• 1 ASX dividend stock down 28% I’d buy right now

    A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.

    The ASX dividend stock Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) has seen a 28% decline (at the time of writing) since 7 August 2025. There are not many compelling ASX dividend shares that have fallen as much as that in the last few months.

    I think it’s exciting when a dividend-paying business falls. We’re able to buy them at a lower price, but the dividend yield on offer also increases.

    For example, if a business had a dividend yield of 4% and the share price drops 10% then the yield becomes 4.4%. A 20% decline would result in a dividend yield of 4.8% for prospective investors.

    If you haven’t heard of Pinnacle before – it’s an investment business that takes stakes in impressive funds management businesses (affiliates) and helps them grow. It assists their growth with numerous behind-the-scenes services (such as fund administration, compliance, legal, and so on), allowing the fund manager to focus on just investing – the most important part for clients.

    Following a 28% decline in the share price, the Pinnacle dividend yield has materially increased. That’s the first appealing aspect of the business I want to highlight.

    Good dividend yield

    For an ASX dividend stock to be worthwhile for an income investor, I think it needs to have a solid starting yield.

    The latest annual dividend per share from the business was 60 cents in FY25. At the current Pinnacle share price, this translates into a cash dividend yield of 3.3% and a grossed-up dividend yield of nearly 4.5%, including franking credits.

    While that’s not the biggest dividend yield around, it’s comparable with some of the best term deposit rates out there right now for Australians.

    But, Pinnacle isn’t a term deposit – it has growth potential.

    Consistent ASX dividend stock

    There are plenty of high-profile businesses that have cut their dividends in the last several years. But not Pinnacle.

    Between FY16 and FY25, there was only one year in which the dividend didn’t increase. The company maintained its payout in FY20 when there was a huge amount of COVID uncertainty affecting economies and share markets.

    Pleasingly, the business is projected to continue growing its payout in the coming financial years.

    According to the projection on CMC Markets, the company is forecast to increase its FY26 payout to 66.5 cents per share and then to 81 cents per share in FY27. Including franking credits, those estimations translate into potential grossed-up dividend yields of 5% and 6.3%, respectively.

    Earnings growth potential

    One of the main reasons I’m attracted to this business and have recently invested in it is the quality and growth of its funds under management (FUM).

    The affiliates largely have a long-term track record of outperforming their benchmarks, which is a powerful tool for growing FUM organically and attracting further inflows of money from clients.

    In the three months to September 2025, affiliate FUM increased by a further $18 billion, or 10%, to $197.4 billion. This was helped by net inflows of $13.3 billion. FUM growth is a key driver of Pinnacle’s earnings, so this bodes well for at least FY26 if not beyond.

    The ASX dividend stock is currently trading at around 20x FY27’s estimated earnings, according to the forecast on CMC Markets.

    The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 28% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pinnacle Investment Management Group. 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.

  • Black Friday shoppers are relying on Buy Now, Pay Later plans. Here’s how that could backfire.

    Payment Due
    Buy Now, Pay Later was more popular than ever this Black Friday.

    • Black Friday sales are breaking records, according to data from Adobe.
    • The company said many shoppers are relying on Buy Now, Pay Later options for purchases.
    • FICO is expected to incorporate Buy Now, Pay Later data into credit scores this fall.

    Buy Now, Pay Later might as well be Buy Now, Worry Later.

    For the first time this year, use of the popular shopping feature will be reflected in your credit score.

    In its 2025 Holiday Shopping Trends report, Adobe expects Americans to spend almost $12 billion on Black Friday purchases when all is said and done, surpassing last year's total by $1 billion. The company said Cyber Monday would likely see similarly strong sales.

    While some shoppers are buying things outright, many others are relying on BNPL plans, which allow them to spread payments over time. Between November 1 and December 31, Adobe estimates that American shoppers will spend more than $20 billion online through BNPL plans, an 11% increase from 2024.

    "This is roughly $2 billion more than the 2024 holiday season, when BNPL drove $18.2 billion in online spend," the company said. " BNPL usage on Cyber Monday is expected to hit a new milestone and cross $1 billion ($1.04 billion, up 5% YoY)."

