Tag: Motley Fool

  • Is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) worth buying for 2023?

    A woman sits at a table with notebook on lap and pen in hand as she gazes off to the side with the pen resting on the side of her face as though she is thinking and contemplating while a glass of orange juice and a pair of red sunglasses rests on the table beside her.A woman sits at a table with notebook on lap and pen in hand as she gazes off to the side with the pen resting on the side of her face as though she is thinking and contemplating while a glass of orange juice and a pair of red sunglasses rests on the table beside her.

    The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is the most popular exchange-traded fund (ETF). It’s worth considering whether it’s a buy in the current environment.

    The ETF hasn’t fallen as much this year as other ETFs, like international share-based ones.

    In 2022 to date, it has fallen by around 10%. Meanwhile, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has dropped 30%.

    That’s pleasing for investors in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. But it could also mean there’s less of a rebound in 2023 compared to United States shares or international shares.

    However, 2023 could still be fruitful for a number of reasons.

    Rising interest rates

    One of the most talked-about things in the economy at the moment is rising interest rates and, moreover, how high they’re going. This is affecting businesses and households in a number of different ways.

    But, with financial shares making up a sizeable portion of the ETF, what happens with interest rates can have a major impact on ASX bank shares.

    There are plenty of banking names that could benefit from higher interest rates including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN).

    With banks passing on loan rate hikes quicker than savings interest rate increases, this period could mean substantially better lending profitability for the banks. This could boost bank share prices and shareholder returns, including dividends.

    However, at some point, it could lead to higher arrears, so I’m keeping an eye on that.

    Improving COVID-19 situation in China

    A lot of Australian commodities are exported to the Asian superpower, with iron ore being a key resource.

    Lockdowns were used to limit the spread of COVID-19. It’s also meant that economic activity has been limited in the country. The iron ore price had drifted lower, but it’s come bouncing back as China has steadily lifted its COVID restrictions.

    There are a few high-profile ASX iron ore shares within the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF that could drive the performance of the ASX if they can benefit from higher resource prices, including the bigger dividends.

    It’s quite possible that the share prices of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) could rise even further. But, resource prices are unpredictable, so who knows what will happen next?

    However, a CBA analyst is speculating that March could be the month of an official COVID change in China.

    Good dividend yield

    A number of the major positions in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF portfolio pay good dividends, like the ASX iron ore shares, the ASX bank shares, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

    According to Vanguard, the dividend yield of the ETF, excluding franking credits, is 4.3% at the end of November. Regardless of what happens next, the dividends alone could be a good starting point for the annual return.

    Foolish takeaway on the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

    Overall, I think the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF would be a solid long-term investment for 2023 and beyond. It’s cheap with an annual management fee of just 0.10%, though the holdings are not very strongly diversified, with large allocations to banks and resources. A higher technology allocation could be helpful in the long term, though this won’t change unless the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XJO) changes.

    The post Is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) worth buying for 2023? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Beginners Investing Guide

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

    Yes, Claim my FREE copy!
    *Returns as of November 7 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Fortescue Metals Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Coles Group, Telstra Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group and Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Telstra share price lower after ACCC blocks TPG deal

    A corporate man crosses his arms to make an X, indicating no deal.

    A corporate man crosses his arms to make an X, indicating no deal.The Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is under pressure on Wednesday.

    In morning trade, the telco giant’s shares are down 0.5% to $4.02.

    This compares unfavourably to the ASX 200 index, which is up 1% in early trade.

    Why is the Telstra share price falling?

    The Telstra share price is underperforming today after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) blocked the company’s proposed regional mobile network arrangements with rival TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG).

    Earlier this year, Telstra and TPG signed a ground-breaking ten-year regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) commercial agreement.

    Under the deal, TPG would gain access to around 3,700 of Telstra’s mobile network assets, increasing TPG Telecom’s current 4G coverage from around 96% to 98.8% of the population. Whereas Telstra would gain access to TPG’s spectrum across 4G and 5G, which will allow it to grow its network and increase capacity.

    Telstra estimated that the deal would deliver between $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion of revenue over the initial 10-year term.

    ACCC says no

    Unfortunately, the deal has been vetoed by the ACCC.

    The competition watchdog notes that under the statutory test, it must not grant authorisation unless it is satisfied the proposed arrangements would not be likely to substantially lessen competition, or that the likely public benefits from the arrangements would outweigh the likely public detriments.

