Once again, a large number of broker notes hit the wires last week. Some of these notes were positive and some were bearish.

Three sell ratings that caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why top brokers think investors ought to sell these shares next week:

Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their sell rating and $36.00 price target on this payments company’s shares. The broker notes that Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) will soon be entering the buy now pay later market with its own offering. While the service is largely the same for consumers, it has a few key differences for merchants. One of those is that CBA won’t be charging any additional fees (outside standard merchant fees), whereas Afterpay takes a small cut from of each transaction. Furthermore, the bank will allow merchants to put a surcharge to cover the costs, but Afterpay does not allow this. UBS fears regulators could eventually remove the no surcharge rule. Outside this, UBS believes its shares are vastly overvalued. The Afterpay share price ended the week at $108.30.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have downgraded this travel company’s shares to an underweight rating with a $17.50 price target. The broker made the move on valuation grounds after a strong run for its shares. And while it believes its earnings will improve materially once the pandemic passes, it isn’t enough for a more positive rating. Especially given how its shares are now trading at a higher level than before COVID, when adjusting for its capital raising. The Flight Centre share price was fetching $19.35 at Friday’s close.

Southern Cross Media Group Ltd (ASX: SXL)

Analysts at Morgan Stanley also have an underweight rating and $1.40 price target on this media company’s shares. According to the note, the broker suspects that its negotiations with Channel Ten over a new deal will not be as favourable and could put pressure on its earnings. In light of this, it appears to believe investors should stay away from the company until a deal is announced and understood. The Southern Cross Media share price ended the week at $1.99.

More reading

• End of oil price rally fires warning shot for the ASX COVID recovery trade
• 11 top ASX shares that WAM thinks will make great buys
• How the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price moved this week
• Has CBA found its Afterpay-killer?
• Zip (ASX:Z1P) and other BNPL shares face looming prospect of regulation

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The oil price rally appears to have come to an abrupt end in what could be an ominous sign for the COVID-19 reflation trade.

It isn’t only the end of JobKeeper that investors have to worry about!

While the Brent crude price bounced around 2% to US$64.53 on Saturday, investors are still feeling the sting of the more than 7% crash the day before.

It’s not only shareholders in ASX energy shares like the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price and Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) share price that would be biting their nails.

Oil threatening the ASX recovery trade

Oil is after all the poster child for the COVID recovery trade where the biggest losers for the pandemic were supposed to be the biggest winners in 2021.

Other ASX shares that joined the recovery party include the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price, Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) share price and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price – just to name a few.

These shares have more than doubled over the past year on the belief that COVID’s economic impact is fast dissipating.

Will oil’s slide sink other ASX COVID-losers?

But could the harsh reality check for the oil market prove to be an early warning for other hotly sort after COVID losers?

After all, questions about the speed of the expected recovery from the pandemic that triggered the sell-off.

Europe is struggling to contain another wave of the virus as their vaccination program seems to have stalled. This means demand for oil is likely to be lower than originally expected, reported the Wall Street Journal.

Lower economic activity in such a large market cannot be good news for the rest of the world.

ASX COVID losers are still winners

While there is good reason to be cautions about expecting more upside from oil-exposed ASX shares, I don’t think we should extrapolate the sombre news to other ASX shares.

For one, the lacklustre demand outlook for crude makes the commodity unique. Electric vehicle adoption forecasts by several experts adds to the view that demand for oil peaked before the pandemic. It’s unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels.

The major oil producers in the OPEC+ club have done a good job in curtailing supply to buoy prices, but this may not be enough to fire-up crude prices.

Predictions that crude will rebound to US$80 a barrel now looks fanciful, so profit taking in the sector isn’t unexpected.

Let’s also not forget that lower oil prices are stimulatory to the broader economy.

Foolish takeaway

However, the demand outlook for other ASX “re-inflators” and other commodities look brighter in comparison.

The only caveat I would add is the blistering speed of oil’s recovery shares similarities to the rebound of many ASX COVID losers.

As last week showed, this makes the path to recovery an especially winding one to navigate.

Hope you are wearing comfy shoes fellow Fools!

More reading

• 11 top ASX shares that WAM thinks will make great buys
• Why Paladin Energy, Red 5, Woodside, & Zip shares are sinking
• Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price falls during investor-led climate change charge
• Beach, Santos, & Woodside shares on watch after oil prices crash
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Do you want to add a growth share or two to your portfolio? If you do, then you might want to look at the ones listed below.

Here’s why these could be growth shares to buy right now:

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

The first ASX growth share to look at is electronic design software provider Altium.

