Tag: Stock pick

Australia’s benchmark retirement budgeting tool, the ASFA Retirement Standard, says a comfortable retirement costs $54,840 per year for singles and $77,375 per year for couples, if they own their own homes.

A modest retirement costs $35,503 per year for singles and $51,299 per year for couples, if they own their homes, or $50,055 per year for singles and $67,639 per year for couples if they rent.

However, a survey by Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) and YouGov shows Australians think retirement costs a lot more.

The survey of 2,015 Australians aged 60 years or older found that $70,398 was the minimum annual income considered required for singles.

Australians fear running out of money in retirement

A common fear among retirees is that they will run out of money, which prompts them to become conservative with spending.

The survey showed 39% of retirees and 49% of pre-retirees fear running out of money in retirement.

Challenger’s Customer CEO, Mandy Mannix, said:

Today’s retirees are the first generation having built significant superannuation savings.

Yet, after decades of focusing on saving, many retirees find it surprisingly difficult to switch to spending once they retire.

Inflation a ‘real concern’ for older Australians today

The rising cost of living may be contributing to the fear of running out.

Two in three survey respondents cited inflation and costs of living as the most important things to plan for in retirement.

Mannix said:

The dollar value of a lump sum when you retire can seem like a lot of money, but it has to last a long time.

It can be hard to know how much to withdraw, knowing that the purchasing power of $1 million today can halve in 20 years’ time.

The impact of inflation can be dramatic, and it is a real concern.

The survey showed that retirees’ main goals were certainty that their money would last for life (72%), the ability to cover health and aged care costs (65%), and maintaining their existing lifestyles (53%).

Four out of five respondents said they would be happier with a guaranteed income, yet 59% had not heard of lifetime income streams.

Challenger sells retirement income products like annuities, which deliver guaranteed regular payments for life.

Mannix, said: “A ‘paycheck’ means retirees know their needs are taken care of giving them greater confidence to spend on their activities and hobbies that give them purpose and happiness in retirement.”

The majority of Australia’s 4.5 million retirees rely on the age pension to fund their lives.

The full pension, with both supplements, is $31,223 per year for singles and $47,070 for couples, subject to income and asset tests.

Here’s how much you can own and earn in retirement while still qualifying for the pension.

The post How much retirement income do you think you need? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to turn $250 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares
• 10 excellent ASX shares to buy in May
• Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April
• Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, PLS, and Reliance shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger. 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 here, what better time to consider making some additions to your portfolio.

The market offers plenty of choice, from healthcare and technology to retail and financial services. The key is finding businesses with strong market positions, clear growth drivers, and the ability to keep delivering through different conditions.

With that in mind, here are 10 ASX shares that could be worth buying in May.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is going through a tough period, but it remains one of the highest-quality healthcare companies on the ASX.

The company is a global leader in plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialist medicines. If margins improve and earnings growth strengthens, CSL could offer significant upside from current levels.

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

HUB24 is another name worth watching. It operates an investment platform used by financial advisers and their clients. It has benefited from strong inflows as advisers continue to shift away from legacy platforms.

With funds under administration still growing, HUB24 remains well placed to benefit from the ongoing modernisation of wealth management in Australia.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Life360 continues to scale its global family safety platform.

The company already has a large user base, but the bigger opportunity is monetisation. By adding more services and converting more users into paying subscribers, Life360 has several levers to pull.

If that strategy continues to work, earnings could grow strongly over time.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Another ASX share to consider buying is Macquarie Group. It offers exposure to a global financial services business with a strong track record.

Its operations span asset management, commodities, infrastructure, banking, and capital markets. This gives the group multiple earnings drivers across different market environments.

Macquarie’s ability to allocate capital well remains one of its key strengths.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus is one of the ASX’s standout technology shares.

Its Visage imaging platform is used by major hospitals to handle large medical imaging datasets quickly and efficiently. The company continues to win long-term contracts, particularly in the United States.

With high margins, a growing market opportunity, and radiologist shortages, Pro Medicus remains well-positioned for long-term growth.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne has built a reputation for consistency.

This ASX share provides enterprise solutions to government and large organisations. Its transition to a SaaS model has improved revenue visibility and supported steady earnings growth.

Demand for mission-critical software should continue to support its performance.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers remains one of the ASX’s most reliable shares.

Bunnings is the centrepiece of the group, supported by Kmart, Officeworks, and its industrial businesses. The company has a long history of disciplined capital allocation and strong execution.

That combination arguably makes Wesfarmers a share worth keeping on the radar.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech Global provides software for the logistics industry.