    Under BNPL plans, shoppers pay a portion up front, then continue to pay the outstanding balance on specified dates until it is paid off. PayPal, Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, and other companies offer BNPL plans, often interest-free.

    Among the biggest users of BNPL plans are Gen Z and millennials, who might see them as a way to make shopping easier in the short term. However, such plans could cause problems for them in the long term if they aren't careful.

    In June, FICO announced plans to integrate BNPL data into its credit scores beginning this fall.

    "These scores provide lenders with greater visibility into consumers' repayment behaviors, enabling a more comprehensive view of their credit readiness, which ultimately improves the lending experience," FICO said in a press release at the time.

    An overreliance on BNPL purchases, however, could negatively affect a credit score.

    BNPL plans can lead to consumers overspending, resulting in late payments that are often reported to credit bureaus and can negatively impact their credit scores. Consumers may also face late fees. BNPL plans typically only report late payments, so even if all payments are submitted on time, that likely won't improve a credit score.

    In November, a LendingTree report found that 41% of BNPL users reported making late payments in the previous year. "Surprisingly, high-income borrowers are among the most likely to pay late, along with men, young people, and parents of young kids," LendingTree said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Invest $10,000 in this ASX dividend stock for $1,200 in passive income

    Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    If you are searching for passive income in this low interest rate environment, then look no further than the ASX dividend stock in this article.

    That’s because it has one of the most generous dividend yields around and has been tipped to rise materially from current levels.

    Which ASX dividend stock?

    The stock that could be a great pick for passive income is GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG).

    GQG Partners is a boutique investment management company that manages global and emerging market equity portfolios for institutions, advisors, and individuals worldwide.

    It is a majority employee-owned company that is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with offices around the world.

    The company notes that it “strives for excellence at all levels within the organization through a commitment to independent thinking, continual growth, cultural integrity, and a deep knowledge of the markets.”

    The strategy the investment management company uses is called Forward Looking Quality. It notes that this concept ignores the traditional investment constraints associated with growth and value and instead focuses on investing in companies that it believes are going to be successful over the next five years and beyond.

    At the last count, it reported that it had US$163.7 billion of assets under management (AUM).

    Undervalued

    The team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) thinks the ASX dividend stock is undervalued at current levels.

    A recent note reveals that the broker has an outperform rating and $2.50 price target on its shares.

    Based on its current share price of $1.85, this implies potential upside of 35% for investors over the next 12 months.

    To put that into context, a $10,000 investment would turn into approximately $13,500 by this time next year if Macquarie is on the money with its recommendation.

    But the returns won’t stop there!

    What about passive income?

    GQG Partners is being tipped to provide investors with some very big dividend yields in the near term.

    According to Macquarie’s note, it expects the ASX dividend stock to reward its shareholders with the equivalent of 22.6 Australian cents per share in FY 2025 and then 22.9 Australian cents per share in FY 2026.

    This means that if you were to buy its shares at current prices, you would be looking at dividend yields of 12.2% and 12.4%, respectively.

    This equates to passive income of $1,220 and $1,240, respectively, from a $10,000 investment in GQG Partners’ shares.

    The post Invest $10,000 in this ASX dividend stock for $1,200 in passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in GQG Partners Inc. right now?

    Before you buy GQG Partners Inc. shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and GQG Partners Inc. wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • Ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for 2026. Here’s my No. 5 pick.

    a man wearing spectacles has a satisfied look on his face as he appears within a graphic image of graphs, computer code and technology related symbols while he concentrates on a computer screen

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Amazon isn’t as well-rounded as other “Magnificent Seven” names.

    • But it’s a mistake to underestimate AWS.

    • Amazon dilutes shareholders because stock-based compensation exceeds stock buybacks.

    Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) are part of a group of leading technology-focused growth stocks known as the “Magnificent Seven.” All seven stocks have been long-term winners. But at the time of this writing, only two of them are outperforming the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) so far in 2025 — Nvidia and Alphabet.