It could be a growth share to buy due to its long term plans to dominate the market it operates in. It aims to achieve this with its Altium Designer software and cloud-based Altium 365 platform. Management believes these platforms are head and shoulders above the competition. A testament to this is the quality of its users. These include giants such as Boeing, Microsoft, NASA, and Tesla, 

Positively, this is a great market to dominate. Thanks to the proliferation of electronic devices because of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence markets, the electronic design software market is expected to grow materially over the next decade.

Credit Suisse is positive on the company’s outlook. It has an outperform rating and $35.00 price target on Altium’s shares.

Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

Another growth share to consider is Kogan. It is one of Australia’s leading ecommerce companies, offering everything from electronics, furniture, and even vehicles with its Kogan Cars brand.

While Kogan has been growing strongly over the last few years, its growth went up a level during the pandemic. This was driven by the closure of retail stores, which sent consumers online in their droves, many for the first time.

This ultimately underpinned a surge in customer numbers and an even greater jump in sales and earnings. For the six months ended 31 December, Kogan reported a 97.4% increase in gross sales to $638.2 million and a 250.2% lift in adjusted net profit after tax to $36.5 million.

While its growth may moderate now the worst of the pandemic is behind us, its long term outlook remains incredibly favourably. Especially given its strong market position and recent acquisitions of Matt Blatt and Mighty Ape.

Credit Suisse is also a fan of Kogan. The broker currently has an outperform rating and $20.85 price target on its shares.

More reading

• 2 compelling SaaS ASX shares to buy
• Why Austal, Boral, Spark NZ, & Splitit are tumbling lower
• 3 stellar ASX tech shares to buy for the long term
• 2 of the best ASX growth shares to buy immediately
• 3 beaten down ASX shares that could be great value

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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If you’re wanting to add a few dividend shares to your portfolio, then you may want to check out the ones listed below.

Here’s why these ASX dividend shares come highly rated right now:

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers could be a dividend share to buy next week. The conglomerate is of course the name behind several of Australia’s leading retailers and a collection of industrial businesses.

It has been a strong performer during the pandemic and this continued during the first half of FY 2021. For the six months ended 31 December, Wesfarmers reported a 16.6% increase in revenue to $17,774 million and a 25.5% increase in net profit after tax to $1,414 million.

Positively, with many of its businesses continuing to benefit from favourable tailwinds, the second half looks set to be equally strong.

One broker that sees value in its shares at the current level is Goldman Sachs. It recently put a buy rating and $59.70 price target on its shares. The broker is also forecasting a fully franked FY 2021 dividend of $1.88 per share. Based on the latest Wesfarmers share price, this equates to a 3.7% yield.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Another option for investors to consider is Westpac. With the worst of the pandemic now behind us and vaccines rolling out, conditions are looking a lot more favourable for the banks.

Another positive is the booming housing market, which is being supported by low interest rates and the relaxation of responsible lending rules. This is expected to underpin strong demand for mortgages.

Analysts at Morgans are becoming increasingly positive on the bank. Last month the broker named Westpac as its favourite of the big four and put an add rating and $27.50 price target on its shares.

The broker is forecasting a $1.32 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2021. Based on the latest Westpac share price, this represents a generous 5.4% dividend yield.

More reading

• When dividends can be a bad thing for an ASX share
• 3 reliable ASX blue chip shares to buy
• Morgan Stanley bullish on the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price
• ASX 200 down 0.15%: Westpac asset sale, Webjet update, gold miners jump
• Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price lower despite announcing another asset sale

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a really good way to get exposure to a broad group of businesses that are generating growth.

Not every ETF would be classified as ‘growth’ – for example, some of them are focused on companies that are dividend payers instead.

These two ETFs could be able to generate growth in the coming years:

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

This investment is about investing in many of the largest technology businesses in Asia outside of Japan.

It’s actually invested in 50 names. Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives exposure to businesses such as Samsung Electronics, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Meituan, Tencent, Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Infosys, SK Hynix and Baidu.

The returns of this ETF have been very strong since inception in September 2018, with an average net return per annum of 36.5%. Over the last year its net return has been 69.3%. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. But it shows the ability of the underlying businesses to do very well at certain times.

These businesses that it’s invested in are key players in tech sectors like e-commerce, telecommunications, IT, software, data processing and computer communications.

BetaShares explains why this is ETF has such good growth potential:

Due to its younger, tech-savvy population, Asia is surpassing the West in terms of technological adoption and the Asian technology sector is anticipated to remain a growth sector.

It has an annual management fee of 0.67% per annum, which is cheaper than many funds that are focused on Asia.

