There are plenty of ASX shares to choose from right now, but a couple stand out to me.
These are not the only opportunities in the market, but they are two I could have on my shopping list next week.
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BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
BHP is one of those businesses that I think could play an important role in a long-term portfolio.
What stands out to me is its exposure to future-facing commodities.
Copper, in particular, is becoming increasingly important. Electrification, renewable energy, and infrastructure investment all rely heavily on it. If those trends continue, I think demand for copper could remain strong for many years.
That matters because copper is now a major earnings driver for BHP, not just a side business.
On top of that, the company still benefits from its iron ore operations, which continue to generate significant cash flow. While iron ore prices can be volatile, this part of the business provides the financial strength that allows BHP to invest in future growth.
The Jansen potash project is another piece of that story. It adds exposure to global agriculture, which is supported by long-term trends like population growth and food demand. It is not something that will drive earnings overnight, but over time it could become a meaningful contributor.
I also think it is important not to overlook the income side. BHP's dividends can help smooth returns during weaker periods, which is valuable when markets are uncertain.
For me, it is that combination of current cash flow, future-facing commodities, and income that makes BHP appealing.
DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)
DroneShield sits at the other end of the spectrum. This is a higher-growth, higher-volatility business operating in an emerging industry, and it is likely to behave very differently to a company like BHP.
What I find compelling is the direction of travel. The use of drones is increasing rapidly, both in military and civilian settings. That creates a growing need for technologies that can detect, track, and respond to those threats.
DroneShield is positioned directly within that theme.
I think this is an area that is still developing. Governments and organisations are only just beginning to build out their counter-drone capabilities, which suggests the opportunity could expand over time.
Of course, it will not be a smooth journey. Revenue can be lumpy, contracts can take time to materialise, and sentiment can shift quickly. That is part of investing in an emerging growth company.
But for me, that is also where the upside can come from.
If the company continues to win contracts and scale its technology, I think there is potential for strong growth over the long term.
Foolish takeaway
BHP and DroneShield are very different businesses, and I think that is part of the appeal.
One offers scale, cash flow, and exposure to global commodities. The other provides access to a developing technology theme with significant growth potential.
For me, it is not about choosing one over the other. It is about recognising that both can play a role, depending on how you think about risk, time horizon, and long-term opportunity.
