Tag: Stock pick

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY) is quietly pushing into record territory on Monday.

In mid-afternoon trade, the VHY unit price is up 0.25% to $85.36, after earlier touching a fresh all-time high of $85.65.

That move extends the ETF‘s strong 2026 run, with the income-focused fund now up 8.67% year to date and 25.71% over the past 12 months.

The latest gain also leaves VHY sitting at the very top of its 52-week range, which previously topped out near $85.57.

So, what is driving this popular ASX dividend ETF to new highs?

Income demand and market leadership are doing the heavy lifting

VHY’s recent strength looks closely tied to where investors are still finding relative safety in the current market.

While growth and small-cap names have remained volatile, money has continued rotating into established areas. These include dividend-paying blue chips, particularly banks, miners, and large industrial stocks.

And that plays directly into VHY’s strategy.

The ETF tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, giving investors diversified exposure to higher-yielding Australian shares.

Its largest exposures remain concentrated in sectors that have performed well this year, especially financials and resources.

Major positions include names such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

These stocks have generally remained among the ASX’s more resilient large-cap dividend payers, helping to support the Vanguard’s steady climb.

Yield, franking, and simplicity still appeal

Part of VHY’s appeal is its straightforward role in an Australian portfolio.

The fund currently offers a distribution yield of around 5.35% and charges a 0.25% management fee. This helps explain why it remains one of the ASX’s more widely used income ETFs.

Rather than relying on one or two bank or mining shares, VHY spreads that income exposure across roughly 80 holdings. It also allows investors to retain meaningful franking credit benefits.

That said, the trade-off remains concentration.

Because the ETF leans heavily toward financials and resources, its performance can still be influenced by bank earnings, commodity prices, and dividend cycles.

Still, today’s move to a record high tells us that the market continues rewarding dependable yield and large-cap quality.

A portion of a portfolio in a quality ETF can be very beneficial, particularly for investors focused on income and long-term market exposure.

In this current market, that mix of yield, franking, and blue-chip exposure continues to strongly support investor demand.

The post Guess which ASX ETF just hit an all-time high today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX ETFs could be top picks for investors in their 50s
• My top ASX passive income picks for April
• Which ASX ETFs I’d buy for retirement investing
• How I’d invest $100,000 for retirement income on the ASX right now
• 3 ASX ETFs to fund a comfortable retirement

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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Looking to add a quality ASX dividend share to your portfolio with the added potential for some outsized capital gains?

Then you might want to have a look at Count Ltd (ASX: CUP).

In afternoon trade on Monday, Count shares are up 0.5% at $1.065 each, shaking off the 0.5% losses posted by the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) at this same time.

Taking a step back, shares in the integrated accounting and wealth services provider are up 42% in 12 months, well ahead of the 14.4% one-year gains posted by the All Ords.

The ASX dividend share also trades on a fully-franked trailing yield of 4.5%.

And according to the analysts at Canaccord Genuity, the year ahead could be even more profitable for stockholders.

Here’s why.

ASX dividend share expanding its footprint

In a new report released on Friday, Canaccord sounded a bullish note on Count’s acquisition of Oracle Group, announced to the market on 31 March.

The ASX dividend share is purchasing Oracle, which provides financial advice, accounting and investment management services, for $72.2 million. Oracle has a network of 14 offices across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

“The acquisition will significantly enhance Count’s east coast presence and, importantly, materially grow our exposure to highly attractive Wealth segment revenues,” Count CEO Hugh Humphrey said on the day.

“We believe this is a good price for a good acquisition,” Canaccord analysts said on Friday.

According to the broker:

We believe management has both articulated and executed its inorganic growth strategy with tuck-in acquisitions occurring regularly throughout the year (as has been the case for the past several years) as well as these larger transformational acquisitions such as Diverger in FY24 and now Oracle (expected to close prior to end FY26).

Commenting on the potential benefits of the acquisition for the ASX dividend share, Canaccord noted:

First, it appears a strong cultural fit and increases the exposure to financial planning and Wealth earnings outcomes – a stated desire of management. Secondly, we believe the structure of this business, with a high proportion of salaried employees, presents a lower risk for integration and future earnings. Finally, we believe this acquisition will add further to the ‘flywheel’ effect and expect there will be a further uplift in earnings in time as a result of this benefit.

Canaccord has a buy rating on Count shares. The broker increased its 12-month price target to $1.65 a share (previously $1.50).

That represents a potential upside of 55% from the current Count share price. And it doesn’t include those upcoming dividends.

