The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a rough day of trading this Thursday, pushing the value of many ASX shares lower. After yesterday's tentative rise, investors were far more pessimistic this session, with the market opening in the red and staying there all day. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had lost 0.43% of its value. That leaves the index at 8,793.2 points.

This disappointing session for the Australian stock market followed a far more upbeat morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a very nice time indeed, rising 0.69%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining a solid 1.05%.

But let's get back to the local markets for a closer look at how today's losses cascaded down into the different ASX sectors this Thursday.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's losses, there were plenty of sectors that managed to make hay today.

But first, it was energy stocks that were hit the hardest this session. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had crashed 2.42% by the close of trade.

Mining shares weren't much better, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 1.96%.

Gold stocks didn't hold their value. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) cratered by 1.95%.

The same could be said of consumer discretionary shares, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 1.72% dive.

That's it for the red sectors, though. Turning to the green corners of the market, it was industrial stocks that shone the brightest. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) saw its value surge 0.9% this Thursday.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also in demand, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) recording a 0.76% jump.

Communications shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) roared 0.52% higher today.

Financial stocks weren't without buyers, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.44% leap.

Consumer staples shares didn't miss out either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) galloped up 0.36% this session.

Healthcare stocks were a little tamer, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) advancing 0.908%.

Ditto for utilities shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) got a 0.05% bump today.

Finally, tech shares only just got in under the wire, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.01% uptick.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's winner was embattled data centre operator NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT). NextDC stock surged 7.48% this session to close at $5.75 a share.

This appeared to be a big rebound following yesterday's massive plunge to an eight-year low.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Light & Wonder Inc and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc, Pro Medicus, and Smartgroup. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a wild, but ultimately positive session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday. After yesterday's drop, investors seemed much more optimistic this morning, sending the markets into green territory at open.

However, the ASX 200 spent most of the day in red territory, only recovering late this afternoon to post a 0.16% gain for the day. That leaves the index at 8,831.3 points.

This volatile hump day for the ASX came after a nuanced morning up on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising a happy 1.02%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky, dropping 0.023%.

But let's return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

Despite the broader market's rise, a few sectors weren't lifted by the tide.

Leading those unlucky corners of the market were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was slammed, crashing 3.32% lower.

Mining stocks also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was hit relatively hard, slumping 1.04%.

Gold shares were no safe haven either, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tanking 0.72%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) landed on the wrong side of the ledger too. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) retreated 0.5% today.

It was all smiles everywhere else, though.

Leading the charge higher this Wednesday were communications stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 2.23% surge.

Industrial shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) soared 0.99% this session.

Financial stocks found themselves in high demand as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) galloping up 0.96%.

Energy shares staged a late recovery to finish higher. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) ended up bouncing 0.49%.

Consumer discretionary stocks joined the winners' party, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.34% jump.

We can say the same for its consumer staples counterpart. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) advanced 0.25% this hump day.

Utilities stocks came next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) increasing by 0.18%.

Finally, healthcare shares got over the line, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.05% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Biotech stock Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) was our top performer this Wednesday. Mesoblast shares roared 5.68% higher this session to close at $1.86 each.

This move was despite no fresh news from the company.

Here's how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Generation Development Group posts record inflows and funds under management
• I searched for the next $10 billion ASX company. These 5 caught my attention
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 3 reasons why this top ASX 200 share is a buy

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aussie Broadband, CAR Group Ltd, and Generation Development Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Dividend income is important to most ASX investors, even those who don't actively look for dividend stocks. After all, our share market is a relatively high-yielding one by international standards, and most ASX stocks that are profitable divert at least some of those profits to shareholders as soon as they can afford to. However, securing a reliable stream of passive dividend income that will last decades is even more important for retirees, and those who want to retire in the near future.

Why? The answer is obvious: Retirees have no primary source of income to fill in the gaps if there are any hiccups with their portfolio's income stream. They only get one shot at building a portfolio of reliable income providers. Miss that shot, and you miss your paycheque.

