Tag: Stock pick

The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is 0.22% higher at 9,151 points, as earnings season continues on Tuesday.

Here, we canvas the views of two experts on three ASX All Ords shares within the consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare sectors.

One is a buy, one is a hold, and one is a sell.

Let’s review.

Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB)

Bubs Australia shares are steady at 13 cents per share on Tuesday.

The share price of this milk producer has risen 8.3% over the past 12 months.

Shaw and Partners has a buy rating on the ASX consumer staples share.

Bubs released its 2Q FY26 quarterly activities report on 30 January.

The company reported 2Q FY26 net revenue of $29.9 million, up 17%, and 1H FY26 net revenue of $55.5 million, up 14.3%.

After reviewing the report, Shaw and Partners lowered its 12-month price forecast from 20 cents to 17 cents per share.

The broker said:

[The] 2Q FY26 quarterly activities report highlighted another strong quarter of sales in the USA, and ongoing inventory issues plus some challenging conditions in Australia, China, and ROW.

The company remains confident of receiving permanent FDA approval and noted the FDA has no further questions on the clinical trial component of its submission at this time.

Conditions in Australia/China/ROW should improve in 2H26.

We have adjusted our BUB forecasts to incorporate the 2H26 quarterly.

Given the expected TSR [total shareholder return] of circa 31%, we rate the stock a BUY. 

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

The Origin Energy share price is $11.01, down 1.1% today and up 8.8% over the past 12 months.

In a new note, Ord Minnett maintains a hold rating on this ASX utilities share.

The broker lifted its share price target from $10.80 to $11, implying the stock is fully valued today.

Ord Minnett said:

… we remain cautious on Origin given the headwinds we see – increased capital expenditure to maintain APLNG production, ongoing bad debt problems at Octopus, weaker wholesale electricity pricing, and a likely fall in spot LNG prices – and remain at Hold.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

4DMedical shares are $3.45 apiece, down 0.4% today.

The respiratory imaging technology company has enjoyed a stunning share price growth of 562% over the past year.

On The Bull this week, Tony Paterno from Ord Minnett explained the broker’s sell rating on the rocketing ASX healthcare share.

Paterno said:

In our view, there’s a growing disconnect between 4DX’s valuation and the uncertainty around near term CT:VQ revenue generation.

While we remain positive on 4DX’s technology, we pull back to a sell recommendation on valuation grounds. 

The post Buy, hold, sell: Bubs, Origin Energy, 4D Medical shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• Experts name 2 small-cap ASX shares to buy and one to sell
• Up 542% in a year, is it too late to buy 4DMedical shares today?
• Are Origin Energy shares a buy, hold or sell before earnings results?
• This ASX penny stock could rocket 40%, says broker

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

ASX gold shares are higher on Tuesday, with the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 1% at the time of writing.

The gold price is continuing its recovery from the recent commodities rout, trading near a one-week high of $5,048 per ounce.

The gold price ripped to a record US$5,608 per ounce on 27 January.

A major sell-off began two days later on news of a hawkish Fed chair nominee, which sparked profit-taking in the metals markets.

The gold price rose by 27% in 2024 and 65% last year.

In 2026 so far, the yellow metal is still up by an impressive 16.7% despite the sell-off.

What’s next for the gold price?

The most ambitious prediction for the gold price this year comes from Julia Du of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

ICBC is a partially state-owned multinational bank and the largest in the world by total asset value at $6.6 trillion, according to S&P Global.

Du says the gold price could crack the US$7,000 per ounce mark this year.

I expect 2026 to be a year of heightened geopolitical risk and strong safe-haven demand, allowing gold to continue the volatile yet upward trend.

Central banks are likely to keep adding to reserves, institutional investors will increase portfolio allocations, and retail demand – especially in Latin America – should remain robust.

Combined with continued Fed rate cuts, these forces support a bullish bias.

Temporary easing of tensions could trigger price pullbacks, but strong buying interest should limit downside.

Du is the most optimistic among scores of experts whose forecasts feature in the 2026 LBMA Annual Precious Metals Forecast Survey.

