CMC Markets has more than one million Australian investors registered on its trading platform, and a new report reveals the 10 ASX shares they traded most over the 2025 calendar year.

CMC Markets noted that ASX shares were traded at six times the rate of US stocks.

The broker said this indicated a strong home bias for investors who were focused on individual stocks.

Fraser Allan, Head of Premium Client Management Australia/New Zealand, said clients demonstrated “resilience and
discipline” despite volatility in the market last year.

Allan noted that many investors used the tariff-inspired rout in April to buy the dip — a trend seen by other platform providers, too.

He commented:

President Trump’s April tariff announcement was one such pivotal moment, where clients acted with conviction rather than
hesitation.

Buy/sell ratios indicate investor confidence

The data shows the percentage of trades that were buy orders and sell orders.

This provides a unique insight into how investors were viewing some ASX shares.

For example, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) had a clear buying skew despite the share price plummeting after the company’s FY25 report in August.

The broker said:

The strong buy skew in CSL stood out as a clear example of buying into weakness, with clients adding exposure despite a significant share price decline over the year.

In the case of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), the buy/sell ratio was much tighter at 56% to 44%, respectively.

The CBA share price climbed to a peak of $192 in late June 2025, ending a remarkable run that had begun in November 2023.

CBA shares then commenced a steep decline, finishing the year only 4.8% up overall.

CMC Markets said:

Trading activity in Commonwealth Bank showed more two-way participation than other top traded Australian shares, with only 56% of orders on the buy side.

This could reflect a degree of polarisation in investor perspectives around company-specific factors such as valuation during 2025.

10 most traded ASX shares of 2025

Here are the 10 most traded ASX shares among the more than one million customers registered on CMC Markets’ trading platform.

Rank	Top ASX shares by trading volume	Percentage of buy orders
1	BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)	70%
2	CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)	84%
3	Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)	71%
4	Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)	68%
5	DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)	62%
6	PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)	59%
7	ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)	56%
8	Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)	56%
9	Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)	76%
10	Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)	60%

Source: CMC Markets

The post 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs to target following the RBA interest rate hike
• Which ASX lithium share is a smarter buy: PLS Group or Liontown?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Oil pulls back as markets look to the next catalyst. Here’s what to watch
• Are Graincorp and PLS shares buys, holds, or sells?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In the past few months, ASX Lithium shares have gone through the roof as optimism for electric vehicles and energy storage demand reignites after a long slump.

Two names investors love to debate are PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR). They both posted stellar gains in the past 6 months that dwarf the broader market, surging 158% and 113% respectively

The question now is: which of these two ASX lithium shares should you be eyeing as a buy?

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

This $14 billion ASX lithium share is the big-league player. The lithium miner formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, first attracted serious global investor attention when lithium prices were peaking.

Its flagship Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia is among the largest spodumene producers in the world. The ASX lithium share has been aggressively pushing downstream through partnerships and processing ventures that give it a broader slice of the lithium value chain.

That scale is a key strength. When lithium prices and demand are strong, the miner converts that into hefty cash flow and hefty profits. The company’s balance sheet, export contracts and strategic partnerships also lend it a degree of resilience.

But there’s a flip side. PLS Group’s size makes it more sensitive to the global spodumene price cycle, and in weaker markets its earnings have taken hits. Recent history shows periods where revenue plunged alongside commodity prices.

Now some analysts argue the leading ASX lithium stock trades on a premium that leaves limited room for near-term upside. Despite a stronger than expected second-quarter update, Morgans sees the share as a hold.

The broker has set a 12-month price target of $4.62, an upside of nearly 5%. 

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Liontown feels like the scrappier, growth-oriented sibling. Smaller than PLS but no less ambitious, Liontown’s Kathleen Valley project has moved from open pit into deeper underground operations, and the company is now securing offtake deals that lock in future revenue flows.

The price of the ASX lithium share has exploded as these milestones have been hit and investors price in future production. The entirely owned asset base gives Liontown a clearer line of sight on its economics. Some brokers also see better value as the stock hasn’t yet commanded the same premium multiples as PLS.

The company’s execution risk is higher. The transitioning from development into sustained production is tough, cash burn can be heavy, and the balance sheet must be managed carefully. However, the potential returns on success are correspondingly greater.

