Owning Australian Foundation Investment Co Ltd (ASX: AFI), or AFIC, shares could be a smart move for retirees because they can offer virtually everything an investor in retirement could want.

If you haven’t heard of AFIC before, it’s a listed investment company (LIC) that largely targets ASX shares for its portfolio.

Its goal is to provide shareholders with attractive investment returns through access to a growing stream of fully-franked dividends, as well as growing the capital value over the medium to long term.

This is not meant to be a short-term investment – AFIC believes the suggested investment period is five to 10 years.

Let’s get into why AFIC shares are an appealing pick for retirees.

Diversification

The LIC can offer investors exposure to a portfolio of businesses, with a weighting towards large businesses. Its top 25 holdings account for 79.5% of the portfolio.

While these companies may not be small, rapidly growing businesses, they can provide stability and strength.

AFIC has been operating for almost a century and has built up a large position in many of Australia’s blue-chip stocks. Its total portfolio value is worth around $10 billion, and its blue-chip positions, worth at least 3% of the portfolio at the end of December, include:

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) – 9.6% of the portfolio
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) – 8.4%
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) – 5.1%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) – 5%
• CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) – 4.8%
• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) – 4.5%
• Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) – 4%
• Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) – 3.8%
• Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) – 3.6%
• Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) – 3.5%

The overall AFIC portfolio is more diversified than the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) in terms of the spread of sector allocation. There are four sectors that have a double-digit weighting – ASX bank shares (21.1%), ASX mining shares (15.2%), ASX industrials shares (12.3%), and ASX healthcare shares (11.3%).

I’d imagine plenty of retirees have all of their money in just one or a few properties, which isn’t very diversified at all. Adding AFIC shares could be very helpful for diversification.

Reliable income

In retirement, I’d like to have a reliable source of dividend cash flow hitting my bank account.

While dividends aren’t guaranteed, I think AFIC shares can provide a pleasing source of passive income. There hasn’t been one payout cut this century from AFIC, making it one of the most reliable ASX dividend shares around.

The business increased its regular annual payout from 26 cents per share in FY24 to 26.5 cents per share in FY25. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.3%, including franking credits.

There are a few businesses on the ASX that have been as reliable as AFIC over the last 25 years, which I think is reassuring for Australian retirees.

A cheap price

I like being able to buy assets for cheaper than they’re worth.

Every week, AFIC tells investors how much the business is worth on a per-share basis with the net tangible assets (NTA) figure.

It had a pre-tax NTA per share of $7.89 as of 9 January 2026, which means it’s trading at a discount of close to 10%, which I’d call a great bargain right now compared to many other potential investments.

This looks like a good time to invest in AFIC shares, in my view.

The post Why AFIC shares are a retiree’s dream appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 wonderful ASX dividend shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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, Macquarie Group, Transurban Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

These 3 energy shares were in the top of ASX dividend payers in 2025.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL), New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) paid their shareholders strong dividends, even record ones.

Let’s have a look at their dividend policy and what’s to come.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

At current prices, Yancoal tops the ASX 200 dividend yield table. With shares trading at $5.46 at the time of writing, the miner has been returning significant cash to shareholders. The result is a standout trailing dividend yield of 11%, fully franked, well ahead of the banks, telcos and energy majors.

Yancoal Australia ranks among Australia’s biggest coal producers. The energy share has operations spread across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

Yancoal’s generosity stems from its dividend framework, which targets payouts equal to the higher of 50% of net profit or 50% of free cash flow. The board, however, keeps full discretion and can rein in distributions if market conditions deteriorate.

That caveat matters. Yancoal’s dividends rise and fall with coal prices, and yields at current levels are unlikely to persist through the cycle.

Even so, analysts remain broadly positive. The consensus 12-month price target sits near $5.95, pointing to potential upside of about 10%. Combined with dividends, total returns could approach 20% over the year.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

Last year was a bonanza when it came to payouts from this ASX energy share. Shareholders received 9 cents per share in total dividend income. That gives it a 7.5% dividend yield at Beach’s current share price of $1.20.

This record payout for Beach shareholders was an exception. Between 2017 and 2022, the annual total came to just 2 cents per share and in 2023 and 2024 it was 4 cents per share.

It proves that no ASX dividend stock offers guaranteed income. Energy shares especially are vulnerable to swings in passive income, with payouts rising and falling more sharply than most other parts of the market.

If the global oil price falls, for example, Beach’s profits take an immediate hit. As it happens, many analysts are predicting that Beach will indeed be forced to slash its payouts next year.

