Tag: Stock pick

After hitting new 52-week highs in earlier trade today, Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares have edged into the red.

In afternoon trade on Thursday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) Aussie fuel supplier are swapping hands for $33.06 apiece, down 0.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.3% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Ampol shares have surged 60.1% over the past 12 months, smashing the 15.4% one-year gains delivered by the benchmark index. And that’s not including the 10 cents a share in fully franked dividends the company paid to eligible stockholders over the year.

Ampol stock currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 3.0%.

And looking ahead, DP Wealth Advisory’s Andrew Wielandt believes the stock is well-positioned for more outperformance (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Ampol shares today?

“Ampol is Australia’s largest petrol and convenience network. It serves about three million customers a week across about 1800 branded sites,” Wielandt noted.

Citing the first reason he’s bullish on Ampol shares, he said, “Ampol is increasingly rolling out a network of unstaffed U-GO fuel sites operating 24 hours a day, which are gaining popularity.”

Then there’s the company refinery, one of just two refineries still operating in Australia.

“Ampol also owns the Lytton oil refinery in Queensland, and it was a major contributor to earnings in full year 2025,” Wielandt said.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) owns and operates Australia’s only other refinery. And, as you may have heard, operations at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery in Victoria are likely to be impacted for some time by a major fire that broke out at the site last night.

Which brings us to the third reason Wielandt has a buy rating on Ampol shares.

“The convenience retail segment grew earnings in 2025 and provides the benefit of diversification,” he concluded.

What’s been happening with the ASX 200 energy stock?

It wasn’t just Ampol’s convenience retail segment that grew earnings in 2025.

The company’s fuels and infrastructure, and New Zealand segments both delivered earnings growth as well.

On a group level, Ampol shares caught investor interest with the company reporting 2025 calendar year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.44 billion, up 20% from 2024.

And on the bottom line, Ampol’s underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was up 83% to $429 million.

“The financial performance in 2025 is a high quality and broad-based result that reflects the steps taken in recent years to strengthen our delivery and increase our exposure to the more stable and growing business segments,” Ampol CEO Matt Halliday said.

The post Up 60% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Ampol shares just hit a multi-year high as Australia’s fuel squeeze deepens
• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?
• Viva Energy shares frozen as overnight refinery fire puts fuel markets on edge
• Viva Energy share price halted pending update on Geelong Refinery fire
• Oil is surging and this ASX fuel stock is one of Monday’s winners

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 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.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are back in the spotlight on Thursday as the lithium comeback recovery keeps gathering pace.

In afternoon trade, the Core Lithium share price is up 8.07% to 33.5 cents after earlier touching 35 cents. That leaves the stock just below its January multi-year high of 36 cents.

The move extends what has already been a remarkable rebound, with the shares up 45% over the past month and an eye-catching 415% over 12 months.

With the stock back near its highs, buying interest is building around the Finniss restart.

Here’s what is supporting the latest move.

Finniss restart momentum keeps building

The main catalyst remains continued progress toward restarting the Finniss lithium project in the Northern Territory.

Recent updates show Core has moved beyond outlining a restart and into active execution.

The company recently reached final investment decision (FID) on the Finniss restart, with work expected to commence within weeks and first ore from the Grants deposit targeted shortly after.

The move from study work to on-site activity appears to be giving investors more confidence in the restart.

The Grants open pit offers a faster and lower-risk route back into production, while BP33 underground development continues alongside it. The staged restart lowers upfront risk while preserving the longer-term mine life opportunity.

A recent stockpile sale agreement with Glencore has also supported liquidity and helped re-establish logistics through Darwin Port. This is yet again another sign that the restart is edging closer to production.

Lithium prices are adding fuel

The commodity backdrop is also doing plenty of the heavy lifting.

Lithium carbonate prices in China have risen to around CNY 167,500 per tonne, up more than 134% over the past year.

Higher lithium prices improve the earnings outlook for Core Lithium because Finniss was one of the first Australian lithium operations to shut during the downturn.

As battery material sentiment improves, investors are now returning to lithium stocks with restart potential.

Foolish takeaway

I think today’s move reflects growing confidence that Finniss is getting closer to generating cash again.

The mix of higher lithium prices, restart progress, and the stock trading just below its January high is keeping momentum with Core Lithium.

After a 415% gain over 12 months, the easy re-rating has likely already played out.

The next move likely depends on whether management can deliver the restart on time into supportive lithium prices.

If those milestones keep landing, a move through 36 cents and into a fresh multi-year high looks very achievable.