Market tweaks like amendments to supply deals with big automakers show Liontown is fighting smart to capture market share. The investor caution is that lithium market cycles still govern all outcomes. If prices languish or new supply outpaces demand, Liontown could languish.

Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on this ASX lithium stock with a trimmed price target of $2.42. This points to a 32% upside, compared to the current share price of $1.83. 

Foolish Takeaway

If you want scale and an established production profile, PLS Group is the clear blue-chip. If you’re chasing higher upside and can tolerate execution risk, Liontown offers greater growth optionality.

In a choppy lithium cycle, PLS Group brings stability; Liontown brings torque. For investors with a long-term horizon and appetite for volatility, Liontown could look more compelling.

The post Which ASX lithium share is a smarter buy: PLS Group or Liontown? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Graincorp and PLS shares buys, holds, or sells?
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• Are ASX lithium shares running out of steam?
• The growing case for critical minerals – Expert
• Liontown shares: After a year of outperformance, is it still 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.

There has been plenty of analysis in the last 6 months pointing to strong tailwinds for ASX small-cap stocks. 

In fact, ASX small-cap shares outperformed the larger players by almost 2.5 times in 2025. 

It’s important to remember that not every cheap stock is a bargain buy. 

Many will fizzle out and some will even be delisted from the ASX entirely. 

On the flip side, a select few will continue to grow and eventually become mid-cap or even large-cap stocks.

Here are two ASX small caps that have attractive valuations according to experts. 

Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX)

Strike Energy is an onshore Perth Basin gas exploration and development company with material discoveries across three advanced projects: 

• Walyering (100% STX)
•  South Erregulla (100% STX)
• West Erregulla (50% STX)

Walyering is currently producing gas, with sales beginning in late 2023. The West Erregulla joint venture with Hancock Prospecting may reach final investment decision in the second half of 2026, targeting production from 2028. STX also plans to develop a peaking power facility at South Erregulla to commercialise its smaller gas reserves.

According to a report from Bell Potter, there is reason for optimism surrounding this ASX small-cap. 

Last week, Strike Energy reported December 2025 quarterly production at Walyering of 1.59 PJe, above expectations, with an average gas price of $7.36/GJ. 

This generated $16.6 million in sales revenue. The South Erregulla 85 MW peaking gas power project is 72% complete and remains on track to begin operations by 1 October 2026. Planning and approvals for the Walyering West-1 well are progressing, with drilling expected to start in early Q2 2026.

Bell Potter said the company is leveraged to the Western Australia energy market where electricity and gas prices are expected to remain supportive. 

The broker currently has a speculative buy recommendation and $0.15 price target. 

That indicates an upside of 50% from current levels. 

Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN)

Coronado Global Resources is a leading international producer of high-quality metallurgical coal, an essential element in the production of steel.

It has had a strong start to 2026, rising almost 10% YTD. 

However recent price targets indicate it can keep climbing. 

Its success has been closely linked to the rebound in metallurgical coal prices.

Last month, Bell Potter updated its price target on this ASX small-cap stock to $0.47 (previously $0.33). 

At the time of writing, Coronado Global Resources shares are hovering around $0.40. 

From current levels, Bell Potter’s price target indicates an upside of approximately 17.50%. 

The post 2 ASX small-caps tipped to climb in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is the Coronado share price tanking 9% today
• Up 16% in 2026 already – is this ASX small-cap a buy?
• Investors are buying this ASX coal stock again today. Here’s why
• Coronado shares surge 12% after Monday’s sell-off
• Why 4DMedical, Coronado Global, Metallium, and WiseTech Global shares are falling today

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.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares closed 0.41% lower on Tuesday afternoon, at $4.89 a piece. After the decline, the shares are now sitting up 0.41% for the year-to-date and have jumped 23.48% over the past year.

What about passive income from Telstra shares?

The telecommunications provider is a fantastic defensive stock. Internet access and mobile phone connectivity are no longer a perk but necessary for everyday life. 

That means that Telstra shares tend to perform steadily, regardless of what stage of the economic cycle we’re in. And this is great news for investors who want to hedge against potential volatility elsewhere in the index.

