The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has had a rough run over the past year, down 27%. Higher interest rates, valuation pullbacks, and softer sentiment towards growth stocks have punished even the ASX’s highest-quality businesses.

That sell-off has created opportunities for patient investors willing to look past short-term volatility. Several ASX blue chips now stand out after being heavily sold down, despite continuing to dominate their respective niches.

Across the sector, share prices have retraced to multi-year lows. Momentum indicators point to selling pressure becoming stretched, a setup often seen as conditions begin to stabilise.

Here are 2 ASX blue-chip shares that I am watching closely today.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech shares have fallen sharply over the past year, dragging the stock back to levels last seen since October 2023. The sell-off has been driven by a mix of valuation concerns, slower global trade growth, and broader weakness across the tech sector.

From a technical perspective, the sell-off looks overdone. WiseTech has been trading near the lower end of its long-term Bollinger Bands, while momentum indicators have slipped into oversold territory.

Importantly, the underlying business remains strong. WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded across global freight forwarding and logistics networks. Switching costs are high, customer retention is strong, and the company continues to expand functionality through targeted acquisitions.

While earnings growth has moderated from its peak, WiseTech still benefits from long-term structural tailwinds tied to global trade digitisation. At current prices, investors are paying far less for that growth potential than they were just 18 months ago.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Once a market darling, Xero shares have been dragged lower as investors rotated away from high-multiple software names. The result is a share price sitting near multi-year lows, despite the business continuing to grow revenue and users.

Technically, Xero looks stretched on the downside. The relative strength index (RSI) has dipped into deeply oversold levels, and the share price has spent extended periods hugging the lower Bollinger Band. Historically, these setups mark an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

Fundamentally, Xero’s competitive position remains very strong. The company dominates cloud accounting for small businesses in Australia and New Zealand and continues to make progress internationally. Subscription revenue is recurring, margins are improving, and cash generation is strengthening.

While near-term sentiment remains cautious, Xero still has significant scope to grow internationally.

Foolish takeaway

WiseTech and Xero are high-quality blue-chip businesses that have been sold down aggressively, pushing valuations and technical indicators to pessimistic extremes.

For investors with a long-term mindset, these periods of fear can offer compelling opportunities to buy top-tier stocks.

The post 2 beaten-down ASX blue-chip tech shares I’d buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 28% in 5 years. Is it time to consider buying this ASX 200 fallen icon?
• 3 ASX shares tipped to climb over 100% in 2026
• 2 ASX growth stocks set to skyrocket in the next 12 months
• A once-in-a-decade chance to buy WiseTech Global shares?
• Why I would buy BHP, Xero, and Flight Centre shares today

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

Periods of sharp share price declines are uncomfortable, but they are often where long-term opportunities begin to emerge. When high-quality businesses fall 25% to 35% from their highs, it is usually worth asking whether the market is pricing in permanent damage, or simply a tough phase in the cycle.

If I had $10,000 to invest today and was deliberately looking for value on the ASX, here are three beaten-down shares I would seriously consider.

James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX)

James Hardie shares are down roughly 35% over the past 12 months, largely reflecting concerns around US housing activity and the major acquisition of AZEK. That weakness has fed directly into sentiment, even though the long-term fundamentals of the business remain intact.

James Hardie is still the dominant player in fibre cement products in North America, with strong brand recognition and pricing power over time. While volumes can fluctuate with housing cycles, repair and remodel activity tends to be more resilient than new builds, which provides some buffer during slower periods.

If US housing conditions stabilise or improve over the next couple of years and the AZEK acquisition is successful, I think James Hardie shares could re-rate meaningfully.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

ARB shares are down around 32% since last January. A decent part of this decline has occurred this month following a disappointing trading update. Earnings in the first half were weaker than expected, reflecting softer group sales, margin pressure from currency movements, and lower factory recoveries.

This was clearly not a good result, and it explains the market’s reaction. However, I think it is important to separate short-term earnings softness from long-term business quality.

This ASX share still operates a high-return, vertically integrated 4×4 accessories business with a strong balance sheet and net cash. While domestic aftermarket demand has softened alongside weaker new vehicle sales, there are signs that this may represent a cyclical low rather than a structural decline.

Looking ahead, there are growth tailwinds that remain in place. This includes continued strength in the US, new OEM launches, network upgrades, and an ecommerce rollout. If these play out as expected, ARB could return to a sustainable growth trajectory, supporting a recovery in its share price.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR Group shares are down about 25% over the past 12 months, despite the business continuing to generate strong cash flows and operate market-leading automotive classifieds platforms across multiple regions.