That's why selecting the right shares is absolutely vital. Luckily for any investors who find themselves in that camp, I think there are characteristics we can look out for in a retirement share that indicate whether it will be a suitable candidate for providing income that one can live off.

Let's examine these characteristics by going through five ASX dividend stocks that I think have what it takes to pay you for life.

5 ASX dividend stocks that can pay you for life

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The ASX banks are well-known for providing fat, franked dividends, and NAB is no different. It has funded generous shareholder payouts for decades, almost all of which have come with full franking credits attached. But does this bank and dividend stock have what it takes to pay you for life?

Well, I think that it does. NAB is one of the big four banks, forming an essential pillar of the Australian financial system. It comfortably inhabits that cozy oligopoly, with a rusted-on customer base, healthy profitability, and a sound loan book. It has been around and paying dividends for decades, and should be for decades to come.

Like all banks, NAB's fortunes do tend to rise and fall alongside the broader Australian economy. Saying that, I think this bank will have the capacity, whenever the economic signs are clear, at least, to fund generous, franked dividends for the foreseeable future.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Next up, we have the largest public company in Australia to discuss. BHP is Australia's largest miner, and one of the most prominent mining companies in the world. Normally, I prefer not to include resources or energy stocks in a portfolio, at least in meaningful allocations, due to the volatile nature of the commodities business. Even dividend stocks that irregularly deliver massive payouts.

However, I think BHP is worthy of an exception. For one, its profits don't rise or die on just one metal. BHP has significant operations in a range of vital commodities. There's its flagship iron ore, of course. But also potash, metallurgical coal, and copper. Copper in particular is exciting and future-facing. BHP has been expanding its operations in the red metal, which is an essential ingredient in electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, data centres, and much more.

Thanks to this company's size and scale, BHP should be able to supply massive amounts of these essential commodities for decades to come. Shareholders stand to benefit, particularly when prices are high, and BHP turns on its famous dividend spigots.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

Turning to a lesser-known ASX dividend stock now, let's talk about MFF Capital. MFF is a listed investment company (LIC). This means it owns and manages its own portfolio of underlying investments on behalf of its shareholders. In MFF's case, this portfolio is almost entirely made up of top US dividend stocks. These include the likes of Alphabet, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and more.

MFF has been investing in the US for many years, and has shown that it can deliver market-beating returns for its ASX investors. It has one of the best dividend growth streaks on the ASX, with its annual payouts rising from 6.5 cents per share in 2021 to 21 cents per share in 2026 (that's with an annual hike every year along the way). It also attaches full franking credits to these payouts.

I'd be happy to spruik this income powerhouse as a cornerstone of an early retirement portfolio.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Returning to a well-known ASX blue-chip dividend stock, Coles is another prime candidate for a retirement portfolio. Coles is a stock known and perhaps loved by most Australians. It boasts the second-largest supermarket chain in the country, alongside its Liquorland chain of bottle shops.

Coles boasts a profitable and mature business, which is a great start. But its true strength comes from its nature as a consumer staples share. As a purveyor of food and household essentials, Coles sells goods that we tend to need to buy. That's regardless of the state of the broader economy. This gives Coles a highly defensive earnings base from which it can pay its dividends. Since listing on the ASX in its own right back in late 2018, Coles has managed to hike its annual dividends every single year. It also tends to pay full franking credits too.

As long as Coles is one of the cheapest places to purchase food and household essentials, it should be a fantastic investment to own if you wish to fund an early retirement.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Last, but certainly not least, we have investing house Washington H. Soul Pattinson, or Soul Patts for short. Soul Patts is an interesting and quite unique ASX dividend stock. Similarly to MFF, it invests in an underlying portfolio of investments for its shareholders. This portfolio is hugely diversified. It ranges from stakes in other ASX blue chips to venture capital, property, private credit, and more.

