Earlier today, we looked at the current dividend yield one could expect from buying Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares in early 2026. It seems only fair that we give the same treatment to Woolies’ arch-rival, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) stock, before the week is through.

As we discussed this morning, Woolworths shares have had one of their worst slumps in a very long time in recent years. The ASX 200 consumer staples stock and popular blue-chip share remains down 11.1% today from where it was five years ago. A number of blunders have contributed to this shaky performance, not to mention the tangible market share losses the company has endured at the benefit of Coles.

In stark contrast, Coles has been the supermarket operator to have bought. Coles stock has been on fire, minting a fresh new record high of $24.28 back in September of last year. This ASX 200 blue chip has banked a decent gain of 15.5% over the past five years, significantly outperforming its larger rival.

This morning, we discussed Woolworths’ patchy dividend performance in recent years. But again, in stark contrast, Coles’ stock has been a relative beacon of stability. It has delivered an annual dividend increase every single year since its 2018 spinoff from Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

To illustrate, Coles paid out 35.5 cents per share in dividends in 2019, 57.7 cents in 2020, 61 cents in 2021, 63 cents in 2022, 66 cents in 2023, and 68 cents per share in 2024.

All of those dividends came with full franking credits attached too.

But what of the dividend yield available on Coles stock today?

Here’s the current dividend yield on Coles stock

Coles managed to keep its dividend streak alive in 2025. The company forked out an interim dividend worth 37 cents per share in March, followed by a final dividend of 32 cent sper sahre in September. Together, that annual total of 69 cents per share was a 1.47% increase over the 68 cents per share investors enjoyed in 2024.

Over the past few months, Coles stock has come down from that September record high. At the time of writing, the company is trading at $21.07. This share price drop has been good news for income investors htough. At $21.07 a share, Coles stock currently trades on a trailing dividend yield of 3.27%. That’s 4.67% grossed-up with Coles’ full franking. Keep in mind though that this represents what Coles has already paid out, not what investors will get this year.

No doubt investors will be hoping that Coles continues its dividend streak in 2026, and ups its payouts again. But we’ll have to wait and see if that’s the case.

The post Buying Coles stock? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Coles vs Woolworths shares: Which supermarket giant has the biggest upside for 2026?
• Buying Woolworths shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• Which ASX retail stocks look like good buying ahead of the looming reporting season?
• 3 top ASX dividend share buys for passive income in February
• 5 ASX stocks to hold for the next decade

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

As we’ve been documenting extensively in recent weeks, 2026 is fast becoming what one might call the ‘year of gold’. The yellow metal had a phenomenal run over 2025, of course. But investors have taken things to the next level so far this year. Gold is now up an extraordinary 24.55% since the beginning of 2026. But what of its digital ‘counterpart’, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)?

Proponents of Bitcoin have often described the cryptocurrency as ‘digital gold’, pointing to a number of characteristics the two asset classes share. Indeed, there are several striking similarities. Like gold, Bitcoin is inherently scarce, with only 21 million bitcoins ever to be mined. This scarcity is why some investors believe Bitcoin can function as an effective inflation hedge.

Bitcoin is also outside the control of a central government and cannot be manipulated in the same way a country’s currency can. That is another reason why investors are attracted to gold as an investment.

So if these two asset classes are so similar, it may come as a surprise to see how differently they have behaved in recent months. We’ve already discussed gold’s near-25% rise in 2026. However, Bitcoin has floundered this year, currently down 3.7% year to date. The 12-month performance comparison is even more divergent.

Gold has almost doubled since this time last year, rising from around US$2,800 to the current price of US$5,350. In contrast, Bitcoin has slumped from US$105,430 per coin to the US$84,175 we are seeing today. That’s a drop worth just over 20%.

Store of value? Perhaps not.

Why are investors ‘going analogue’ for gold over Bitcoin?

Ever since Bitcoin emerged onto the investing scene, its proponents have been making all sorts of ambitious claims. The ‘digital gold’ argument is one well-circulated. As is the idea that Bitcoin will eventually become so efficient that consumers will use it alongside the Australian dollar as everyday currency.

