Tag: Stock pick

It’s been another rough start to the week for investors of these 3 ASX tech stocks.

Shares in WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Life360 Inc (ASX: 360), and Megaport Ltd (ASX:MP1) all tumbled between 4% and 6%. That adds to an already painful 2026, with WiseTech down 47% year to date, Life360 off 43%, and Megaport also deep in the red at 42%.

All 3 ASX tech stocks are now trading at — or near — 52-week lows. So, is this a warning sign… or a golden opportunity?

WiseTech: Global logistics player

WiseTech Global remains one of Australia’s highest-quality tech businesses. Its CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global logistics networks, giving it strong pricing power and high switching costs.

As global trade becomes increasingly digitised, this ASX tech stock is well placed to benefit over the long term.

The risk? Growth expectations have been dialled back, and the market is wary of execution as the company scales and integrates acquisitions. Higher interest rates have also weighed on tech valuations.

Still, analysts remain upbeat. Citi recently placed a $65.35 price target on the ASX tech stock. This implies roughly 80% upside from current levels if sentiment turns.

Life360: Millions of app users worldwide

Life360 offers a different kind of growth story. Its family safety app connects millions of users worldwide, providing location sharing, crash detection, and digital safety tools.

The $4.5 billion ASX tech stock is increasingly focused on monetisation, converting free users into paying subscribers and lifting average revenue per user.

That shift is a major strength, but it doesn’t come without risk. Competition in the app space is fierce, and maintaining user growth while increasing subscription revenue is a delicate balancing act. Profitability is also still evolving.

Even so, many analysts see strong long-term potential as Life360 builds out its ecosystem and deepens engagement. According to CMC Invest, there are currently seven buy ratings on the ASX share, with an average price target of $32.80. That implies a possible rise of around 78% over the next year.

Megaport: Powerful growth, scalable business

Megaport rounds out the trio with exposure to cloud and network infrastructure — two powerful long-term trends. Its platform allows businesses to connect to cloud providers and data centres on demand, offering flexibility and scalability in an increasingly digital world.

As cloud adoption continues to surge, this ASX tech stock stands to benefit. However, the company has faced concerns around growth consistency and profitability, which have weighed heavily on its share price. Like many tech names, it is also sensitive to macro conditions and investor sentiment.

Analysts are cautiously optimistic, pointing to improving margins and a clearer path to sustainable earnings as potential catalysts.

However, Morgans remains positive and has a buy rating and $16.00 price target on its shares. This points to a potential upside of almost 130% for investors from current levels.

Foolish Takeaway

The big picture is hard to ignore. These are not speculative startups. All 3 ASX tech stocks are established tech businesses with real products, customers, and global opportunities. Yet all three have been heavily sold off amid a broader rotation out of growth stocks.

That’s where things get interesting. When high-quality companies fall this far, long-term investors often start to pay attention. Timing the bottom is never easy, but buying strong businesses when sentiment is weak has historically been a winning strategy.

The bottom line? These ASX tech stocks may be under pressure today, but their long-term growth stories remain intact. For investors willing to look beyond short-term volatility, this could be an opportunity that’s hard to ignore.

The post 3 ASX tech stocks that belong in every long-term portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday
• Got $5,000 to invest? Here are 2 ASX tech stocks to buy today
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts
• 3 ASX 200 shares that could beat the market over the next 10 years
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Life360, Megaport, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Not every investing strategy needs to be complicated. In fact, the ones that tend to work best are often the simplest.

If I were starting fresh today and wanted a simple strategy I could stick with for years, I’d focus on just a handful of exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Here’s the approach I keep coming back to.

Start with a global core

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) would be my foundation.

It gives exposure to more than a thousand stocks across developed markets, including the United States and Europe.

What I like is that it captures many of the world’s largest and most innovative businesses in a single investment.

Anchor it with Australia

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) plays a different role in a portfolio.

It brings in exposure to the local share market, including our banks, miners, and dividend-paying companies.

That adds income through dividends and franking credits, which can be valuable over time.

It also creates a balance. Instead of being fully exposed to global markets, you’re anchoring part of your portfolio in Australia.

Add in some quality

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) is where I’d look for a slight edge.

This ETF focuses on global stocks that boast robust balance sheets, high returns on equity, and strong earnings.

For me, this adds a layer of quality to the portfolio without needing to do the research myself or pick individual stocks.

Keep it simple and consistent

The real power of this strategy isn’t in the ETFs themselves. It’s in the behaviour.

