Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) shares resumed trading on 3 September. This came more than a year after the shares were suspended from the ASX.

Its shares were suspended for 13 months because the company couldn't complete its audited financial accounts while an investigation into its billing practices was underway.

The investigation found that the company had overcharged clients by more than $250 million. This included around £80 million relating to UK government contracts.

The stock last traded at $16.07 before the halt began in August 2025.

On their first day back, shares crashed a monumental 85%, and are now hovering around $2.13. 

So is this a bargain buy, or simply too big of a risk?

The bull and bear case

Despite the negative headlines, the underlying business is still performing reasonably well. 

FY26 revenue rose to $670 million, and underlying EBITDA increased 36% to $114 million. The company also returned to a statutory profit of $17.7 million. 

It also continued to win and renew large contracts, suggesting customers haven't abandoned the business.

However, the big risk is that the problems aren't completely behind the company yet. 

Revenue also fell in July compared with the previous year, which raises questions about whether the business is actually recovering. 

If the liabilities increase, customers leave, or it needs to raise more capital, shareholders could suffer further losses or dilution. 

On the other hand, if Corporate Travel Management finishes the repayments, avoids further problems, gets a clean audit opinion and returns to growth, the current share price could prove very cheap. 

In simple terms, it is potentially a good business at a distressed price. But buying it now is a high-risk bet that the worst is over.

What is Morgans saying?

In a note out of Morgans this week, the broker said it believes Corporate Travel Management is a "turnaround story under new leadership."

Following years of overcharging clients, it will refund them A$246m by 30 September 2027, supported by its new A$175m debt facility. 

FY27 guidance will be provided at the AGM. We forecast earnings to fall materially due to a higher AUD, reduced special project work and higher corporate costs. Earnings growth should resume from FY28 given new management's strategy. The acceleration of new client wins in the first two months of FY27 is encouraging. Given what has gone on, it will take time for confidence to rebuild and risks remain. However, we think CTD is a turnaround story under new leadership with material upside potential if it executes. We resume coverage with a BUY and A$3.06 PT.

From the current share price, this indicates an upside potential of over 40%. 

Foolish takeaway 

Corporate Travel Management is a high-risk turnaround investment. While the underlying business shows signs of recovery, significant customer liabilities, a modified audit opinion, and weakening recent revenue leave the company financially uncertain. 

Investors are effectively betting that no further major problems emerge and that it can resolve its liabilities and return to sustainable growth. 

But if that doesn't happen, further losses or shareholder dilution are possible.

The post Corporate Travel Management recently resumed trading – Here's why it could be a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Corporate Travel shares plunge another 9%: Is the worst yet to come?
• Where does it end? Corporate Travel hit with another blow after crashing 85%
• 3 ASX shares that cut their dividend this reporting season
• Corporate Travel Management shares crashed 80% on their first day back. What happened?
• Why I'm still smiling after losing 85%

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

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) shares were making headlines yesterday after the company released updated FY26 guidance. 

GrainCorp provides handling, storage, marketing, logistics and agronomic services to the East Coast grain industry.

What did GrainCorp report?

• Reconfirmed FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance at around $200–240 million
• FY26 underlying NPAT expected within $20–50 million range
• Business Transformation Program to deliver $12 million run-rate benefits by end FY26
• One-off restructuring costs of $5 million incurred in FY26
• System transformation spend unchanged for 2H26 at $25 million; FY27 updated to $30–35 million.

Why did the share price fall?

As reported by my colleague Aaron Teboneras, GrainCorp announced its transformation program remains on track to deliver around $12 million in FY26 savings, ahead of its previous target. 

Its longer-term goal of adding $20 million-$30 million to through-the-cycle EBITDA by FY28 is unchanged.

However, the technology rollout has been delayed. Release 1 is now expected to go live in Q2 2027, versus H2 2026 previously. 

GrainCorp said the delay will reduce implementation risk, but FY27 spending is now expected to rise to $30 million-$35 million, about $30 million above its previous estimate.

Investors were seemingly unimpressed by the news, as GrainCorp shares fell 4% during yesterday's session. 

The agribusiness has now seen its share price fall 22% over the last 12 months. 

Bell Potter sees greener pastures ahead for GrainCorp shares

Following the release, the team at Bell Potter provided updated guidance on GrainCorp shares. 

Commenting on the outlook for the company, the broker said GrainCorp's FY26 guidance is broadly in line with expectations, with Underlying EBITDA expected around the midpoint of the $200-240m range, including $5m of restructuring costs from a review of the Agribusiness operating model. 

Commenting on the company's adjusted outlook, the broker said near-term earnings are expected to be slightly lower because of a $5m restructuring cost. 

However, Bell Potter believes GrainCorp's transformation program will ultimately deliver more savings than previously expected, which is why it raised its price target.

Buy rating retained 

Bell Potter's report also reiterated a buy rating on GrainCorp shares. 

Additionally, the broker has upgraded its share price target to $7.50 (previously $7.15). 

Based on yesterday's closing price, this indicates upside potential of almost 13%. 

Buy rating retained. The recent ABARE crop report was positive lead for FY27e and is yet to filter entirely through consensus expectations. However, the margin backdrop at this point, in terms of both grain basis and oilseed crush margins, remains the strongest it has for three years. To us this is key, as consensus FY27e expectations (which the 2026-27 crop underwrites) looks to be carrying forward the margin environment of FY25-26e, which was materially weaker. Trading at ~5.0x FY27e PBTDA we see the valuation as undemanding.

The post Why this broker thinks GrainCorp shares are a buy after yesterday's fall appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• GrainCorp shares fall after surprise $30 million cost increase
• GrainCorp keeps guidance steady as transformation delivers gains
• This ASX 200 stock just got a big upgrade from Bell Potter
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

Often investors associate ASX ETFs with broad, index tracking funds. 

While these ASX ETFs make a great foundation for a portfolio, there are also more focused funds that track specific themes and sectors. 

Are thematic funds a good investment?

Like any investment, these kinds of funds come with pros and cons. 