Well, the latter still appears to be a pipedream, and the former claim wilts under scrutiny.

Bitcoin bulls can point to the similarities between the cryptocurrency and gold all they like. But the last month has just reinforced the notion that investors are not ready to treat the two assets equally. Bitcoin has always been treated as a speculative, growth-stock-like investment, one that tends to rise and fall alongside market excitement.

In contrast, gold is arguably fulfilling its traditional ‘safe haven asset‘ role right now (albeit more maniacally than usual), given ongoing global concerns and tensions in both the geopolitical and economic arenas.

Until I see evidence to the contrary, I don’t believe Bitcoin is close to being treated as a gold-like asset by financial markets. As with many other things, it seems analogue is back in vogue.

The post Is Bitcoin digital gold? It seems investors prefer the real thing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How is Ethereum stacking up against the Bitcoin price so far in 2026?
• Bold calls, big risks, and what really matters for Bitcoin price in 2026
• Better Buy in 2026: XRP, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. 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.

ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make life pretty simple for investors.

Instead of picking individual shares, investors can use ASX ETFs to buy into sectors, thematics, or whole markets.

There is now $331 billion invested across 423 ETFs on the ASX today, according to Betashares data.

The Australian Securities Exchange has just released the full-year performance data for ASX ETFs in 2025.

Here, we highlight three ASX ETFs that delivered exceptional total returns last year.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

XMET ETF delivered a return of 100.47% last year, as it capitalised on runaway commodity prices and mining stocks.

The XMET ETF tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Energy Transition Materials Select Index.

This ASX ETF invests in metal producers that are powering the global clean energy transition.

It has exposure to global producers of copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, silver, and rare earth elements.

Many of these metals show up in our article on the 12 best-performing commodities of 2025.

Betashares explains the ETF’s thesis:

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions is driving growth in a range of disruptive products and processes such as renewable energy generation, battery storage solutions, and electric vehicles, all of which are critically dependent on the select group of ETMs [Energy Transition Metals] that XMET provides exposure to.

Holdings include international shares like First Majestic Silver Corp and Ivanhoe Mines.

There are also Aussie shares like ASX lithium pure-play PLS Group (ASX: PLS) and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).

XMET has net assets of $122 million and the management fee is 0.69%.

This ETF is changing hands for $17.81 per unit, down 3.2% on Friday.

Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)

Over 2025, DTEC ETF returned 64% to investors as global defence spending ramped up amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

DTEC is a relatively new ETF launched in October 2024. It doesn’t yet pay dividends, so that 64% return was all capital growth.

ASX DTEC invests in 37 shares and seeks to track the Global X Defense Tech Index before fees.

The ETF’s holdings include Lockheed Martin Corp, Rheinmetall AG, RTX Corp, and Palantir Technologies Inc.

The annual management fee is 0.5% and the ETF manages $133 million in funds.

DTEC is $19.51 per unit today, down 0.46%.

VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR)

MVR ETF was the best-performing ETF holding Aussie shares in 2025, returning 40.53%.

MVR seeks to track the performance of the MVIS Australia Resources Index.

Of course, this ETF invests in major mining companies like Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST). But it goes beyond that.

MVR also invests in major energy players like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).

It also has positions in companies that provide services to the mining sector, like engineering services providers Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND) and Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR), and railway freight services provider, Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ).

This ETF has $585.6 million in net assets. The management fee is 0.35%.

MVR ETF is trading for $48.56 apiece, up 0.27% on Friday.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that returned 40% to 100% in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX gold shares go crazy as gold price rips toward US$5,000 on Friday
• Astronomical returns: Best 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares for 2025
• 6 best-performing ASX ETFs holding Aussie shares in 2025
• Where to invest as global tensions rise? These ETFs might be worth a look
• Own DTEC or SEMI ETFs? Here’s why it’s a big day for you

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Palantir Technologies and RTX. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lockheed Martin, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, and Rheinmetall. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With only a few hours before Friday’s close, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up a welcome 0.5% for the week, with these three ASX 200 stocks doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

All three of the top performers on my list this week earn their keep digging and drilling commodities from the earth. And all three have enjoyed a sizeable uptick in the price of those commodities.

