Tag: Stock pick

Quality doesn’t always come cheap on the ASX. However, when strong ASX shares fall out of favour, opportunity can open up.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and GQG Partners Inc. (ASX: GQG) are three high-profile names on the ASX that have seen their share prices retreat 20% or even 40% in the past 6 months. This despite retaining long-term growth drivers.

For investors willing to look past short-term volatility, these beaten-down ASX shares could offer attractive upside from current levels.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group shares have cooled significantly after a strong run over recent years. The ASX share pulled back sharply 21% in the past 6 months to $189.75 at the time of writing.  

The fall of the blue chip share was a result of higher interest rates and softer housing activity that weighed on listing volumes and sentiment.

Despite that, REA’s underlying business remains one of the strongest digital marketplaces on the ASX. Realestate.com.au dominates Australian property listings, giving the company pricing power and resilient margins.

Revenue growth can slow when property markets cool, and regulatory scrutiny remains a risk, but history shows activity eventually rebounds. If housing turnover stabilises, REA’s earnings leverage could drive a renewed re-rating.

Most brokers see the ASX 200 share as a buy, with an average 12-month price target of $235.05. That points to a 45% upside.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

This ASX healthcare share has also experienced a meaningful pullback after years of exceptional gains. The company’s share price surged as its medical imaging software won major hospital contracts globally, but valuation concerns and broader growth stock sell-offs have taken some heat out of the rally.

The ASX 200 share lost 42% of its value in the past 6 months and currently trades at $184.12 apiece. No wonder most analysts see serious upside ahead. The consensus price target for the ASX share is set at $296.19, a potential gain of 61% for the next 12 months.

Brokers think that Pro Medicus’ long-term story remains compelling. The ASX share operates a high-margin, capital-light business with sticky customers and recurring revenue.

The main risk lies in its premium valuation and reliance on hospital spending cycles, which can delay contract decisions. Even so, continued global rollout of its technology supports the case that recent weakness may represent an entry point rather than a warning sign.

GQG Partners Inc. (ASX: GQG)

GQG Partners rounds out the trio as a very different kind of opportunity. The price of the ASX share has drifted 23% lower over 6 months amid market volatility and periods of investor outflows.

As an active manager, GQG’s earnings are tied to assets under management, which can fall quickly when performance lags benchmarks. That said, the business still generates strong cash flows, operates with a low-cost structure and pays a generous dividend.

If markets improve and performance stabilises, sentiment could turn quickly. Market watchers rate the current valuation of $1.57 as overly pessimistic. They think the ASX share could climb to $2.06 in the next 12 months, a potential upside of 31%.  

The post Why these beaten-down ASX shares are worth a second look appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• These 2 ASX shares are set to soar in 2026 and beyond
• Is AI a real threat to CAR Group and REA Group shares?
• The incredible ASX stock I’d hold for 10 years without watching the share price

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

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 17%. Though, this is down slightly week on week again. Short sellers seem to be doubting that this pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will be a success.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has seen its short interest reduce again to 16.2%. This uranium producer’s shares have rallied strongly since the start of the year. This has been driven by optimism over uranium demand and prices.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.7%, which is down slightly week on week. Disappointment over this taco and burrito seller’s performance in the United States could be behind this. After all, this market is a key part of analysts’ growth assumptions.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise to 13.3%. This wine giant is going through a tough period. This includes facing distributor uncertainty in the United States and unfavourable consumer trends.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 12.8% of its shares held short, which is up week on week again. Student visa changes in key markets are negatively impacting the company’s performance and outlook.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 12.1%, which is up since last week. This is likely to be due to concerns over this medical device company’s valuation.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) is back in the top ten with short interest of 11.5%. Short sellers may believe that consumer trends could put pressure on the travel agent’s revenue margin outlook.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 11.4%, which is up slightly week on week. Traders may be concerned that this radiopharmaceuticals company could struggle again with its FDA approvals in 2026.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 10.8%, which is down sharply week on week. This uranium producer’s shares have been on fire this year, which appears to have led to short sellers closing positions in a hurry.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has returned to the top ten with short interest of 10.1%. Short sellers may believe the market is being too bullish on this counter-drone technology company’s growth outlook.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market as oil and uranium prices spike
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, DroneShield, and Santos shares
• These 2 ASX shares are set to soar in 2026 and beyond
• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in January

