Tag: Stock pick

ASX 200 energy shares outperformed last week, rising 1.96%, while a painful 8-day slide for the broader market finally ended on Friday.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 0.74% on Friday to finish the week at 8,729.8 points.

This equated to a weekly fall of 0.65%.

The market was pessimistic last week as negotiations between the US and Iran stalled and oil prices surged again.

Only three of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let’s review.

Global fuel shock drags on with no end in sight

Energy prices lifted again last week as the market anticipated continuing supply disruption as the war in Iran continued.

On Friday, Brent Crude was trading at US$111.85 per barrel, up 6% over the week.

West Texas Intermediate Crude was US$106.40 per barrel, up 12.3% for the week.

Also last week, US heating oil rose 5.6%, US gas prices lifted 5.5%, and European gas prices increased 4.3%.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s gas and oil supply is shipped, remains effectively shut down.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts painted a grim picture as the US and Iran both dug in their heels:

President Donald Trump reaffirmed that the US would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports to intensify economic pressure.

Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei also dampened prospects for a deal, pledging not to relinquish the Islamic Republic’s nuclear or missile capabilities and indicating that Tehran would retain control over the strait.

Economists have been warning that oil supply shocks have a long-tail impact that is yet to fully play out in Western economies.

The analysts added:

… several countries could soon face acute oil shortages, as the final shipments that departed the Persian Gulf have already arrived at their destinations.

US crude exports surged to record levels last week, with global buyers increasingly turning to American producers to offset disrupted Middle Eastern supply.

What happened with ASX 200 energy shares last week?

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price rose 1.56% to close at $33.12 on Friday.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price lifted 2.95% to $8.02.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price ascended 4.74% to $35.82, after reaching a 52-week high of $36.04 on Friday.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price rose 4.17% to $2.50.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares fell 3.13% to close the week at $2.17.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares dropped 4.1% to $1.17 apiece.

ASX 200 coal shares also rose last week alongside a 3.8% lift in the thermal coal price.

The thermal coal price was US$134 per tonne on Friday, up almost 9% since the war began.

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price bounced 6.96% to close at $7.68 on Friday.

The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price increased 8.83% to $8.63.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares lifted 3.75% to $5.53 apiece.

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
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	1.96%
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	1.51%
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	1.17%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.31%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(0.76%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(0.8%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(0.85%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	(1.25%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(1.49%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(2.91%)
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	(5.45%)

The post ASX 200 energy shares lead and market finally cracks 8-day losing streak appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why did ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos struggle in April?
• These ASX financial stocks are bouncing, is it just the start?
• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 snaps brutal 8-day losing streak. Can it hold?

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.

ASX 200 tech stock Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) has been on an extraordinary run.

Over the past 12 months, the ASX 200 tech stock has surged around 175%, rewarding investors handsomely. And the momentum hasn’t slowed; shares are up 20% in just five days, 35% over the past month, and 52% year to date.

After such a powerful rally, investors are now asking the obvious question: is it time to take profits, or could there be more upside ahead?

Firing on multiple fronts

Codan isn’t your typical ASX 200 tech stock. The company develops electronic solutions for government, military, corporate, and consumer markets globally. Its operations are split into two key divisions: communications and metal detection.

Both are currently performing strongly. The communications segment is benefiting from rising geopolitical tensions, which are driving increased demand for defence and public safety technology. In conflict scenarios, communication systems are mission-critical and often upgraded early.

Codan is seeing solid demand across this segment. Particularly in areas that are linked to unmanned systems and software-defined radios, which are being adopted across a growing range of applications.

At the same time, margins are improving. The company now expects communications margins to reach 30% in FY26 — earlier than previously forecast — up from around 26% in FY25. That kind of margin expansion can significantly boost earnings.

Gold boom fuels metal detection

Codan’s second engine is its Minelab metal detection business.

This division has experienced strong sales of gold detectors, particularly in regions such as Africa where small-scale mining activity is common. As gold prices rise, so does interest in prospecting and that flows directly into demand for Codan’s products.

There’s also steady demand from recreational users globally, adding another layer of growth.

