Tag: Stock pick

It wasn’t long ago that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to increase the cash rate by 25 basis points (0.25%). Now experts are expecting the RBA interest rate to go up again this month because inflation is stronger and the outlook has changed.

Experts at investment bank UBS have looked at the situation and think that another interest rate increase looks very likely this year. In-fact, UBS has brought forward when it thinks that hike is going to happen, changing its rate hike prediction to this month (rather than May).

For starters, UBS pointed to RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser’s interview with The Conversation’s Politics with Michelle Grattan podcast.

RBA Deputy Governor’s hawkish comments

UBS said Hauser’s comments to the podcast came just before the ‘blackout period’ for the March 2026 meeting and the commentary was “hawkish”.

The experts suggested that these comments can be viewed as a “signal”, along with analysis that inflation is coming in stronger than expected. UBS highlighted the following words from the commentary:

Our projection in February before the Iran attacks was for inflation only to return to the midpoint of the target on the assumption, the technical assumption, that the cash rate did pick up a little bit further from where it is now… We’ve had some data that seem to have confirmed even more decisively than we had before, that our economy currently has limited spare capacity.

Unemployment came in a bit below expectations. Job adverts and other measures of demand for labour were a little higher. GDP growth came in at 2.6 per cent … but it’s rather bigger than our 2 per cent estimate of the capacity of the sustainable rate of growth in the economy. Inflation was in line in January with our expectations … [but] that’s well above our target range. So against that backdrop … further increases of prices from Iran, if that is what we end up seeing, and that is a big if, is not a helpful development from the perspective of our policy discussion.

Inflation, GDP and unemployment remain strong

UBS has pointed out in recent commentary that data flow showed CPI inflation, GDP and unemployment was stronger than expected and “warranted further (and earlier) increases in the cash rate”.

But, weak consumer data made UBS think the RBA would wait until May.

Hauser’s comments seemed to downplay the ‘miss’ of expectations about consumer spending, while UBS had expected the RBA to place a substantial weight on that aspect.

The rise in the oil/petrol price has led to UBS increasing its CPI inflation forecasts. The broker is now forecasting that the inflation for the first quarter of 2026 will be 1.3% quarter-over-quarter and 4.1% year-over-year. There’s potential for the inflation to be even stronger if the oil price shock is prolonged.

UBS said this is worrying for consumer inflation expectations that had already been trending higher for months.

The broker thinks the RBA will look to act early by hiking in March 2026 to “shore against this risk”.

Could more RBA interest rate hikes happen?

UBS said it had already been expecting a further 50 basis points of rate hikes by the RBA by August 2026.

The broker said it doesn’t think there will be unanimous vote to hike in March, and looking ahead, it will review its RBA profile of the timing, and terminal rate forecasts, after the RBA’s March meeting.

Time will tell what happens with interest rates, but UBS and one of the RBA’s officials are not liking what they see with regards to inflation. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the net interest margin (NIM) of big banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The post Here’s what experts think will happen with the RBA interest rate this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares
• What’s next for ANZ shares after expectations-busting results?
• 3 Australian shares to buy if the ASX pulls back 10%
• Why is everyone talking about the CBA share price this week?
• 3 Australian bank stocks that could outperform global peers again in 2026 and 2027

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 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.

Investing $50,000 in the share market is a meaningful step. It is large enough to build a proper portfolio, but still small enough that every decision matters.

If I had that amount to invest in ASX shares today, I would focus on building a balanced portfolio rather than trying to find a single winner. The goal would be to combine growth, income, and diversification so the portfolio can perform across different market conditions.

Here is how I would approach it.

Start with a strong foundation

The first thing I would do is anchor the portfolio with broad market exposure.

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) would likely take a meaningful allocation. It provides exposure to hundreds of Australian shares across multiple sectors, including banks, resources, healthcare, and consumer businesses.

This helps reduce the risk of relying too heavily on a handful of individual shares. It also ensures the portfolio participates in the overall growth of the Australian market.

Add high-quality blue chips

Next, I would include a few established blue-chip companies with long operating histories and durable earnings.

For example, Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) offers exposure to some of Australia’s most recognisable retail businesses, including Bunnings and Kmart. Its disciplined management and diversified operations have supported steady long-term growth.