The post Why this quality ASX dividend share is tipped to surge 55% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guess which ASX ETF just hit an all-time high today?
• Why these ASX 200 stocks could be perfect for buy and hold investors
• 3 simple ASX shares to start investing today
• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Reece, and Wesfarmers shares
• 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.

Buy and hold investing sounds simple, but I think it comes down to one key idea.

You need businesses that can keep moving forward without constant intervention.

That usually means ASX 200 stocks with durable demand, strong competitive positions, and the ability to grow without relying on perfect conditions.

With that said, here are three stocks that I think fit that description.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is a business that sits quietly behind the scenes of the wealth industry.

It provides the infrastructure that advisers use to manage client portfolios, which means it benefits as more money flows into professionally managed investments.

What I find interesting is how growth compounds. It is not just about attracting new clients. Existing accounts can grow as markets rise and as additional funds are added over time. That creates a layered effect, where growth builds on itself.

I also think the shift toward more sophisticated investment platforms is still playing out. As advisers look for better technology and reporting tools, platforms like Hub24 are well positioned to capture that demand.

For a buy and hold investor, I think that steady, structural growth is appealing.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is a business that I think benefits from a problem that is not going away.

Sleep apnoea and respiratory conditions are widespread and, in many cases, underdiagnosed. That creates a large and ongoing pool of potential patients.

What stands out to me is how the company monetises that. It is not a one-off product sale. There is an ongoing relationship with patients through devices, masks, and connected services that support long-term therapy.

That recurring revenue element is powerful. It creates visibility over future revenue and strengthens the company’s position within the healthcare system.

For long-term investors, I think businesses tied to essential health needs can be easier to hold through market cycles.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus approaches healthcare from a different angle.

Instead of physical products, this ASX 200 stock focuses on software that helps doctors and hospitals interpret medical images more efficiently.

What I like here is the business model. The company typically signs long-term contracts with major healthcare providers, just like it did today, which can create a pipeline of revenue that extends well into the future.

At the same time, its technology is designed to improve workflow and speed, which makes it valuable to customers once implemented.

That combination of long contracts and high switching costs can support durability, and could ultimately underpin strong earnings growth over the next decade.

Foolish takeaway

For me, buy and hold investing is about finding ASX 200 stocks that can keep progressing over many years.

Hub24 benefits from long-term growth in managed investments, ResMed is tied to ongoing healthcare demand, and Pro Medicus provides critical software with long-term contracts and strong customer relationships.

They are different in what they do, but I think each has qualities that could make them well suited to a long-term approach.

The post Why these ASX 200 stocks could be perfect for buy and hold investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy immediately if the market dips again
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why Monash IVF, Pro Medicus, Telix, and Woodside shares are storming higher today
• Why are Pro Medicus shares outperforming the market on Monday?
• Pro Medicus locks in 5-year, $37m Northwestern Medicine contract renewal

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Getting started with ASX shares does not need to be difficult.

For me, simplicity usually comes down to choosing businesses that are easy to understand, operate in essential areas, and have relatively predictable earnings.

That does not remove risk, but it can make it easier to stay invested and build confidence over time.

Here are three ASX shares I think are straightforward starting points.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is about as easy as it gets to understand.

It sells groceries and everyday essentials, which means it benefits from consistent demand. People still need to buy food regardless of what the economy is doing.

What I like here is the stability. The business generates steady cash flow, which supports regular dividends and ongoing investment in its operations.

There is also a gradual growth element through improvements in efficiency, supply chain, and digital capabilities.

For someone starting out, I think that mix of simplicity and reliability can be helpful.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra offers exposure to another essential service.

Telecommunications infrastructure underpins how people work, communicate, and consume content. That creates a recurring revenue base for the company.

What stands out to me is the predictability. Telstra has a large customer base and generates consistent earnings, which helps support its dividend payments.

It may not be a high-growth business, but I think it can play a steady role over time, particularly for investors interested in income.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Finally, Sigma Healthcare adds a slightly different angle.

Following its merger with Chemist Warehouse, the business now has a much larger presence across both distribution and retail pharmacy.

I think that integration is important. It gives Sigma Healthcare exposure to the full supply chain, from wholesaling medicines to selling them directly to consumers around the world.

Healthcare demand also tends to be relatively stable, supported by long-term trends such as population growth and ageing.

For someone starting out, I think Sigma offers a combination of defensiveness and growth potential, even if the share price may move around in the short term.

Foolish takeaway

Starting to invest does not require complex strategies. For me, it is about choosing businesses you can understand and hold with confidence.