Investing in niche, thematic ASX ETFs can give investors targeted exposure to emerging industries, trends, and themes with strong long-term growth potential.

These ETFs also provide diversification across several companies within a theme, making them less risky than investing in a single company. 

However, their narrow focus can also create significant risks, as the ETF's performance may depend heavily on one industry or trend, making it more volatile and vulnerable to changes in technology, regulation, competition or investor sentiment. 

One thematic ASX ETF that has stood the test of time and brought consistent long-term returns is BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK). 

A decade of delivery

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has compounded at approximately 9% per annum over the last 10 years, dividends included.

Generating 9% returns each year is nothing to complain about. 

However, HACK ETF has outpaced the ASX 200 Index.

HACK ETF aims to track an index that provides exposure to leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector.

A new report from Betashares has highlighted its strong track record.

Since its inception, HACK ETF has returned 18.9% p.a. as at 31 August 2026 and generated more than $800 million in value to shareholders.

This has far outperformed the ASX 200 in the same span. 

Why the growth can continue 

According to Betashares, more than 100 major tech companies, including Alphabet, Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI, issued an urgent joint letter last month calling for collective action to strengthen existing cyber defences in the age of AI.

While cybersecurity offerings have existed for decades, this wake-up call starkly reminds us that the current security status quo is no longer sufficient. Longstanding bugs, excessive permissions and weak authentication in legacy systems have left the attack surface wider and more exposed than ever.

This growing issue is also resulting in financial investment. 

Firms have been increasing cybersecurity and IT spending as the complexity of protecting proprietary information grows. It also remains one of the more defensive areas in enterprise tech budgets, and Chief Information Officers are unlikely to cut spending during periods of economic weakness.

While no thematic ETF is guaranteed to repeat its past performance, HACK ETF's decade-long track record and the growing need for cybersecurity highlight how a niche investment theme can evolve into a durable, long-term opportunity.

The post This ASX ETF has beaten the market over the last 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?
• These ASX ETFs are generating big momentum in the second half of 2026
• Why these ASX ETFs could be strong long-term picks
• 3 Betashares ETFs I want to buy
• How much passive income can I earn off a $630,000 superannuation balance

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 positions in and has recommended Alphabet, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A new report from Betashares has shed light on the changing dynamics of investing. 

For much of the past two decades, Australian investors were rewarded for prioritising capital growth. 

However several headwinds are now changing this landscape. 

High valuations, a shifting interest rate environment and recent tax changes are all impacting the potential of growth investing. 

Why growth was king

According to the report, In the decade to 2026, the economy enjoyed an average RBA cash rate of 1.8%, less than half of the 4.6% average since 1990. 

This meant debt was cheap, and businesses and investors alike were awash with cash to invest and expand.

While growth benefited from low interest rates, income suffered. Savings accounts paid lower interest, and Australian government 10-year treasury bonds paid an average of just 2.7%.

On top of this, the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount effectively halved the amount of CGT paid by investors since 1999, as long as the asset being sold had been held for over a year. This encouraged investing for capital growth.

What's changing?

Betashares said that three factors are pushing income back into focus.

Firstly, interest rates have raised the floor for income. 

Higher rates mean savings accounts and government bonds can now offer attractive yields, making income investments more competitive.

Secondly, tax changes have narrowed growth's advantage. 

Changes to capital gains tax from 2027 will reduce some of the tax benefits of growth investing, narrowing the gap between growth and income strategies.

Finally, higher valuations raise the bar for future growth. 

ASX 200 valuations are well above pre-pandemic levels, meaning investors are paying more for each dollar of earnings and future growth may be harder to achieve.

In short, with income yields higher, growth's tax advantage reduced, and valuations elevated, income investing is looking increasingly attractive relative to growth investing.

You don't have to pick one or the other

It's important for investors to understand this doesn't mean you need to abandon growth equities and only focus on income. 

The more useful question is not whether to be a growth investor or an income investor, but whether you are being deliberate about where your returns come from. A portfolio that earns income through dividends, bonds or high-yield savings alongside capital growth is no longer a conservative retreat, but a considered response to a landscape that looks meaningfully different to the one we navigated for the past decade.

For investors looking to target high-yield companies, there are several ASX ETFs to consider. 

Income focussed funds include: 

• Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)
• Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)
• BetaShares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX).

The post Why it could be time to shift from growth to income: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How much is needed in superannuation for $3,000 in weekly passive income?
• How to earn $2,000 a month in passive income with this simple portfolio
• How much passive income can I earn off a $630,000 superannuation balance

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.

There is plenty of discourse around artificial intelligence and the lack of exposure available through Australian stocks. 

While it's true that Australia doesn't have a direct equivalent to Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) or the major US technology giants driving the AI revolution, that doesn't mean Australian investors are shut out of the opportunity. 

The AI buildout requires far more than chips and software. It also requires vast amounts of data centre capacity, electricity, land, and connectivity.

For investors looking to gain exposure to the artificial intelligence boom through Australian equities, these companies offer three different ways of owning the physical infrastructure behind AI. 

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NEXTDC offers perhaps the most direct Australian exposure to the physical infrastructure required to power the AI boom. 

The company operates high-performance data centres that house the servers, GPUs, and networking equipment. This is used by cloud providers, enterprises, and AI companies. 

As AI models become more computationally intensive, demand is shifting towards high-density data centres with significantly greater power and advanced liquid-cooling capabilities. 

These are areas in which NEXTDC is investing heavily. 

The argument for NextDC is quite straight forward. 

If the world needs dramatically more computing power to develop and run AI, it needs dramatically more data centre capacity to house that computing power.

Experts seem to agree. UBS recently placing a buy rating with a $23.45 target, implying more than an 80% upside.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group provides a less obvious, but potentially powerful, way to gain exposure to the AI buildout. 

While traditionally known as a global logistics property group, Goodman has been rapidly expanding into data centre infrastructure.

Its competitive advantage lies in controlling the land, power, and development capability needed to build large-scale facilities. 

