Tag: Stock pick

  • Where to invest $5,000 into ASX dividend shares

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    If you are lucky enough to have $5,000 to invest in ASX dividend shares, then read on.

    That’s because listed below are three top ASX shares that could be great picks for income investors.

    Here’s what you need to know about them:

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

    The first ASX dividend share to consider is HomeCo Daily Needs REIT.

    This property company owns a portfolio of neighbourhood retail, large-format retail, healthcare, and other assets linked to everyday spending.

    Its tenants include supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare providers, childcare operators, pet stores, and other businesses that people continue to use through different economic conditions.

    I think this gives HomeCo Daily Needs REIT an attractive income profile. Rental income is supported by a diverse tenant base, while the focus on daily needs can make the portfolio more defensive than property assets that rely heavily on discretionary spending.

    For income investors, that combination of recurring rent and a portfolio built around practical, well-used properties could make this a solid long-term option.

    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

    Another ASX dividend share I would look at is Super Retail Group.

    It owns some of Australia’s best-known retail brands. This includes Supercheap Auto, rebel, BCF, and Macpac, which have built strong positions in their respective markets.

    Supercheap Auto benefits from ongoing spending on vehicle maintenance and accessories, BCF is well established in outdoor recreation, rebel is a major sporting goods retailer, and Macpac gives the group exposure to outdoor clothing and equipment. That creates several different sources of earnings under one roof.

    Retail spending can be up and down, but Super Retail has established brands, a large store network, and loyal customer bases.

    If the company can keep generating strong cash flow from these businesses, it should remain well placed to reward shareholders with dividends over time.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

    A final ASX dividend share for income investors to consider is Woolworths Group.

    Woolworths is at the centre of everyday household spending thanks to its vast supermarket operations. That makes it quite different from many retailers, which may struggle when consumers are under pressure to watch their spending.

    And while Woolworths is not necessarily the ASX share investors would choose for the highest dividend yield, it could be a good option for someone building a diversified dividend portfolio.

    After all, its combination of defensive earnings, strong cash generation, and a long history of returning money to shareholders is attractive.

    The post Where to invest $5,000 into ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in HomeCo Daily Needs REIT right now?

    Before you buy HomeCo Daily Needs REIT shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    Sad man sitting at desk and grabbing his head as he looks at a laptop.

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a disappointing day and dropped deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 1% to 8,819.4 points.

    Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to tumble

    The Australian share market looks set for another poor session on Friday following a weak night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 78 points or 0.9% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 0.6%, the S&P 500 fell 0.6%, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.65%.

    Oil prices rocket

    ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a strong finish to the week after oil prices jumped again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 8.2% to US$103.93 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 7.4% to US$108.70 a barrel. Traders were bidding oil higher after bracing for a prolonged Iran war.

    Hold Seek shares

    The Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) share price could be fully valued according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the job listings company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $13.80 (from $15.20). It said: “We await a positive shift in sentiment or visibility on jobs volumes recovery; potential near term Growth Fund monetisation remains an asymmetric upside risk, however the rising interest rate backdrop may also be an additional headwind in seeking a desired exit price for nominated assets.”

    Gold price drops

    ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a poor finish to the week after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 2.3% to US$4,358.5 an ounce. This was driven by the release of US inflation data, which boosted US rate hike bets.

    Buy Graincorp shares

    The team at Bell Potter sees value in Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares at current levels. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the grain exporter’s shares with an improved price target of $7.50 (from $7.15). It said: “Buy rating retained. The recent ABARE crop report was positive lead for FY27e and is yet to filter entirely through consensus expectations. However, the margin backdrop at this point, in terms of both grain basis and oilseed crush margins, remains the strongest it has for three years. To us this is key, as consensus FY27e expectations (which the 2026-27 crop underwrites) looks to be carrying forward the margin environment of FY25-26e, which was materially weaker. Trading at ~5.0x FY27e PBTDA we see the valuation as undemanding.”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Evolution Mining right now?

    Before you buy Evolution Mining shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Evolution Mining wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

  • GFC 2.0? Could ASX shares be heading for another major crash?