She predicts a peak of US$7,150 per ounce in 2026 and a low of US$4,100 per ounce during brief corrections, like the one we just saw.

Du is not alone in seeing potential for the gold price to rise through US$7,000 per ounce.

UBS also sees potential for the gold price to ascend beyond US$7,000 per ounce under the right circumstances.

In a note, UBS strategists Wayne Gordon and Giovanni Staunovo say the gold price could trade as high as US$7,200 per ounce and as low as US$4,600 per ounce in 2026.

… we now project an upside scenario target of USD 7,200/oz and a downside scenario of USD 4,600/oz (this is close to a one standard deviation move).

A hawkish pivot by the Federal Reserve could heighten risks to the downside, while a steep escalation in geopolitical tensions could bring us closer to the upside scenario.

Gold continues to be rated as Attractive, and we maintain a long position in our global asset allocation.

3 drivers for the gold price in 2026

Du says the three primary drivers of the gold price this year start with continuing central bank purchases to counter geopolitical risks.

Although prices are high, these purchases are strategic and relatively insensitive to price fluctuations.

The second driver will be institutional allocations, with Du commenting:

Last year’s sharp gold rally highlighted its growth potential beyond safe-haven status.

With U.S. equities facing possible downturns, institutions are likely to boost gold allocations in their portfolios.

The third driver will be demand for physical gold amid social unrest in some parts of the world.

Social instability drives consumers to seek physical gold, especially in regions with severe currency depreciation and escalating conflicts such as Latin America.

Similar trends are emerging globally as more consumers recognise gold’s investment value.

Record amounts flowing into gold ETFs

Across the global markets, gold ETFs received a record net inflow of US$19 billion (A$27.3 billion) last month.

According to the World Gold Council, gold ETFs now have a record US$669 billion in assets under management (AUM).

ASX gold ETFs attracted a net inflow of US$202 million in January, bringing local AUM to US$8.6 billion.

In 2025, Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) was the highest returning ASX ETF holding overseas shares.

The MNRS ETF gave a total return, including dividends, of 149% last year.

The second-best performer was VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX), which returned 144%.

The market’s largest physical gold ETF, Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD), returned 54% in 2025.

The post Could the gold price reach US$7,000 per ounce? This expert thinks so appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Gold vs silver. Here’s where I’d put my money in 2026
• Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion in January
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• 4 ASX ETFs that produced 110% to 150% returns in 2025
• Gold hits $5,300! How far can this rally go?

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 positions in and has recommended S&P Global. 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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already being embedded across software, hardware, manufacturing, healthcare, and digital services.

For investors, the challenge is not whether AI will matter, but how to gain exposure without trying to pick the single company that gets everything right.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple way to invest in AI themes while spreading risk across dozens of businesses.

Here are three easy ways to invest in AI using ASX ETFs.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

The most direct way to invest in AI on the ASX is through the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This ETF focuses on companies developing the core technologies behind artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. Rather than concentrating on consumer-facing apps, this fund leans toward the infrastructure that enables AI to function at scale.

Holdings include businesses such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), which designs the chips powering AI data centres, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), which applies robotics and AI to healthcare procedures, and Keyence, a leader in industrial automation and sensors.

The appeal of the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF is that it captures AI adoption across multiple industries, from factories to hospitals, rather than relying on a single use case. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another way to gain AI exposure is through the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

While this is not an AI-specific ETF, many of the world’s biggest investors in artificial intelligence sit within the Nasdaq 100 Index. These companies are spending billions on AI research, infrastructure, and integration into existing platforms.

Holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), which is embedding AI across its cloud and productivity software, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), which uses AI to power search, advertising, and autonomous systems, and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), which is investing heavily in AI-driven recommendation engines.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides exposure to AI as part of broader digital ecosystems, capturing companies that are likely to monetise AI at scale over time.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

A final way to invest in AI is through the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF, which offers exposure to leading technology companies across the Asian region.