Regularly adding to these positions, reinvesting dividends, and staying invested through different market conditions is what drives long-term outcomes.

There will be periods where one ETF outperforms and another lags. That’s normal.

The key is that together, they provide diversification across regions, sectors, and investment styles.

Why I like this approach

This kind of setup avoids a lot of common pitfalls. 

You’re not trying to time the market. Nor are you chasing trends. And you’re not relying on a handful of individual stock picks.

Instead, you’re building exposure to broad markets and high-quality businesses, and giving them time to grow.

Foolish takeaway

A simple ASX ETF strategy might not look exciting day to day. But over time, I think it can be incredibly effective.

With a global core, local exposure, and a quality tilt, I think this kind of approach has the potential to quietly build serious wealth for patient investors.

The post This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• How the average Aussie at 30 could reach over $1 million in superannuation
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index 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 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.

The recent market selloff has been disappointing for investors, but it may have created a very attractive opportunity to buy shares or exchange traded funds (ETFs) at bargain prices.

But which ASX ETFs could be buys after the selloff?

Here are three funds that could be worth buying and holding from here.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF effectively gives investors access to a collection of global platform businesses that sit at the centre of the digital economy.

Its holdings include companies like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), all of which generate vast amounts of cash and reinvest it into expanding their ecosystems.

Amazon is a good example of this dynamic. While best known for ecommerce, it has built a highly profitable cloud computing division in AWS, which underpins much of the modern internet.

After the recent pullback, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF now offers exposure to companies that are not just growing, but shaping how entire industries operate at a sizeable discount to what investors were willing to pay a month ago. That could make it an appealing option for long-term investors.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF (ASX: ESPO)

The VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF is another ASX ETF to consider. It provides exposure to an industry that continues to evolve far beyond traditional gaming.

Its holdings include Nintendo (TYO: 7974), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), and Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), spanning game developers, publishers, and interactive platforms.

Roblox highlights how the industry is shifting. It is not just a game, but a user-generated platform where players create and monetise their own experiences, blurring the lines between gaming and social media.

This points to a broader trend where gaming is becoming a form of digital engagement and community, rather than just entertainment. As younger generations spend more time in these environments, monetisation opportunities are expanding.

Overall, the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF offers investors exposure to a growing digital ecosystem that is still in the early stages of its evolution. This fund was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is a third ASX ETF to consider after the selloff. It offers a different angle on growth, focusing on the rise of technology leaders across Asia.

Its portfolio includes companies such as Tencent (SEHK: 700), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

Taiwan Semiconductor is a key player worth highlighting. It manufactures advanced chips used in everything from smartphones to AI systems, making it a critical supplier in the global technology chain.

While sentiment towards Asian markets can be volatile, the long-term drivers remain strong. Rising digital adoption, expanding middle classes, and increasing innovation are all supporting growth in the region.

After the recent pullback, the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides an attractive way to tap into these trends. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold after the selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy before the next bull market
• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for when the market rebounds

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 Amazon, Apple, Baidu, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Roblox, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group, Electronic Arts, and Nintendo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

After the recent pullback in global markets, I have been thinking more carefully about where I would put fresh money to work.

Not in a reactive way, but in a deliberate one.

For me, April feels like a good time to focus on quality. Businesses with strong market positions, proven track records, and the ability to keep growing over time.

If I am looking at blue-chip ASX 200 shares right now, these are three that stand out to me.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group is one of those businesses that I think quietly dominates its space.

Its realestate.com.au platform has become the go-to destination for property listings in Australia. That kind of market leadership is incredibly valuable.

What I find particularly compelling is its pricing power.

As long as agents and vendors want visibility for their listings, REA remains a critical channel. That gives it the ability to grow revenue even in more subdued property markets.

Of course, the housing cycle does matter. Listings volumes can fluctuate depending on market conditions. But over the long term, I believe the structural shift toward online property advertising has firmly played into REA’s hands.

For me, it is a high-quality digital platform with strong margins and a long runway.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is another blue-chip ASX 200 stock I’d buy in April.

What stands out to me is its ability to grow globally while maintaining a strong focus on product quality and innovation.

It is not trying to compete on price. Instead, it is building a reputation around well-designed, high-end appliances, particularly in categories like coffee and kitchen products.

I also like the way it continues to expand into new markets.

Growth in regions such as the US, Europe, and parts of Asia suggests to me that the brand still has plenty of room to scale internationally.