Thanks to these tailwinds, the ASX tech stock now expects FY26 revenue growth to land at the top end of its previously guided 15% to 20% range.

What do analysts think?

Despite the strong performance, broker sentiment is more cautious.

According to TradingView data, most analysts rate Codan shares as a hold. The average 12-month price target sits slightly below current levels.

Bell Potter is among those urging caution. The broker recently retained a hold rating and lifted its price target to $41.30, still below the recent share price of around $43.

Bell Potter noted:

With relatively high levels of R&D spend strengthening CDA’s competitive advantages across its businesses, CDA is well positioned to benefit from increased demand for mission-critical connectivity solutions in both defence and public safety markets. We believe CDA shares trade at fair value on 33x FY26 EV / EBIT amidst improving operating momentum and improving outlook in both segments.

Foolish Takeaway

Codan is delivering strong growth across both of its core divisions. Powerful global trends in defence and gold demand also support the ASX tech stock.

But after a 175% surge, much of that optimism may already be priced in. For investors, the question now isn’t whether the business is performing, it’s whether the valuation still leaves room for upside.

The post Up 175% in a year, do experts think it’s time to sell this ASX 200 tech stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d buy BHP and these ASX 200 shares with $5,000 in May
• The five best ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April revealed
• Why these ASX shares jumped 15%+ in April
• Up 170% in a year: Are Codan shares a buy?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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 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 Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is one of the most popular exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX. In fact, at the latest count, VGS currently occupies the second spot in terms of assets under management. With more than $15 billion under its belt, this index fund is only behind its ASX-focused cousin, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

As such, there are more than a few ASX investors who have a vested interest in this ETF. So let’s dive into how VGS went over the month that has just passed us by.

The Vanguard International Shares ETF is, as its name implies, an internationally-focused fund. On paper, it holds more than 3,500 individual underlying holdings, spread across more than 20 advanced economies of the world. These range from Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland to Spain, Singapore and Israel.

In practice, though, VGS is a US-focused index fund, with a sprinkling of international diversity on top. More than 72% of this ASX ETF’s portfolio is made up of US stocks. These US stocks are top-heavy, and tech-heavy, within the ETF itself, too. To illustrate, Nvidia and Apple together making up more than 10% of the fund’s weighted portfolio. Throw in Microsoft and Amazon, and we almost get to 16%.

But we digress.

How did the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF perform last month?

The Vanguard International Shares ETF had a relatively pleasant month in April. This ASX ETF started the month at $141.15 a unit. Yesterday, those units finished the month’s trading at a price of $148.63. That’s an April gain worth 5.3% – much better than VAS’ 1.46% return, representing the Australian share market, over the same period. Of course, this gain came after VGS lost 4.38% on the ASX over March. But even so, ASX investors will be happy to see that kind of number.

This index fund has been a solid performer for ASX investors in recent years as well. As of 31 March, VAS units have returned a total of 16.08% per annum over the preceding three years. That includes unit price growth as well as dividend distributions. Over five years, VGS has averaged 12.76% per annum, and 13.26% per annum over ten. Its heavy exposure to America’s big tech stocks is undoubtedly responsible for much of that performance. Let’s see how it goes over May.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF charges a management fee of 0.18% per annum.

The post Inside the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS)’s big April gain appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to become a millionaire on a $60,000 salary
• 3 Vanguard ETFs I would recommend to friends
• How to turn $250 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Apple, Microsoft, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Brokers have been busy running the rule over a number of updates in recent days.

After reviewing the updates, let’s see if they are bullish, bearish, or something in between on the ASX shares listed below.

Here’s what you need to know:

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

Bell Potter is becoming increasingly positive on this biotech company. Last week, it reaffirmed its speculative buy rating and $4.50 price target on its shares.

The broker highlights that Mesoblast’s future is looking brighter than ever. It said:

We maintain our Buy rating and PT of $4.50. At the very least, today’s cash flow result should provide shareholders with confidence that MSB can generate earnings and cash flow positive operations from sales of Ryoncil alone.

