Tag: Stock pick

The ASX is home to a wide range of companies, from mature dividend payers to high-growth businesses.

Right now, a few ASX growth shares stand out to me for different reasons. One operates in a rapidly expanding defence technology market, another is benefiting from structural growth in financial advice platforms, and the third has built a global leadership position in medical technology.

Here are three ASX shares I think could be worth buying.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is one of the most fascinating companies on the ASX right now.

The business specialises in counter-drone technology, providing solutions designed to detect and neutralise hostile drones. As drones become more widely used in both civilian and military settings, the need for systems that can defend against them is increasing rapidly.

What attracts me to DroneShield and its shares is the scale of the opportunity. Defence spending is rising globally and counter-drone technology is becoming an important part of modern security systems. DroneShield’s technology is already being used by military, government, and law enforcement customers around the world.

This is still a relatively small company compared with many defence contractors, which means it has plenty of room to grow if adoption continues to increase.

In my view, that combination of a large addressable market and proven technology makes DroneShield a particularly interesting long-term growth story.

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

HUB24 is a company I keep coming back to when I think about structural growth on the ASX.

The company’s platform provides technology and investment solutions used by financial advisers to manage client portfolios. Over the past several years, it has consistently taken market share as advisers move toward modern platforms that offer better functionality and service.

What I like about HUB24 is that it is benefiting from multiple long-term tailwinds at the same time. The shift toward professional financial advice continues, the wealth management industry keeps growing, and advisers are increasingly consolidating onto a smaller number of high-quality platforms.

As funds under administration rise, the platform can generate more revenue without needing to increase costs at the same pace. That creates operating leverage and helps drive strong earnings per share growth.

Personally, I think HUB24 still has a long runway for expansion as the Australian wealth management industry continues to evolve.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

ResMed is another ASX share that I believe has a powerful long-term growth story.

The company develops medical devices and software designed to treat sleep apnoea and other respiratory conditions. These products are used by millions of patients around the world.

What stands out to me is the structural demand for its products. Sleep apnoea remains significantly underdiagnosed globally, and awareness of the condition continues to increase.

ResMed also has a strong competitive position thanks to its best-in-class technology, brand recognition, and growing ecosystem of digital health tools that connect patients, clinicians, and healthcare providers.

In my view, that combination of medical demand and technological leadership makes ResMed one of the most compelling long-term healthcare shares on the ASX.

Foolish takeaway

These companies are each benefiting from long-term structural trends that could support growth for many years to come.

For investors looking for ASX shares with strong long-term potential, I think all three are worth serious consideration.

The post Why I think DroneShield and 2 more ASX shares are buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• If the ASX crashes tomorrow, here’s exactly what I’d do
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 incredible ASX 200 shares I’d buy with $10,000
• 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

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

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are in focus this week after the company experienced a historic crash on Friday. 

The share price tumbled more than 18% in a single day. 

It has now fallen more than 30% since the start of March. 

What’s going on with Northern Star shares?

Northern Star Resources is a global-scale Australian gold producer with projects in Australia and North America. 

Northern Star currently has gold production centres at its Kalgoorlie and Yandal projects in Western Australia and the Pogo goldfields in Alaska.

In 2025, it was one of the many ASX gold shares that enjoyed a strong run amidst record global gold prices as investors pushed into safe-haven assets.

However, on Friday, investors were exiting their positions after the company released an operational update.

What did the company release?

The company’s operational update included an indication it may miss the lower end of its full-year production forecast, with operational challenges impacting FY26 so far.

Specifically, Northern Star reported: 

• Total gold sales for January and February 2026: 220,000 ounces (koz)
• FY26 production now expected above 1.50 million ounces (Moz), previously guided higher
• Weaker-than-planned milling performance at KCGM and reduced mining productivity at Jundee weighed on results
• KCGM mine open pit high-grade ore mined: averaged 1.6g/t for the first two months of 2026
• KCGM mill expansion project remains on track for early FY27 commissioning. 