Its CargoWise platform helps freight forwarders and logistics providers manage complex global supply chains. The company continues to expand its product suite and international reach.

As logistics becomes more digitised, WiseTech remains well positioned to benefit.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths offers defensive qualities in a market that can be unpredictable.

The supermarket giant benefits from recurring demand for groceries and a leading position in Australian food retail. While margins can be influenced by costs and competition, its scale remains a major advantage.

This makes Woolworths a steady option in uncertain conditions.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero continues to build its position as a global cloud accounting platform.

Its software is used by small and medium-sized businesses to manage accounting, payroll, and payments. The company’s opportunity is supported by subscriber growth, product expansion, recent acquisitions, and its push into the US.

With a large addressable market and several ways to grow, Xero remains one of the ASX’s strongest technology shares.

The post 10 excellent ASX shares to buy in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April
• Here’s what happened to Wesfarmers shares in April
• The huge retail trend many are missing
• Here’s why Morgans just upgraded Woolworths shares
• Why this leading broker just downgraded Woolworths shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Life360, Pro Medicus, Technology One, WiseTech Global, Woolworths Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Hub24, Life360, Macquarie Group, Technology One, Wesfarmers, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, Macquarie Group, WiseTech Global, Woolworths Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Hub24, Pro Medicus, Technology One, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and recorded a solid 2.2% gain in April.

While this was positive, not all ASX shares climbed with the market.

Here’s why these ASX shares lost over 10% of their value during the month:

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk Company share price was down 26% in April. Investors sold off the infant formula company’s shares after it downgraded its guidance for FY 2026. The company made the move due to supply chain disruptions. Management advised that it now expects revenue growth in the low to mid double-digit range, which is down from its previous guidance of mid double-digit growth. Furthermore, its EBITDA margins are now expected to be between 14% and 14.5% in FY 2026. This is down from its prior guidance of 15.5% to 16%. As a result, A2 Milk’s net profit after tax is now expected to be similar to or lower than in FY 2025.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price had a month to forget and crashed 44% last month. This was driven by the hearing solutions company’s disappointing trading update. Cochlear downgraded its FY 2026 underlying net profit guidance range to $290 million to $330 million. Previously it was guiding to underlying net profit of $435 million to $460 million. Management revealed that softer trading in developed markets is behind this. It advised that this is being driven by hospital capacity constraints and a decline in referrals from the hearing aid channel.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price was out of form and dropped 12% during the month. This was despite there being no news out of the biotechnology giant. However, much of its decline came following Cochlear’s update. It’s possible that investors believe the same softness that Cochlear is facing could be impacting CSL’s performance in the second half.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price lost 21% of its value in April. The catalyst for this was news that the online furniture retailer’s founder and CEO, Mark Coulter, is transitioning to an executive chair role from July. The company advised that Coulter will be replaced by Susie Sugden, who previously held the roles of chief commercial officer and chief marketing officer at the company between 2016 and 2020. Coulter commented: “Bringing back Susie – a proven former executive at Temple & Webster, will provide me with more capacity to focus on strategy and longer-term growth opportunities, which will only become more important as we scale. I look forward to working closely with Susie as we continue our journey to become the largest retailer of furniture and homewares in Australia.”

The post Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Cochlear shares crashed in April, but is a comeback looming?
• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?
• 3 ASX 200 shares for smart investors in May
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Cochlear, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the Australian share market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts at Morgans are saying about the three named below. Are they buys, holds, or sells?

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Morgans remains positive on this investment platform provider following its quarterly update.

However, it isn’t quite enough for a buy rating. The broker has put an accumulate rating and $29.00 price target on its shares. This compares to its current share price of $23.44.

Speaking about Netwealth, Morgans said:

NWL’s 3Q26 net-flows of $3.96bn came in modestly ahead of expectations, however market volatility during the period eroded this solid performance to see 3Q26 FUA ending the quarter flat QoQ at A$125.8bn, (vs. Consensus A$129.8bn). Despite ongoing volatility and uncertainty tied to a US/Middle East conflict and a potential resolution, market momentum has recovered from peak pessimism in the March Quarter, with the ASX All Ordinaries +5.6% month-to-date in April’26, which will have seen FUA growth momentum improve post quarter end.

Looking through this near-term volatility NWL remains on track deliver solid growth FY26F and well placed to capitalised on the long runway of opportunity ahead. We retain our ACCUMULATE rating, with a Price target of $29.00/sh.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

This lithium giant delivered a strong quarterly update with record production and lower than expected costs.