So, which three stocks are racing ahead of the benchmark this week?

Read on!

Santos shares surge amid rising oil price

The first ASX 200 stock racing higher this week is Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).

Santos shares closed last Friday trading for $6.46. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $6.98 apiece. This puts the Santos share price up 8.1% for the week.

With no fresh price-sensitive news out this week, investors look to be bidding up Santos shares as growing concerns of military conflict between the United States and Iran have pushed global oil prices higher.

The Brent crude oil prices gained 3.4% overnight and are now trading for US$70.71 per barrel, their highest level since July. The Brent crude oil price is up 9.5% since last Friday.

Santos shares have been in a strong uptrend since the company reported its December quarter results last Thursday, 22 January. Among the highlights, Santos reported sales revenue of $1.23 billion, up 9% from the September quarter.

Which brings us to…

Two ASX 200 stocks riding the copper boom

The top two performing ASX 200 stocks on my list for the week are both enjoying tailwinds from the ongoing boom in global copper prices.

Demand growth for the non-corrosive, conductive metal – critical in the global energy transition as well as its more traditional uses in construction and plumbing – continues to outpace supply growth.

The copper price leapt another 4.1% overnight, with the red metal currently fetching a record high US$13,618 per tonne. This sees the copper price up 6.8% since last Friday and up a whopping 50% in a year.

Investors are taking note, with shares in Aussie copper producer Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) gaining 8.9% this week. Sandfire shares are currently trading for $20.75 each.

Rival copper producer Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) is also grabbing plenty of investor interest this week.

The ASX 200 stock closed last Friday trading for $14.95. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $16.97 each. This puts the Capstone Copper share price up 13.5% over the week.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• ASX copper shares surge as commodity hits record high
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stocks are enjoying a strong end to the week, and indeed a strong start to 2026.

During the Friday lunch hour, the ASX 200 is up 0.2%. This sees the benchmark index up a healthy 2.4% in the new year.

Here’s how the big four ASX 200 energy stocks stack up:

• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 1% today and up 7.3% year to date
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are up 2.9% today and up 14.7% year to date
• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are up 2.1% today and up 6.2% year to date
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are up 3.3% today and up 13.5% year to date

Here’s what’s driving the outperformance.

ASX 200 energy stocks buoyed by rising global oil prices

Many analysts had been advising investors in ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos to expect ongoing weakness in global oil prices in 2026. Those forecasts are based on supply growth outpacing demand growth.

But the early days of the new year aren’t quite playing out that way.

International benchmark Brent crude oil prices leapt 3.4% overnight to currently be trading for US$70.71 per barrel. That’s the highest oil price since July. And it sees the Brent crude oil price up 16.2% in 2026.

Much of these gains look to be linked to increasing sabre rattling from United States President Donald Trump.

Indeed, oil prices have taken a sharp turn higher after Trump threatened to attack Iran if the nation doesn’t make a deal on its nuclear ambitions.

US warships are steaming to the region, leading to fears of military conflict, and that Iran may retaliate by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. It’s far from the first time Iran has threatened to disrupt the vital, narrow shipping passage, with previous historic disruptions also sending global oil prices soaring.

Commenting on the geopolitical tensions impacting global oil markets, and by connection ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside, Citigroup analyst Anthony Yuen said (quoted by Bloomberg):

The potential for Iran getting hit has escalated the geopolitical premium of oil prices by potentially US$3 to US$4 a barrel. Oil prices can stay more elevated than many had expected, despite markets starting the year anticipating large oversupply.

What’s the latest on Woodside shares?

Woodside shares closed up 2.7% on Wednesday after the company released its December quarter results.

The ASX 200 energy stock reported record production for the full 2025 calendar year of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). Investors reacted positively, with production exceeding Woodside’s full-year guidance of 192 to197 MMboe.

Woodside reported full-year revenue of US$12.98 billion.

The post Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Woodside shares storm higher on record production

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Manuka Resources Ltd (ASX: MKR) has updated the prefeasibility study for its Cobar Basin silver project, saying it can produce 13 million ounces of silver and healthy profits over a 10-year mine plan.