     

    This is part three of a seven-article series in which I rank the best Magnificent Seven stocks to buy for 2026 (in reverse order). Tesla came in last place, followed by Apple in the sixth spot — as both stocks are not worth buying right now.

    Amazon marks a turning point. Although it’s my fifth pick, I would categorize Amazon as a decent, but not a high-conviction buy for 2026. Here’s why.

    AWS or bust

    Amazon soared after its latest earnings report, as its cloud computing services segment — Amazon Web Services (AWS) — delivered impeccable results. This was a sigh of relief, as AWS had been growing slower than peers like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

    Amazon began by selling books online and eventually became the world’s largest online retailer. But today, AWS is the company’s crown jewel. The segment continues to drive Amazon’s cash flow and overall profitability, making up for what can be lackluster results in its other segments.

    Amazon’s dependence on AWS is a key reason why the stock isn’t higher on my list. While AWS is more valuable than any other cloud service, Amazon as a whole is less balanced than Microsoft and Alphabet.

    If cloud computing growth slows, Microsoft can rely on its highly profitable software business, growing gaming portfolio, and other strengths. Microsoft is monetizing AI across its business segments, driving sustainable, high-margin growth.

    Similarly, Alphabet’s Google Search is its centerpiece, but the company is rapidly expanding its Gemini AI assistant app. Despite rival AI-first information resources like ChatGPT, Google Search continues to grow at a solid rate — fueled by embedding AI overviews powered by Gemini into Google Search queries. Aside from Google Cloud and Google Search — YouTube, Android, and Google Other Bets, which include Waymo and Google Quantum AI — round out Alphabet as a balanced, yet high-octane growth stock.

    Amazon loves spending money

    Another factor that sets Amazon apart from the other Magnificent Seven stocks is its lack of stock buybacks and dividend payments. Amazon hasn’t repurchased stock for years. And because it rewards many employees with hefty stock-based compensation packages, Amazon’s share count has increased over time, diluting existing shareholders.

    By comparison, Apple spends a boatload of cash on buybacks, and Microsoft also actively repurchases stock and pays more dividends than any other U.S. company.

    Meta Platforms and Alphabet have been ramping up their buyback programs in recent years and instituted their first-ever dividends last year. And even Nvidia is now buying back significantly more stock than it issues in stock-based compensation, making the stock a better value.

    Pouring excess cash back into the business instead of repurchasing stock can accelerate earnings growth. But the strategy is aggressive and risky. Because if Amazon fails to deliver or AWS loses market share, investors will question the capital allocation strategy.

    Amazon is an OK buy for 2026

    Amazon is a decent buy on the strength of AWS alone. But it’s not as compelling as Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, or Alphabet.

    Find out how I rank those four Magnificent Seven names in my upcoming rankings.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Ranking the best “Magnificent Seven” stocks to buy for 2026. Here’s my No. 5 pick. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amazon right now?

    Before you buy Amazon shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Amazon wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Daniel Foelber has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs this December

    A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.

    Not a fan of stock picking but want to put money into the market in December? There’s a way!

    Rather than trying to pick individual winners, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer an easy, low-stress way to spread risk while still tapping into some of the most powerful investment themes of the decade.

    If you are putting $10,000 to work this December, here are three ASX ETFs to look at very closely:

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    For broad-based, dependable growth, it is hard to beat the iShares S&P 500 ETF. It tracks the S&P 500 index, giving investors exposure to the biggest and strongest companies in the United States.

    Its top holdings include Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY). These are three giants that weren’t in the spotlight a decade ago but have become major drivers of index returns. Alongside them sit the familiar megacap tech leaders that have powered US markets for years.

    For long-term investors, this fund remains one of the simplest and most effective core holdings available on the ASX.

    Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

    Cloud computing is still in the early stages of a decades-long growth curve, and the Betashares Cloud Computing ETF gives investors targeted exposure to companies that are building the digital backbone of the modern world.

    Its holdings include Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), and Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP). All three play critical roles in cloud storage, workflow software, and online shopping.

    A holding worth spotlighting is ServiceNow. Its digital workflow and automation platform has become essential for large organisations managing complex operations across multiple systems.