Similarly, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) could add stability and dividend income. While bank shares can fluctuate with economic conditions, CBA has consistently delivered strong profitability and fully franked dividends.

These kinds of companies help provide balance and reliability within the portfolio.

Include a few growth names

With the core of the portfolio established, I would allocate a portion to higher-growth businesses.

One example could be Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME). The company’s medical imaging software platform has been gaining traction globally and operates with a highly scalable, capital-light business model.

Growth stocks tend to be more volatile, but they can also deliver strong long-term returns if the underlying business continues to expand.

Holding a small number of high-quality growth names can help boost overall portfolio performance over time.

Think about income as well

Even if income is not the primary goal today, including a reliable dividend payer can still be beneficial.

Companies like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) generate steady cash flows from essential services such as mobile connectivity and broadband. That stability can provide a regular stream of dividends and help smooth returns during more volatile periods.

Why diversification matters

With $50,000, diversification becomes possible without spreading the portfolio too thin.

A mix of ETFs, blue chips, growth companies, and dividend payers helps balance risk. If one sector struggles, the others may still perform well.

The aim is not to predict exactly which stock will outperform. It is to build a portfolio that can grow steadily over many years.

Foolish takeaway

If I had $50,000 to invest in ASX shares, I would build a diversified portfolio combining broad market exposure, high-quality blue chips, and a few carefully selected growth companies.

That balanced approach may not always produce the biggest short-term gains, but it gives investors a solid foundation for long-term wealth creation.

The post What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what experts think will happen with the RBA interest rate this month
• An ASX dividend stock yielding 3.9% with consistent cash flow
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• With half year profits up 9% to $1.6 billion, are Wesfarmers shares a buy?
• 3 Australian shares to buy if the ASX pulls back 10%

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australia’s ageing population is one of the most predictable long-term trends in our economic landscape. The Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts that older people will make up 21% to 23% of the population by 2066. This creates a powerful structural tailwind for these ASX healthcare stocks, if they can execute on the opportunity.

Here are two stocks that will give you exposure as Australia’s median age rises.  

Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG)

Regis offers perhaps the most straightforward exposure to this demographic shift. One of Australia’s largest healthcare providers, Regis delivers residential aged care, home care, day therapy, respite services, and retirement living to over 10,000 Australians.

Its share price hasn’t seen massive growth of late, up around 2% over the last twelve months, but if you zoom out, there’s more to the story. It is up over 200% in the last five years, reflecting sector recovery and improved operating conditions.

Its 1H26 reporting showcases its continued growth trajectory, with an 18% increase in service revenue, a 96% occupancy rate across its facilities, and a national expansion of 1,000 beds.

This growth is underpinned by a strong balance sheet and solid cash flows. And it seems to be positioning itself to realise the opportunity ahead, with ambitious plans for the coming years. It is targeting 10,000 quality beds by 2028, delivered through a mix of greenfield projects and acquisitions.

Of course, the aged care sector has seen its share of headwinds in recent times, and the regulatory environment will always present a risk.

The New Aged Care Act, which came into effect in July 2025, could change things for some incumbent residential care players. It’s designed to keep more Australians living independently for longer with support at home, and it will take time to see whether it has achieved this aim. But because Regis plays in both home care and residential facilities, I think it’s well placed to navigate any notable change in aged care trends. 

Is Regis Healthcare a buy right now?

For me, it’s an attractive option right now with a share price that doesn’t necessarily reflect its growth potential. If you’re looking for stocks that give you exposure to this significant demographic shift, Regis is hard to go past.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

Ramsay is more of a generalist healthcare provider, operating more than 70 private hospitals across the country. Of course, demand for hospital services grows with an ageing population. But the areas that interest me most in this demographic shift are Ramsay’s rehabilitation, allied care, and home-based care operations.

Its rehab at home program offers in-home support following hospitalisation for many common age-related conditions, including cardiac, joint replacements, and mobility/falls. Support includes allied health care, like physio and nursing, as well as at-home services such as meals and domestic help.

Currently, these programs only account for a small percentage of Ramsay’s revenue, but I think this is an area that could have real growth momentum as the population ages.  