However, given its strong share price gains, Morgans has downgraded PLS’ shares to a trim rating with a $5.40 price target. This compares to its current share price of $6.14.

Commenting on the stock, Morgans said:

Record production +8% ahead of consensus expectations and costs -13% ahead of consensus expectations highlights PLS’ strong operating leverage. Strong cash build supports growth and potential shareholder returns. Move to a TRIM rating (previously HOLD) with a A$5.40ps target price. PLS is our preferred lithium exposure, but we see much of the near-term upside priced in and suggest selectively trimming positions.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC)

This plumbing parts company could be fairly valued according to Morgans. It has put a hold rating and $3.25 price target on its shares. This is largely in line with its current share price of $3.30.

Morgans notes that Reliance’s trading update was better than feared. It said:

RWC has reaffirmed all earnings guidance, including regional and group outlooks, for 2H26 and FY26. Against an uncertain global macro backdrop and the potential impact of higher oil prices stemming from the Middle East conflict, the trading update was better than feared. In relation to the expected impact from US tariffs, while there have been several changes since the 1H26 result in February, the anticipated impact on RWC’s earnings in FY26 and FY27 remains unchanged.

We make no changes to FY26 earnings forecasts but reduce FY27 and FY28 underlying EBITDA by 2%, reflecting a more modest earnings growth profile amid ongoing subdued housing conditions. Despite the adjustments to earnings forecasts, our target price increases to $3.25 (from $3.00), reflecting an uplift in our PE valuation multiple to 12x (from 11x) following the better-than-feared trading update. HOLD rating maintained.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, PLS, and Reliance shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue shares
• Why these ASX shares jumped 15%+ in April
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• 5 ASX All Ords shares downgraded by brokers this week
• Morgans tips 1 ASX mining share to rip — and 1 to avoid — in 2026

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining shares rose strongly on Friday with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) up 2.1%.

Materials was the best performer of the 11 market sectors today.

The ASX 200 finally broke one of its longest losing streaks in years, rising 0.7% on Friday.

This follows eight consecutive days in the red amid stalled negotiations between the US and Iran and the continuing global fuel crisis.

Higher fuel costs are a short to medium-term headwind for the mining sector.

However, the future is bright due to rising long-term demand for commodities with industrial uses amid the green energy transition.

This week, Bell Potter reviewed its ratings and 12-month price targets on three ASX 200 mining shares.

Let’s take a look.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

The Capricorn Metalsshare price closed at $11.77 on Friday, up 3.9%.

This ASX 200 gold share has risen 29% over the past year, and Bell Potter gives it a buy rating.

The broker explained why:

CMM is a sector leading gold producer, unhedged and debt free.

It is fully funded to grow production from ~120kozpa to ~300kozpa from two gold mines in WA, each with +10 year mine lives.

CMM is run by a management team that has an excellent track record of delivery.

Bell Potter increased its 12-month share price target from $16.10 to $16.25, implying a 38% gain ahead.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price closed at $6.14, up 2%.

This ASX 200 lithium share has ripped 321% over the past 12 months, and hit a record $6.17 this week.

Bell Potter gives PLS Group shares a hold rating following the miner’s 3Q FY26 update.

The broker said:

At current lithium market prices, PLS will generate substantial earnings and cash flow ahead of the restart of the 200ktpa Ngungaju processing plant.

P2000 and Colina development studies are being progressed, providing substantial organic growth optionality in markets with strong
underlying EV and BESS-led long term demand fundamentals.

Bell Potter increased its 12-month share price target from $4.60 to $5.50.

This suggests a 10.5% fall for PLS Group shares from here.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price closed at $20.01, up 1.8%.

The ASX 200 iron ore giant has risen 23% over 12 months.

Bell Potter downgraded Fortescue shares to a sell rating this week.

The broker said:

FMG’s core iron ore operations continue to perform very well and benefit from an elevated iron ore price.

However, we anticipate higher costs to emerge in 2HCY26 as low-cost inventories are exhausted, putting pressure on earnings.

We are wary of the “portfolio optimisation” review encompassing Iron Bridge.

The broker reduced its target from $20.30 to $18.15, suggesting a 9% fall over the year ahead.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, PLS, and Reliance shares
• Is this one of the best ASX 200 gold shares to buy in May?
• Why these ASX shares jumped 15%+ in April
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• This ASX gold stock could charge more than 70% higher: Broker

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 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) sent off the trading week with a bang this Friday, recording a healthy rise and breaking what was the longest losing streak the Australian markets have seen in years.