Now, that in itself is not a reason to invest in this dividend stock. However, Soul Patts has been around for more than a century. Over that long time span, it has consistently generated market-beating returns for its investors. This includes what is the ASX's best dividend track record, bar none.

This company has increased its annual dividend every single year since 1998, including in 2026. That's through the dot-com bust, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of these increases has far outstripped inflation too. Just to put a cherry on this cake, those dividends almost always come fully franked.

With this inherent diversity and indomitable track record, I think this ASX dividend stock would be the crown jewel in any retirement portfolio, or any ASX share portfolio, for an investor who wants financial success and freedom for the rest of the 2020s, the 2030s, and beyond.

The post Plan on retiring early? I've found 5 dividend stocks that have what it takes to pay you for life appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 reasons I would buy BHP shares today
• Austal, BHP, Westpac shares: Buy, sell, hold

American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, American Express, Mff Capital Investments, Visa, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, American Express, Visa, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mff Capital Investments and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, BHP Group, and Visa. 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) endured a rough session this Tuesday, dragging the value of many ASX shares lower. After yesterday's excited start to the trading week, investors were more cautious today, with the markets opening in red territory and staying there all day. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had lost 0.33% of its value. That leaves the index at 8,816.9 points.

This disappointing Tuesday session for the local markets followed a mixed start to the American trading week in the early hours of this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) wasn't in a great mood after the weekend, losing 0.07% of its value.

However, things were far better for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), which rose a healthy 1.11%.

But let us return to ASX shares now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors performed this Tuesday.

Winners and losers

The hardest-hit corner of the market today was gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was no safe haven, plunging 1.52%.

Energy shares were also left out in the cold, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) sinking 1.31%.

Mining shares weren't much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ended up tanking 1.16%.

Financial stocks found themselves in the firing line too, as you can tell from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.48% dive.

Industrial shares were next. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipped 0.17% this session.

Our last losers today were communications stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) retreating 0.12%.

Turning to our winners now, it was consumer staples shares that were the stars. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was on fire today, shooting 1.14% higher.

Healthcare stocks had a great time of it too, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.87% surge.

We can say something similar for consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soared 0.76% this Tuesday.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were in a similar boat, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) advancing 0.7%.

Utilities stocks weren't too shabby either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) bounced up 0.49%.

Finally, tech stocks got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.36% uptick.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Property stock Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA) was our top share this Tuesday. Ingenia stock rocketed 9.67% higher today to close at $4.65 a share.

This came after the company provided an update on its ongoing acquisition process.

Here's how the other high-flyers landed their planes this session:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Generation Development Group posts record inflows and funds under management
• I searched for the next $10 billion ASX company. These 5 caught my attention
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Cochlear, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Generation Development Group, Hub24, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a somewhat volatile but ultimately positive return to trading for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Monday. After last Friday's euphoric end to the trading week, investors seemed to have come back from the weekend with that mindset mostly intact.

Although the ASX 200 did briefly dip into negative territory at one point this session, it ended up closing a comfortable 0.44% higher. That leaves the index at 8,845.7 points.

This happy start to the trading week for the Australian markets came after a far more negative conclusion to the American trading week on Saturday morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a rough time, falling 0.34%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was much worse though, dropping 2.14%.

Let's get back to this week and our local markets now and take a closer look at what the various ASX sectors were up to today.

Winners and losers

Despite today's broader market optimism, there were still a few sectors that were left out.

Leading those losers were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out in the cold, tumbling 1.31%.

Gold shares were no safe haven either, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) diving 0.68%.

Consumer discretionary stocks were also unlucky. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) saw its value cut by 0.2%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also in that ballpark, as evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.19% dip.

Our final losers this Monday were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) slid 0.08% lower.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading said winners were energy stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) galloping 2.21% higher.

Financial shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) surged by 0.86% today.

Industrial stocks followed financials, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.83% jump.

Utilities shares did decently too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) closed up 0.38%.

Communications stocks didn't miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) lifting 0.21%.

