Tag: Stock pick

If you have $5,000 to invest this month, exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be worth considering.

They can make it easier to get diversified exposure to the share market without needing to pick individual winners.

By combining a small number of well-chosen ETFs, investors can gain access to global growth, high-quality businesses, and long-term structural themes, all in one simple portfolio. Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering right now.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF.

This popular fund tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving investors exposure to many of the largest and most well-known businesses in the world. Current holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST).

What makes this fund particularly compelling is the way the index evolves over time. This means that investors are not relying on today’s winners staying dominant forever, but instead they are backing the ongoing strength of the US corporate sector as a whole.

For long-term investors, the S&P 500 has been a powerful core holding over multiple decades.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This fund invests in US-listed companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats. These are businesses that can defend their market positions over long periods through brand strength, switching costs, or scale.

Holdings include Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), and Otis Worldwide (NYSE: OTIS). Each benefits from entrenched positions in their respective industries.

Rather than focusing on size or momentum, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF looks for businesses trading at attractive prices relative to their long-term value. This quality-plus-valuation approach could appeal to investors who want growth potential without relying purely on optimism.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A final ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

It provides exposure to companies that protect digital systems, networks, and data. Its holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS).

As businesses continue moving operations online and cyber threats become more sophisticated, demand for these services is likely to remain strong over the long term. This bodes well for the growth outlook of the fund’s holdings.

The post Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you consider currency-hedged ASX ETFs?
• 5 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this month
• Why I would buy and hold these VanEck ETFs for a decade or more
• 10 most popular ASX ETFs on the market today
• An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF 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.

During earnings season, it’s not uncommon to see large share price swings as investors react to results. Unfortunately for two ASX healthcare shares, recent announcements sent their share prices tumbling. 

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) and Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) experienced share price declines yesterday of 10% and 4% respectively. 

Both ASX healthcare shares have had a tough past week. 

Does this create a buy low opportunity? Or is it going to be more of the same moving forward?

Let’s find out. 

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

Neuren Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company specialising in developing new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders that emerge in early childhood and are characterised by impaired connections and signalling between brain cells.

Its share price crashed almost 10% yesterday after news was released that its partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ACAD), received a negative trend vote from Europe’s drug regulator for trofinetide, its treatment for Rett syndrome.

This dealt a potential blow to future revenue. 

While the drug is already approved in the US, Canada, and Israel, the uncertainty around European approval has investors selling, even though Acadia plans to appeal the decision.

For potential investors, the appeal process will certainly be worth monitoring, as it will directly impact future earnings. 

Its stock price is now down 15% in just the last 5 days of trading. 

Based on analyst ratings via TradingView, this could be a buy low opportunity for investors. 

Analysts ratings via TradingView have an average 12 month price target of $24.73 on this ASX healthcare stock. 

That indicates a massive upside of 69% from yesterday’s closing price of $14.63. 

However it doesn’t come without risk, pending the result of the company’s appeal. 

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

This ASX healthcare stock has also been on the decline in the past week following the release of its quarterly report.

It is a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company developing next-generation theranostic (therapy and imaging) products, based on its platform SAR Technology.

Clarity Pharmaceuticals shares fell 3.9% yesterday and are down more than 15% in the last week. 

After such a large fall in a short period of time, it could be a buy-low opportunity. 

This ASX healthcare stock closed trading yesterday at $2.96 per share. 

However the TradingView has an average analyst price target of $7.35. 

This indicates an upside of more than 148%. 

An important factor for future investors to monitor is the ongoing Phase II SECuRE clinical trial, which is testing a targeted treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

The post Are these 2 ASX healthcare shares a buying opportunity after yesterday’s crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Brainchip, Credit Corp, Graincorp, and Neuren shares are falling today
• Guess which ASX 200 healthcare share is crashing 22% on Tuesday on European blow
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals revises DAYBUE revenue projections to reach US$700 million in 2028
• Top 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares in 2025
• Why 4DMedical, Amaero, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine shares are falling today

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.

Here at The Motley Fool, we are always looking to identify S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks that could be undervalued.

