Tag: Stock pick

Australia has no shortage of ASX dividend stocks.

The problem is that most investors stop looking after the big four banks and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

They miss a layer of income opportunities that offer comparable or higher yields, from businesses most retail investors have never considered.

Here are three worth putting on the radar.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

If you have never heard of Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, you are not alone.

But for income investors, it is one of the most reliable quarterly dividend payers on the entire ASX.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure owns and operates the Dalrymple Bay Terminal, the world’s largest export metallurgical coal facility, located near Mackay in Queensland.

Critically, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure is not really a coal company in the traditional sense.

It operates under a regulated access regime, meaning its revenues are set by the Queensland Competition Authority through a pricing framework, not the coal price.

Think of it as a toll road operator that collects fees regardless of what commodity prices do.

The results speak for themselves.

In TY-26/27, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure raised its distribution guidance by 8.5% to 28.62 cents per security, underpinned by a forecast Terminal Infrastructure Charge of $4.02 per tonne.

At the current share price of approximately $5.54, that implies a forward distribution yield of approximately 5.2%, rising to around 5.7% at the upper end of management’s 3% to 7% long-term distribution growth target.

The terminal is fully contracted at 84.2 million tonnes per annum until 30 June 2028, with evergreen renewal options beyond that date.

Distributions are paid quarterly in March, June, September, and December, giving investors four income payments per year.

Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC)

Amcor is not entirely unknown, but it is overlooked far more often than its dividend deserves.

The global packaging giant makes flexible and rigid packaging for food, beverages, healthcare, and consumer goods across more than 200 countries.

People still buy groceries and medicine in a downturn.

That gives Amcor a revenue base that holds up regardless of the economic cycle.

Following the completion of its Berry Global acquisition in 2025, Amcor is now one of the largest packaging companies on the planet, with combined annual sales approaching US$24 billion.

The company pays dividends quarterly in March, June, September, and December, and at the current share price of approximately $55, trades on a trailing yield of approximately 6.8%, unfranked.

Amcor’s dividends do not carry franking credits, as the company is domiciled in the United Kingdom.

This reduces the after-tax return for investors in higher Australian tax brackets.

However, for investors holding shares inside superannuation at the 15% tax rate, or those in lower tax brackets, the yield remains very attractive.

In Q3 FY2026, Amcor delivered net sales of US$5.91 billion, up 77% year-on-year, with adjusted EBITDA surging 87% to US$892 million, as Berry Global synergies tracked ahead of schedule.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT owns more than 50 convenience-based shopping centres across Australia.

Tenants across its portfolio include Woolworths Ltd (ASX: WOW), Wesfarmers, and Coles Ltd (ASX: COL).

These defensive assets generate foot traffic regardless of consumer confidence.

People will still buy groceries, visit the pharmacy, and drop the kids at childcare even in a downturn.

In its first-half FY2026 results, HDN maintained occupancy and cash rent collections above 99%, delivered property NOI growth of 4.6%, and reaffirmed its full-year FY2026 distribution guidance of 8.6 cents per unit.

Most recently, HDN declared a Q3 FY2026 quarterly distribution of 2.15 cents per unit, paid on 22 May 2026, keeping it on track to meet full-year guidance.

At the current share price of approximately $1.24, that annualised distribution implies a forward yield of approximately 6.9%.

Distributions are paid quarterly in February, May, August, and November.

With gearing of 34.6% sitting comfortably within management’s 30% to 40% target, HDN has the financial capacity to keep growing its $650 million development pipeline without stretching its balance sheet.

Foolish takeaway

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, Amcor, and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT are three very different businesses, but they share a common characteristic.

Each generates predictable, recurring cash flows from assets or contracts that do not depend on economic optimism to keep performing.

For income investors who are tired of fighting over the same bank shares everyone else owns, all three deserve a place on the watchlist.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares offering yields above 5% that most investors have never heard of appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Should I buy Amcor shares for their ‘attractive’ dividend yield?
• Buy, hold, sell: Argo Investments, Amcor, Bapcor shares
• Why Arafura Rare Earths, Dalrymple Bay, Tuas, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Why this ASX infrastructure stock could be a great passive income choice

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

May was a month of mixed fortunes for holders of Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

Westpac shares began the month near $38.50 and ended it at $36.00, a decline of approximately 6.5%.

That underperformed the broader ASX 200, which rose 0.76% over the same period.

Three distinct events drove the Westpac shares story in May, and each deserves a closer look.