Asia plays a critical role in both AI development and deployment, spanning semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and consumer-facing platforms. The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF includes companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), which manufactures advanced chips used in AI applications, and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

Baidu is often described as China’s AI leader. It has developed large language models, autonomous driving technology, and AI-powered search and cloud services, positioning it as a key beneficiary of AI adoption within China’s domestic market.

The post 3 easy ways to invest in AI with ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• 3 ASX ETFs to target with exposure outside the US and Australia
• Passive income: How much do you need to invest to make $500 per month?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy after the brutal tech selloff
• 3 exciting ASX ETFs with strong long-term growth potential

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Baidu, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Intuitive Surgical, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. 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) is climbing higher this week. Since yesterday morning, the index has gained 0.8% and is now 1.86% higher for the year to date.

But some shares are expected to far outpace the index this year. Here are three ASX 200 shares I have my eye on, and analysts are tipping upside of 50% to 60% each!

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat is an Australian gaming technology company licensed in around 340 gaming jurisdictions in more than 100 countries.

Its shares are trading in the green on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the shares are up 0.58% to $52.31. For the year to date, the shares are 8.61% lower, and they’re down 29.25% on the year. 

The gaming company has suffered headwinds from a strengthening Australian dollar this year, but analysts are confident that the business has some great growth prospects ahead.

But analysts are optimistic that the ASX 200 stock can turn its shares around over the next 12 months. 

Data shows a buy consensus among analysts, with a maximum upside of $82.20 a piece, which implies a potential 56.98% upside at the time of writing.

CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)

CAR is a global digital marketplace business, headquartered in Australia. It operates well known automotive websites like carsales, Encar and Trader Interactive. 

The company posted solid revenue and earnings growth in its FY26 half-year result, and reaffirmed its full-year guidance. But a wider market-selloff and overall sector weakness has pushed the stock lower through the first month of 2026. 

At the time of writing the shares are 1.93% higher to $27.43 a piece. For the year-to-date they’ve fallen 11.14% and they’re now a huge 28.49% lower than this time last year.

But analysts are very optimistic that there will be a strong share price push over the next 12 months. The maximum target price is $42.20, which implies a potential 53.79% upside at the time of writing. 

Ebos Group Ltd (ASX: EBO)

Ebos is the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. The company provides pharmaceutical and wellness products to community pharmacies, public and private hospitals, day surgeries, general practices, aged care facilities, and specialist clinics.

The company is a fairly new player on the ASX 200, after it’s shares entered the index on 22nd of September. In August last year the ASX 200 healthcare stock crashed 14% to a 4-year low after investors were spooked by declines posted in its FY25 results. 

Since entering the index in September, its shares have tumbled another 14%. At the time of writing the shares are up 0.37% to $21.98 a piece.

But now, some analysts see the oversold stock as severely undervalued. 

Data shows that five out of 9 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Ebos shares. Another two have a hold rating and two have a sell rating. The maximum target price is $34.82, which implies a 58.34% upside at the time of writing. 

The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to storm 50% to 60% higher this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CAR, REA, and Life360 shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Sims consolidates Houston operations with Tri Coastal Trading acquisition
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares worth buying after February’s sell-off

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

When people talk about blue-chip investing, they’re usually referring to businesses that can be held through thick and thin. Companies with scale, resilient earnings, and business models that don’t need perfect conditions to survive.

If I were narrowing that idea down to just a few names on the ASX, these three would be right near the top of my list. Not because they’re guaranteed winners, but because they combine durability, cash flow generation, and relevance in everyday life.

Here’s why I think they deserve serious consideration.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra Group is about as close as you get to essential infrastructure on the ASX.

Mobile and data usage continue to rise, and Telstra remains the dominant player in Australia’s telecommunications market. Its network scale, spectrum holdings, and customer base give it a structural advantage that’s very difficult to replicate.

What makes Telstra particularly appealing as a blue chip is the balance it offers. There’s modest growth from mobile and enterprise services, alongside reliable cash flow that supports ongoing dividends. It’s not a stock that relies on economic booms to perform. People don’t cancel phone plans just because conditions get tougher.

For investors who value stability and income, Telstra fits the blue-chip brief very well.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths Group is another business that sits at the centre of daily life.