    A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone

    A familiar sense of unease is creeping into financial markets, with economists and investors warning that the global economy could be vulnerable to another major financial shock. That doesn’t necessarily mean ASX shares are on the verge of a 2008-style collapse. But the warnings are worth considering.

    Nouriel Roubini, who famously predicted the Global Financial Crisis, continues to highlight the risks from excessive debt and government borrowing. Ray Dalio has similarly warned that the world is approaching the later stages of a long-term debt cycle.

    Meanwhile, concerns are building around stretched asset valuations, private credit, commercial real estate and the enormous sums being poured into artificial intelligence.

    So, is GFC 2.0 coming? Not necessarily.

    There is no consensus that another banking crisis is imminent. However, the broader warning is difficult to dismiss: vulnerabilities have accumulated across parts of the financial system, and several could reinforce each other if economic conditions deteriorate.

    How should investors prepare?

    The answer probably isn’t to sell all your ASX shares and hide in cash.

    Timing a financial crisis is notoriously difficult. Investors who abandon the market while waiting for a crash could miss years of gains if the predicted crisis never arrives.

    Instead, investors should focus on building resilience.

    Watch leverage

    Highly indebted businesses can be particularly vulnerable when interest rates remain elevated or economic growth slows.

    Companies with strong balance sheets, manageable debt and reliable cash flows may have a better chance of weathering a downturn.

    This is particularly important when assessing ASX shares trading on ambitious growth expectations.

    Diversification matters

    Owning 20 ASX shares doesn’t necessarily create a diversified portfolio.

    Investors should consider spreading exposure across companies, sectors and geographies and, where appropriate, different asset classes.

    Concentrating too heavily in one expensive investment theme can turn an ordinary correction into a devastating portfolio loss.

    Don’t ignore valuations

    A great business isn’t automatically a great investment. If a company’s share price already assumes years of near-perfect growth, even a strong business can deliver disappointing returns.

    The artificial intelligence boom illustrates the point. AI could ultimately transform the economy, but that doesn’t mean every AI-related ASX share will generate attractive returns from today’s valuations.

    Keep some liquidity

    Investors should also avoid putting themselves in a position where falling markets force them to sell their ASX shares.

    Maintaining an emergency cash buffer and avoiding excessive personal debt can provide valuable flexibility when markets become volatile.

    Foolish takeaway

    The biggest mistake may be trying to predict whether the next financial crisis arrives in six months, five years or never.

    Nobody knows.

    What investors can control is how resilient their portfolios are when something unexpected happens.

    Rather than betting on whether GFC 2.0 arrives, investors may be better served by preparing their portfolios for volatility while continuing to look for opportunities when fear eventually creates them.

    The post GFC 2.0? Could ASX shares be heading for another major crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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.

  • How much superannuation do I need to earn $80,000 per year in passive income?

    Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.

    When it comes to superannuation it’s a great idea to have a target in mind so you can have some comfort that you’ll be well looked after in retirement.

    Starting early brings with it the benefits of compound interest and can make what seems like a large savings task much more achievable.

    Savings currently falling short

    It’s true that, on average, people’s superannuation savings at age 60 fall well short of being able to generate the $80,000 per year in passive income I am looking at today.

    Figures from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia show that men aged 60-64 have on average $395,852 in superannuation while women have $313,360.

    So, how much would you need in your super to generate $80,000 per year in passive income?

    Let’s do the sums.

    If you were able to generate a 10% average dividend yield on your investments, which would be a difficult task, you’d need $800,000 in superannuation.

    If you were getting just a 5% return, you would need double this, at $1.6 million.

    I would argue that with the benefit of franking credits, retirees can aim for a return somewhere in the midpoint. So, to generate $80,000 from a 7.5% return, you would need to have $1.06 million in retirement savings.

    Franking credits are crucial to this equation. If you invest in fully franked dividends, you get back all the tax the company has already paid.

    This is because retirees are not taxed on their superannuation earnings.

    In practical terms, this means a share paying a 5% dividend yield actually pays 7.14% once franking credits are included.

    Which shares might help you hit the $ 80,000-per-year goal?

    Infrastructure stocks such as APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA) and toll roads operator Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX) pay healthy dividends of 5.36% and 8.86%, respectively.

    In the resources sector, iron ore miner Fortescue Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) pays 6.07%, Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) pays 3.67%, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) pays 5.04%.