There will always be some cyclicality in consumer spending. But I think Breville’s premium positioning gives it a level of resilience that not all discretionary companies have.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is probably one of the most well-known blue-chip names on the ASX, and I think there is a good reason for that.

At its core, it is a diversified group with exposure to retail, industrial, and chemical businesses. But what really stands out to me is its management track record.

Over time, Wesfarmers has shown an ability to allocate capital effectively, whether that is through acquisitions, divestments, or reinvestment into existing businesses.

Retail brands like Bunnings continue to perform strongly, and I think they provide a solid earnings base.

On top of that, the company has demonstrated a willingness to evolve, which I believe is critical for long-term success.

For me, Wesfarmers represents a blend of stability and strategic flexibility.

Foolish takeaway

When I think about blue-chip ASX 200 shares to buy in April, I am looking for quality.

REA Group offers a dominant digital platform, Breville brings global brand growth, and Wesfarmers provides diversification backed by strong management.

Individually, I think each has the potential to deliver solid long-term returns. And in a market that has recently pulled back, I believe they are worth a closer look.

The post My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• REA shares hit a multi-year low. Is the market overreacting?
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• Would Warren Buffett buy Wesfarmers shares?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

The REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) share price sank to a multi-year low on Monday as selling pressure continued across the ASX.

Shares in the realestate.com.au owner finished the session down 0.81% at $151.00, after falling as low as $147.57 in morning trade.

That intraday low marked the weakest level since October 2023, extending the stock’s difficult run in 2026. The latest move leaves REA shares down around 17% since the start of the year.

Here’s what appears to be driving the continued weakness.

Investors are paying less for growth

REA has spent years trading as one of the ASX’s most expensive growth stocks.

Its leading position in online property listings, strong profit margins, and reliable cash flow helped investors justify paying a high price for the shares.

However, that high valuation is now being wound back.

The shares have slid from above $220 in October 2025 to around $150 this week.

This seems to be more about investors becoming less willing to pay a premium for growth than any major weakness in the business itself.

Even so, the REA still appears solid. Its large agent network, established audience reach, and ability to lift pricing across premium products continue to support earnings.

This looks more like investors reassessing the share price than any problem with how the business is performing.

Property market worries remain

The other key issue is housing market activity.

Even though REA’s business is strong, its growth is still tied to the number of homes being listed for sale, developer advertising budgets, and overall property turnover.

With interest rates still high and affordability stretched, investors seem to be questioning how quickly listing activity can improve.

Fewer homes changing hands can reduce demand for premium listings products, display advertising, and other services linked to property sales.

This was also a major concern back in October 2023, the last time the stock traded around these levels, which helps explain why the market is again focused on housing activity.

Foolish takeaway

REA remains one of the strongest platform businesses on the ASX, with a market position that competitors have struggled to challenge.

But even great businesses can fall when investors start paying less for growth and become more cautious on profits linked to the property market.

At this stage, the sell-off seems more about the current market backdrop.

Whether this proves to be an overreaction will likely depend on how quickly property listings and agent spending start to recover.

The post REA shares hit a multi-year low. Is the market overreacting? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April
• Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,500
• Are we in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy cheap ASX shares?
• 2 high-quality ASX shares to buy and hold for 10 years
• $0 in savings? I’d aim for $20k in annual passive income with 3 simple steps

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

With a new month just around the corner, investors may be thinking about how to put fresh capital to work.

If you have $10,000 ready to invest this April, focusing on high-quality ASX 200 shares could be a smart move, especially after recent share market volatility.

Here are three ASX 200 shares that could be worth considering.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL may be Australia’s most established biotechnology company, but its shares have come under pressure in recent times.

A softer-than-expected half-year result and uncertainty following a CEO departure have weighed on sentiment. In particular, its core CSL Behring division has faced slower-than-expected margin recovery and softer immunoglobulin sales growth.

However, looking beyond the near-term challenges, CSL still has a powerful long-term investment case. It operates in a global plasma therapies market with high barriers to entry, supported by complex manufacturing processes and strict regulatory requirements.

With growing demand for plasma-derived therapies and contributions from its Seqirus and Vifor divisions, CSL appears well positioned to return to stronger earnings growth over time, especially if it is successful with its significant cost cutting plan.

For investors willing to be patient, the recent weakness could present an opportunity to gain exposure to a global healthcare leader at a more attractive valuation.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield offers exposure to a very different theme. It develops counter-drone solutions designed to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial threats. With geopolitical tensions rising globally, demand for these types of technologies is increasing rapidly.