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Wistech Global (ASX:WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX:XRO) and Bapcor Ltd (ASX:BAP) have all dropped around 50% in the last 12 months. Investors must now decide if these falls are a sign of further difficulties ahead or a measure of short-term sentiment.

Is Wisetech stock priced to buy?

The Wisetech share price has fallen around 50% from its peak of almost $130 in early Feb 2025. Declines in 2025 were largely driven by market pressure on high growth high valuation stocks as well as investor caution around the integration risks of its US $2.1 billion acquisition of e2open.

Coming into 2026, continued weak sentiment in high valuation stocks and a period of decelerated growth for the company are continuing the trend.

However, despite these headwinds, its core business continues to prosper. Wisetech’s global logistics and supply chain software, CargoWise, reports solid results and continued, if decelerating, growth. And some brokers remain bullish, buoyed by the software’s defensive moat against AI.

The question for investors is whether the share price can return to its previous highs. While the current price may not amount to a universal buy signal, it could prove an attractive entry point for long-term investors, albeit with some higher risk attached.  

Is Xero stock priced to buy?

February 2025 saw Xero trading at around $180 per share but has recently dropped below the $100 mark. Still a hefty price tag, but is it a steal for one of our most high-profile tech growth stocks?

There is no single event driving the share price declines for Xero. A combination of sector headwinds, acquisition decisions and overvaluation concern in growth stocks have fuelled the sell-off.

In June 2025, Xero announced the acquisition of US-based bill pay platform, Melio, in a bid to expand its footprint in the lucrative US market. But the US $2.5 billion price tag and the decision to partly finance the purchase through the issue of new shares left some investors cold. In addition, some investors worried that the acquisition wouldn’t produce results, given the more competitive US landscape.

That said, Xero continues to post revenue growth and strong cashflow. And the potential in the US market is significant, if it can execute. Given its track record of disciplined growth over the last few years, I believe it can.

For me, Xero remains a solid option for long-term investors. There is a valid question around whether it can return to the lofty valuations of early 2025. However, if it makes a successful play in the US market with Melio, I believe it will deliver some solid returns in years to come.

Is Bapcor stock priced to buy?

Aftermarket automotive parts provider, Bapcor, has experienced share price declines of over 50% in the last year, from highs above the $5 mark in February 2025. The drop has been driven by a combination of earnings downgrades, operational disruption and notable leadership movements. In addition, lower discretionary consumer spending has impacted its retail business.

In December 2025, Bapcor reported an expected net loss of $5-8 million for the first half of FY2026, down from a profit forecast of $3-7 million. This represented its second downgrade of the year, after initially anticipating $14-18 million in profit.

On the leadership front, the company announced the appointment of experienced CEO, Chris Wilesmith (ex Jaycar Electronics, Mitre 10 and Supercheap Auto) on 18 December 2025. Response to the move was positive, with the share price jumping 12%. But it has come on the tail of significant group leadership movement that has left some investors wary.

At this point, Bapcor is a turnaround play. The experienced hand of Wilesmith at the helm offers some reassurance. But there is a significant journey ahead.

For me, Bapcor is one for the watch list, for now. However, more risk-tolerant investors may see an opportunity at current prices.  

The post Down 50% from recent highs: Is it time to buy these ASX stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy in February
• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Why these brokers are very bullish on the WiseTech share price
• 3 ASX 200 shares trading at 52-week lows: Are they a buy?

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

The ASX dividend stock WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ) has dropped around 4% since mid-January, as the chart below shows. There are a few reasons I think the investment is a top buy for passive income today, even though the decline isn’t large.