    In the financial services sector, Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL) is paying 11.06%, Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) is paying 6.03%, and Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) is paying 4.39%.

    How to check your progress

    If you’re keen to check how much superannuation you’re likely to have when you retire, it’s worth checking out the federal government’s Moneysmart website, which has an easy to use calculator.

    And if you want to top up your superannuation, it’s also worth reading up on concessional contributions, which are contributions you can make to your superannuation each year up to a cap of $32,500, which are only taxed at 15%.

    Keep in mind that the $32,500 cap includes any employer contributions and salary sacrifice contributions.

    The post How much superannuation do I need to earn $80,000 per year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Apa Group right now?

    Before you buy Apa Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Apa Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • Corporate Travel Management recently resumed trading – Here’s why it could be a buy

    Man on a plane using a laptop with headphones on.

    Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) shares resumed trading on 3 September. This came more than a year after the shares were suspended from the ASX.

    Its shares were suspended for 13 months because the company couldn’t complete its audited financial accounts while an investigation into its billing practices was underway.

    The investigation found that the company had overcharged clients by more than $250 million. This included around £80 million relating to UK government contracts.

    The stock last traded at $16.07 before the halt began in August 2025.

    On their first day back, shares crashed a monumental 85%, and are now hovering around $2.13. 

    So is this a bargain buy, or simply too big of a risk?

    The bull and bear case

    Despite the negative headlines, the underlying business is still performing reasonably well. 

    FY26 revenue rose to $670 million, and underlying EBITDA increased 36% to $114 million. The company also returned to a statutory profit of $17.7 million. 

    It also continued to win and renew large contracts, suggesting customers haven’t abandoned the business.

    However, the big risk is that the problems aren’t completely behind the company yet. 

    Revenue also fell in July compared with the previous year, which raises questions about whether the business is actually recovering. 

    If the liabilities increase, customers leave, or it needs to raise more capital, shareholders could suffer further losses or dilution. 

    On the other hand, if Corporate Travel Management finishes the repayments, avoids further problems, gets a clean audit opinion and returns to growth, the current share price could prove very cheap. 

    In simple terms, it is potentially a good business at a distressed price. But buying it now is a high-risk bet that the worst is over.

    What is Morgans saying?

    In a note out of Morgans this week, the broker said it believes Corporate Travel Management is a “turnaround story under new leadership.”

    Following years of overcharging clients, it will refund them A$246m by 30 September 2027, supported by its new A$175m debt facility. 

    FY27 guidance will be provided at the AGM. We forecast earnings to fall materially due to a higher AUD, reduced special project work and higher corporate costs. Earnings growth should resume from FY28 given new management’s strategy. The acceleration of new client wins in the first two months of FY27 is encouraging. Given what has gone on, it will take time for confidence to rebuild and risks remain. However, we think CTD is a turnaround story under new leadership with material upside potential if it executes. We resume coverage with a BUY and A$3.06 PT.

    From the current share price, this indicates an upside potential of over 40%. 

    Foolish takeaway 

    Corporate Travel Management is a high-risk turnaround investment. While the underlying business shows signs of recovery, significant customer liabilities, a modified audit opinion, and weakening recent revenue leave the company financially uncertain. 

    Investors are effectively betting that no further major problems emerge and that it can resolve its liabilities and return to sustainable growth. 

    But if that doesn’t happen, further losses or shareholder dilution are possible.

    The post Corporate Travel Management recently resumed trading – Here’s why it could be a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Corporate Travel Management right now?

    Before you buy Corporate Travel Management shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Corporate Travel Management wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • Why this broker thinks GrainCorp shares are a buy after yesterday’s fall

    Farmer holding grains in his hands.

    Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares were making headlines yesterday after the company released updated FY26 guidance. 

    GrainCorp provides handling, storage, marketing, logistics and agronomic services to the East Coast grain industry.

    What did GrainCorp report?

    • Reconfirmed FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance at around $200–240 million
    • FY26 underlying NPAT expected within $20–50 million range
    • Business Transformation Program to deliver $12 million run-rate benefits by end FY26
    • One-off restructuring costs of $5 million incurred in FY26
    • System transformation spend unchanged for 2H26 at $25 million; FY27 updated to $30–35 million.