Most brokers don’t see much growth ahead for the ASX energy stock. Most predictions are below the last share price. Analysts at RBC for instance expect Beach Energy shares to fall to $1.05 compared with $1.20 currently.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

New Hope has not escaped the recent slump in global coal prices, with its share price sliding in response. Yet income investors are still paying attention. At the current price of $4.33 a share, the energy stock offers a fully franked dividend yield of roughly 8.1%.

The question is whether that yield represents value or compensation for coal-price risk.

Operationally, New Hope remains a well-established producer, anchored by the Bengalla mine in NSW and New Acland in Queensland. Management continues to emphasise low-cost operations, diversification and disciplined execution despite softer pricing.

Dividends are carrying the investment case. A dividend reinvestment plan is now in place, and management says distributions remain the primary return lever. Shareholders received 34 cents fully franked over the past year, cushioning recent capital losses.

Broker sentiment is mixed. Some see upside above $4.50 if coal prices rebound. Others remain cautious, with Macquarie downgrading the stock and warning prices could fall further.

The post After strong dividend yields? Look at these 3 ASX energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Three oil stocks to buy and one to sell
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Consider these 2 ASX mining stocks for high dividend yields
• Down 16%: Is this 8% yield ASX mining stock a buy?

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.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares have been on a tear over the past 12 months.

During this time, the lithium giant’s shares have rallied over 120%.

But that is barely even half of the story. At one stage last year, its shares were as low as $1.07.

On Wednesday, they closed the session at $4.87, which means a gain of over 350% from bottom to top.

Is it too late to buy PLS shares? Let’s see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the lithium miner.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter has been looking ahead to the company’s upcoming update and expects a solid quarter.

While production is expected to be down slightly quarter on quarter, the broker believes that higher lithium prices will drive a strong increase in revenue. It said:

We expect December 2025 quarterly production of around 214kt at unit costs of A$579/t FOB, marginally below the September 2025 quarter (225kt at A$540/t FOB) with potential weather impacts and higher levels of contact ore processed.

Quarterly revenue will improve (BP est. $323m; September 2025 quarter $251m), supported by higher realised prices. PLS are guiding to FY26 SC production of 820-870kt at unit costs A$560-600/t FOB and capex of A$300-330m. Construction of the mid-stream demonstration plant is complete; we expect the PLS (55%) – Calix (45%; CXL, not rated) JV will provide an update on commissioning and ramp-up timing.

Are PLS shares a buy, hold, or sell?

According to the note, the broker has upgraded PLS shares to a hold rating (from sell) with an increased price target of $4.55 (from $2.65). This implies potential downside of 6.5% from current levels.

Commenting on its hold recommendation, Bell Potter said:

EPS changes as a result of these upgrades are: FY26 now 12.3cps (previously 1.2cps); FY27 now 18.8cps (previously 2.5cps); and FY28 now 18.7cps (previously 4.5cps). Our PLS valuation is now $4.55/sh (previously $2.65/sh).

We upgrade our recommendation to Hold, reflecting improving lithium market fundamentals that will materially strengthen PLS’ earnings and cash flow generation. PLS is a low-cost producer with around 250ktpa of idled spodumene concentrate capacity that can be rapidly reactivated as conditions improve. Its Colina Project provides low-cost growth optionality in a supportive mining jurisdiction in Brazil.

In light of this, investors may want to wait for a meaningful pullback in the PLS share price before considering a position in the lithium miner.

The post Are PLS shares a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs
• PLS Group shares: After a year of outperformance, is it still a buy?

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining stock Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) has enjoyed a stellar run since hitting multi-year lows on 9 April.

Nickel Industries shares closed down 2.66% on Wednesday, trading for 92 cents each. That sees the miner commanding a market cap of nearly $4 billion.

Despite that slip, shares in the ASX 200 mining stock remain up an impressive 113% since closing at 42.5 cents apiece on 9 April.

If you’re not familiar with Nickel Industries, the company owns a portfolio of mining and downstream nickel processing assets in Indonesia. The miner has a controlling interest in the Hengjaya nickel mine, as well as four rotary kiln electric furnace projects. These produce nickel pig iron (NPI) for the stainless-steel industry.

Nickel Industries is also increasingly focused on producing materials for the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Nickel Industries shares tipped to gain another 14%

With an eye on the global commodity rally and Nickel Industries’ promising prospects, Canaccord Genuity analyst Timothy Hoff recently upgraded the ASX 200 mining stock from a hold rating to a buy rating (courtesy of The Bull).