Three that have been hotly covered in recent weeks are Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) and Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT). 

These ASX 200 stocks are either sitting close to 52-week lows, or far from yearly highs.

However for all three, it looks like there could be greener pastures ahead. 

Based on recent price targets from analysts, let’s look at just how profitable they could be as a value investment over the next 12 months. 

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus provides medical imaging technology globally. 

It is the ASX 200’s fifth-largest company.

The company is recognised as a leading supplier of radiology information systems (RIS), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and advanced visualisation solutions for medical practices and hospitals.

Yesterday, Pro Medicus shares closed at $177.56. 

This is a 37% drop over the last 12 months. 

However there is plenty of long-term potential for this ASX 200 stock. 

In its FY25 result, the company reported revenue growth of 31.9% to $213 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) growth of 39.2% to $115.2 million.

With strong fundamentals, low operating costs and a dominant market presence, I think it’s a matter of “when” not “if” this stock bounces back. 

A recent rating from Macquarie included an outperform rating and price target of $291.30. 

Should Pro Medicus shares hit this target in the next 12 months, a $10,000 investment would turn into approximately $16,409.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group shares have been heavily sold over the last year, likely due to AI concerns and competition worries.

But while investors have been exiting the stock, experts remain steadfast in their confidence. 

Yesterday, REA Group shares closed at $191.60 each. 

This is hovering close to yearly lows, with the ASX 200 stock down almost 23% in the last 12 months. 

The Motley Fool’s Tristan Harrison reported earlier this week that the team at UBS sees UBS an economic moat in customer experience, brand, uniqueness of product and complexity of the ecosystem. 

The broker also said the negative AI narrative could unwind over this year.

UBS has a price target of $255 on REA Group shares. 

If this ASX 200 stock were to hit that target in the next year, a $10,000 investment would grow to approximately $13,308. 

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

This ASX 200 stock has also been hotly covered due to its perceived value and connection with the AI trend.

The company operates data centres in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. It focuses on co-location services to local and international organisations as well as interconnectivity between enterprises, global cloud, ICT providers, and telecommunication networks.

While it has fought back considerably from 52-week lows, estimates from brokers indicates the current price is still a value play. 

NextDC shares closed yesterday at $13.26 each. 

However, Ord Minnett has a buy recommendation and a $20.50 target price on this ASX 200 stock. 

If it hit that target in a year, a $10,000 investment would grow to be worth approximately $15,460. 

The post How much could a $10,000 investment in these ASX 200 stocks be worth if they hit 12 month targets? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX growth shares to buy before they rebound
• 3 ASX 200 large-cap healthcare shares just re-rated by experts
• Experts rate these 2 ASX growth shares as buys this month!
• Why these beaten-down ASX shares are worth a second look
• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich

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

Owning Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares could be a strong pick for passive income over the longer-term as the business continues to invest for growth over the years.

The business has four different divisions – banking and financial services (BFS), asset management, investment banking and commodities and global markets (CGM). Impressively, it has global operations with around two-thirds of its income generated overseas.

But, in recent years, the business has worked on growing its presence in the Australian banking sector.

According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review, Macquarie’s mortgage book rose by 2.45% in the month of December 2025, the fastest growth rate since June 2022. It was also 3.3x the average of all banks. Those numbers were based on APRA data.

Those numbers bode well for the ASX financial share and its ability to pay good dividends in the years ahead. With expectations of rising payouts for investors, let’s take a look at the projections and how many Macquarie shares would be needed.

Passive income projection

According to the forecast on Commsec, the business is projected to increase its annual dividend by 9.2% year-over-year in FY26 to $7.10. At the time of writing, that translates into a dividend yield of 3.3%, excluding any franking credits.

If an investor wanted to receive $1,000 of annual passive income in 2026 with that forecast dividend, that would mean that’d need to own 141 Macquarie shares.

However, the business has already paid its FY26 half-year dividend, so it may be useful to look at the projection for FY27 too because it’s not too long until that financial year starts.

The forecast on Commsec suggests the business could grow its annual payout by 8.4% to $7.70. That would be a dividend yield of 3.6%, excluding any franking credits.

