Tag: Stock pick

It has been an interesting month for ASX tech stocks.

After a sharp pullback due to artificial intelligence (AI) disruption fears, we are starting to see a rebound in April. Even so, a number of high-quality names are still trading well below their 52-week highs.

Here are three ASX tech stocks I think look like strong buys today.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is one of the clearest examples of how AI concerns can sometimes miss the bigger picture.

Rather than being disrupted by AI, the company is positioning itself to benefit from it. In its recent investor briefing, management highlighted that AI could significantly expand its total addressable market, with long-term potential to grow the SaaS opportunity by around 4 times.

What stands out to me is Xero’s role as a system of record for small business financial data.

That gives it a powerful foundation in an AI-driven world. Instead of competing with AI tools, it can integrate them directly into its platform to automate workflows, generate insights, and improve decision-making for customers.

We are already seeing early signs of this. More than two million subscribers are using Xero’s AI features, with measurable benefits such as time savings and improved productivity.

On top of that, the integration of Melio is opening up a significant US payments opportunity, which could drive stronger revenue growth and improved unit economics over time.

I think this looks like a business leaning into disruption rather than being threatened by it.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a very different kind of ASX tech stock, but I think the opportunity is just as compelling.

Its platform is where data, performance analytics, and sport meet. That might sound niche, but the underlying model is highly scalable.

One thing that stood out in its recent analyst day was the focus on recurring software revenue and expanding value per customer.

The company reported ACV growth of around 19% and retention above 95%, which points to strong customer engagement and stickiness.

What I like is the land and expand strategy. Catapult is increasingly selling multiple products to the same teams, which can significantly increase revenue per customer over time. This is important because multi-solution customers generate materially higher value.

Importantly, Catapult argues that AI will enhance its value proposition rather than replace it, because its proprietary data sits at the core of performance analytics. And you can’t build meaningful AI insights without high-quality underlying data.

For me, that data advantage is what could underpin its long-term growth.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder is another business that has faced pressure as investors reassess growth tech.

But stepping back, I think the core story remains intact. The ASX tech stock operates a global hotel distribution and booking platform, connecting accommodation providers with online travel agents and other channels. That network effect is difficult to replicate.

What I find attractive is how that platform can evolve. As hotels increasingly focus on direct bookings, pricing optimisation, and revenue management, SiteMinder is well placed to expand its product suite and monetisation opportunities.

While AI is often framed as a risk, I think it could actually strengthen this model. Better data and smarter tools can improve pricing decisions, occupancy rates, and customer targeting, all of which feed back into the platform.

In other words, the same technology that investors worry about could end up enhancing the value of SiteMinder’s ecosystem.

Foolish Takeaway

The recent pullback by ASX tech stocks has been driven in part by uncertainty around AI.

But when I look at Xero, Catapult, and SiteMinder, I see businesses that are adapting to that shift rather than being left behind, and that is why I think they look like strong long-term buys today.

The post Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are these the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 10 years?
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio
• How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, SiteMinder, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports, SiteMinder, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is one of the most appealing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) when it comes to capital growth, in my view.

It’s an offering from Vanguard, one of the world’s leading asset managers, and it aims to provide investments as cheaply as possible because investors are the owners themselves.

The VGS ETF is about investing in the global share market, with a focus on “major developed countries”, according to Vanguard.

This portfolio is truly diversified, with close to 1,300 holdings across various markets.

There are multiple countries with a weighting of at least 0.4% in the portfolio, including: the US, Japan, the UK, Canada, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Denmark.

However, diversification is not one of the reasons I’m optimistic about this ASX ETF helping us grow our wealth.

Great portfolio

Great long-term returns don’t happen by themselves – the VGS ETF has managed to return an average of 12.7% per year since its inception in November 2014. The portfolio holdings have delivered great returns for the fund.

I like that it automatically invests in large, strong businesses from around the world, whether that’s in North America, Europe, or elsewhere.

Businesses that regularly grow earnings will drive their underlying value higher. According to Vanguard, the current earnings growth rate of the fund’s portfolio is 21.3%.