    With cloud adoption still gaining momentum across industries and governments, this fund offers investors a direct line into a megatrend with significant growth potential. It is no wonder then that Betashares’ analysts recently recommended this fund.

    Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

    The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF targets one of the most powerful megatrends of this generation: automation and AI.

    It holds global leaders such as Keyence Corporation (FRA: KEE), Fanuc (FRA: FUC) and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN). These are companies building the robots, sensors, and industrial intelligence systems driving the next wave of productivity.

    Fanuc is worth spotlighting. It has been a world leader in industrial robotics for decades and continues to dominate in manufacturing automation. With factories worldwide racing to modernise, Fanuc sits at the heart of a long-term global investment cycle that shows no signs of slowing.

    Overall, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors a smart, diversified way to harness the rise of automation without betting on a single company. This fund was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs this December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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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 Abb, Berkshire Hathaway, Shopify, Snowflake, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom and Fanuc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, Shopify, and 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.

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

    A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.

    It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

    Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

    Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

    According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts retained their buy rating on this defence company’s shares with a reduced price target of $8.10. This followed the completion of the acquisition of the MARSS Group’s drone interceptor business for $10 million last week. Bell Potter notes that interceptor drones are an emerging hard-kill counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology that is expected to grow in demand in the coming years. Although it will be 12 to 24 months until EOS has developed a commercial product, Bell Potter thinks it will be worth the wait. It is estimating that interceptor revenue will come in at $6 million in 2027 then consistently grow in the double digits in the years that follow. In addition, it once again highlights that EOS is positioned as a market leader in C-UAS solutions and is leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. The EOS share price ended the week at $4.55.

    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

    A note out of Morgans revealed that its analysts upgraded this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $40.00. This followed the release of a trading update from Lovisa for the first 20 weeks of FY 2026. Morgans notes that the company’s sales and store growth have slowed over the past three months. However, given that Lovisa is still growing sales at 20%+, which is impressive given the challenging retail trading conditions, it remains very positive. Especially with the recent pullback in its share price, which Morgans thinks has created an opportunity to buy a high quality retailer with a global store rollout strategy. It also highlights that its shares are trading back around their average 10-year forward earnings multiple despite offering ~20% earnings per share compound annual growth over the next 3 years. The Lovisa share price was fetching $32.13 at Friday’s close.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Another note out of Bell Potter revealed that its analysts retained their buy rating on this logistics solutions software provider’s shares with a trimmed price target of $100.00. The broker was pleased to see management reiterate its FY 2026 guidance at its annual general meeting this month. It believes this was the first hurdle cleared by management and is now looking forward to its investor day event next week. Bell Potter is expecting an update on its new commercial model and the launch of its Container Transport Optimisation (CTO) offering. The WiseTech Global share price ended the week at $73.02.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems, Lovisa, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How much of my portfolio should Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) be?

    Hand with Australian dollar notes symbolising ex-dividend date.

    There are few ways to get as cheap exposure to the ASX share market as the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). What’s not to love about a low management fee and plenty of diversification?

    Impressively, the VAS ETF has an annual cost of 0.07% per year, which is very close to zero. Investors can hold this fund and be charged very little, while plenty of fund managers may charge 1% or more of the net assets of the fund. That’s pleasing for net returns.

    Another strength of the investment is the number of holdings it has. The fund tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), which is an index of 300 of the biggest businesses on the ASX. That certainly helps diversification.

    How much of an investor’s portfolio should the VAS ETF comprise?

    There isn’t a ‘right’ answer of course – it depends on what an investor is looking for.

    For an investor wanting a passive investment that can provide a solid dividend yield, this ASX ETF certainly ticks the box and could play a key role. At the end of October 2025, it had a dividend yield of 3.1% (with franking credits being a bonus on top of that).

    But I think we’d be missing out on other appealing investments if the VAS ETF were to be 100% of our portfolio.

    Some of the most respected and diversified investment options in Australia have a minority weighting in ASX shares.