Healthcare shares managed a rise. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) finished the day with an extra 0.14%.

Finally, mining stocks just got over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.11% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Taking out the crown this Monday was waste management stock Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY). Cleanaway shares rocketed up 10.24% today to close at $2.97 each.

This followed the news that the company has entered into a takeover scheme with EQT Infrastructure.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Cleanaway Waste Management: 14% earnings growth and EQT deal update
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

One of the big pieces of news to kick off the ASX trading week this Monday has been the announcement that waste management stock Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY) has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed. This will see Cleanaway shares acquired in full by EQT Infrastructure.

As my Fool colleague Laura covered this morning, the deal proposes that EQT will acquire Cleanaway shares for a price of $3.095 in cash per share, representing a 34.5% premium to the three-month value-weighted average price of the company.

Although this news is still fresh, it seems that Cleanaway and the markets are treating it as a done deal. Cleanaway's board has given the proposal the green light, stating "the Board is unanimous in its view that the Scheme delivers strong and certain cash value to shareholders, at a significant premium to Cleanaway's undisturbed share price". The board is unequivocally recommending that shareholders vote for the scheme.

The market has also seized the news with gusto, with Cleanaway shares currently up a stinking 20.05% at $2.96 each. Of course, that is not quite at the $3.095 that is on the table. But it is still a long way from the $2.47 Cleanaway shares closed at last Friday.

Those market watchers looking at this 20% jump in the Cleanaway share price today might understandably assume it is a windfall for shareholders. It certainly is for investors who picked up Cleanaway shares at recent prices. Anytime in the past 12 months, really, given the company hit a new 52-week high of $2.99 today. However, it's not really enough to save longer-term investors who have been holding on to this stock.

A 20% jump can't save Cleanaway shares

One might assume that a stock like Cleanaway has been a sure bet. After all, this is the largest waste management service provider in the country. Waste management is an essential service that is almost entirely immune from the economic cycle. As a functioning society, it goes without saying that we need to collect, process, and remove our rubbish, garbage, and waste regularly. That's regardless of whether inflation is high or low, or whether the economy is booming or busting.

That should, at least in theory, give Cleanaway a permanent tailwind. That, unfortunately, has not been the lived experience of Cleanaway's investors. This is an ASX 200 stock that just never seems to go anywhere. To illustrate, today's 20% jump merely raises Cleanaway shares back up to where they were all the way back in April of 2022. Any investors who bought back then have simply traded water eer since. Even the company's dividends (today yielding about 2.3%) wouldn't have made a huge dent in that miserly performance.

Looking through this lens may explain why EQT Infrastructure is happy to pay $3.095 per Cleanaway share. This company's long-term shareholders may not be delighted with the price that is on offer from the takeover. However, they may just relish the opportunity to get out of this stock anyway.

The post Up 20%: Has the EQT deal saved Cleanaway shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cleanaway Waste Management: 14% earnings growth and EQT deal update
• Buy, hold, sell: Cleanaway Waste Management, New Hope Corporation, CSL shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Cleanaway Waste Management enters $9.3bn Scheme with EQT Infrastructure
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

Although I am not approaching the official retirement age of 67 any time soon, I am someone who has always invested in ASX shares with the idea that they will one day allow me to retire early. Perhaps I will hang up the proverbial boots before age 67. Perhaps I won't. But it will be nice to have the option. Not just any ASX share will do for my goals, though. It's my belief that a stock that can fund a long and comfortable retirement – a retirement stock, if you will – needs to fulfil three criteria.

3 things to look for in a retirement stock

Firstly, it needs to demonstrate some signs of possessing what legendary investor Warren Buffett would call a wide economic moat. This concept refers to an intrinsic competitive advantage that a company can possess, which it can use to fend off its competitors and keep its customers coming back. That could be a price advantage, a powerful and trusted brand, or offering a good or service that customers find difficult to avoid using.