Northern Star expects to provide more detail on FY26 production and costs with its March quarter results on 22 April 2026. 

Despite the recent crash during March, Northern Star shares remain up 25% over the last year. 

Are Northern Star shares a buy, hold or sell?

Sentiment on the Australian gold producer is mixed amongst analysts. 

Northern Star shares closed last Friday at $21.75. 

Last month, Bell Potter had a price target on the company of $35.00. 

However its important to note this was prior to the latest reduced guidance out of the company. 

18 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $32.56. 

There is a wide range of perspectives however, with the highest target sitting at $41.80, while the lowest sits at $17.00. 

If the share price reached this high, it would be a gain of more than 90%. 

Meanwhile, if it were to reach the low range of this guidance, it would be a further 22% drop. 

The post Northern Star Resources shares just crashed – time to buy the dip? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Why CAR Group, Immutep, Northern Star, and Syrah Resources shares are sinking today
• Northern Star shares crash 16% on second guidance downgrade for FY26
• Northern Star trims FY26 guidance and updates on KCGM mill expansion
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

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 stocks across the board have come under pressure in recent months. Investors have been reassessing valuations amid concern over how artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional business models.

That weakness has pushed a number of high-quality companies well below recent highs. For long-term investors, that could make March a good time to take a closer look at some market leaders trading at more attractive valuations.

Here are three of the best ASX stocks that might be worth considering right now.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group is one of Australia’s most dominant digital platforms, operating the realestate.com.au property portal and a growing suite of property data and financial services tools.

The company benefits from a powerful network effect. With millions of monthly users and strong engagement, realestate.com.au remains the go-to destination for buyers and sellers.

The ASX stock has also demonstrated significant pricing power, with revenue growth often driven by higher listing yields and premium advertising products. Importantly, the business is highly profitable, with strong margins and excellent returns on capital.

REA is closely tied to property market activity. When listing volumes fall, growth can slow. In its recent half-year result, national listings declined and net profit dropped due partly to one-off factors.

There are also emerging competitive risks, including increased competition from other property platforms.

Despite the recent pullback, 27% over 6 months, most analysts remain cautiously optimistic. The 12-month price target hovers around $220, implying 30% potential upside at the time of writing.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

This $52 billion stock is a global industrial property giant that owns, develops, and manages logistics facilities and business parks around the world.

The company is increasingly positioning itself as a major player in digital infrastructure. Data centres now make up a significant portion of its development pipeline, reflecting booming demand from cloud computing and artificial intelligence workloads.

With a global property portfolio valued at more than $80 billion and occupancy above 96%, Goodman enjoys strong underlying fundamentals.

As a property developer, Goodman remains exposed to interest rates and broader economic cycles. Higher financing costs or slowing development activity could weigh on earnings.

Broker sentiment remains constructive. Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating and $32.20 price target on this ASX stock. This points to a potential gain of 20% over 12 months.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is one of the world’s leading cloud accounting software providers for small and medium-sized businesses.

The company has built a powerful subscription-based platform used by millions of businesses globally. Its ecosystem of accountants, add-on apps, and financial services helps create strong customer retention and recurring revenue.

Xero is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence features that could expand its product offering and help it capture a share of the rapidly growing global SaaS market.

Like many software companies, Xero has been caught up in the recent tech sell-off as investors worry that AI could disrupt traditional software models. The ASX stock is also investing heavily in growth initiatives, which can pressure margins in the short term.

Despite near-term volatility, many analysts remain positive on Xero’s long-term outlook as it expands internationally and deepens its product ecosystem. UBS is very bullish. It currently has a buy rating and $174 price target on Xero’s shares, which implies potential upside of over 117%.

Foolish Takeaway

Market pullbacks can create opportunities to buy high-quality companies at more reasonable prices. REA Group, Goodman Group, and Xero each operate leading platforms in large global markets.

While short-term volatility may continue, investors with a long-term horizon may find these ASX leaders worth considering in March.