This is increasingly important because AI data centres are constrained by demand. They are also constrained by access to suitable sites, electricity, and network connectivity. 

In other words, Goodman is a way to invest in the scarce physical resources that AI infrastructure needs.

It has also drawn positive attention from experts this month. 

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport sits further up the AI infrastructure stack, providing the connectivity that allows data, cloud platforms, and computing resources to communicate with one another. 

AI workloads are extraordinarily data intensive, requiring fast, reliable connections between data centres, cloud providers, GPUs, and end users. 

Megaport operates a software-defined networking platform spanning more than 1,200 enabled data centres and 30 countries, making it a potential beneficiary as AI drives greater volumes of data across networks.

Brokers are expecting almost 40% share price growth in the next 12 months on the back of its recent earnings results. 

The post You don't need to own Nvidia to invest in AI – Here are the best Aussie artificial intelligence shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Megaport shares have surged 10% in a week to $18. I think they could hit $25

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

It has been a volatile year for S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) stock Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD). 

The company is an agribusiness that provides goods and services to Australian primary producers. 

It sells seed, fertiliser, agricultural chemicals, animal health products, and general rural merchandise. It also supplies professional and technical services to farmers via its network of agronomists.

Rollercoaster 12 months 

In the past 12 months, the ASX 300 stock has hit highs of nearly $8 per share, and lows of less than $5 per share. 

Back in June, it was hovering around the $5 mark, but has since rallied significantly. 

Since then, it has risen an impressive 30%. 

When ASX 300 stocks bounce around this significantly, it can be difficult for investors to identify fair value.

However, a new report from Bell Potter has provided a fresh outlook for the next 12 months. 

Slight downgrade

Overall, Bell Potter has downgraded Elders from buy to hold. The broker also slightly increased its target price from $6.45 to $6.70 per share.

The main reason for the downgrade is that Elders' underlying earnings drivers remain positive. However, growth is starting to moderate as the company faces tougher year-on-year comparisons.

Agency markets remain supportive. Cattle slaughter and yardings are both up 2% year on year, while cattle prices are up 23%. 

Sheep volumes have fallen significantly, but this has been offset by stronger pricing, with lamb prices up 21% and mutton prices up 40%. Wool volumes are expected to be broadly flat to slightly higher, while the EMI is up 43%.

The broker also identified that crop conditions are favourable.

Recent upgrades to Australian crop forecasts, supported by rainfall, should help demand for Elders' agricultural services, particularly in Western Australia and southeastern Australia. 

However, the forecast for summer crop acreage was weaker than expected, at 1.121 million hectares, down 17% year on year.

Minimal upside for ASX 300 stock

Overall, Bell Potter expects FY26 earnings to be broadly unchanged, with NPAT estimates revised by +1% for FY26, -2% for FY27, and -4% for FY28. 

The broker believes the business remains fundamentally sound, but the earnings tailwinds are easing, which supports a hold rather than a buy rating.

From yesterday's closing price, the updated target from Bell Potter indicates roughly 3% upside over the next 12 months. 

Following the recent recovery in the share price we are moving our rating from Buy to Hold. 

Investments in Delta and Systems Modernisation programs are the largest drivers of near term growth, however, we see the large livestock tailwinds the agency business has benefited from the past two years facing more difficult comparisons moving forward.

The post This ASX 300 stock has rebounded 30% from yearly lows – can it keep rallying? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Uranium stocks have made headlines this week, with global tailwinds providing long-term upside for producers. 

In particular, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) has drawn significant attention from brokers.

Why the increased attention for uranium stocks?

As reported by my colleague Mark Verhoeven earlier this week, the spot price of uranium is hovering near US$90 a pound. 

However, more importantly, the long-term contract price is US$97 a pound, its highest level in more than eighteen years.

This is being driven by expectations of a gap between supply and demand. 

On the supply side, some of the world's biggest uranium producers are facing production challenges and delays, making it harder to increase supply. 

At the same time, demand for uranium is expected to rise significantly as more countries build and rely on nuclear power. 

Utilities companies are already locking in uranium supplies years in advance because they want to make sure they have enough fuel for their reactors. 

If demand keeps growing while supply remains tight, uranium prices could stay strong or rise, which could benefit companies that produce or develop uranium projects. 

This is why investors are paying more attention to ASX-listed uranium stocks.

Why Paladin is a winner 

This is positive for Paladin Energy because it is already producing uranium through its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia. 

If global uranium demand continues to rise while supply remains tight, uranium prices could increase, allowing the uranium stock to potentially generate more revenue and profits. 

In simple terms, it benefits if uranium becomes more valuable because it is already a producer and can sell into that stronger market.

Brokers tipping big upside 

Thanks to these emerging tailwinds, brokers are tipping healthy gains over the next 12 months for this ASX uranium stock. 

It closed trading yesterday at $11.73 per share. 

The team at Canaccord Genuity has a buy call on Paladin Energy shares with a $15.80 target.

This indicates a 34% upside from current levels. 

Elsewhere, Morgans has an accumulate rating and $13.30 price target, indicating 13% upside. 

The current Patterson Lake South (PLS) resource may only represent part of the story – The mine plan supports ~9Mlbpa over nine years, yet mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike, drilling density declines materially below 350m. We expect the resource and mine life to increase materially in time. Simply simple – PLS is one of the highest-grade undeveloped uranium projects globally, but its development plan is surprisingly conventional, with a TBM decline, proven mining methods, a standard Athabasca processing flowsheet and uncomplicated tailings storage reducing technical risk.

The post Brokers are confident in the outlook for this uranium stock tipping 34% upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 6 ASX shares tipped by brokers to rise 34% to 88%
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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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has stagnated over the past month, falling over 3%. 

However, some pockets are gaining strong momentum. 

There are several themes and sectors capturing strong tailwinds in the back half of 2026. 

Here are some ASX ETFs ignoring the broader market downturn and charging ahead. 

Cybersecurity ASX ETFs

One theme that is outperforming right now is cybersecurity. 

