Tag: Stock pick

The best S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) blue-chip shares are capable of producing really strong returns. When we’re given the opportunity to invest in high-quality names at lower prices, it can be a great time to invest.

Over time, it’s businesses that are growing their earnings at a faster pace that benefit the most from compounding.

Amid recent volatility, there are a few names that look too good to miss, like the two below.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

Investing in Pinnacle can be a bit of a rollercoaster, as its short-term share price movements are correlated with the market. The company invests in a wide range of fund managers, each of whom generates earnings from the funds under management (FUM).

The company takes minority stakes in these fund managers (affiliates). It helps them focus on investing by offering a wide array of administrative services, taking care of the behind-the-scenes tasks.

Some of the fund managers that it’s invested in include Hyperion, Plato, Palisade, Resolution Capital, Solaris, Antipodes, Metrics, Spheria, Firetrail, Coolabah Capital, Aikya, Life Cycle and Pacific Asset Management.

The Pinnacle share price has dropped by 34% between August and now, yet the most recent update we’ve heard from the ASX 200 blue-chip share was positive.

In the first quarter of FY26, the business reported that its total affiliate FUM had reached $197.4 billion, representing a 10% increase from June 2025, with the majority of the growth driven by strong net inflows. Net inflows for the quarter amounted to $13.3 billion.

I believe the ASX blue-chip stock now appear undervalued in terms of their long-term growth potential. According to the forecast on CMC Markets, it’s priced at 19x FY27’s estimated earnings.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is a leading cloud accounting business with a global presence across countries such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It has ambitions to expand into other countries, such as Canada and the US, in particular.

Painfully, the Xero share price is down almost 40% from its June 2025 high, so this is a great time to invest, in my opinion.

The company still has incredibly loyal subscribers, with a churn rate of just 1% each year. Xero has managed to increase subscription fees in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, which has helped drive several key metrics.

In FY25, the business reported the average revenue per user (ARPU) increased 15% to $49.63, the total lifetime value of subscribers grew by 15% to $19.6 billion, operating revenue rose 20% to $1.19 billion, operating profit (EBITDA) grew 21% to $378 million, net profit after tax (NPAT) climbed 42% to $135 million and free cash flow jumped 54% to $321 million.

With the recent Melio acquisition, the company is clearly aiming to increase its presence in the huge US market where there is strong competition. I don’t think it needs to succeed in the US to do well overall, particularly at this lower valuation.

Following the significant valuation reversal, I think the ASX 200 blue-chip share looks like an attractive long-term buy.

The post 2 great ASX 200 blue-chip shares I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s driving a 9% divergence in ASX 200 consumer staples vs. discretionary shares?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• Why did the ASX 200 dive to a near six-month low last week?
• Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at 60
• How to turn small weekly savings into life-changing wealth with ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) continues to be the most shorted ASX share with short interest over 21.6%. This is up slightly week on week. Short sellers appear to believe that the uranium miner will disappoint with its production beyond 2026.
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) has seen its short interest ease again to 16.9%. Short sellers have been closing positions after this pizza chain operator was the subject of takeover speculation.
• Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) has short interest of 12.8%, which is down week on week again. Many analysts believe that the lithium oversupply will be around for longer than expected.
• Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has short interest of 12%, which is flat since last week. Short sellers appear to be expecting production ramp-up disappointment from this uranium miner.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 11.9% of its shares held short, which is up week on week. This language testing and student placement company is struggling with unfavourable student visa changes.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 11.5%, which is down since last week. This burrito seller’s poor start to life in the United States market could be weighing on sentiment.
• PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) has short interest of 11.2%, which is up week on week. This motorsport products company’s shares have come under pressure as it goes through a lengthy transitional period.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 11.1%, which is up since last week. Short sellers aren’t giving up on this travel agent despite it revealing a positive start to the year.
• IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) has joined the top ten with 10.8% of its shares held short. Weak trading conditions in the intellectual property services market could be behind this.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 10.6%, which is down since last week. Short sellers don’t appear to believe this medical device company’s shares deserve their premium valuation.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this leading fundie forecasts a big uplift for Flight Centre shares
• Why Accent, DroneShield, Lovisa, and Pilbara Minerals shares are sinking today
• These ASX dividend stocks offer 7% to 10% yields
• Which ASX lithium share is the ‘highest quality lithium miner on the ASX’?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, PWR Holdings, and PolyNovo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended PWR Holdings. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, IPH Ltd , and PolyNovo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 consumer staples and consumer discretionary shares have dramatically diverged over the past month.

