ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide easy diversification in just one trade, and there are more than 420 to choose from today.

The simplest ones track the performance of major indexes such as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

These are called ‘passive ETFs’ because they simply seek to mirror the performance of an indices, minus fees.

Active ETFs are managed by a professional team that selects the stocks in the portfolio for a higher fee.

Australians invested a net $53 billion into ASX ETFs last year, up 75% on 2024, according to Betashares data.

Given the popularity of ETFs, have you ever wondered which ones other investors are targeting?

We get a clue by looking at the full-year data recently published by the ASX.

The data shows which ETFs have the most funds under management.

This gives an indication as to which ETFs investors have had the most confidence in over the years.

Check them out.

Which ASX ETFs do investors like best?

1. Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

ASX VAS has $22.585 billion in funds under management. In 2025, a net $3 billion flowed in.

The VAS ETF tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), which represents the 300 largest listed companies by market capitalisation.

This includes blue-chip shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX:CSL).

2. Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

VGS has $14.192 billion in funds under management. The ASX VGS brought in $2.6 billion in new funds last year.

The VGS ETF tracks the MSCI World ex-Australia (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars Index.

ASX VGS gives investors exposure to about 1,300 international shares across 23 nations. US shares dominate the portfolio at 74%.

3. iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

IVV has $13.11 billion in funds under management. The ASX IVV attracted a net inflow of $1.17 billion in 2025.

ASX IVV tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), which represents the 500 biggest listed companies in the US.

4. BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

A200 has $8.88 billion in funds under management. The ASX A200 brought in $2.1 billion in new funds last year.

The BetaShares Australia 200 ETF tracks the ASX 200.

5. VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

QUAL ETF has $8.07 billion in funds under management. In 2025, a net $293 million flowed in.

The QUAL ETF tracks the MSCI World ex Australia Quality Index, which encompasses 300 diversified and high-quality companies listed on exchanges in developed markets outside Australia.

The ‘quality’ component has a specific definition: High return on equity (ROE), earnings stability, and a healthy balance sheet.

6. iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)

IOZ ETF has $7.798 billion in funds under management. The ASX IOZ brought in $1.1 billion in new funds last year.

The iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF tracks the performance of the ASX 200 Accumulation Index.

This index tracks the ASX 200 but also takes into account the reinvestment of dividends.

7. Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

NDQ ETF has $7.69 billion in funds under management. In 2025, a net $927 million flowed in.

This ETF tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX), which represents the 100 largest companies listed on the tech-heavy US NASDAQ.

8. Dimensional Australian Core Equity Trust — Active ETF (ASX: DACE)

This ASX ETF has $6.434 billion in funds under management. In 2025, DACE attracted a net inflow of $293 million.

DACE invests in a portfolio of ASX shares selected by Dimensional analysts.

9. Magellan Global Fund – Open Class Units – Active ETF (ASX: MGOC)

MGOC has $6.372 billion in funds under management. This ETF had a net outflow of $1.3 billion in 2025.

MGOC ETF invests in 20 to 40 stocks that the Magellan team considers best in their class.

10. Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS)

VTS ETF has $6.361 billion in funds under management. In 2025, investors ploughed an extra $377 million net into this ETF.

The VTS ETF tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index.

This gives investors exposure to more than 3,700 US-listed companies.

The post 10 most popular ASX ETFs on the market today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments
• 2 incredible ASX shares to buy in February
• How a beginner investor could build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio
• 3 Vanguard ETFs for smart investors to buy in February
• VAS and IVV: 3 reasons these two ASX ETFs belong in a long-term portfolio

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, 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.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) have become an increasingly popular way for Australian investors to access opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to reach through local shares alone.

Rather than focusing on one country or one outcome, the right mix of ETFs can provide exposure to different growth drivers, economic cycles, and business models around the world.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering right now, each offering something quite different.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck China New Economy ETF.

It is focused on businesses tied to China’s domestic consumption, innovation, and healthcare trends. This includes companies operating in areas such as pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and technology-enabled services.

Examples of holdings include Intsig Information and Giantec Semiconductor. These types of businesses are more exposed to rising incomes, digital adoption, and industrial upgrading than to global commodity cycles.

