Tag: Stock pick

An initial public offering (IPO) is when a private company offers shares to the public for the first time.

It can be hard to keep track of every listed ASX stock. That’s because there are more than 2,000. 

But companies are actually joining and falling off the ASX throughout the year. 

Two stocks that recently joined the ASX are BMC Minerals Ltd (ASX: BMC) and Advanced Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX: AEM).

BMC Minerals 

BMC Minerals is a mineral exploration company. It has significant exposure to both precious and base metals prices, particularly silver, zinc, copper, lead, and gold. 

According to the company, it is developing its Kudz Ze Kayah (KZK) Project in the Yukon Territory, Canada, to become a responsible, near-term, and globally significant polymetallic producer.

The project is expected to operate for a minimum of 9 years. It will produce high grade zinc, copper, and HPM concentrates with significant gold and silver credits.

Once in operation, KZK is expected to be Canada’s largest silver and zinc producer and a top 15 Canadian copper producer.

BMC raised $100 million before listing on the ASX. 

The company said it will now be used for more exploration to extend the potential mine life and to complete optimisation studies.

BMC Minerals Ltd (ASX: BMC) is up 26% over the past month since its initial listing and closed yesterday at $3.15. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2% in that same period.

Advanced Energy Minerals

Advanced Energy Minerals is a global supplier of ultra-pure aluminium derivatives.

It is also a manufacturer of high purity alumina (HPA).

Its operations are based at two main sites: Technical Development Centre in Montreal and our first full-scale production plant at Cap-Chat, Quebec.

However, since first listing on the ASX, it has seen its share price fall 17%.

Speculative buy

Since their IPOs, one of these two stocks has drawn positive valuations from experts.

The team at Morgans recently initiated coverage following the IPO of BMC Minerals with a target price of $4.90.

This is along with a speculative buy recommendation.

We model steady state average annual financials of US$780m revenue, US$435m EBITDA at a 52% EBITDA margin, US$287m FCF and FCF yields of 29% based on precious and base metals price assumptions well below current spot prices.

This price target indicates more than 55% upside from its current share price.

TradingView also has an average one-year price target of $5.03, which indicates more than 59% upside.

The post Fresh off IPOs, could these minerals exploration and manufacturing companies be exciting buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The least sexy ASX stocks for 2026 (Don’t even think about buying these unless you want to make money)
• Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026
• Bell Potter names the ASX lithium stocks to buy
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• BHP shares hover near 52-week high as momentum builds. Is a breakout coming?

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

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) have become increasingly popular with investors looking for simple, diversified exposure to different parts of the global share market.

Rather than trying to pick stocks, ETFs allow investors to back broad themes, regions, or investment styles through a single ASX-listed investment. For those wanting to spread risk while positioning for long-term growth, the right mix of ETFs can be a powerful tool.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could appeal to investors looking for exposure to very different global themes.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could be a buy is the iShares S&P 500 ETF. It is one of the simplest ways for Australian investors to gain exposure to the US share market.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 Index, which includes 500 of the largest and most influential stocks listed in the United States. These businesses operate across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials, making the index a broad representation of corporate America.

What makes the IVV ETF particularly attractive is the quality of its underlying holdings. The S&P 500 includes global leaders with scale, strong balance sheets, and significant pricing power. Over long periods, these companies have benefited from innovation, productivity growth, and access to the world’s largest capital market.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF. It offers a very different approach by focusing on valuation rather than momentum.

This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of international large- and mid-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics, such as lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios relative to peers. The portfolio spans multiple countries and sectors, reducing reliance on any single market.

Its holdings currently include Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC), and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO).

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF was recently recommended by the fund manager.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

Finally, the VanEck China New Economy ETF could be a top pick for Aussie investors.

This ASX ETF is designed to capture the evolution of China’s economy away from traditional industries and toward technology, consumption, and innovation.

It invests in Chinese stocks operating in areas such as ecommerce, digital services, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing. These businesses are often aligned with rising domestic consumption and long-term structural change within the Chinese economy.

While investing in China comes with additional risks, this fund offers targeted exposure to growth areas that are traditionally difficult to access. It was also recently recommended by VanEck.