The strong rise in cybersecurity-related stocks over the past six months reflects a broader shift in how investors view the impact of AI on the sector.

Initially, there were concerns that AI would make cybersecurity less valuable by automating vulnerability detection and reducing the need for traditional security solutions. 

However, the market has increasingly recognised that AI is also making cyberattacks more sophisticated, scalable and difficult to defend against, creating greater demand for cybersecurity products and services. 

The rapid adoption of AI, cloud computing and digital infrastructure is expanding the potential attack surface for businesses, while growing cyber threats are encouraging companies and governments to increase security spending. 

This has strengthened expectations for long-term revenue and earnings growth across the cybersecurity industry, particularly among leading providers, and has driven a significant re-rating of the sector. 

Two beneficiaries of this trend are BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) and Global X Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: BUGG). 

These funds have risen by 37% and 47% in the last 6 months and could be set up for long-term success if these tailwinds continue. 

Global healthcare and biotech ASX ETFs

The healthcare and biotechnology sector has benefited from a combination of strong innovation, improving investor sentiment and the potential for significant new markets. 

Advances in areas such as obesity treatments, oncology, gene therapy and precision medicine are creating opportunities for companies to develop new therapies with very large commercial markets, while the rapid adoption of AI in drug discovery and clinical development is raising expectations that medicines can be developed more efficiently.

These tailwinds have benefited ASX ETFs BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: DRUG) and Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE). 

Both have enjoyed significant momentum in recent months, and could be top buys heading into the back part of 2026. 

Gaming and Esports 

After a rough first 6 months of the year, another ASX ETF harnessing strong momentum is Betashares Video Games And Esports ETF (ASX: GAME). 

It has risen 13% since late July thanks to renewed investor confidence in the long-term growth of interactive entertainment.

The industry continues to benefit from the shift towards digital distribution, recurring revenue through subscriptions and in-game purchases, and the growing global audience for gaming, while major new game releases can create significant bursts of revenue and engagement.

At the same time, the sector is increasingly benefiting from advances in AI, which have the potential to reduce development costs, improve game creation and enable more personalised and dynamic gaming experiences.

The post These ASX ETFs are generating big momentum in the second half of 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX ETF has beaten the market over the last 10 years
• How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?
• Why these ASX ETFs could be strong long-term picks
• 3 Betashares ETFs I want to buy
• How much passive income can I earn off a $630,000 superannuation balance

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 positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. 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.

As investors look to gain portfolio exposure to the AI buildout, there are several ASX ETFs on the market to consider. 

While past performance doesn't guarantee future gains, it can be helpful to look at projections when comparing options. 

Three of the most notable AI ASX ETFs include: 

• Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)
• Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)
• Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI). 

How are these funds different?

While all of these funds offer AI exposure, they are built in different ways. 

Firstly, Global X Semiconductor fund focuses on the semiconductor industry.

These are the chips and hardware that power AI systems, including companies involved in chip design, manufacturing and equipment. 

Secondly, the Global X AI Infrastructure ETF takes a broader "picks-and-shovels" approach to AI, investing in companies that provide the infrastructure needed to develop and run AI. This includes data centres, networking, power and semiconductors. 

Finally, the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF is the most directly focused on AI applications and technology, investing in companies developing or benefiting from AI software, automation, machine learning and related technologies. 

In simple terms, SEMI is primarily about the chips, AINF is about the infrastructure that enables AI, and GXAI is about the broader AI ecosystem and its applications.

Which fund has performed the best?

The SEMI fund was first listed back in 2021, with GXAI listing in 2024 and AINF most recently in April 2025. 

Since April 2025 when all funds were available: 

• AINF is up 67%
• GXAI is up 43%
• SEMI is up 140%. 

Looking at the last 12 months: 

• SEMI is up 98%
• AINF is up 34%
• GXAI is up 22%

How much could $10,000 be worth in 12 months' time?

Taking these results over the last year and projecting the same returns for the next 12 months, a $10,000 investment could be extremely profitable. 

Using the 12-month returns you provided and assuming, purely as a mathematical projection, that each fund repeats the same return over the next year:

• SEMI: A 98% return would turn $10,000 into $19,800 – a $9,800 gain.
• AINF: A 34% return would turn $10,000 into $13,400 – $3,400 gain.
• GXAI: A 22% return would turn $10,000 into $12,200 – a $2,200 gain.

So, if those past 12-month returns were repeated exactly, SEMI would produce the largest projected result at $19,800, followed by AINF at $13,400 and GXAI at $12,200. 

However, these are hypothetical projections rather than forecasts, and past performance does not reliably indicate future returns. 

The post How much could $10,000 invested in these AI focussed ETFs be worth in a year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The recent changes to capital gains tax (CGT) may reduce the after-tax appeal of investment returns driven by share-price growth. 

This is influencing some investors to favour ASX dividend shares. That's because a greater portion of returns comes from regular income and potentially franking credits.

According to S&P research, the trailing 12-month dividend yield of the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is around 3.5%.

For investors looking to outperform this benchmark, here are three ASX dividend shares with yields over 6%. 

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds Group is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that holds and leases agricultural land and equipment. 

The company manages around $2 billion of diversified farmland and assets located across several states.

Its segments include cattle, almonds, macadamias, cropping, vineyards, and other agricultural products. The majority of its revenue is derived from its cattle and almond segments.

ASX REITs can be attractive dividend stocks because they typically own income-producing property and distribute a significant portion of rental income to investors as distributions. 

Their returns can therefore provide relatively predictable income. It is worth considering dividends are not guaranteed as REITs can be sensitive to interest rates, property values and debt costs.

At the time of writing, this ASX dividend stock is offering a distribution per unit of 11.73 cents in FY27, which is a yield of approximately 6%.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

IPH is a holding company, which engages in the provision of intellectual property (IP) services.

This is attractive as a dividend stock because it has a defensive, recurring business, strong cash generation, and a history of growing its dividend. 

IPH is considered defensive because businesses still need to protect and maintain their patents and trademarks regardless of the economic cycle. Once a company has an IP portfolio, it generally continues paying for renewals, legal work and administration even during a recession.

