first time on the London Metal Exchange.

The red metal has now risen by 35% just this year.

These stellar price runs have helped propel two ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to their own all-time highs.

Modern-day metals

Silver has long been regarded as a safe-haven asset, commonly used in jewellery, coins, or as bullion stored in vaults.

However, the metal’s role is rapidly expanding.

Demand from solar panel manufacturers has more than doubled since 2016, and its use in electronics has also grown significantly.

These evolving applications are reshaping the metal’s supply and demand dynamics and helping to drive the silver price higher.

Meanwhile, copper has long been seen as a barometer of economic health.

It has even been nicknamed ‘Dr Copper’ in some financial circles, due to the metal’s perceived ability to predict the health and turning points of the global economy. 

Traditionally, copper boasts mass industrial applications.

But the metal is also becoming increasingly important to the world’s energy transition, with heavy use in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

It is also a key ingredient in AI data centres thanks to its conductivity and efficiency in power distribution and cooling.

These applications point towards strong long-term demand and help support an upward trajectory for the copper price.

Record-breaking ASX ETFs

Investors looking to capture the momentum in these booming metals have an array of options.

Amongst others, specialised ASX ETFs provide one practical avenue.

Firstly, the Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF (ASX: ETPMAG) has been available for Aussie investors since 2009.

This ASX ETF is designed to generate returns that mirror the silver price in Australian dollars, minus management fees. 

It hit an all-time high this week, ending Thursday at $86.20 per share.

Overall, shares in this ASX ETF have now risen by about 96% since the start of the year.

Meanwhile, the Global X Copper Miners AUD ETF (ASX: WIRE) also reached a new peak in intraday trading on Thursday.

This ASX ETF has been providing access to a basket of the world’s leading copper miners since its founding in late 2022.

The fund’s holdings include positions in some leading ASX 200 mining stocks, including BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR).

Shares in this ASX ETF have now surged by 62% since the beginning of January, closing yesterday at $20.30 each.

The post These 2 ASX ETFs are booming as the silver and copper price smash new records appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Expert names 2 preferred ASX ETFs reaping the rewards of surging mining shares
• Major ASX 200 mining shares hit 52-week highs
• Up 109% or more! These 4 ASX mining stocks are booming as the silver price hits all-time high

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

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares have been having a tough time in recent months.

So much so, since hitting a record high of $38.30 in August, the ASX 200 stock has lost 30% of its value.

While this is disappointing for shareholders, Bell Potter thinks that Christmas has come early for the rest of us.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 stock?

Bell Potter highlights that the investment platform provider’s most recent funds under administration (FUA) update pointed to strong net flows.

In light of this, the broker believes that its guidance for FY 2026 is de-risked, especially with its channel checks indicating good flow intention. It said:

NWL provided updated FUA of $123.8bn at 10’Nov; parameters were undisclosed but statements point to strong net flows. The company has indicated FY26 net flows are likely to land around FY25 and consensus reflects that. We think the run rate implied from the update is an improvement and de-risks the guidance, albeit on an early read, and take comfort from growing account additions and strong adviser growth in 2H25. Consensus net flow forecasts haven’t really moved since Feb’25, and the last big revision was to the downside. Our channel checks indicate good flow intention.

Big potential returns

In response to the ASX 200 stock’s decline since August, Bell Potter feels that a very attractive buying opportunity has opened up for investors.

In a note titled “Christmas comes early”, the broker revealed that it has upgraded Netwealth’s shares to a buy rating (from hold) with an improved price target of $31.50 (from $30.00).

Based on its current share price of $26.75, this implies potential upside of approximately 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker expects a dividend yield of 1.7% in FY 2026, which lifts the total potential return to almost 20%.

Commenting on its upgrade, Bell Potter said:

Upgrade to Buy. First Guardian is an overhang, but if net flows are maintained then the company is on-track to beating guidance and maybe consensus. Against this backdrop there continues to be noise – KKR is looking to exit CFS and Macquarie has disrupted its flows – so we view FY26 as a good setup and upgrade based on valuation, where NWL has averaged an EV/EBITDA multiple of 33x. The last traded price implies 29x our blended FY26-27 estimates.