Canaccord also upped its share price target to $1.05, from the prior 80 cents per share. That represents a potential upside of 14% from Wednesday’s closing price.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 mining stock?

Nickel Industries is off to a strong start in 2026, with shares up 8.9% year to date.

Shares in the ASX 200 mining stock closed up 7.8% on 2 January after the company announced that South Korean-listed Sphere Corp will acquire a 10% stake in the Excelsior Nickel Cobalt (ENC) HPAL project.

The deal values ENC at US$2.4 billion.

According to the release, ENC is a next-generation HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leach) project capable of producing mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), nickel and cobalt sulphate, and nickel cathode.

Nickel Industries will maintain its 44% shareholding in ENC, with Sphere entering an offtake agreement for ENC nickel cathode at market prices, including volumes above its 10% ownership share.

ENC is targeting annual production of 72,000 tonnes of nickel metal once commissioned.

Commenting on the deal with Sphere that sent the ASX 200 mining stock sharply higher on the day, Nickel Industries managing director Justin Werner said:

This transaction marks the first offtake agreement for ENC material into Western markets, and we are particularly pleased that it is into the growing aerospace and aeronautical industries, which demands the highest product quality and is forecast to grow by approximately 8% CAGR [compound annual growth rate] to 2030.

Sphere has an existing 10-year supply contract with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The post Up 113% since April, why this $4 billion ASX 200 mining stock is tipped to keep outperforming in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

Let’s get this out of the way. These are not exciting stocks. You won’t be bragging about them at barbecues. They won’t trend on social media.

But if history has taught me anything, it’s that some of the best money is made in the least glamorous places, especially when quality businesses fall out of favour.

Here are three deeply unsexy ASX shares I’m watching closely in 2026.

Amcor plc (ASX: AMC)

Amcor makes packaging. Bottles. Containers. Wrappers. The stuff no one notices, until it’s not there.

And yet, Amcor touches everyday life more than most exciting companies ever will. Food, beverages, healthcare, and personal care all need packaging, regardless of where the economic cycle sits.

Its shares are down around 21%, largely due to lower volumes in the key US market. But look beyond the short-term noise, and there is a global, cash-generative business with scale, pricing power over time, and a long history of dividends. The recent Berry Global acquisition also diversifies its business and arguably increases the quality of its earnings.

It’s dull. It’s dependable. And that combination has made plenty of investors quietly wealthy over decades.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

Building materials are about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But the investment opportunity here could be exciting.

James Hardie shares are down roughly 37% from their high, due to housing slowdowns, doubts over a major acquisition, and concerns about North American construction activity.

But here’s what I keep coming back to. James Hardie isn’t a commodity business. It has strong brand recognition, a dominant position in fibre cement, and structural tailwinds from renovation, rebuilding, and long-term housing demand.

Cyclical pain is weighing on its shares right now, not a broken business. And buying quality cyclicals when sentiment is awful has historically been a very profitable thing to do, if you’re patient.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

If you want a stock that will never be called exciting, this might be the winner.

IPH provides intellectual property services, patents, trademarks, and legal protection for ideas. It’s about as headline-free as it gets.

Its shares are down around 33% from their 52-week high, reflecting a challenging macro environment. But underneath the surface, IPH operates in a niche with high barriers to entry, sticky clients, and recurring revenue.

Innovation doesn’t stop just because markets wobble. Companies still need to protect their intellectual property. That’s what makes IPH interesting to me, not because it’s exciting, but because it’s necessary.

Foolish Takeaway

These stocks feel wrong to buy because they’re boring, beaten up, and unloved. But that’s often where the opportunity lies.

I’m not saying these will soar overnight. I’m not saying they’ll outperform every flashy growth stock in 2026. What I am saying is that history tends to reward investors who can look past short-term disappointment and focus on business quality.

Sexy stocks sell stories. Unsexy stocks sell products and services people quietly rely on every day. And more often than not, it’s the latter that ends up doing the real work of building long-term wealth for investors.

The post The least sexy ASX stocks for 2026 (Don’t even think about buying these unless you want to make money) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Snap up these ASX 200 stocks trading close to 52-week lows
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Forget term deposits and buy these ASX dividend shares

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

An initial public offering (IPO) is when a private company offers shares to the public for the first time.

It can be hard to keep track of every listed ASX stock. That’s because there are more than 2,000. 

But companies are actually joining and falling off the ASX throughout the year. 