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) has fallen 9.16% while the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) has demonstrated resilience, rising 0.59% over the past four weeks.

Broker Bell Potter says the pause in interest rate cuts amid potentially resurgent inflation has led to a sell-off in discretionary stocks.

However, the broker expects a change in momentum as we enter the pre-Christmas retail period.

ASX 200 consumer staples vs. discretionary shares

Bell Direct market analyst, Sophia Mavridis said several factors had given consumer staples shares positive momentum in recent weeks.

They include dairy sector price inflation rising 2% year-over-year in September to an 18-month high.

There has also been sustained spending growth at Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).

Weakness in the New Zealand dollar is providing a foreign exchange tailwind for A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M), which is now the consumer staples sector’s third largest business after 61% growth in its share price this year.

Looking ahead to the silly season, Mavridis said the consumer discretionary sector is “showing some encouraging signs”.

She noted spending in non-food categories rose 5% year-over-year in September.

Additionally, the Westpac/Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index surged above its 100-point confidence baseline this month.

That’s the first time it’s gone above 100 since the interest rate tightening cycle began in May 2022.

The Consumer Sentiment Index rose 12.8% from 92.1 in October to 103.8 in November.

Westpac analyst Matthew Hassan said this is a seven-year high excluding the COVID period.

Mavridis said higher consumer confidence should be supportive in the upcoming trading season.

This includes Black Friday at the end of November and the pre-Christmas shopping spree in December.

Seasonality has prompted Bell Potter to change its key share picks in the ASX 200 consumer staples and discretionary sectors.

Bell Potter’s top stock picks

In the consumer staples arena, Bell Potter is focused on market leaders.

The broker is positive on Woolworths shares, Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV), and Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA).

Bell Potter also has a buy rating on rural services and agribusiness Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD).

The Elders share price rose 8.61% to $7.57 last week after a strong FY25 report.

Bell Potter sees more growth ahead for Elders shares with a 12-month price target of $9.45.

In the discretionary sector, Bell Potter’s high conviction picks include Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN).

Bell Potter also likes youth apparel retailer Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) and footwear retailer Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1).

It also has a buy rating on Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) with a share price target of $80.

The post What’s driving a 9% divergence in ASX 200 consumer staples vs. discretionary shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy Woolworths and these ASX dividend shares?
• Why did the ASX 200 dive to a near six-month low last week?
• 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy for dependable passive income
• Age Pension worries? 7 income stocks to consider for retirement
• How to make $50,000 of passive income a year from ASX shares

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group, Elders, and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Are you on the lookout for some ASX dividend shares to buy for your income portfolio?

If you are, then read on because listed below are three that broker currently rate as top buys. Here’s what you need to know about them:

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be a top pick according to analysts at UBS.

It is a real estate investment trust that owns a diversified portfolio of convenience-based retail properties, including supermarkets, healthcare centres, and hardware stores. These are properties that tend to perform well regardless of economic conditions.

It notes that its geographically diverse national footprint is 86% metro-located and exposed to markets with above average population growth. It has no exposure to department stores and minimal exposure to discretionary retail and fashion.

Its three largest shareholders are Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Woolworths.

UBS believes the company is positioned to pay dividends per share of 8.6 cents in FY 2026 and then 8.7 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.32, this would mean dividend yields of 6.5% and 6.6%, respectively.

UBS has a buy rating and $1.53 price target on its shares.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Bell Potter has named Sonic Healthcare as an ASX dividend share to buy now.

It is a medical diagnostics company that operates laboratories and collection centres across Australia, Europe, and the United States.

After a tough period, Bell Potter thinks the company is ready for a return to consistent growth. It is expecting partially franked payouts of 109 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 111 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $23.09, this equates to dividend yields of 4.7% and 4.8%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $33.30 price target on its shares.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Finally, Woolworths could be a top ASX dividend share to buy right now.

While the supermarket giant may not offer the largest dividend yield, it does have potential to grow strongly over the next decade as its earnings rebound and then return to steady growth.