One important thing to know about this ETF is that it gives a high level of exposure to Chinese businesses. China makes up 54% of the country allocation, with another 22% from Taiwan, 18.3% from South Korea and 4.8% from India.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

This ETF is about giving investors exposure to the global cybersecurity sector. Investors get to invest in both global giants as well as the emerging players across the world.

Having said that, almost 90% of the portfolio is invested in US businesses. Then there’s 3.8% from the UK, 3.1% from Israel, 1.9% from France, 1.8% from Japan and 0.5% in South Korea.

According to numbers produced by Statista, the world spent US$137.6 billion on cybersecurity in 2017. There’s an expenditure projection of US$184.2 billion in 2020, rising to almost US$250 billion by 2023.

BetaShares believes that this ETF would be a good one to consider because Aussie investors have few local options for exposure to this fast-growing sector and the overall tech sector accounts for less than 2% of the ASX share market capitalisation.

The returns have been consistently strong since inception in August 2016 – Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF has generated net returns of 19.2% per annum, a 20.26% net return per annum over the last three years and the net return has been 26.25% over the last year.

You can get exposure to this global theme for a management fee cost of just 0.67% per annum.

More reading

• 2 excellent ETFs for ASX investors to buy now
• 2 ETFs to buy today for future-proof ASX diversification
• 3 reasons to buy the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX:ASIA)
• 2 ASX shares that could be fantastic buy and hold options
• 2 quality ETFs to buy in March

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of BETA CYBER ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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If you’re wanting to diversify your portfolio, then you might want to look at exchange traded funds (ETFs). ETFs provide investors with easy access to a large number of different shares through a single investment.

This makes them a great option if you’re seeking diversification but don’t have the funds to spread across a sufficiently large enough number of individual shares.

With that in mind, listed below are two ETFs that are highly rated. Here’s what you need to know about them:

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. As you may have guessed from its name, this fund provides investors with exposure to the leading companies in the rapidly growing global cybersecurity sector.

Included in the fund are a number of global cybersecurity giants and emerging players. This includes the likes of Accenture, Cisco, Cloudflare, Crowdstrike, and Okta.

In respect to the latter, Okta provides businesses with workforce identity solutions. This ensures that access to information is given only to those that are meant to have it. Given the importance of data protection, this is unsurprisingly in demand with businesses right now. This has led to Okta delivering explosive sales growth in recent years. In fact, it recently released its full year results and revealed a 43% jump in revenue to US$835.4 million.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A second ETF to consider is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. If diversification is what you are looking for, then it would be very hard to beat this one.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides investors with exposure to 1,528 of the world’s largest listed companies from major developed countries. This allows investors to participate in the long-term growth potential of international economies outside Australia.

Among its largest holdings are giants such as Apple, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Visa.

More reading

• 2 ETFs to buy today for future-proof ASX diversification
• 2 ETFs to buy for strong global diversification
• 2 quality ETFs to buy in March
• Could the Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) camera hack lift ASX cybersecurity shares?
• Chinese and Russian hack attacks put ASX cybersecurity shares in spotlight

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of BETA CYBER ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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ASX dividend shares may be very useful for providing attractively stable income in retirement.

It’s hard to generate much income from fixed-income investments like term deposits and bonds at the moment because of how low interest rates are with central banks like the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) setting the rate at almost 0%.

But some growth assets like shares can be quite volatile, as we saw during the COVID-19 crash a year ago. Some ASX dividend shares may be able to provide higher yields and reliable income for retirees, like these two:

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds is one of the few real estate investment trusts (REITs) that managed to increase the distribution during the COVID-19-affected year of 2020.

The agricultural landlord owns a variety of farmland including almonds, macadamias, cattle, vineyards and cropping (sugar and cotton).

Rural Funds is happy to use an acquisition strategy to buy farmland and then convert it to higher and better use. For example, it recently bought sugar cane properties and plans to turn them into macadamia farms. The ASX dividend share can also re-invest some of its rental profits into improving existing properties, such as investing in more water access for cattle properties.

It aims to provide investors with a good distribution which grows by 4% each year. A large amount of this growth is funded by the contracted rental growth in its properties. Those increases are either a fixed 2.5% annual increase, or linked to CPI inflation, plus occasional market reviews.

Rural Funds has provided guidance that the FY22 distribution will be 11.73 cents per unit, which translates to a forward yield of around 5% at the current Rural Funds share price.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is an ASX dividend share that has been increasing its payout to shareholders every year for two decades.