The pullback appears to reflect valuation compression rather than a collapse in fundamentals. Advertising markets have been uneven, and investors have become more cautious toward premium-priced growth stocks. That said, CAR Group still benefits from dominant market positions, network effects, and a highly scalable digital model.

Over time, as vehicle markets normalise and pricing power reasserts itself, CAR Group is well placed to compound earnings. I think the share price weakness provides an opportunity to access that quality at a more reasonable entry point than was available a year ago.

Foolish takeaway

Each of these ASX shares share something important in common. They are high-quality businesses experiencing a difficult phase, rather than a broken business facing terminal decline.

If I were investing $10,000 today with a long-term mindset, I would be comfortable spreading that capital across opportunities like these, where expectations are low, sentiment is weak, and the potential for recovery is not being fully priced in.

The post Why I would invest $10,000 in these cheap ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why James Hardie shares can keep the rally going
• What is Morgans saying about ARB and BHP shares?
• How to turn ASX dividends into long-term wealth
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Should you buy the dip on these ASX 200 stocks?

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

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) returned to form and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.75% to 8,848.7 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rise again

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Friday following a good night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 6 points or 0.1% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.95%, the S&P 500 is up 0.8%, and the Nasdaq is up 1.15%.

Oil prices tumble

It could be a tough finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 2.2% to US$59.27 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 2% to US$63.95 a barrel. This was driven by Donald Trump toning down threats against Greenland and Iran.

Sell Lynas shares

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares could be seriously overvalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. According to the note, the broker has reaffirmed its sell rating on the rare earths producer’s shares with an improved price target of $11.15. This implies potential downside of 33% for investors from current levels. It said: “Our target price increases to $11.15/sh (previously $9.60/sh), and we maintain our Sell recommendation. Whilst we like the business, asset, and team, we believe there is significant optimism priced into the stock, with investors using it as a hedge on US-China relations.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.8% to US$4,925.4 an ounce. Safe haven demand has been driving gold higher this week.

Buy Regis Resources shares

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares could be heading higher according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the gold miner’s shares with an improved price target of $8.85 (from $7.05). This suggests that upside of 17% is possible from current levels. The broker said: “We remain attracted to RRL’s all-Australian, multi-mine asset portfolio, its demonstrated leverage to the gold price, highly competitive cash generation and its fully unhedged, debt free position. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 26%, to $8.85/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bell Potter says this ASX 200 gold share is a buy with 18% upside
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 drops as lower unemployment raises the risk of an interest rate hike
• 3 ASX 200 shares this fund manager says are buys for 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

Wilson Asset Management has been buying ASX 200 coal share Whitehaven Ltd (ASX: WHC) amid the coal price recovery.

Portfolio managers of listed investment company (LIC) WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) revealed their purchase in an update this month.

Whitehaven is a thermal and metallurgical coal producer with six mines in the Gunnedah Basin of NSW and Bowen Basin of Queensland.

Wilson described Whitehaven Coal as a leading Australian producer with high quality assets and a robust balance sheet.

Why this fundie bought more Whitehaven shares

The portfolio managers explained their decision:

We increased our holding in Whitehaven Coal as coal prices began to firm after bottoming earlier in the year.

The company continues to deliver sound operational results despite a challenging backdrop and is executing cost out initiatives, with increased volumes at Blackwater and Daunia mines expected to drive unit cost reductions from FY2027.

Whitehaven Coal also maintains strong capital management flexibility, supporting shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends.

Recovering coal prices are a tailwind for Whitehaven shares.

Demand from China is ramping up, with the government intending to open more than 100 coal-fired power generators this year to supply electricity domestically and via export.

China is the world’s largest coal producer, importer, and consumer.

Despite China’s moves to adopt nuclear power as part of the green energy transition, coal continues to provide more than 50% of the nation’s energy requirements.

China’s coal production reached a record last year at 4.83 billion tonnes, but they still needed imported coal to keep the lights on.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

China, by far the world’s largest coal consumer, producer, and importer, continues to rely on the fuel to power its economy alongside the ongoing expansion of renewable energy.

However, Beijing has pledged to begin phasing down coal use before 2030.

What’s happening with coal prices?

The coking (metallurgical) coal price is US$240.75 per tonne, up 1.5% over the past month and up 26% year over year.

