Tag: Stock pick

Higher interest rates are bad news for many S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks, but they could offer tailwinds for Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares and the other big four Aussie bank stocks.

That’s according to the latest Australian Banks report, just out from Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

According to the broker, ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and CBA shares could all enjoy a material uptick in earnings per share (EPS) if the RBA hikes interest rates twice in 2026 rather than cutting once.

Should ASX investors expect RBA interest rate hikes in 2026?

Please don’t shoot the messenger.

But, yes, if you’re buying ASX stocks, including CBA shares, you should do so with the expectation that the RBA may well transition from cutting interest rates to lifting them next year amid resurgent inflation.

According to Macquarie:

Market expectations for the cash rate have shifted significantly following stronger employment, CPI, and GDP reports which suggest the economy is operating close to its capacity. This has seen pricing for the cash rate by end-26 move from ~1 additional cut (as in our current forecasts) to ~2 hikes.

Citi economist Faraz Syed is among those who are now forecasting two interest rate hikes from Australia’s central bank next year.

“We believe a tight labour market, new (higher) inflation forecasts, strong housing and household consumption all point to monetary policy being too accommodative,” Syed said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review).

“Therefore, we shift our no policy change view to 50 basis points worth of rate hikes in 2026, starting as early as February, followed by May,” he added.

What does this mean for ASX 200 bank stocks like CBA shares?

Macquarie noted that higher interest rates should drive materially higher margins for CBA shares as well as for ANZ, NAB, and Westpac.

The broker added:

Alongside the shift in rate expectations, swap rates have also moved materially higher, with 3 and 5 year swap rates increasing by ~40bps since mid-Nov. This shift in both cash rate expectations and swaps suggest material upside to bank margins if it’s sustained.

Macquarie said that some of the benefits the ASX 200 banks receive from higher interest rates would be eroded by increased competition. Though the broker still sees a significant upside to the banks’ forecast earnings.

“While we don’t expect consensus to fully reflect this potential upside, the shift in the rate outlook does suggest upside to consensus earnings as we approach February results,” Macquarie noted. “That said, higher rates also present some downside risk to bank multiples and expectations for the housing market / credit growth.”

According to the broker:

Our analysis suggests a 5-10bps upside to our current 2H27 margin forecasts if rates are sustained. However, with a significant share of this likely to be offset by increased competition, we estimate the improvement in margins would be a more modest 3-5bps upside, or 3-6% upside to earnings.

And Macquarie expects that Westpac and CBA shares will benefit more than ANZ and NAB shares if the RBA hikes rates next year.

Macquarie said:

Based on unhedged retail / business transaction deposits we estimate the ~75bps swing in cash rate expectations [from the prior expectations of a 0.25% cut to new expectations of a 0.50% rate hike in 2026] equates to 2-4bps of upside to our margin forecasts across the banks (more for CBA and WBC, and less for ANZ and NAB).

We assume full pass through on savings deposits, but competition could see a more modest impact.

The post How will interest rate hikes impact the big four ASX banks like CBA shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about NAB shares on Friday?
• 3 ASX 200 shares I’m avoiding this week
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income
• Which stocks are looking good as rates appear to be heading north?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For many Australians, the hardest part of investing isn’t saving the money, it is deciding which shares to buy.

In fact, the fear of choosing the wrong stock can stop people from getting started altogether.

That’s where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. Instead of trying to pick winners, investors can buy a single ETF and instantly gain exposure to dozens or even thousands of stocks. And with regular contributions and a long-term mindset, ETFs can be one of the most reliable ways to build meaningful wealth over time.

If you want a simple, diversified portfolio you can stick with for decades, here are three ASX ETFs that could help form the foundation.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF is one of the most popular ETFs in Australia, and it isn’t hard to see why. It gives investors access to 500 of the largest and most influential companies in the United States. Its portfolio includes global giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), along with leaders in healthcare, financials, consumer goods, and industrials.

The US market has historically been one of the strongest wealth creators in the world, driven by innovation, population growth, productivity gains, and deep capital markets. The iShares S&P 500 ETF allows Australians to tap into these long-term themes with a single trade.

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares ETF offers investors broad exposure to the Australian share market, tracking the nation’s largest and most established stocks. Its top holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Bunnings and Kmart owner Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Overall, this makes the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF a simple way to own a slice of corporate Australia and could be a core building block for local investors.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A third ASX ETF to consider for wealth building is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. It offers exposure to more than 1,200 international stocks across developed markets, including the US, Europe, the UK, and Asia.