So IPH's revenue is less dependent on people buying discretionary products or services, which can make its cash flows and dividends more stable than those of many other companies.

At the current share price, the recent dividends imply a very high yield of over 11%. 

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

Another ASX dividend stock to target for high yields is HomeCo Daily Needs. 

Another ASX REIT, it is an Australian property group focused on the ownership, development, and management of Australian shopping centres.

It also offers a defensive profile, as its property focuses on everyday needs such as supermarkets, healthcare, childcare and essential services. 

These tenants tend to remain in demand even when the economy weakens, which supports relatively stable rental income and distributions.

At the time of writing, it offers a yield over 7%. 

The post 3 ASX dividend shares with yields over 6% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?

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 positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Fresh commentary from the team at Morgans has identified an exciting exploration-stage mining growth stock investors should be adding to their watchlist. 

The company in question is G50 Corp Ltd (ASX: G50). 

Company overview

G50 Corp was established to identify and advance opportunities involving economically viable precious metal deposits across the United States.

The Company's flagship Golconda Project, situated in northwestern Arizona, represents its most advanced exploration asset. The project encompasses a number of historically worked, small-scale precious and polymetallic mines, positioned directly southeast of a significant porphyry copper-molybdenum system.

In central Nevada, Gold 50 holds the Spitfire, Broken Hills, Top Gun and Caisson Projects, each offering further exploration potential.

Despite limited modern exploration across these properties, all four projects exhibit evidence of gold mineralisation at surface. In particular, the Spitfire Project has recorded exceptionally high-grade, or "bonanza-grade," gold and silver mineralisation.

As is typical with small-cap shares, it has experienced volatility in 2026. 

At the time of writing, its share price is down 35% year to date. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (ASX: XSO) index is down 8% in the same period, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2%.

However, Morgans is bullish this exciting growth stock could be set to explode. 

Strong momentum

According to Morgans, G50 is making progress across its projects. 

Recent exploration has expanded the Golconda mineral system and identified high-grade gold at White Caps. 

The Company is also exploring ways to develop and potentially generate revenue from its gallium resources, which could benefit from growing demand for critical minerals.

G50 recently raised additional funding through a placement led by Hancock. 

This gives the Company the money it needs to increase exploration, develop its gallium opportunities and continue work on the larger Golconda project, including future funding and permitting requirements.

G50 continues to unlock value across its asset base, with recent activity extending the Golconda system, delivering a high-grade gold discovery at White Caps, and advancing potential gallium development pathways amid an increasingly supportive backdrop for critical minerals.

Big upside for this growth stock

Based on this guidance, Morgans has a $1.94 price target and speculative buy recommendation on G50 shares. 

From current levels, this indicates an upside of 321%. 

Following the recent Hancock-cornerstoned placement, the Company is well funded to accelerate exploration and advance potential gallium monetisation pathways, supporting early cash flow, financing and permitting for the broader Golconda deposit. We maintain our SPECULATIVE BUY rating with a target price of A$1.94ps.

The post Could this exciting growth stock be set to triple? Morgans thinks it can appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The latest property data from Cotality has indicated that Australian home values continue to fall. 

Cotality's national Home Value Index fell 0.9% in August, marking a fifth consecutive month of decline and taking national home values 3.6% below the market peak recorded in March.

Property snapshot

According to the report, home value declines spread sharply across Australia's housing market through winter, with home values falling across 93% of capital city suburbs. Every capital city except Darwin has recorded a decline over the past three months.

Tim Lawless, Cotality's Research Director, said the latest figures show the downturn is no longer confined to select markets or higher-value segments. 

What started as a more concentrated easing across higher-value segments has now become a much more generalised softening, with the vast majority of capital city suburbs recording some level of decline.

The proportion of capital city suburbs recording a fall in home values more than doubled through winter, rising from 45.8% in autumn to 93%, highlighting a much broader weakening in housing conditions.

How does this impact real estate shares?

As investors look at these numbers, the important distinction is that falling Australian house prices do not automatically mean all ASX property stocks will suffer.

However, there are some important considerations. 

Firstly, residential developers – these are likely the most vulnerable. 

Companies selling new houses/land can be hit by lower selling prices, slower presales, cancellations and weaker margins. 

If the housing correction continues, these equities are the ones I would be most cautious about.

Looking at REITs, falling residential house prices don't directly determine the value of office, industrial, logistics, retail or healthcare property. 

For REITs, interest rates, bond yields, debt costs, occupancy and rental growth can matter considerably more. 

Finally, property/infrastructure owners with long leases are potentially relatively defensive.

Retail, logistics, healthcare and other assets with strong occupancy and contractual rental increases can continue generating cash flow even while residential property falls. 

Why interest rates are the bigger issue 

While investors may focus on dwelling prices, interest rates are the more important issue at hand. 

The housing decline is partly a consequence of higher borrowing costs, so the same monetary tightening that hurts residential property can hurt listed property. 

Higher rates increase REIT financing costs, which can reduce distributions and funds from operations. 

This can push property valuations lower and ultimately weigh on share prices. 

Based on these factors, the ASX real estate shares that could offer defensive profiles are: 

• Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) – Major exposure to logistics and data centres rather than Australian residential property.
• GPT Group (ASX: GPT) – More diversified across office, retail and logistics and less directly exposed to the residential downturn.

The post Home values decline for a 5th straight month – what does it mean for ASX real estate shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. 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.

ASX materials stock Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS) continued its stellar run yesterday. It rose 10% to open the week on Monday. 

The mineral exploration company rose 10% on Monday, and is now up an impressive 770% in the last 12 months. 

Why is this ASX materials stock soaring?

Solstice Minerals is a Western Australian copper-gold explorer focused on its flagship 100%-owned Nanadie Copper-Gold Project (Nanadie). 

It has been one of the copper shares to exploded in the last year.

This has come because investors are simultaneously pricing in record copper prices, tightening supply and a structural demand boom. 