Supermarkets are inherently defensive. People may trade down, but they still need to buy groceries. Woolworths’ scale gives it strong buying power, an extensive supply chain, and the ability to invest in efficiency over time.

The company recently went through an unusually difficult period, with margin pressure and execution challenges weighing on earnings. But those issues don’t undermine the long-term investment case. In fact, they’ve reminded the market that even the best businesses can have off years.

What I like about Woolworths as a blue chip is its ability to recover. When operations normalise, earnings and dividends tend to follow. That makes it a stock I’m comfortable holding for many years, rather than worrying about quarter-to-quarter noise.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers rounds out the trio. Rather than focusing on one industry, Wesfarmers owns a collection of high-quality businesses, led by Bunnings and Kmart. Those cash-generating operations give management flexibility to invest, divest, or return capital to shareholders as opportunities arise.

What sets Wesfarmers apart for me is capital allocation. Management has a history of making hard decisions, exiting underperforming assets, and redeploying capital where returns look most attractive. Over time, that discipline compounds quietly.

It may not deliver explosive growth, but it has a long track record of creating shareholder value across cycles. That’s what I want from a blue-chip holding.

Foolish Takeaway

There’s no single answer to what the best blue-chip ASX shares are. But if I had to point to companies that combine resilience, relevance, and long-term staying power, Telstra, Woolworths, and Wesfarmers would be right up there.

They’re not exciting. They won’t always outperform in bull markets. But for investors who value durability and the ability to sleep at night, these are the kinds of businesses I’m happy to own.

The post Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio
• 3 reasons to buy Telstra shares today
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy: experts
• Are Woolworths shares a good buy today amid rising interest rates?

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

Precious metals have returned to the spotlight after a strong rally late last year, followed by a sharp pullback. Both gold and silver pushed to record highs before retreating as investors took profits and broader markets weakened.

Silver is currently trading around US$82 per ounce after reaching a record US$121.64 last month. Gold is sitting near US$5,042 per ounce, down from its recent all-time high of about US$5,608.

Let’s take a look at the difference below.

Why investors look to precious metals

Gold and silver tend to attract attention during periods of uncertainty. When confidence in shares, currencies, or the economy weakens, investors often look for assets that can hold value.

This pattern has repeated many times. During the Global Financial Crisis and again during COVID, gold in particular benefited as markets sold off and fear rose.

Historically, major market shocks tend to occur every 8 to 10 years, which keeps precious metals relevant even during calm periods.

Silver also benefits from this behaviour, but it has another major driver in industrial demand, which can amplify price swings.

Gold’s role as a defensive asset

Gold is widely viewed as a store of value. Central banks hold it, governments trade it, and long-term investors use it as a hedge against financial stress.

Its price is influenced by interest rates, inflation, currency movements, and geopolitical risk. Importantly, gold demand does not rely heavily on economic growth. That gives it a more defensive profile during downturns.

While gold prices can still move sharply, those moves are usually more controlled than silver’s. This makes gold easier to hold through volatile markets without needing to constantly react.

Silver’s higher risk and higher swings

Silver sits in a more complicated position. It is both a precious metal and an industrial input. Large amounts of silver are used in electronics, solar panels, and manufacturing.

This dual role can drive strong rallies when economic growth looks healthy. It can also lead to sudden drops when growth expectations weaken, or speculative trading unwinds.

The recent price action highlights this risk. Silver surged to record highs and then fell hard in a short period. That volatility can suit traders, but it can be challenging for long-term investors seeking stability.

ASX options for everyday investors

Australian investors can access both metals through exchange-traded products.

The Global X Physical Gold Structured ETF (ASX: GOLD) is up about 9% so far this year, reflecting gold’s strong run despite the recent pullback.

The Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF (ASX: ETPMAG) has gained around 6% this year, but with much larger swings along the way.

Both track the price of the underlying metal and remove the need to store physical bullion. Investors should also be aware that these products charge a small management fee, which is deducted over time.