    Why did the share price fall?

    As reported by my colleague Aaron Teboneras, GrainCorp announced its transformation program remains on track to deliver around $12 million in FY26 savings, ahead of its previous target. 

    Its longer-term goal of adding $20 million-$30 million to through-the-cycle EBITDA by FY28 is unchanged.

    However, the technology rollout has been delayed. Release 1 is now expected to go live in Q2 2027, versus H2 2026 previously. 

    GrainCorp said the delay will reduce implementation risk, but FY27 spending is now expected to rise to $30 million-$35 million, about $30 million above its previous estimate.

    Investors were seemingly unimpressed by the news, as GrainCorp shares fell 4% during yesterday’s session. 

    The agribusiness has now seen its share price fall 22% over the last 12 months. 

    Bell Potter sees greener pastures ahead for GrainCorp shares

    Following the release, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on GrainCorp shares. 

    Commenting on the outlook for the company, the broker said GrainCorp’s FY26 guidance is broadly in line with expectations, with Underlying EBITDA expected around the midpoint of the $200-240m range, including $5m of restructuring costs from a review of the Agribusiness operating model. 

    Commenting on the company’s adjusted outlook, the broker said near-term earnings are expected to be slightly lower because of a $5m restructuring cost. 

    However, Bell Potter believes GrainCorp’s transformation program will ultimately deliver more savings than previously expected, which is why it raised its price target.

    Buy rating retained 

    Bell Potter’s report also reiterated a buy rating on GrainCorp shares. 

    Additionally, the broker has upgraded its share price target to $7.50 (previously $7.15). 

    Based on yesterday’s closing price, this indicates upside potential of almost 13%. 

    Buy rating retained. The recent ABARE crop report was positive lead for FY27e and is yet to filter entirely through consensus expectations. However, the margin backdrop at this point, in terms of both grain basis and oilseed crush margins, remains the strongest it has for three years. To us this is key, as consensus FY27e expectations (which the 2026-27 crop underwrites) looks to be carrying forward the margin environment of FY25-26e, which was materially weaker. Trading at ~5.0x FY27e PBTDA we see the valuation as undemanding.

    The post Why this broker thinks GrainCorp shares are a buy after yesterday’s fall appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in GrainCorp right now?

    Before you buy GrainCorp shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and GrainCorp wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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.

  • This ASX ETF has beaten the market over the last 10 years

    Man working with his colleague with a hologram of a world map.

    Often investors associate ASX ETFs with broad, index tracking funds. 

    While these ASX ETFs make a great foundation for a portfolio, there are also more focused funds that track specific themes and sectors. 

    Are thematic funds a good investment?

    Like any investment, these kinds of funds come with pros and cons. 

    Investing in niche, thematic ASX ETFs can give investors targeted exposure to emerging industries, trends, and themes with strong long-term growth potential.

    These ETFs also provide diversification across several companies within a theme, making them less risky than investing in a single company. 

    However, their narrow focus can also create significant risks, as the ETF’s performance may depend heavily on one industry or trend, making it more volatile and vulnerable to changes in technology, regulation, competition or investor sentiment. 

    One thematic ASX ETF that has stood the test of time and brought consistent long-term returns is BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK). 

    A decade of delivery

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has compounded at approximately 9% per annum over the last 10 years, dividends included.

    Generating 9% returns each year is nothing to complain about. 

    However, HACK ETF has outpaced the ASX 200 Index.

    HACK ETF aims to track an index that provides exposure to leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector.

    A new report from Betashares has highlighted its strong track record.

    Since its inception, HACK ETF has returned 18.9% p.a. as at 31 August 2026 and generated more than $800 million in value to shareholders.

    This has far outperformed the ASX 200 in the same span. 

    Why the growth can continue 

    According to Betashares, more than 100 major tech companies, including Alphabet, Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI, issued an urgent joint letter last month calling for collective action to strengthen existing cyber defences in the age of AI.

    While cybersecurity offerings have existed for decades, this wake-up call starkly reminds us that the current security status quo is no longer sufficient. Longstanding bugs, excessive permissions and weak authentication in legacy systems have left the attack surface wider and more exposed than ever.