The ASX 200 telco offers a reliable income stream to investors too. In fact, one of the best things about Telstra is that its dividend payout ratio is close to 100% of its earnings. That unlocks a good dividend yield.

Telstra traditionally makes two fully-franked dividend payments to shareholders every year, payable in March and September. For FY25 the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share. At the time of writing that translates to a dividend yield of 3.89%.

And it looks like the telco could grow its dividend payout in FY26 too. The consensus expectation among analysts on the CommSec platform is for Telstra to pay a 20-cent dividend for FY26. That would represent a year-on-year increase of 5.25%, or 1 cent per share.

For FY27 the dividend payout is expected to increase again to 21 cents per share. 

That’s a decent passive income.

What do the experts think of the stock?

Analyst sentiment on Telstra shares is relatively divided. 

Telstra shares were thrust into the spotlight in late-2025 after the telco giant hit headlines about concerns around its calling reliability. A Senate inquiry is reportedly examining cases where Triple Zero calls may have failed, including situations linked to older devices and network/handset software interactions. 

It looks like this, alongside an overall contraction of the telco market since around the same time, have softened investor confidence about the outlook of the company and its shares. 

TradingView data shows 7 out of 12 analysts have a hold rating on Telstra shares, with an average target price of $4.98. This is just 1.86% above the current trading price at the time of writing. However, some are more bullish and have tipped the shares to climb another 10.43% to $5.40 in 2026.

The post Are Telstra shares a good buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 safe ASX dividend shares for low-risk investors
• 3 reasons Telstra shares could be worth buying today
• Got $5,000? 5 ASX income shares to buy and hold forever
• How to build income on the ASX without losing sleep at night
• 5 ASX dividend shares paying 4% a year on average in 2026!

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

When I look at exchange-traded funds (ETFs), I’m trying to stack the odds in my favour by owning parts of the market that I think can quietly compound over time, even if headlines move around a lot.

Right now, these are three Australian ETFs I’d feel comfortable putting fresh money into.

VanEck Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

The way I think about the VanEck Australian Quality ETF is simple. If I’m going to own Australian shares, I want to own the ones that actually earn their keep.

The AQLT ETF focuses on companies with high returns on equity, relatively low leverage, and more stable earnings profiles. That naturally tilts the portfolio toward businesses that generate real cash and can reinvest it sensibly. You see that reflected in the holdings, with exposure to names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), the major banks, and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

What I like about this ETF is that it avoids the temptation to chase whatever is fashionable. Instead, it leans into quality characteristics that tend to matter most over a full market cycle. It also ends up with different sector weightings compared to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which can be useful if you already have exposure to traditional index funds.

For investors who want Australian equities without relying purely on market cap weighting, this feels like a sensible middle ground.

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

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF is at the other end of the spectrum, and that’s why I like pairing it with something like the AQLT ETF.

This ETF gives you exposure to Australia’s listed technology leaders, including businesses like Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

I don’t expect this part of the market to move in a straight line. Tech never does. But over time, I think Australia’s best technology companies can grow earnings much faster than the broader market, even if sentiment swings around in the short term.

The ATEC ETF also plays a useful portfolio role. Many Australian investors are heavily exposed to banks and resources by default. This ETF helps balance that out with businesses tied to digital adoption, healthcare technology, and online platforms.

VanEck S&P/ASX MidCap ETF (ASX: MVE)

If large caps are the heavyweights and small caps are the lottery tickets, mid-caps often sit in a sweet spot that doesn’t get enough attention.

The VanEck S&P/ASX MidCap ETF tracks the S&P/ASX MidCap 50 Index (ASX: XMD), giving exposure to companies that are already established but still have room to grow. These are businesses that often sit just below the top 20, with proven operations and expanding markets.

The holdings reflect that mix. You get exposure to companies like Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI), Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC), REA Group, JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH), and SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH). It’s a broad cross-section of Australian industry, spanning resources, industrials, property, retail, and technology.

What appeals to me here is optionality. Some of these stocks will eventually grow into large-cap leaders. Others may simply compound steadily without ever being headline names. Either way, mid-caps can deliver attractive long-term returns if you’re patient.