Met coal has risen from a 12-month low of about US$169.70 per tonne in March.

The thermal coal price is US$109.35 per tonne, up 1% for the month and down 6% over 12 months.

It has risen from a 12-month low of US$93.70 per tonne in April.

This chart shows that Whitehaven shares have risen over the same period, rebounding strongly after the US tariff-inspired rout.

Should you buy this ASX 200 coal share, too?

The Whitehaven share price is $9.01 on Thursday, down 0.39%.

On the CommSec trading platform, 15 professional analysts offer a rating on Whitehaven shares.

The consensus rating is a hold. Four analysts say the ASX 200 coal share is a buy, and two say it’s a moderate buy.

Six say hold, and three think Whitehaven shares are a strong sell following a 42% rally over 12 months.

This week, UBS reiterated its sell rating on Whitehaven and raised its 12-month share price target from $7.15 to $8.45.

Bell Potter kept its hold rating but also increased its price target from $7 to $8.40.

Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating with a price target of $9.50.

The post Which ASX 200 coal share is this fundie buying more of? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 of the hottest ASX metals and mining shares right now
• Top broker just increased its price target on Whitehaven Coal shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 4 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

This S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock has experienced sharp volatility over the past year, with its share price swinging between $1.52 and $3.35.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares were amongst the big ASX winners on Thursday, lifting 6.8% to $2.67.  

What’s driving the recent surge of the ASX 200 healthcare stock, and can it be sustained this time?

One step closer to a breakthrough

After years of underperformance, the ASX 200 healthcare stock rebounded in 2025 as investor confidence returned to Mesoblast’s lead therapy, remestemcel-L.

The key question now is whether the company is nearing its first meaningful commercial breakthrough. On Monday, the ASX 200 healthcare stock issued a release that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had acknowledged positive results for its lead therapy.

The regulator indicated that the treatment reduced pain in patients with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. The FDA also noted that significant reductions in opioid use observed in at least one major trial could potentially appear on the product label.

The ASX 200 stock reported that many patients reduced or ceased opioid use for extended periods following treatment.

Sharp sales acceleration

Earlier in the month, the share price of the ASX 200 stock raced to a 52-week high of $3.35, following the release of a sales update.

According to the release, Mesoblast generated gross revenue of US$35.1 million from sales of Ryoncil (remestemcel-L-rknd) in the quarter ended 31 December 2025. That result represented a 60% increase compared with the quarter ended 30 September, highlighting a sharp acceleration in sales momentum.

Despite the positive FDA regulatory update and sales increase, the ASX 200 stock fell this month with 7%. Shares retreated to a two-month low, pointing to technical pressure and profit-taking after a strong rally late last year and at the start of 2026. Sentiment may have also weakened after Executive Director Dr Eric Rose sold roughly 640,000 shares.

Extended clinical trials

Material risks remain. Mesoblast has consumed substantial capital during its prolonged development cycle, repeatedly raising funds to support extended clinical trials and regulatory processes.

The company’s history of FDA setbacks has further tested investor patience. Even with approval, the ASX 200 company must still execute on commercialisation, scale sales, and compete in an increasingly crowded cell-therapy market.

Broker sentiment remains bullish

Despite these risks, brokers remain optimistic on the ASX 200 stock. The average 12-month price target for Mesoblast shares sits at $4.11, implying 54% upside from current levels.

TradingView data shows all covering analysts rate the stock a strong buy. Price targets range from $3.07, representing 15% upside, to $5.20, which implies potential gains of 95%.

The post Has this ASX 200 stock just turned the corner after 7% surge? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• This rising ASX 200 stock isn’t done yet – or is it?
• Mesoblast just cleared a key FDA hurdle. So why are investors exiting?
• Are these ASX 200 shares a buy after yesterday’s sell off?
• 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.

If you thought it was too late to gain exposure to the booming gold price, then think again.

That’s because Bell Potter has just named one ASX 200 gold share as a buy with plenty of upside.

Which ASX 200 gold share?

The gold miner that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

It was impressed with its performance in the second quarter, with gold production and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) beating expectations. It said:

EVN has reported a strong December quarter 2025 result. Group production was 191.2koz gold and 17.9kt copper (vs BPe 189.2koz gold and 18.9kt copper). All-In-Sustaining-Costs (AISC) were A$1,274/oz (vs BPe A$1,446/oz), dropping 26% QoQ as copper by-product credits made a significantly increased contribution. A solid lift in gold production and steady copper production was in line with our forecasts.