The post This ASX lithium rocket is closing in on a multi-year breakout again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX lithium stock is charging higher after a major breakthrough
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• Why A2 Milk, BWP, Core Lithium, and Newmont shares are sinking today
• Core Lithium shares tumble after $120m capital raising for Finniss restart
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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.

Amidst broader market volatility in 2026, there have been ASX 200 stocks that have hit 52-week highs recently. 

In 2026 alone: 

• Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are up 25% to $36.78
• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares have risen nearly 33% to $238.37
• Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) have lifted 20% to $5.32

When stocks roar to new highs, it can be difficult for investors to pinpoint fair value. 

Those who have owned the shares might be considering taking their profits and seeking more opportunities elsewhere. 

Those on the outside looking in might be wondering if there is any more upside. 

Let’s look at what’s pushing these shares to 52-week highs and how experts are viewing them. 

Woolworths

Woolworths holds the largest market share in the Australian supermarket industry. 

This dominance puts it firmly in the defensive sector.

Put simply, people still need the essential goods and services Woolworths provides regardless of economic conditions. 

Investors often push into defensive positions amid global economic, political unrest, or high inflation environments. 

This year, consumers have dealt with all three, which has led to a strong performance from Woolworths shares. 

Today, it is trading at $36.80 per share, just below 52-week highs. 

So, is there any further upside?

According to 15 analyst forecasts via TradingView, it is hovering right around fair value. 

However, it’s worth noting that if inflation and interest rates continue to rise, it may continue to benefit as a defensive option. 

Macquarie

Macquarie provides banking, financial, advisory, investment, and fund management services across 34 markets globally.

It is charging even higher today, hitting a fresh 52-week high around $239. 

This growth has been driven by strong financial results and good market momentum. 

Based on 13 analyst ratings via TradingView, Macquarie Group shares are also close to fair value. 

Of these forecasts, the lowest is just 8% lower than current levels, while the highest is $270 per share. 

If they were to reach that price, it would be a further 13% rise. 

Telstra

Telstra shares have benefited from the same defensive attributes as previously discussed for Woolworths. 

It is Australia’s largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services. 

This means its earnings are largely tied to essential services. 

It also has a reputation as one of Australia’s most reliable dividend shares.

Today, shares are trading at approximately $5.33 each, just below recent 52-week highs. 

Based on 13 analyst ratings on TradingView, there is limited further upside, with the average price target at $5.26. 

The post Are these ASX stocks hitting 52-week highs a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 titans charging to new one-year-plus highs today
• Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner
• Macquarie shares soar 21% to a 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold?
• How to invest $300 a month in Australian shares to target a $50,000 annual second income
• The ASX shares I’d buy for passive income in April and beyond

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are storming higher today. At the time of writing, the tech shares are up 11% to $44.27 a piece.

Today’s uptick means WiseTech shares are now 21% higher over the past five days alone. There is a long way to go before the share price recovers the losses shed over the past eight months but it’s a positive step in the right direction.

The shares are now down 36% for the year-to-date and 48% lower than this time last year.

What has pushed WiseTech shares so low this year?

The past eight months have been a bloodbath for WiseTech shares. The company has faced significant headwinds which has sent its share price continually crashing. 

WiseTech was caught up in a tech-sector wide sell-off earlier this year after investors became panicked that AI could disrupt traditional software models. Many were worried that AI tools might replace or reduce demand for subscription-based software. 

There was also concern that tech shares were overvalued and overpriced. 

Concerns about escalating conflict in the Middle East also spooked investors who were worried about the wider implications for sharemarkets. In March, the ASX saw investors turn their back on high-growth technology stocks like WiseTech and rotate towards more stable assets instead.

And why is WiseTech flying higher today?

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of WiseTech recently to explain today’s price hike, so it’s most likely sentiment driven.

ASX tech sector shares are climbing higher today with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) up 7% for the day at the time of writing, and trading at a one-month high. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.4%.

It looks like investors are regaining confidence in the ASX tech shares off the back of a retreat in macro fears. Investors perhaps think the worst from the US-Iran war, and inflation fears, is now mostly priced in.

After a strong rebound, investors may now consider the stock as trading at good value.

What’s next? Are the shares a buy, sell or hold?

It looks like this could be the beginning of a large rally for WiseTech shares.

According to TradingView data, analysts are incredibly bullish about the outlook for WiseTech shares over the next 12 months.

Most have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock (14 out of 16). They tip a potential upside of up to 178% to $123.10, at the time of writing.

The post WiseTech shares rocket 11% higher today: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy with $10,000
• 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 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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares surged to a multi-year high in morning trade as investors reacted to the fallout from Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery fire.

