Global X has announced the final distribution (or dividend) amounts for a variety of its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

These include Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE), which exposes investors to copper shares all over the world.

ASX WIRE has tailwinds due to a 37% lift in the copper price over the past year, as global demand increases due to the energy transition.

It also includes Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC), which has had a stellar run since inception in October 2024.

ASX DTEC is leveraging a massive increase in worldwide defence spending amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Global X reveals next lot of dividends for ASX ETFs

We have summarised the dividend amounts and dividend reinvestment prices (DRPs), rounded to two decimal places.

Global X will pay investors this Friday, 16 January.

ASX ETF name	Distribution amount	DRP price
Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300)	23.74 cents per unit	$50.71 per unit
Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM)	2.51 cents per unit	$22.87 per unit
Global X S&P/ASX 200 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: AYLD)	22.24 cents per unit	$10.03 per unit
Global X Australian Bank Credit ETF (ASX: BANK)	2.77 cents per unit	$9.97 per unit
Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)	1.53 cents per unit	$17.40 per unit
Global X EURO STOXX 50 ETF (ASX: ESTX)	34.48 cents per unit	$111.98 per unit
Global X S&P World ex Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GARP)	4.07 cents per unit	$12.87 per unit
Global X Australia ex Financial & Resources ETF (ASX: OZXX)	8.96 cents per unit	$10.50 per unit
Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (ASX: PAVE)	2.40 cents per unit	$12.57 per unit
Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: QYLD)	1.91 cents per unit	$11.39 per unit
Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)	3.51 cents per unit	$23.27 per unit
Global X US 100 ETF (ASX: U100)	3.48 cents per unit	$16.59 per unit
Global X USD High Yield Bond (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: USHY)	12.53 cents per unit	$10.56 per unit
Global X USD Corporate Bond (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: USIG)	12.48 cents per unit	$9.68 per unit
Global X US Treasury Bond (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: USTB)	7.16 cents per unit	$9.27 per unit
Global X S&P 500 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: UYLD)	2.75 cents per unit	$11 per unit
Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)	6.21 cents per unit	$22.02 per unit
Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)	11.34 cents per unit	$9.68 per unit
Global X S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF (ASX: ZYUS)	13.70 cents per unit	$14.28 per unit

The post Global X announces dividends for DTEC, WIRE and other ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Global X Copper Miners ETF. 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 are looking for exposure to the mining sector, then it could be worth considering Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) shares.

That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, which believe this unique ASX mining stock could be a top buy.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter has been busy updating its forecasts after revising its commodity price deck. It said:

Prices for copper, zinc and silver have exhibited a significant rally in FY26TD, with current spot prices up 43%, 11% and 156% YoY, respectively. We mark-to-market December 2025 quarter prices: copper 9% higher than BPe; zinc 20%; and silver 31%.

Looking ahead, we raise our FY26-27 price forecasts by: 9% / 5% for copper to US$10,980/t / US$11,000/t (consensus: US$10,718/t / US$10,918/t); 13% / 10% for zinc to US$3,050/t / US$2,950/t (consensus: US$2,969/t / US$2,841/t); and 23% / 51% for silver to US$54/oz / US$62/oz (consensus: US$40/oz / US$51/oz). To help contextualise the materiality of these upgrades for Woodlawn, mine site revenue mix over FY26-27 averages 50% for copper, 25% for zinc and 12% for silver.

Bell Potter also highlighted a number of tailwinds for the mining stock’s Woodlawn project. It adds:

Watch out for these Woodlawn tailwinds: 1) Sustainment of elevated silver prices will accelerate the paydown of the silver stream liability with Sandstorm Gold (capped at $27m); and 2) benchmark copper TC / RCs have reportedly collapsed to US$0/dmt for CY26 due to excess smelting capacity and scarcity of concentrate supply, while zinc TC / RCs are forecast to see a modest recovery during the year. We expect lower aggregate TC / RCs in CY26 to enhance Woodlawn EBITDA generation and margins.