Woolworths, Telstra, and Sigma Healthcare operate in areas people rely on every day, which supports steady demand.

I think that kind of foundation can make it easier to stay focused on the long term and continue building from there.

The post 3 simple ASX shares to start investing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares
• 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio
• Why ASX dividend investing still works for building long-term wealth

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended 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.

If you are on the lookout for some new portfolio additions, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the ASX shares named below, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let’s find out.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Shaw and Partners has given its verdict on this banking giant. Unfortunately, it thinks CBA shares are a sell this week.

The main reason for this is its current valuation. The broker sees little margin for error and better value elsewhere in the sector. It said:

The CBA remains a high quality banking operation, but its valuation is increasingly difficult to justify. The stock trades at a significant premium to global peers despite a mature domestic banking market and limited growth potential, in my view.

While earnings remain stable, we see better value elsewhere in the sector. We believe the current share price leaves little margin for error, supporting a sell recommendation on valuation grounds. The shares have risen from $158.74 on February 10 to trade at $181.65 on April 9.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Over at DP Wealth Advisory, its analysts have named this plumbing parts company’s shares as a sell.

It highlights supply and demand pressures as a reason to be cautious, as well as a premium valuation. It explains:

This plumbing supplies company operates in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. It’s exposed to cyclical forces within the building industry, including supply and demand pressures. While sales revenue was up 6 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to the prior corresponding period, net profit after tax fell 20 per cent. EBITDA declined 6 per cent in response to elevated costs.

The company is re-investing to drive longer term cost efficiencies and growth opportunities. However, the company is trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio compared to peers. In my view, Reece is exposed to supply chain and cost issues if the Middle East turns into a prolonged conflict.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Shaw and Partners is a little more positive on Bunnings owner Wesfarmers. It has named its shares as a hold this week.

While the broker is a fan of the company, it believes its share price is fully valued now and offers only limited upside. It said:

This company continues to deliver reliable earnings through its diversified portfolio of quality retail and industrial businesses. Company net profit after tax rose 9.3 per cent in the first half of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Revenue was up 3.1 per cent. Hardware giant Bunnings lifted total sales by 4 per cent. Total sales at Officeworks were up 4.7 per cent.

Strong balance sheet discipline and management execution support resilience across economic cycles. Much of this is already reflected in the share price, limiting near term upside, in my view. While it remains a high quality core holding, we believe a hold rating is appropriate until a lower share price or growth catalyst emerges.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Reece, and Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for reliable passive income
• ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week
• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
• If I invest $8,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• Why I think CBA shares are a top buy with $5,000

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

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) shares are pushing higher on Monday.

In mid-afternoon trade, the Viva Energy share price is up 3.19% to $2.59. That is comfortably outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has opened lower as oil prices jumped following the collapse of US-Iran talks over the weekend.

The gain extends Viva Energy’s strong 2026 run, with the stock now up about 26% year to date.

The move appears to reflect both stronger crude prices and a company-specific accounting update. While negative on the surface, the issue looks manageable against the size of the business.

Let’s dive right in.

Oil surge gives refiners and fuel retailers a lift

A key driver today is the rebound across ASX energy stocks. That follows brent crude pushing back above US$101 a barrel amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The move has lifted refiners and downstream fuel businesses, with Viva among the sector’s stronger performers in Monday trade.

That makes sense given Viva’s exposure across refining, wholesale fuel supply, and its national convenience and fuel retail network.

Higher energy prices, such as natural gas, are also giving the sector an extra lift.

Earlier in the session, Viva was among the ASX 200’s better performers, rising about 6.5% before easing back toward its current gain.

ASIC review adds a $25 million impairment hit

Separately, The Australian reported that Viva will take an additional $25 million impairment charge tied to the way some of its petrol station assets were valued.

According to the report, ASIC challenged the company’s previous approach of grouping certain convenience retail sites together for impairment testing instead of assessing them individually.

The revised treatment increases Viva’s total retail site impairment charge for the 2025 financial year.

With a market capitalisation of roughly $4.25 billion and a network of about 900 stores and 1,300 service stations nationally, the adjustment is unlikely to worry investors too much.

Instead, the market may be treating it as an accounting clean-up rather than anything linked to underlying trading.

Foolish Takeaway

Today’s gain in Viva Energy shares appears to be driven more by the oil rebound and stronger sector sentiment than the ASIC charge.

The extra $25 million write-down is not ideal. Even so, investors seem more focused on firmer oil prices and earnings support.