The business operates as an investment conglomerate and owns a diversified portfolio of different assets. Some of its holdings are listed businesses like Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW), TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG), New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC), Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API), Bki Investment Co Ltd (ASX: BKI), Milton Corporation Limited (ASX: MLT), Palla Pharma Ltd (ASX: PAL), Pengana International Equities Ltd (ASX: PIA) and Pengana Capital Group Ltd (ASX: PCG).

The old business also has various unlisted investments in industries and companies such as resources, swimming schools, financial services, agriculture and a business called Ampcontrol.

Management try to find investments that are defensive and different to each other, so that they may act different to the wider economy in a recession. Soul Patts tries to buy businesses with a contrarian approach – finding opportunities that most other investors are avoiding, which could mean a cheap price.

The ASX dividend share funds its dividend from its investment income, after paying for its operating expenses. It pays out some of the net cashflow and retains the rest to invest back into more assets to unlock more growth. In FY20 it paid out around 57% of its regular operating cash flows. TPG, New Hope and Brickworks are responsible for a large chunk of the cashflow at the moment.

At the current Soul Patts share price it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 2.8%.

More reading

• 2 high yield ASX dividend shares to buy today
• This ASX company has increased or maintained dividends for 44 years
• 2 ASX 200 shares that keep growing the dividend every year
• 2 top ASX dividend shares to buy for your income portfolio
• 2 ASX dividend shares to buy with yields above 4%

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of RURALFUNDS STAPLED and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Brickworks, RURALFUNDS STAPLED, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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If you’re looking to overcome the ultra low interest rates being offered with savings accounts and term deposits, then the share market could be the answer.

Two ASX dividend shares that offer investors interest rate-beating yields are listed below. Here’s what you need to know:

Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ)

The first ASX dividend share to consider is ANZ. Due to the booming housing market, Australia’s economic recovery, and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, this banking giant’s outlook is looking very positive now. This could make it well worth considering ANZ if you haven’t already got exposure to the sector.

One broker that is a fan is Morgans. Following ANZ’s impressive first quarter update, the broker reiterated its add rating and lifted its price target to $31.00.  

Its analysts are also forecasting a fully franked dividend of $1.45 per share in FY 2021. Which, based on the current ANZ share price, will mean a 5.1% dividend yield.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Now could also be a good time to consider buying this telco giant’s shares. This is due to its improving outlook thanks to the easing NBN headwind, rational competition, lucrative 5G internet, and the probable splitting up of the company to unlock value.

Goldman Sachs is a fan of Telstra and currently has a buy rating and $4.00 price target on its shares. This compares to the current Telstra share price of $3.21.

The broker is also confident in Telstra’s growth plans and sees value in its plan to split up and monetise its assets.

Overall, it believes the company is in a position to continue paying its fully franked 16 cents per share dividend for the foreseeable future. This will mean a 5% dividend yield for income investors. Which certainly is attractive given the low interest rates on offer elsewhere.  

More reading

• Morgan Stanley bullish on the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price
• Why the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price has had a top week
• Spacetalk (ASX:SPA) share price surges 77% on Telstra deal
• ASX weakness could be met with $19bn “dividend bonanza”
• Revealed: 4 least profitable industries in Australia

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The two ASX shares mentioned below are delivering very useful growth right now.

The share prices of both of these businesses have gone up significantly over the last year as they recover from the effects from the COVID-19 crash.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

This ASX share describes itself as a leading medical imaging IT provider that provides a full range of radiology IT software and services to hospitals, imaging centres and health care groups worldwide.

Pro Medicus might be one of the most profitable businesses on the ASX with an earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margin of 59%, though the company doesn’t expect this to be maintained due to one-off COVID-19 impacts that lowered expenses. 

Despite a large impact of the strengthening of the Australian dollar on its predominately US-based earnings, Pro Medicus recently reported a 7.8% increase in half-year revenue, a 12.4% rise of net profit and a 25.9% increase of underlying profit before tax.

The company is expecting a stronger second half and FY22. Not only are examination levels getting back to pre-COVID levels but the ASX share has won several new large contracts such as Northwestern, NYU Langone and Medstar which will unlock more revenue at a high profit margin. The Intermountain and Californian Hospital contracts will also come online in FY22.

Each new win has the potential to unlock more deals for the company, which means Pro Medicus is more likely to benefit further from expanding data sets, the need for remote reporting and strong network effects.

However, the Pro Medicus share price has risen strongly – it has gone up 150% over the last year. UBS has a neutral rating for Pro Medicus, with a price target of $46.  

EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML)

EML is an ASX share that has a variety of payment services. It says that it develops tailored payment solutions for businesses with options for disbursing payouts, gifts, incentives and rewards. The payments business says that it powers many of the world’s top brands and expects to process over $18 billion in GDV in FY21 across 28 countries in Australia, Europe and North America.