The post Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Investing in the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)? Here’s what you’re really buying
• VGS ETF outperformed ASX IVV in 2025. Here’s why
• 2 ASX ETFs I would buy in 2026 and hold forever
• Own IVV ETF? Here are your returns for 2025
• 3 top ASX ETFs for beginners to buy with $1,000

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 Cisco Systems and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Micron Technology. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

If you are looking for exposure to the lithium industry, then it could be worth listening to what Bell Potter is saying about a number of stocks.

Here are a few that it currently rates as buys:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Bell Potter is bullish on this small-cap ASX lithium stock and has a speculative buy rating and 41 cents price target on its shares.

Commenting on the lithium developer, the broker said:

DLI’s core assets provide exposure to essential minerals including lithium, tantalum and rubidium; its 41% shareholding in advanced gold explorer Ballard Mining (BM1, Speculative Buy, Valuation $1.05/sh) adds material gold price leverage.

Our DLI valuation is based on conservative EV/Resource multiples at Mt Ida and Yinnetharra and a market value of DLI’s BM1 shareholding. If we incorporate our BM1 valuation, our DLI valuation would lift to $0.47/sh. DLI is an asset development company with prospective operations and cash flows. Our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of risk and volatility of returns.

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

Another ASX lithium stock that gets the speculative thumbs up is Ioneer. The broker is feeling very upbeat on the US-based Rhyolite Ridge project, especially given the government support it has received.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and 46 cents price target on its shares. It said:

INR’s Rhyolite Ridge sell-down process should de-risk the project’s equity funding requirements. We expect the USA DoE to remain supportive; Lithium America’s (NYSE:LAC, not rated) recent US$2.3b DoE Thacker Pass (also in Nevada) debt support is a positive analogue. INR’s Rhyolite Ridge project is strategic because of its US location, large scale, low cost, boric acid co-product and expansion potential. INR is an asset development company with forecast cash flows only; our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of investment risk and share price volatility.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Lithium miner Liontown has been given a buy rating and $2.48 price target. The broker likes the company due to its Kathleen Valley Lithium Project, which it notes is highly strategic. Commenting on the ASX lithium stock, it said:

LTR’s 100% owned Kathleen Valley lithium project is highly strategic in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction. LTR has offtake contracts with top-tier EV and battery OEMs. Over FY26, LTR will de-risk the ramp up of Kathleen Valley. LTR has a strong balance sheet with long tenor debt finance.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

A final ASX lithium stock that is rated highly by Bell Potter is Vulcan Energy. It has a speculative buy rating and $6.10 price target on the lithium developer’s shares.

Bell Potter believes Vulcan Energy could be highly profitable when its Lionheart Lithium Project is operating at full capacity. It said:

VUL’s Lionheart Lithium Project location (Germany), near-term production and novel technology, position VUL to benefit as lithium markets rebalance over the medium term. On our lithium price outlook (long term LH US$20,000/t), average annual EBITDA is €290m (real).

The post Bell Potter names the ASX lithium stocks to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why Bell Potter rates roaring Liontown shares as a buy
• ASX mining shares on fire! New 52-week highs today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Silver, lithium, and critical minerals commodities book double digit gains in just one week

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 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 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 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 Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is pushing higher again on Tuesday, up 0.86% to $47.99 in afternoon trade.

At one point today, the stock climbed to $48.25, putting it within touching distance of its 52-week high of $48.49, which was reached on 7 January. Over the past year, BHP shares are now up almost 20%, comfortably beating the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), up 7%.

With the share price sitting just below recent highs, is BHP setting up for another leg higher?

Rising commodity prices are lifting sentiment

The recent strength in BHP shares is closely linked to improving commodity prices.

Iron ore, BHP’s largest earnings driver, is currently trading around US$108 per tonne, up roughly 8% over the past 12 months, according to Trading Economics. Prices have rebounded from mid-2025 lows as Chinese steel demand stabilises and supply growth remains controlled.

Copper prices have also stayed firm, supported by long-term electrification trends and tight global supply. Together, these trends are supporting earnings expectations and improving confidence across the sector.

BHP nears a key technical level

Looking at the chart, BHP is now trading at an important level.