    For example, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG) is invested in a variety of assets, including ASX shares, international shares, emerging market shares, and bonds. The VDHG ETF has a target allocation of 36% to Australian shares.

    Meanwhile, AustralianSuper’s ‘high growth’ investment option has a current allocation of 32.2% to Australian shares.

    So, for Australian-based, diversified juggernauts, they have around a third of their portfolios invested in Australian shares. I think that’s a very reasonable allocation for Australians who are considering the VAS ETF.

    However, we should keep in mind that the ASX accounts for only around 2% of the global share market; we shouldn’t ignore the excellent opportunities overseas.  

    My own portfolio

    Currently, none of my portfolio is invested in the VAS ETF for two key reasons.

    Firstly, the fund is heavily weighted to the largest ASX blue-chip shares – around 45% of the portfolio is invested in the biggest ten positions. That makes the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF seem a bit less appealing on the diversification side of things than at first glance.

    I also believe that there are plenty of investments on the ASX that can grow faster than the VAS ETF, which is why I allocate money to the best opportunities I can see every chance I get.

    The post How much of my portfolio should Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) be? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • I became a widow in my 20s. It taught me to say ‘yes’ more and live every day like it might be my last.

    Powerful rear view shot of a mature woman looking out of her bedroom window
    The author, not pictured, lost her husband in her 20s.

    • My first husband died unexpectedly when we were both in our 20s.
    • Becoming a widower taught me that romantic love is not the only kind of love out there.
    • Getting married again doesn't mean that I will erase my widowhood.

    As I filled out the intake paperwork at my annual physical, I quickly clicked through all the standard demographic information, halting as I reached the marital status question. I hovered over the dropdown menu before clicking "widowed." I realized that next year I would be clicking "married."

    Though I will consider myself both "married" and "widowed" after my coming wedding, the binaries that govern paperwork will not honor this joint identity, erasing a title that I have come to embrace in the past four years since my husband's death.

    I was a widow in my 20s

    Eli died in an accident when he was 25. We were newlyweds, embarking on a life together and humming with excitement for all the future held. Overnight, that future we had spent years discussing and planning evaporated.

    Man hiking in Bulgaria
    The author's first husband died unexpectedly when he was 25.

    Many other young people I know who have lost partners have grappled with the title "widow" or "widower," words that rarely conjure images of people in their 20s with potentially decades of life ahead. But, as I attended dozens of grief groups, sitting among others who had lost loved ones, I realized that partner loss is unusual in having a title I could claim.

    There is no equivalent for someone mourning a sibling, a child, or a friend, no single word to signal the magnitude of that perpetual pain. Grateful for the terminology available to me, I quickly adopted "widow," weaving it into my identity.

    Widowhood has redefined how I live in countless ways, but three lessons have lit my path forward.

    I say 'yes' more now

    First, I have fought (and continue to fight) to let go of the pervasive culture of delayed gratification. I am haunted by the number of times I said "no" to Eli in favor of pursuing a future moment of joy rather than relishing the present.

    I said no to spontaneous weekend trips because I deemed it more responsible to save for a bigger vacation later. I said no to small pleasures, such as theater tickets and late-night snacks at the bodega, because I was budgeting for future milestones and increasing my contributions to retirement accounts. I said no to quiet moments together at the end of long workdays because I was preoccupied with climbing a career ladder.

    Woman hiking Machu Pichu
    The author and her husband always dreamed of hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu. She hiked it by herself, carrying his passport with her.

    Now, rather than living for a future that might or might not come, I try to say yes — to joy, to love, and sometimes to a touch of chaos, even when it feels impractical or risky. Celebrating the present is often a messy endeavor, but it is undoubtedly a way of living.

    There's more than romantic love

    Second, I was raised in a sea of cultural narratives that centered romantic love as the ultimate love. And it was for me. But when it slipped through my fingers, I realized that what I missed most about our partnership was the love that had been nurtured and developed in our friendship.

    After Eli's death, the love that sustained me came from expanding the boundaries of connection — in the friends who could sense how I was doing by the tone of my voice, in the family that welcomed me for weeks on their futons when I couldn't bear to be home alone, and in random strangers who understood my loss through their own experiences. Love is an unlimited resource that doesn't subscribe to any hierarchy. There is so much to go around.