But the catalysts don’t stop there. It adds:

Near-term catalysts: 1) Woodlawn operational update, outlining achievement of steady-state production, and subsequent financial updates (quarterly revenue, EBITDA and margins); 2) exploration updates at Woodlawn; 3) Sulphur Springs FID and financing package finalisation; and 4) a potential Mining Services contract award.

Should you buy this ASX mining stock?

In light of the above, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX mining stock with an improved price target of $5.80 (from $5.20).

Based on its current share price of $4.96, this implies potential upside of 17% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker concludes:

With Woodlawn de-risking behind us, DVP presents a unique small-cap copper-zinc exposure that is relatively undervalued compared with peers in the Resources space.

The post Buy this ‘unique’ ASX mining stock for a 17% return: Bell Potter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
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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 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.

When company executives start buying shares with their own money, investors usually pay attention.

That is what is happening at Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME). In late December, several senior leaders stepped in to buy shares on market, committing significant personal capital as the stock continued to slide.

Just weeks later, Pro Medicus shares hit an 8-month low of $210.01 on 7 January. By Friday’s close, the stock was trading at $210.21, down 2.64% for the day and about 22% lower over the past 12 months.

After such a sharp pullback, the key question is whether insider buying signals confidence that the worst of the selling may be over.

A strong pullback for a premium stock

Pro Medicus has been one of the ASX’s standout growth stories for years, driven by strong demand for its Visage medical imaging software. The company has built a reputation for high margins, recurring revenue, and long-term contracts with major hospitals, particularly in the US.

At its peak last year, the share price traded at $336. Even after the recent sell-off, Pro Medicus remains valued at around $22 billion, indicating the high regard investors continue to hold for the business.

That said, the stock has gone through a clear reset. Higher interest rates and weaker sentiment towards expensive growth stocks have weighed heavily on the share price. Importantly, there has been no major downgrade to earnings guidance or contract momentum, suggesting the pullback has been more about valuation than fundamentals.

What the chart is showing

Technically, the stock has been in a clear downtrend since late last year.

The $210 level now stands out as a key support area, with buyers stepping in each time the stock has dipped below that level. If this support fails, the next downside level would likely be closer to $200.

Momentum indicators suggest selling pressure may be easing. The relative strength index (RSI) is sitting around 33, which is close to oversold territory. While this does not guarantee a bounce, it does suggest the buyer may be starting to regain interest.

On the upside, resistance sits near $230, followed by a stronger level around $250. A move above those levels would likely signal improving sentiment.

Insider buying stands out

One of the clearest signals during this sell-off has been buying from Pro Medicus’ leadership team.

In late December, several senior executives and directors bought shares on market as the price continued to fall. CEO Dr Sam Aaron Huppert and Executive Director Anthony Hall each invested close to $1 million, while Chairman Peter Kempen also added to his holdings with a $134,000 purchase.

In total, management committed well over $2 million of personal capital in a short period. While insider buying is no guarantee of short-term gains, multiple large purchases at similar price levels often reflect confidence in the company’s outlook and long-term value.

Is now the time to buy?

Pro Medicus remains a high-quality business with a strong competitive position and long-term growth potential. While the stock still trades at a premium valuation and short-term volatility could persist, the combination of technical support, a low RSI, and significant insider buying suggests that the risk-reward balance may be improving.

For long-term investors, this recent weakness may be worth watching closely as sentiment begins to stabilise.

The post Insiders are buying. Can Pro Medicus shares finally turn the corner? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) share price is in focus today after the company reported a record first half revenue of $2.2 billion and normalised profit before tax expected between $172 million and $175 million.

What did Super Retail Group report?

