S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have slipped into the red for 2026, down 1% in the calendar year-to-date (YTD).
Let's check out some new ratings from the experts.
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Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL)
The Regal Partners share price has plummeted 29% over the YTD.
Ord Minnett has a buy rating on this specialist alternative investment manager.
In a new note, the broker said:
Regal Partners (RPL) delivered a strong first-half FY26 result (1H26), although the attention was mainly on the announced transition to retirement of founder and portfolio manager Philip King.
Mr King is responsible for approximately 16% of RPL's funds under management (FUM), or $3.4 billion, and will remain in his current roles until at least 30 June 2027.
Financially, the result was robust. Normalised net profit after tax reached $93 million (guidance was for at least $90 million), more than double the prior corresponding period, and 3% ahead of consensus.
RPL ended FY26 with approximately $289 million of balance sheet capital and access to a further $130 million of undrawn debt facilities.
Despite the leadership transition risk, RPL is trading on an attractive FY27 price to earnings multiple of circa 8x, and on our numbers, offers around 14% per annum growth in EPS over FY26–29.
APA Group Ltd (ASX: APA)
The APA Group share price is up 20% over the YTD.
Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a hold rating on this ASX 200 utilities share.
Wielandt said (courtesy The Bull):
APA owns an extensive portfolio of energy infrastructure assets across Australia and benefits from long term contracts and inflation-linked tariff increases, which the company negotiates directly with its customers.
APA delivered a strong performance in full year 2026. Underlying EBITDA of $2.183 billion was up 8.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Underling EBITDA margins increased to 77.9 per cent.
APA remains a reliable income focused investment, but with more capital to be invested, we retain a hold recommendation.
HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)
The HomeCo Daily Needs REIT share price has fallen 20% over the YTD.
This ASX ETF is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that holds properties in the retail, health, and services sectors.
Wielandt has a sell rating on this ASX REIT.
He explains:
Occupancy was 99 per cent in full year 2026. The underlying properties continue to perform well, with a steady increase in rental income.
However, like a number of other REITs, I believe the prospect of higher interest rates, finance costs amid struggling consumers may pressure HDN's performance numbers in full year 2027 in what is a challenging retail sector.
HDN shares have fallen from $1.38 on September 18, 2025 to trade at $1.105 on September 17, 2026.