    This growing issue is also resulting in financial investment. 

    Firms have been increasing cybersecurity and IT spending as the complexity of protecting proprietary information grows. It also remains one of the more defensive areas in enterprise tech budgets, and Chief Information Officers are unlikely to cut spending during periods of economic weakness.

    While no thematic ETF is guaranteed to repeat its past performance, HACK ETF’s decade-long track record and the growing need for cybersecurity highlight how a niche investment theme can evolve into a durable, long-term opportunity.

    The post This ASX ETF has beaten the market over the last 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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 Alphabet, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why it could be time to shift from growth to income: Expert

    Two friends giving each other a high five at the top pf a hill.

    A new report from Betashares has shed light on the changing dynamics of investing. 

    For much of the past two decades, Australian investors were rewarded for prioritising capital growth. 

    However several headwinds are now changing this landscape. 

    High valuations, a shifting interest rate environment and recent tax changes are all impacting the potential of growth investing. 

    Why growth was king

    According to the report, In the decade to 2026, the economy enjoyed an average RBA cash rate of 1.8%, less than half of the 4.6% average since 1990. 

    This meant debt was cheap, and businesses and investors alike were awash with cash to invest and expand.

    While growth benefited from low interest rates, income suffered. Savings accounts paid lower interest, and Australian government 10-year treasury bonds paid an average of just 2.7%.

    On top of this, the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount effectively halved the amount of CGT paid by investors since 1999, as long as the asset being sold had been held for over a year. This encouraged investing for capital growth.

    What’s changing?

    Betashares said that three factors are pushing income back into focus.

    Firstly, interest rates have raised the floor for income. 

    Higher rates mean savings accounts and government bonds can now offer attractive yields, making income investments more competitive.

    Secondly, tax changes have narrowed growth’s advantage. 

    Changes to capital gains tax from 2027 will reduce some of the tax benefits of growth investing, narrowing the gap between growth and income strategies.

    Finally, higher valuations raise the bar for future growth. 

    ASX 200 valuations are well above pre-pandemic levels, meaning investors are paying more for each dollar of earnings and future growth may be harder to achieve.

    In short, with income yields higher, growth’s tax advantage reduced, and valuations elevated, income investing is looking increasingly attractive relative to growth investing.

    You don’t have to pick one or the other

    It’s important for investors to understand this doesn’t mean you need to abandon growth equities and only focus on income. 

    The more useful question is not whether to be a growth investor or an income investor, but whether you are being deliberate about where your returns come from. A portfolio that earns income through dividends, bonds or high-yield savings alongside capital growth is no longer a conservative retreat, but a considered response to a landscape that looks meaningfully different to the one we navigated for the past decade.

    For investors looking to target high-yield companies, there are several ASX ETFs to consider. 

    Income focussed funds include: 

    • Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)
    • Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)
    • BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX).

    The post Why it could be time to shift from growth to income: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield Etf shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield Etf wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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.

  • 33 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

    Stacks of Australian dollar currency banknotes.

    S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are paying out dividends left, right, and centre following the August earnings season.

    We’re helping you monitor ex-dividend dates with an article every Friday.

    Here are some of the ASX shares due to trade ex-dividend next week.

