While no investment is ever guaranteed, some Australian companies are entering 2026 with tailwinds that are hard to ignore.
Here are three Australian shares that I believe have particularly compelling bullish catalysts as the next year approaches.
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
BHP's most important catalyst heading into 2026 isn't iron ore, it is copper.
Copper prices have recently hit record highs, driven by a powerful combination of strong demand and constrained supply. Electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and data centres are all highly copper-intensive, while new supply remains difficult and slow to bring online.
BHP owns some of the world's most significant copper assets and has been steadily increasing its exposure to the metal. Unlike smaller, single-commodity producers, BHP can benefit from higher copper prices while relying on diversification and balance sheet strength to manage risk.
If copper prices remain elevated or continue to rise, I believe BHP is well-positioned to capitalise on this tailwind and translate it into stronger cash flows in 2026.
Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
Goodman Group is an Australian share with a bright future, in my opinion.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services is driving unprecedented demand for data centres, particularly in major global cities. Goodman has been steadily repositioning its global industrial property portfolio to capture this trend.
A recent announcement highlights just how significant this opportunity could be. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) has agreed to establish an A$14 billion European data centre partnership with Goodman. The 50/50 partnership includes an initial capital commitment of A$3.9 billion to develop data centre projects across Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Paris.
This kind of long-term institutional backing validates Goodman's strategy and provides capital to scale data centre development. I think this is a clear bullish catalyst as demand continues to accelerate.
Super Retail Group (ASX: SUL)
Super Retail Group offers a very different kind of catalyst. One that is tied to the consumer cycle.
After several tough years for household budgets, consumer spending is widely expected to improve in 2026 following interest rate cuts in 2025. That shift could provide meaningful relief for discretionary retailers like Super Retail.
It owns a portfolio of well-known Australian brands, including Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac. These businesses cater to automotive, sporting, and outdoor lifestyles, which are categories that often rebound as confidence returns.
The group has already spent recent years focusing on operational efficiency and customer loyalty. If consumer spending improves as expected, Super Retail could be well-positioned to benefit from operating leverage in 2026.
Foolish Takeaway
Bullish catalysts don't guarantee success, but they can tilt the odds in investors' favour.
BHP benefits from record copper prices and long-term supply constraints. Goodman Group is capitalising on surging data centre demand driven by AI, supported by major institutional investment. And Super Retail Group could see improving conditions as interest rate relief flows through to consumers.
For investors looking ahead in 2026, I think these three Australian shares are entering the year with momentum that's worth paying attention to.