For Australian investors, the VanEck China New Economy ETF offers a way to gain exposure to China’s evolving economy rather than its old one.

It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

Another ASX ETF that could be a buy is the Betashares India Quality ETF.

India’s growth story is often discussed in broad terms, but this fund takes a more selective approach by focusing on higher-quality companies rather than the market as a whole. This ETF targets businesses with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and solid returns on capital.

Holdings include companies such as Infosys (NYSE: INFY) and HDFC Bank (NSEI: HDFCBANK), which play central roles in India’s technology services and financial systems.

What makes this fund a stand out is its emphasis on durability. India’s economy is expected to grow for decades, but not every company will benefit equally. By filtering for quality, this ASX ETF aims to capture growth while reducing some of the risks that can come with fast-expanding markets.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

A final ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This ASX ETF invests in global companies with strong competitive advantages, high profitability, and consistent earnings growth. Rather than simply backing size or popularity, the ETF focuses on businesses that have demonstrated an ability to defend margins and generate returns over long periods.

To avoid the usual examples, holdings include Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) and LVMH (FRA: MO). These companies operate in very different industries, but both benefit from powerful brands, pricing power, and loyal customer bases.

For Australian investors, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF can act as a core global holding. It provides exposure to world-class businesses across regions and sectors, without requiring constant changes as leadership shifts over time.

The fund manager also recently recommended this fund to investors.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs for Australian investors to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• The best ASX ETFs for long-term investors

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 Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended HDFC Bank and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe. 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 high risk, high reward investment options, then read on.

That’s because the speculative ASX stock in this article could rise approximately 80% over the next 12 months according to analysts at Bell Potter.

Here’s what it is recommending to clients with a high tolerance for risk.

Which speculative ASX stock?

The stock that is being recommended is EMvision Medical Devices Ltd (ASX: EMV).

It is a medical device company that is aiming to change the stroke care model.

The speculative ASX stock’s lead product in development is a portable, cost-effective, non-ionising and safe brain scanner called Emu. It will be capable of rapidly determining the presence of suspected stroke and stroke type to provide game-changing insights for clinicians.

Its second product and likely main revenue generator according to Bell Potter is First Responder. It is a pre-hospital based device the size of a motorcycle helmet that can be used by standard road or air ambulances where fast access to CT/MRI scanning is limited.

Bell Potter notes that the company is progressing through its preparatory phase. It said:

EMV has moved through its preparatory phase and fully activated recruiting for the trial, following completion of onboarding, training verification and site activation processes. A second site at Mt Sinai has been activated and a second site at Memorial Hermann will soon activate to accelerate recruitment.

The network of KOL sites across the trial group should prove valuable in building commercial foundations for the emu product. The Continuous Innovation Study is designed to support algorithm and feature development, while the Regional Benefits Study (RBS) is moving toward an ethics submission with planned activation in 2H CY26. The RBS is designed to support broader adoption of the emu.

The broker also highlights that the speculative ASX stock is running studies for First Responder, with preliminary findings due next month. It adds:

EMV is continuing to move through the Mobile Stroke Unit Study, the Aeromedical Retrieval Study and the Standard Road Ambulance Clinical Study. These studies examine workflow, integration, and usability in a variety of settings, which is necessary for building the 510(k)-application process and commercial prospects. Next month, EMV will be presenting preliminary findings of the Aeromedical study at the International Stroke Conference, giving the First Responder critical exposure to over 6,000 clinicians, researchers, and stroke professionals.

Big potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating and $3.15 price target on the ASX stock.

Based on its current share price of $1.76, this implies potential upside of approximately 80% for investors over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter’s bullish view is based on its belief that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the company. It said:

CY26 is a pivotal year for EMV with an expected successful completion of the current validation trial, leading to potential FDA De Novo clearance in 4Q CY26 / 1Q CY27, as well as the completion of the various First Responder feasibility studies. Both these developments should present valuation inflection points for EMV.

The post Why this speculative ASX stock could rise 80% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX copper shares surge as commodity hits record high
• Is it too late to buy Boss Energy shares for uranium exposure?
• ASX small cap Betr shares slide after H1 loss, confirms 10% share buyback
• An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments
• BHP shares: Should I buy now or wait?