The ex-dividend date came and went

The most anticipated event for Westpac shares in May was the ex-dividend date.

Westpac went ex-dividend on 8 May 2026, with a fully franked interim dividend of 77 cents per share payable on 26 June.

As is typical with large dividend payers, Westpac shares fell approximately in line with the dividend amount on the ex-dividend date itself.

This is because the value of the upcoming payment is deducted from the share price.

For income investors who already held Westpac shares before 8 May, the 77 cent payment remains on track for the 26 June payment date.

At the current Westpac shares price of $36, a full-year dividend of 155 cents per share implies a forward fully franked yield of approximately 4.3%, or around 6.2% when grossed up with franking credits at the 30% company tax rate.

A court ruling added to the pressure

Westpac shares came under additional selling pressure in May after a court ruling weighed on sentiment.

The nature of the ruling related to a regulatory matter that added to the perception of ongoing compliance risk at the bank.

Westpac has faced a string of regulatory challenges in recent years, and each new development reminds investors of that history.

However, the financial impact of the ruling appears limited, and analysts do not expect it to materially affect near-term earnings or the dividend.

The broader bank sector dragged on Westpac shares

Beyond the company-specific events, Westpac shares suffered from broader sector weakness in May.

The S&P/ASX 200 Banks Index (ASX: XBK) fell 5.33% in May.

Portfolio manager Suhas Nayak from contrarian fund manager Allan Gray stated that ASX 200 bank shares look less attractive today, noting the total returns from here look less appealing than many other parts of the market.

Furthermore, the RBA raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35% at its May 2026 meeting, its third consecutive hike this year.

While supportive of net interest margins, this hike added to concerns about mortgage stress across the big four banks’ home loan books.

Westpac, with approximately 69% of its loan book in residential mortgages, is particularly sensitive to that dynamic.

In addition, the federal budget’s negative gearing changes for established properties raised concerns about slower investor credit growth.

This is a headwind that Jarden analyst Matthew Wilson estimated could cut housing credit growth by as much as 25%.

What brokers think about Westpac shares

The broker consensus on Westpac shares is cautious.

Morgan Stanley maintains an underperform rating on Westpac shares with a price target below the current share price.

Macquarie also carries a below-market target on Westpac shares, citing valuation concerns and competitive pressure in the mortgage market.

The analyst consensus target price sits at approximately $34.99, implying modest downside from current levels.

That is not a ringing endorsement, but it does not price in catastrophe either.

Foolish takeaway

Westpac shares had a difficult May.

The ex-dividend fall, a court ruling, sector-wide selling, and negative gearing concerns all converged in a single month.

However, the fully franked 77 cent dividend is still on track for payment in June, and the underlying business posted a solid first-half result with net interest margin improving 3 basis points to 1.81%.

For income investors holding Westpac shares for the dividend rather than capital growth, May’s events change little about the core investment case.

The post What happened to Westpac shares in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Westpac shares sink after court calls conduct ‘grossly negligent’

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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.

Some growth shares have been hit hard over the past year.

That can sometimes be a warning sign. But it can also create an opportunity when the underlying business is still expanding quickly.

Two ASX shares I think fit that description are in this article. Both are down more than 50% from their 52-week highs, but both businesses are still growing strongly.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 shares are trading around $19.36 at the time of writing, well below their 52-week high of $55.87.

That is a huge fall, but I think the business remains one of the most exciting global growth stories on the ASX.

Life360 is best known for its family safety and location-sharing app. This might sound simple, but the scale is now significant. In the first quarter of 2026, the company reported approximately 97.8 million monthly active users, up 17% year on year.

That gives Life360 a very large audience to monetise through subscriptions, advertising, and new services.

I also like that the company is becoming more than just a location app. Management has talked about turning Life360 into a broader super app for family life. That could include safety, connection, driving insights, location tools, emergency support, advertising, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven features.

The recent numbers show impressive growth. First-quarter revenue rose 38% year on year to US$143.1 million, while annualised monthly revenue increased 32% to US$517.9 million. Advertising revenue also jumped sharply to US$19.7 million, helped by the Nativo acquisition.

There are risks for investors to consider. App businesses can be competitive, user engagement needs to stay strong, and privacy expectations are high when location data is involved.

But with almost 100 million monthly active users and multiple ways to grow revenue, I think Life360 could be worth a closer look after such a large share price fall.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult shares have also fallen heavily. The sports technology company is trading around $3.44 at the time of writing, down from a 52-week high of $7.72.