At the same time, AI data centres, electricity grids, EVs, renewables and broader electrification are creating a powerful long-term demand story for copper.

Additionally, U.S. tariff uncertainty has pulled large volumes of metal into America and further tightened availability elsewhere. 

ASX copper miners have relatively fixed operating costs. This means every extra dollar in the copper price can translate into disproportionately higher margins, cash flow and project valuations. 

This has resulted in investors aggressively rerating both established producers and smaller exploration/development stocks. 

Why this stock can keep rising

A new report from Bell Potter has suggested this ASX materials stock still has more room for growth. 

The report highlighted that When the company bought the Nanadie site, the estimated resource was 40.4 million tonnes at about 0.40% copper, plus gold and silver.

However, since then, drilling results suggest that Nanadie is much larger than previously thought.

The mineralised zone is now around 100-200 metres wide, has been drilled to about 840 metres downhole, and extends over at least 1.3 km of strike. It is still open, meaning it could become larger.

In simple terms, Nanadie was originally thought to be a modest copper deposit. Drilling is showing that it could be a much bigger and potentially higher-grade deposit.

If the resource continues to grow and the project can eventually be developed into a mine, the company could be worth substantially more than it is today.

Big upside and buy rating 

Based on this analysis, Bell Potter has initiated coverage on this ASX materials stock with a speculative buy rating and $3.25 valuation. 

From yesterday's closing price, this indicates an upside potential of approximately 32%. 

We initiate coverage of SLS with a SPECULATIVE BUY recommendation and a A$3.25/sh valuation. Nanadie is a genuinely large and still growing copper- gold system on granted mining tenure in a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction. We expect SLS will re-rate on release of ongoing exploration results and project development studies.

The post This ASX materials stock is up 700% this year and could be the next big copper winner appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Solstice Minerals shares in focus as Nanadie drill results impress

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.

Recently, investors have been searching for the optimal strategy to gain exposure to the artificial intelligence buildout. 

This has evolved from direct exposure through AI companies to the infrastructure that supports AI rather than in AI software itself.

The AI revolution and the ASX 

Because Australia has relatively few direct AI leaders comparable to Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) or Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), investors have focused on:

• Data-centre operators
• Electricity generators and infrastructure companies
• Mining companies with exposure to commodities needed to build and power data centres, particularly copper and uranium. 

ASX investors have also turned to thematic ASX ETFs that target these companies. 

Overall, the ASX AI investment strategy has increasingly become a "picks and shovels" approach: rather than trying to identify Australia's next major AI software company, investors are targeting the physical infrastructure and resources needed to power and expand the global AI boom.

Adrad Holdings Ltd (ASX: AHL) has been identified as a potential beneficiary of the AI boom.

Company overview

Adrad is an Australian-based business specialising in the design, manufacture, importation and distribution of heat transfer solutions for the automotive and industrial markets in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Its stock price has risen over 50% year to date. 

Its strong rise in 2026 is closely connected to AI/data-centre infrastructure, but there is more to the story. AHL has exposure to the growing need for cooling systems for data centres, as well as mining, power generation and other heavy-industry applications.

Big upside for this ASX stock 

A fresh report from the team at Bell Potter suggests this ASX stock could be a long-term beneficiary of the AI boom. 

Bell Potter is increasingly positive on Adrad because of its exposure to the rapidly growing data-centre and AI infrastructure market. 

The company has responded to growing demand by doubling its Australian data-centre capacity and expanding manufacturing in Thailand, with the additional capacity already generating new customer orders. 

Bell Potter therefore expects this data-centre investment to support Adrad's revenue and earnings growth over the medium term. 

While its FY27 forecasts remain unchanged, Bell Potter has upgraded its FY28 and FY29 expectations, increasing revenue forecasts by 3% and 5% and EPS forecasts by 9% and 13%, respectively. 

It now expects mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth and mid-to-high teens EPS growth in FY28 and FY29, respectively.

The broker has a buy recommendation on this ASX stock as well as an upgraded price target of $1.80 (previously $1.40). 

From yesterday's closing price, this indicates approximately 14% upside. 

The post This ASX stock could be a surprise winner of the AI boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX consumer staples stock Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) is set to benefit from tailwinds over the next 12 months according to a new report from Bell Potter. 

Select Harvests is an integrated grower, processor and marketer of almonds owning and operating farming and processing assets in Australia. 

It offers a vertically integrated model with core capabilities in farming, processing and marketing.

The company has experienced some significant volatility over the past 12 months. Its share price has fluctuated between highs of $5.20 and lows of $3.50. 

It currently sits on the high end of this range, closing trading yesterday at $4.90. 

However, the team at Bell Potter believe it could be set for significant growth in the next year. 

Almond prices continue to strengthen 

According to a new report from Bell Potter, almond prices have continued to strengthen, implying upside to consensus FY27e expectations. 

US almond prices are up around 20% since SHV's 1H26 results, driven by smaller kernels and expectations that US production will again fall short of USDA forecasts.

While the price increase is unlikely to have much impact on FY26 earnings, it significantly improves the FY27 outlook. 

Bell Potter believes consensus pricing of around A$10/kg is too conservative compared with current spot prices of about A$12/kg.

Input costs are starting to ease, although Bell Potter remains cautious because the company has already locked in fertiliser costs for FY27 and water costs/requirements may remain elevated due to the drier seasonal outlook. They expect costs to move closer to long-term averages from FY28.

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has increased its almond price assumptions, resulting in FY27 EPS being upgraded by 20% and FY28 EPS by 5%. 

Target price rises 

The broker has subsequently raised its target price to $6.05 (previously $5.30). 

From current levels, this indicates an upside potential of 23% for this ASX consumer staples stock.

Almond prices are strengthening and the SHV share price has lagged this move, continuing to trade below its market backed asset value of ~$5.30ps. At spot almond price levels, we would estimate FY27e EPS in a range of 53-72¢ps based on production guidance comparable to FY26e (i.e. 28,000-31,000kt), a level materially higher than the current consensus EPS level of ~37¢ps. The longer-term almond thematic has always been the key attraction to SHV, however, there is the scope for a near term sugar hit should the current positive market backdrop remain in place.