The company’s future is looking brighter than ever with revenues expanding and new product approvals now well advanced for heart failure and chronic lower back pain. FY26 revenues and earnings are largely unchanged. FY27 revenues are downgraded by 16% following adjustments for Ryoncil revenues and recognition of milestone income related to CLBP. Valuation is maintained at $4.45 and we retain our Buy (Speculative) rating.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Over at Morgans, its analysts are positive on this mining and mining services company. However, not quite enough to recommend its shares as a buy. The broker has an accumulate rating and $71.00 price target on them.

In response to its strong quarterly update, the broker said:

Strong 3Q26 beat against expectations led by Onslow and lithium. FY26 guidance upgraded marginally across Mining Services, Onslow, Wodgina and Mt Marion. Diesel headwinds are emerging but remain contained. No supply risk currently but cost inflation is apparent. Compelling outlook supported by continued deleveraging and commodity prices. Maintain ACCUMULATE with a A$71ps target price (previously A$67ps).

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Morgans has become more optimistic on this supermarket giant. Last week, the broker upgraded Woolworths shares to an accumulate rating with a $37.30 price target.

While higher costs are weighing on profitability, Morgans thinks that absorbing higher costs is the right move to win market share in a value-conscious market. It said:

WOW’s 3Q26 sales trading update was mixed. Strong sales growth was offset by softer FY26 earnings guidance for Australian Food and NZ Food, as management chose to absorb higher fuel costs and invest in pricing. Management noted that value is becoming increasingly important, as customers become more cautious amid rising cost-of-living pressures. We reduce group FY26-28F underlying EBIT marginally by 1%. Our target price remains unchanged at $37.30. With a 12-month forecast TSR of 12%, we upgrade our rating to ACCUMULATE (from HOLD).

While absorbing higher costs and investing in pricing will weigh on margins in the near term, we believe this is the right strategy in the long-term as WOW works to improve its value perception with customers. These are levers within management’s control, and improving sales and volume momentum indicates the strategy is resonating. In an uncertain macro environment with soft consumer sentiment, WOW’s dominant market position and relatively defensive characteristics should support steady and resilient earnings growth.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Mesoblast, Mineral Resources, and Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 10 excellent ASX shares to buy in May
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• The huge retail trend many are missing
• 3 ASX mining stocks Macquarie thinks are worth buying right now
• Here’s why Morgans just upgraded Woolworths shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. 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) gained 2.2% in April, with two of the big three ASX 200 mining shares outperforming those gains and one ending the month in the red.

Turning to the two out-performers first, from market close on 31 March through to the closing bell on 30 April, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares gained 3.7% to end the month at $167.40 apiece.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares enjoyed an even stronger run. BHP closed out April trading for $53.72 a share, up 6.6% for the month.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares went the other direction, however.

The ASX 200 mining shares slipped 3.3% in April to close the month trading for $19.65.

Over the month, iron ore prices broadly traded in the US$106 to US$108 per tonne range.

Copper prices gained 5% in April, ending the month at US$12,987 per tonne, according to data from Bloomberg.

BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto also all released their March quarter updated in April.

What did the big three ASX 200 mining shares report April?

BHP reported its results on 22 April.

The ASX 200 mining share closed up 1.2% on the day after announcing a 2% year-on-year increase in iron ore production for the nine months to 31 March of 197 million tonnes.

While BHP’s copper production was down 3% year on year to 1.46 million tonnes, the Aussie mining giant reported a 31% increase in its average realised copper price to US$5.47 per pound.

BHP also confirmed that Brandon Craig will take over as CEO from Mike Henry on 1 July.

Turning to Rio Tinto, the ASX 200 mining share released its first quarter production results on 21 April.

Rio Tinto shares closed up 0.8% on the day with the miner achieving a 13% year on year increase in Pilbara iron ore production to 78.8 million tonnes. Rio’s iron ore sales were up by 2%.

Management also reaffirmed Rio Tinto’s full year FY 2026 production and cost guidance across its core operating divisions.

As for Fortescue, the ASX 200 mining share dropped 5.7% on 24 April following its own quarterly update.

Fortescue reported total iron ore shipments of 48.4 million tonnes (Mt), down 4% quarter-on-quarter.