Secondly, it needs to have a strong and resilient earnings base. The world is an ever-changing and unpredictable place. As an investor, we need to be as confident as we possibly can that a company we invest our hard-earned dollars into will be able to make its crust in all kinds of economic weather. After all, if a retirement is to last for two, three, or even four decades, it must be funded by companies that can navigate whatever the world can throw in their way.

Thirdly, a company must be able to pay a reliable and meaningful dividend, preferably with full franking credits attached. When the rubber hits the road on our retirement, retirement stocks need to be able to pay us an income. We can never know for sure what kind of dividend a company will pay in the future. But it's my belief that what it has paid in the past is one of the best indicators of what to expect going forward.

So, now that we have our three criteria unpacked, let's talk about five retirement stocks that I think check all three boxes.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

First up, we have the grocery giant Coles. Almost all readers would be familiar with this company thanks to its dominant network of eponymous supermarkets across the country. Coles also owns the Liquorland chain of bottle shops.

Coles clearly checks all three of our selection criteria. Starting off, it arguably possesses two moats: a well-known and trusted brand, as well as a clear price advantage when it comes to food and household essentials. Most people would assume that their local Coles store is one of the cheapest places to do the weekly grocery shop, and that the products that Coles sells can't be purchased at a meaningfully lower price elsewhere.

It also has one of the most resilient earnings bases on the ASX. We all need to stock our households with food and essentials on a regular basis. That is irrespective of whether the economy is booming or busting, or whether inflation is high or low. As such, it is pretty clear that Coles will have customers walking through the door no matter the economic weather outside.

Coles also has an exceptional dividend track record. It has paid a reliable dividend every six months since it first hit the ASX in its own right back in late 2018. What's more, Coles has managed to increase its annual dividend total every single year since then too. Given this company's payouts also tend to come with full franking credits attached, I think this could be a great retirement stock.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Next, let's talk Transurban. This is a company that any motorist in Sydney or Melbourne, and perhaps in Brisbane too, would be intimately familiar with. It owns the vast majority of this nation's tolled arterial roads. This in itself is enough to tick our first box. A toll road network is, by definition, a form of moat, given that customers find it difficult to avoid using. This moat is widened by the fact that Transurban often enjoys exclusive, decades-long contracts which allow it to increase its tolls by at least the rate of inflation.

That bleeds into our second retirement stock criteria too. This exclusive right to roll some of the country's most vital road corridors gives Transurban a highly defensive earnings base. Sure, it may see some reduced traffic if there is a severe recession. But given we will always need to get to work, and move goods around our cities, Transurban is a solid choice for a retirement stock, in my view.

This plays out in the company's dividend history. Transurban has a staircase-like pattern of delivering dividend increases over the past two decades, with the only major hiccups coming in COVID-ravaged 2020 and 2021.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Our third retirement stock to discuss is Telstra. This telco is another household name, thanks to its long history as Australia's major telecommunications provider. Not only does Telstra continue to benefit from this powerful brand association, it also enjoys another form of moat. This company's mobile network is almost universally regarded as the best in Australia, covering many rural and regional areas that its competitors don't.

This means that many customers have no choice but to use Telstra for their mobile connectivity.

Telstra's nature as a telco provider also grants it a defensive earnings base. Fixed-line and mobile internet connectivity are vital, essential services in today's modern world. If times do get tougher, consumers will arguably pull back on spending on many other things before they will cut back on their internet and phone use. That makes Telstra a fantastic stock for investors looking for a stable retirement investment.

Let's talk cash now, though. Telstra is one of the ASX's most famous dividend payers. It has always paid out a strong dividend, which usually comes with at least some franking credits attached. Telstra has been growing its annual payouts every year for many years now as well.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Our penultimate retirement stock today is yet another company most Australians would be familiar with. Commonwealth Bank of Australia is, without question, our strongest and best-run bank. Like Telstra, it has a history as a government-owned company, which gives CBA a lot of legacy brand goodwill.