The post This ASX consumer staples stock is tipped to rise 23%: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

For Australians relying on superannuation to fund their retirement, investing in ASX dividend stocks can be a great way to add passive income. 

Following earnings season, many companies have updated their dividend payments, making it an ideal time for investors to consider their options. 

Dividend investing alongside superannuation

Dividend investing alongside superannuation can provide retirees with an additional source of income and greater flexibility when managing their portfolios. 

While superannuation remains a cornerstone of retirement planning, a carefully selected basket of dividend-paying ASX shares may help generate regular cash flow while also offering the potential for long-term capital growth.

With that in mind, here are three stellar dividend stocks investors may want to consider for income and diversification outside their superannuation.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman is an attractive dividend stock right now thanks to its relatively high, fully franked dividend yield. 

It also has a solid history of shareholder distributions, and a reasonable payout ratio supported by earnings.

It is expected to pay a yield of over 6% in FY27, well above the ASX 200 average. 

Right now, the consumer discretionary stock is also looking undervalued, meaning that investors could also enjoy strong capital gains in the next year. 

Bell Potter recently placed $5 price target on this ASX dividend stock, indicating 15% upside from current levels. 

APA Group (ASX: APA)

Another strong option to supplement superannuation is APA Group. 

APA Group is a leading Australian energy infrastructure company that owns and operates a large portfolio of gas pipelines, electricity transmission, renewable energy and power-generation assets, making it an important part of Australia's energy system. 

Its essential infrastructure generates relatively stable, long-term cash flows and gives the company opportunities to benefit from Australia's growing energy needs and transition to a lower-carbon energy system.

Right now, it is offering a FY 2027 dividend yield of approximately 5.4%.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Universal Store is another great option this month amongst ASX dividend stocks. 

The Universal Store company has multiple businesses under its umbrella – Universal Store, Perfect Stranger, and CTC (with the THRILLS and Worship brands). It sells youth casual fashion apparel.

Based on the previous annual dividend payout of 43 cents per share, the company has a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of over 7%, including franking credits. 

It is also another candidate for strong capital appreciation. 

Its share price closed trading last week at $7.72, however Bell Potter recently placed a $9.70 price target on the company. 

This indicates a healthy upside potential of 25%. 

The post 3 stellar ASX dividend stocks to supplement your superannuation  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are countless investing strategies that investors can focus on to generate wealth. 

Two of the most common are growth and value. These two strategies are often viewed as opposing investment styles.

However Global X offers ASX ETFs that combine the best of both worlds.

Growth vs Value

Growth investors seek companies with above-average revenue and earnings growth. 

The attraction is that businesses can sustainably grow their earnings and have the potential to compound shareholder value over time. 

However, it can come with a price. 

As investors become increasingly optimistic about a company's prospects, its valuation can rise well ahead of its fundamentals.

If expectations are not met, even a high-quality company can experience a significant decline. 

On the other side of the coin sits value. 

Value investors take a different approach, seeking companies that appear inexpensive relative to their fundamentals. 

The challenge is distinguishing between a genuine opportunity and a value trap. 

A company may look cheap because its earnings are deteriorating, profitability is falling or its competitive position is weakening. 

Balancing both using Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP)

According to Global X, GARP seeks to navigate between these two extremes. 

The opportunity lies where these characteristics intersect. 

GARP doesn't just blindly pay for growth or buy what looks cheap. It is about finding businesses where the growth opportunity is supported by quality fundamentals and where the price remains reasonable.

Rather than trying to predict which factor will lead the market next, GARP combines several characteristics within a single framework. 

This can provide advisers with a more balanced approach to factor investing, seeking exposure to companies with sustainable earnings growth while maintaining discipline around valuation and quality.

How to invest with GARP principles using ASX ETFs

For investors looking to apply GARP strategy to their own portfolio, there are several ASX ETFs to consider. 

The first is the Global X S&P World Ex Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GARP). 

It provides exposure to approximately 250 global companies that meet the GARP criteria, combining growth, quality and valuation characteristics. 

Since launching in September 2024, GARP has demonstrated the potential of the approach in live market conditions, ranking among the stronger-performing factor strategies over the period.

For investors looking to apply the same framework to Australian shares, an option to consider is the relatively new Global X S&P Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GRPA). 

It provides exposure to approximately 50 Australian companies selected for their combination of growth, financial strength and reasonable valuations. 

It also applies a systematic approach to identifying companies where these characteristics align, but within the Australian equity market.

The post How to balance growth and value using these 2 ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

It is well documented that Australia's largest blue-chip companies dominate portfolios. However, a new VanEck report suggests stronger ASX mid-caps and ASX small-caps could deliver stronger growth post-earnings season.

According to Arian Neiron, CEO & Managing Director of Asia Pacific, VanEck, the ASX 200 is seen by investors as the home of Australian equities, by super funds as a source of liquidity, and by regulators as a familiar benchmark. 

All these perspectives create the illusion that the largest companies receive the largest allocations with conviction. But this is not the case.

Australia's largest companies have not become safer because everyone owns them. They have simply become harder not to own. Reporting season is now exposing the potential opportunity cost of this investing reality, with the strongest expected earnings growth emerging among small and mid-sized companies.

Changing conditions 

According to the report, for the first seven months of 2026, a bias towards large companies appeared to be a viable strategy.

Through late July, the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index had fallen approximately 13%, while the S&P/ASX 100 had gained almost 5%. 

Smaller companies faced legitimate headwinds from rising interest rates, soaring energy prices and lacklustre consumer and business confidence.

But as the environment has changed, that conclusion has become harder to defend.

Consensus estimates suggest Australian small companies could deliver earnings per share growth of approximately 28% over the next year and 25% the year after. 

Mid-sized companies are expected to produce growth of around 13% and 8%, respectively. By contrast, the largest companies have earnings growth estimates of closer to 4% and 2%, respectively.