The post 3 of the best ASX stocks to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If the ASX crashes tomorrow, here’s exactly what I’d do
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 2 ASX growth shares tipped to double in value
• How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares
• Where to invest $20,000 in ASX shares after the market selloff

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 Goodman Group and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended 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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have had a brutal run. The ASX tech stock shares has plunged roughly 50% over the past six months and is down about 30.5% year to date.

The sell-off has been driven by a mix of governance concerns, weaker-than-expected guidance, and broader pressure on high-growth software stocks.

But for long-term investors willing to stomach volatility, the pullback could present an opportunity. Here are three reasons WiseTech shares may be worth a closer look today.

A global logistics software leader

WiseTech is best known for its flagship CargoWise platform, which helps freight forwarders, logistics companies, and supply chains manage complex global trade operations.

The $16 billion company has spent decades building deep integrations across customs agencies, carriers, and logistics providers, creating a powerful network effect. This kind of specialised infrastructure software can be extremely difficult for competitors to replicate.

Despite the share price slump, demand for its products remains strong. WiseTech shares reported revenue in the first half of FY2026 of about US$672 million, an increase of 76% compared to the same period the year before. EBITDA grew 31% to US$252 million.  

If global trade volumes keep expanding and supply chains become more digital, WiseTech could remain a key software provider to the logistics industry.

The long-term growth story remains intact

While investors have focused on short-term issues for WiseTech shares, the tech company is still targeting strong growth over the next few years.

Management is guiding to FY2026 revenue of between US$1.39 billion and US$1.44 billion, and EBITDA of between US$550 million and US$585 million.

That implies significant expansion compared with previous years and reflects ongoing adoption of its software globally.

On top of that, the company continues to invest heavily in new products and acquisitions aimed at expanding its logistics ecosystem.

Delays to key products — such as its Container Transport Optimisation rollout — hurt sentiment last year and the price of WiseTech shares. But those products could still become major growth drivers once fully deployed.

For patient investors, the current weakness could simply be a pause in a longer-term growth trajectory.

Cost cuts and AI could boost profitability

WiseTech is also undergoing a major operational transformation.

The company recently announced plans to cut up to 2,000 roles as part of an AI-driven efficiency program designed to streamline development and operations.

Management believes artificial intelligence can significantly improve productivity and accelerate software development. It could allow the business to operate more efficiently in the future.

If those initiatives succeed, they could help expand margins and improve earnings growth over the coming years. This might be something the market hasn’t yet fully priced in.

Foolish Takeaway

There’s no doubt WiseTech shares come with risk. Governance controversies, product delays, and investor concerns around AI disruption have weighed heavily on sentiment.

But after such a steep decline, investors may want to ask whether the market has become overly pessimistic.

Morgans is bullish on WiseTech shares and has a buy rating and a 12-month price target of $83.80 on its shares. This points to a 76% upside at the time of writing.

The post 3 reasons to buy WiseTech shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should I buy WiseTech shares? Yes or no
• How to turn $10,000 into $100,000 with ASX shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 3 ASX tech shares to buy amid ongoing tech wreck
• Why Breville, Forrestania Resources, GQG Partners, and WiseTech shares are falling today

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

One of the reasons I like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is their simplicity.

ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to a wide range of companies through a single investment. That can make building a diversified portfolio much easier, particularly for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.

Personally, I think ETFs can also be useful tools for targeting different investment goals. 

Some are designed for long-term growth, others focus on income, and some provide diversification across global markets.

If I were thinking about those three goals, here are three ASX ETFs that stand out to me.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

When I think about long-term growth ETFs, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF is one of the first that comes to mind.

What I like most about the VDHG ETF is that it provides exposure to thousands of companies around the world through a single investment. The fund invests primarily in global and Australian shares, with smaller allocations to other asset classes like bonds.