With the shares already up 26% this year, the next key drivers are likely to be oil prices, refining spreads, and fuel demand.

The post Oil is surging and this ASX fuel stock is one of Monday’s winners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw amid fragile ceasefire
• ASX shares to watch as oil price crashes
• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March
• 4 ASX 200 energy shares rated buys
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

Market pullbacks and corrections can feel uncomfortable in the moment. But for long-term investors, they are often where the best opportunities are found.

The key is knowing what you want to buy before prices fall.

Here are three ASX 200 shares I would be ready to buy immediately if the market dips again.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The ASX 200 share I would be watching closely is Goodman Group.

At first glance, Goodman might look like a traditional property company. But its real strength lies in logistics and data infrastructure.

The group develops and manages high-quality industrial properties, many of which are critical to ecommerce supply chains and increasingly, data centre ecosystems.

As demand for digital infrastructure grows, Goodman is positioning itself to benefit from trends like cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

A market pullback could provide a chance to gain exposure to these structural themes through a proven operator.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

Another ASX 200 share I would target is ResMed.

ResMed sits at the intersection of healthcare and technology, focusing on sleep apnoea devices and connected care solutions. What makes it particularly interesting is how its business model is evolving beyond hardware.

Each device sold opens the door to long-term recurring revenue through masks, software, and patient monitoring platforms.

Concerns around weight loss drugs briefly pressured sentiment, but the reality is that sleep apnoea remains underdiagnosed globally and management sees the drugs as supporting demand rather than limiting it.

If the share price were to dip again, it could be an opportunity to pick up a high-quality global healthcare leader at a more attractive valuation.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A third ASX share I would buy on weakness is Xero.

Xero has already built a massive global platform for small business accounting, but the next phase of its growth could be even more interesting.

Rather than just adding new users, the company is focused on deepening its ecosystem. Payments, payroll, lending integrations, and analytics all create additional value for customers and increase revenue per user.

This shift means Xero’s growth is becoming more efficient and potentially more predictable. And while there are concerns that AI will disrupt its business, management doesn’t believe this will be the case. In fact, it expects AI to support the business and has recently announced a deal with AI giant Anthropic.

If volatility returns and the share price pulls back, it could present a compelling entry point into a business with strong long-term potential.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy immediately if the market dips again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX 200 stocks could be perfect for buy and hold investors
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Down 55%, are Xero shares the most overlooked bargain now?
• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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

Building passive income from ASX shares is not just about chasing the highest dividend yield.

For me, it is more about reliability. I want businesses that can keep generating cash through different conditions and continue paying dividends over time.

That usually means focusing on companies with stable demand, strong market positions, and the ability to grow earnings, even if only gradually.

Here are three ASX dividend shares I would consider for dependable passive income.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is an interesting way to access income through property, but with a very specific focus.

It owns large-format retail centres that are anchored by tenants providing everyday services. This includes supermarkets, medical centres, and discount retailers. These are places people tend to visit regularly, regardless of the broader economic backdrop.

What I find appealing is how that translates into rental income. When tenants are tied to essential spending, it can support more stable occupancy and cash flow. That, in turn, underpins distributions to investors.

The yield on offer here is attractive, but for me, it is the nature of the underlying assets that stands out. It is property, but not the kind that relies heavily on discretionary retail.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is a business that tends to operate quietly in the background, but I think that is part of its appeal.

Grocery retail is highly competitive, but it is also incredibly consistent. People continue to spend on food and essentials, which gives the business a steady revenue base.

What I like here is the operational focus. Margins in supermarkets are not large, so execution matters. Over time, improvements in supply chains, store formats, and private label offerings can make a real difference to profitability. Coles is an expert at this.

For income investors, that consistency in earnings is key. It supports dividends that may not be the highest on the market, but are generally reliable.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers offers a slightly different take on income. It is not a high-yield stock, but I think it brings something important to an income-focused approach, and that is resilience.

Its portfolio of businesses, led by Bunnings and Kmart, gives it exposure to different parts of the economy. That diversification can help smooth earnings over time.

What stands out to me is how the company allocates capital.

It has a track record of investing in growth areas while still returning cash to shareholders through dividends. That balance can support both income today and the potential for higher dividends in the future.

For me, Wesfarmers is a way to combine income with long-term stability.