That forms part of CBA's moat, which is supplemented by its status as our largest bank, lending CBA strength and scale.

However, CommBank is probably our least resilient stock on this list. Banks are notoriously vulnerable to economic shocks, given the crucial role they play in providing credit in the economy. CBA has cut its dividend in the past when the economy has been under pressure. Saying that, this bank's payouts have always bounced back quickly and have gone on to hit new heights. Over the cycle, CommBank should provide a healthy stream of fully-franked dividend income, and thus, makes for a valuable retirement stock.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Our fifth and final retirement stock is not exactly a household name. However, the plethora of successful Australian companies that it runs most certainly are. Wesfarmers is the sprawling industrial and retailing conglomerate behind Bunnings Warehouse, OfficeWorks, Target, and Kmart. The company also owns a range of other businesses, which span from fertiliser and chemical manufacturing to healthcare and mining.

These high-quality individual businesses stitch together to form a formidable moat that surrounds Wesfarmers' earnings base. The company has so many fingers in so many pies that it tends to survive just fine when economic conditions are tough, and thrive when optimism returns.

Wesfarmers has a long history of looking after its shareholders. The company has delivered above-market returns for decades, coming from both capital growth and a rising dividend.

Wesfarmers has always paid a reliable dividend, which usually comes with full franking credits attached. 2026 was the sixth year in a row that investors have enjoyed an annual dividend pay hike. Given this ASX share's long-term focus and diverse earnings base, I think it can be called the perfect retirement stock.

The post I look for 3 things in a retirement stock. These 5 shares have them all appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. 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) enjoyed an exceptionally happy end to the trading week this Friday, pushing the value of many ASX shares decisively higher. After what has been a rather lacklustre week thus far, investors were clearly in the mood to party today, with the ASX 200 opening well ahead and staying in green territory all session.

By the time the markets closed, the index had added a flat 1% to its total, leaving it at 8,806.7 points as we head into the weekend.

This jubilant session for ASX investors followed a rosy morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was firing on all cylinders, rising a solid 1.08%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more muted though, gaining just 0.076%.

Let's return to our local markets now and check out what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors .

Winners and losers

Despite today's solid rises, we still had a few corners of the market that missed out.

Most prominent of those sectors were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was left out in the cold this Friday, slumping 0.53%.

Financial stocks weren't in favour either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) diving 0.52%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) had a rough one too. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) sank 0.28% today.

Energy shares were in that ballpark too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.26% retreat.

Communications stocks were our final losers. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value dip 0.01%.

Let's get to the green sectors now. Leading the charge were tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) exploding 5.62% higher.

Gold stocks had a day to remember too. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) surged up 3.99% this session.

We could say the same for broader mining shares, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 3.18% jump.

Healthcare stocks also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) vaulted up 2.49%.

Consumer discretionary shares saw decent demand as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) leaping 1.07% higher.

Next came industrial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) added 0.89% to its total today.

Finally, utilities shares finished the week on a positive note, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.72% bounce.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Chip stock Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) was our best stock on the index this Friday, beating out some stiff competition. Weebit Nano shares roared 17.07% higher today to close the week at $2.88 each.

This came after the company reported its quarterly cash flows this morning, which were clearly impressive.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Enjoy the weekend!

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 DroneShield, Life360, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a volatile and ultimately negative session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Thursday.

After yesterday's drop, it seemed investors were in the mood to keep selling this morning when the market opened sharply lower. However, the ASX 200 spent much of the day recovering, and only ended up closing with a loss of 0.094%. That leaves the index at 8,719.7 points.

This wild day on the Australian markets came after a gloomy mid-week session on the American markets this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI), in a strange coincidence, exactly matched today's showing from the ASX, falling 0.094%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more decisive, dropping a hefty 1.88%.

Let's get back to the local markets now and take a look at how today's trading conditions percolated down into the various ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's slight loss, we saw many corners of the market do quite well.