DroneShield has been winning new contracts and expanding its footprint across key international markets. Its solutions are being adopted by military, government, and critical infrastructure customers.

While it remains a higher-risk investment compared to more established blue chips, its growth potential is significant if it continues to scale successfully.

For investors looking to allocate a portion of their $10,000 to a higher-growth opportunity, DroneShield could be worth a closer look.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another ASX 200 share that could be a compelling option for long-term investors.

The cloud-based accounting platform has built a strong position among small and medium-sized businesses, offering subscription-based software that generates recurring revenue.

One of Xero’s key strengths is its scalability. As it adds more subscribers and expands into new markets, its revenue base can grow while maintaining attractive margins.

The company also continues to invest in product innovation and ecosystem development, helping to deepen customer engagement and increase lifetime value.

Although its shares have been volatile during the recent market selloff, Xero’s long-term growth outlook remains intact.

For investors seeking exposure to a high-quality technology business with global ambitions, Xero could be a strong candidate for a buy-and-hold strategy.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday
• Why are DroneShield shares trading higher today?
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, DroneShield, and Xero and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may not be finished lifting interest rates.

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) now believes the central bank could raise the official cash rate three more times over the next few months, with expected increases in May, June, and August.

If that happens, the cash rate would climb to 4.85%, which would be a major jump from where it sits today.

The big reason is the recent surge in oil prices, which is now starting to push up costs right across the economy.

That is why economists now think the RBA may need to lift rates more than once from here.

Westpac now expects several rate hikes

The biggest change in Westpac’s view is that it no longer sees this as a one-off rate rise.

Chief economist Luci Ellis has lifted her forecast from one hike to three, saying the jump in fuel prices is spreading much faster than expected.

At first, higher oil prices mainly show up at the petrol pump.

The bigger issue is how those costs spread through other industries.

More expensive fuel also means higher transport costs, rising freight bills, more expensive flights, and bigger costs for businesses that rely on plastics, packaging, and manufacturing.

Those higher costs often end up being passed on to customers through higher prices.

That is what worries the RBA.

If price increases start spreading through lots of parts of the economy, inflation becomes much harder to bring back under control.

That could force the central bank to keep lifting rates.

Why rising oil prices are becoming a bigger inflation issue

The main issue is the ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, which remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

Because the supply problems are lasting longer than first expected, oil prices have stayed high.

That is now starting to affect much more than just petrol prices.

While the government’s fuel excise cut may help drivers a little, it does not reduce higher costs for airlines, freight companies, manufacturers, and many businesses that use oil-based products.

That means inflation could rise again in the June quarter.

Westpac now expects inflation to reach 5.4%, which is far above the RBA’s target range.

If that happens, the central bank may decide it has no choice but to keep raising interest rates until price pressures start easing.

Foolish takeaway

Westpac’s new forecast suggests the next rate rise may not be the end of the story.

Instead, the RBA may need to keep tightening policy if higher oil prices continue flowing through to everyday goods and services.

For households, that would mean more pressure on mortgage repayments and less room in family budgets.

Further increases would also add pressure to consumer spending, retailers, and other interest-rate-sensitive ASX sectors.

At this point, the interest rate outlook has become one of the market’s main concerns this year.

The post Westpac warns the RBA may need to hike rates again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX bank has the biggest dividend yield?
• Westpac shares are climbing following UNITE update
• ASX bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?
• How have the ASX big four bank shares held up in March?
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

Last week I covered the growing upside for the global robotics industry. 

Investment, development and application are all reinforcing the case for investment in this sector. 

In good news for those interested in this space, the team at Global X have just announced the new Global X Humanoid Robotics ETF (ASX: HMND). 

Fund overview

The Global X Humanoid Robotics ETF (HMND) aims to capture the next phase of AI as intelligence moves into the physical world.

Global X said it includes companies across humanoid and service robotics, industrial and autonomous systems and assistive technologies. It also targets the underlying AI and hardware stack that powers next-generation robotics. 

Selection is based on measurable exposure to the theme, ensuring that constituents derive a meaningful portion of their revenues from relevant activities.

By taking a value chain approach, the strategy avoids relying on a narrow set of early-stage manufacturers and instead provides exposure to the broader infrastructure required for humanoid robotics to scale globally.

The fund includes 30 underlying holdings. 

The majority of the fund includes companies based in China (37.03%), South Korea (30.50%) and The United States (26.45%). 

The management cost is 0.57% per annum. 