The company said in a statement to the ASX on Friday that it could produce 35,000 ounces of silver and 35,000 ounces of gold from existing stockpiles and open pits at the Wonawinta Silver Mine and the Mt Boppy Gold Mine in New South Wales.

Manuka said the mining plan was expected to generate an average EBITDA of $127 million per year at an average cost of production of $34.40 per ounce of silver. This compares with the current price of silver of $170.88.

Pre-production capital costs were expected to be $26.6 million.

Funding almost locked in

The company said this regarding the funding of the project:

The company raised $15 million in October 2025 and is in the final stages of reaching a binding agreement for a US$22.5 million debt facility with Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund. This ensures Manuka is fully funded to production and profitability.

The project includes the Wonawinta mines as well as an existing processing plant, which was placed on care and maintenance in early 2024 after intermittently processing silver and gold ore from 2021 to 2023.

The production plan outlined in the new prefeasibility study calls for recommissioning the plant to boost performance, followed by processing silver ore from selected stockpiles and five open pits.

Existing gold ore from Mt Boppy would also be processed.

Manuka is also doing further exploration work at Mt Boppy, which it said had historically delivered about 500,000 ounces of gold.

Manuka Executive Chairman Dennis Karp said this regarding the project:

Manuka is uniquely positioned among junior ASX resource companies as one that is well set to translate historically high silver and gold prices into substantial near-term cash returns for the Company and its shareholders. With our existing 1Mtpa processing plant set to restart within the coming months, debt funding to support the modest capital costs nearing finalisation, and an initial 10-year production plan demonstrating outstanding economics, Manuka presents both as a compelling and significantly undervalued investment opportunity. Project execution is ramping up, and we look forward to providing updates to the market as we progress towards first production.

Mauka Resources shares were steady at 22 cents on Friday after hitting a high of 22.5 cents.

The shares are up from a low of just 2.3 cents over the past 12 months.

Manuka was valued at $319.5 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post This 10-bagger silver stock has just updated its mining plans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buying Coles stock? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• Is Bitcoin digital gold? It seems investors prefer the real thing
• 3 ASX ETFs that returned 40% to 100% in 2025
• 3 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week
• Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its morning gains and dropped into the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.15% to 8,913.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 3% to $3.53. This follows news that the respiratory imaging technology has expanded its partnership with University of Chicago Medicine to include commercial deployment of CT:VQ. 4DMedical’s founder CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: “University of Chicago Medicine is one of the nation’s most respected AMCs and a pioneer in medical innovation. Their expansion of our partnership to include CT:VQ represents powerful validation of both the clinical value our technology delivers and the strength of our commercialisation approach.”

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is up a further 24% to $1.75. This artificial intelligence data services company’s shares have been on fire this week following the release of a strong quarterly update. Appen reported revenue of $73.4 million. This was a 10% lift on the prior corresponding period and a 33% increase on the third quarter of FY 2025. Appen’s CEO, Ryan Kolln, said: “Q4 was a strong finish to the year for both our China and Global businesses. Appen China exited the quarter with an annualised revenue run-rate growing to over $135 million – a pleasing result, providing strong momentum heading into FY26.”

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

The Nine Entertainment share price is up 4.5% to $1.14. This morning, the media company announced a major strategic shake-up. This includes acquiring digital outdoor media platform QMS Media for $850 million. In addition, it is offloading its radio assets and transitioning its regional TV station NBN to affiliate status. Nine’s CEO, Matt Stanton, said: “Today’s announcements mark a critical milestone in our Nine2028 transformation. These transactions will create a more efficient, higher-growth, and digitally powered Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, shareholders and people.”

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

The ResMed share price is up 3.5% to $37.66. Investors have been buying this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares following the release of another strong quarterly update. ResMed reported an 11% increase in revenue US$1.4 billion thanks to increased demand for its portfolio of sleep devices, masks, and accessories. And thanks to further margin expansion, ResMed posted an 18% increase in income from operations. ResMed’s chairman and CEO, Mick Farrell, said: “Our second quarter results demonstrate the strength and resilience of our global business as we continue advancing our mission to help people sleep better, breathe better, and live longer and healthier lives in the comfort of their own home.”