Two stocks that recently joined the ASX are BMC Minerals Ltd (ASX: BMC) and Advanced Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX: AEM).

BMC Minerals 

BMC Minerals is a mineral exploration company. It has significant exposure to both precious and base metals prices, particularly silver, zinc, copper, lead, and gold. 

According to the company, it is developing its Kudz Ze Kayah (KZK) Project in the Yukon Territory, Canada, to become a responsible, near-term, and globally significant polymetallic producer.

The project is expected to operate for a minimum of 9 years. It will produce high grade zinc, copper, and HPM concentrates with significant gold and silver credits.

Once in operation, KZK is expected to be Canada’s largest silver and zinc producer and a top 15 Canadian copper producer.

BMC raised $100 million before listing on the ASX. 

The company said it will now be used for more exploration to extend the potential mine life and to complete optimisation studies.

BMC Minerals Ltd (ASX: BMC) is up 26% over the past month since its initial listing and closed yesterday at $3.15. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2% in that same period.

Advanced Energy Minerals

Advanced Energy Minerals is a global supplier of ultra-pure aluminium derivatives.

It is also a manufacturer of high purity alumina (HPA).

Its operations are based at two main sites: Technical Development Centre in Montreal and our first full-scale production plant at Cap-Chat, Quebec.

However, since first listing on the ASX, it has seen its share price fall 17%.

Speculative buy

Since their IPOs, one of these two stocks has drawn positive valuations from experts.

The team at Morgans recently initiated coverage following the IPO of BMC Minerals with a target price of $4.90.

This is along with a speculative buy recommendation.

We model steady state average annual financials of US$780m revenue, US$435m EBITDA at a 52% EBITDA margin, US$287m FCF and FCF yields of 29% based on precious and base metals price assumptions well below current spot prices.

This price target indicates more than 55% upside from its current share price.

TradingView also has an average one-year price target of $5.03, which indicates more than 59% upside.

The post Fresh off IPOs, could these minerals exploration and manufacturing companies be exciting buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The least sexy ASX stocks for 2026 (Don’t even think about buying these unless you want to make money)
• Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026
• Bell Potter names the ASX lithium stocks to buy
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• BHP shares hover near 52-week high as momentum builds. Is a breakout coming?

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.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) have become increasingly popular with investors looking for simple, diversified exposure to different parts of the global share market.

Rather than trying to pick stocks, ETFs allow investors to back broad themes, regions, or investment styles through a single ASX-listed investment. For those wanting to spread risk while positioning for long-term growth, the right mix of ETFs can be a powerful tool.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could appeal to investors looking for exposure to very different global themes.

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

The first ASX ETF that could be a buy is the iShares S&P 500 ETF. It is one of the simplest ways for Australian investors to gain exposure to the US share market.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 Index, which includes 500 of the largest and most influential stocks listed in the United States. These businesses operate across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials, making the index a broad representation of corporate America.

What makes the IVV ETF particularly attractive is the quality of its underlying holdings. The S&P 500 includes global leaders with scale, strong balance sheets, and significant pricing power. Over long periods, these companies have benefited from innovation, productivity growth, and access to the world’s largest capital market.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF. It offers a very different approach by focusing on valuation rather than momentum.

This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of international large- and mid-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics, such as lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios relative to peers. The portfolio spans multiple countries and sectors, reducing reliance on any single market.

Its holdings currently include Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC), and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO).

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF was recently recommended by the fund manager.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

Finally, the VanEck China New Economy ETF could be a top pick for Aussie investors.

This ASX ETF is designed to capture the evolution of China’s economy away from traditional industries and toward technology, consumption, and innovation.

It invests in Chinese stocks operating in areas such as ecommerce, digital services, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing. These businesses are often aligned with rising domestic consumption and long-term structural change within the Chinese economy.

While investing in China comes with additional risks, this fund offers targeted exposure to growth areas that are traditionally difficult to access. It was also recently recommended by VanEck.

The post Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026 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 Cisco Systems and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Micron Technology. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for exposure to the lithium industry, then it could be worth listening to what Bell Potter is saying about a number of stocks.

Here are a few that it currently rates as buys:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Bell Potter is bullish on this small-cap ASX lithium stock and has a speculative buy rating and 41 cents price target on its shares.

Commenting on the lithium developer, the broker said:

DLI’s core assets provide exposure to essential minerals including lithium, tantalum and rubidium; its 41% shareholding in advanced gold explorer Ballard Mining (BM1, Speculative Buy, Valuation $1.05/sh) adds material gold price leverage.