If an investor wanted to receive $1,000 of annual passive income based on the FY27 projection, someone would need 130 Macquarie shares.

Is this a good time to buy Macquarie shares?

Broker UBS thinks so, after recently changing its rating on the ASX financial share to a buy. UBS wrote:

Macquarie’s profitability over the past three years (10.2% ROTE, compared to its long-term avg of 16.4%) has underperformed mkt expectations. This weaker performance contributed to an 8.3% decline in its share price in 2025, which lagged behind both the broader mkt and its peers.

With the need for improvement, we believe MAM’s exit from public markets in the US and Europe, finalised in Dec ’25, is a +ve development. This transition shifts the business focus further toward private markets, particularly infra. However, with ongoing concerns around CGM’s performance and the timing of asset realisations, we think the mkt has not fully factored in the implications of this divestment on MAM’s fee structure, and performance fee potential. Upgrade to Buy.

UBS currently has a price target of $235 on the business. That implies a possible rise of around 10% (at the time of writing) within the next year.

The post How many Macquarie shares do I need to buy for $1,000 of annual passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX dividend shares for smart investors to buy
• Where I’d invest in ASX shares if the RBA increases the interest rate
• Qube Holdings updates investors on Macquarie Asset Management proposal
• How a beginner investor could build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio
• These ASX 200 shares could be no-brainer buys

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

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are down more than 50% over the past 12 months. On the surface, that kind of move suggests something is seriously broken. But when I look through the reasons behind the sell-off and compare them to what the business is actually doing today, I come to a very different conclusion.

In my view, the market has become too focused on short-term disruption and sentiment, and not focused enough on WiseTech’s long-term earnings power and strategic position in global logistics.

What actually drove the sell-off

The share price decline didn’t happen for just one reason. It was a combination of factors landing at the same time.

Growth in WiseTech’s core CargoWise business slowed after years of very strong expansion. That alone was enough to trigger concern, given the premium valuation the stock previously enjoyed. On top of that, there was management and board upheaval, governance noise, and highly publicised issues involving the founder, which damaged confidence even further.

At the same time, WiseTech was integrating a large acquisition and changing its business model, adding complexity just as investors were becoming less tolerant of execution risk across the tech sector more broadly. The result was a sharp reset in expectations, and the share price reflected that almost immediately.

All of that explains why the stock fell. It doesn’t automatically explain why it should stay down here.

The core business remains very strong

What I think gets lost in the discussion is just how entrenched WiseTech’s core platform really is.

CargoWise is not optional software. It is mission-critical infrastructure for freight forwarders and logistics providers operating across borders. Once embedded, it becomes deeply integrated into workflows, compliance processes, and customer operations. Switching away is expensive, risky, and highly disruptive.

Recent company updates continue to highlight strong customer retention, ongoing product development, and expanding functionality across the platform. WiseTech is still investing heavily in automation, compliance, and end-to-end logistics solutions, which only increases the value of CargoWise to existing customers over time.

That kind of stickiness is exactly what underpins long-term recurring revenue.

Execution is improving, not deteriorating

Another reason I think the market is wrong on WiseTech shares is that it is still pricing them as if execution risk is getting worse. Based on recent announcements and updates, I think the opposite is happening.

Management has been clear about refocusing on operational discipline, simplifying the commercial model, and improving delivery. Product launches are continuing, and the integration of prior acquisitions is progressing, albeit more quietly than during the growth-at-all-costs phase.

The valuation reset changes the risk-reward

WiseTech was never a cheap ASX share at its peak. It was priced for near-flawless execution and sustained high growth. That is no longer the case.

After a 50% plus decline, expectations are far lower and the risk-reward is more favourable. The valuation now reflects scepticism around growth, governance, and integration. For long-term investors, that matters. A lot of bad news is already priced in.

If WiseTech simply delivers steady growth, improves execution, and avoids further major disruptions, the upside from here could be meaningful. It doesn’t need to return to peak optimism for shareholders to do well.