Foolish Takeaway

Gold and silver can both play a role in a diversified portfolio, but they serve different purposes. Silver offers higher potential upside, but with larger price moves and greater risk. Gold offers more stable behaviour and a long history as a defensive asset.

If I had to choose just one metal to hold going into the end of this year, I would choose gold. It has generally held up better during market downturns, is less volatile than silver, and is more widely used as a form of protection when financial conditions deteriorate.

The post Gold vs silver. Here’s where I’d put my money in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion in January
• Silver’s record run hits turbulence as prices slide 13%
• Silver rebounds 5%. Is this a dead cat bounce or a recovery?
• These were the 10 most traded Australian shares last week
• 4 ASX ETFs that produced 110% to 150% returns in 2025

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.

Building a $500,000 retirement portfolio doesn’t require a windfall. If I were starting from nothing, I’d focus on a simple system that I could stick with for decades, not a clever strategy that only works when markets behave.

The way I’d approach it is boring in the best possible way. Regular investing, sensible diversification, and letting time do that hard work.

Here’s how I’d think about it.

Start with a realistic plan

If I invested $500 a month into ASX shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and achieved a long-term average return of around 9% per year (close to the market average return, but not guaranteed), the maths starts to work surprisingly hard in my favour.

At $500 a month, I’m investing $6,000 a year. Over roughly 25 years, that combination of steady contributions and compounding gets you into the vicinity of a $500,000 portfolio. Not because you did anything spectacular, but because you stayed consistent.

It is important to accept that the early years will feel slow. For a long time, progress comes mostly from your own contributions. The compounding only really shows its teeth later on.

Build around a strong core first

I wouldn’t start by picking lots of individual ASX shares. I’d begin with broad exposure and let the market do what it’s done historically.

A core holding like Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) gives exposure to the largest ASX shares and captures dividends along the way. Pairing that with global exposure through Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) or the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) reduces reliance on Australia alone and adds access to sectors we’re underweight in locally, like global technology and healthcare.

Early on, most of my monthly $500 would go into ETFs like these. They provide instant diversification and remove the temptation to constantly second-guess decisions.

Add high-quality ASX shares

Once the habit is established, I’d slowly layer in individual ASX shares when the opportunity set looks attractive.

I’m not trying to beat the market every year. I’m looking for businesses that can compound quietly over long periods. Companies with pricing power, recurring revenue, or structural tailwinds.

Examples of the type of businesses I’d be comfortable owning include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) for capital discipline and cash generation, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) for long-term healthcare demand, and ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) for global growth in sleep and respiratory care.

I wouldn’t rush this. Some months, all $500 would still go into ETFs. Other months, I’d add to a single high-conviction share. Flexibility matters more than precision.

Reinvest dividends

One often overlooked part of building an ASX retirement portfolio is reinvestment.

Dividends feel small at the start, almost pointless. But reinvesting them means you’re constantly buying more ASX shares without adding extra cash. Over time, those extra shares generate their own dividends, which then buy more shares again.

That feedback loop becomes incredibly powerful in the later years. By the time the portfolio is approaching retirement size, a meaningful portion of its growth can come from income alone.

Eventually, instead of reinvesting, that income becomes the thing that supports retirement.

Stay invested when it feels uncomfortable

This is the part most people underestimate. Markets will fall. Headlines will get scary. There will be years where the portfolio goes backwards. That’s not a failure of the plan. It’s part of the plan.

I wouldn’t stop investing during downturns. In fact, those periods are often when the $500 monthly contribution matters most, because it’s buying assets at lower prices.

Foolish takeaway

If I were aiming to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio from scratch, I wouldn’t chase shortcuts. I’d invest $500 a month, aim for a long-term return around 9%, and stick to a mix of broad ETFs and high-quality ASX shares.

It wouldn’t feel exciting most of the time. But over decades, that kind of discipline has a habit of delivering very real results. That’s how I’d do it.

The post How I would aim to build a $500,000 ASX retirement portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 easy ways to invest in AI with ASX ETFs
• Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy?
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy: experts
• 5 ASX stocks that are still good value at over $100 a share
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy with $20,000 in February

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The team at Morgans has been very busy this month reviewing countless results, updates, and opportunities.