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 EMVision Medical Devices. 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 copper shares surged today amid the commodity price ripping more than 6% higher to above US$6.30 per pound — a new record.

Copper is benefiting from rising demand for real assets amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties and a rapidly falling US dollar.

Today, the Australian dollar is trading at 71 US cents, a three-year high.

Trading Economics analysts explained why copper rose so strongly today:

In recent developments, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with military strikes far more severe than the attack he ordered in June unless the country agrees to a trade deal with Washington.

Trump’s tariff threats against other nations, coupled with his apparent indifference to the dollar’s weakness, further fueled the flight to metals.

Copper is also being supported by recurring supply tightness and robust industrial demand, particularly driven by the global transition to renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, copper inventories in Shanghai, London, and New York have risen in recent weeks, pushing combined holdings above 900,000 tons.

Copper is in high demand as the green energy transition begins showing its impact in strongly rising commodity prices.

The red metal is essential for electrification.

It is a key input in much of the new infrastructure required for the energy transition and artificial intelligence systems.

It offers high ductility, malleability, and thermal and electrical conductivity, and is resistant to corrosion.

Copper is in wiring, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic products.

The US added the red metal to its Critical Minerals List in November.

What happened with ASX copper shares today?

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), now the world’s largest copper producer, rose 2.1% to a two-year high of $51.66 per share.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price ascended 1.6% to a record $157.24.

The ASX 200’s largest pure-play copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) reached a record $21.30, up 5.2%.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares soared 5.1% to a record $17.64 per share.

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares lifted 2.9% to a 52-week high of 70 cents.

The Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) share price rose 2.2% to $5.65.

ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE) lifted 7.8% to a record $28.95.

However, not all ASX copper shares were buoyed by the commodity’s surge today.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price fell 0.86% to $13.77.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares fell 2.5% to $17.89.

Amid volatile geopolitics, investors are seeking safety in base metals like copper and precious metals like gold and silver.

The weaker US dollar is supporting these commodities.

Trading Economics analysts explain:

A softer dollar makes commodities priced in greenbacks, including copper, gold, and silver, more affordable for buyers using other currencies.

The gold price also surged to above US$5,600 per ounce today.

The analysts said:

Momentum picked up after President Trump dismissed the dollar’s slide to four-year lows, signaling tolerance for currency weakness despite ongoing tariff threats and renewed criticism of the Federal Reserve’s independence.

Meantime, the silver price ripped to above US$117 per ounce on the same tailwinds.

Gold is up 29% and silver is up 66% in the year to date.

The post ASX copper shares surge as commodity hits record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BHP shares: Should I buy now or wait?
• 3 ASX stocks every Aussie investor should consider in 2026
• Is it time to sell this surging gold producer?
• “A+ Scorecard” – Bell Potter just upgraded this ASX materials stock
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares have been strong performers in 2026.

Since the start of the year, the uranium producer’s shares have risen by 30%.

Is it too late to invest? Let’s find out what Bell Potter thinks.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with Boss Energy’s performance during the second quarter, noting that its production was stronger than expected and its costs were lower than expected. It said:

BOE produced 456klbs (BPe 370klbs, VA 386klbs) from Honeymoon with sales of 350klbs (BPe 350klbs VA 401klbs), at an average C1 cost of A$30/lb (BPe A$40/lb VA A$42/lb) broadly beating expectations. The result was driven by higher lixiviant tenors (77 U3O8mg/l; BPe 70 U3O8mg/l), and an increase in production through the drying and packaging circuit. Management guided to a slower 3QFY26 as leach tenors decline and planned maintenance impact production.

And while its production guidance has been retained, its cost guidance has been lowered. The broker adds:

FY26 guidance is maintained at 1.6Mlb (~53% complete at 1HFY26) however C1 cost guidance is revised lower to A$36-$40/lb (from A$41-45/lb) and AISC to A$60-64 (from $64-70). Material cash flow movements included – Receipts A$44m, Honeymoon operating costs A$(16.3)m, Honeymoon wellfield capex and capital expenditure A$(11.5m) and G&A A$(3.7)m. Closing cash was A$53m (+A$5m QoQ), with total liquid assets being A$208m, down from A$212m on movements in listed assets and receivables.

Should you buy Boss Energy shares?