• Group revenue for H1 FY26 is anticipated at $2.2 billion, up from the prior year.
• Normalised profit before tax (PBT) forecast between $172 million and $175 million.
• Supercheap Auto posted $813 million in revenue and PBT of $101–$102 million.
• rebel reported $741 million in revenue and $53 million PBT.
• BCF contributed $520 million in revenue and $39 million PBT; Macpac added $122 million in sales and $7 million PBT.
• Group like-for-like sales up 2.5%, with strong growth in Macpac (7.8%) and Supercheap Auto (3.5%).

What else do investors need to know?

The Group reported robust sales performance despite higher promotional activity, which weighed on gross margins, particularly at rebel. Store network activity was high, with 7 new store openings, 6 closures, and 3 refurbishments or relocations completed during the half.

Group and unallocated costs included duplication expenses for a new distribution centre in Victoria and the launch of a new HR and payroll platform, both on track for completion in the second half of the financial year. At the end of the half, Super Retail Group maintained a positive cash balance and no drawn bank debt.

What did Super Retail Group management say?

Group Managing Director and CEO Paul Bradshaw said:

I am pleased to report that Super Retail Group has delivered another record first half sales result. The Group traded well, albeit with an elevated level of promotional intensity impacting realised gross margins, most notably in rebel.

What’s next for Super Retail Group?

The Group expects to finalise its first half results and provide a more comprehensive update during its interim results presentation on 26 February 2026. Key projects—including a new distribution centre and upgraded payroll system—remain on track to go live in the second half, supporting ongoing operational improvements.

Management continues to focus on balancing growth in sales with disciplined cost and margin management as the business navigates a dynamic retail environment.

Super Retail Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Super Retail Group shares have risen 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Super Retail Group reports record H1 FY26 trading result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Aristocrat Leisure scores $190m settlement and ends Light & Wonder litigation
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail 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 Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) share price is in focus today after the company announced a $190 million settlement from Light & Wonder (ASX: LNW), ending legal action over the alleged use of Aristocrat’s intellectual property in competing games.

What did Aristocrat Leisure report?

• Received USD $127.5 million (approx. AUD $190 million) compensation from Light & Wonder for IP infringement
• Light & Wonder to permanently cease sales of the Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon games worldwide
• Light & Wonder must destroy all documents containing Aristocrat’s proprietary maths information
• Litigation in Australia and the US dismissed as part of the settlement
• Confidential procedures agreed for dealing with Aristocrat maths in some hold and spin games

What else do investors need to know?

The confidential settlement ends a significant legal battle between Aristocrat and a key competitor, bringing certainty and a material cash inflow. Light & Wonder has acknowledged the use of some Aristocrat math techniques and committed to permanently remove the affected games globally.

Both companies have affirmed the importance of respecting intellectual property and fair competition. The agreement also sets up confidential procedures in case similar intellectual property issues arise in Light & Wonder’s other products.

What did Aristocrat Leisure management say?

Aristocrat CEO and Managing Director, Trevor Croker, said:

Aristocrat welcomes fair competition but will always robustly defend and enforce its intellectual property rights. As an ideas and innovation company our intellectual property is vital to our ongoing success. We are committed to protecting the great work of our dedicated creative and technical teams. We welcome this positive outcome, which includes significant financial compensation and follows the decisive action we took to ensure the preservation of Aristocrat’s valuable intellectual property assets. This decisive action included securing a preliminary injunction in September 2024, at which time the court recognised that Light & Wonder was able to develop Dragon Train by using Aristocrat’s valuable trade secrets and without investing the equivalent time and money.

What’s next for Aristocrat Leisure?

With litigation resolved, Aristocrat can redirect focus to its global gaming, online, and content creation businesses, underpinned by its commitment to innovation and protecting creative assets. The settlement strengthens Aristocrat’s position as a leader in gaming technology and should enhance confidence among shareholders and partners.

The one-off compensation is expected to support further investment in product innovation and growth. Management has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding fair competition while safeguarding the work of its teams worldwide.