NWL has continued to build platform functionality with additional managed account options, a new individual HIN offering and expanded bond access through the trading desk. This should increase revenue share, and we can see a pathway to the usual +20% revenue growth story that historically has attracted value investors around these levels.

The post ‘Christmas comes early’: Why this ASX 200 stock was just upgraded appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Energy stocks have historically been seen as growth stocks, where shareholders aim to make good capital returns rather than relying on dividends.

That has changed in recent years, however, and some of the best dividend plays at current share price levels can be found in the energy sector.

Oil sector paying out handsomely

Take Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) for example. The oil and gas major, which was once again the subject of a takeover approach that was eventually withdrawn this year, has consistently increased its dividend over the past five years, from just US2.1 cents for the first half of 2020 to US13.4 cents for the first half of 2025.

The company is targeting a return of at least 40% of cash flow to shareholders, which will increase to 100% once the company reaches its target gearing level.

At the current share price, Santos is paying a 5.83% dividend yield, albeit only franked to 10%.

Fellow oil and gas major Woodside Energy Ltd (ASX: WDS) also has a generous dividend policy, aiming to pay out 50% of net profit excluding non-recurring items.

Woodside’s current dividend yield is an even healthier 6.73% fully franked.

Among the mid-tier oil and gas producers, Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares have been under pressure and are trading not far off their 12-month lows.

From a dividend perspective, however, it looks rosier, with the company paying out 7.82% fully franked.

The company has flagged that this generous payout might be up for review, however, with chair Ryan Stokes telling the company’s annual meeting in November that changes to capital management could be on the table.

As he said in October:

We want to invest to drive growth with a focus on maximising shareholder returns through disciplined capital allocation. This growth will be both organic and potentially inorganic, where it is accretive to shareholder value. We want to growth through accretive opportunities … and we will be disciplined in our approach. As a result, we will review the capital management policy in relation to dividends to ensure it enables growth and maximises total shareholder return.

Analysts, including the team at Jarden, have interpreted this as meaning the dividend could be trimmed, with Beach directing more funds to growth rather than back to shareholders.

Coal companies also pay out well

In the coal sector, the $6.9 billion Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) is paying an exceptional 11.1% dividend, fully franked.

Yancoal’s dividend policy aims to pay out the higher of 50% of either net profit or free cash flow, although this is subject to the discretion of the board, which can reduce this to a 25% payout of net profit should it decide this is needed for the sustainability of the business.

Fellow coal producer New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) is paying out a current dividend yield of 8.54%, fully franked, and the company also has a dividend reinvestment plan active, allowing shareholders to reinvest their dividends in new shares.

The post Looking for strong dividend yields? Look no further than these energy stocks. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Beach Energy shares fall despite the company reaching a key milestone

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

The Dexus (ASX: DXS) share price has been in focus after the company today announced the launch of its new Dexus Strategic Investment Trust (DSIT) series, highlighted by a 25% investment in Queensland’s Westfield Chermside for $683 million. Dexus also raised further equity for its opportunity fund DREP2, taking total commitments to approximately $870 million.

What did Dexus report?

• Launched the Dexus Strategic Investment Trust (DSIT) series, seeding it with a 25% stake in Westfield Chermside for $683 million at a 5.0% cap rate.
• Dexus’s platform stake in Westfield Chermside now stands at 50%, making it a key flagship investment.
• Dexus expects to co-invest approximately $170 million in DSIT1 initially, with plans to hold around $50 million long-term.
• DREP2 equity commitments raised by $390 million recently, bringing total commitments to approximately $870 million, eclipsing the original $600 million target.
• The Westfield Chermside transaction is expected to be broadly neutral to Dexus’s AFFO and lift gearing by about 1.3%.

What else do investors need to know?

The additional 25% stake in Westfield Chermside strengthens Dexus’s presence in Australia’s retail property space, locking in exposure to one of the country’s top-performing shopping centres in a high-growth catchment. The DSIT structure offers third-party investors new options for accessing quality local assets, expanding Dexus’s funds management reach.