This ETF is designed to provide broad diversification, reducing reliance on any single country or sector. Some of its major holdings include Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), and Toyota (TYO: 7203). By combining this fund with the others, investors can build a genuinely global portfolio without the complexity of managing multiple individual positions.

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

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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 Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and Novo Nordisk and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Over the last three years, investors have been witnessing how generative artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting businesses and governments. Tools and services introduced by OpenAI and the cloud hyperscalers are improving corporate workflows across every industry.

As AI becomes more integrated at the enterprise level, big tech is doubling down on infrastructure investments — procuring as many chips and building as many data centers as they can. Beyond these moves, however, is another opportunity: quantum computing.

While quantum computing remains a theoretical and exploratory technological pursuit, enthusiasts argue that it has the potential to revolutionize critical processes across drug discovery, logistics, supply chains, energy patterns, assessing financial risk, and more. Management consulting firm McKinsey & Company reports that quantum computing could unlock $2 trillion in economic value by next decade.

Below, I’ll reveal my top three picks in the quantum AI landscape heading into 2026 and make the case for why each stock is a compelling long-term buy. 

1. Alphabet: The vertically integrated AI ecosystem

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG) might just be the most lucrative opportunity among mega cap AI stocks. The company’s diverse ecosystem spans internet search, advertising, cloud computing, consumer electronics, autonomous driving, and custom chip designs.

By vertically integrating all of its products and services together, Alphabet has masterfully stitched AI into every fabric of its business.

For now, most of the attention Alphabet receives for its AI efforts revolves around two products: Gemini (its large language model) and its highly successful chip platform featuring the company’s tensor processing units (TPUs).

What most investors may not realize is that Alphabet is investing heavily into quantum computing as well. The company has parlayed its achievements in chip design by building its own quantum processor, called Willow.

At the moment, Willow is primarily used in simulations against powerful supercomputers — testing which technology is able to solve complex challenges more efficiently and accurately.

Alphabet is in a unique position to roll quantum computing applications into its broader suite of AI services once the company moves toward commercializing the technology.

2. Nvidia: Bridging traditional and quantum computing

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the engine powering the broader AI movement. The company’s GPUs and CUDA software are at the center of generative AI development. While this comprehensive tech stack gave Nvidia a first-mover advantage in the AI revolution, the company is beginning to face competitive forces in the chip environment.

Nevertheless, Nvidia is making quiet moves beyond data centers as it explores the quantum AI opportunity. Namely, Nvidia offers a product called NVQLink as well as an alternate version of CUDA that can be used together in hybrid classical and quantum computing environments.

I find Nvidia’s approach to quantum computing particularly savvy. Instead of spending time and effort on capital-intensive supercomputers, Nvidia is merely offering a bridge in which its hardware and software can be used in new environments as more companies lay the foundation for their own quantum roadmaps. 

3. Amazon: A hardware-software stack to keep your eyes on

When it comes to AI ecosystems, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has a striking resemblance to Alphabet. While Amazon’s main businesses are its e-commerce marketplace and cloud computing platform, Amazon also makes money from advertising, subscription services, streaming, grocery delivery, and more.

At the moment, the company’s primary source of AI growth stems from its cloud infrastructure platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS is the largest cloud computing platform by market share.

Very much like Alphabet’s Google Cloud Platform (GCP), AWS also offers its own custom chips for model development — Trainium and Inferentia. In addition, Amazon has built its own quantum processing chip, dubbed Ocelot.

Within AWS is a feature called Amazon Bracket, a quantum computing architecture that can integrate with pure plays like IonQ.

Final takeaway

There are two main themes I want to drive home from this analysis. First, Alphabet, Nvidia, and Amazon have already established successful AI businesses. Second, each company can afford to explore quantum computing even if the technology remains nascent and not a core part of their growth strategies today.

AI is going to be the main driver of growth for each of these companies for years to come. Against this backdrop, should it take another five or even 10 years for quantum computing to become widely adopted, holding on to positions in already-established AI leaders provides investors with durability and dual upside — benefiting from further secular tailwinds fueling the AI revolution while partaking in the gains from quantum applications once they are launched.