A condition requiring hospitalisation is a common trigger point for families considering aged care options for a loved one. And Ramsay’s rehab, allied care, and at-home care services are well-positioned to help Australians stay independent at home for longer. By providing the hospital stay through to the rehab at home, Ramsay can service the market end-to-end.

Looking at its share price, Ramsay has seen a circa 22% uplift over the last 12 months. But the story is less positive if you zoom out, with a 33% decline over a 5-year period. This decline was likely driven by a number of factors, including squeezed margins, declining earnings per share, rising costs, and a slower-than-expected return to elective surgeries in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ramsay’s current share price reflects a challenging period for the healthcare provider, but I think it is on the pathway to a full recovery. It’s showing positive signs, with 1H26 reporting highlighting revenue growth of 9.3%, underlying EBITDA up 6.4%, and a 6.3% increase in the interim dividend to 42.5 cents per share.

Is Ramsay Healthcare a buy right now?

In my opinion, Ramsay is undervalued right now. As with Regis, regulatory risks remain. In addition, it is still working towards a full turnaround, but at the current share price, I believe there is attractive upside for investors if it can execute.

The post These ASX healthcare stocks are set to thrive as the population ages appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why Ramsay Health Care shares have been demolishing the stock market
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 32 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend
• Buy, hold, sell: HMC Capital, Ramsay Health Care, and Sigma shares
• 5 of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in February revealed

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 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.

Banking an extra $10,000 a year in passive income by buying top S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dividend shares like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) might not be life-changing.

But if you’re like me, that extra income certainly would be welcome!

So, just how much would you have to invest today to earn $10,000 a year in passive income from BHP and Woodside shares?

We’ll dig into the numbers in just a tick.

But first…

Important reminders on passive income planning

When it comes to making plans for that pending passive income, remember that the dividend yields you generally see quoted are trailing yields. The future payouts from BHP, Woodside, or any ASX dividend stocks may be higher or lower depending on a range of macroeconomic and company-specific factors.

Also, note that while we’ll look at BHP and Woodside below, a properly diversified income portfolio will contain more than just two ASX dividend stocks.

There’s no magic number. But somewhere in the range of 10 to 20 stocks is a good ballpark, ideally operating in various sectors and different geographic locations. This will reduce the chances of your income stream taking a big hit if any particular company or sector runs into a rough patch.

With that said…

Tapping into Woodside and BHP shares for a $10,000 annual passive income

I think Woodside and BHP shares are both appealing passive income investments because of their lengthy track records of paying two fully franked dividends a year, as well as the market-beating, fully-franked yields they offer.

I also believe that demand for their core revenue-earning products – oil and gas in Woodside’s case, and iron ore and copper for BHP – will remain strong for years to come.

As for those dividends, BHP paid a fully franked final dividend of 91.9 cents a share on 25 September. The ASX 200 mining giant will pay its interim dividend of $1.039 a share on 26 March. (BHP traded ex-dividend last week, so it’s a bit too late to snap up the interim payout.)

That works out to a full-year payout of $1.958 a share. At Wednesday’s closing price, that sees BHP shares trading on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 3.8%.

Turning to Woodside, the ASX 200 energy stock paid a fully-franked interim dividend of 81.8 cents a share on 24 September. Woodside will pay its final dividend of 83.4 cents a share on 27 March. (Woodside also traded ex-dividend last week.)

That equates to a full-year payout of $1.652 a share. At Wednesday’s closing price, Woodside shares trade on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 5.5%.

If I were to invest an equal amount in both stocks, I could then expect to earn a 4.7% yield.

Meaning I’d need to invest $212,766 in Woodside and BHP shares today to bank $10,000 a year in passive income.

Now that’s a big investment to make in one go. But that’s okay.

Investing is a long game.

You can also reach that goal by investing a smaller amount each month or every other month. You’ll reach your income goals in good time.

How have BHP and Woodside shares been tracking?

Of course, atop that $10,000 a year in passive income, we’ll also be hoping to see our investments deliver share price gains.

On that front, the BHP share price is up 31.05% over the past 12 months.

And Woodside shares have gained 31.18% over this same period.