The post Why 4DMedical, Appen, Nine Entertainment, and ResMed shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Appen share price surging 67% since Wednesday. Here’s why
• Nine Entertainment shares jump on major acquisition and strategic shift
• Why is the ResMed share price jumping 7% today?
• Resmed posts Q2 FY26 earnings growth, lifts dividend
• Nine Entertainment shakes up portfolio: QMS buy, radio sale, and digital focus

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Appen and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. 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.

When a company as established as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) loses around $45 billion in market value, it’s worth stopping to ask a simple question. Has the long-term investment case really deteriorated that much, or has sentiment run well ahead of reality?

At around $183.81 a share, CSL shares are trading a long way below their 52-week high of $282.20. Its market capitalisation has fallen from roughly $135 billion at its peak to closer to $90 billion today. That is a massive reset for one of the ASX’s highest-quality healthcare businesses.

I think the market has gone too far.

Why has sentiment turned so negative

There’s no denying that CSL has had a difficult period, and the share price weakness didn’t come out of nowhere.

The biggest source of frustration has been CSL Behring, the plasma therapies division that underpins the long-term growth story. Margin recovery has been slower than expected as the business works through higher collection costs and post-pandemic inefficiencies.

At the same time, the Seqirus vaccines business has been impacted by weaker-than-expected influenza vaccination rates in the US, forcing management to lower near-term expectations.

China has also weighed on results. Softer demand for albumin products has pressured volumes and added another headwind during a period when investor patience was already thin.

The CSL112 setback that still hangs over sentiment

One issue that is sometimes forgotten but remains important is the failed CSL112 program in 2024.

CSL112 was being evaluated in the Phase 3 AEGIS-II trial for its ability to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events following an acute myocardial infarction. While the drug showed no major safety or tolerability concerns, it did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint.

As a result, CSL confirmed there are no plans for a near-term regulatory filing. This was a significant blow, given that analysts had previously estimated peak sales potential of up to US$3 billion per year. Even though this outcome is now well understood, it continues to weigh on investor confidence in CSL’s pipeline.

Why I think CSL shares have been sold off too far

While these challenges explain why sentiment is poor, I don’t think they justify the scale of value destruction.

CSL remains one of only three global tier-one plasma companies, operating in an oligopolistic market with extremely high barriers to entry. Its control of plasma collection capacity, the key constraint in the system, has not changed.

Many of the current headwinds are cyclical or transitional rather than structural. Influenza vaccination rates can recover. Albumin demand in China can normalise. Plasma margins can improve as efficiency initiatives take hold.

Even the CSL112 failure, while disappointing, does not undermine CSL’s broader research and development capability. Drug development carries inherent risk, and CSL has a long track record of disciplined, commercially focused R&D.

Foolish Takeaway

At today’s share price, expectations are far lower than they were a few years ago. The market no longer assumes rapid margin recovery or flawless execution, which I think creates a more balanced risk-reward profile.

I’m not expecting a quick return to previous highs. But when a world-class healthcare business loses around $50 billion in value while its core competitive advantages remain intact, it suggests to me that the market has become overly pessimistic.

That’s why I think the market is wrong about CSL shares.

The post I think the market is wrong about CSL shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could CSL shares reach $300 in 2026?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 3 ASX 200 shares that look like cheap buys to me
• Here are the latest growth forecasts for the CSL share price
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, CBA, and Rio Tinto shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued finish to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down slightly to 8,924.1 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Imricor Medical Systems Inc (ASX: IMR)

The Imricor Medical Systems share price is down 2% to $2.01. This may have been driven by profit-taking from investors following a strong gain on Thursday. Investors were buying the medical device company’s shares after it received US FDA approval for its NorthStar Mapping System. NorthStar is the first and only MRI-native 3D mapping and guidance system to receive FDA clearance. Imricor’s chair and CEO, Steve Wedan, commented: “At Imricor, we have been building a comprehensive suite of uniquely MRI-compatible devices for two decades. These devices, which include both consumable products and capital equipment, enable doctors to harness the superior soft tissue imaging of MRI to precisely guide minimally invasive procedures in a 100% radiation-free setting.”