In my eyes, these tech titans represent an insulated way to gain exposure to quantum computing with little risk. For a modest sum of $1,000, investors can buy stock in Alphabet, Nvidia, and Amazon today.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The post The 3 smartest quantum computing stocks to buy with $1,000 in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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• Nvidia stock price slumped 12.6% in November. What’s next for the artificial intelligence (AI) behemoth?
• Tesla vs. Alphabet: Which is the better AI stock for 2026?

Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, IonQ, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Newmont. 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.

The Goodman Group (ASX:GMG) share price is in focus after the company declared an unfranked interim distribution of 15 cents per security for the six months ending 31 December 2025.

What did Goodman Group report?

• Interim distribution of 15.0 cents per security, fully unfranked
• Record date: 31 December 2025
• Ex-dividend date: 30 December 2025
• Payment date: 25 February 2026
• Distribution relates to the six-month period ended 31 December 2025
• Further details, including tax components, will be announced on 23 February 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Goodman’s interim distribution remains unfranked, as with recent dividends. There is no change to its dividend policy or payment frequency.

The company has not provided details about tax component breakdowns at this time, but has committed to sharing this information closer to the payment date. Securityholders should expect further updates by late February 2026.

What’s next for Goodman Group?

Investors should look out for the company’s full distribution and tax component details, due out in late February 2026. Goodman continues to prioritise steady distributions as part of its approach to providing income for securityholders.

Any further company updates or new developments may be revealed when the group releases its half-year results, likely to coincide with the tax component announcement.

Goodman Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Goodman Group shares have declined 21%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Goodman Group declares 15c unfranked interim distribution for H1 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Looking for new additions to your investment portfolio this month? If you are, it could pay to listen to what analysts at Morgans are saying about the ASX stocks in this article.

They have just been given buy ratings and are tipped to rise meaningfully from current levels. Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI)

Morgans believes that this alternative asset management company’s shares are undervalued.

It highlights that despite rising over 70% this year, its shares are still trading at just 13x estimated FY 2026 earnings.

This comes at a time when management is aiming to double its earnings over the next five years, which implies a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%. It said:

Navigator Global Investments (NGI) is an alternative asset management firm focused on partnering with leading global alternative managers, with exposure to 11 boutique firms across hedge funds, private markets, structured credit, macro, commodities and derivatives. NGI operates a simple and effective model: it takes minority stakes in high-quality, high-margin alternative managers and supports their growth with capital and strategic services. The model creates a highly diversified earnings base with strong growth potential through adding scale (new partnerships) to the existing platform.

NGI has a strategic ambition to double EBITDA over five years, implying ~15% CAGR. We believe the business has the operating structure and expertise, is self-funding, and has a large addressable market for acquisitions to achieve this target. Earnings resilience is a key feature supported by high diversity in its Assets under management (AUM) across asset classes, managers, investment strategies, and investor channels. At ~13x FY26F PE, we see this earnings durability and growth potential as undervalued.

Morgans has initiated coverage on the ASX stock with a buy rating and $3.45 price target. This implies potential upside of 17% for investors from current levels.

Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

Another ASX stock that Morgans has put a buy rating on is Polynovo.

It is a medical technology company aiming to simplify the management of acute complex wounds with its NovoSorb BTM product. This is a dermal scaffold for the regeneration of the dermis when lost through surgery, trauma or burn.

Morgans has turned more positive on the company after it strengthened its board and finally appointed a new leader. It was also pleased to see that its recent trading update suggests that the company is on to achieve its revenue forecast in FY 2026. It said:

Following changes to its Board and with the appointment of a new CEO, we see more stability and focus returning to the PNV business. The 1Q26 trading update sees group sales up 33% and gives us confidence our full-year revenue forecast (up ~17%) is on track. We sit below revenue consensus but in line with EBITDA. We have made no changes to forecasts. However, we have removed our discount to the target price which now sits at A$2.03 (was A$1.69). We have moved our recommendation up to BUY from SPECULATIVE BUY.

As mentioned above, Morgans has a buy rating and $2.03 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 68% is possible between now and this time next year.

The post Why Morgans just put buy ratings on these ASX stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) shares are ending the week reasonably positively.

In afternoon trade, the property listings giant’s shares are up slightly to $188.73.

Can the realestate.com.au operator’s shares rise further? Let’s see what analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) are saying.

What is the broker saying about REA Group?

Macquarie has been busy looking at industry data and highlights that trading conditions aren’t too favourable at present. Following a 4% decline in Australian residential listings volumes in November, the broker estimates that financial year to date listings are down 6%. It said:

Current trends are tracking slightly below expectations – 1H26 YTD listings are down 6%, albeit with the last three months down 4%. Assuming December continues or improves this recent trend (i.e. down 4% to flat), this suggests a 1H26 decline of 5 – 6% (MQe = 5% decline), albeit month-to-month listings can be volatile.