Foolish Takeaway

If I were adding to an ETF portfolio today, I’d want a mix of quality, growth, and opportunity beyond the biggest names.

The AQLT ETF gives me exposure to Australia’s strongest businesses. The ATEC ETF adds long-term growth through technology leaders. The MVE ETF captures the potential of mid-sized companies that are still climbing.

Together, they offer diversification by style, sector, and company size, without needing to overcomplicate things. That’s usually a good place to start.

The post The top Australian ETFs I would buy this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this month
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late
• An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments
• 3 Australian ETFS to buy and hold forever
• These are the ETFs I would buy with $20,000

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Technology One, Wesfarmers, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Pro Medicus, Technology One, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When thinking about geographic diversity, many investors still instinctively look at where a company is headquartered. But in a globalised market, where a company earns its money is often far more important than where it is domiciled. Here are three ASX stocks to increase your global exposure.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA): A global earnings powerhouse

Codan is an Australian technology company with a reputation for durable communications and electronics equipment for the government, corporate, NGO and consumer markets. Its metal detector brand, Minelabs, is widely considered to be the industry standard for both commercial and private prospecting.

It operates in more than 150 countries globally, across North America, Africa, Europe and Asia, offering exposure to diverse markets.

Codan’s share price hit all-time high in late January 2026, off the back of strong growth and revenue results in both its communications and metal detector divisions. It’s metal detector business grew 46% in H1 FY26, largely driven by sales in Africa.

While we may see some of that growth slow if the price of gold continues to drop, its exposure to defence spending and reputation for quality should maintain momentum across its communications division.

In addition, the company has low debt and a disciplined approach, creating a fertile environment for long-term growth. In my opinion, Codan is a solid investment for long-term investors seeking geographic diversity, even at current prices.  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC): A turnaround play in a resilient market

While Ramsay has a notable footprint in Australia, it’s significant operations across Europe and the UK give it global revenue streams in the resilient healthcare market.  

Here in Australia, Ramsay is the largest private hospital operator. In the UK, it provides similar services on a smaller scale alongside mental health services via its Elysium Healthcare subsidiary. Ramsay also holds a controlling stake in European-based Ramsay Santé, which delivers healthcare services across France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Italy.

In terms of performance, Ramsay is a turnaround play right now. Its share price has fallen around 45% across five years, potentially indicating that investors have lost confidence. That said, it is up circa 9% over the last year, and some analysts have suggested it is undervalued based on its strong fundamentals, margin recovery and Q1 FY2026 revenue growth.

It’s an option worth exploring if you are looking to diversify and want a value play in a market with long-term growth tailwinds.  

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH): Local success story with global reach

Cochlear is a primary example of an ASX-listed company with an extensive global footprint. This Australian invention is now a world leader in implantable hearing devices. And although it remains based in Sydney, it earns most of its revenue offshore.

Its most lucrative market is the Americas. This is followed by its Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific operations, giving Cochlear diverse global revenue streams and fantastic earnings resilience.

In terms of share price, Cochlear has historically been a solid and dependable performer. In 2025, however, it saw some decline, starting the year at around $300 per share and ending it at around $260. While it continues to perform, investors may be losing patience with its relatively slow growth at such a high valuation.  

If you’re looking for an ASX stock with global revenue streams, Cochlear remains an excellent option. Given its continued success and solid long-term outlook, current share price declines may present an opportunity to buy.  

The post 3 ASX stocks with global revenue to diversify your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• The ASX blue chip shares I’d happily build a portfolio around
• 5 fantastic ASX shares to buy for an SMSF
• How much could I make investing $500 a month in ASX shares?

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison 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 Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI) is an ASX utilities stock that has been tipped to grow in the next 12 months. 

Its share price has fallen 9% year to date, however it remains up almost 30% in the last 12 months. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) is up approximately 11% in that same period. 

The company is engaged in the recovery of biogas from landfills. It also engages in the subsequent conversion into renewable electricity and saleable environmental products.

Yesterday, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on this ASX utilities stock.

This was ahead of LGI’s 1H26 result later this month. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

1H26 result preview

Bell Potter notes that Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Q4 2025 Quarterly Dynamics report shows sharp wholesale electricity price declines across the National Electricity Market (NEM). 