After falling for eight straight sessions in a row, the ASX 200 finally turned a corner today, with investors clearly deciding enough was enough. By the time trading wrapped up, the index had gained 0.74%, leaving it at 8,729.8 points as we head into the weekend.

This stellar end to the trading week for the local markets comes after a euphoric night on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was off to the races, rising a confident 1.62%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was slightly less enthusiastic, but managed a respectable 0.89% jump regardless.

Let’s return to the ASX now and examine how today’s market optimism percolated down into the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

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

More reading

• Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April
• ASX 200 snaps brutal 8-day losing streak. Can it hold?
• 3 ASX mining stocks Macquarie thinks are worth buying right now
• Why Boss Energy, Coles, Evolution Mining, and Mineral Resources shares are charging higher today
• This ASX 300 stock just jumped 13%. Here’s what’s behind the move

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

It has been another busy week for many of 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 right now:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gold miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $15.13. Although the company’s quarterly update was a touch softer than expected, Morgans highlights that its strong cash flow generation continues to strengthen its balance sheet. In addition, the broker has been pleased with its exploration success, with momentum building across the Plutonic Belt. So, with valuation supported by strong cash generation and a clear production growth pipeline, the broker thinks now could be an opportune time to invest. The Catalyst Metals share price is trading at $5.21 on Friday.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this defence stock’s shares with an improved price target of $10.40. This follows the release of another strong quarterly update. Bell Potter was pleased to see its unconditional contract backlog continue to increase. It now stands at $518 million. And given how EOS is positioned as a market leader in C-UAS solutions, particularly in directed energy, and is leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS technologies, Bell Potter believes it has a long runway for growth. The EOS share price is fetching $9.31 at the time of writing.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating on this data centre operator’s shares with an improved price target of $19.10. According to the note, the broker believes that industry conditions are very favourable for NextDC, with strong hyperscaler demand and improving cloud growth trends. This is being underpinned by rising AI adoption. And with NextDC recently raising significant funds, Citi believes the company is well-placed to accelerate development of new data centres if and when required. The NextDC share price is trading at $14.18 on Friday afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Another broker just recommended this ASX materials stock
• The five best ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April revealed
• Up 670%: Is it too late to buy this ASX defence stock?
• 3 ASX shares benefiting from the rise of digital infrastructure
• Why this ASX defence stock is falling today despite a massive 660% run

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 0.8% higher at 8,960.4 points on Friday.

Let’s take a look at some buy-rated stocks.

Abacus Storage King Ltd (ASX: ASK)

The Abacus Storage King share price is $1.43, up 0.4% today and down 5.6% in the year to date (YTD).

Shaw and Partners upgraded its rating on the ASX real estate investment trust (REIT) from hold to buy due to the recent share price weakness.

In a note, the broker said:

We examine Abacus Storage King’s (ASX: ASK) growth potential ahead of two catalysts.

First, Abacus Group (ASX: ABG) and ASK are considering the transfer of ASK’s management function from ABG to ASK, which could ultimately lead to ABG divesting its 19.7% stake in ASK – potentially to public investors.

Second, Brookfield/GIC’s takeover of National Storage REIT is expected to complete in May. Following NSR’s delisting, ASK would be the only listed vehicle offering pure exposure to the Australian self-storage sector.

In mapping ASK’s growth to FY32, the existing portfolios (Established, Stabilising, Acquired, and Development) may contribute an incremental A$40-45mn, or about +35% by our calculations. 

Shaw and Partners has a 12-month price target of $1.65, implying a potential 16% upside from here.

betr Entertainment Ltd (ASX: BBT)

The betr Entertainment share price is steady at 18 cents on Friday, and down 14.3% YTD.

Morgans maintains a buy rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share after the company’s 3Q FY26 update.

The broker said the sports betting group’s update marked “a solid sequential improvement”.

Morgans said:

Encouragingly, margins have normalised following the customer-friendly Spring Carnival period in Q2, and the business looks well placed to achieve its H2 targets.

With the internal focus firmly on value-generating customers, a leaner cost base now in place, and the streamlining of operations largely complete, we remain optimistic about the path ahead.

In our view, BBT is trading well below fair value and looks compelling at current levels.

Morgans reduced its 12-month target from 41 cents to 35 cents, which still suggests a 94% upside ahead.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld Travel shares are steady at $1.45 apiece on Friday, and down 23% YTD.

Shaw and Partners kept its buy rating on this ASX travel share after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released new data.

The broker commented:

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data for February 2026 bodes well for Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX:HLO) with Departures up 8.5% Financial YTD (March) and the travel destination mix reasonably steady.