The Ampol share price climbed as high as $34.85 earlier in the session before easing back to $33.24, where it remains up 0.33% at the time of writing.

Even with that intraday pullback, the stock is still up roughly 61% over the past 12 months, leaving it among the ASX 200’s strongest blue-chip performers.

The rally points to rising expectations that Ampol could benefit from stronger refining margins while Geelong remains disrupted.

Here’s what investors are watching.

Geelong refinery fire puts the spotlight on Lytton

The main driver is the overnight fire at Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) Geelong refinery in Victoria, which has already pushed its shares into a trading halt.

Recent reports suggest the disruption could last months, with petrol production expected to be affected.

That immediately lifts the focus onto Ampol’s Lytton refinery in Brisbane, now the country’s only other major operating refinery.

Together, the two refineries account for a significant share of Australia’s transport fuel production.

With Geelong expected to run below normal levels, investors are increasingly looking at what that could mean for refining margins at Lytton.

A tighter local fuel market is likely to support Ampol through stronger domestic refining margins and higher demand across its supply network.

A strong run was already underway

Ampol shares had already been trending higher over recent months as refining conditions improved and sentiment across energy stocks strengthened.

The stock’s 1-year gain of around 61% shows investors were already warming to the earnings recovery outlook before today’s latest catalyst.

The dividend has also remained part of the appeal, with the stock still offering an attractive fully-franked yield based on its most recent payout.

Ampol paid a 60-cent final dividend.

And now, the Geelong disruption gives investors another reason to believe earnings could stay stronger in the near-term.

Foolish Takeaway

I still think Ampol has room to stay well supported while refining conditions remain favourable.

The market is now looking beyond the immediate Geelong outage and more at what a tighter domestic supply could mean for Lytton’s margins over the next few months.

The dividend yield also continues to make the stock attractive, especially while earnings momentum across the downstream business is improving.

After a 61% run over 12 months, I would expect gains to become more measured, but the setup still looks supportive if the disruption lasts longer than expected.

The post Why Ampol shares just hit a multi-year high as Australia’s fuel squeeze deepens appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 60% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares today
• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?
• Viva Energy shares frozen as overnight refinery fire puts fuel markets on edge
• Viva Energy share price halted pending update on Geelong Refinery fire
• Oil is surging and this ASX fuel stock is one of Monday’s winners

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech shares are 6.3% higher after the 11th consecutive session of gains for US tech stocks overnight.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) lifted 1.59% to a new record high last night.

ASX 200 tech shares have risen 16.2% over the past 11 trading sessions, but our tech index has fluctuated over the period.

Meanwhile, the NASDAQ has increased in a straight line by 15.5%, one day after another, since 30 March.

That’s its best run since December 2023.

Could this mean an end to the tech wreck?

ASX 200 tech shares began a downward spiral in September last year.

Tech investors began worrying about high stock valuations and large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) capex spending.

Then this year, a series of updates to Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude, stoked fears of major disruption for software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers.

If agentic AI and generative tools like Claude can custom-write software, why would companies subscribe to proprietary SaaS products?

These fears were especially felt in Australia given four of the six biggest ASX 200 tech shares by market capitalisation are SaaS providers.

Some experts labelled it a ‘SaaSpocalypse’ moment, while others insisted the highest quality tech companies would ride it out.

The cumulative impact: the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) fell 48% between 29 August and 30 March.

Here comes the rebound

The biggest ASX 200 tech share by market cap is SaaS logistics management platform provider, WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The Wisetech share price is $43.63, up 9.2% today and up 19.5% over the past 11 trading sessions.

Next is accounting services provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

The Xero share price is $80.70, up 7.5% on Thursday and up 14.5% since 30 March.

Enterprise resource planning provider TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is also higher today.

TechnologyOne shares are $30.49, up 5.8% today and up 15.2% over the 11 trading sessions.

The Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is 4.2% higher at $13.96, and it’s up 23.8% since 30 March.

The share price of family location app provider Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) is $21.15, up 11.6% today and up 16.6% since 30 March.

Shares in hotel bookings management platform provider Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) are up 8.3% to $3.35 today.

Siteminder shares have surged 23.4% since 30 March.

Technology is the strongest of the 11 ASX 200 market sectors today.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in the red, down 0.3% to 8,952.6 points.

The post Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week
• WiseTech shares rocket 11% higher today: Buy, sell or hold?
• Interest rate rise expectations firm on jobs data as Aussie dollar hits 4-year high
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy with $10,000
• Court approves Insignia Financial scheme: $4.80 per share for holders

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, SiteMinder, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX bank stocks slumped across the board in March, and then some shares quickly rebounded in April as ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Middle East conflict, and climbing inflation jittered markets.