Despite the positives from the quarterly update, Bell Potter believes that Boss Energy shares have reached fair value now. That’s at least until further details are provided in relation to the future of the Honeymoon project.

According to the note, the broker has downgraded the company’s shares to a hold rating with a $1.95 price target. This is a touch below its current share price of $2.05.

Commenting on its downgrade, Bell Potter said:

We maintain our TP of $1.95/sh and reduce our recommendation to Hold (previously Buy). Our valuation assumes production at Honeymoon over the short 10Y mine life is limited to ~1.6Mlbs pa and costs remain elevated, until such a time that management have completed the work to guide otherwise. We have ascribed nil value to BOE’s exploration assets at this point. NPAT changes are: FY26 +5%, FY27 -2% and FY28 nc.

The post Is it too late to buy Boss Energy shares for uranium exposure? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 uranium shares: Buy 1, sell the other
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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.

Betr Entertainment (ASX: BBT) shares are down around 7% today (at the time of writing) after the ASX small-cap wagering business released its half-year results, which showed strong turnover growth but a larger-than-expected EBITDA loss.

What did Betr report?

For the first half of FY26, Betr delivered headline turnover growth of 25%; however, the company reported a normalised EBITDA loss of $13.2 million for the half.

Management attributed the loss to two main factors: exceptionally customer-friendly racing and sports results during peak wagering periods, and front-weighted, one-off investment in brand relaunch, marketing, and technology.

Encouragingly, Betr said trading margins have returned to historical levels since December, with net win margins around 11% across December and January to date.

What else do investors need to know?

The first half was investment-heavy. Betr spent aggressively on brand marketing, premium sports advertising, and the rollout of Sky Racing, which management believes will drive improved operating leverage in the second half.

Customer metrics also improved, with active cash customers rising to more than 163,000, up 5.7% quarter-on-quarter, and turnover continuing to grow faster than the overall market.

At the end of December, Betr held $41 million in cash, with total available funding of approximately $42.4 million, providing an estimated 4.4 quarters of funding at current cash burn levels

What’s the outlook?

Betr reiterated its earnings guidance, targeting $5 million to $8 million in normalised EBITDA in H2 FY26, followed by $13 million to $19 million in FY27. Management said the major investment programs are now largely complete, allowing marketing intensity and costs to normalise while benefiting from higher scale and improved margins.

The company also recently announced an on-market share buyback of up to 10% of issued capital, signalling board confidence that the shares are trading below intrinsic value.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s share price reaction reflects disappointment with the first-half loss, despite the top-line growth. The second half will be critical in proving that the heavy upfront investment can translate into sustainable earnings.

Betr shares are down 30% over the last 12 months, trailing the ASX All Ordinaries index.

The post ASX small cap Betr shares slide after H1 loss, confirms 10% share buy back appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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.

Building a share portfolio does not have to be complicated to be effective.

For many investors, the hardest part is not choosing investments, but sticking with them. A simple structure can make it easier to stay invested through market ups and downs, while still providing diversification and long-term growth potential.

Here is an example of an easy, three-investment ASX ETF portfolio that covers Australia, the United States, and a long-term global theme.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first investment in this portfolio would be the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF.

This hugely popular ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving exposure to 500 of the largest companies in the United States. It includes businesses such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), which sit at the centre of global commerce, technology, and innovation.

But its holdings are not static. The index naturally evolves over time, adding new leaders and removing those that lose relevance. This has historically made it a strong long-term holding for investors who want exposure to global growth without constant decision-making.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

For Australian exposure, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF could be the way to do it.

Rather than simply tracking the largest ASX shares, this ASX ETF focuses on businesses with strong balance sheets, high returns on equity, and consistent earnings. This essentially means that it tilts toward shares that aren’t going away any time soon and are well-positioned for the long-term.

Holdings currently include names such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), which are businesses known for their resilience and long-term execution. This quality bias can help smooth returns and make the portfolio easier to hold during volatile periods.

It could work well alongside the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF by providing local exposure with an emphasis on financial strength rather than size alone. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

To add a thematic growth element, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF could be worth considering.

This ASX ETF provides investors with exposure to global stocks that are involved in cybersecurity, which is an area becoming more critical as economies digitise. Its holdings include businesses such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), which are helping to protect data, networks, and digital infrastructure.