First though, let's get the red sectors out of the way.

Leading the losers this Thursday were mining stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was hit hard, tanking by a nasty 3.95%.

Tech shares had a day to forget too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) crashing 3.41%.

Gold stocks were no safe haven either. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) cratered by 2.88%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little tamer, though, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.74% slump.

Our last losers this Thursday were energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was set back by 0.04% today.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading said winners this session were consumer staples stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) rocketing up 3.47%.

Financial shares also had a strong day. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) soared 2.19%.

We can say the same for utilities stocks, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 2.09% surge.

Communications shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) jumped 1.54% today.

Healthcare shares didn't miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) lifting 0.68%.

Nor did consumer discretionary stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) bounced up 0.63% this Thursday.

Finally, industrial shares finished comfortably ahead, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.28% improvement.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Financial services stock Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) was our winner this session. Generation shares exploded 17.16% higher today, closing out at $3.14 each.

There wasn't any news from Generation that easily explains this. However, the company has been bouncing back with a vengeance after recently hitting a 52-week low.

Here's how the other high flyers landed their planes:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Generation Development Group and Nine Entertainment. 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) endured a rough day of trading this Wednesday, resulting in the value of many ASX shares sliding. After yesterday's tentative session, investors were far more decisive today, with the ASX 200 starting deep in red territory and staying there all day.

By the time trading wrapped up, the index had fallen 0.64% and finished at 8,727.9 points.

This unhappy hump day for the local markets followed a similarly downbeat session over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn't quite hold on to an early lead, losing 0.35%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little better, but still lost 0.15%.

But let's return to ASX shares now and check out how the different ASX sectors handled today's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

There were only a handful of sectors that managed to make hay today.

But first, let's get through the red corners of the market.

Leading the losers were gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had a shocker, crashing 1.93% lower.

Financial stocks weren't much chop either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) plunging 1.41%.

Mining shares also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 0.88% dive this session.

Industrial stocks couldn't escape the storm, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.71% slump.

Nor could consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) drifted 0.31% lower today.

Utilities stocks couldn't hold their ground, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) sliding 0.06% lower.

Our last losers this Wednesday were consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) slipped by 0.04%.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were real estate investment trusts (REITs), illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1% jump.

Communications stocks were also spared. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) had lifted 0.85% by the closing bell.

Energy shares were another bulwark against the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) climbing 0.8%.

Tech stocks fared decently as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) enjoyed a 0.35% bump this hump day.

Finally, healthcare shares managed to finish over the line, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.02% uptick.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our winner this Wednesday was shipbuilding stock Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB). Austal shares rocketed up 10.13% to close at $4.13 each today.

This big gain came after the company revealed another development in its long-running takeover saga.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 positions in and 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.

About two months ago, I wrote about what I then called the "ASX's craziest ETF". This exchange-traded fund (ETF) had, at least at the time, just come off the boil after a 200% gain in a mere 12 months. 'Off the boil' is a little generous. This ETF had, in fact, lost more than a third of its value since peaking in late June.

The ASX ETF we are referring to is none other than the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO). For many years, this index fund largely flew under the Australian share market radar, generating the kind of consistent single-digit returns that one would expect for a product like this.

However, 2025, and more notably, 2026 have seen that turn on its head. The extreme volatility has continued since we last spoke about IKO, too. Yesterday, we saw IKO units close at $231.11 each. That's down 16.06% since just 5 October, when those same units finished that day at $275.32 each.

Today, we seem to have turned a corner. At present, the iShares South Korea ETF has jumped by a healthy 3.3% or so and is back up to $238.70 a unit.

On paper, the iShares South Korea ETF is an index fund, representing the entire Korean stock market. However, in reality, this fund has become a holding vehicle for just two stocks, with another 78 companies or so tacked on the end for a bit of diversity.