Foolish takeaway

I don’t think WiseTech shares are risk-free. They aren’t. But I do think the market has gone too far in punishing the stock for issues that are increasingly behind it rather than ahead of it.

The core business remains dominant, customer stickiness is high, execution is stabilising, and expectations are far lower than they were a year ago. For me, that combination suggests the market is being overly pessimistic, and that WiseTech shares may represent a genuine long-term buying opportunity for patient investors willing to look beyond the recent noise.

The post Why I think the market is wrong about WiseTech shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• 2 unloved ASX 200 shares I’m tipping to beat the market
• Down 50% from recent highs: Is it time to buy these ASX stocks?
• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich
• Why these brokers are very bullish on the WiseTech share price

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

Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced an interest rate hike. The official cash rate was lifted by 25 basis points to 3.85%.

This was largely in response to persistently high inflation. 

This RBA decision impacts many aspects of the Australian economy. 

When a decision like this is made, it’s prudent for investors to look at where opportunity may lie. 

It’s useful to think about what types of ETFs may benefit or be more resilient in that environment. 

Rate hikes can pressure some sectors (like high-growth tech or bonds) while supporting banks, commodities, and floating-rate assets.

Here are three ASX ETFs that may be poised to benefit from increased interest rates. 

BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN)

The case for this ASX ETF is pretty straightforward. 

When the RBA raises the cash rate, financial companies – especially banks – often see improved profitability. 

That’s because banks can typically pass higher rates onto borrowers faster than they raise deposit costs, at least initially, which can widen net interest margins (NIM) and boost earnings. 

This fund has strong exposure to this sector. 

It includes a portfolio of the largest ASX-listed companies in the financial sector. 

This includes the ‘Big 4’ banks and insurance companies, while excluding Real Estate Investment Trusts.

In fact, more than 70% of the portfolio is comprised of Australia’s largest four banks. 

SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources Fund (ASX: OZR)

During rate rises, investors often rotate toward sectors tied to commodities (materials, energy, gold) which can outperform as inflationary pressures build and commodity prices strengthen.

This ASX ETF provides exposure to Australia’s resource sector (miners, energy). 

These stocks have historically reacted well when global demand and commodity prices are strong.

This fund aims to track the returns of the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index.

At the time of writing, it is made up of 51 holdings, with its largest exposure being to:

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) 35.16%
• Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) 7.80%
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) 6.64%

BetaShares Global Banks ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: BNKS)

Australia isn’t the only country that operates with a central bank cash rate target. 

As central banks tighten policy, bank profitability in major economies like the US and Europe often strengthens, which directly supports the earnings of the banks held in BNKS.

For investors who anticipate global economies may also increase rates this year, this ASX ETF comprises the largest global banks (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars.

This also provides international diversification, so an investor would not be relying solely on Australian rate decisions.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to target following the RBA interest rate hike appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year
• Oil pulls back as markets look to the next catalyst. Here’s what to watch
• Buying ASX energy shares? Here’s how Santos and Woodside shares stacked up in January
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) returned to form and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.9% to 8,857.1 points.

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

ASX 200 to fall

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Wednesday after a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 58 points or 0.65% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.8%, the S&P 500 is down 1.35% and the Nasdaq is 2.15% lower.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session on Wednesday after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.9% to US$63.31 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.7% to US$67.42 a barrel. This was driven by a sharp fall in oil inventories.

Rio Tinto shares on watch

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares will be on watch on Wednesday. This is because the deadline for the potential Glencore (LSE: GLEN) takeover is rapidly approaching. Rio Tinto has until tomorrow to make an offer, otherwise LSE rules state that it cannot make another play for Glencore for another six months.

Gold price rebounds

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price rebounded overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 6.65% to US$4,961.4 an ounce. Traders appear to believe the precious metal was oversold in recent sessions.

Pinnacle results

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) shares will be on watch on Wednesday after the investment company released its half-year results. The company reported an 11% decline in net profit after tax to $67.3 million. In light of this profit decline, Pinnacle was forced to cut its interim dividend by 12% to 29 cents per share. This weaker result reflects lower performance fees from its affiliates.