Cybersecurity demand is not tied to economic cycles in the same way as many industries. As digital systems expand, security requirements tend to grow alongside them. This fund allows investors to access this theme without relying on the success of a single company or technology.

Foolish takeaway

An effective ASX portfolio does not need dozens of investments. By combining a US market ETF, an Australian quality ETF, and a thematic growth ETF, investors can build a balanced, low-maintenance portfolio that is designed to grow over time. Sometimes, less is more.

The post An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How a beginner investor could build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio
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• If I had $5,000 to invest on the ASX today, this is how I’d split it

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CSL, CrowdStrike, Goodman Group, Microsoft, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, CSL, CrowdStrike, Goodman Group, Microsoft, 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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are trading around $50.26 on Thursday, putting them very close to a 52-week high. Earlier this week, that strength made BHP Australia’s most valuable listed company again.

When a stock is already near its peak, the instinctive reaction is often to wait. But in BHP’s case, I think there’s a strong argument that buying now can still make sense, even at these levels.

Here’s why I wouldn’t let the share price alone stop me.

Copper exposure

The main reason I’m comfortable buying BHP shares here is copper.

BHP is one of the world’s largest copper producers, with assets that sit at the low end of the global cost curve. Over time, I think that exposure becomes more valuable, not less. Electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and data centres are all copper-intensive, and there are very few large, high-quality copper projects coming online globally.

What I like about BHP is that it doesn’t need a speculative surge in demand for the copper story to work. Even steady, structural growth can tighten supply over time, which supports pricing and margins. In that environment, BHP’s scale and asset quality give it a clear advantage.

Free cash flow

Another reason I’m happy buying BHP near its highs is free cash flow.

BHP has consistently shown it can generate substantial cash flows across the cycle. That matters because it gives the company options. It can fund growth, strengthen the balance sheet, return capital to shareholders, or do all three at once.

For me, this reduces the risk of buying at elevated levels. Even if commodity prices don’t move sharply higher from here, BHP doesn’t need everything to go right to keep producing strong cash flows. That provides a margin of safety that many other cyclical stocks simply don’t have.

Scale still matters

BHP’s size can sometimes be seen as a negative, but I actually see it as a strength.

Large-scale mining projects are increasingly difficult to approve, build, and operate. BHP already owns world-class assets, has deep technical expertise, and operates with a level of discipline that smaller players struggle to match. Over time, that tends to separate the leaders from the rest.

I also like that management has become more focused on returns rather than empire building. Capital allocation feels more measured than it did in past cycles, which I believe supports long-term shareholder outcomes.

Foolish Takeaway

Buying a stock near its highs is never comfortable, and BHP shares are no exception. But I don’t think this is a case where waiting automatically improves your odds.

Between its growing importance as a copper producer, its ability to generate strong free cash flow, and the quality of its asset base, I think BHP shares can still be worth buying today. It may not deliver fireworks in the short term, but as a long-term holding backed by real assets and real cash generation, I’m comfortable saying yes rather than waiting on the sidelines. Especially with Bank of America seeing scope for the miner’s shares to rally to $56.

The post BHP shares: Should I buy now or wait? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX stocks every Aussie investor should consider in 2026
• 3 compelling reasons to buy BHP shares today
• If I invest $12,000 in BHP shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2026?
• ASX All Ords shares smashing 52-week highs today
• Bye bye CBA: BHP is back as the ASX 200’s biggest stock

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX: OBM) shares are having a day to forget on Thursday.

In afternoon trade, the ASX 200 gold stock is down 15% to $1.42.

Why is this ASX 200 gold stock crashing?

This gold miner’s shares have come under significant pressure following the release of its quarterly update.

According to the release, Ora Banda delivered record gold production for the quarter totalling 32,036 ounces. This is a 5% increase on the September quarter.

This supported gold sales of 31,247 ounces with an average realised price of A$6,049 per ounce, leading to the ASX 200 gold stock reporting quarterly revenue of $189 million.

At the end of the quarter, Ora Banda had a cash balance of $155.4 million. This is up $32.8 million from the end of September despite spending $57.9 million on capital, resource development, and exploration, as well as $8.3 million for put option premiums.