Aristocrat Leisure share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Aristocrat Leisure shares have declined 19%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Aristocrat Leisure scores $190m settlement and ends Light & Wonder litigation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Light & Wonder settles Aristocrat lawsuit with $190m payout
• Cochlear shares lag the ASX 200 after a tough year. Is it time to buy?
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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 Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. 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.

Generating passive income from the share market doesn’t have to involve picking individual dividend stocks.

For many investors, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple and diversified way to build an income stream over time.

ASX income ETFs provide exposure to dozens, or even hundreds, of businesses in a single investment, helping smooth volatility while still delivering regular distributions.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for a passive income portfolio.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is one of the most widely used income-focused ETFs on the ASX.

It invests in Australian shares with higher-than-average forecast dividend yields, based on broker research. This naturally results in a portfolio dominated by established, cash-generative blue-chip businesses.

Key holdings typically include companies such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). These businesses have long histories of paying dividends and tend to form the backbone of many income portfolios.

For investors seeking franked income and exposure to Australia’s biggest dividend payers, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF could be a top choice.

Betashares Global Royalties ETF (ASX: ROYL)

Another ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Royalties ETF. It offers a very different approach to income investing.

Rather than relying on traditional dividend-paying shares, this ASX ETF invests in businesses that earn revenue from royalties. These royalties are typically paid for the use of intellectual property, natural resources, or technology, providing a distinct and often more resilient income stream.

The fund’s holdings include stocks such as ARM Holdings (NASDAQ: ARM), Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE: WPM), and Universal Music Group. Many of these businesses benefit from long-term contracts and structural growth trends, rather than short-term economic cycles.

The Betashares Global Royalties ETF could be particularly appealing for investors looking to diversify their income sources beyond banks, miners, and property stocks. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Finally, while not designed as a pure income fund, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF can still play an important role in a passive income strategy.

This ASX ETF focuses on high-quality Australian shares with strong balance sheets, sustainable earnings, and attractive profitability metrics. These characteristics often support reliable dividends that can grow steadily over time.

Its holdings include popular shares such as Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). While its dividend yield may be lower than high-yield ETFs initially (3.4% at present), its emphasis on quality can help grow income over the long term.

For investors who want to balance passive income with capital preservation and growth, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF could be a valuable complement to higher-yield funds. It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Two popular ASX 200 media shares — REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) and Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) — are currently circling their 52-week lows.

REA shares are down 20.5% to $186.49 over 6 months, while Nine Entertainment has tumbled 32% over the same period to $1.13, at the time of writing.

Although the reasons behind the fall differ, both companies are under pressure from a combination of structural challenges, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting investor sentiment.

With share prices well off their highs, investors are now asking the question: does this sell-off present a buying opportunity, or are there more headwinds ahead?

Let’s take a closer look at the ASX media shares and see how analysts are reading the situation.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group shares, which give investors exposure to property platform realestate.com.au, have taken a noticeable hit in 2025.

Importantly, the sell-off appears to be driven more by sentiment and concerns around future growth than by any major deterioration in the underlying business.

The ASX media share continues to dominate its market, benefits from strong pricing power, and is still delivering earnings growth. Even though the share price has fallen, REA’s latest results show the business continues to grow.

In the first quarter of FY26, revenue rose by about 4% compared with last year, while profits increased by roughly 5%, supported by steady demand in REA’s key markets.

That said, several factors have made investors more cautious. The ASX media share reported a decline in new national property listings, which has raised questions about near-term growth. Adding to the uncertainty, the ACCC launched an investigation into the company’s pricing practices in May.

Despite these concerns, analysts have not turned overly bearish. Macquarie has a neutral rating and a price target of $220. Other brokers are more optimistic. UBS has a price target of $255, which points to a 37% upside.

While some targets have been trimmed recently, the average 12-month price target for the ASX 200 media stock still sits 11% above the current price.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

Nine Entertainment’s share price decline has been more dramatic in the past 6 months. Part of the drop was technical rather than purely fundamental.