Three ASX shares that have fared well are listed below. Here’s why the broker has upgraded them:

Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH)

This construction materials, equipment and service provider’s shares were sold off after announcing an agreement to sell its Construction Materials (CM) division and pivot to focus on digital, AI and electrification infrastructure.

Morgans appears supportive of the move and has responded by upgrading Maas shares to a buy rating with a $5.10 price target. Based on its current share price of $4.11, this implies potential upside of approximately 25% for investors.

Commenting on its upgrade, the broker said:

The pivot is cornerstoned by a $100m investment in Firmus, further aligning and supporting the recent JLE contract win. The sale of the quarries will deliver MGH a c.$550m net cash balance (post-Firmus investment), which management believe they can reinvest to deliver a 20% Return On Capital (ROC).

To this end, we see lower EPS across FY27/28 as we model a more conservative deployment of capital. At the current share price ($4.11/sh), investors are attributing negative value to the Civil business. At a peer multiple of c.10x FY27 EBIT for the Civil business, plus Corp costs, the valuation offers ample margin of safety. It is on this basis we upgrade to a Buy with a $5.10/sh price target.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Morgans thinks that recent weakness in the tech sector has dragged this health imaging technology company’s shares down to an attractive level. The broker has upgraded them to a buy rating with a $290.00 price target, which suggests that upside of 75% is possible between now and this time next year.

The broker doesn’t believe that this ASX tech share will be disrupted by AI. It said:

PME has been sold off heavily as investors increasingly worry that AI could structurally erode the economics and commoditise premium imaging SaaS platforms. For PME, that feels misunderstood. Bravery required with volatility high and trend weak, but this has proven to be a good time to pick up PME shares. Upgrade to BUY on weakness.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

A third ASX share that has been upgraded is realestate.com.au operator REA Group. The broker has put a buy rating and $211.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 23% for investors over the next 12 months.

It was reasonably happy with REA Group’s half-year results and sees value in its shares at current levels. It explains:

REA’s 1H26 result was broadly in line with expectations (being only ~1% under Visible Alpha consensus across most line items). Whilst the negative share price reaction on result day was arguably due to a variety of factors (e.g. cost outcomes in the first half, volume guidance being lowered for the full year), the result itself highlighted the resilience of the franchise in a tougher volume environment, with strong yield growth (+14%) offsetting a 6% decline in listings.

The post Morgans upgrades 3 ASX shares to buy ratings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Elevra Lithium, Pro Medicus, Sims, and Treasury Wine shares are roaring higher
• Let’s see why this broker thinks Pro Medicus shares could fly
• 5 ASX stocks that are still good value at over $100 a share
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus and REA Group. 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.

These reputable ASX media shares have dropped to near year-lows.

Both News Corporation (ASX: NWS) and Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) shares have lost about 30% of their value in the past 6 months.

With the ASX media shares well below their highs, is this a buying opportunity, or are tougher times still ahead?

News Corp

News Corp remains one of the world’s most influential media companies. The heavyweight ASX media share owns mastheads such as The Wall Street Journal and The Australian, alongside book publisher HarperCollins and digital platforms like Dow Jones.

The company’s strength lies in its premium content and subscription-led model. Paid digital news and data services have helped insulate News Corp from the worst of the advertising downturn.

Last week, the company reported net income of US$242 million, down 21% on the prior corresponding quarter, which had been boosted by a one-off gain from REA Group’s sale of PropertyGuru.

Total segment EBITDA rose 9% to US$521 million, though this included a US$16 million one-off inventory write-down at HarperCollins.

But weaknesses persist. Traditional print remains in structural decline, and the business is still exposed to cyclical advertising markets. News Corp also faces ongoing reputational, regulatory scrutiny, and past political and governance controversies.

The ASX media share trades at $37.26 apiece at the time of writing, having lost 27% of its value in the past 6 months. Most analysts see this as a good entry level and rate News Corp as a buy. Their average 12-month price target is $54.07, which implies a 43% upside.  