Bell Potter expects Woolworths to reward its shareholders with fully franked dividends of 91 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 100 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $28.08, this would mean dividend yields of 3.25% and 3.55%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $30.70 price target on Woolworths’ shares.

The post Should you buy Woolworths and these ASX dividend shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s driving a 9% divergence in ASX 200 consumer staples vs. discretionary shares?
• Why did the ASX 200 dive to a near six-month low last week?
• 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy for dependable passive income
• How much upside does Macquarie predict for Sonic Healthcare shares?
• How to make $50,000 of passive income a year from ASX shares

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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, Sonic Healthcare, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) once again finished the week deep in the red. The benchmark index sank 1.6% to 8,416.5 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market looks set for a good start to the week following a positive finish to the last one on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 92 points or 1.1% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones was up 1.1%, the S&P 500 rose 1%, and the Nasdaq pushed 0.9% higher.

Oil prices drop

It could be a poor start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices dropped on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was down 1.6% to US$58.06 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was down 1.3% to US$62.56 a barrel. This reflects optimism that Russia and Ukraine could soon sign a peace deal.

Pro Medicus update

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares will be on watch today when the health imaging technology provider holds its annual general meeting. It is possible that the company will provide the market with a trading update ahead of the main event. Investors will no doubt be keen to see how quickly Pro Medicus is growing so far in FY 2026.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could start the week higher after the gold price rose on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was up 0.5% to US$4,116 an ounce. This was driven by increasing US rate cut bets in December.

Buy WiseTech shares

Bell Potter thinks that WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares could offer 50%+ upside over the next 12 months. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the logistics solutions technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $100.00. It said: “In FY26 we now forecast revenue and EBITDA of US$1.40bn and US$569m which is towards the lower end of the guidance range for the former and close to the middle for the latter. That is, we see more risk at revenue than EBITDA this year, particularly with the greater-than-usual revenue skew to H2. Any weakness or miss at revenue, however, we would expect to be offset by a stronger margin.”

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

More reading

• What I’d buy first if the ASX share market fell 30%
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Gentrack, Kogan, Webjet, and WiseTech shares are pushing higher today
• Why this ASX 200 gold share is powering ahead
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks getting smashed on Friday?

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

Since early August, QBE Insurance (ASX: QBE) shares have fallen more than 16%. 

For context, S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX:XFJ) index lost about 5% in the same period. 

Earlier this month, Macquarie placed an outperform rating on QBE shares with a price target indicating roughly 15% upside. 

However the team at Bell Potter is a little less optimistic. 

Bell Potter released updated analysis on QBE shares last Thursday. 

The broker has a hold recommendation on QBE shares. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Concerns over slowing rate increases

In last week’s report, Bell Potter said it sees the investment thesis on QBE as generally good, but with some concerns over slowing rate increases and potential rising inflation. 

The broker said premium rates have been improving, ahead of inflation, showing that insurers retain pricing power, although rate increases are now slowing.

Profitability is seeing a strong underwriting profit, and investment returns are reasonable and stable (running yield) meaning the business is making a return on equity of 17.5% in FY25e.

The valuation is full, and in our opinion, and anticipates a lengthy continuation of a positive upcycle.

Hold recommendation from Bell Potter

The broker said at the half year results, it felt the company could be seen to be growing into a softening environment. 

With a PCA capital ratio of 1.81 (after interim dividend), the company’s capital is at the top of its target range (1.6-1.8x). This capital is being valued by the equity market at a premium to book value and the company is looking for ways to utilise its capital and grow into attractive areas.

The broker said it will review its forecasts post the Q3 update, noting the upside with the shares below $20. 

However for now, Bell Potter has maintained its target price of $21.20 and retained its hold recommendation.

QBE shares closed last week at $19.64. 

Based on this price target it appears QBE shares are hovering close to fair value, with an indicated upside of approximately 8%. 

The post What’s the upside for QBE shares after a rocky 2 months? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• What does Macquarie think QBE shares are worth?
• A 16% upside plus dividends! Macquarie upgrades QBE shares to outperform
• Are QBE or IAG shares a buy according to Macquarie?
• QBE Insurance Group launches US$300m subordinated notes issue

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.