The portfolio is heavily tilted toward growth assets, which is exactly what I would want if I were investing for the long term. Instead of relying on the Australian market alone, investors gain exposure to global economies and industries.

Personally, I think that global diversification can be very powerful over long periods of time. It allows investors to participate in the growth of companies and industries that simply don’t exist on the ASX.

Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)

For investors focused on income, the Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF could be worth a closer look.

This ETF is designed to track an index made up of high-dividend-yielding Australian shares. Many of the companies included are well-known ASX dividend payers across sectors like banking, resources, telecommunications, and infrastructure. This includes BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

Australia has long been known for its dividend culture, and many companies regularly pay fully franked dividends. That can make income-focused ETFs particularly appealing for investors seeking passive income.

In my view, an ETF like the HYLD ETF could provide exposure to a diversified portfolio of high-yielding shares without needing to select individual dividend stocks.

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

Another ETF I find interesting is the iShares Global 100 ETF.

This fund focuses on around 100 of the largest and most established companies in the world. These businesses include global leaders across industries such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services.

What stands out to me about the IOO ETF is the quality of the companies it holds. Many of the businesses in the index are dominant global brands with strong competitive advantages and global revenue streams.

For Australian investors, this type of exposure can complement a domestic portfolio nicely. The ASX is heavily concentrated in banks and miners, so global ETFs like this can add exposure to sectors such as technology and global consumer brands.

Foolish takeaway

There is no single ASX ETF that suits every investor.

But in my view, different ETFs can play different roles within a portfolio. Some can help drive long-term growth, others can generate income, and some provide valuable global diversification.

The VDHG ETF offers broad global exposure with a strong growth focus. The HYLD ETF provides access to high-dividend Australian companies. And the IOO ETF gives investors exposure to some of the largest and most influential businesses in the world.

The post The ASX ETFs to buy for growth, income, and diversification appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think these Vanguard ETFs could outperform the ASX 200
• $5,000 to invest? Here’s how I’d split it across the ASX
• New to the share market? Here are 3 ASX ETFs to buy for easy investing
• The lazy investor’s guide to ASX ETFs
• Invest $40,000 in this ASX dividend stock for $140 in monthly passive income

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. 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.

On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a small decline. The benchmark index fell 0.15% to 8,617.1 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to fall again

The Australian share market looks set for a disappointing start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 61 points or 0.7% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.25%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.6%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 0.9%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a positive start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices charged higher on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 3.1% to US$98.71 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 2.7% to US$103.14 a barrel. This was despite US efforts to reduce prices.

ASX 200 shares going ex-div

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM), Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU), Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN), and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS). Hub24 is rewarding shareholders with a 36 cents per share fully franked dividend next month on 21 April.

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor start to the week after the gold price tumbled on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 2% to US$5,023.1 an ounce. This was the second week in a row of weekly declines in response to inflation and rate hike concerns.

Buy Cochlear shares

The team at Wilsons thinks investors should be buying Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares. It highlights that the hearing solution company’s shares are trading at a material discount to long-term multiples. The broker said: “Cochlear trades on a forward P/E multiple of ~26x, representing a >10 year low and a material discount to its 10-year average of ~42x. We view this as a compelling entry point for a high-quality business ahead of accelerating earnings growth.”

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

More reading

• Here’s why ASX 200 energy shares were the only risers last week
• 3 defensive ASX ETFs to battle through market turmoil
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure successfully issues inaugural A$350m medium-term note
• Why CAR Group, Immutep, Northern Star, and Syrah Resources shares are sinking today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Cochlear and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear and Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

For new investors, building a portfolio can be an overwhelming task. 

The ASX currently has more than 2,000 listed companies to choose from, not to mention access to international stocks as well. 

That’s why a base portfolio of a few ASX ETFs can be a great starting point. 

ASX ETFs offer instant diversification in one simple trade. 

This can be especially attractive when the market is experiencing significant volatility, as has occurred over the past couple of weeks.

Current conflict in the Middle East is causing significant fluctuations day to day for many Australian and global blue-chip stocks.