This is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that is operated by the investment team at WCM Investment Management. WCM is based in Laguna Beach, Southern California. On its choice of location, the fund manager says:

We are conveniently located 2,805 miles from the groupthink of Wall Street.

There are a couple of key reasons why I think this is a compelling ASX dividend stock after its small decline.

Excellent investment strategy

The fund aims to own between 20 and 40 stocks that it views as quality global growth companies.

Its strategy prioritises companies with a durable and improving competitive advantage (meaning a positive trajectory of the economic moat).

The investment team believes that the corporate culture has a critical role in driving shareholder value and ensuring ongoing improvement of the economic moat.  

It aims to maintain a focused portfolio of high-conviction holdings it believes can deliver strong investment returns.

Finally, WCM says that thoughtful portfolio construction “enhances the potential for robust performance in different market backdrops”.

By following this strategy, the WCMQ ETF’s portfolio has delivered an average net return of 15.9% per year since it started in August 2018, outperforming the global share market by an average of 2.8% per year during that time.

Some of the names in its current portfolio include AppLovin, Taiwan Semiconductor, Amazon, Rolls Royce and Tencent.

Why it’s a strong ASX dividend stock pick

I haven’t mentioned anything about its passive income potential yet, so let’s look at that aspect.

The fund has a specified target of delivering a minimum annualised cash yield of 5% per year.

I’d suggest that this immediately makes the fund attractive as a dividend investment.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future outcomes, in terms of the fund’s net returns. However, it does have a good track record of delivering long-term double-digit returns that I think can be continued.

The level of net returns the fund is producing means it can pay a 5% dividend yield and see the capital value of the fund increase over time. A higher unit price means a higher future payout in the coming year.

For example, a 5% dividend yield on a $10 unit price is a 50 cents per unit payout. If the unit price grows to $11 then the next payout would rise to 55 cents per unit.

I’m optimistic that the WCMQ can deliver a good dividend yield, growing payouts and capital growth in the coming years.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 4% I’d buy right now! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 wonderful ASX dividend shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now
• Here’s how you could turn the stock market into a $1,000 monthly passive income machine

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 Amazon, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Rolls-Royce Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are wanting some exposure to the smaller side of the market, then it could be worth considering the two small cap ASX shares in this article.

That’s because they have just been named as buys by analysts at Bell Potter. Here’s why the broker is bullish on these names:

6K Additive Inc (ASX: 6KA)

The first small cap ASX share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is 6K Additive.

It is a US-based manufacturer, upcycling metal scrap into premium metal powders and alloying additives. Bell Potter highlights that its patented UniMelt technology can produce spherical powders for additive manufacturing across a range of high-end reactive metals, refractory metals, and alloys.

This includes titanium, Inconel, C103 and tantalum. Compared with incumbent spheroidisation processes, UniMelt has materially lower energy consumption, achieves higher product yield, and upcycles manufacturing waste.

The broker believes the small cap has a competitive advantage and is well-placed to benefit from increased defence spending. It said:

6KA has a competitive advantage in the production of high-value metal powders for the fast-growing global Additive Manufacturing sector. The company’s UniMelt systems are energy efficient, high yield and accept recycled metal feedstock. 6KA is supporting US-based reshoring of critical metal supply.

Company value is highly leveraged to the take-up of Additive Manufacturing, which has lead-time advantages over incumbent casting and forging production methods. We expect Additive Manufacturing to be a beneficiary of the US Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy to support rebuilding the country’s Defense Industrial Base.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and $1.45 price target on its shares.

WRKR Ltd (ASX: WRK)

Another small cap ASX share that Bell Potter is bullish on is WRKR. It is a regulation technology company for Australian employers across the employee lifecycle. The company has a core focus on managing superannuation compliance events, providing payment processing and onboarding solutions.

Bell Potter was pleased with the company’s performance during the second quarter. It said:

WRK delivered another standout cash collection result, with $3.2m cash receipts from customers in 2Q26. The print was negatively impacted by $0.9m late invoices which have since been collected. This is expected to benefit the 3Q26 result.