    However, after an extensive public consultation and investigatory process, it is not satisfied under either of these tests and therefore cannot grant authorisation.

    The ACCC’s commissioner, Liza Carver, explained that mobile networks are incredibly important and any reduction in competition could negatively impact customers. And while she saw some benefits from the proposed agreement, they were outweighed by competition concerns. She said:

    We examined the proposed arrangements in considerable detail. While there are some benefits, it is our view that the proposed arrangements will likely lead to less competition in the longer term and leave Australian mobile users worse off over time, in terms of price and regional coverage.

    Mobile networks are of critical importance to many aspects of our lives, including our livelihood, our wellbeing and our ability to keep in touch with friends and family. Any reduction in competition will have very wide-ranging impacts on customers, including higher prices and reduced quality and coverage.

    The TPG share price is currently down 2% on the news.

    The post Telstra share price lower after ACCC blocks TPG deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

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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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Tpg Telecom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Why Qantas shares could be a bargain buy – Goldman Sachs

    A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.

    A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) shares were caught up in the market selloff on Tuesday.

    The airline operator’s shares tumbled 2.5% to $6.07.

    Are Qantas shares in the buy zone?

    The team at Goldman Sachs believes investors should be taking advantage of this pullback to buy Qantas shares.

    According to a note this morning, the broker has reiterated its conviction buy rating and $8.20 price target on the company’s shares.

    This implies potential upside of 35% for investors over the next 12 months.

    And with Goldman expecting a 10 cents per share dividend in FY 2023, the total return on offer with Qantas shares extends to almost 37%.

    What did the broker say?

    Goldman highlights that while overall capacity is expected to remain below pre-COVID levels in FY 2023, it expects profitability to be materially better thanks to strong pricing momentum, supply demand discipline, and cost saving initiatives.

    In light of this and its significantly improved debt position, the broker believes that Qantas shares are trading at a very attractive level right now. It explained:

    Against the backdrop of substantially improved earnings capacity, we believe the stock is not even priced for a generic recovery. Specifically, QAN’s market capitalisation sits 4% above pre-COVID level and enterprise value (based on last reported net debt) is 12% below pre-COVID levels based on latest reported net debt of A$2.4b.

    [O]ur FY23e EPS forecast is 58% above FY19a levels with group capacity still 21% below pro-COVID levels. Even as the yields moderate (with capacity restoration) our FY24e EPS (100% of FY19 capacity) is 46% above FY19 levels.

    All in all, this could make Australia’s flag carrier airline one for investors to consider if they are looking for options in the travel sector right now.

    The post Why Qantas shares could be a bargain buy – Goldman Sachs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Investing Guide for Beginners

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

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    *Returns as of November 7 2022

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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.

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  • 2 cheap ASX dividend shares to buy now: brokers

    A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.

    A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.

    If you’re searching for cheap ASX dividend shares to buy, then it could be worth looking at the two named below.

    Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    The first ASX dividend share for investors to consider is Domino’s. Its shares have been sold off this year after tough trading conditions and inflationary pressures weighed on its performance.

    While this is disappointing, it may have created a buying opportunity for patient investors. Particularly given that management expects the company’s performance to be back on track with longer term targets in the second half.

    The team at Morgans is positive on the company and believes that “now is the best time to consider an investment in a quality business like DMP that is facing headwinds that will reverse in time.”

    Morgans has an add rating and an $90.00 price target on the company’s shares.

    In addition, the broker is forecasting partially franked dividends per share of $1.55 in FY 2023 and $1.89 in FY 2024. Based on the current Domino’s share price of $63.84, this will mean yields of 2.4% and 3%, respectively.

    Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

    Another ASX dividend share to look at is Universal Store. It is an omnichannel retailer focused predominately on the youth apparel industry through its Universal Store and Thrills brands.

    Its shares have also fallen heavily this year. This has been driven by concerns over consumer spending amid the cost of living crisis.

    However, Goldman Sachs believes this is a mistake and has recently put a buy rating and $7.30 price target on its shares. The broker highlights that Universal Store’s target demographic will be less impacted by rising interest rates and also stands to benefit from an increase in the minimum wage.

    Another positive is that Goldman is forecasting some big dividend yields in the near term. It has pencilled in fully franked dividends of 26.1 cents in FY 2023 and 29.9 cents in FY 2024. Based on the latest Universal Store share price of $5.11, this equates to yields of 5.1% and 5.85%, respectively.