Foolish takeaway

Reliable passive income usually comes from businesses that can keep performing, rather than those offering the highest headline yields.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT provides income backed by essential property assets, Coles delivers steady earnings from everyday spending, and Wesfarmers adds diversification and long-term resilience.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for reliable passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Reece, and Wesfarmers shares
• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
• How I’d invest $15,000 in ASX shares right now
• $5,000 invested in Coles shares 10 days ago is now worth…
• How to invest $300 a month in Australian shares to target a $50,000 annual second income

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

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $14.65 price target on this network solutions company’s shares. The broker highlights that demand for GPU rentals has been surging, which bodes well for its Latitude business. This is especially the case given how it has been increasing prices, which should be a boost to annual recurring revenue. In fact, Citi believes that there is upside risk to forecasts for 2026 and 2027. Looking ahead, the broker believes there is a strong chance that management will increase its FY 2026 guidance at an event. The Megaport share price is trading at $6.89 on Monday afternoon.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Another note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gold miner’s shares with an improved price target of $29.70. The broker has been busy updating its gold coverage to reflect stronger prices. This has led to a significant increase in earnings estimates for the gold mining industry. Overall, the broker is positive and sees value in Northern Star shares at current levels. So much so, the gold miner is one of its preferred picks in the industry at present. The Northern Star share price is fetching $23.68 at the time of writing.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Analysts at Ord Minnett have retained their buy rating on this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $41.40. According to the note, the broker is expecting ResMed to deliver double-digit earnings and revenue growth in FY 2026. It then expects this trend to continue through to at least FY 2028. Ord Minnett believes this will leave ResMed with a significant cash balance, which it suspects could lead to further capital management activities. Overall, it feels this makes the company a top option for investors at current levels. The ResMed share price is trading at $32.22 this afternoon.

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

More reading

• Why A2 Milk, Metallium, Northern Star, and St Barbara shares are sinking today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Northern Star, and Sigma shares
• 2 ASX gold stocks to buy next week
• Are Northern Star shares a cheap buy?

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

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) shares have slipped back toward fresh lows. During morning trade, the battered ASX tech stock fell to a 52-week low of $17.12 before clawing back some ground in the afternoon to $17.97 at the time of writing.

That still leaves it down 7.8% on the day and extends a brutal 65% decline over the past six months.

It’s left investors asking a simple question: Is something actually broken, or is this just another wave of tech sector volatility washing through the market?

Why are Life360 shares falling?

The answer, for now, looks more nuanced than alarming.

There hasn’t been a single company-specific shock driving the move of Life360 shares. No major profit warning. No headline-grabbing downgrade. Instead, the weakness appears to be the result of multiple smaller forces hitting at once — and they’re all familiar ones for high-growth tech stocks.

Start with sentiment. Life360 is still treated by the market as a high-growth technology name, which means it rises fast when optimism is high and falls just as quickly when risk appetite fades.

Right now, that appetite is fading again. Rising interest rate expectations, ongoing valuation compression across growth stocks, and renewed caution around software-style business models have all weighed on sentiment across the sector.

Life360 hasn’t been immune to that rotation.

Analyst snapshot

Then there’s the analyst backdrop.

While there hasn’t been a dramatic fresh downgrade triggering today’s move, the tone from brokers on Life360 shares has become more cautious in recent weeks. Price targets have been nudged lower in some cases, reflecting a more conservative view on near-term growth expectations.

Importantly, this isn’t a call that the business is deteriorating. It’s more about slowing the pace of upside after a strong run. That distinction matters. The market, however, tends to react less to nuance and more to momentum. When sentiment turns cautious, even solid companies can drift lower as buyers step back.

Short-term uncertainty

Company-specific developments haven’t helped the Life360 share price either.

Life360 has recently been reshaping parts of its business, including restructuring efforts tied to artificial intelligence adoption and operational efficiency. While these moves are aimed at long-term scalability, they can introduce short-term uncertainty around margins and execution. Markets don’t always reward transition phases, even when they are strategically sound.

At the same time, investors are still focused on one critical question: How efficiently can Life360 convert user growth into higher-margin subscription revenue? That remains the key battleground for valuation.

Foolish Takeaway

Put it all together, and the picture becomes a bit clearer. This isn’t a story of collapsing fundamentals. It’s a story of cooling expectations meeting fragile sentiment around Life360 shares.

The business is still growing, still expanding its ecosystem, and still pushing deeper into its core family safety and location platform. But the market is no longer willing to price perfection into that growth story.

Life360’s move to fresh lows looks less like a breakdown and more like a re-rating in real time. The business hasn’t changed dramatically, but investor expectations clearly have.

And in today’s market, that can be enough to push even strong growth stories lower before they find their footing again.

The post Why are Life360 shares sliding to fresh lows today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.