Cash receipts, adjusted for timing differences, grew +68% YOY and +13% QOQ pro-forma reflecting: 1) consistent recurring revenue linked to transactional activity through Wrkr PAY (71% FY25 revenue); 2) Ongoing developments for Australian Retirement Trust, with their Employer Online portal being a new mention, and further work on the Beam platform; and 3) milestone payments related to MUFG Australian and Hong Kong agreements, in addition to monthly support and maintenance fees for the Hong Kong platform.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of 18.5 cents.

The post Bell Potter names 2 small cap ASX shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy this record-breaking ASX 200 gold stock after the selloff: Expert
• Why these beaten-down ASX shares are worth a second look
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Down 50% from recent highs: Is it time to buy these ASX stocks?
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 4% I’d buy right now!

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.

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

Three smart picks according to analysts are named below. Here’s what they are expecting from them:

Cedar Woods Properties Limited (ASX: CWP)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to analysts is Cedar Woods.

It is one of Australia’s leading property developers with a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type. This includes subdivisions in emerging residential communities, high-density apartments, and townhouses in inner-city neighbourhoods.

Bell Potter is a big fan of Cedar Woods. It believes the company is well-positioned to benefit from Australia’s chronic housing shortage.

The broker expects this to support dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.09, this equates to 4.3% and 4.7% dividend yields, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a smart buy according to analysts is Jumbo Interactive.

It is an online lottery ticket seller and lottery platform provider, best known for its Oz Lotteries app and Powered by Jumbo platform.

The team at Macquarie believes it is positioned to reward shareholders with fully franked dividends of 39.5 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 54 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $10.26, this would mean dividend yields of 3.85% and 5.25%, respectively.

The broker currently has an outperform rating and $14.60 price target on its shares.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

A third and final ASX dividend share for smart investors to look at is Rural Funds.

It is a property company that owns agricultural assets such as cattle properties, vineyards, and cropping land. Rural Funds leases these properties to high-quality tenants on long-term agreements with periodic rental increases built in.

This gives Rural Funds great visibility on its future earnings and has allowed it to grow its dividend at a consistent rate for many years.

Bell Potter is expecting the company to reward shareholders with an 11.7 cents per share dividend in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.03, this would mean attractive 5.8% dividend yields.

The broker has a buy rating and $2.45 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares for smart investors to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 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
• The best ASX dividend shares to buy now
• These ASX 200 shares could be no-brainer buys

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

If there’s one S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share that has captured the imagination of growth investors over the past few years, it’s Life360 Inc (ASX: 360).

Once best known as a family-tracking app, the ASX 200 share has transformed into a broader digital safety and subscription-monetisation platform with growing international reach.

But with recent share price volatility, strategic pivots and evolving revenue models front of mind, investors ask: Can Life360 still climb from here?

True tech script

The price swings of the ASX 200 tech share have lived up to the tech stock script â€” rapid rises, sharp pullbacks and renewed rally phases. After rolling out upgraded guidance for FY2025 and a strong Q4 showing, the stock has swung significantly.

In the past 6 months Life360 has shed 31% of its value to $6.5 billion. The start of 2026 also hasn’t been great with a loss of almost 15% at the time of writing. However, long-term holders are still well ahead thanks to years of growth, with the stock up well over 600% in the past 5 years.   

What do analysts think?

Analyst sentiment remains broadly positive. Trading View consensus leans toward buy with average 12-month price targets suggesting meaningful upside potential. Some forecasts show possible gains of 60% to 80% or more from the current share price of $27.42.

Bell Potter has just reiterated a buy rating on the ASX 200 tech share, setting a price target of $45.00 per share. The broker is encouraged by the company’s strong growth in paying circles and expects this momentum to continue as more monthly active users convert to paid subscribers.

Bell Potter also points to Life360’s potential to disrupt adjacent markets as a key upside driver. 