I think that sell-off looks interesting because Catapult’s latest result showed a business with strong momentum.

The company reported record FY26 revenue of US$140.7 million, up 19% in constant currency. Annualised contract value grew 28% in constant currency to US$133.8 million, while management EBITDA increased 67% to US$24.7 million.

That tells me Catapult is not just growing. It is starting to show the benefits of scale.

The part of the story I find most compelling is the platform shift. Catapult is moving beyond a narrow wearable technology story. It now offers athlete monitoring, video analysis, gym monitoring, scouting intelligence, and AI insights across one broader sports technology platform.

That is important because professional teams do not just want more data. They want useful information that helps coaches, analysts, and performance staff make better decisions quickly.

Catapult also reported more than 96% retention and continued growth in multi-solution teams. That suggests to me that the product is becoming more embedded in customers’ daily workflows.

Investors still need to watch execution, valuation, and the pace of profit growth. But I think Catapult has the makings of a high-quality global software business in a specialised market.

Foolish Takeaway

Share price falls of more than 50% can make investors nervous, and rightly so. They usually mean expectations have changed dramatically.

But I think these two businesses are still moving in the right direction. Life360 has a large and growing user base with improving monetisation. Catapult is building a deeper platform for elite sport and showing stronger operating leverage.

Both shares could remain volatile. But for patient investors looking for growth after a major reset in expectations, I think they are worth considering now.

The post 2 rapidly growing ASX shares down over 50% to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
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• Why Galan Lithium, Life360, Select Harvests, and Siteminder shares are storming higher
• 2 ASX tech shares I think could be worth much more by 2030
• 3 highly undervalued ASX 200 stocks to target in June with up to 87% upside

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 positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The federal government’s decision to abolish negative gearing for established residential properties purchased after 12 May 2026 was widely debated in the context of housing affordability.

For Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shareholders, however, the more important question is what it does to the bank’s loan book growth.

The answer, according to several analysts, is more concerning than the initial market reaction suggested.

The exposure is bigger than most investors realise

CBA is not just Australia’s largest bank.

It also holds the largest investor mortgage book in the country.

Property investors have historically been among the most profitable mortgage customers for Australian banks.

They tend to take out interest-only loans at wider spreads, maintain better asset quality through economic cycles, and generate higher fee income than owner-occupiers.

Jarden Bank estimates that the changes could cut housing credit growth by as much as 25% as the key investor incentive is removed.

The broker named CBA as the most exposed bank among the big four given its investor loan concentration.

UBS agreed, stating that CBA and Westpac were the most exposed banks should there be a slowdown in mortgage growth.

What CBA’s own economists say

CBA’s own economics team published its updated housing outlook following the budget, forecasting that the negative gearing changes would reduce established dwelling prices by close to 3% relative to what they would otherwise have been.

The bank now forecasts dwelling price growth of just 3% to December 2026, down from a prior forecast of 5%.

CBA’s chief economist noted that the policy impact would be most pronounced in the apartment and lower-priced segments where investor activity is highest.

The share price reaction has been volatile

CBA shares fell 8.5% in early trading the morning after the budget, hitting their largest single-day fall on record.

This compounded an already disappointing Q3 FY2026 trading update which showed flat operating income.

The shares have since bounced, recovering some of the loss as initial fears moderated and investors rotated back into the quality and defensiveness of Australia’s largest bank.

But the stock still remains down over the past twelve months.

Is the damage already priced in?

The broker picture is deeply divided on whether the selloff has created a buying opportunity.

Morgans retains a sell rating on CBA shares with a price target of $119.40, stating:

FY26-28 EPS forecasts downgraded c.3-5%. Target price reduced 4% to $119.40. SELL retained, with potential total return of c.-19% at current prices (including c.3.3% dividend yield).

Macquarie carries a price target of $114, also implying meaningful downside from current levels, while Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell call with a target of $130.

Foolish takeaway

CBA is not going to stop being Australia’s dominant bank because of negative gearing changes.

The changes do remove one of the most profitable and reliable sources of loan book growth the bank has enjoyed for years.

But for investors already holding CBA for income, the large dividend yield on a grossed-up basis still provides a meaningful floor.

For long-term investors willing to look past short-term noise, CBA could be an interesting option today.