    To be eligible for the dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

    ASX shares going ex-dividend next week

    ASX share Ex-div date Dividend Payday
    Virgin Australian Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) 14 September 7.6 cents per share 15 October
    Credit Corp Ltd (ASX: CCP) 14 September 45.5 cents per share 25 September
    WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG) 14 September 2.4 cents per share 30 September
    Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU) 14 September 25.6 cents per share 6 October
    Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS) 14 September 10 cents per share 21 October
    Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) 15 September 10 cents per share 8 October
    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) 15 September 3 cents per share 13 October
    Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) 15 September 40.6 cents per share 30 September
    Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) 15 September 18.2 cents per share 30 September
    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) 15 September 15 cents per share 7 October
    Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) 15 September 19.8 cents per share 14 October
    Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) 15 September 33 cents per share 15 October
    Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) 15 September 2.5 cents per share 14 October
    Red Hill Minerals Ltd (ASX: RHI) 15 September 10.8 cents per share 30 September
    IMDEX Ltd (ASX: IMD) 16 September 1.8 cents per share 1 October
    Service Stream Ltd (ASX: SSM) 16 September 3.5 cents per share 2 October
    Servcorp Ltd (ASX: SRV) 16 September 16 cents per share 7 October
    PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) 16 September 5 cents per share 24 September
    Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA) 16 September 5.6 cents per share 2 October
    Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) 16 September 6.1 cents per share 12 October
    BKI Investment Company Ltd (ASX: BKI) 16 September 2 cents per share 30 September
    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) 16 September 5 cents per share 9 October
    Aurelia Metals Ltd (ASX: AMI) 16 September 1 cents per share 8 October
    A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) 17 September 6.7 cents per share 2 October
    SKS Technologies Ltd (ASX: SKS) 17 September 6.5 cents per share 16 October
    Lycopodium Ltd (ASX: LYL) 17 September 37 cents per share 2 October
    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) 17 September 7.5 cents per share 15 October
    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) 17 September 30 cents per share 16 October
    Supply Network Ltd (ASX: SNL) 17 September 44 cents per share 2 October
    Vita Life Sciences Ltd (ASX: VLS) 18 September 5 cents per share 2 October
    Adrad Holdings Ltd (ASX: AHL) 18 September 2.6 cents per share 21 October
    Macmahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH) 18 September 1.3 cents per share 12 October
    Centrepoint Alliance Ltd (CAF) 18 September 1.8 cents per share 6 October

    Check out which ASX shares go ex-dividend today.

    The post 33 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) right now?

    Before you buy S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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 Lovisa, PWR Holdings, and Supply Network Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings and Servcorp. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Data#3, Flight Centre Travel Group, Lovisa, Lycopodium, Sks Technologies Group, and Supply Network Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How much do I need to invest in ASX shares to retire with an extra $1 million on top of my superannuation?

    Person holding alarm clock with work and retire written.

    Australia’s compulsory Superannuation Guarantee means that your employer needs to contribute 12% of your earnings into super.

    Regardless of the ongoing political debates over that guarantee, this should mean most Aussies will have built up enough in superannuation to live comfortably in retirement.

    But if your goal is to be more than just comfortable during those golden years, you may not want to hang your hat solely on those super savings.

    Now there are a number of ways you can build extra wealth. In my opinion, buying quality ASX shares and holding them over the long-term tops that list.

    But how much do you need to invest in ASX shares to reach that $1 million milestone?

    I’m glad you asked!

    Investing in ASX shares to bolster your superannuation savings

    If you take a look at the S&P/ASX 200 Gross Total Return Index (ASX: XJT) – which includes all cash dividends reinvested on the ex-dividend date – you’ll see it’s returned 43.1% over the past five years (as of afternoon trade on Thursday).

    This equates to an annualised return of approximately 7.5%.

    Now, atop this benchmark yield, how much you need to invest in ASX shares for an extra $1 million in addition to your superannuation will depend on how many years you plan on investing.

    The sooner you start, the longer you have to build up your ASX share portfolio. And the sooner you can tap into the magic of compounding.

    Here’s what I mean.

    If you’re 40 years old and looking to retire at 67, then you’ll have 27 years to buy ASX shares.

    If you started today and invested $1,000 each month, here’s what you’d have on top of your superannuation:

    • $180,042 in 10 years
    • $558,192 in 20 years
    • $1,146,198 in 27 years

    So, if you have 27 years to achieve your $1 million goal, you should be able to get there by investing just $1,000 a month in ASX shares.

    Now, if you’re 50 and want to retire at 67, you’ll need to materially increase those monthly investments to get there in only 17 years.

    According to my trusty compound interest calculator, if you invest $2,450 in ASX shares every month, you should have $1,014,029 on top of your superannuation in 17 years.

    Which ASX shares should I buy?

    Over time, you may want to build up a diversified ASX share portfolio.

    But to get the ball rolling in building that superannuation boosting wealth, you could start with the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), which is intended to track the ASX 300 index.

    Over the past five years, the exchange traded fund has delivered an annualised return of 7.6%.

    The ASX ETF’s top four holdings are BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

    The post How much do I need to invest in ASX shares to retire with an extra $1 million on top of my superannuation? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 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 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.