So, why the selling?

On paper this looks like a good update, so why is this ASX 200 gold stock being sold off?

Well, the reason for that is its outlook. Management revealed that based on the expected ramp up in Sand King and Riverina production, FY 2026 gold production is now expected to be at the lower end of its 140k ounces to 155k ounces guidance range.

In addition, its FY 2026 all-in sustaining cost (AISC) is now expected to be $3,250 per ounce to $3,350 per ounce. This is up from $2,800 to $2,900 per ounce. Management advised that this reflects increased tonnage through third party processing at a higher cost linked to the rising gold price.

Finally, growth capital is now expected to be $143 million (from $86 million), incorporating key growth initiatives.

The ASX 200 gold stock’s managing director, Luke Creagh, said:

The Company continues to deliver its organic growth strategy, with production expected to increase in the second half of FY26 as mining volumes increase at both operations. Importantly, the $73 million investment in exploration and resource development drilling across the Project in FY26 continues to yield strong results, underpinning the recent decision to approve a number of additional capital growth projects.

Despite today’s weakness, the Ora Banda share price is still smashing the market on a 12-month basis. Since this time last year, the company’s shares have risen by an impressive 80%.

The post Why is this ASX 200 gold stock crashing 15% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brainchip, Galan Lithium, Iluka, and Ora Banda shares are tumbling today
• Why I think ASX 200 gold shares like Newmont and Northern Star will keep surging higher in 2026
• Up 154% since August, Ora Banda shares jumping again today on ‘exciting’ gold results

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) shares are down 0.3% to 9,124.3 points on Thursday.

However, financial shares are outperforming the broader market, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down 0.7%.

On The Bull this week, two experts revealed three financial stocks that they’ve sell-rated for the new year.

Here’s why.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is $36.36, down 0.11% on Thursday and up 19% over the past 12 months.

ANZ was among the top 5 ASX 200 financial shares for capital growth in 2025.

However, looking ahead, Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth has a sell rating on the bank stock.

Investors responded positively after the bank unveiled its 2030 strategy in late 2025.

The 2030 strategy included ceasing the $800 million share buy-back and accelerating delivery of the ANZ Plus digital front end to all retail and business customers.

Reducing duplication and simplifying the bank is part of the plan.

Greco noted that the ASX 200 financial share rose from $32.67 on 24 September to close at $38.85 on 12 November.

During intraday trading on 12 November, ANZ shares reached a new record high of $38.93.

Greco said the bounce was understandable because ANZ was the cheapest major bank in the sector, with the highest yield, at the time.

Looking ahead, Greco says the stock is now “trading at a premium given the early stages of an ambitious strategy”.

He concluded:

We would be inclined to lock in some profits at these levels.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is $8.82, up 0.63% today and down 29% over the past year.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a sell rating on the fund manager.

Magellan faces the challenges of fee pressure, potentially slower fund inflows and increasing competition from passive and low-cost global managers.

In our view, growth catalysts are limited in the longer term.

Returns can vary depending on market performance.

Existing investors may consider reducing exposure, while new capital is better allocated to businesses with stronger earnings visibility.

The analyst noted that this ASX 200 financial share has tumbled by 28% from $12.18 apiece on 24 January 2025 to $8.82 today.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

The Medibank Private share price is $4.64, up 0.32% today and up 20% over the past 12 months.

Greco says this ASX 200 insurance share is also a sell, commenting:

MPL is a private health insurer, operating in a fiercely competitive sector.

Cost-of-living increases may pressure some policy holders to downgrade or cease their cover.

We expect private health cover premiums to attract Federal Government scrutiny, while private hospitals are demanding a better deal from private health insurers.

The analyst said Medibank had performed well over the past few years.

However, the outlook “appears challenging in a difficult economic environment”, he said.

The Medibank share price has gone from $5.26 on 21 August to $4.64 today, a decline of 12%.

The post 3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX dividend shares paying 4% a year on average in 2026!
• Sell alert! Why this analyst is calling time on ANZ shares
• ASX Sectors to target and avoid in 2026: Expert
• One ASX 200 giant to buy, one to hold, and one to sell
• Should I buy ANZ, VAS, and Zip shares this week?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Magellan Financial Group. 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.