The post Why the negative gearing changes could impact CBA shares more than anyone realises appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• CBA shares vs Macquarie shares: Which ASX financial stock would I buy?
• I’d aim for $1 million in retirement buying just 10 ASX 200 shares
• Passive income investors: Term deposits or ASX dividend stocks in 2026?
• Historic: Here’s why CSL shares are looking very interesting right now

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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.

June is almost here, and many investors may be wondering where to look for opportunities next.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a useful way to invest in major global trends without having to choose a single winner. That can be especially helpful in fast-moving sectors where leadership can change quickly.

Here are three incredible ASX ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund gives Australian investors exposure to the technology companies powering Asia’s digital economy. But the story is not just online shopping or social media.

Asia is home to some of the world’s most important semiconductor, hardware, ecommerce, and internet platform businesses. Many sit inside the supply chains and consumer ecosystems that support artificial intelligence, mobile payments, cloud computing, gaming, and digital advertising.

Current holdings include SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM).

The fund can be volatile, particularly because sentiment toward Asian technology shares can shift quickly. But it gives investors access to a part of the global technology market that is very different from the US-heavy exposure many already own. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF that could be a buy in June is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity is becoming less like a technology upgrade and more like a permanent business cost. Every company moving workloads to the cloud, storing customer data, using artificial intelligence, or accepting digital payments has more to defend.

This fund provides exposure to companies building the tools that sit behind that defence. Its holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT).

What makes this area interesting is that cyber threats do not stand still. As attacks become more sophisticated, businesses and governments need to keep upgrading their protection.

That creates a long-term demand backdrop for security software, network protection, cloud security, and identity management. The fund will still move with growth-stock sentiment, but the need it serves is unlikely to fade.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund provides exposure to many of the companies shaping how people work, shop, communicate, advertise, create, and consume entertainment.

Current holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL).

What makes the fund powerful is the breadth of profit pools it touches. Artificial intelligence is one part of the story, but so are cloud infrastructure, digital advertising, software, ecommerce, semiconductors, and consumer platforms.

This bodes well for the ETF over the next decade, which could make it a great buy and hold pick.

The post 3 incredible ASX ETFs for Australian investors in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and CrowdStrike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Investors, those buying ASX shares or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), would be forgiven for being a little nervous right now. The world of investing is never filled with certainty. But 2026 seems to be delivering more than your average year so far.

We have a war that has been dragging on for months now, the ongoing closure of one of the world’s most vital energy supply chains, rising inflation, and stagnating economic growth. Not exactly a recipe for confidence.

Now, investors have always faced uncertainty – no one knows what the future holds, after all. And the 21st century has already thrown up its fair share of curveballs. But those facts won’t exactly provide comfort to every investor. That’s why I thought it was a good opportunity to discuss an ASX ETF that I think is perfect for nervous investors in 2026.

That ASX ETF is none other than the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI).

The perfect ASX ETF for nervous investors?

IXI is a fund that only holds the world’s leading manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of consumer staples goods. Consumer staples are products we tend to need to buy, regardless of their cost. They include food, drinks, and household essentials. They also include alcohol and tobacco.

Demand for these goods tends to be highly inelastic, to borrow an economic term. Put another way, demand for these goods is typically immune to the health of the economy. That makes them highly reliable investments, particularly for nervous investors worried about inflation or a recession.

The majority of IXI’s holdings (about 60%) are US stocks. The United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, France, and Canada, amongst others, make up the rest.

Most of this ASX ETF’s largest holdings are well-known household names. They include Walmart, Costco, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Phillip Morris International, PepsiCo, Altria, and Unilever. There’s also Cadbury-owner Mondelez International, Monster Beverage Corp, Colgate-Palmolive, as well as our own Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

These are all mature, established, and financially sound companies that are leaders in the consumer staples space.

Thanks to this ASX ETF’s diversification, wide exposure, and inherent defensiveness, I think this investment is perfect for a nervous investor in 2026.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF has returned an average of 7.72% per annum since its inception in 2006 (that’s as of 30 April). It charges a management fee of 0.49% per annum.

The post This ASX ETF is perfect for nervous investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Altria Group, Coca-Cola, Costco Wholesale, Mondelez International, PepsiCo, Philip Morris International, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Colgate-Palmolive, Costco Wholesale, Monster Beverage, and Walmart. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé, Philip Morris International, and Unilever. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 consumer discretionary shares led the 11 market sectors last week with a 4.38% gain.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.86% amid volatile trading to 8,731.7 points by Friday’s close.