    The post 2 cheap ASX dividend shares to buy now: brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 3 reasons to buy the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ) before 2023

    A girl lies on her bed in her room while using laptop and listening to headphones.A girl lies on her bed in her room while using laptop and listening to headphones.

    The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) is one of my favourite exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX. Let’s discuss three reasons why I think it could be worth buying before 2023.

    Exposure to US tech

    The US markets house some, nay most, of the world’s top-quality tech shares. Technology has changed the world in a massive way over the past two decades. That’s thanks to names like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Amazon and Netflix.

    It’s hard now to imagine a world without iPhones, Microsoft Office, Netflix binging or ordering whatever your heart desires on Amazon. Luckily, the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF enables ASX investors to participate in the profits of the companies that provide these goods and services.

    The NASDAQ-100 (NASDAQ: NDX) that this ETF tracks is renowned as the place that most of the US tech giants call home. You’ll get the names listed above in the top of this ETF’s portfolio. But also other dominant companies like Adobe, NVIDIA, Intel and Starbucks.

    The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF is cheap for what you get

    At its core, the NASDAQ 100 ETF is an index fund. This ETF might not charge the lowest fees for an ETF on the ASX. But the annual charge of 0.48% per annum (or $4.80 per year for every $10,000 invested) is still very competitive on the ETF scene. Let alone against what a typical managed fund charges.

    For getting 100 top-notch US shares in one easy, hands-off investment, I think that 0.48% per annum is quite reasonable. Especially considering that this fund, as of 30 November, has delivered an average return of 16.81% per annum over the past five years.

    You’re buying a dip

    The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF, as we’ve just deduced, has an impressive performance track record. Saying that, it has also had a very rough year in 2022. Year to date, this ETF has gone from $36.58 per unit to the $25.59 it closed at yesterday. That’s a fall worth just over 30%:

    Are you bullish on the future of US tech and the continuing dominance of companies like Apple, Tesla and Netflix? If so, then this might represent one heck of a buy-the-dip opportunity.

    There’s every chance that this ETF will have another tough year in 2023. But for a serious long-term investor, I think that the current pricing on this ETF is well worth a look before we end the year.   

    The post 3 reasons to buy the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ) before 2023 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Record ETF surge sees global assets predicted to reach US$18 trillion

    Despite recent market volatility, ETFs are seeing a record breaking surge in popularity.

    Experts are predicting total global assets could reach an incredible US$18 trillion by 2026. Which means those who find the best ones today could be setting themselves — and their families — up for tomorrow.

    Discover our favourite ETFs we think investors should be buying right now.

    Click here to get all the details
    *Returns as of December 1 2022

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    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Adobe, Amazon.com, Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Amazon.com, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Intel, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Starbucks, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2023 $57.50 calls on Intel, long January 2024 $420 calls on Adobe, long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel, long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple, short January 2023 $92.50 puts on Starbucks, short January 2024 $430 calls on Adobe, short January 2025 $45 puts on Intel, and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Amazon.com, Apple, Netflix, Nvidia, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

    Investor sitting in front of multiple screens watching share prices

    Investor sitting in front of multiple screens watching share prices

    On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was sold off and sank deep into the red. The benchmark fell 1.5% to 7,024.3 points.

    Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to rebound

    The Australian share market looks set to rebound strongly on Wednesday following a positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 78 points or 1.1% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.35%, the S&P 500 is up 0.2%, and the Nasdaq is up 0.1%.

    Oil prices rise

    It could be a decent day for energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.8% to US$75.80 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 0.1% to US$79.85 a barrel. Oil prices were boosted by a softer US dollar and a plan to restock petroleum reserves.

    Qantas rated as a buy

    The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price could still be great value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, its analysts have reiterated their conviction buy rating and $8.20 price target on its shares. It said: “With the market capitalization 4% above pre-COVID levels and EV (based on last reported net debt) 12% below pre-COVID, we believe the stock is not appropriately pricing QAN’s improved earnings capacity.”

    Gold price jumps

    Gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good day after the gold price stormed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 1.6% to US$1,826.2 an ounce. A softer US dollar gave the precious metal a boost.