The post How much do I need to invest in Woodside and BHP shares for $10,000 a year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BHP and Woodside linked in CEO race as top executive emerges as contender
• 3 Australian shares to buy if the ASX pulls back 10%
• Are these ASX energy shares still a buy after jumping 20% (or more)?
• How much could the BHP share price rise in the next year?
• 5 key drivers of the new commodities ‘supercycle’: experts

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

When people first look at the share market, they often assume investing means trying to identify the next big winner.

But many experienced investors take a different approach. Instead of betting on individual shares, they prefer to own collections of businesses that are already leaders in their industries.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) make that possible with a single trade. Here are three ASX ETFs that could be perfect starting points for investors in 2026.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The first ASX ETF that could be a great option for a beginner is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

Think of this fund as a portfolio built around business durability. Rather than chasing trends, it looks for companies that have built protective barriers around their profits. These moats might come from powerful brands, global distribution networks, intellectual property, or technology leadership.

Companies that make it into this portfolio often dominate niche areas of their industries. For example, the fund currently includes businesses such as United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), which runs one of the world’s most sophisticated logistics networks, and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), which protects digital infrastructure from cyber threats.

What makes this fund interesting is that it does not just buy great companies. It also looks for moments when those companies are trading at attractive prices relative to their long-term potential. That blend of quality and valuation has helped the strategy deliver strong long-term returns.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF that could be ideal for beginners is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund effectively gives investors a window into the companies shaping the modern digital economy. Its holdings sit at the heart of technology, consumer trends, and innovation.

While it includes well-known names such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), the broader portfolio captures a wide mix of industries. This includes coffee giant Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), discount retailer Costco (NASDAQ: COST), and artificial intelligence and advanced computing chip provider Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Owning the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is less about any single company and more about participating in the ongoing shift toward a technology-driven global economy.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A final ASX ETF that could be worth considering for beginners is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

If the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF represents a concentrated bet on innovation, this fund represents global breadth. The fund spreads its investments across over a thousand companies in developed markets around the world.

The portfolio includes everything from payment networks like Visa (NYSE: V), to healthcare giants such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), to semiconductor leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM).

This diversity means investors gain exposure to many different parts of the global economy at once. Technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer brands, and industrial companies all sit within the same portfolio.

The post 3 perfect ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX ETF is my stock portfolio’s shield
• How investing $50 a day into ASX shares could become $1 million faster than you think
• 3 ASX ETFs that could be massive winners by 2036
• 4 ASX ETFs to ride through recessions and market crashes
• What I’d buy if the ASX share market crashes

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Costco Wholesale, Fortinet, Microsoft, Nvidia, Starbucks, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, United Parcel Service, and Visa and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Starbucks, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

But which ones could be buys right now?

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at three that Morgans is bullish on. Here’s why the broker thinks they are buys:

Frontier Digital Ventures Ltd (ASX: FDV)

Morgans remains positive on this online classifieds company following its FY 2025 results, which were ahead of guidance.

In response, the broker has retained its buy rating and 56 cents price target on the ASX share. This implies potential upside of 80% for investors from current levels. It said:

FDV’s FY25 EBIT result appeared comfortably above guidance (-A$4.6m vs -A$10m). We lift our FDV FY26F/FY27F EPS by >10% (off low bases), with reduced revenue forecasts offset by improved EBITDA margin expectations. Our valuation and PT are largely unchanged at A$0.56. We see long-term value in FDV given its unique assembled portfolio, and with significant upside to our PT (A$0.56) we maintain our BUY call.

Astron Ltd (ASX: ATR)

If you have a high tolerance for risk, then Morgans thinks this ASX share could be a top pick. It has a speculative buy rating and 90 cents price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 32% for investors.

It thinks the rare earths explorer could be well-placed to benefit from supply constraints in Western markets. It explains:

The Donald Project resource update confirms strategic heavy rare earth exposure, with improved definition of Dy and Tb supporting the project’s importance to Western rare earth supply chains. Strong strategic backing from Energy Fuels (UUUU.NYS), with the Donald Project to supply REEC feedstock to its White Mesa Mill in the US, where rare earth prices are currently materially higher than in China.

Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)

Lastly, Morgans thinks investors should be buying this ASX gold stock following this week’s share price weakness.