Preliminary data for March 2026 was quite solid showing departures for the month up 13.2% versus PCP. 

Shaw and Partners retained its 12-month price target of $2.80, suggesting 93% capital growth ahead.

The post 3 ASX shares to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This exciting ASX small cap could almost double in value according to Morgans
• Is it time to buy low on these ASX travel stocks?

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 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.

As we embark upon the fifth month of 2026, it’s a great time to take stock of how some of the ASX’s most popular shares have been faring. Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is one of those shares, currently the seventh largest stock in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Wesfarmers has been around for a very long time and has a loyal following on the ASX. It has a proud history of growing its capital base, looking after its shareholders, and paying strong, reliable dividends.

Wesfarmers is a rather unique company on the ASX. It is a sprawling conglomerate, with businesses that cover almost every corner of the economy. Its core holdings, and crown jewels, are the leading retailers Kmart, Target, OfficeWorks and, last but not least, Bunnings Warehouse.

But the company also owns operations in mining and mineral processing, gas, clothing, and healthcare, just to name a few.

As such, many ASX investors would be interested in this company’s performance. So today, let’s take a look at how Wesfarmers fared over the month of April.

Wesfarmers shares began April at $72.91 each. Yesterday, those same shares wrapped up the day’s trading at $72.92. That’s almost a dead rubber, with the company rising just 0.01% over the month. In stark contrast, the broader ASX 200 had a relatively pleasant month, rebounding 2.2% after March’s nasty 7.8% plunge.

Of course, Wesfarmers’ April bookends don’t tell the entire story. Last month saw this ASX 200 stock rise as high as $77.31 on 14 April, and get as low as $71.88 just two days ago on 29 April. That’s a difference of about 7.5%.

How have Wesfarmers shares been faring?

Wesfarmers shares have had a rather awful 2206 to date. The company began the year on a roll, rising more than 9.2% betwween 1 January and mid-February. However, Wesfarmers’ poorly-received half-year earnings report threw water on that fire. The company’s share price plunged after the company warned of imminent headwinds to its profitability.

Since 18 February, the Wesfarmers share price has taken a 17.4% dive (as of current pricing). Year to date, the company is sitting on a 9.9% loss, which narrows to 6.35% over the past 12 months. Investors are still comfortably in the green over a five-year period, though, with the company up 36% since May 2021.

At the current Wesfarmers share price, this ASX 200 blue chip is trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27.3, with a trailing dividend yield of 2.89%.

The post Here’s what happened to Wesfarmers shares in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?
• 3 ASX 200 shares for smart investors in May
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• I think this simple ASX investing habit can build wealth over time
• How big will the Wesfarmers dividend yield be in 2027?

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

If I were building a long-term portfolio today, I would want at least some exposure to global technology.

Not because it is the hottest theme right now, but because of how deeply technology is embedded in the way the world is changing.

That is where the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) stands out to me.

Here are three reasons I think it could be worth holding for the next decade.

Exposure to some of the world’s most powerful businesses

One of the simplest reasons I like the NDQ ETF is what it gives you access to.

The ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100, which includes many of the largest and most influential companies in the world.

This includes the likes of Apple, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Tesla, and Alphabet.

These are businesses that dominate areas like cloud computing, software, semiconductors, and digital platforms.

I think that is important because these companies are not just participating in change. In many cases, they are driving it.

Over a 10-year period, I believe that kind of positioning can be very powerful.

Long-term structural growth

When I think about the next decade, a few themes keep coming up.

Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digital infrastructure, and data growth all continue to expand.

The NDQ ETF sits right in the middle of those trends.

That does not mean the ride will be smooth. Technology stocks can be volatile, especially when interest rates are rising or sentiment shifts.

But over longer periods, I think the direction of travel has been fairly clear.

As more of the global economy becomes digital, companies that enable that shift are likely to keep growing.

A simple way to access global tech

Another reason I like the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is its simplicity.

Instead of trying to pick individual winners, the NDQ ETF gives you diversified exposure across a wide range of technology-focused businesses.

That reduces the risk of getting a single stock wrong.

At the same time, it still allows you to participate in the upside if the broader sector performs well.

For me, that balance is important. It is a way to gain exposure to a high-growth area without relying on one company to deliver all the returns.

Foolish takeaway

The NDQ ETF is not a low-risk investment. It can be volatile, and there will be periods where it underperforms other parts of the market.

But when I look out over the next 10 years, I think the combination of global technology exposure, structural growth, and diversification makes it a compelling option.

The post 3 reasons I’d buy and hold the NDQ ETF for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Alphabet, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.