    I live like any day could be my last

    Third, I now live each day knowing it could be my last, or worse, the last for someone I love. Rebuilding my life after loss has meant learning to find peace in uncertainty and to hold both hope and fear simultaneously. Some days, the unknown feels paralyzing, and other days it sharpens my attention and makes the ordinary sparkle. As I look toward a future of getting remarried, the joy is tinged with my awareness of tragedy. Yet that discomfort makes love, in all forms, feel even more urgent.

    I'll be honest, for me, neither time nor new relationships have healed my loss. The grief hasn't softened into something easier to bear. The sadness has shifted as my life has changed, but I don't miss Eli any less than the day he died. If anything, I miss him more, devastated by all that he has missed these last four years.

    I now walk through my life seeing all its fragile edges, the delicate seams that could instantly unravel and swallow me whole. But walking the tightrope, hand in hand with dozens of others, including my exceptional fiancé, has made the balancing act not only bearable but also beautiful.

    Becoming "married" again is not an act of erasure, as I sometimes fear; instead, it's an homage to my widowhood. I now realize that choosing love, living in the present, and acknowledging the magnitude of uncertainty is the truest way to find Eli's wandering spirit in every corner of my life.

    I am beyond grateful to be getting married again. And I am beyond grateful to be a widow for the rest of my life.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Why today’s cheap ASX shares could double my money during the next bull market

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    The market may be close to record levels, but plenty of high-quality ASX shares are still sitting well below their recent highs.

    Short-term uncertainty, from interest rates to weak consumer confidence to sector-specific issues, has created rare pockets of value, even as the broader market edges into bullish territory.

    History shows that buying quality ASX shares at depressed prices can be one of the most effective ways to capitalise on a bull market.

    And with several elite ASX names currently trading at significant discounts, this could be the moment long-term investors look back on as a major turning point.

    Buying undervalued ASX shares

    Purchasing strong ASX shares when their share prices are temporarily depressed can dramatically improve long-term returns. When sentiment sours, prices often fall far more than fundamentals justify, and this disconnect can set the stage for powerful rebounds once confidence returns.

    Many ASX leaders are in that position right now.

    For example, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is trading miles below historical valuation multiples due to temporary margin and regulatory concerns. REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) has been dragged down by market volatility despite maintaining unrivalled pricing power. Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has tumbled as premium wine demand softens due to consumer spending weakness, even though its brand strength and Asian strategy remain intact.

    Meanwhile, market darlings like WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) have suffered heavy selloffs after investors rotated out of growth.

    These companies may look out of favour now, but structurally, their long-term outlooks remain extremely compelling.

    Not all cheap shares are equal

    A falling share price doesn’t automatically make a stock a bargain. Some ASX shares trade at low valuations because their earnings outlook is deteriorating or their competitive positions are weakening.

    That’s why focusing on businesses with strong balance sheets, sustainable competitive advantages, and clear long-term growth drivers is crucial.

    CSL controls a global network of plasma centres that would take competitors decades to replicate. REA dominates Australia’s online real estate sector with enormous brand power. WiseTech owns mission-critical software deeply embedded in global supply chains. Xero continues to expand into a vast global market of small businesses. Treasury Wine holds some of the most recognised premium labels in the wine industry.

    These are exactly the kinds of companies that can recover and thrive in a long bull market.

    Doubling an investment faster

    Even matching the long-term market returns of around 10% per year could double an investment in seven years. But buying high-quality businesses while they are undervalued can accelerate that timeline significantly.

    When the bull market fully takes hold, sentiment often swings sharply. Companies that were punished during downturns frequently become some of the strongest performers on the way back up, especially when their fundamentals remain intact.

    Given the scale of recent declines, CSL, REA, Treasury Wine, WiseTech and Xero could be among the ASX names that rebound the hardest once conditions stabilise. As a result, owning them at today’s prices may offer the kind of upside that long-term investors dream of.