EVN ended the quarter with cash and bullion of $967m (from A$780m qoq), after early debt repayment of $110m, a dividend payment of $116m and cash tax payment of $207m. EVN reduced FY26 AISC guidance by $100/oz (or 6%, midpoint basis), production guidance is unchanged.

Overall, the broker felt this was a “very positive result” and highlights that its copper exposure differentiates it from peers. It adds:

This was a very positive result, demonstrating consistent operational delivery, capital discipline and surging cash flows due to EVN’s effectively unhedged gold exposure. It also highlighted EVN’s copper kicker – a key aspect of its business that differentiates it from the majority of its peers but, in our view, is often overlooked by the market. EVN’s annualised copper production of 70-80ktpa is a significant boost to margins, free cash flow and shareholder returns. The market is becoming more attuned to this with the rising copper price and, combined with EVN’s other attributes, we expect this to continue driving EVN’s outperformance.

Time to buy

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold share with an improved price target of $16.70 (from $12.35).

Based on its current share price of $14.11, this implies potential upside of 18% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

EVN offers effectively unhedged gold and copper exposure via a portfolio of high quality, long-life assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions and overseen by a high-quality management team. EVN has stated its intention to pass growing free cash flows on to shareholders. Our NPV-based Target Price lifts 35% to $16.70/sh and we retain our Buy recommendation.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX 200 gold share is a buy with 18% upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares
• This gold and copper producer is forecast to deliver double-digit returns
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Evolution Mining, Lynas Rare Earths, Paladin Energy, and Sovereign Metals shares are racing higher 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 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.

Much has been made of the rise of gold and silver over the past few years, but particularly over the last 12 months. Both precious metals have shot the moon, with gold up 73.5% since this time last year, and silver blowing it out of the water with its 205% surge. But another precious metal has been flying higher too, and somewhat more under the radar than its two more illustrious cousins. That precious metal is platinum. We might be more familiar with platinum as a marketing term than as an investment. But investors can and do buy platinum for many of the same reasons they buy gold or silver.

It is a scarce metal, scarcer even than gold, as it happens. Additionally, it shares many of the same qualities as gold, including invulnerability to wear and corrosion, and stable electrical properties. Like silver (and unlike gold), platinum also has extensive industrial applications, most notably in the catalytic converters found in most vehicles these days.

A year ago today, platinum was going for US$969 per ounce. Today, that same ounce is worth US$1,944 at the time of writing, a 12-month gain worth just over 100%. So platinum has outpaced gold as an investment over this period.

As such, many investors might wish to know how one actually buys platinum. As with silver, there are two methods one can employ if they wish to invest in this lesser-known precious metal.

How to buy platinum as an investment in 2026

Bullion: Bars and coins

The first method is also the most straightforward. Investors can buy physical platinum bullion in either coin or bar form. Like gold or silver, platinum bullion is readily available from most precious metal dealerships. The range of options is far narrower than its more popular cousins, but many prominent mints issue their flagship products in platinum form.

As with gold and silver bullion, many investors might regard physical ownership as the purest and most legitimate way to invest in this precious metal. But platinum bullion also carries some of the same risks. Investors will have to pay a hefty premium over the spot price for their bars or coins when purchasing. Additionally, there are transportation, storage, and insurance costs to consider.

That’s why the second method might appeal to some investors more.

Buy a platinum ETF

Again, as with gold and silver, investors also have the option of using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to buy platinum. A platinum ETF works in a similar manner to a gold ETF. The fund owns a physical store of platinum bullion, with its units representing an ownership stake of said store. Investors then indirectly invest in this store by buying or selling those units, which should rise and fall in value alongside the raw price of platinum itself.

Unlike gold, though, the options on the ASX are fairly limited for would-be platinum investors. The only real option investors have is the Global X Physical Platinum ETF (ASX: ETPMPT). This ETF holds a valuable stockpile of platinum in a London vault, with units of the fund representing this stockpile. Like the Metal itself, ETPMPT units have surged in value over the past 12 months.

An ETF like this one means investors can invest in (and out of) platinum as easily as shares, without having to take custody of physical metal itself.

This doesn’t come free, though. The Global X Physical Platinum ETF charges a management fee of 0.49% per annum for its services.