In response to its results and production guidance downgrade, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $6.53. This implies potential upside of almost 70% for investors. It commented:

PNR reported its H1FY26 result, alongside a production downgrade. Updated production forecasts of 86–92koz Au (previously 100–110koz) are considerably lower than our previous forecasts. We now model the upper end of guidance at an AISC of A$2,609/oz. We maintain our BUY rating and price target of A$6.53ps (previously A$6.83ps), the downgrade a function of revised forecasts.

The post Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why it might be time to exit this ASX gold stock
• Why Coles, Pantoro Gold, Seek, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Guess which high-flying ASX 200 gold stock is crashing 22% today on weather woes

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 Frontier Digital Ventures. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was another recovery day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this hump day, as investors continued to throw off the pessimism that we saw on Monday. 

By the time the markets closed this Wednesday, the ASX 200 had risen by another 0.59% after staying in green territory all session, leaving the index at 8,743.5 points. 

This happy hump day for the local markets comes after a nervous morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was volatile, but ended up closing 0.072% lower.

Things were a bit better for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), though, which overcame its own shakiness to finish 0.0051% higher.

But let’s get back to the Australian share market now and see what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors today.

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

More reading

• Here’s why the Fortescue share price may have a turbulent few months
• Why I’d buy and hold PLS shares for 10 years
• Why Brazilian Rare Earths, Lynas, Macquarie Technology, and Ora Banda shares are pushing higher today
• 5 high-yield ASX dividend shares paying 6% to 10%
• Why the Lynas share price is roaring 14% today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

If you have $10,000 ready to invest, finding high-quality businesses trading at very attractive prices can be a smart strategy.

While the broader market has been volatile recently, some ASX companies now look undervalued relative to their long-term potential. That could create opportunities for investors willing to look beyond short-term market movements.

Here are three ASX shares that could be worth considering right now.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The Aristocrat share price is currently $45.56, down 1.96% today and sitting well below its levels from last year.

Aristocrat is one of the world’s leading gaming technology companies. The business supplies slot machines and digital gaming content to casinos across the globe and has also built a growing presence in online gaming.

Despite the recent weakness in the share price, the company’s underlying performance remains strong.

Recent broker updates suggest the market may be underestimating the company’s long-term growth potential. Macquarie sees a price target of around $63, implying potential upside of roughly 40% from current levels.

If the company continues executing well, Aristocrat could still have plenty of upside left.

Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL)

The Bellevue share price is currently $1.73, up 1.77% today.

Bellevue is a Western Australian gold producer centred around its Bellevue Gold Project. The company has attracted strong investor interest over the past year as it moves toward full-scale production.

Gold producers can benefit during periods of economic uncertainty, as investors often turn to precious metals as a defensive store of value.

Analysts remain optimistic about Bellevue’s outlook. Macquarie recently raised its price target by 11% to $2, implying potential upside of roughly 16% from current levels.

If gold prices stay strong and production ramps up as planned, Bellevue could deliver strong growth from here.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price is currently $20.47, down 0.10% today.

Coles operates one of Australia’s largest supermarket networks and remains a key player in the country’s grocery sector. Because food and household essentials are everyday purchases, supermarket businesses tend to be relatively defensive during uncertain economic periods.

The company recently reported its FY26 half-year result, with earnings broadly in line with expectations despite ongoing competition and cost pressures across the retail sector.

Several brokers remain positive on the stock. Analysts currently have an average price target of around $23.03, suggesting potential upside of roughly 12% from current levels.

Coles also offers a dividend yield of around 3.6%, providing investors with reliable income alongside potential share price growth.

Foolish takeaway

While no investment is risk free, these 3 companies operate in industries with strong long-term demand.

Aristocrat is trading well below previous highs, Bellevue is benefiting from elevated gold prices, and Coles offers defensive earnings.

That combination could make these shares worth considering for investors putting $10,000 to work today.

The post The best ASX shares to invest $10,000 in right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 today
• How much could $10,000 in these ASX 200 shares be worth by the end of the year?
• Why are Coles shares sinking today?
• Why Coles, Pantoro Gold, Seek, and Woodside shares are falling today
• 3 ASX shares I would buy to protect against a recession

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.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can make building a diversified portfolio far simpler.

Instead of trying to pick individual winners, a single ETF can provide exposure to dozens or even hundreds of companies across different industries and countries. For long-term investors, that diversification can be a powerful way to participate in global economic growth.