On the opportunity fund side, DREP2 now stands as one of Australia’s largest diversified real estate opportunity funds, offering Dexus and its investors flexibility for future acquisitions. The $200 million co-investment from a new fund investor can be deployed alongside DREP2, highlighting strong ongoing demand for alternative real estate strategies.

What did Dexus management say?

Ross Du Vernet, Dexus Group CEO & Managing Director said:

Our Funds platform provides investors with access to high-quality assets across multiple strategies that align with their specific investment objectives. By working closely with our investment partners, we’re able to deliver compelling opportunities and continue to expand our platform offering.

What’s next for Dexus?

Dexus is targeting the introduction of further third-party equity into DSIT1 during FY26, ultimately reducing its own stake in the trust while expanding its platform offering. The launch of new funds and the success of the DREP2 equity raise position Dexus for further growth in the fast-evolving Australian real estate market.

Looking ahead, investors should note the ongoing APAC Supreme Court proceedings have seen a rescheduling of mediation to March 2026, with the hearing set for April 2026. Dexus says it remains committed to resolving the matter in the best interest of all clients.

Dexus share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Dexus shares have risen 3%, matching the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

View Original Announcement

The post Dexus launches new fund and lifts DREP2 equity in latest earnings update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group introduces new joint venture partner for Westfield Chermside
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Charter Hall Retail REIT unveils December 2025 quarterly distribution
• Perseus Mining ends Predictive Discovery takeover bid

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are planning to put $10,000 to work in the share market ahead of 2026, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the smartest and most convenient ways to build long-term wealth.

They offer instant diversification and exposure to sectors and themes that would otherwise be difficult to access with just a handful of individual shares.

Three ETFs that could be top picks for investors preparing their portfolio for the next decade and beyond are listed below. Here’s why they could be excellent options for a $10,000 investment today.

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The first ASX ETF that could be a great long term option for investors with a high tolerance for risk is the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF.

It gives investors exposure to global stocks that are at the forefront of the digital asset ecosystem. This includes crypto exchanges, mining businesses, blockchain infrastructure providers, and companies enabling real-world applications for decentralised technology.

Some of the ETF’s major holdings include Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT). These are businesses whose earnings can scale rapidly if crypto adoption continues to accelerate or if blockchain technology becomes further embedded in banking, gaming, supply chains, and cloud computing.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is another ASX ETF that could be a good destination for a $10,000 investment.

This fund continues to be one of the most popular ways for Australians to tap into the world’s most innovative stocks. While the Magnificent 7, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), dominate headlines, this ASX ETF also provides meaningful exposure to dozens of other high-quality businesses that are often overlooked.

For example, other large holdings include Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP). These companies offer durable earnings, strong competitive advantages, and proven long-term growth records, adding balance to the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF beyond its mega-cap tech exposure.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Finally, the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF is focused on stocks with exceptional balance sheets, superior profitability, and consistent earnings growth. This is a classic quality factor strategy, which has historically outperformed broader markets over long periods.

The ETF’s holdings are concentrated in world-class businesses such as payments giant Visa (NYSE: V), luxury goods retailer Hermes (FRA: HMI), and photolithography machines manufacturer ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML).

In uncertain economic environments, quality stocks have tended to be more resilient. For investors seeking a smoother journey, this fund could be a compelling addition. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Costco Wholesale, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Starbucks, Tesla, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Starbucks, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) has hit a rough patch over the past month. The share price slid sharply after a strong run earlier in 2025.

The ASX 200 resources stock trades hands for $5.75 apiece at the time of writing, 37% down from its peak in mid-October.

However, Iluka shares are still 14% up in 2025 and 52% over the past 6 months. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) has risen 5.3% this year.

Oversupply and uncertain outlook

The drop of around 12% in the past month reflects a shift in sentiment as investors recalibrate expectations around demand, production, and project risk.

The sell-off began when Iluka withdrew sales guidance for its synthetic rutile operations. The company cited uncertainty among key customers. Markets reacted immediately, dumping the ASX 200 resources stock.  