When we look at the fund’s return on equity (ROE) ratio of 19.6%, that’s a great sign. Not only does it show high-quality performance, but it also suggests the level of profit return (growth) that these businesses could achieve on any additional retained earnings in the coming years.

I think the businesses inside the VGS ETF are compelling. We’re talking about names like Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Costco, Netflix, Intuitive Surgical, and plenty more.

The businesses in the portfolio are at the forefront of areas such as AI, chips, smartphones, online video, e-commerce, video gaming, device software, social media, online search, driverless cars, and so on.

With a global addressable market, I think they’re doing a great job at developing new products and services to help drive profit higher.

Low-cost management fees

Another advantage of this fund is its low management costs compared to those of an active fund manager. The lower the fees, the less of the return investors lose, which means stronger compounding over the long term.

The VGS ETF has an annual management fee of 0.18%. It’s not the cheapest ASX ETF, but considering the global nature of its portfolio, I’m very happy with that relatively small amount.

Small dividend yield

The final positive is that it has a low dividend yield.

When dividends are paid, there’s a good chance they’ll be taxed in the investor’s hands, depending on their tax situation. The lower the dividend yield, the less that’s lost to tax.

According to Vanguard, the VGS ETF dividend yield was 1.6% as of March 2026.

Capital growth isn’t taxed until the underlying asset is sold, so the VGS ETF may see less of its return lost to tax than an ASX ETF with a higher dividend yield (such as ASX share-focused ones, which do have higher dividend yields).

Overall, I believe it’s a great investment to own for the long term.

The post 3 reasons why the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is a great buy for wealth building appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The biggest ASX ETFs revealed – are they still buys?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for the next decade
• How ASX ETF investors repositioned as the Iran war shook markets
• I’m planning to buy loads of these ASX ETFs for my retirement
• How to turn $20,000 into $100,000 with ASX ETFs

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 Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Broadcom, Costco Wholesale, Intuitive Surgical, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, and Nvidia and is short shares of Apple. 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 recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

I think building long-term income from shares comes back to reliability.

For me, that means focusing on businesses and assets that can generate steady cash flow across different conditions, with structures in place that support consistent distributions over time.

Here are four ASX dividend stocks I would trust for long-term income.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds Group offers a different kind of income exposure to what you usually find on the share market.

It owns agricultural assets, such as farms and water infrastructure, which it leases to operators. That structure creates a relatively predictable rental income stream, supported by long-term agreements.

What I like is the duration of those leases. The portfolio has a weighted average lease expiry of over 13 years, with many leases structured on a triple-net basis, meaning tenants cover most operating costs.

That combination helps create visibility over income, while also providing some protection against inflation through lease indexation.

For me, it is a way to gain exposure to agricultural assets without needing to manage them directly, while still benefiting from a steady income profile.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is built around convenience.

Its portfolio focuses on properties anchored by essential retail, such as supermarkets and other services people use regularly.

What I find appealing is how that translates into performance. The REIT has maintained occupancy and rent collection rates above 99% since listing, which I think highlights the consistency of demand across its assets.

The ASX dividend stock also has a pipeline of development opportunities, which provides a pathway for income growth alongside its existing portfolio.

That mix of stability and gradual expansion is what makes it appealing to me from an income perspective.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group sits at the centre of Australia’s energy infrastructure.

It owns and operates pipelines and energy assets that are essential to the delivery of gas and electricity across the country.

What I like most is the nature of its revenue. Much of it is linked to long-term contracts and inflation, which help provide a stable, growing cash flow base. That can support dividends over time.

The company has also reaffirmed its dividend guidance, with expectations of around 58 cents per share for FY26. This represents a dividend yield of almost 6% at the current share price.

For me, this ASX dividend stock represents a more traditional infrastructure-style income investment, backed by assets that are difficult to replace.

NIB Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF)

NIB Holdings adds a different dimension to an income portfolio.

As a health insurer, it generates revenue from premiums, which creates a recurring income stream tied to its growing customer base.

What I find interesting is how the business has been improving efficiency. Its recent half-year results show a reduction in expense ratios and strong underlying operating profit growth, which reflects disciplined execution and scale benefits.

At the same time, the company continues to pay fully-franked dividends, including a 13-cent per share interim dividend last month.