The case for humanoid robotics

According to a new report from Global X, the global economy is entering the next phase of the AI cycle. Intelligence is now extending beyond software and into the physical world. 

The report said the past decade has been defined by digital platforms and computing. However, the next phase is centred on applying that intelligence to real-world tasks through robotics. 

Humanoid robots are designed to operate within human environments, enabling automation across a far broader set of use cases than traditional industrial systems. This shift is not incremental as it reflects a transition from automating processes to replicating human capability.

As labour constraints intensify, productivity growth remains constrained, and capital continues to flow into AI, the convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence is beginning to unlock a new multi-year investment cycle that extends well beyond the factory floor.

AI and robotics funds

Global X is an ETF provider that has built out a considerable list of thematic ASX ETFs. 

The new Global X Humanoid Robotics ETF, is the latest to target robotics and AI. 

For investors looking for other ASX ETFs in this sector, some options include: 

• Etfs Robo Global Robotics And Automation ETF (ASX: ROBO) – seeks to invest in companies that potentially stand to benefit from increased adoption and utilisation of robotics and artificial intelligence.
• Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ) – targets global companies involved in the production or use of robotics and robotics-focused AI products and services.

The post Meet the newest humanoid robotics ASX ETF from Global X appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade
• 3 reasons this AI and Robotics ASX ETF is a long term play
• 3 ASX ETFs that could be strong picks for investors in their 30s
• Why now could be the best time in years to buy NDQ and these ETFs
• 3 ASX ETFs that could be massive winners by 2036

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

Looking to put fresh money to work this April? ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the simplest and smartest ways to build a diversified portfolio. And right now, there are some standout options for Aussie investors.

From low-cost local exposure to global growth leaders, here are five of the best ASX ETFs to consider today.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

First up is this popular Vanguard ETF, which remains a go-to core holding for local market exposure. This fund tracks a broad basket of Australian shares and includes many of the ASX’s biggest dividend payers like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

If you want a reliable, set-and-forget foundation for your portfolio, VAS is hard to beat.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

For global diversification, the ASX ETF stands out. It gives investors access to hundreds of companies across major developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan.

With names like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) in the mix, it’s a powerful way to tap into global growth trends. This fund remains one of the most popular ETFs and it helps reduce overexposure to Australian banks and miners.

BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

If keeping fees as low as possible is your priority, take a look at the BetaShares Australia 200 fund. The ASX ETF offers exposure to 200 of Australia’s largest companies at one of the lowest management fees on the market.

Over the long term, those lower costs can make a meaningful difference to your returns. This BetaShares fund could be a low-cost alternative to VAS.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Want more direct exposure to the powerhouse US market? This index fund is a popular pick. It tracks the S&P 500, giving you access to 500 of America’s largest companies.

With the US continuing to lead in innovation — particularly in tech and Artificial Intelligence — IVV offers a simple way to ride that wave.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Finally, for investors looking for a quality tilt, this VanEck fund is worth a look. It’s great for investors who want Warren Buffett-style businesses globally.

This ETF focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and competitive advantages. It’s a great option if you want to reduce risk while still staying invested in global equities.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line? You don’t need to overcomplicate things.

A handful of high-quality ETFs like these can form the backbone of a strong, long-term portfolio — and April could be a great time to get started.

The post 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• How the average Aussie at 30 could reach over $1 million in superannuation
• This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth
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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, Wesfarmers, 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.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a decline. The benchmark index fell 0.65% to 8,461 points.

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

ASX 200 set to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Tuesday following a poor start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 1 point higher. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up a fraction, but the S&P 500 is down 0.5% and the Nasdaq is 0.9% lower.

Oil prices jump

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 4.35% to US$103.96 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.25% to US$113.98 a barrel. This leaves oil prices on track to post a record monthly surge.

Shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes Cromwell Property Group (ASX: CMW), GenusPlus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP), Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH), and New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC). The latter will be paying its shareholders a 10 cents per share fully franked dividend next month on 20 April.

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a relatively positive session on Tuesday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.1% to US$4,494.7 an ounce. This was driven by increased demand for safe haven assets.

Strike Energy named as a buy

The team at Bell Potter has named Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) shares as a speculative buy with a 15 cents price target. This implies potential upside of over 40% for investors from current levels. It said: “STX announced that the Western Australian Economic Regulation Authority had finalised its determination for the Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price for the 2028/29 capacity year at $488,500/MW per year which could support revenues of around $42m from the South Erregulla project, before electricity sales.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday 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 positions in and has recommended GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.