Prices were down 55% in Queensland and 48% in NSW year-on-year.

As a result, Bell Potter has cut its 1H26 forecasts for this ASX utilities stock. It has reduced revenue by 5% to $20.0m, EBITDA by 2% to $9.7m and NPAT by 3% to $3.6m. 

Bell Potter did note that LGI is partially protected from weaker spot prices. 

LGI have partially shielded themselves from the weakening of spot prices with a ~75% hedge book for FY26.

Despite this forecast cut, full-year guidance remains for underlying EBITDA growth of 25–30% ($21.7–22.6m), with Bell Potter forecasting $22.0m.

Earnings are expected to be stronger in the second half due to typically higher electricity prices.

Some good news

In yesterday’s report, the broker also pointed out that The Australian Government introduced a new landfill gas method for creating ACCUs in November 2025 to improve scheme integrity. 

Under the new rules, baselines will rise by 0.5% each year and are set at 30% for flaring-only projects, 37% for new electricity-generating projects, and 40% for existing electricity-generating projects, with ACCUs only earned above these levels. 

LGI is expected to be less affected than competitors. This is because its projects already operate at an average baseline of about 37%.

We downgrade EPS by -3%/-4%/-6% across FY26/27/28 reflecting reviewed commodity price and volume forecasts following new AEMO information and regulatory ACCU changes.

Price target optimism for ASX utilities stock

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation on LGI shares. 

The broker also has a price target of $4.70. 

This indicates an upside of approximately 26%. 

We anticipate the scheduled pipeline in reaching 80MW+ to be reflected in significant earnings growth for LGI through FY26 and the coming years. The company is adequately funded to execute its medium-term targets with further scope to upgrade existing sites.

Based on the report out of Bell Potter, this ASX utilities stock could be one to target before LGI’s 1H26 result later this month. 

The post Should you buy this ASX utilities stock before it explodes? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX lithium share is a smarter buy: PLS Group or Liontown?
• 2 ASX small-caps tipped to climb in 2026
• Are Telstra shares a good buy for passive income?
• The top Australian ETFs I would buy this week
• 3 ASX stocks with global revenue to diversify your portfolio

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 recommended LGI Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Yesterday afternoon, Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) reported a 66.6% jump in revenue to $46.1 million, while net profit fell 11.1% to $67.3 million for the half year to 31 December 2025.

What did Pinnacle Investment Management Group report?

• Revenue from ordinary activities up 66.6% to $46.1 million
• Net profit after tax down 11.1% to $67.3 million
• Earnings per share down 17.6% to 30.4 cents
• Interim dividend of 29.0 cents per share, 23.2 cents franked
• Net tangible assets per share at $4.08

What else do investors need to know?

Pinnacle has maintained its dividend payments, with an interim dividend of 29.0 cents per share declared for the half year. The company continues to operate a dividend reinvestment plan, giving shareholders the option to reinvest their dividends.

No new entities were acquired or disposed of during the period. Pinnacle’s aggregate share of net profits from its associates and joint venture entities stood at $69.4 million, down from $74.3 million in the previous period.

What’s next for Pinnacle Investment Management Group?

Looking ahead, Pinnacle’s diverse investments in asset managers across multiple regions provide the group with continued exposure to market opportunities. The dividend reinvestment plan and steady income from its associates may help underpin shareholder returns.

Management will likely continue monitoring market trends and focus on supporting its affiliate network for future growth. Investors may want to keep an eye on Pinnacle’s ability to deliver consistent profits in a shifting investment landscape.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Pinnacle Investment Management Group shares have declined 31%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Pinnacle Investment Management profit dips as revenue climbs, dividend steady appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now
• The $100,000 superannuation mistake many Australians make in their 40s
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• RBA shocks borrowers with surprise rate hike to 3.85%
• ASX 200 investors flinch as RBA pulls the trigger on higher interest rates

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed nearly 1% higher on Tuesday afternoon. The increase means the index has now climbed 1.5% higher for the year-to-date and is up 5.7% on the year. The index gains are strong, but some ASX 200 stocks have enjoyed much stronger momentum, and it looks like it’ll continue too.