That combination of operational improvements and consistent payouts makes it an appealing addition for long-term income.

Foolish Takeaway

Reliable income often comes from assets and businesses that people depend on.

Rural Funds Group benefits from long-term agricultural leases, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT generates income from essential retail properties, APA Group provides infrastructure-backed cash flow, and NIB delivers recurring income through health insurance.

They each approach income differently, but I think all four ASX dividend stocks offer the kind of stability that can support long-term passive income.

The post The ASX dividend stocks I’d trust for long-term income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 300 shares I’m close to buying next!
• 3 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for reliable passive income
• Is this one of the best ASX passive income stocks to buy right now?
• $1,000 buys 100 shares in an incredibly reliable ASX 200 dividend stock
• 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio

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 positions in and has recommended Apa Group, NIB Holdings, and Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Building massive wealth with ASX shares is certainly possible.

It comes down to a few simple principles. Investing consistently, focusing on quality, and giving your money enough time to grow.

Here is how it can work.

Start with a clear plan

The foundation of wealth building is consistency.

Investing $1,000 every month into ASX shares creates a steady flow of capital into your portfolio. That is $12,000 per year, regardless of what the market is doing.

This approach removes the pressure of trying to pick the perfect moment to invest. Instead, you are building momentum through regular contributions.

Over time, this discipline becomes one of your biggest advantages.

Aiming for a 10% return

A 10% annual return is a useful benchmark.

It is broadly in line with long-term equity market returns and provides a realistic foundation for planning. While markets will not deliver this every year, it is a reasonable long-term expectation.

At this rate, investing $1,000 per month could grow to approximately $200,000 in around 10 years, and $725,000 in 20 years.

Stretch that out to 30 years, and the portfolio could exceed $2 million.

This is where the power of compounding becomes clear.

How to aim for strong returns

There are no guarantees in investing, but there are ways to tilt the odds in your favour.

Focusing on high-quality ASX shares with strong earnings, competitive advantages, and long growth runways can improve your chances of achieving solid returns over time.

ASX share examples include ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH).

It can also help to learn from some of the best investors in history. For example, Warren Buffett has delivered average annual returns of close to 20% over several decades for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).

While matching that level of performance is unlikely for most investors, his approach offers valuable lessons. Focus on quality, stay disciplined, and think long term.

Applying these principles can help investors move closer to their goals, even if returns are more modest.

Stay invested and let compounding work

One of the biggest drivers of wealth is time.

The longer your money stays invested, the more opportunity it has to grow. Returns begin generating their own returns, creating a compounding effect that accelerates over time.

This is why staying invested through market cycles is so important.

Short-term volatility can be uncomfortable, but it is often part of the journey toward long-term gains.

Foolish takeaway

Building massive wealth with ASX shares is certainly possible.

By investing $1,000 each month, aiming for solid long-term returns, and staying consistent, it is possible to create a portfolio that grows far beyond what many expect.

The key is to build something steadily, and let time do the heavy lifting.

The post How to build massive wealth with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Dateline Resourcs, Northern Star, Rox Resources, and Wesfarmers shares are dropping today
• If I had $5,000 to invest in ASX 200 shares today, here’s what I’d buy
• Should you buy Wesfarmers shares amid rising profits and revenues?
• Down 38% this year, is it finally time to buy low on CSL, ResMed and Pro Medicus shares?
• Buy and forget? 2 top ASX shares built for the long term

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Cochlear, REA Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, Cochlear, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway, Cochlear, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It is easy to focus on short-term results in the share market.

Quarterly updates, shifting sentiment, and macro noise can dominate the conversation. But some of the most successful investments come from recognising businesses that are quietly building something much bigger over time.

Here are three ASX growth shares that could be doing exactly that.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX growth share that stands out is Breville.

At first glance, it is a kitchen appliance company. But that description does not fully capture what is happening beneath the surface.

Breville has been steadily building a global premium brand. Its products are not competing on price. They are competing on quality, design, and performance.

This positioning has allowed the company to expand successfully into international markets. As brand recognition grows, so does its ability to scale.