Some of its clients include companies like Coca Cola, Intel, Isuzu, NSW Transport, Paddy Power, Laybuy Holdings Ltd (ASX: LBY) and the UK Home Office.

The FY21 half-year result was a period of strong growth for EML with gross debit volume (GDV) growth of 54% to $10.2 billion, revenue growth of 61% to $95.3 million, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) growth of 42% to $28.1 million, underlying net profit (NPATA) growth of 30% to $13.2 million and underlying operating cash inflows went up 68% to $35.1 million.

Its general purpose reloadable business is doing well, the existing non-PFS business growing by 25% year on year, with strong organic growth from salary packaging (up 60%) and gaming (up 42%). However, the gift and incentive division is still struggling due to lockdowns impacting physical gift cards and shopping centres.

For the full FY21 result it’s expecting revenue to grow between 48% to 56% and NPATA to increase by 25% to 40% to a range of $30 million to $33.5 million.

More reading

• 3 ASX Healthcare shares feeling a little under the weather
• Why did the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price and 2 other BNPLs fall today?
• The Pro Medicus (ASX:PME) share price is up 23% in 2021: Can it go higher?
• Is it ok to buy ASX 200 shares at a 52-week high?
• Is the EML (ASX:EML) share price a top buy right now?

Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends EML Payments and Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended EML Payments and Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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There are a few ASX shares that have delivered a lot of growth over the long-term.

Businesses or investments aren’t always going to deliver growth – COVID-19 certainly caused a wide range of impacts. But finding long-term ASX shares at the right price could be a good idea for a portfolio.

The below investments have been growing over the long-term and are delivering growth at the moment.

REA Group Limited (ASX: REA)

REA Group is the largest real estate portal business in Australia. It owns and runs realestate.com.au. Other Aussie real estate businesses it runs include realcommercial.com.au, flatmates.com.au and Spacely. The ASX share also has other Australian real estate services such as mortgage broking and property data services.

In Asia it has a number of different investments including iProperty in Malaysia, Squarefoot and SmartExpo in Hong Kong, ThinkgOfLiving in Thailand, Myfun in China, 99 in Singapore and Rumah123 in Indonesia. It has significant investments in PropTiger in India and Move Inc in the USA.

REA Group managed to generate more profit growth in the FY21 half-year result despite all of the COVID-19 impacts to the property market. Whilst revenue was down 2% to $430.4 million, net profit grew 13% to $172.1 million after a reduction of expenses by 13%.

The ASX share continues to see high levels of buyer demand, which could generate growth over the rest of FY21.

However, UBS has a neutral rating on REA Group at the moment, with a price target of $155. On UBS estimates, the REA Group share price is valued at 54x FY21’s estimated earnings.

Amcor Plc CDI (ASX: AMC)

Amcor is a global leader in flexible and rigid packaging. It produces a wide array of packaging for food, beverages, healthcare, home products, pet products and so on.

There has been a change to a focus on sustainable packaging in recent times, the ASX share is trying to fulfil that demand. For example, this week it announced it had created Australia’s first soft plastic food wrapper made with recycled content.

In the FY21 half-year result it generated 8% growth of its adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to $743 million in constant currency terms and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew by 16% to 33.3 cents in constant currency terms.

Amcor is currently integrating its Bemis acquisition into the business. It achieved $35 million of synergies in the first half and now it’s expecting to achieve $70 million of savings for FY21, the top of its expectations for the whole year.

The ASX share continues to see demand from its consumer and healthcare end markets, whilst growing in emerging markets.

For the rest of FY21 it’s expecting to grow adjusted EPS by 10% to 14% in constant currency terms, up from previous guidance of 7% to 12%.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) ASX share is invested in 100 of the biggest businesses on the NASDAQ in the US.

Many of the world’s best tech shares are listed here, so the ETF is benefiting from the long-term growth of shares like Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook, Microsoft, PayPal, Netflix and NVIDIA. Many of these businesses are generating earnings growth right across the world. 

But it’s not just tech shares that are listed on the NASDAQ – it’s not a tech index. There are also businesses like PepsiCo, Costco, Starbucks, Mondelez International and Moderna in the portfolio.

Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Over the last five years, Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF has delivered an average return per annum of 23.7% after the management fees of 0.48% per annum.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares benefitting from a booming property market
• 2 fantastic blue chip ASX shares that could be strong buys
• How to invest in the Nasdaq Index on the ASX
• 2 blue chip ASX shares that could be strong buys
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Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Amcor Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS and REA Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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