Investors initially turned away from financial stocks in fear of an unstable macro environment. Then, more recently, it seems like investors have rotated back into bank stocks as macro fears have started easing again.

How are Australia’s major banks faring today?

The banking sector is dominated by Australia’s big four banks: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). Together, the big four banks make up around a quarter of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by market capitalisation. 

CBA shares have climbed 3.2% higher over the past month, and are up 12.4% for the year to date. At the time of writing, the bank’s shares are changing hands at $181.21.

Westpac shares, however, have fallen 2.32% over the past month but are up 2.4% year to date. At the time of writing, Westpac shares are changing hands for $39.90 a piece.

NAB shares also dropped over the past month by 7.3%, but they’re up 2.8% year to date. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $43.64.

ANZ shares are up 1.5% over the past month and up 4.5% over the year to date. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $38.04.

Which banks do analysts rate as a sell?

Analyst sentiment appears to be pretty bearish on most of the major ASX bank stocks.

TradingView data shows that CBA, Westpac, and NAB shares are all rated a sell or a strong sell by brokers, with significant downside risks over the next 12 months.

CBA shares are tipped to crash up to 50.5% to $90 per share, at the time of writing.

Westpac shares are tipped to tumble up to 26.6% to $29.32 per share.

NAB shares are also tipped to drop up to 32% to just $30 per share over the next 12 months.

And there is one major bank which analysts rate as a buy

The data shows that ANZ is the favourite among the bunch. Out of 16 analysts, six have a buy or strong buy rating on ANZ shares, and another six have a hold rating.

The average target price of $26.38 implies a potential 4.5% downside at the time of writing. But some are optimistic that the shares could climb 13% higher from here to $43 each.

Why is ANZ the standout?

ANZ’s strong earnings momentum, predictable cash flow, and diversified portfolio mean that it looks like better value versus its peers. It also has a higher dividend yield than the other major banks, suggesting better upside potential.

I expect more investors to rotate into ANZ shares over the next few months.

The post ANZ, NAB, Westpac, and CBA shares: Analysts rate 3 to sell, and 1 to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner
• Buy, hold, sell: Bank of Queensland, Koala, and Westpac shares
• $5,000 invested in CBA shares two years ago is now worth…
• What’s going on with the ANZ share price?
• Are Westpac and Bank of Queensland shares a buy, hold or sell?

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

This ASX coal stock is pushing higher today. Shares in New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) charged 2.2% to $5.51 in early afternoon trade.

It’s another solid move for a share that’s already been on a tear. Over the past 12 months, the ASX coal stock is up 54%, comfortably beating the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained around 16%.

So what’s driving today’s bump?

Replacing old debt with new funding

It all comes down to smart balance sheet management.

On Thursday morning, the ASX coal stock announced it is refinancing $300 million of convertible notes, launching a new senior unsecured convertible note offering due 2032. At the same time, it plans to repurchase up to 100% of its existing 2029 notes.

In simple terms, New Hope is replacing older debt with newer, more attractive funding. The new notes come with a lower coupon of 2.375% to 2.875% and include a 2030 put option for investors. That gives the ASX coal stock more flexibility while reducing financing costs and pushing out its debt maturity profile.

Investors like that. If more than 85% of the 2029 notes are repurchased, New Hope may even redeem the remaining balance at face value, effectively cleaning up its debt structure in one move.

Management’s message

The implication is clear: management of the ASX coal stock is getting ahead of the curve.

Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Rinaldi said:

We are pleased to return to the convertible bond market for the third time. The convertible bond market continues to be an important and cost-effective component of our capital structure. Through this transaction, we are proactively refinancing our 2029 notes at improved terms, extending our debt maturity profile and reducing our financing costs. Consistent with our prior issuance, New Hope may cash settle any conversions, providing us with flexibility to manage any future dilution that may arise.

And timing matters. This refinancing comes as global energy markets remain volatile, with tensions in the Middle East keeping thermal coal prices elevated. That backdrop continues to support strong cash generation across the sector.

Operational stability

Importantly, New Hope also confirmed that production and costs are tracking within FY26 guidance. That’s another tick for operational stability.

Put it all together, and you get a company that’s not just benefiting from favourable commodity prices, but also actively improving its financial position.

Looking ahead, the strategy is straightforward. By extending debt maturities and lowering financing costs, New Hope is building flexibility. That gives it more room to invest in growth, manage market swings, and continue delivering returns to shareholders.

Foolish bottom line?

Today’s price jump of the ASX coal stock isn’t about hype. It’s about discipline.