Opportunity not evenly spread

August offered the first evidence that ASX large-caps may already be lagging. 

Recently, higher rates have exposed the difference between growth funded by a business and growth funded by its shareholders. 

Markets now expect less additional RBA tightening than they did a few months ago. Since small companies have historically been sensitive to changing rate expectations, that repricing can ease some pressure on valuations.

However, the opportunity is not evenly spread. 

August reporting season showed why selectivity matters. Macmahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH) increased earnings per share by 25%, generated more free cash flow and reduced net debt. Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) completed its first profitable financial year and increased free cash flow by 50%.

Both companies were rewarded after reporting. Neither was rewarded simply because it was small. What mattered was the improving financial evidence.

How to gain exposure to ASX mid-caps and ASX small-caps?

While recent economic conditions don't guarantee sector-wide wins, investors can gain exposure to ASX small-caps and ASX mid-caps through ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

One option for ASX mid-cap exposure is the VanEck S&P/ASX Mid- Cap ETF (ASX: MVE). 

It tracks 50 mid-sized companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

For ASX small-caps, VanEck Small Companies Masters ETF (ASX: MVS) tracks a diversified portfolio of small-cap Australian companies listed on the ASX. 

The post Why investors should be targeting ASX mid-caps and ASX small-caps after earnings season: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 healthcare stock Saluda Medical Inc (ASX: SLD) has been drawing significant attention from brokers in recent weeks. 

The growth stock is a commercial-stage medical device company. It is focused on developing treatments for chronic neurological conditions using its novel neuromodulation platform. 

The company's first product, the Evoke System, is indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome, intractable low back pain, and leg pain, and is designed to treat chronic neuropathic pain by providing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy.

It hasn't been smooth sailing for this ASX healthcare stock in recent times. Its share price has tumbled 71% year to date. 

However, Morgans sees major upside over the next 12 months. 

Here's the latest from the broker. 

Solid FY26 for ASX healthcare stock

In a note out of Morgans this week, the broker said FY26 finished strong and mostly ahead of prospectus, but the more important development is showing greater visibility on the path to operating leverage. 

FY27 guidance calls for 25% to 35% revenue growth, 50% to 52% gross margin, and a US$95 to $101 million adjusted EBITDA loss, with management expecting 90% of incremental gross profit to translate into adjusted EBITDA improvement. 

Salesforce maturation is key, with 161 US reps at FY26 year-end, 55% fully trained and the majority of the remaining cohort expected to come online in 1HFY27. Growth looks set to come from higher productivity rather than simply adding headcount, with c30% of territories operating below a 40% fully loaded rep-cost/revenue threshold, providing evidence that the territory economics can work. 

We see FY27 as the first meaningful test of the model's scalability, with higher physician utilisation, maturing territories and the CAP24 paddle lead providing potential upside to guidance. We adjust FY27-28 forecasts, with our DCF-based target price moving to A$2.17 (from A$2.94). SPECULATIVE BUY maintained.

This ASX healthcare stock closed trading yesterday at just over 41 cents per share. 

The target from Morgans indicates an upside potential of 422%. 

Other brokers also bullish

Morgans isn't alone in its outlook for this ASX healthcare stock. 

The team at Bell Potter recently updated their price target to $1.60. 

This indicates an upside of over 285%. 

Speaking on the lofty target, the broker said: 

SLD's US commercial execution continues to impress and accelerated considerably in recent quarters (34% US growth in Q3, 45% in Q4). Tailwinds continue to build following FDA approval of SLD's paddle lead in June and ~40% of the current sales force expected to complete training in FY27 and contribute to revenue generation. Real-world data continues to affirm Evoke's value proposition: greater efficacy durability means fewer reprogramming requirements and therefore greater revenue/rep compared to conventional devices.

The post Could this ASX healthcare stock really be set to rise 400%? Morgans thinks so  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Australian investors continue to pour into ASX ETFs at record pace. 

Providers are likely to soon be managing over $400 billion in funds. 

While there continues to be more and more thematic and managed funds hitting the market, three funds in particular continue to dominate in terms of popularity. 

When I say "popularity", I don't mean public perception; rather, these three ASX ETFs are the largest funds by market cap. 

In simple terms, it means the ETFs with the most money invested in them, making them the biggest ETFs on the ASX.

These three funds are: 

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is the largest with a market cap of $26.17 billion
• Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) – $17.17 billion 
• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) – $14.23 billion. 

The market cap is accurate as at July 2026 (via Betashares). 

These ASX ETFs make up fundamental parts of many investors' portfolios. 

But which has brought the best returns?

Here is how they have performed in 2026 so far. 

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

By far the largest ASX ETF is this Australian focussed fund from Vanguard. 

It has provided a stable foundation to many portfolios since its inception in 2009. 

The fund seeks to track the return of the S&P/ASX 300 Index. 

In simple terms, the 300 largest companies on the ASX by market cap. 

However, with the slow performance of the ASX through April, it has subsequently risen just over 4% in 2026. 

This is below its historical average, as the fund has brought returns of more than 8% over the last 10 years. 

It has a management fee of 0.07% p.a. 

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF

This fund is often paired with the previous fund to provide international diversification.

It invests in around 1,300 companies from developed countries, excluding Australia.

This includes some of the world's largest companies from around 23 different countries including the U.S, Japan, U.K, Canada, France, and Switzerland.

Investing internationally offers greater access to sectors such as technology and health care that aren't as well represented in the Australian share market.

It has also had a historically soft year, rising just over 4% since the start of 2026. 

On a per annum basis, it has risen almost 15% in the last 10 years. 

It has a management fee of 0.18% p.a. 

iShares S&P 500 ETF

This ASX ETF from iShares tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of large capitalisation US equities.

In simple terms, it targets the 500 largest companies in the United States. 

It has risen slightly more than the previous two funds, but not by much – up 4.3% in 2026. 

Historically, it has risen over 15% per year over the last 10 years. 

It has a management fee of 0.04% per annum. 

The post These are the most popular ASX ETFs – Which has performed best in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 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.