The pressure intensified when Iluka announced it would temporarily suspend production at its Cataby mine in Western Australia. The move was framed as a response to weak market conditions, instigated by an oversupply coming out of China. It also raised questions about how quickly demand might recover.

Rare earths ambitions

Iluka remains a heavyweight in Australia’s mineral sands sector. Its core business involves mining and processing zircon, rutile, and ilmenite, which are used in ceramics, pigments, and titanium metal.

Beyond its operations in Western Australia and South Australia, the ASX 200 resources stock also owns the Sierra Rutile business in West Africa. In addition, Iluka is building the Eneabba rare earths refinery in WA. This project is designed to make Australia a key supplier of critical minerals to global markets.

The company’s strengths are well defined. It controls some of the world’s highest-quality mineral sands deposits, enjoys deep technical expertise in processing, and benefits from strong government support for its rare earths ambitions.

Windmills and electric vehicles

A successful Eneabba refinery could transform Iluka from a pure mineral-sands producer into a vertically integrated supplier of rare earths oxides. This is an attractive market with long-term tailwinds tied to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics.

However, Iluka’s weaknesses have also been on display. Mineral-sands pricing is cyclical, sensitive to global manufacturing trends, and heavily influenced by Chinese supply. The recent production pauses highlight that Iluka isn’t immune to demand shocks.

Meanwhile, the Eneabba project, although promising, is capital-intensive and dependent on securing long-term offtake agreements. Any delays or cost pressures could weigh on sentiment and valuations.

What next for Iluka shares?

For now, Iluka’s recent pullback reflects short-term turbulence rather than a structural collapse. The long-term story remains intact. However, investors do want to receive clearer signals that demand is recovering, and major projects are progressing smoothly.

That’s why analysts remain cautiously optimistic. Most brokers see the ASX 200 resources stock as a buy with a consensus price target for the next 12 months at $7.23. This points to a 26% upside.

The post This ASX 200 resources stock rally stalls, but can it rebound? 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.

The Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price is in focus after the company announced a new 25% joint venture partner for Westfield Chermside, Brisbane, at a transaction value of $683 million and confirmed that the deal matches its book value at 30 June 2025.

What did Scentre Group report?

• A new Dexus managed fund will purchase a further 25% interest in Westfield Chermside, Brisbane for $683 million.
• The sale price equals Scentre Group’s book value at 30 June 2025, reflecting a capitalisation rate of 5.00%.
• Scentre Group will retain a 50% direct ownership and continue as property, leasing and development manager.
• Scentre Group will invest $50 million in the new Dexus fund as a temporary foundation investor.
• Settlement is expected before the end of 2025.

What else do investors need to know?

This transaction follows the earlier deal in July 2025, when Dexus Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund also became a 25% joint venture partner in Westfield Chermside. After these transactions, Scentre Group will have introduced approximately $1.3 billion of new capital into the group.

The company says this added capital aligns with its long-term capital management strategy. Scentre Group remains focused on delivering sustainable growth and pursuing its ongoing strategic priorities. The $50 million investment in the Dexus fund is intended to be temporary.

What did Scentre Group management say?

Scentre Group Chief Executive Officer Elliott Rusanow said:

Following these transactions, approximately $1.3 billion of new capital will have been introduced into the Group.

This is consistent with our long-term capital management strategy and provides the Group with further capital to pursue our strategic objectives and deliver sustainable growth for our securityholders.

What’s next for Scentre Group?

Settlement for the sale is anticipated by the end of the year, and Scentre Group aims to use the new capital to support future strategic initiatives. The company continues to manage and develop Westfield destinations throughout Australia and New Zealand.

With the additional funding, Scentre Group plans to strengthen its balance sheet while focusing on growth and value creation for investors. Maintaining its role as property manager at Westfield Chermside, Scentre Group remains committed to long-term asset management and community development.

Scentre Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Scentre Group shares have risen 20%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Scentre Group introduces new joint venture partner for Westfield Chermside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Dexus launches new fund and lifts DREP2 equity in latest earnings update
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Charter Hall Retail REIT unveils December 2025 quarterly distribution
• Perseus Mining ends Predictive Discovery takeover bid

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.