What makes this interesting is that brand-building takes time. But once established, it can become a powerful competitive advantage that supports long-term growth.

Morgans is a fan of the company and has a buy rating and $40.65 price target on its shares.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Another ASX growth share that could be destined for a big future is Lovisa.

The fast-fashion jewellery operator has successfully demonstrated it can replicate its store model across different regions with consistency. New stores are opening globally, and many are reaching profitability quickly.

This creates a repeatable growth engine. And Lovisa is not expanding slowly; it is moving aggressively into new markets, which could significantly increase its footprint over the next decade.

If that rollout continues successfully, the business could look very different in scale over time.

Morgans is also a fan of this one and recently put a buy rating and $36.80 price target on its shares.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A final ASX growth share that could be quietly building something significant is Xero.

It has already established itself as a leading cloud accounting platform. But the opportunity may extend well beyond that.

The company is increasingly becoming part of a broader ecosystem that connects small businesses, accountants, and financial services.

This creates multiple pathways for growth through new customers and by offering more services (like AI assistants) to existing ones.

As this ecosystem expands, Xero’s role in managing financial workflows could become even more central.

The team at Morgan Stanley is positive on the investment opportunity here. It recently put an overweight rating and $130.00 price target on its shares.

The post Are these the best ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 10 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week
• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio
• 5 ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 5 years
• How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking for growth opportunities in 2026, it may pay to think beyond traditional sectors.

Some of the most powerful tailwinds today are coming from areas like defence technology and digital entertainment. These are industries evolving rapidly and attracting increasing global investment.

With that in mind, here are two ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be well positioned to benefit.

Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)

The first ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Global X Defence Tech ETF.

Defence is no longer just about tanks and aircraft. It is increasingly about technology.

This fund focuses on companies operating at the cutting edge of defence innovation, including artificial intelligence, drones, and cybersecurity. These technologies are becoming central to modern military capabilities.

Importantly, this is not a short-term theme. Global defence spending has grown steadily over decades and continues to rise as geopolitical tensions increase and nations prioritise national security.

The ETF includes major global players such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Rheinmetall (ETR: RHM), and Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR).

It also has exposure to local names like DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS). This means it gives investors a mix of international and Australian opportunities.

Overall, what makes the Global X Defence Tech ETF stand out is its focus on the future of defence. Rather than broad exposure, it specifically targets companies benefiting from the shift toward tech-driven security solutions.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Global X.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ASX ETF that could offer strong growth potential is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

Gaming is no longer a niche industry. It is a global entertainment powerhouse that continues to expand as technology improves and audiences grow.

This fund provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of companies involved in video game development, esports, and related hardware and software.

Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), Nintendo, and Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX).

It also includes Australia’s own Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), adding a local angle to the portfolio.

As gaming continues to evolve into a mainstream form of entertainment and a competitive global sport, the companies in this space could benefit from long-term demand.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 2 growing ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy this month
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years
• 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late
• 3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors
• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold after the selloff

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 DroneShield, Electro Optic Systems, Palantir Technologies, RTX, Roblox, and Tencent and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts, Lockheed Martin, NetEase, Nintendo, and Rheinmetall. 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 has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this gold miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $9.10. This follows the release of the company’s third-quarter update, which revealed production that was a touch short of the broker’s expectations. This was due to lower grades and recoveries. Nevertheless, the company remains on track to achieve the mid-point of its production guidance in FY 2026. In light of this, its quality, and attractive valuation, Macquarie thinks that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. The Genesis Minerals share price is currently trading at $6.54 on Friday.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $30.00 price target on this investment platform provider’s shares. Bell Potter highlights that Netwealth released its quarterly update this week. And while its funds under administration fell short of expectations, it notes that this was just to a $3.7 billion negative market movement. The good news is that with markets rebounding in April, Bell Potter believes that most of this miss has now been reversed. Outside this, it points out that Netwealth shares have de-rated to trade on 28x forward EBITDA, compares to 33x through-the-cycle. It believes there is scope for a re-rating in the future, which could make now a good time to buy. The Netwealth share price is fetching $25.42 at the time of writing.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Analysts at UBS have retained their buy rating on this airline operator’s shares with a trimmed price target of $11.25. According to the note, the broker has adjusted its forecasts to reflect fuel price volatility. It notes that surging oil prices are expected to lead to a major increase in fuel costs in the near term, weighing on earnings in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Nevertheless, the broker remains positive, especially given how it sees opportunities for Qantas to offset some of the fuel costs increase. As a result, it continues to recommend the airline’s shares as a buy to clients. The Qantas share price is trading at $9.07 today.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why a $700 million move into Qantas shares is turning heads today
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Netwealth, and Nufarm shares
• Broker says this ASX 200 stock can deliver a 20% return
• After a 9% decline, is this once high-flying ASX gold mining stock primed for a rebound?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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