Digital global safety platform

The transformation of the ASX 200 stock from a simple locator app into a global subscription and digital safety platform is a core strength. The company has delivered significant user growth â€” with monthly active users approaching or exceeding 90 million — and growing subscription adoption. 

Expanding into higher-margin advertising via acquisitions and tech integrations — such as the Nativo deal — also offers a revenue diversification path beyond subscriptions. 

Tech growth focussed

Life360 isn’t without its challenges. The ASX 200 share doesn’t pay dividends, reflecting its tech-growth focus rather than an income orientation. So, it’s a non-starter for dividend-seeking investors. 

Additionally, profitability has been improving, but the business model still leans on continued subscription growth and effective monetisation of non-paying users. Advertising and data monetisation strategies have clear promise, but they also attract privacy scrutiny and competitive pressure, particularly from tech giants. 

Foolish Takeaway

From a valuation and growth standpoint, Life360 still has ample fuel left in the tank. Continued subscriber expansion, international penetration, and diversification into ads and premium services create multiple levers for revenue growth. Analyst price targets and upgrades suggest there’s unpriced potential if these trends continue. 

But investors should expect volatility, execution risk and no dividend income as part of ownership. The ASX 200 tech stock feels more like a growth play than a safe yield stock. It could be powerful if you believe in its expanding ecosystem, less so if you’re chasing stable cash flow.

The post Can this ASX 200 tech share power higher from here? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX growth shares could still be early in their story
• Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Liontown, and Mineral Resources shares
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a bit of a rough patch for many of the ASX’s most popular growth stocks in recent months.

Although not a direct proxy, I like to use the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC) as a yardstick for ASX growth shares, as this exchange-traded fund (ETF) holds many, if not most, of the ASX’s most popular high-growth companies.

As it currently stands, ATEC units are down by 21.8% over the past 2 months, a period that has seen the broader share market record a modest gain.

There’s nothing wrong with the ASX’s best growth stocks. However, if I had $1,000 to put into a growth stock on the ASX right now, I would opt for one that trades on the ASX, but actually represents a different market altogether.

That growth stock is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). This ETF and index fund is one of the best options for growth investors on the ASX, at least in my view. But how can a simple index fund offer the growth stocks that these investors crave? Well, this index fund is no collection of banks and miners, as ASX investors might be used to seeing. NDQ represents the largest 100 non-financial stocks listed on the American NASDAQ stock exchange.

The US has a rather unique American setup, with two major exchanges. The New York Stock Exchange is the traditional listing place for some of America’s oldest companies. It’s where you will find stocks like Procter & Gamble, Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola Co.

The NASDAQ, meanwhile, is the newer, trendier exchange. It is widely known for being the place where almost every major US tech stock calls home.

This ASX growth stock has returned 33% per annum since 2022

For starters, all seven of the’ Magnificent 7′ tech titans are on the NASDAQ, and form the largest holdings of the NDQ ETF. Despite their size, these seven companies, including NVIDIA, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft and Tesla, remain some of the US’s most exciting growth stocks.

But it’s not just the Magnificent 7 that make NDQ an exciting investment for those looking for growth stocks. Some of its other major holdings include Broadcom, Netflix, Palantir Technologies, Costco, AMD, Shopify and Booking Holdings.

An investment in the ASX’s NDQ ETF is an investment in all of these exciting growth stocks.

We can safely call the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF a growth stock thanks to its breathtaking performance history in recent years. As of 31 December, NDQ units have returned an average of 33.14% per annum over the past three years, 18% per annum over the past five and 19.99% over the past ten.

Now, there’s no guarantee that this performance will continue, of course. However, NDQ’s holdings are still, at least in my view, some of the most exciting stocks on the planet. As such, I think this ASX ETF is a great place to invest if you’re looking for a top-tier growth stock on the ASX in 2026.