The relative strength index (RSI) is sitting in the low-to-mid 60s, suggesting solid momentum without the shares looking overbought. That supports the idea that the rally may still have room to run.

The main resistance level sits around $48.50, aligned with the recent 52-week high. A clear break above this level could attract further buying and put the low $50’s back on the radar.

On the downside, support remains near $45, an area that has held during recent pullbacks.

BHP’s beta of roughly 0.7 also means it tends to move less than the wider market, which can appeal to investors seeking steadier exposure to the resources sector.

Dividends still matter to investors

The stock is offering a dividend yield of around 3.5%, with franking credits. While payouts will always depend on commodity prices, BHP’s strong balance sheet provides it with the flexibility to continue rewarding shareholders.

What investors should watch next

With BHP trading just below its 52-week high, the next few sessions could be important. A breakout above resistance may confirm the uptrend, while a pause or pullback would not be unusual after a strong run.

Investors will also be watching the company’s operational review on 20 January, followed by its half-year results on 17 February. Any updates on production, costs, or guidance at those events could act as a catalyst for the next move in the BHP share price.

The post BHP shares hover near 52-week high as momentum builds. Is a breakout coming? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) insurance company closed yesterday trading for $17.26. In early afternoon trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $16.85 apiece, down 2.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Suncorp shares have fallen 25.8% over the past 12 months. Much of the selling pressure came amid elevated natural hazard payouts related to extreme weather events in the latter months of 2025.

But investors’ capital losses will have been somewhat mitigated by the two Suncorp dividend payouts.

Over the past 12 months, the ASX 200 insurance stock paid out a total of 90 cents a share in fully franked dividends. This sees Suncorp stock trading on a 5.3% trailing dividend yield.

Suncorp shares tipped for big 2026 rebound

While 2025 was a year to forget for Suncorp stockholders, 2026 could deliver a big turnaround.

That’s according to the analysts at Goldman Sachs (courtesy of The Bull).

The broker recently upgraded Suncorp shares to a buy rating with a $20 price target. That represents a potential upside of 18.7% from current levels. And it doesn’t include the two upcoming Suncorp dividends.

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

Suncorp reported its full-year FY 2025 results on 14 August.

Among the highlights, the 2025 financial year saw the ASX 200 insurer complete its sale of Suncorp Bank to ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). Separately, Suncorp also sold off its New Zealand Life business.

The sales helped drive a 52% year-on-year increase in Suncorp’s net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.82 billion.

Investors were also bidding up Suncorp shares on the day after management announced the company would commence an on-market share buyback of up to $400 million. That buyback that started in September is scheduled to run through to the end of FY 2026.

“Our disciplined approach to capital management and robust capital position has enabled us to announce an on-market buy-back of up to $400 million,” Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston said.

Johnston added:

Our strong set of results delivered this year included the one-off profits on the sale of Suncorp Bank and New Zealand Life, significantly higher investment returns and weather costs across Australia and New Zealand that were favourable to allowance by more than $200 million.

Looking at what could impact Suncorp shares in the months ahead, the insurance company forecasts gross written premium growth in the mid-single digits for the full FY 2026 financial year.

The post Goldman Sachs tips 19% upside for Suncorp shares…plus dividends! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Which ASX insurance stock to buy in 2026: QBE or Suncorp?
• Why these brokers are bullish on the Suncorp share price
• Which ASX insurance stocks performed best this year?
• 3 ASX insurance shares to sell: experts

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

Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have upgraded this share registry company’s shares to a buy rating with a trimmed price target of $39.60. The broker believes that recent share price weakness means that the risk is now skewed to the upside for investors. Especially given its belief that increased mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and debt issuance activity could offset softer margin income. And while it has trimmed its earnings per share forecasts to reflect interest rate cuts, it sees plenty of value on offer with its shares at current levels. The Computershare share price is trading at $34.40 on Wednesday afternoon.