New Hope is strengthening its balance sheet at a time when conditions are favourable. And in a cyclical industry like mining, that kind of forward planning can make all the difference.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smartest moves happen behind the scenes, and the market is starting to take notice.

The post Why this ASX coal stock just jumped and keeps on surging? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?
• New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback
• Why I’m even more bullish about Soul Patts shares from now on!
• ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw amid fragile ceasefire
• 3 reasons to buy New Hope shares today

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

There are more and more thematic ASX ETFs becoming available to investors. 

When these targeted themes rally, investors can capture market-beating returns. 

However, on the flip side, when these sectors face headwinds, losses can also be amplified. 

Due to geopolitical tension, rising interest rates, and other economic factors, sectors like healthcare and technology have been heavily sold off in 2026.

There are several ASX ETFs that target these sectors. 

After falling significantly this year, let’s look at funds that could be undervalued right now. 

Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH)

This ASX ETF seeks to invest in companies well-positioned to benefit from increased technology adoption. 

This includes companies whose principal business is in offering computing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and/or cloud and edge computing infrastructure and hardware.

At the time of writing, it includes 38 holdings, with a 60% exposure to US-based companies. 

So far in 2026, it has fallen 14%. 

However, it appears it has slowly started to turn the corner, recovering 8% during April. 

It may suit investors who are confident of a global tech rebound in the back half of 2026. 

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

It has been a similar story in 2026 for this ASX ETF. 

The fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to the leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector.

It is down 16% so far in 2026, however has also rebounded in April, rising 5% just this week. 

At the time of writing, the fund includes 42 holdings, with 90% of its weighting towards US-based companies. 

Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Moving towards Australian technology, this ASX ETF is surging today, up 4%. 

It still has a long way to go to recover the losses of 2026, as the fund remains down 16% since the start of the year. 

As the name suggests, it provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies across a range of tech-related market segments, including information technology, consumer electronics, online retail, and medical technology.

Vaneck Vectors Global Health Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH)

Moving to healthcare, this ASX ETF focuses on the largest international companies from the global healthcare sector.

It includes 50 underlying holdings with a 60% weighting towards US-based companies. 

In 2026, it has fallen almost 7%, but has also begun to rebound from late March. 

The post ASX ETFs to target if you expect struggling sectors to rebound appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio
• Are these 3 ASX tech ETFs bargain buys in April?
• Expert names 1 ASX ETF to buy, 1 to hold, and 1 to sell
• 3 ASX ETFs for investors in their 30s
• 3 BetaShares ETFs I think can beat the market over 5 years

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. 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.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are flying higher in Thursday afternoon trade. At the time of writing, the Australian fintech company’s shares are up 9.24% to $2.01 a piece.

The latest uptick means the shares have climbed 28.8% so far in April. It’s great news for investors, but the share price has a long way to go before it recovers losses shed through late 2025 and early 2026.

For the year to date, the shares are down 40%. They’re now also around 58% lower than a multi-year high recorded in October last year.

What happened to Zip shares this year?

Zip has faced several headwinds recently. The stock was caught up in the sector-wide tech sell-off earlier this year and then smashed by rising concerns about the war in the Middle East. Investors have been concerned about the global impact of the conflict. As a result, they’ve been shying away from high-growth technology stocks and towards more stable assets.

Earlier in February, investors were spooked by concerns about rising competition, slowing growth, and margin compression, which caused a sharp sell-off of shares. 

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider posted a record result in February, but it still missed market expectations. Zip’s revenue margin declined 7.9%, and net bad debts increased slightly to 1.73% of TTV. Zip also said it expected its second-half cash EBITDA to be broadly in line with the first half. 

And why are the shares soaring higher today?

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of the Zip recently to explain today’s price hike. So it’s most likely that the share price increase is due to a combination of factors, including a shift in sentiment and investors buying back into the tech stock in the dip.

Analysts widely consider the tech stock to be undervalued and oversold. Potentially, today’s uplift means that investors have finally regained confidence in the company and its outlook.

At its results announcement in February, Zip flagged that it is aggressively expanding its US presence with the launch of a new product. It is also pursuing a dual sharemarket listing on the Nasdaq in the US to potentially help drive business expansion in the region.

Zip is expected to post its third-quarter FY26 results tomorrow, which could also be helping today’s rally.

Are they still a buy? Or has the opportunity now passed?

Market Index data shows that brokers are still incredibly bullish on the outlook for Zip shares over the next 12 months.

All six brokers have a strong buy rating on the stock. The average $3.82 target price implies Zip shares could rise by another 93.67% at the time of writing. 

The post Why are Zip shares flying 9% higher today? 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 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.