Still, management reaffirmed the miner’s full year FY 2026 guidance for total shipments at 195Mt to 205Mt.

Investors may have reacted unfavourably to a separate green energy announcement from Fortescue. The miner said it will spend US$680 million to accelerate the development of its 200MW Pilbara Green Energy Project. That’s atop Fortescue’s existing US$6.2 billion decarbonisation program.

The post Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here’s how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d buy BHP and these ASX 200 shares with $5,000 in May
• Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue shares
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?
• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April

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

Once you reach your mid-50s, your superannuation balance should be front and centre in your mind.

With roughly around 10 years to go until retirement, your superannuation balance could be the main thing which separates a comfortable lifestyle from one where you can only scrape by.

The problem is, at age 54, many Australians don’t know what their balance should look like.

Here’s a breakdown to help.

What is the average superannuation balance of Australians at age 54?

There aren’t exact figures, but these ballparks can help to provide a good guide.

According to Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) data, the average Australian female aged 50-54 have around $254,074 in their superannuation.

The average 50-54 year-old female has a lot less, at around $190,175.

At age 54, however, you’re sitting right at the top of that bracket. So you’d want your superannuation balance to be somewhere between that figure, and the figure for the age bracket above.

Data shows that the average 55-59 year-old male has around $319,743 and females in the same age bracket have closer to $242,945.

You’ll notice that there is quite a large difference between the average superannuation balances of men and women in their 50s. 

This is the result of several factors, including taking time out of the workforce to raise children, fewer hours and lower overall incomes, and women taking on a greater amount of unpaid work at home.

But the key problem is, none of these average superannuation balances are anywhere close to what Australians need to be able to afford a comfortable retirement when the time comes.

How much will a comfortable retirement cost me?

It’s worthwhile to see how your superannuation balance compares to others the same age, but you really need to compare it to what you actually need instead.

According to ASFA, a comfortable retirement will cost around $54,840 per year for singles and $77,375 per year for couples.

This amount means you should be able to afford to maintain a good standard of living. It assumes you’ll have top level private health insurance, own a reasonable car and partake in the occasional meal out or domestic trip. 

What do I need in my superannuation to be able to afford that?

To fund $54,840 per year for singles and $77,375 per year for couples in retirement, you’ll need a superannuation balance of at least  $630,000, or a combined $730,000 if you’re a couple.

In order to reach that figure, you’d need a balance of $382,000 at age 54, regardless of whether you’re a male or female.

This figure is a lot higher than the ones we discussed above, in some cases by nearly $200,000.

Also, keep in mind that this will fund around 9.5-11.5 years of retirement. So if you’re planning on retiring early, or think you’ll need to fund more years, you’ll need to have even more.

What can I do right now to catch up?

The most important thing you can do today is ensure your superannuation is with a well-performing fund. Its also crucial to check that you’re investments reflect a risk profile that’s suitable to you.

After you’ve made sure that the money that’s already in there is working as well as possible, you can think about adding additional funds such as salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions to boost your balance.

The post Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 54 in 2026 – how does yours compare? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans has a buy recommendation on this ASX small cap 
• 2 ASX gold companies Macquarie thinks should be in your portfolio
• These top ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 40%
• How I’d invest $2,000 in high-yield ASX 300 shares
• How to invest $10,000 for passive income in superannuation

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

ASX small-cap stock WRKR Ltd (ASX: WRK) has nearly doubled in value over the last year. 

For those unfamiliar, Wrkr is a financial technology company.

It engages in the design of innovative overlay capability for banking, wealth management, pensions, and financial services. Its activities include ClickSuper, which provides clearing house services for large employers and small medium enterprises. 

What did the company report?

Last week, the company released a quarterly report, which included: 

• Cash Receipts: $4.3 million, driven by recurring Wrkr PAY transactional activity, feature development for Precision Administration, and integration of PaidRight revenue
• Operating Outflows: $6.4 million, reflecting strategic investment in 14 new FTEs to bolster delivery and operational support, the acquisition of PaidRight, and increased investment in marketing our direct-to-market clearinghouse
• Strategic Capital Investment: $2.1 million invested to ensure platform scalability, data migration, and continued API development to capture potential opportunities with new Digital Service Providers

Speaking on the results, Wrkr CEO, Trent Lund said: 

This quarter was about proving Wrkr can deliver. Seeing large employers transition to Rest Pay and AustralianSuper is a powerful validation of our technology and our capacity to execute.