There was a strong 1.62% rally on Friday on fresh hopes of an imminent deal between the US and Iran.

Meanwhile, softer-than-expected inflation data on Wednesday quelled fears of further interest rate hikes ahead.

Annual headline inflation fell to 4.2% in April, down from 4.6% in March, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

That’s why consumer discretionary shares outperformed their peers last week.

Let’s take a look at some individual stock price movements.

Consumer discretionary shares led the ASX sectors last week

The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price lifted 6.84% over the week to finish at $79.79.

The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) share price rose 4.43% to $5.42.

The Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) share price ascended 1.68% to $116.73.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares rose by 2.45% to finish the week at $74.49.

Shares in furniture retailer Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) lifted 5.01% to $4.61.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares rose 5.77% to $11.73 apiece.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) shares increased 6.08% to close at $23.22.

ASX 200 travel stock Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) ripped 9.08% to $10.93 per share.

Shares in Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) zoomed 7% higher to $12.53.

Some ASX 200 retail shares did not follow the broader sector trend last week.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) shares fell 2.61% to $20.89 apiece.

The Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) share price eased 0.76% to $19.66.

Shares in gaming technology company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) dipped 0.63% to $50.10.

The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price moderated 0.21% to $28.94.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	4.38%
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	3.34%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	2.38%
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	2.28%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.95%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	0.35%
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	0.21%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(1.18%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(1.56%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(2.48%)
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	(3.28%)

The post Why did ASX 200 retail shares lead the market last week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Down 17%: Why I’d buy and hold Wesfarmers shares
• With no savings at 40, I’d follow Warren Buffett’s approach to build wealth
• Why these ASX 200 shares could shoot 20% and 50% higher
• A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia’s top shares?

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 Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, Super Retail Group, The Lottery Corporation, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd, Flight Centre Travel Group, Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, Premier Investments, The Lottery Corporation, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price has been a solid performer over the last several years, as the below chart shows. I believe the elements that have driven the Macquarie share price higher could make it a good investment to consider for years to come.

Macquarie is one of the largest ASX financial shares, though it’s smaller than the big four banks. I’d much prefer to buy Macquarie over Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

For starters, Macquarie’s banking and financial services (BFS) division is growing a lot faster than the majors.

Strong domestic banking performance

Macquarie is growing rapidly in Australia’s banking sector – I think it turn the group of big four ASX bank shares into a big five.

In FY26, the BFS segment grew operating income by 9% to $3.5 billion and its net profit contribution increasing by 17% to $1.6 billion.

The home loan portfolio rose by 28% year-over-year to $181.3 billion – it now represents 7.1% of the Australian market. Meanwhile, deposits rose by 25% year over year to $215.3 billion, representing 6.5% of the Australian market.

Business banking grew by 8% year-over-year to $18.1 billion.

If Macquarie continues delivering loan (and deposit) growth like that in the coming financial years, BFS could become one of the biggest competitors in the space. I think this division will become increasingly important for supporting the Macquarie share price.

International exposure

Less than a third of Macquarie’s total income comes from Australia and New Zealand. The business is one of the most successful blue-chips at delivering growth overseas.

The Americas represent 31% of total income, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Asia) represents 28% of total income and Asia represents 9% of total income.

Macquarie has done very well at investing in certain areas to help it generate good profit from different markets and different segments.

For example, Macquarie has worked hard to put its commodities and global markets (CGM) division into a good position to make great profits when conditions allow. In FY26, CGM’s operating income grew by 30% to $7.8 billion and the net profit contribution improved by 49% to $4.2 billion.

The CGM division saw increased risk management income, primarily driven by increased client hedging activity across global gas and power businesses and global oil. There was also strong client activity globally across foreign currency and interest rate markets.

Valuation of the Macquarie share price

The Macquarie share price is currently valued at under 18x FY27’s estimated earnings. It’s not the cheapest business on the ASX, but I think it’s well-positioned to grow earnings over the long-term. With how strongly the BFS division is growing, I think Macquarie is definitely one to watch.

But, there are a few other ASX shares then could be even better opportunities.

The post 3 reasons why the Macquarie share price is a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

There is a moment that arrives for many Australians as retirement gets closer.

For years, superannuation is just a number on a statement. Then, almost overnight, it becomes something much more practical. It becomes the money that may need to pay for groceries, insurance, electricity, medical bills, holidays, and the freedom to stop working.

That is why the question “how much super do I need?” matters so much. But the answer depends heavily on the kind of retirement you are imagining.