ASX industrials stock Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA) has risen 60% in the last 12 months. 

Tasmea is a skilled services company. 

The company provides essential maintenance, engineering, and specialised project services and solutions across the following four service streams to the mining and resources; oil and gas; waste and water; power and renewable energy; and defence and infrastructure industries.

In the last week it has shed almost 15% which may have created a buy the dip opportunity. 

Following the recent share price drop, the team at Morgans has upgraded its view on this ASX industrials stock. 

Here is the latest from the broker. 

WorkPac Acquisition reason for optimism

Earlier this week, Tasmea acquired 100% of the issued capital in WorkPac Group Pty Ltd. 

WorkPac is a workforce solutions business. It specialises in tailored, end-to-end solutions in workforce management, recruitment, skills and career development across diverse sectors including Mining, Industrial, Construction, Engineering, Healthcare, Social Care and more.

Commenting on the acquisition, Tasmea’s Managing Director, Stephen Young said:

This transaction reflects our disciplined approach to growth and our commitment to building a diversified, scalable platform across Australia.

It seems the team at Morgans saw this as a positive move for the ASX industrials stock. 

In a note out of the broker on Thursday, it said WorkPac gives Tasmea a deeper labour pool which will be helpful in a tight market as it endeavours to self-perform all its services. This has the capacity to positively impact margins.

The WorkPac acquisition is +10% EPS accretive or +5-6% including the dilution from the recent equity raise. This transaction is a step-out from the company’s strategy to acquire more specialised services businesses, though it sends a clear signal about TEA’s visibility over demand in its key end-markets.

The broker also believes Tasmea should benefit from improved speed of mobilisation, which is critical given the fast-paced nature of some of its responsive services. 

Target price increase from Morgans

The team at Morgans has maintained its buy recommendation on this ASX industrials stock. 

The broker also increased its price target to $5.40 (previously $5.00). 

Based on this new price target, Morgans sees an upside of 20% for Tasmea shares. 

The post Broker tips 20% upside for this ASX industrials stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s the upside for QBE shares after a rocky 2 months?
• Bell Potter just upgraded its view on this booming REIT
• 3 ASX ETFs for smart investors to buy with $2,500
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What I’d buy first if the ASX share market fell 30%

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.

Real estate investment trust (REIT) Aspen Group (ASX: APZ) has doubled in the last 12 months. 

The company owns, develops, and operates residential, retirement and holiday park communities across Australia.

It is a leading provider of quality affordable accommodation to the 40% of Australians who are unable to afford more than $400/week rent or $400,000 house prices. 

A year ago, this REIT was trading for approximately $2.50 each. Last week, it closed at $5.22. 

The team at Bell Potter has just released fresh analysis on Aspen Group, indicating there is more upside potential. 

The broker has maintained its buy recommendation and bumped up its target price to $5.95 (previously $4.85). 

Let’s see what was behind the upgrade. 

Aspen Group in good shape and under-owned

The team at Bell Potter said Aspen Group is in “good shape.”

It noted the company’s Parks division is travelling ahead of FY25 as well. 

APZ remains well capitalised with c.$113m of undrawn debt capacity on hand to fund further acquisitions and planned development capex, and remains under-owned despite recent ASX300 inclusion with recent register holding increases from already substantial shareholders.

The broker also highlighted FY26 YTD settlements and contracts on hand have increased to 137, representing 91% of recently upgraded FY26 guidance for 150 settlements. 

New FY27 settlement target of 200 is pointing towards >2x delivered in FY24 (97), with APZ seeing an acceleration in sales at 91 over the last 4 months.

Aspen Group currently has 10 projects contributing to earnings, growing shortly to 15 in total.

Buy recommendation

Bell Potter listed key reasons for its buy recommendation on this ASX REIT. 

The broker said Aspen’s target tenant/owner sits within a very defensive segment of the market – affordable living. 

The national undersupply equation means that this will remain a crucial pillar of the housing market, and will be upheld by strong demand and government subsidy for the foreseeable future.

Bell Potter also said the ASX REIT has delivered compelling risk-adjusted returns over time, yet plays in what is otherwise a low-yielding category of residential and derivatives for rent (and sell). 

Focus on total return we believe puts APZ in good stead ahead.