If I had $10,000 ready to invest right now, I would be looking closely at a handful of Vanguard ETFs that offer broad exposure to different parts of the world.

Here are three that stand out to me.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

One of the newest additions to the ASX ETF landscape is the Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF, which launched this month.

This fund aims to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index, giving investors exposure to 500 of the largest publicly listed companies in the United States. That includes many of the world’s most influential businesses across technology, healthcare, financials, and consumer sectors.

The S&P 500 has historically been one of the most powerful wealth-building engines in global markets, driven by the strength and innovation of the U.S. economy.

What also stands out to me about this ETF is its low management fee of just 0.07% per year, which makes it a cost-effective way to gain exposure to large-cap U.S. companies.

For investors seeking long-term growth, having exposure to the U.S. market through a fund like the V500 ETF makes a lot of sense in my view.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

Another region I think deserves a place in a diversified portfolio is Asia.

The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF provides exposure to a broad portfolio of companies across major Asian economies including China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India.

These markets are home to many of the world’s fastest-growing economies and some of the most important technology and manufacturing businesses globally.

Companies involved in semiconductors, electronics, financial services, and consumer goods are well represented in the index.

Adding exposure to Asian markets can help diversify a portfolio beyond Australia and the United States, while also providing access to long-term growth driven by rising middle classes and expanding economies.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE)

The third ETF I would consider buying is the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF.

This fund provides exposure to hundreds of stocks across emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil, Taiwan, and South Africa.

Emerging markets can be more volatile than developed markets, but they also offer significant long-term growth potential as economies industrialise and consumer spending rises.

Many global investors allocate a portion of their portfolios to emerging markets for this reason.

By investing through a broad ETF like the VGE ETF, investors can gain exposure to these markets without needing to pick individual companies or countries.

Foolish takeaway

Building a globally diversified portfolio doesn’t need to be complicated.

By combining ETFs that focus on the United States, Asia, and emerging markets, investors can gain exposure to a wide range of economies and industries around the world.

For long-term investors looking to participate in global growth, I think Vanguard’s V500 ETF, VAE ETF, and VGE ETF could be worth considering for a $10,000 investment.

The post I would put $10,000 into these Vanguard ETFs tomorrow if I could appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are trading in the green on Wednesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the banking giant’s shares are up 1.55% to $37.88.

After spiking at an all-time high of $40.98 a piece in mid-February, ANZ shares have fallen 7.4%. Although they’re still 4.01% higher for the year to date and 30.53% higher over the year.

What caused ANZ shares to spike to an all-time high?

In mid-February, the ASX bank stock posted a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion, up a whopping 75% from the second-half average of FY25. Operating income was up 4% and cash return on tangible equity climbed 11.7% over the quarter.

ANZ also confirmed that it is pressing ahead with its strategy to simplify its business and reduce operational costs this year. 

The news delighted investors and instilled some renewed confidence into the stock and its other banking peers. ANZ shares closed at an all-time high following the announcement.

So, why has the share price now cooled?

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of ANZ since its trading update last month. This implies the drop may have come down to investors taking profit off the table after the shares rallied sharply to their all-time peak.

At the same time, investors are cautious about bank shares as global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and inflation pressures weigh heavily on sentiment across the sector.

What’s next for the ASX bank’s shares?

Analysts are very split about the outlook for ANZ shares this year. TradingView data shows that six out of 16 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating, and another six have a hold rating. Meanwhile, four analysts have a sell or strong sell rating.

The potential upsides vary wildly, too. The average is $37.09, which implies a 1.87% downside at the time of writing. But some analysts think the shares can just 13.74% to $43 and others think the stock will crash 31.44% to $25.92.

Following the bank’s results last month, Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to a buy with a $41.30 target price. 

Meanwhile, Macquarie and Jeffries have a hold rating on the bank shares.

Morgans is one of the brokers which is bearish on ANZ shares. The team recently downgraded ANZ shares to a sell. They said that ANZ’s quarterly update suggests that it is performing ahead of expectations. But this outperformance was driven by cost-outs. While this would usually be good news, management has retained its cost guidance for the full year, the broker noted. 

The post What’s next for ANZ shares after expectations-busting results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Jefferies Financial Group. 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.