    Buy the REA dip

    The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price was sold off on Tuesday and Goldman Sachs thinks investors should be taking advantage of the decline. The broker has reiterated its conviction buy rating with a trimmed price target of $158.00. The broker said: “Following the recent decline in share prices, REA/DHG are now trading on 19x/13x 12mf EBITDA, which we see as very attractive vs. historical levels (>20% discount).”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Beginners Investing Guide

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

    Yes, Claim my FREE copy!
    *Returns as of November 7 2022

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

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  • Why did the Arafura Rare Earths share price dive 9% on Tuesday?

    A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share priceA man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) had a fairly dreadful day of red ink this Tuesday. By the end of the trading session, the All Ords had slipped by a nasty 1.66%, putting the index at 7,199.6 points. But that loss pales in comparison to the performance of the Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price.

    Arafura Rare Earths shares had an absolute shocker today. The rare earths share started the session at 48 cents a share, but ended the trading day at just 44 cents a share, a fall worth a whopping 9.37%.

    So what went so wrong with Arafura that might have caused this sharp share price fall?

    Why did the Arafura share price tank 9% on Tuesday?

    Well, it’s hard to say. It certainly wasn’t sparked by anything out of Arafura itself, seeing as the company hasn’t made any ASX announcements today.

    We did see some falls with many of Arafura’s compatriots though. Its fellow rare earths producer Lynas Rare Earth Ltd (ASX: LYC) fell by close to 3%. And lithium shares like Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) had fairly depressing days as well.

    But none of these shares fell by almost 10%.

    So perhaps my Fool colleague James’ recent theory of profit-taking is the most likely explanation here. Although Arafura had an awful day today, it has hardly put a dent in this company’s stellar run this year.

    Even after today’s near-10% drop, the Arafura share price remains up an incredible 89% or so in 2022 thus far. The company is also up an even more impressive 141% over the past 12 months, including by 45% in the past six:

    Thus, it’s possible that, with the broader market taking a bit of a hit this December, investors are getting nervous and pulling some of these profits off the table.

    At the last Arafura share price, this ASX All Ords rare earths share has a market capitalisation of $953.54 million.

    The post Why did the Arafura Rare Earths share price dive 9% on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Investing Guide for Beginners

    Despite what some people may say – we believe investing in shares doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated…

    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

    Yes, Claim my FREE copy!
    *Returns as of November 7 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

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  • 3 reasons to buy the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) before 2023

    ETF written on cubes sitting on piles of coins.

    ETF written on cubes sitting on piles of coins.

    The exchange-traded fund (ETF) Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) has been on a rollercoaster ride this year. At one point it was down over 20% in the year to date, though it has recovered a little since then.

    This offering from Vanguard is one of the most compelling passive ways to invest in the global share market in my opinion.

    For investors that haven’t heard of Vanguard, it’s an organisation that offers investment funds, like ETFs. A key point of difference with Vanguard is that it aims to offer its funds for as little cost as possible because the owners of Vanguard are the investors themselves. Vanguard shares the profit in the form of lower management fees.

    This ETF specifically looks to provide “exposure to many of the world’s largest companies listed in major developed countries.” The idea is that it’s invested in over 1,000 businesses outside of Australia, to get exposure to those international economies.

    With that in mind, here are three reasons why it could be a good time to invest in the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF:

    Lower valuation

    Part of investing is about choosing an investment that can grow well over time. But, a key element of the return is the purchase price. So, for whatever investment we’re looking at, it’s obviously better to buy it at a lower price.

    The share market doesn’t fall over 10% for no reason, the higher interest rates and elevated inflation are justifiably hitting businesses in different ways.

    But, I think the fact that it’s down around 15% makes it much more interesting. When something declines by 15%, getting back to the same level would be a rise of 18%.

    Great holdings

    When investing, I think it’s important to go for quality businesses or assets that can do well even during a downturn. When the going gets tough, it’s the low-quality stuff that could quickly get into trouble.

    Looking at the holdings in the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, these are some of the strongest national, or even global names, within the 1,460-plus positions in the portfolio.

    The top 10 holdings are: Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Tesla, UnitedHealth, Johnson & Johnson, Exxon Mobil, Nvidia and Berkshire Hathaway. I’d be happy to own most of those names myself, so I’d be happy to have a portfolio with them. All of this diversification comes with a low management fee of 0.18%.

    Don’t try to time the market

    If investors are regularly investing in the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, then I don’t think they should be put off by changes in the unit price.

    A regular investment plan can take out the guesswork, and trying to time the market could mean missing out on opportunities and long-term growth.