ASX lithium shares are rising strongly on Friday after solid gains for lithium prices this week.

Four of the fastest rising 10 stocks on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today are lithium shares.

The best performer is diversified miner Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), up 6.1% to $62.97 per share.

Next is lithium and nickel producer IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO), up 5.7% to $9.23 per share.

The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price is 5.3% higher on Friday at $2.18.

The market’s largest pure-play lithium company, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), cracked a new record at $6.14 today.

The PLS Group share price is currently $6.01, up 5.3%.

Among the smaller players outside the ASX 200, Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) shares hit a 52-week high of $10.39.

The Elevra Lithium share price is currently $10.31, up 11.9%.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are up 9.4% to 37 cents apiece.

Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) shares are 7.6% higher at 9.9 cents.

What’s driving ASX lithium shares higher?

Experts say the Iran war and ensuing global oil shock are reminding us of the value of electric vehicles (EV).

The lithium carbonate price has risen 9% this week and is up 43% year to date (YTD), according to Trading Economics data.

Analysts at Trading Economics say lithium prices are rising on a bullish future outlook.

Chinese EV manufacturer BYD announced it expects to sell more EVs this year due to the oil shock.

BYD has raised its 2026 sales forecast to 1.5 million units, up from the January estimate of 1.3 million units.

The analysts said:

The surge in crude oil and product prices since the start of March supported the outlook for larger economies to favor new energy vehicles, which use batteries that take lithium as a major input.

Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently exemplified by the announcement of higher power storage spending.

This was combined with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027, supporting lithium-rich energy storage systems.

In the meantime, Zimbabwe suspended exports of lithium concentrates and other raw materials to stimulate refining in the country.

Oil shock a tailwind for lithium prices

Lithium prices were already rebounding from a painful two-year downward spiral before the war in Iran began.

We have seen a rapid turnaround in lithium prices from mid-2025.

Supply/demand rebalanced after a long period of oversupply last year.

We also saw the impact of the green energy transition finally bleed through to markets in 2025.

Other commodity prices joined lithium in an upward surge in 2025 as the world began building new power infrastructure at scale.

The lithium carbonate price lifted to a two-year high of about US$26,200 per tonne in January.

It endured a short, sharp fall to just below US$20,000 in early February as part of a broader metals and minerals rout.

Today, the lithium carbonate price is US$24,850, representing a 43% year-to-date gain.

Lithium spodumene is up from about US$600 per tonne in June 2025 to US$2,415 per tonne today.

The post ASX lithium shares rally as oil shock highlights EV appeal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
• This ASX lithium rocket is closing in on a multi-year breakout again
• 3 ASX 200 titans charging to new one-year-plus highs today
• Why the PLS share price just hit an all-time high
• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Core Lithium. 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.

With copper prices expected to be strong over the long term due to increasing demand, having a little exposure to the base metal could be a good thing for a portfolio.

And while mining giant’s BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) offer an easy way to do it, the upside on offer there could be limited after they recently hit record highs.

Another way could be with the ASX copper stock in this article.

Which ASX copper stock?

Bell Potter has named AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M) shares as a buy this week.

It is a Western Australia-based copper production and exploration company focused on its 100%-owned Eloise Copper Project (ECP).