EBR Systems Inc (ASX: EBR)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this medical device company’s shares with an improved price target of $2.95. Morgans highlights that EBR Systems delivered a clear step-up in commercial execution during the fourth quarter. This includes volumes doubling quarter on quarter and revenue coming in materially ahead of expectations. It believes this confirms an accelerating physician uptake. In addition, the broker views clinical momentum with the WiSE-UP post-approval study and the TLC-AU feasibility study as supporting longer-term adoption and label expansion. So much so, its updated total addressable market has increased by 60% to US$5.8 billion, giving the company a materially larger opportunity. This is being underpinned by growth in leadless pacing and de novo CRT applications. The EBR Systems share price is fetching $1.11 at the time of writing.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this mining and mining services company’s shares with an increased price target of $68.00. Looking ahead to its quarterly update, the broker is expecting a small decline in iron ore production, slightly higher costs, and steady lithium production. However, due to significantly better than expected commodity prices, the broker has boosted its earnings estimates and valuation materially. In addition, it highlights that Mineral Resources is positioned to benefit from a recovery in lithium markets, with around 338ktpa of offline spodumene production capacity. The Mineral Resources share price is trading at $60.44 today.

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

More reading

• Why EBR Systems, Endeavour, Monadelphous, and Neuren shares are racing higher today
• Top broker says this ASX small-cap healthcare stock could be set to double
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX mining shares on fire! New 52-week highs today
• ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 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 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price is up 4.2% over the past 24 hours. The world’s first and biggest crypto is currently trading for US$95,292. That gives Bitcoin a market cap of US$1.9 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), the world’s second biggest crypto, is outpacing those gains today. The Ethereum price is up 7.1% since this time yesterday, trading for US$3,329. This sees Ethereum commanding a market cap of US$402 billion.

As for the two top cryptos’ performance 14 days into 2026, that title also goes to Ethereum.

On 31 December, Ethereum was trading for US$2,973, which now sees the number two crypto up 12% year to date in 2026.

The Bitcoin price has gained 7.9% over this same time, having closed out 2025 trading for US$88,321.

Ethereum and Bitcoin price still well below all-time highs

Despite the solid start to 2026, both top cryptos remain well down from the record highs they notched in 2025.

Ethereum traded at an all-time high of US$4,954 on 25 August last year. This leaves the Ethereum price down 32.8% from that high watermark.

The Bitcoin price notched its own record high of US$126,198 six weeks later, on 7 October. Bitcoin is currently trading 24.4% below that all-time high.

The sell-down from those record highs for both cryptos was partly driven by profit-taking following months of strong gains. The latter half of 2025 also saw investors begin to question the pace and depth of likely interest rate cuts from global central banks.

Much like tech and other growth stocks, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most non-stable coins have proven to be highly susceptible to interest rate moves. Most economists still expect at least one rate cut from the embattled US Federal Reserve in 2026, which could help support crypto prices.

Crypto waters are calming

Zerocap analyst Emir Ibrahim noted that the outsized moves crypto investors have historically experienced in the Bitcoin price have been smoothing out.

“For over a decade, Bitcoin’s halving was a North Star for crypto investors,” he said. “Things are a bit different as we move into 2026, however, and it has become clear that the rhythmic four-year boom-bust cycle is effectively broken.”

According to Ibrahim

In previous cycles, we’d be bracing for a multi-year crypto winter right about now. Instead, we’re seeing a market anchored by patient capital. It’d be hard to ignore that institutional participation has fundamentally changed the math on the asset class.

BTC ETFs alone now hold about US$140 billion, about 7% of total supply, and issuance has dropped below 1% annually.

Ibrahim concluded, “It’s clear that BTC’s volatility is no longer an outlier among other assets; it’s on par with major high-growth tech stocks at the end of 2025.”

The post How is Ethereum stacking up against the Bitcoin price so far in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bold calls, big risks, and what really matters for Bitcoin price in 2026
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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 Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares continue to attract strong buying interest as momentum builds across the lithium sector.

At the time of writing, the PLS share price is trading 0.51% higher at $4.885. The stock has now climbed almost 20% in the past month and is up more than 120% over the past year.

This move marks a sharp reversal from where things stood mid-last year. On 20 June 2025, PLS shares were changing hands at $1.07. Since then, the stock has surged roughly 350%, highlighting just how quickly sentiment has shifted.

With the share price near previous highs, is the recovery just getting started or already priced in?