Here are 3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali shares closed 0.69% higher on Tuesday at $24.96. For the year-to-date the shares are 5.76% higher and they’ve significantly outpaced the ASX 200 index over the past 12 months, rising 57.58% over the year.

The household furniture importer and retailer’s shares have risen very steadily over this period too, showing incredible resilient momentum. In fact, the ASX stock has climbed pretty consistently since they listed on the ASX back in 2004, with the exception of a covid-19-included blip in early 2020.

The team at Bell Potter recently named the furniture retailer as one of the best stocks to buy. The broker said that the company’s expansion into the UK gives the opportunity for the business to drive scale efficiencies and margin expansion. 

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

Nickel, copper, and cobalt miner IGO is another good momentum stock picking up investor interest right now.

Unlike Nick Scali, the miner’s share price hasn’t had such stable and historically long share price growth. However, the ASX 200 miner’s shares have had a strong price rally over the past 12 months.

At the close of the ASX on Tuesday, the shares had climbed 1.07% to $8.52 a piece. For the year-to-date the shares are 3.78% higher and they’re now a huge 78.24% higher for the year.

The company recently posted a strong operational performance for the December quarter. Including a 55% increase in its underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and a positive operating cash flow of $12.8 million. 

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

Westgold shares also closed in the green on Tuesday afternoon, up 0.14% to $6.96 a piece. For the year-to-date the ASX 200 gold miner’s shares are 7.91% higher, and have shown strong momentum since 2023. Over the past year alone, the stock has rallied 207.96% higher.

The gold miner reported record gold production and a doubling of its cash build for the December quarter. The latest gold price upswing has also helped push the share price higher recently. 

Analysts are bullish that the shares will keep building momentum this year too. Data shows that the maximum 12-month target price is $11.70, which implies a potential 68.1% upside for investors at the time of writing. 

The post 3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The $100,000 superannuation mistake many Australians make in their 40s
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• RBA shocks borrowers with surprise rate hike to 3.85%
• ASX 200 investors flinch as RBA pulls the trigger on higher interest rates
• These 3 ASX 200 shares have soared over 200% in a year!

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

When it comes to your superannuation, even a small mistake could cost you a fortune in the long run. 

From failing to consolidate your accounts, to losing insurance coverage, or even switching preferences in fear of an S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) market crash, there are many different superannuation mistakes which could damage your retirement balance.

But there is one in particular which is rife with Aussies in their 40s. And the worrying thing is, we’re probably all guilty of it.

The $100,000 superannuation mistake

The biggest superannuation mistake that many Australians make in their 40s is to leave their super on autopilot.

That means, failing to start or increase your contributions, failing to review your superfund performance, or failing to adjust your super risk profile to suit you as an individual.

This is because your 40s are generally an age bracket when salaries are likely to rise, promotions are on the table, and parents are able to return to some type of work.

By leaving your superannuation on autopilot, what might be a $5 loss today could easily snowball into $100,000 by retirement after you take compound growth into account.

What do I need to action now?

To avoid this, you simply need to take action. Here are a few pointers to get started:

1. Make sure your superfund is performing

Is your superfund underperforming or in line with market expectations? One of the worst superannuation mistakes you can make is to stick with a poorly performing fund. The difference between an average superannuation fund and a top-performing one can be the difference between scraping by in retirement and living comfortably.

2. Review your risk profile

Do you have the default superfund investment option? Putting your money into the wrong type of fund can quickly chip away at your balance. It makes sense to be conservative later on in life when you’re approaching retirement and you’re planning to access your funds in the next few years. But by being too conservative too early you’ll lose out on the potential for more growth. 

3. Add extra when you can

There’s no sense adding money to your superannuation fund if it means you’ll struggle to make it to payday. But if you do have spare cash at the end of the month, it pays in the long run to contribute it to your superfund. The power of compounding returns means that the more money you can invest when you’re younger, the more impact it will have on your final balance.

The post The $100,000 superannuation mistake many Australians make in their 40s appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• RBA shocks borrowers with surprise rate hike to 3.85%
• ASX 200 investors flinch as RBA pulls the trigger on higher interest rates
• Atlas Arteria maintains distribution guidance while French tax extended
• Why this ASX 200 share is a retiree’s dream

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.