With this uncertainty and volatility likely to continue in the short-term, it is important to have a portfolio spread across various sectors and countries. 

These three funds would make an ideal starting point for a new investor aiming for a broadly diversified portfolio. 

Global X Australia 300 Etf (ASX: A300)

As the name suggests, this fund offers exposure to the 300 largest Australian companies listed on the ASX.

Typically, investors track the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

However, this fund offers exposure to a broader set of companies than the typical 200 Australian companies.

Its largest exposure is to Australia’s two largest companies by market cap: 

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). 

These two holdings represent roughly 20% of the fund. 

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

With Australia’s market covered by the A300 fund, adding the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF provides a US focus. 

This ASX ETF comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market, and includes many companies that are at the forefront of the new economy.

The NASDAQ 100 is often referred to as the “new economy.” 

With its strong focus on technology, NDQ ETF provides diversified exposure to a high-growth potential sector that is under-represented in the Australian sharemarket.

It includes some of the biggest global companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN). 

It has a strong track record, rising 84% over the last 5 years. 

Betashares Global Shares Ex Us Etf (ASX: EXUS)

With bases covered in Australia and the US, this ASX ETF provides a more global outlook. 

It provides exposure to 900+ large and mid-cap companies from 22 developed markets excluding the US and Australia.

Its largest exposure by country is to: 

• Japan (23.8%)
• Britain (13.2%)
• Canada (12.6%). 

With the US historically representing the majority of developed markets, adding exposure outside the US provides both geographic and sector diversification. 

Compared to US focused exposures, EXUS WTF has a higher weighting to sectors such as financials and industrials, and a lower weighting to technology.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for new investors to consider in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years
• 3 defensive ASX ETFs to battle through market turmoil
• Here’s the average Australian superannuation balance at age 70 in 2026
• Is this ASX mining giant quietly setting up its next big move?
• 3 reasons CBA shares could be worth buying today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a simple way to build a diversified portfolio.

But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at five ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for the next five years.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF that could be a strong option is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, which includes many of the world’s leading technology companies. These businesses operate in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital advertising, and ecommerce.

The index has historically delivered strong returns due to the dominance of these global technology leaders and their ability to grow revenue at scale.

For investors looking to gain exposure to the companies driving much of the digital economy, this ETF could be the one.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 index, providing exposure to 500 of the largest companies listed in the United States.

The index includes businesses across a wide range of industries such as healthcare, consumer goods, financial services, and technology. This diversification has helped the S&P 500 deliver strong long-term performance over many decades.

Because of its broad exposure to the world’s largest economy, many investors use this ETF as a core long-term holding.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Investors looking for broader global exposure might want to consider the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This ASX ETF provides access to a large portfolio of developed market companies across North America, Europe, and Asia.

By investing in a wide range of industries and countries, the fund offers global diversification beyond the Australian market.

This can be particularly useful for investors who want exposure to global leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer brands, and industrial sectors.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth a look is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund focuses on Australia’s leading technology shares, including businesses involved in software, digital platforms, and online services.

Australia’s technology sector has grown significantly over the past decade, with companies expanding globally and building scalable digital platforms. However, a recent selloff has dragged valuations down significantly, potentially making now an opportune time to invest.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A final ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important industry as governments, corporations, and individuals rely more heavily on digital systems.

This ETF provides exposure to companies involved in protecting networks, cloud infrastructure, and sensitive data from cyber threats.

With cyberattacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, demand for cybersecurity solutions is expected to remain strong for many years. This bodes well for the fund’s holdings and provides them with a long growth runway.