We are proactively collaborating with our clients to accelerate adoption. We recognise that, while large enterprises are leading the charge, the mid-market and small-business segments are working through their own transition timelines. We are ready for them, and we remain laser-focused on scaling our transaction revenue as these businesses onboard onto our infrastructure.

What is Morgans’ view on this small cap?

This week, the team at Morgans released updated guidance on this ASX small-cap. 

Interestingly, the broker said that while cash outflows have increased to support growth, the business appears to be tracking well operationally. Accordingly, this is highlighted by the successful live launches of REST Pay and AustralianSuper. 

Off low bases, we lift our WRK FY26F EPS by +7% but lower our FY27F EPS by 6% on a broad review of our earnings assumptions. Our target price is unchanged at A$0.14. We continue to think WRK is well positioned for a significant earnings inflection point in FY27, and we maintain our BUY recommendation.

On Friday, this ASX small-cap closed trading at 12 cents per share. 

The 14 cents per share target from Morgans indicates a potential upside of approximately 17% for this ASX small cap. 

The post Morgans has a buy recommendation on this ASX small cap  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX small-cap stocks every investor should be monitoring
• Morgans just slapped a buy rating on this small-cap ASX share

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.

It’s quarterly reporting season for the ASX mining sector, which gives analysts a great opportunity to run the ruler over the results and update their outlook for companies.

I’ve had a look at the reports coming out of Macquarie and singled out two which identify gold companies with serious upside.

Let’s have a look.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

Westgold shares have come under pressure since reporting quarterly results this week. However, if you think Macquarie’s analysis is on the money, that’s just more reason to seriously consider the opportunity.

Westgold reported quarterly production of 93,145 ounces of gold this week, down sharply from the 111,418 ounces produced in the previous quarter.

But the company said this was in line with expectations.

As they said:

Production from Westgold’s assets was in line with expectations in Q3 FY26. With no immediate impediments to the ramp up in mining rates at Bluebird and Beta Hunt, ventilation upgrades at Big Bell completed, and no major plant shutdowns scheduled for Q4, the Company is in a strong position to achieve its production targets for the year. Westgold maintains its production guidance for FY26 of 345,000 – 385,000oz, having produced 288,500oz for the financial year to the end of Q3 FY26.

The company finished the quarter with cash, bullion, and liquid investments worth $856 million, up $202 million over the period.

Macquarie said in its research report that production was 4% higher than they expected, and assigned a price target of $9 on the shares.

This would be a new 12-month high if achieved, and is well above the $5.50 the shares were changing hands late last week.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

Ramelius had what Macquarie termed a “challenging” quarter. However, on the upside, the broker said the Western Australia-focussed miner maintained its production guidance at 185-205,000 ounces of gold for the full year.

Production across the company’s assets fell during the quarter to 38,093 ounces, mainly due to a planned six-day mill shutdown and haul road closures caused by Cyclone Narelle, the company said.

Ramelius also said diesel prices would be heading up, with FY26 cost guidance for diesel initially siting at 95 cents per litre. The company now expects that figure to increase to $2 per litre for the rest of the financial year.

Macquarie said the company also revised its all-in sustaining cost figure 10% higher, which was a negative.

Despite the difficulties and cost increases faced by the company, Macquarie has a price target of $4.70 on Ramelius shares, compared with $3.40 currently.

The post 2 ASX gold companies Macquarie thinks should be in your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 8% today, does Macquarie think Westgold Resources shares are a buy?
• Why Ramelius, Liontown and Woodside shares are making waves on Wednesday
• Why Catalyst Metals, G8 Education, Meteoric Resources, and Westgold shares are falling today
• Why is this ASX gold stock slipping despite new gold discoveries?
• 4 ASX 200 stocks rated a strong buy with an upside over 50%

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

Are you hunting for big returns to supercharge your portfolio?