The post Want to buy platinum in 2026? Here are 2 ways to do it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Astronomical returns: Best 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares for 2025
• The best performing Global X ASX ETFs this year
• Forget gold! Meet the 2 metals up by +150% in 2025 and the ASX ETFs riding the wave

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 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.

With February reporting season fast approaching, investors face a familiar decision. Do you wait for results and risk paying a higher price, or do you act early and accept the uncertainty that comes with buying ahead of updates?

If I were putting money to work before reporting season begins, these are three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares I would seriously consider buying. 

Each has clear near-term catalysts, but more importantly, each has a longer-term story that I think remains intact regardless of short-term volatility.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma is approaching reporting season with far more momentum than it had a year ago. The merger with Chemist Warehouse has reshaped the business into a much larger and more strategically important healthcare retail and distribution group. That scale matters. It improves buying power, strengthens supplier relationships, and increases the resilience of earnings across the cycle.

When it next releases its results, the market will be looking for confirmation that the Chemist Warehouse integration is tracking to plan and that cost and revenue synergies are beginning to emerge. Even without aggressive assumptions, I think Sigma now sits in a structurally stronger position than it did pre-merger, which makes the risk-reward ahead of results more appealing.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA is one of those businesses where timing matters less than long-term ownership. Reporting season tends to remind the market why that is the case. The company dominates Australian property listings with its realestate.com.au platform, and its pricing power is closely tied to transaction volumes rather than house prices themselves.

With housing activity showing early signs of stabilisation, February results could reinforce the view that REA is positioned to benefit from any recovery in listings and developer activity. Even if conditions remain uneven, REA’s margin profile and competitive moat mean it does not need a booming property market to continue growing earnings over time. That is a quality I look for when making investments.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix remains one of the more interesting healthcare names heading into earnings season. The company has already commercialised key products, which sets it apart from many earlier-stage biotech peers, and it continues to expand its pipeline and geographic reach.

It has already released a sales update for FY25, so there will be no surprises in February during reporting season. Instead, investors can focus on more important factors such as progress across clinical programs and the path toward broader adoption of its radiopharmaceutical therapies. 

Speaking of which, I think 2026 could be an exciting year for this ASX 200 share with potential game-changing US FDA approvals for two key products.

Foolish Takeaway

Buying shares before reporting season is never about certainty. It is about deciding whether the long-term opportunity outweighs the risk of near-term disappointment.

If I were investing today, these are three ASX 200 shares I would feel comfortable owning through February, knowing that volatility may come, but believing the underlying businesses are worth backing beyond the next few weeks and long into the future.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy before February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares this fund manager says are buys for 2026
• 3 ASX shares tipped to climb over 100% in 2026
• Top broker tips 57% upside for beaten-down Telix shares
• 3 underappreciated ASX growth shares I would buy with $1,000
• Where to invest $5,000 in ASX 200 shares to try and beat the market

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

As 2026 approaches, many Australians are quietly asking the same question: Am I actually ready to retire?

It is a big decision, and for most people, it is not helped by complex calculators, conflicting headlines, or wildly different opinions.

The good news is that you do not need a perfect plan to get clarity. In fact, a simple two-minute sense check can tell you whether you are broadly on track — or whether it is worth spending more time refining the details.

Here are three simple rules of thumb to help you find out:

1. Start with what your lifestyle really costs

Retirement planning often starts with super balances. In reality, it should also start with spending.

A practical first step is to estimate how much you currently spend each year to live the life you enjoy. That includes housing costs, food, utilities, transport, healthcare, insurance, and lifestyle expenses such as travel or hobbies.

This does not need to be precise. The goal is to arrive at a reasonable annual figure that reflects your day-to-day life, not an idealised version of retirement.

Once you have that number, you can move on to the more important question: Can your assets support it?

2. Can your assets reasonably support that income?

A common rule of thumb used in retirement planning is to compare annual spending needs against total investable assets, including superannuation.

Rather than focusing on short-term market movements, this approach looks at whether your savings could support your lifestyle over time using a conservative withdrawal range. It is not a guarantee, but it is a useful stress test.

If your assets appear comfortably ahead of your spending needs, that is a positive sign. If the gap feels tight, it does not mean retirement is off the table — it simply means flexibility and structure matter more.

This is also where asset mix becomes important.