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

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs to target following the RBA interest rate hike
• This ASX 200 defensive stock just hit a multi-year low. Buy the dip or stay away?
• Pinnacle Investment Management profit dips as revenue climbs, dividend steady
• 3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now
• The $100,000 superannuation mistake many Australians make in their 40s

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

Shares in Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY) have slipped to their lowest level in more than 2 years.

On Wednesday, the Cleanaway share price fell 2.03% to $2.41, after touching an intraday low of $2.38. That marks the lowest closing price for the stock since early November 2023 and extends its recent slide to around 7% over the past month.

The move comes despite Cleanaway operating in a traditionally defensive sector, where earnings are usually more resilient during periods of economic uncertainty.

What does Cleanaway actually do

Cleanaway is Australia’s largest waste management and environmental services provider. The company employs more than 10,000 people and operates across over 350 sites in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Its services include municipal waste collection, recycling, landfill operations, liquid waste treatment and industrial services. Because waste still needs to be collected regardless of economic conditions, Cleanaway is typically viewed as a defensive industrial stock.

Why the share price is under pressure

There has been no single negative announcement behind the latest drop. Instead, a combination of smaller factors appears to be weighing on investor sentiment.

Brokers have pointed to softer trading conditions early in FY26, which has tempered near term expectations. As a result, earnings are now expected to skew more heavily toward the second half of the year.

Cleanaway has also underperformed the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year. That kind of underperformance often pushes investors toward stronger stocks and can reinforce selling pressure.

A look at the share price

The chart shows Cleanaway shares remain in a clear downtrend.

The stock is trading below its long-term moving averages and recently broke below support in the mid $2.40 range. The $2.38 level now becomes an important area to watch. If that level holds, it could signal that selling pressure is easing.

In addition, the relative strength index (RSI) is moving toward levels that often suggest a stock is becoming oversold.

The fundamentals still look steady

Despite the weak share price, Cleanaway’s underlying business remains relatively stable.

Analysts are forecasting modest revenue and earnings growth over the coming years, supported by population growth, infrastructure activity and increasing environmental regulation. The company continues to focus on operational efficiency and cost control.

The dividend yield sits around 3%, which is not huge but has been reasonably consistent. While is not a high growth stock, it does offer predictable cash flows compared with many other industrial businesses.

What brokers think

Broker sentiment remains broadly supportive. Several major brokers currently rate Cleanaway as a ‘buy’ or ‘outperform’, with price targets generally clustered between $3.10 and $3.30.

From current levels, that implies potential upside of roughly 30%, assuming earnings recover as expected.

Some analysts also highlight the strategic value of Cleanaway’s assets, noting that waste management infrastructure is difficult to replicate.

Foolish takeaway

The downtrend may not be over yet, but current prices may appeal to investors seeking exposure to a defensive industrial business with steady demand.

Some patience may be required, though the recent pullback could prove attractive for longer term investors.

The post This ASX 200 defensive stock just hit a multi-year low. Buy the dip or stay away? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Pinnacle Investment Management profit dips as revenue climbs, dividend steady
• 3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now
• The $100,000 superannuation mistake many Australians make in their 40s
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

CMC Markets has more than one million Australian investors registered on its trading platform, and a new report reveals the 10 ASX shares they traded most over the 2025 calendar year.

CMC Markets noted that ASX shares were traded at six times the rate of US stocks.

The broker said this indicated a strong home bias for investors who were focused on individual stocks.

Fraser Allan, Head of Premium Client Management Australia/New Zealand, said clients demonstrated “resilience and
discipline” despite volatility in the market last year.

Allan noted that many investors used the tariff-inspired rout in April to buy the dip — a trend seen by other platform providers, too.

He commented:

President Trump’s April tariff announcement was one such pivotal moment, where clients acted with conviction rather than
hesitation.

Buy/sell ratios indicate investor confidence

The data shows the percentage of trades that were buy orders and sell orders.

This provides a unique insight into how investors were viewing some ASX shares.

For example, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) had a clear buying skew despite the share price plummeting after the company’s FY25 report in August.