Analysts at Macquarie said News Corp’s latest results beat expectations across revenue, EBITDA, and net profit, while profitability had continued to improve. The broker has a price target of $44.40 on the shares. Factoring in the company’s modest dividend yield, Macquarie is expecting a total shareholder return of 16.4% over 12 months.

UBS is more bullish on News Corp shares, with a price target of $65.50, pointing to a 75% upside.

Nine Entertainment

The ASX media share has been under heavy pressure for much of the past year, sliding around 32% in the past 6 months. Slowing TV advertising, structural shifts in media consumption, and capital management concerns have weighed on the sentiment of the Nine Entertainment share.

Despite cost discipline and occasional earnings resilience, Nine’s share price remained anchored well below its highs. It reflects deep caution toward traditional broadcasters. The business remains heavily exposed to free-to-air television, a segment under pressure from softer advertising markets.

That caution cracked when the ASX media stock unveiled plans to acquire QMS Media for roughly $850 million while exiting radio and reshaping its regional television footprint.

QMS is expected to generate about $105 million in EBITDA in calendar year 2026, which would be a double-digit increase over the previous year, Nine said. The merger should also deliver about $20 million in annual cost savings by FY29, according to the board of Nine Entertainment.

The market responded swiftly, pushing the ASX share higher as investors reassessed the company’s direction. The share price recovered slightly and is now up 4% for the year, hovering just above the 52-week low at $1.15 at the time of writing.

The focus now shifts to execution. Nine must stabilise earnings from traditional media while accelerating growth across digital assets such as Stan.

Most brokers continue to rate the ASX media stock a buy following its sharp decline. The average 12-month price target sits at $1.29, suggesting potential upside of about 11%.

The post Near 52-week lows: Which ASX media share is the smarter buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Shares in Acusensus Ltd (ASX: ACE) have jumped after the company announced an extension of a contract with the Western Australian government worth an extra $13 million.

The company, which makes and operates speed cameras and associated technology, said it had expanded the scope of a contract originally signed in 2014 for “multi-function enforcement services, doubling the number of trailer-based enforcement units contracted”.

All in one solution

The company said its artificial intelligence-enhanced technology “can simultaneously detect mobile phone usage, seatbelt non-compliance, point speed and average speed, as well as unregistered vehicles”.

The company added:

The expansion will see new trailer-based solutions deployed throughout the state over the coming months, with two of the six trailers already in operation since November 2025, and the balance expected to be deployed from July to September 2026. The expansion will enhance regional coverage and will double the number of transportable multifunction units in operation in Western Australia.

The company said the WA Road Safety Commission had also exercised an option to extend the contract covering all of its existing transportable enforcement camera services by 12 months, with that contract now expiring in late 2028.

Acusensus Managing Director Alexander Jannik said regarding the contract extension:

We are delighted to expand our work with the WA Road Safety Commission. This variation underscores the effectiveness of our unique multi-function trailer platform to change driver behaviours, which allows for various types of life-saving enforcement to be combined into a single solution. By increasing the fleet and extending our partnership for these services through to the end of October 2028, we can further support the WA Road Safety Commission in enhancing road safety outcomes and reducing casualties across both metropolitan and regional areas.

Acusensus shares traded as high as $1.95 on the news before settling back to be 6.4% higher at $1.82.

In other recent news, Acusensus raised $30 million in growth capital in early December at $1.50 per share.

Legal matter settled

It also settled a patent dispute with Redflex Traffic Systems last week, with Acusensus agreeing to pay the other company $16 million.

The companies said in a joint statement last week:

Redflex and the Acusensus parties are pleased to jointly confirm that they have entered into a mutually agreed confidential and worldwide commercial resolution that fully and finally resolves all matters in dispute between the parties. Acusensus has agreed to provide a global non-exclusive licence of relevant patents held by Acusensus IP Pty Ltd to relevant Redflex entities and their affiliates.

The settlement will be made up of $6 million in cash and $10 million worth of Acusensus shares.

The company was valued at $277.6 million at the close of trade on Monday.

The post This speed camera firm’s shares are accelerating on a new contract win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.