In May, the company sold its 60% stake in Domain, returning capital to shareholders via a special dividend. When the stock went ex-dividend on 11 September, the share price fell sharply by 34% to reflect that payout.

However, the ASX media share is facing genuine operational challenges. Analysts are increasingly wary of the company’s heavy reliance on its free-to-air television business, which remains highly exposed to a softer advertising market.

As a result, some brokers have downgraded revenue forecasts for 2026 from around $2.7 billion to closer to $2.3 billion.

Looking ahead, Nine’s key challenge will be stabilising earnings from its traditional television and radio assets. The ASX media share will have to achieve meaningful growth through its digital platforms such as Stan.

Macquarie’s research team has expressed continued caution, pointing to uncertainty around free-to-air advertising spending and the need for disciplined cost management to support earnings.

Even so, analyst expectations have not collapsed. Most brokers have trimmed their price targets recently, with the 12-month price average now sitting at $1.31. That suggests potential upside of 16% from current levels.

The majority of analysts continue to rate the stock as a (strong) buy, largely reflecting the significantly lower share price.

The post Are these 2 ASX 200 media shares a bargain? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) share price is in focus today after the company resolved its litigation with Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), agreeing to pay USD $127.5 million (around AUD $190 million) to settle claims of misappropriation of intellectual property.

What did Light & Wonder report?

• Settlement of litigation with Aristocrat Leisure for USD $127.5 million (approx. AUD $190 million)
• Agreement to permanently cease and remove Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon games globally
• Commitment not to use Aristocrat’s intellectual property in future games
• Both parties to dismiss all related claims in Australia and the United States
• Confidential process to resolve potential issues in other existing or developing Light & Wonder games

What else do investors need to know?

The settlement addresses litigation arising from Aristocrat’s claims that elements of its proprietary game mathematics and copyright material were used in two Light & Wonder games. Both companies acknowledged the importance of innovation and intellectual property protection for the gaming industry’s healthiest competition.

Importantly, Light & Wonder stated it has improved internal processes to strengthen compliance and prevent similar issues in the future. The company took immediate action when it learned of inappropriate use of Aristocrat math, attributing the incident to the actions of a former employee.

What did Light & Wonder management say?

Light & Wonder CEO Matt Wilson said:

Light & Wonder is pleased to resolve this matter and move forward. We are firmly committed to doing business the right way – respecting our competitors’ intellectual property rights while protecting our own rights. This matter arose when a former employee inappropriately used certain Aristocrat math without our knowledge and in direct violation of our policies. Upon discovery, we took immediate action and have since implemented strengthened processes aimed at preventing similar issues in the future. This settlement protects the interests of our customers, employees, and shareholders, and allows us to continue our focus on developing and delivering the market-leading content our customers expect—without distraction or disruption.

What’s next for Light & Wonder?

The conclusion of this litigation removes a significant source of uncertainty for Light & Wonder, allowing the company to refocus on its core business and growth strategy. Management says the business will prioritise innovation while upholding integrity and compliance with global standards.

Light & Wonder also signalled its ongoing investment in delivering new digital and land-based gaming experiences, positioning itself as a leader in the competitive global games industry.

Light & Wonder share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Light & Wonder shares have risen 12%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Light & Wonder settles Aristocrat lawsuit with $190m payout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. 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.

iShares Core S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) investors benefitted from a third year of double-digit growth for US stocks in 2025.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: INX) soared 16.39% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 17.88%, according to S&P Global.

But IVV ETF investors didn’t see this level of returns.

Here’s why.

2025 returns for IVV ETF investors

IVV investors did not see 16% growth or 18% total returns because of the weakened US dollar against the Australian dollar last year.

The stronger Aussie dollar reduced returns in our currency from US stocks and the ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking them.

The erosion is clear, with the IVV ETF rising 8.24% to $68.45 per unit, and delivering a total return of 10.13% in 2025.