The broker was pleased with the ASX copper stock’s recent quarterly update, highlighting that it once again met its guidance. It said:

A1M has extended its track record of meeting production and cost guidance, now established for eleven consecutive quarters. At its Eloise Copper Mine in QLD, production for the March 2026 quarter was 3,432t copper in concentrate plus 1,591oz gold at All-In-Sustaining-Costs (AISC) of A$4.18/lb (vs BPe 3,024t Cu in concentrate plus 1,591oz Au at A$4.62/lb). Lower mining volumes and mill throughput were more than offset by higher head grades as the mine plan took in higher grade zones.

A1M is tracking to beat FY26 production and cost guidance, which remains unchanged at 12.8-13.1kt Cu plus 6.0-6.5koz gold at AISC of A$4.85-A$5.25/lb. Cost inflation risks of ~A$0.40/lb-$0.50/lb have been flagged for the June 2026 quarter due to increasing diesel costs. Allowing for this, we still forecast the lower end of AISC guidance to be met or beaten.

Overall, the broker has described the performance as “excellent” and highlights that it beat guidance and its own forecasts despite inclement weather. It adds:

This was an excellent result, beating both guidance and our forecasts in a heavily rain-affected quarter that disrupted other mines and logistics in the region. A1M has built an exceptional track record of delivery, particularly for a single-asset company operating a relatively small-scale mine. The quarter also included a meaningful Resource and Reserve upgrade which has allowed us to add 18 months to our assumed life-of-mine. The new Jericho underground is progressing ahead of schedule and achieved the milestone of first ore production during the quarter.

Time to buy?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX copper stock with an improved price target of 85 cents (from 80 cents).

Based on its current share price of 62 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 37% for investors.

The broker concludes:

A1M represents leveraged copper exposure via its Eloise Copper Project with a clear, organic growth strategy being advanced. The current share price, in our view, represents attractive value for a well-managed, Australian-based copper producer. We retain our Buy recommendation on an increased, NPV-based target price rounded to $0.85/sh.

The post This ASX copper stock could be cheap compared to BHP and Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Can BHP shares smash through the $60 record barrier in April?
• Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner
• 3 excellent ASX ETFs for income investors to buy
• Just starting out? These 5 ASX shares could be the perfect first buy
• Up 67% in a year! The red-hot South32 share price is smashing BHP, Rio and Fortescue

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

A recent run higher has hit a pause for Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) shares on Friday.

The move comes as the market digests new information from one of its key assets.

At the time of writing, the Newmont share price is down 0.28% to $156.61. That follows a weaker stretch over the past week, with the stock now down almost 7% over that period.

The pullback sits against a solid 12-month run. Over the past year, the shares are still up close to 80%.

With the stock sitting near recent highs, even smaller updates are getting more attention.

And that appears to be the case today.

Cadia operations update draws focus

According to the release, Newmont provided an update on its Cadia operation in New South Wales following a magnitude 4.5 earthquake earlier this week.

The company said all personnel were accounted for, with safety protocols activated immediately after the event. Underground workers were moved to designated safe areas and later returned to the surface under standard procedures.

Initial inspections identified some damage in certain underground sections, though it has been described as limited in scale.

Processing operations have continued and are being ramped back up to normal throughput levels.

Production impact expected to be limited

Newmont also confirmed that surface infrastructure, including tailings facilities and dams, was inspected following the earthquake.

No damage has been identified across those critical assets at this stage.

Based on current assessments, near-term production from Cadia is not expected to be materially impacted.

Work is still ongoing underground to determine the full recovery timeline and whether there could be any longer-term effects on output.

Cadia is a key asset, so any disruption will draw attention, especially when early signs point to a minor operational impact.

Recent weakness comes after strong run

After a strong rally through the past year, the stock was trading near recent highs before easing back this week.

Moves like this are common after a large run, especially when new information adds some uncertainty, even if the impact is limited.

Gold price movements have also played a part, with prices holding near recent highs after a steady rise in recent months.

Foolish Takeaway

The update points to limited damage and no clear hit to near-term production, which takes some pressure off.

Even so, the stock has already had a decent run, and short-term moves can turn quickly when sentiment shifts.

Personally, I would be comfortable watching this one rather than chasing it here, especially with the current volatility.

The post Newmont shares slip as Cadia update puts investors on alert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why 29Metals, DGL, Fletcher Building, and Newmont shares are falling today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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.