The broker said:

The strong buy skew in CSL stood out as a clear example of buying into weakness, with clients adding exposure despite a significant share price decline over the year.

In the case of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), the buy/sell ratio was much tighter at 56% to 44%, respectively.

The CBA share price climbed to a peak of $192 in late June 2025, ending a remarkable run that had begun in November 2023.

CBA shares then commenced a steep decline, finishing the year only 4.8% up overall.

CMC Markets said:

Trading activity in Commonwealth Bank showed more two-way participation than other top traded Australian shares, with only 56% of orders on the buy side.

This could reflect a degree of polarisation in investor perspectives around company-specific factors such as valuation during 2025.

10 most traded ASX shares of 2025

Here are the 10 most traded ASX shares among the more than one million customers registered on CMC Markets’ trading platform.

Rank	Top ASX shares by trading volume	Percentage of buy orders
1	BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)	70%
2	CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)	84%
3	Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)	71%
4	Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)	68%
5	DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)	62%
6	PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)	59%
7	ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)	56%
8	Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)	56%
9	Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)	76%
10	Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)	60%

Source: CMC Markets

The post 10 most traded ASX shares among 1 million Aussie investors last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In the past few months, ASX Lithium shares have gone through the roof as optimism for electric vehicles and energy storage demand reignites after a long slump.

Two names investors love to debate are PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR). They both posted stellar gains in the past 6 months that dwarf the broader market, surging 158% and 113% respectively

The question now is: which of these two ASX lithium shares should you be eyeing as a buy?

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

This $14 billion ASX lithium share is the big-league player. The lithium miner formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, first attracted serious global investor attention when lithium prices were peaking.

Its flagship Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia is among the largest spodumene producers in the world. The ASX lithium share has been aggressively pushing downstream through partnerships and processing ventures that give it a broader slice of the lithium value chain.

That scale is a key strength. When lithium prices and demand are strong, the miner converts that into hefty cash flow and hefty profits. The company’s balance sheet, export contracts and strategic partnerships also lend it a degree of resilience.

But there’s a flip side. PLS Group’s size makes it more sensitive to the global spodumene price cycle, and in weaker markets its earnings have taken hits. Recent history shows periods where revenue plunged alongside commodity prices.

Now some analysts argue the leading ASX lithium stock trades on a premium that leaves limited room for near-term upside. Despite a stronger than expected second-quarter update, Morgans sees the share as a hold.

The broker has set a 12-month price target of $4.62, an upside of nearly 5%. 

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Liontown feels like the scrappier, growth-oriented sibling. Smaller than PLS but no less ambitious, Liontown’s Kathleen Valley project has moved from open pit into deeper underground operations, and the company is now securing offtake deals that lock in future revenue flows.

The price of the ASX lithium share has exploded as these milestones have been hit and investors price in future production. The entirely owned asset base gives Liontown a clearer line of sight on its economics. Some brokers also see better value as the stock hasn’t yet commanded the same premium multiples as PLS.

The company’s execution risk is higher. The transitioning from development into sustained production is tough, cash burn can be heavy, and the balance sheet must be managed carefully. However, the potential returns on success are correspondingly greater.

Market tweaks like amendments to supply deals with big automakers show Liontown is fighting smart to capture market share. The investor caution is that lithium market cycles still govern all outcomes. If prices languish or new supply outpaces demand, Liontown could languish.

Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on this ASX lithium stock with a trimmed price target of $2.42. This points to a 32% upside, compared to the current share price of $1.83. 

Foolish Takeaway

If you want scale and an established production profile, PLS Group is the clear blue-chip. If you’re chasing higher upside and can tolerate execution risk, Liontown offers greater growth optionality.

In a choppy lithium cycle, PLS Group brings stability; Liontown brings torque. For investors with a long-term horizon and appetite for volatility, Liontown could look more compelling.

The post Which ASX lithium share is a smarter buy: PLS Group or Liontown? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Graincorp and PLS shares buys, holds, or sells?
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• Are ASX lithium shares running out of steam?
• The growing case for critical minerals – Expert
• Liontown shares: After a year of outperformance, is it still a buy?

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.