    To the end of November 2022, the ETF had returned an average return per annum of 10.2% over the prior five years. I’m not sure what the future holds in terms of the returns, but, a return on equity (ROE) of just over 18% is promising for long-term double-digit returns.

    The post 3 reasons to buy the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) before 2023 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. 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 positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon.com, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and has recommended the following options: long January 2023 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway, long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple, short January 2023 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway, short January 2023 $265 calls on Berkshire Hathaway, and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon.com, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Three excited business people cheer around a laptop in the officeThree excited business people cheer around a laptop in the office

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) plummeted in afternoon trade amid the release of the minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) latest meeting. The index closed Tuesday’s session 1.54% lower at 7,024.3 points.

    Also likely driving the market lower were announced changes to the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy. The central bank has decided to modify the conduct of yield curve control.

    Meanwhile, the RBA revealed it considered both hiking rates by 0.5% and keeping them flat amid continuous inflation at its last meeting of 2022. Of course, it ultimately declared a 0.25% hike earlier this month.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) outperformed for much of today following a strong night’s trade for oil prices. However, by the end of Tuesday’s trade, it had dropped 1.4%.

    Coming in as today’s top-performing sector was instead the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ), which dropped 0.1%. The worst performer, meanwhile, was the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ). It fell 4.4%.

    So, with all that in mind, which ASX 200 shares come in as today’s top performers? Keep reading to find out.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    The index’s biggest gains today were posted by shares in Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF). That was despite no news having been released by the insurance broker.

    Today’s biggest gains were made by these shares:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) $5.44 2.06%
    AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB) $22.59 1.99%
    AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) $8.03 1.77%
    Oz Minerals Ltd (ASX: OZL) $27.79 1.42%
    Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) $15.43 1.11%
    Bendigo and Adelaide Banking Ltd (ASX: BEN) $9.59 1.05%
    Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) $1.22 0.83%
    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) $11.83 0.42%
    Pendal Group Ltd (ASX: PDL) $4.90 0.41%
    Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) $23.79 0.3%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to let you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • I’d buy these 3 ASX 200 shares in 2023 and hold them for a decade

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

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

    Since we’re now barreling towards the end of 2022, it’s a good time to look to 2023 and the ASX 200 shares that investors might want to buy next year.

    The legendary investor Warren Buffett once said that his favourite length of time to own a share is forever. So with that sentiment in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares that I think investors can comfortably buy next year and hold for at least a decade.

    3 ASX 200 shares to buy in 2023 and hold for a decade

    Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

    Coles might not be the most exciting ASX 200 company out there. But that’s exactly why I think this share could be a long-term winner.

    Coles is a dominant supermarket chain that supplies millions of Australian households with food, drinks, and other household essentials. I don’t see any reason why Coles won’t be fulfilling this role for a larger Australian economy in a decade’s time.

    Coles is also a formidable ASX 200 dividend payer, offering investors a fully franked dividend yield close to 4% right now. Some brokers are expecting these dividends to rise materially over at least the next few years too.

    Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    Next up is another ASX 200 name we’d probably all be familiar with. Telstra is the most dominant telco in the country, with market share statistics across both fixed-line and mobile communications that are the envy of its rivals.

    It’s probably fair to say that internet usage is only going to keep rising over the coming decade. And you can bet that Telstra will be one of its key facilitators. This is a company that I see as having a recession-proof earnings base, thanks to the inelasticity of demand for internet services.

    The recent restructuring could also provide an avenue to a higher valuation thanks to the importance of its core assets like its mobile towers. Telstra also offers a strong, fully franked dividend, which is over 4% right now as well.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

    Finally, let’s check out the ASX 200 banking giant Westpac. As a member of the elite big four banks, Westpac has a firmly-established share of the banking and financial services market in Australia.

    If the Australian economy is larger in ten years than it is today (which is highly likely if we look to history), it’s a good bet that Westpac will be too, thanks to the pivotal role the big four plays in the financial fabric of this country.

    Westpac has paid strong dividends for most of its history, and again, some ASX brokers think that its current dividends (currently offering more than a 5% fully-franked yield) will keep growing for at least a few years. 

    All in all, Westpac is the third share that I think an investor can comfortably buy in 2023 and hold for at least the coming decade.

    The post I’d buy these 3 ASX 200 shares in 2023 and hold them for a decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra 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 positions in and has recommended Coles Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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