For many Australians, this is where ASX shares come into the picture. A diversified portfolio of dividend shares and/or ETFs can provide a combination of income and long-term growth, helping retirement savings keep pace with inflation. Unlike relying on a single asset, shares offer liquidity and flexibility, which can be valuable when spending needs change over time. Of course, share markets move around, which is why many retirees use them as part of a broader mix rather than a stand-alone solution.

3. How long might your money need to last?

One of the most common retirement planning mistakes is underestimating longevity.

Australians are living longer than previous generations, and many retirees now need their savings to last 25 to 30 years or more. Planning for a longer retirement is not pessimistic — it is prudent.

This matters because early retirement years are often the most financially sensitive. Poor market conditions combined with heavy withdrawals can have an outsized impact if they occur too soon.

A simple question to ask is whether your plan still works if you live longer than expected. If the answer is yes, you are building resilience into your retirement, not just optimism.

How much flexibility do you actually have?

Retirement today is rarely a clean switch from work to no work.

Some people reduce hours gradually. Others work casually for a few years. Many adjust spending depending on markets, health, or personal priorities.

Flexibility is one of the most powerful tools retirees have. Even modest adjustments — delaying travel, drawing slightly less in weak markets, or earning a small side income — can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

A simple 2-minute check

If you can broadly say “yes” to the following, you are likely closer to retirement readiness than you think:

• I understand my annual spending needs.
• My assets reasonably support that spending under conservative assumptions.
• I have planned for a long retirement.
• I have flexibility if markets or life surprise me.

Foolish Takeaway

This quick check is not a full retirement plan, and it is not designed to replace personalised advice. It does not account for tax structures, superannuation rules, or Age Pension eligibility.

What it does offer is clarity.

If the answer today is “not quite,” that is still useful information. Time, flexibility, and small adjustments often matter far more than perfect timing or precise forecasts.

And if the answer is “yes,” then retirement in 2026 may be less about whether you can afford it — and more about how you want to spend it.

The post Can you afford to retire in 2026? Find out in 2 minutes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

Are you hunting some new investment ideas? If you are, then let’s take a look at three popular ASX shares and see if Morgans rates them as buys, holds, or sells.

Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

This gold miner delivered a strong second quarter update according to Morgans. It highlights that Evolution Mining reported production and costs that were better than expected, as well as record cash flow.

However, due to its current valuation, Morgans has retained its trim rating (between sell and hold) with an improved price target of $13.20. It said:

Strong 2Q26 with gold production and costs beating expectations. EVN generated record cash flow again. We expect EVN to reach net cash by the end of FY26. We maintain our TRIM rating as we view the stock as fully valued. However, we see merit in retaining some exposure given EVN’s significant leverage to gold and copper prices, which are currently at record levels.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Morgans was impressed with this investment platform provider’s performance during the second quarter. It highlights that its platform net flows were the largest on record and comfortably ahead of expectations.

But due to its current valuation, the broker has held firm with its hold rating and $110.60 price target. It said:

HUB’s 2Q26 Platform net-flows of $5.6bn were the group’s largest on record, coming in ahead of consensus expectations of $4.6bn. On an underlying basis (excluding $1.5bn of flows from the EQT migration in 2Q25), core net inflows were up +42% yoy. This strong organic momentum was also supported by positive mark-to-markets during the quarter which saw HUB report Total FUA of $152.3bn, +26% yoy, and Platform FUA of ~A$127.9bn, +29% yoy.

We see the company as well positioned to deliver strong growth at its upcoming 1H26 result and on track to reach its FY27 Platform FUA targets. We upgrade our underlying NPAT forecasts by 1-2% and retain our Hold rating with an unchanged $110.60 price target.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

A final ASX share that Morgans has been looking at is Rio Tinto. It was pleased to see the mining giant achieve its shipments guidance in FY 2025 despite cyclone disruptions early in the year. It was also pleased with its copper production, which was ahead of expectations.

Once again, though, the broker thinks Rio Tinto’s shares are fully valued. As a result, it has retained its trim rating and $140.00 price target. It said:

Record 4Q Pilbara production and shipments enabled RIO to land at the lower end of CY25 guidance, recovering from cyclone disruptions back in 1Q. Copper beat estimates by 14% on Escondida and Oyu Tolgoi strength. Simandou achieved first shipment in December as guided. Making hay while the sun shines, with copper and iron ore beats, but a quarter that will be hard to repeat with Pilbara shipments to normalise and Escondida grades set to moderate in CY26. Valuation remains stretched at current levels. We maintain our TRIM rating with target price unchanged at A$140.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares 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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.