Looking to 2026, the risk of Australian rate hikes could present a headwind, however comparable periods become easier to cycle in 2H26 (1Q-4Q25 = +7% / +4% / 0% / -8%). We are in line with REA’s guidance for flat FY26 volumes, last reiterated in early November. Sydney and Melbourne also continue to outperform, which should benefit geographical mix.

The good news is that REA Group is no stranger to tough trading conditions and is able to use its powerful position to drive earnings growth. Macquarie expects this trend to continue. Though, it does have a few nagging concerns. It explains:

We remain confident on REA’s ability to deliver +16% three-year EPS CAGR to FY28, more so driven by double-digit buy yield growth (MQe = +12.6%) and positive operating jaws (MQe = +3%pts). However, valuation has been under pressure given the threat of AI/Domain, trading on 36x 12m fwd P/E (vs 47x two-year avg); we remain cautious and are monitoring any potential structural threats to REA and the industry.

REA Group shares tipped to rise

According to the note, the broker has retained its neutral rating with a $220.00 price target.

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of almost 17% for investors over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, if Macquarie is on the money with its recommendation, a $10,000 investment would turn into approximately $11,700 by this time next year.

In addition, it trades with a modest dividend yield of 1.4%, which adds an extra $140 cash return to the equation.

The post How much upside does Macquarie tip for REA Group shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Income investors often turn to energy shares because many of these companies have a track record of delivering reliable dividends, even when the broader market gets choppy. As we head towards the middle of December, a few well-known ASX energy names are standing out for their yields and long-term potential.

Here are my top three shares that income seekers might want to consider buying this month.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside is still one of the biggest energy names on the ASX, producing oil, LNG, and other key energy products. At a recent share price of about $24.70, it is offering a fully franked dividend yield of roughly 6.7%. That is a standout number when you compare it to many of the large-cap stocks on the market today.

In the last financial year, Woodside paid out approximately $1.65 per share in dividends, which is why its trailing yield remains above 6.5%. The company’s dividend approach has been to return a solid portion of underlying profits to shareholders, a strategy that income-focused investors tend to appreciate.

Energy prices will always move around, and Woodside’s earnings move with them, but the company’s dividend policy aims to smooth out those fluctuations. For income investors willing to ride through the short-term market noise, this level of yield is hard to ignore.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos has had its fair share of challenges lately, including a softer profit result and a dividend cut in the last financial year. Despite that, the stock still sits on a respectable dividend yield of about 5.8% based on recent payouts and its current share price of $6.23.

The company already pays out a meaningful share of its free cash flow and expects to lift those returns from 2026. That focus on rewarding investors has captured the attention of those seeking both income and long-term growth.

However, Santos is also not without risk. Its earnings can be tied to commodity cycles, but the current yield makes it a contender for those focused on dividends rather than short-term price moves.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

Yancoal is a bit different from the oil and gas producers above. It’s a coal producer, and its dividend track record has been more volatile. Recent results show Yancoal’s trailing yield can hit 10%, though that’s influenced by its uneven and unpredictable dividend payments.

Based on a share price near $5.20, Yancoal’s historical dividends produce some eye-catching yields. The downside is that its payouts have moved around a lot, making them less reliable than those from Woodside or Santos. Investors need to be comfortable with that volatility before relying on Yancoal for income.

Foolish Takeaway

If you are seeking income, the energy sector still offers some attractive options. Woodside continues to deliver solid, well-backed dividends, Santos is shaping up to return more cash to shareholders, and Yancoal’s past payouts have produced some striking yields.

Just keep in mind that a high yield only matters if the business can sustain it over the long haul.

Nevertheless, I believe these ASX energy shares deserve a spot on the December watchlist for those dividend hunters.

The post Dividend investors: Premier ASX energy shares to buy in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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.