The post The smartest ASX growth stock to buy with $1,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX ETFs I’d buy amid the AI sell-off
• 10 most popular ASX ETFs on the market today
• How a beginner investor could build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs
• Why ASX ETFs are a good place to start for beginner investors

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, and Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Booking Holdings, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Shopify, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Booking Holdings, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Shopify. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in the red. The benchmark index fell 0.65% to 8,869.1 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week following a disappointing finish to the last one on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 60 points or 0.7% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.35%, the S&P 500 fell 0.45%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.95%.

Oil prices ease

It could be a subdued start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices fell on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 0.3% to US$65.21 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 0.4% to US$69.32 a barrel. Iran tensions gave oil prices a boost.

Buy ASK shares

Analysts at Bell Potter think investors should be buying Abacus Storage King (ASX: ASK) shares. Its analysts have initiated coverage on the self-storage company with a buy rating and $1.70 price target. It said: “Our investment case is predicated on a fundamental valuation disconnect between where ASK is trading (6.1% market implied cap rate, -13% discount to FY25 NTA, -20% to BPe FY26e NTA) and where storage assets/portfolios are clearing in the private market, with ASK-comparable assets transacting at-or-below 5% cap rates.”

Gold price crashes

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a tough start to the week after the gold price crashed on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 8.25% to US$4,879.6 an ounce. Traders were selling gold and silver (down 25%) after Donald Trump picked his next US Federal Reserve chief. The nomination removed Fed independence fears.

Rio Tinto update

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price will be one to watch on Monday. That’s because the mining giant and Aluminum Corporation of China have announced a definitive agreement to acquire Votorantim’s controlling shareholding in Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio. It is a vertically integrated low-carbon aluminium business in Brazil, supported by a 1.6 GW portfolio of renewable power generation assets. Management notes that the transaction will leverage Rio Tinto and Aluminum Corporation of China’s deep and complementary expertise across the aluminium value chain to unlock the next phase of growth at Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio.

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

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy 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 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 February arrives, the Australian share market is entering a more selective phase.

Inflation concerns, shifting interest rate expectations, and money moving between sectors are shaping investor behaviour. Some areas of the market have pulled back sharply, while others are quietly strengthening under the surface.

In this environment, I am looking for quality businesses with strong balance sheets, clear earnings drivers, and broker support.

Here are 3 ASX 200 shares that stand out to me right now.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

After a strong run through much of 2025, Xero shares have pulled back over recent weeks. That weakness has come as global tech stocks softened and investors rotated toward more defensive sectors.

Xero remains one of the highest quality software businesses on the ASX. It continues to grow subscriber numbers across key offshore markets, while improving margins as scale builds.

Brokers remain supportive. Several major investment banks have reiterated ‘buy’ ratings in recent months, pointing to Xero’s strong competitive position and long runway for earnings growth.

While short term volatility may persist, I see this as a high-quality growth name trading at more attractive levels than earlier in the year.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The energy giant provides exposure to oil and LNG markets, alongside a fully franked dividend stream that many growth stocks simply cannot match.

Energy prices have firmed in recent months, supported by global supply discipline and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. That backdrop has helped support Woodside’s cash flows and balance sheet.

Broker sentiment here is more balanced than bullish, but most analysts still see value. Several brokers have price targets modestly above current levels and continue to highlight Woodside’s dividend yield as a key attraction.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Gold stocks have been quietly regaining attention, and Northern Star sits at the top of that list.

The miner benefits from strong production assets, improving margins, and rising gold prices. With global uncertainty lingering, gold has once again started to attract safe haven demand.

Northern Star has also executed well operationally, which has helped support broker confidence. Analysts generally view it as one of the better run gold producers on the ASX, with solid free cash flow generation.

If gold prices remain elevated, Northern Star could continue to outperform the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Foolish takeaway

Markets rarely move in straight lines, especially around reporting season and shifting macro expectations.

These 3 ASX 200 shares give investors a mix of growth potential, income support, and exposure to gold.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term noise, February could offer some attractive entry points.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market as oil and uranium prices spike
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January
• Zimplats quarterly earnings: production up, costs down, projects on track
• Deterra Royalties posts higher Q2 revenue as MAC iron ore shines

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