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

The Ioneer share price is down 18% to 17 cents. Investors have been selling this lithium developer’s shares after it raised capital. Ioneer revealed that it has received firm commitments from institutional, professional, and sophisticated investors to raise approximately US$50 million (approximately A$72 million) at a discount of 18 cents per new share. The company’s executive chair, James Calaway, said: “The result of this offering is a strong endorsement of Ioneer’s strategy and the market’s understanding of the unique value and importance of Rhyolite Ridge to help onshore U.S. critical minerals production. This funding milestone allows us to aggressively move towards commencing construction and advancing discussions with potential strategic partners.”

Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR)

The Star Entertainment share price is down 12.5% to 14 cents. This follows the release of the casino and resorts operator’s quarterly update. Star reported a 6% increase in revenue to $301 million and positive group EBITDA of $6 million. The latter compares to an EBITDA loss of $13 million in the first quarter. It seems that the market was expecting even more from Star Entertainment.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price is down 4% to $9.06. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the coal miner’s shares to a sell rating with an $8.40 price target. It said: “We move to a Sell recommendation with strong recent share price performance. In the medium term, WHC are positioned to capitalise when coal markets sustainably improve with a diversified portfolio of assets in Queensland and New South Wales and strong organic growth optionality.”

The post Why Imricor, Ioneer, Star, and Whitehaven Coal shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Star Entertainment shares sink 6% despite positive EBITDA
• Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing 18% today?
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• Guess which ASX lithium stock plunged into a halt as the market awaits news
• Why Appen, Imricor, Sunrise Metals, and Whitehaven Coal shares are charging higher today

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

Australian technology stocks have taken a bit of a beating recently, the team at RBC Capital Markets says, with foreign exchange risks and questions around artificial intelligence likely to remain front of mind for investors in the coming reporting season.

In a research note to clients this week, RBC said the Australian market had been caught up in the “AI euphoria risk trade, with the market seeing materially lower barriers to entry and disintermediation risks potentially impacting sales/margins over the medium long/term”

This had led to sharp down-ratings for some technology stocks over recent months, with some share prices halving over the past half year, RBC said.

They added:

We believe certain names have higher moats and are better protected, however marrying up an attractive entry point is difficult in the midst of negative macro tech sentiment and the tide running out fast.

The companies singled out as having a decent moat were Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), and Wisetech Ltd (ASX: WTC).

On the risk front, some companies were facing increasing earnings risks from the higher Australian dollar, including Pro Medicus, Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN), and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1).

Good value stocks abound

While RBC has flagged plenty of risks in the sector, they also have outperform ratings and solid price targets on eight stocks.

For Technology One, RBC says their UK growth narrative is continuing, and the company “has demonstrated the best AI capabilities we’ve seen to date amongst our coverage with its new PLUS Ai platform being released in market this year with monetisation into 2027”.

RBC has a price target of $32 on Technology One shares compared with $25.62 currently.

For Wisetech, they have a price target of $100 against $59.01 currently, saying the take-up of the company’s new commercial model “should see positive tailwinds in 2H26”.

RBC has a price target of $155 for Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares, compared with $94.37 currently, saying the demand environment was “healthy” and that there could be a catalyst for a rerating in February, when the company demonstrates its Melio product offering.

On the data centre front, RBC says NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) is benefiting from the AI and cloud computing boom, adding that “hyperscalers continue to materially increase their capex on data centre-related investments, evidence of a healthy demand environment”.

RBC has a price target of $20 on NextDC shares compared with $13.21 currently.

And on much the same theme relating to data centre demand, it has a price target of $90 on Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) compared with $69.60 currently.

For Hansen Technologies, RBC has a price target of $6.25, while on the speculative side, they have a price target for Megaport of $18 compared with $11.81 currently.

And last but not least, for Fineos Corporation Holdings Plc (ASX: FCL), RBC has a price target of $3 versus $2.30 currently.

The post Eight stocks to buy in the bruised tech sector according to RBC appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in Nextdc, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended FINEOS Corporation, Megaport, Technology One, 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 FINEOS Corporation, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.