The same impact was seen across all ASX ETFs tracking the S&P 500 without currency hedging.

The Aussie dollar rose from about 62 US cents in January 2025 to about 67 US cents by the end of the year.

The US dollar was weakened by US interest rate cuts and uncertainty over the impact of new tariffs on business growth and inflation.

If we compare IVV’s performance to the ASX in local dollar terms, the IVV delivered superior capital growth but inferior total returns.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 6.8% in 2025 and produced total returns of 10.32% for investors.

The ASX IVV is a popular way for Aussie investors to gain geographical diversification in their investment portfolios.

Australians have certainly cottoned on to the trend of US stocks outperforming ASX shares every year since 2022.

This has led to substantial inflows into ETFs tracking US indices.

The latest ASX data shows the IVV ETF received a net $1,332.39 million inflow of funds from Aussie investors over the year to November.

By comparison, the most popular ASX ETF for investing in Australian shares, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), received a net inflow of $3,427.44 million.

Top 5 stocks in ASX IVV for share price growth

The following US stocks delivered the strongest capital growth for IVV ETF investors last year.

1. Flash memory designer and manufacturer Sandisk Corp (NASDAQ: SNDK), up 548%

2. Data storage company and hardware manufacturer, Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ: WDC), up 335%

3. Computer data storage company, Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ: MU), up 222%

4. Global data storage solutions company, Seagate Technology Holdings PLC (NASDAQ: STX), up 220%

5. US stocks trading platform provider, Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD), up 183%

Both Sandisk and Robinhood ascended into the S&P 500 index during the second half of the year.

The post Own IVV ETF? Here are your returns for 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are fortunate enough to have $10,000 to invest in ASX dividend shares, then it could be worth considering the three in this article.

They are high-quality businesses with positive outlooks, defensive qualities, and offer attractive forecast dividend yields.

Here’s why they could be top picks for income investors with $10,000 to put to work in the share market this month:

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a top pick is APA Group. It is arguably one of the most defensive income stocks on the Australian share market.

The company owns and operates critical energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines, storage assets, and electricity transmission infrastructure across Australia. These assets are typically governed by long-term contracts and regulated frameworks, which provide highly predictable cash flows.

That stability is what underpins APA’s appeal to income investors. Its focus is on steady earnings, inflation-linked revenue, and consistent distributions, which makes it a strong foundation holding for a dividend-focused portfolio.

The consensus estimate is for dividends of 58 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $8.78, this would mean a dividend yield of 6.6%.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Another ASX dividend share to consider for a $10,000 investment is Transurban Group.

Transurban owns and operates toll roads in Australia and North America, including some of the country’s most important transport corridors. This includes CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne, the Cross City Tunnel and M5 East in Sydney, and AirportlinkM7 in Brisbane.

These assets benefit from long concession lives, pricing power through toll escalation, and traffic volumes that tend to grow over time with population and urban expansion.

While Transurban carries debt, its cash flows are highly visible and resilient, which supports reliable distributions. For long-term investors, it also offers a degree of inflation protection, as tolls typically rise each year.

It is expected to reward shareholders of 69 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $13.95, this represents a dividend yield of 4.9%.

Woolworths Group (ASX: WOW)

Finally, Woolworths Group could be an ASX dividend share for the $10,000. It is one of Australia’s most trusted dividend payers.

As the country’s largest supermarket operator, Woolworths benefits from demand that doesn’t disappear when economic conditions soften. People still need to buy groceries, which helps support earnings and cash generation even during tougher periods.

Analysts expect this to underpin a fully franked dividend of 99.5 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $30.08, this would mean a dividend yield of 3.3%.

The post 3 defensive ASX dividend shares to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Top Australian stocks to buy with $5,000 in 2026
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• Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $2.55
• Which ASX 200 market sectors delivered the best dividend yields in 2025?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.