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:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this travel agent giant’s shares with an improved price target of $16.75. This follows news that the company has agreed to acquire online cruise platform Iglu for 122 million British pounds. This is the second cruise related acquisition the company has made in two years and appears to indicate that management is making a strategic push into higher-value and less volatile leisure segments. In response to the acquisition, Citi has lifted its earnings estimates and its valuation accordingly. The Flight Centre share price is trading at $14.84 on Friday afternoon.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have upgraded this investment platform provider’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $31.50. The broker believes that the company is on track to beat its funds guidance if its net flows are maintained. Outside this, it notes that Netwealth has continued to build platform functionality with additional managed account options, a new individual HIN offering, and expanded bond access through the trading desk. It believes that this will help increase its revenue share and sees a pathway to the usual +20% revenue growth story that historically has attracted value investors around these levels. The Netwealth share price is fetching $26.97 at the time of writing.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Another note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this logistics solutions technology company with a reduced price target of $109.15. The broker was pleased with WiseTech Global’s recent investor day event, noting that it has allowed investors to refocus on its growth drivers rather than recent controversies. While it acknowledges that delays with the new CTO offering are disappointing, it was pleased with the CargoWise Value Packs and DBSchenker rollout. Overall, this has led to a slight upgrade to revenue assumptions. But with the tech sector de-rating, it has reduced its valuation to reflect lower sector multiples. The WiseTech Global share price is trading at $71.96 on Friday.

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

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are having a ripper day, up 1.22% to 8,696.6 points at the time of writing.

Let’s check out some ASX shares to buy, according to the experts.

ASX shares to buy ahead of the new year

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is $3.56, up 3.6% on Friday and up 2.8% in the year to date (YTD).

Among the diversified ASX mining shares, Macquarie prefers South32 over all others.

The broker raised its rating on South32 from neutral to outperform this week.

Macquarie said:

We upgrade S32 from Neutral to Outperform given prospects of an improved returns outlook and a favourable catalyst backdrop.

South32 is benefiting from an increase in commodity prices for many of the metals and industrial materials it produces.

The miner produces nine commodities, including silver, copper, and aluminium.

The silver price is up 119% in the year to date, while copper is up 36% and aluminium 14%.

Macquarie has a 12-month price target of $3.70 on South32 shares.

Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)

Elders supplies farming products and provides advisory, financial, and real estate services.

The Elders share price is $7, up 0.5% today and down 3% for 2025.

Morgans retained its buy rating on Elders shares after the company released its FY25 results.

The broker said:

ELD’s FY25 result was in line with its guidance. As was well guided too, the 2H25 was weak due to drought.

Outlook comments were optimistic, the 1Q26 is off to a strong start and FY26 should benefit from a positive rainfall outlook, higher selling prices, acquisitions and the transformation projects.

The broker upgraded its price target on this ASX agricultural share from $8.50 to $8.65.

Light & Wonder Inc. CDI (ASX: LNW)

Light & Wonder is a US gaming machines manufacturer and software developer.

The Light & Wonder share price is $151.61, up 0.02% on Friday and up 8.7% this year.

Morgans has a buy rating on Light & Wonder shares with a price target of $175.

After the company’s 3Q FY25 results, Morgans commented:

LNW delivered record margin expansion across all three segments, with iGaming operating leverage the standout performer, while land-based margins surprised on favourable product mix as Grover scales and premium installed base momentum continues.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Mineral Resources is a diversified ASX mining share that produces iron ore and lithium, and provides mining industry services worldwide.

The Mineral Resources share price is $51.84, up 0.35% today and 49% in the YTD.

Ord Minnett has a buy rating on Mineral Resources with a price target of $55.

In a recent note, the broker said:

Mineral Resources (MIN) has formed a joint venture with POSCO Holdings for its lithium assets that sees the giant Korean group pay US$765 million ($1.2 billion) cash for a 30% stake in the JV, with the Australian company holding the other 70%.

The purchase price values the Australian company’s remaining stakes in the Wodgina and Mt Marion operations at circa $4 billion, versus a consensus valuation of $2.8 billion previously, and implies a long-term spodumene price of circa US$1600 a tonne, comfortably above market expectations centred on US$1240 a tonne.

Find out whether Mineral Resources will resume paying dividends in FY26.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Oil & gas giant Woodside is the largest ASX energy share.

The Woodside share price is $24.69, down 0.3% today and 1.1% for the year.

Morgans has a buy rating on Woodside with a share price target of $30.50.

The broker recently commented:

Growth to 2032 with net operating cash flow guided to ~US$9bn (+6% CAGR) with a pathway to ~50% higher dividends.

Execution remains best-in-class: Scarborough, Sangomar and Trion all tracking on time and budget. Louisiana progressing under de-risked funding structure.

The post 5 ASX shares to buy now: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in South32. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders and Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.