Our DLI valuation is based on conservative EV/Resource multiples at Mt Ida and Yinnetharra and a market value of DLI’s BM1 shareholding. If we incorporate our BM1 valuation, our DLI valuation would lift to $0.47/sh. DLI is an asset development company with prospective operations and cash flows. Our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of risk and volatility of returns.

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

Another ASX lithium stock that gets the speculative thumbs up is Ioneer. The broker is feeling very upbeat on the US-based Rhyolite Ridge project, especially given the government support it has received.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and 46 cents price target on its shares. It said:

INR’s Rhyolite Ridge sell-down process should de-risk the project’s equity funding requirements. We expect the USA DoE to remain supportive; Lithium America’s (NYSE:LAC, not rated) recent US$2.3b DoE Thacker Pass (also in Nevada) debt support is a positive analogue. INR’s Rhyolite Ridge project is strategic because of its US location, large scale, low cost, boric acid co-product and expansion potential. INR is an asset development company with forecast cash flows only; our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of investment risk and share price volatility.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Lithium miner Liontown has been given a buy rating and $2.48 price target. The broker likes the company due to its Kathleen Valley Lithium Project, which it notes is highly strategic. Commenting on the ASX lithium stock, it said:

LTR’s 100% owned Kathleen Valley lithium project is highly strategic in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction. LTR has offtake contracts with top-tier EV and battery OEMs. Over FY26, LTR will de-risk the ramp up of Kathleen Valley. LTR has a strong balance sheet with long tenor debt finance.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

A final ASX lithium stock that is rated highly by Bell Potter is Vulcan Energy. It has a speculative buy rating and $6.10 price target on the lithium developer’s shares.

Bell Potter believes Vulcan Energy could be highly profitable when its Lionheart Lithium Project is operating at full capacity. It said:

VUL’s Lionheart Lithium Project location (Germany), near-term production and novel technology, position VUL to benefit as lithium markets rebalance over the medium term. On our lithium price outlook (long term LH US$20,000/t), average annual EBITDA is €290m (real).

The post Bell Potter names the ASX lithium stocks to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why Bell Potter rates roaring Liontown shares as a buy
• ASX mining shares on fire! New 52-week highs today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Silver, lithium, and critical minerals commodities book double digit gains in just one week

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.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is pushing higher again on Tuesday, up 0.86% to $47.99 in afternoon trade.

At one point today, the stock climbed to $48.25, putting it within touching distance of its 52-week high of $48.49, which was reached on 7 January. Over the past year, BHP shares are now up almost 20%, comfortably beating the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), up 7%.

With the share price sitting just below recent highs, is BHP setting up for another leg higher?

Rising commodity prices are lifting sentiment

The recent strength in BHP shares is closely linked to improving commodity prices.

Iron ore, BHP’s largest earnings driver, is currently trading around US$108 per tonne, up roughly 8% over the past 12 months, according to Trading Economics. Prices have rebounded from mid-2025 lows as Chinese steel demand stabilises and supply growth remains controlled.

Copper prices have also stayed firm, supported by long-term electrification trends and tight global supply. Together, these trends are supporting earnings expectations and improving confidence across the sector.

BHP nears a key technical level

Looking at the chart, BHP is now trading at an important level.

The relative strength index (RSI) is sitting in the low-to-mid 60s, suggesting solid momentum without the shares looking overbought. That supports the idea that the rally may still have room to run.

The main resistance level sits around $48.50, aligned with the recent 52-week high. A clear break above this level could attract further buying and put the low $50’s back on the radar.

On the downside, support remains near $45, an area that has held during recent pullbacks.

BHP’s beta of roughly 0.7 also means it tends to move less than the wider market, which can appeal to investors seeking steadier exposure to the resources sector.

Dividends still matter to investors

The stock is offering a dividend yield of around 3.5%, with franking credits. While payouts will always depend on commodity prices, BHP’s strong balance sheet provides it with the flexibility to continue rewarding shareholders.

What investors should watch next

With BHP trading just below its 52-week high, the next few sessions could be important. A breakout above resistance may confirm the uptrend, while a pause or pullback would not be unusual after a strong run.

Investors will also be watching the company’s operational review on 20 January, followed by its half-year results on 17 February. Any updates on production, costs, or guidance at those events could act as a catalyst for the next move in the BHP share price.

The post BHP shares hover near 52-week high as momentum builds. Is a breakout coming? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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