Based on the updated target price of $5.95, there is approximately 14% upside from Friday’s closing price of $5.22. 

The post Bell Potter just upgraded its view on this booming REIT appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs for smart investors to buy with $2,500
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• What I’d buy first if the ASX share market fell 30%
• Why did the ASX 200 dive to a near six-month low last week?
• 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy for dependable passive income

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.

If you have $2,500 ready to invest, the good news is you don’t need to pick individual stocks or spend hours researching companies.

A handful of high-quality ASX ETFs can give you instant diversification, exposure to powerful global themes, and a simple path to long-term wealth creation.

The ASX has no shortage of choices, but three ETFs that stand out right now are listed below. Here’s a look at what they offer:

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF could be a great starting point for investors who want to own high-quality, financially strong companies from around the world. This ASX ETF focuses on businesses with consistent earnings, low debt, and strong profitability.

Its portfolio includes global heavyweights such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), Visa (NYSE: V), Hermes International (FRA: HMI), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ: AMAT). These are companies with durable competitive advantages, strong pricing power, and long histories of delivering stable growth.

Overall, the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF makes sense as a core holding for investors who want long-term exposure to global leaders without taking on unnecessary risk. It is no wonder then that analysts at Betashares recently named it as one to consider buying.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity has gone from a niche industry to an essential part of the global digital economy. Every business, government, and organisation now spends heavily to protect systems from attacks. And that spending is only heading in one direction – up!

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF gives investors exposure to global cybersecurity specialists including CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). These companies are at the cutting edge of threat detection, cloud protection, and digital security, which are areas where demand remains extremely resilient.

Cybersecurity is becoming one of the most critical sectors of the modern economy, and this fund allows investors to tap into that structural tailwind with a single trade.

BetaShares Australian Momentum ETF (ASX: MTUM)

Momentum investing is a strategy built on a simple idea: stocks that have been performing strongly tend to keep performing strongly. The BetaShares Australian Momentum ETF screens the ASX for shares with strong price momentum and rotates into the market’s current leaders.

At the moment, its top holdings include names such as Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

The portfolio shifts over time, ensuring it stays aligned with whichever sectors and companies are leading the market. Importantly, this has led to the index the fund tracks outperforming the market on most timeframes.

It was also recently named as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for smart investors to buy with $2,500 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX ETFs to buy for global investing in 2026
• 3 ASX ETFs every beginner investor should know about
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy to supercharge your portfolio in 2026
• Where to invest $2,500 in ASX ETFs this month
• How to make yearly passive income of $70,000 from ASX shares

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 Alphabet, Applied Materials, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Intuitive Surgical, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, CrowdStrike, Visa, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this sports technology company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $6.50. The broker highlights that Catapult released its half year results last week and delivered earnings ahead of both guidance and Bell Potter’s expectations. It notes that this was driven by a higher than expected margin. Looking ahead, the broker sees potential for strong double-digit growth in the core business and believes it will be augmented by the cross-sell opportunities from the recent IMPECT acquisition, together with a potential expansion into other sports. And while the broker has reduced its valuation meaningfully, this is reflective of a change in multiples due to the recent de-rating of the tech sector. The Catapult share price ended the week at $4.51.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have upgraded this enterprise software provider’s shares to an overweight rating with an improved price target of $36.50. This followed the release of TechnologyOne’s full year results last week. While the broker highlights that there has been a slight slowdown in its growth (outside the UK), it remains highly profitable and is generating significant cash flow. In light of this and its positive growth outlook and defensive earnings, Morgan Stanley thinks that recent share price weakness has created a very attractive entry point for investors. The TechnologyOne share price was fetching $29.53 at Friday’s close.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares with an increased price target of $230.30. According to the note, Macquarie was pleased with Xero’s performance in the first half of FY 2026. It points out that, despite what the market reaction might imply, there was nothing in the result that breaks its thesis. In fact, Macquarie believes that the US growth platform (Payments: Melio; Payroll: Gusto) is in place earlier than expected, and management is executing on its plans. Overall, the broker feels that Xero has a great growth story that is on sale and only needing a catalyst. And at 25x estimated FY 2027 earnings, its analysts think that Xero shares are undervalued and sees scope for big returns over the next 12 months. The Xero share price ended the week at $119.22.

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

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