Lithium prices have roared back

The biggest driver behind PLS’ rally has been the sharp recovery in lithium prices.

Lithium carbonate prices in China have surged to around CNY 159,500 per tonne. Prices are now more than 100% higher over the past year, according to recent market data. This marks a clear shift from the deep downturn that hit the sector in 2024 and early 2025.

Stronger demand from electric vehicles, grid storage, and battery manufacturing has combined with tighter supply conditions. Several high-cost producers were forced to cut output during the downturn, which has now left the market more sensitive to rising demand.

Strong assets are doing the heavy lifting

PLS operates the Pilgangoora lithium project in Western Australia, one of the largest hard rock lithium operations in the world. The company has also been expanding its downstream exposure and securing long-term partnerships across the battery supply chain.

This scale and strategic positioning mean investors tend to see PLS as one of the strongest ways to gain exposure to a lithium stock on the ASX. In turn, this has helped drive renewed buying interest.

How close is the stock to its peak?

PLS shares are now trading not far below their all-time high of $5.66, which was reached in late 2022 during the previous lithium boom.

On the technical side, the rally has become stretched. Momentum indicators such as the relative strength index (RSI) are pushing toward overbought territory. The share price is also trading well above key moving averages, which often increases the risk of short-term pullbacks.

Support now appears to sit around the $4.40 to $4.50 zone, while resistance remains near the $5.66 peak.

Foolish Takeaway

PLS has delivered an outstanding rebound as lithium prices recovered sharply. The long-term outlook for lithium demand remains attractive, and PLS is well placed within the sector.

However, after a 350% rise in a short period, the stock looks vulnerable to periods of consolidation or pullbacks. Investors should expect volatility from here, even if the broader lithium market conditions remain supportive.

The post PLS shares near all-time high as lithium rebounds. Buy now or wait? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX mining shares on fire! New 52-week highs today
• Silver, lithium, and critical minerals commodities book double digit gains in just one week
• ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs
• PLS Group shares: After a year of outperformance, is it still a buy?
• 3 monster stocks to hold for the next 3 years

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.

The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is trading in the red on Wednesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the shares are 1.92% lower at $37.76 a piece.

During 2026 so far, the shares have fallen 2.02%, but they’re still trading 18.81% above levels seen this time last year.

Why is the Westpac share price in the spotlight this week?

Investor interest in Westpac has jumped this week after some noticeable shifts in the company’s share price.

The banking giant’s shares slid nearly 4% last week as an ongoing focus on inflation weighed on investor sentiment. Changing views on the RBA’s next move have also driven some volatility across the banking sector, putting Westpac in the spotlight as investors reassess bank margins, earnings outlooks, and valuations heading into 2026.

Late last year, Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock said that she didn’t see a rate cut “on the horizon for the foreseeable future” and signalled that the board might consider an extended hold period or even a rate hike in 2026. 

The cash rate currently stands at 3.6%, a level it has maintained since the RBA’s last rate cut in August 2025. 

Westpac’s economists recently revised their outlook for the RBA cash rate to an extended hold for the entirety of 2026.

The bank’s Chief Economist stated that inflation is expected to moderate in 2026, but not soon enough to prompt the RBA to reconsider its current hawkish stance on the risks. “If our broader set of forecasts are borne out, rate cuts are still feasible in February and May 2027,” the Chief Economist said at the time.

Westpac is also in the spotlight after it announced a new disaster relief package for customers impacted by Victorian bushfires. Immediate assistance includes deferred home loan repayments for up to three months, home and contents insurance support, deferred credit card payments for up to 90 days, and cash flow support for business customers. 

What can investors expect from Westpac shares this year?

Much like the rest of the big 4 banks, analysts’ sentiment is bearish about the outlook for the Westpac share price in 2026.

TradingView data shows that analysts are relatively split – 7 have a hold rating on the stock, and another 9 have a sell or strong sell rating. 

The average 12-month target price is $33.41, which implies an 11.63% downside from the share price at the time of writing. However, some brokers think the share price could drop as low as $23.03 a piece. That would translate to a 39.09% downside for 2026.

The post Why is everyone talking about the Westpac share price this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How much passive income could I earn from Westpac shares
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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.