Well, if you are, then it could be worth considering the two ASX 200 shares in this article.

That’s because analysts have named them as buys this week and are tipping them to rise strongly from current levels. Here’s what they are recommending:

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

Morgans is bullish on this small business lender and sees significant value in its shares at current levels.

Last week, the broker upgraded Judo Capital’s shares to a buy rating (from accumulate) and put a $2.09 price target on them. Based on its current share price of $1.45, this implies potential upside of over 40% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker made the move in response to a solid quarterly update and recent share price weakness. It said:

JDO provided a 3Q26 trading update, which included reaffirming its FY26 earnings guidance range albeit now expected to be at the bottom end of the range given it conservatively topped up its expected loan loss provision. We view JDO’s recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity for a stock with high growth potential, increasing the margin of safety for the investment. Upgrade from ACCUMULATE to BUY. Potential TSR at current prices is c.49%.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

The team at Bell Potter is bullish on this gold miner and thinks it could be an ASX 200 share for investors to consider in May.

The broker has put a buy rating and improved price target of $9.45 on its shares. Based on its current share price of $7.06, this suggests that upside of over 30% is possible between now and this time next year.

Bell Potter was impressed with the company’s performance in the third quarter of FY 2026 and highlights that it is now sitting on over $1 billion in cash. This bodes well for capital returns in the future. In addition, the broker notes that it is attracted to the company due to its all-Australian, multi-mine asset portfolio and unhedged position.  It commented:

We remain attracted to RRL’s all-Australian, multi-mine asset portfolio, its demonstrated leverage to the gold price, highly competitive cash generation and its fully unhedged, debt free position. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 1%, to a rounded $9.45/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation with forecast dividends supporting shareholder returns.

The post These top ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans names 3 ASX 200 gold shares to buy
• 5 ASX shares scoring upgraded ratings this week
• 5 ASX mining shares to buy: experts
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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.

A few high-yield S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares could prove to be exceptionally resilient investments in the coming years at share prices.

There are a number of risks facing the Australia economy at the moment, such as a danger of recession (with fuel worries, elevated inflation and higher interest rates).

So, with that in mind, below are two compelling ASX shares worth owning with a $2,000 investment.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

I’m positive on the prospects of some real estate investment trusts (REITs) that have supportive rental income tailwinds.

Industrial properties in metropolitan locations are in high demand, with very low vacancy rates. There are numerous supportive tailwinds such as Australia’s growing population, increasing adoption of online shopping, refrigerated space requirements for food and medicine, the on-shoring and improvements of supply chains, and data centres.

The combination of a low vacancy rate and solid demand is helping drive the high-yield ASX 300 share’s rental income higher. In the first half of FY26, its net operating income (NOI) grew by 5.1% on a like-for-like basis.

With a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around seven years, it’s clear the business has locked in a lot of rental income for the next several years.

It looks undervalued to me because its latest net tangible assets (NTA) was $3.95 – it’s trading at a discount of close to 75% to this, at the time of writing. It seems to be trading at a big discount, even allowing for the headwind of higher interest rates.

In terms of the yield, the business is expecting to grow its FY26 distribution by 3% to 16.8 cents per unit, which translates into a distribution yield of 5.6%.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds is anther high-yield ASX 300 share that is a solid option for passive income.

It’s a REIT that owns various farmland across Australia, including cattle, almonds, macadamias, vineyards and cropping. I like the diversification of this strategy and how it has lowered the risk of being too exposed to one sector.

This business has an incredibly long WALE for the REIT sector, with that metric currently sitting at around 13 years.

The REIT’s rental income is steadily organically growing thanks to rental indexation that either has fixed increases or the rises are linked to inflation, plus market reviews.

Rural Funds looks cheap to me. It reported an adjusted net asset value (NAV) of $3.10 as at 31 December 2025, meaning it’s trading at discount of approximately 35% to that value. Again, higher interest rates are a headwind, but I think there’s a major valuation discount here.

The business expects to pay an annual distribution per unit of 11.73 cents in FY26. This translates into a forward distribution yield of 5.8%, at the time of writing.

The post How I’d invest $2,000 in high-yield ASX 300 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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