    The post Why today’s cheap ASX shares could double my money during the next bull market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, REA Group, Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Billionaire Peter Thiel just sold Nvidia and Tesla for these other two “Magnificent Seven” stocks

    A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • Nvidia and Tesla had impressive gains during Q3.
    • Thiel purchased Microsoft and Apple shares during Q3.

    Peter Thiel is a legendary personality in the tech space. He’s a cofounder of PayPal and Palantir, and was one of Facebook’s (now Meta Platforms) first outside investors. That’s an impressive resume, and makes following his investment moves a wise idea.

    During Q3, Thiel’s fund made two surprising moves: It sold a ton of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock and completely exited its Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) position. In its place, he purchased Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). 

    Those are some interesting moves, but are they the right ones? Let’s find out. 

    Peter Thiel is sitting on a large pile of cash after Q3

    There are many reasons why someone might sell a stock. The most obvious is that they’ve lost faith in a position or feel that a stock has gotten overvalued, and it’s time to move on. Another possibility for someone like Peter Thiel is that he may have found something else more lucrative to invest in. Lastly, Thiel could be making a substantial purchase and just wants the money to fund that.

    However, there’s only one reason why Thiel is purchasing stocks like Microsoft and Apple: He thinks they will go up.

    To determine if he rolled the money from Tesla and Nvidia into Microsoft and Apple, let’s look at the sales and buys and see if it was a direct transfer or if he’s sitting on a big pile of cash. Determining exactly when Thiel sold the stocks isn’t possible, so we need to make a few assumptions.

    During Q3 2025, Tesla’s stock traded at a low of $294, an average of $347, and a high of $445. Nvidia’s stock traded at a low of $153, an average of $174, and a high of $187. That’s a wide range of prices Thiel could have sold at, so we’ll use the average to determine the total dollar figure of the sales.

    Thiel sold nearly 208,000 shares of Tesla during Q3, which works out to about $72 million worth of Tesla stock. He sold 538,000 shares of Nvidia in Q3, which is $94 million worth of Nvidia stock.

    Switching gears to Microsoft and Apple, he owned zero shares of each during Q2, so it’s easy to figure out the average value of these investments. With Thiel owning 49,000 shares of Microsoft and 79,000 shares of Apple, these two positions would have cost him about $25 billion for the Microsoft purchase and $18 billion for the Apple purchase.

    That is nowhere near the amount of money he cleared from the Tesla and Nvidia sales, so it’s fairly obvious that Thiel is sitting on a big pile of cash after his Q3 transactions. He may use that to invest in an exciting artificial intelligence (AI) or even a quantum computing start-up, or he could be getting worried about the valuation of the market.

    Either way, the move from Nvidia and Tesla conveys that he’s de-risking his portfolio. Microsoft and Apple are much safer stocks than Tesla or Nvidia, so this move is clearly a defensive one. However, I don’t think one of the moves was correct.

    The move to sell Nvidia and buy Apple is questionable

    While I have no problem selling Tesla to buy Microsoft, the biggest question for me is: Why would he sell Nvidia to buy Apple? Apple is growing at an incredibly slow pace, with revenue rising at less than 10% for multiple years. Contrast that with Nvidia, which has delivered explosive growth for several years and isn’t slated to slow anytime soon due to massive data center buildouts.

    NVDA Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts

    Despite this massive growth mismatch, Apple and Nvidia trade for nearly the same valuation when next year’s forward earnings are considered.

    NVDA PE Ratio (Forward 1y) data by YCharts

    To me, Nvidia looks like the much better stock to buy and hold, but Peter Thiel also has a longer and far more legendary track record than I do. This mismatch of ideas is what makes the market, and investors need to do their own research and thinking to determine if a move like selling Nvidia and buying Apple is right for them. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Billionaire Peter Thiel just sold Nvidia and Tesla for these other two “Magnificent Seven” stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Apple right now?

    Before you buy Apple shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Apple wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    More reading

    Keithen Drury has positions in Meta Platforms, Nvidia, PayPal, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, PayPal, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal, short December 2025 $75 calls on PayPal, and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.