The post 5 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why now could be the best time in years to buy NDQ and these ETFs
• The best ASX ETFs to buy for building wealth in 2026 and beyond
• Look long-term with these 3 ASX ETFs
• Just 3 ASX ETFs could build a lazy Australian millionaire portfolio
• 3 perfect ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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 Morgans, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $6.25 price target on this sports technology company’s shares. Morgans has been busy updating its forecasts to incorporate the IMPECT and IsoLynx transactions. In addition, the broker is positive on the company due to its strong growth outlook. It has previously spoken about how it believes Catapult can grow its revenue by 20% per annum over the next three years to reach US$180 million by FY 2028. As a result, Morgans sees plenty of value on offer here and appears to see recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity. The Catapult share price ended the week at $3.37.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have upgraded this fund manager’s shares to a buy rating with a $12.43 price target. The broker made the move after reviewing the company’s plans to merge with Barrenjoey. Morgans thinks the deal makes strategic sense and believes it will reinvigorate the Magellan story. While the broker feels the deal pricing is tilted in Barrenjoey’s favour, it still sees plenty to like here for Magellan shareholders. It notes that the merger fundamentally changes the company’s overall outlook, strengthens the business, and provides additional pathways to growth. The Magellan share price was fetching $10.12 at Friday’s close.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their buy rating and $3.35 price target on this buy now pay later provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker has been looking at Zip’s business model and remains positive on its outlook. Macquarie thinks investors should look beyond Zip’s moderating operating leverage and focus on its medium-term growth outlook. It is expecting Zip’s U.S. net transaction margin to improve sequentially in both the March and June quarters. And while loan losses are rising relative to total transaction value, Macquarie highlights that this is because Zip is bringing on new users. Furthermore, management has the ability to quickly remove defaulters, boosting its loan loss metrics. The Zip share price was trading at $1.62 on Friday.

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

ASX 200 energy shares outperformed the 10 other market sectors as the war in Iran raged on last week.

In fact, energy was the only sector to finish the week in the green, rising 1.72%.

The broader market remained unsettled, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) falling 2.64% to 8,617.1 points.

Traders and investors worried that the war could turn into an entrenched conflict that would keep oil prices elevated.

This would have significant implications for inflation and interest rates, as higher petrol and gas prices would create greater cost pressures across entire economies.

Amid the uncertainty of what will happen next, the ASX 200 was volatile and oil prices spiked, then slumped, then spiked again.

At the start of the week, oil prices surged 25% to nearly US$120 per barrel before cliff diving to less than US$90 the very next day.

Oil prices have gone higher due to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

More than 20% of the world’s global oil and gas exports, mostly from Iran, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE, pass through the strait.

By Friday, Brent Crude was trading above US$100 per barrel again, while WTI Crude was fetching US$95 per barrel.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts said:

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut.

He also warned that Iran may open additional fronts in the conflict if the US and Israel continue their attacks, while US President Donald Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and posing a threat to the Middle East is more important to him than the cost of oil. 

Energy shares led the ASX sectors last week

Let’s take a look at how some of the ASX 200 energy shares performed last week.

ASX 200 oil & gas giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) rose 0.94% to close the week at $31.04 per share.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price also lifted 0.94% to $7.53.

The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price ascended 0.87% to $1.16.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price fell 0.36% to $30.85.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price rose 1.9% to $2.14.

The Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) share price finished the week 1.1% higher at $1.84.

ASX 200 coal shares also rose last week, as gas supply disruptions forced power plants around the world to switch to coal.

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price ripped 27.33% to $8.06, after hitting a new 52-week high of $8.27 on Friday.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares ascended 10.26% to $9.35 apiece.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price lifted 6.15% to $5.35, after reaching a 52-week peak of $5.41 on Friday.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	1.72%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.37%)
Consumer Discretionary (ASX: XDJ)	(2.07%)
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	(2.68%)
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	(2.69%)
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	(2.71%)
Industrials (ASX: XNJ)	(4.33%)
Healthcare (ASX: XHJ)	(4.64%)
Materials (ASX: XMJ)	(4.73%)
A-REIT (ASX: XPJ)	(5.04%)
Information Technology (ASX: XIJ)	(6.99%)

The post Here’s why ASX 200 energy shares were the only risers last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.