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:
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)
According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $7.50 price target on this energy giant's shares. The broker believes that Santos is well-positioned for a re-rating when the oil price bottoms out in the near future. It highlights that the company is emerging from its capital expenditure cycle with stronger cash margins, rising free cash flow, and higher quality earnings. In addition, it expects an improving return on invested capital (ROIC) through the next decade and Santos' gearing to normalise as the Barossa and Pikka operations ramp up. As a result, the broker thinks now could be an opportune time for investors to pick up its shares. The Santos share price is trading at $6.66 on Monday afternoon.
Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)
A note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $25.00 price target on this insurance giant's shares. This follows the release of an update from one of its rivals, which it believes provide a positive read-through for Suncorp. It highlights that renewal rates have been strong despite higher pricing. Another positive was that its rival reported an improvement in its key combined operating ratio, which was supported by lower catastrophe losses. Overall, the broker thinks that this bodes well for Suncorp in FY 2026. The Suncorp share price is fetching $19.36 at the time of writing.
Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)
Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating on this cloud accounting platform provider's shares with an improved price target of $230.30. According to the note, the broker was pleased with Xero's performance in the first half of FY 2026. It highlights that there was nothing in the result that breaks its thesis, despite what the market reaction might imply. In fact, Macquarie believes that the US growth platform (Payments: Melio; Payroll: Gusto) is in place earlier, and management is executing. Overall, it feels that Xero has a great growth story that is on sale and only needing a catalyst. And at 25x estimated FY 2027 earnings, the broker thinks that Xero shares are undervalued and sees scope for big returns over the next 12 months. The Xero share price is trading at $120.82 on Monday.