Comfortable does not mean luxurious

A comfortable retirement is not about private jets, five-star hotels, or unlimited spending. It is about having enough financial breathing room to enjoy life without constantly worrying about every bill.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a comfortable retirement allows for things such as private health insurance, a reasonable car, regular social and leisure activities, household goods, technology, domestic holidays, and the occasional overseas trip.

In other words, it is a retirement with options.

This is very different from a modest retirement, which sits slightly above the Age Pension. A modest lifestyle can cover the basics, but there is far less room for discretionary spending, travel, home repairs, or unexpected expenses.

So, what is the magic number?

ASFA’s latest estimates suggest that Australians who own their home outright need around $630,000 in superannuation as a single person to fund a comfortable retirement.

For couples, the figure is approximately $730,000 combined.

A couple does not need double the super of a single person because many retirement costs are shared. Housing, utilities, insurance, internet, and household goods do not simply double when two people live together.

This is one reason couples often have a significant advantage when it comes to retirement planning.

What if you have less?

The good news is that you do not necessarily need $630,000 or $730,000 to retire.

ASFA estimates that a modest retirement requires much less, at around $110,000 for a single person and $120,000 for a couple. This is because the Age Pension does much of the heavy lifting at that level.

But there is a trade-off. A modest retirement usually means fewer choices. Spending must be watched more carefully, holidays are less frequent, and unexpected bills can create pressure.

So the real question is not whether you can retire with less. Many Australians do. The better question is whether you would be happy with the lifestyle that a lower balance supports.

Your home matters enormously

These estimates assume that retirees own their home outright. That is a very important assumption.

Someone entering retirement with rent or a mortgage will generally need far more income than a homeowner. Housing is one of the biggest expenses in retirement, and it can quickly change the maths.

This is why two people with the same superannuation balance can have very different retirement outcomes. A homeowner with modest spending needs may feel comfortable on far less than someone renting in a major city.

Superannuation is only one part of the picture

It is also important to remember that superannuation does not work in isolation.

Many retirees use a combination of super, the Age Pension, savings, investments, and sometimes part-time work to fund their lifestyle. The Age Pension can provide a valuable safety net, particularly for those whose super balances fall short of the comfortable benchmark.

This means the target is useful, but it is not a pass-or-fail test.

Foolish takeaway

If you want a comfortable retirement in Australia, a useful target is around $630,000 in super for singles or $730,000 for couples.

But the number itself is only the starting point. What really matters is how much you spend, whether you own your home, your health, your lifestyle expectations, and how your money is invested once you retire.

A comfortable retirement is ultimately about choice. The more super you have, the more choices you tend to keep.

The post How much superannuation do I need to a comfortable retirement? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

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

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

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have upgraded this Mexican-focused quick service restaurant operator’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $24.50. Bell Potter was pleased with Guzman Y Gomez’s decision to close its struggling US business. The broker notes that it was a previous overhang on the stock, and sees the switch to focusing on the core Australia opportunity as more beneficial to shareholders. In addition, Bell Potter is confident in the medium-term Australia opportunity, backed by a pipeline of 108 restaurants, as well as the successful master franchising operation in Singapore and Japan. The Guzman Y Gomez share price ended the week at $19.66.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this family safety and location technology company’s shares with an improved price target of $33.00. After doing a deep dive into Life360’s quarterly update, the broker thinks the market was focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of negatively reacting to its soft monthly active user (MAU) growth, which it notes was explainable, Bell Potter thinks investors should have responded positively to its strong growth in paying circles (paid subscribers). The broker believes the latter has been driven by better quality MAUs due to management now using artificial intelligence in A/B testing to help optimise marketing and subscription plans. The Life360 share price was fetching $19.33 at Friday’s close.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Analysts at Morgans have upgraded this travel technology company’s shares to a buy rating with a reduced price target of $3.75. According to the note, Morgans was pleased with Web Travel’s FY 2026 results this week. It highlights that the WebBeds owner delivered a resilient result that was ahead of consensus expectations. And while the broker wasn’t surprised to see that the Middle East conflict is impacting its performance early in FY 2027, it remains positive. Morgans is expecting the conflict to lead to a soft first half but expects a recovery in the second half. Furthermore, it points out that after past economic and geopolitical events, travel demand has rebounded. So, with its shares down heavily, it thinks now is a great time to snap them up. The Web Travel share price ended the week at $2.61.

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360 and Web Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.