The ASX's craziest ETF is hostage to just two stocks

As we've documented before, the unbridled success of chipmakers SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics Ltd has had the unusual consequence of elbowing out most of Korea's other storied names to dominate any index fund that covers the Korean markets. So while you may think a Korean-themed index fund would at least be heavily influenced by companies like Hyundai, Kia, and LG, these companies are now just window dressing for the main attractions.

Yes, on current numbers, SK Hynix makes up a whopping 24.54% of the entire IKO portfolio. Samsung contributes another 23.17%. The next-largest stock, SK Square, comes in at just 2.93%.

So, when we see that the iShares South Korea ETF has made a dramatic move, like losing 16% in just over a week, we know where to look for a culprit, or culprits.

Thus, it won't shock you to discover that Samsung shares lost 15.94% of their value on the Korean stock exchange between 5 October and yesterday afternoon. SK Hynix stock has fared even worse, shedding 21.6% of its value over that same span.

It seems fears that Chinese companies are catching up to these two leaders in the chip space were enough for a correction of this magnitude.

Let's see what the next chapter in this wildest of ASX ETFs' story will be.

The post Down 16% in 2 weeks: The saga of the ASX's wildest ETF continues appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 was a volatile and barely successful day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Tuesday.

After yesterday's strong start to the trading week, investors were far more sober this session, with the ASX 200 starting the day in negative territory and only recovering in the late afternoon. By the time trading wrapped up, the index had advanced a minuscule 0.008% to finish at 8,783.9 points.

This middling day for the ASX came after a mixed start to the American trading week on Wall Street this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to crawl upwards, gaining 0.38%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky and dropped 0.44%.

Let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of what the various ASX sectors were doing this Tuesday.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's flat day, we had plenty of both winners and losers.

Leading the latter were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was slammed, tanking by 4.37%.

Mining shares weren't popular either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 2.03%.

Gold stocks were no safe haven either. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up cratering by 1.26%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little tamer, though, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.31% dive.

Healthcare shares were our final losers this Tuesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) saw its value corrected by 0.1%.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the gains were utilities stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) roaring 1.8% higher.

Financial shares had a great day too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) surged 1.39% this session.

Consumer staples stocks also ran hot, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 1.31% jump.

Energy shares were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) soared up 1.22% today.

Next, we had consumer discretionary stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) enjoying a 0.91% bounce.

Industrial shares were sent higher, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) finished the day 0.23% ahead of where it started.

Finally, communications stocks got over the line, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.02% inch higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Topping the index charts this Tuesday was energy generator and retailer AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL). AGL shares had a strong session, shooting 4.09% higher to close at $8.90.

This sizeable move occurred despite there being no news or announcements from the company.

Here's how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 ARB Corporation, Lovisa, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Lovisa, and The Lottery Corporation. 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) enjoyed a strong start to the trading week this Monday. After last week's optimistic end, investors seemed to have kept in good spirits over the weekend, with the ASX 200 starting strong this morning and staying in green territory all day.

By the time the markets closed, the index had added another 0.76% to finish at 8,783.2 points.

This encouraging start to the week's trading for ASX investors today followed a similarly bullish end to the American trading week on Saturday morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, gaining a healthy 0.83%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little less enthusiastic, but still managed a respectable 0.64% rise.

But let's return to this week and to our local markets now for a checkup on what the different ASX sectors were up to this session.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's rise this Monday, quite a few sectors still missed out on the buying.

The most prominent of those red sectors was communications stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) had a shocker today, plunging 1.94%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also on the nose, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) sinking 1.39%.

Consumer staples shares were no safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) retreated 0.56% this session.

Its consumer discretionary counterpart fared similarly, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.42% dive.

Energy shares were left out of the fun as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) slid 0.41% lower this Monday.

Our last losers were utilities stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) slipping by 0.15%.

Our last losers were industrial shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) inched 0.08% lower.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was financial shares that finished in front. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) had soared 1.56% higher by the time trading finished.

Mining stocks were also in high demand, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 1.52% surge.

Tech shares put on a decent show, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) roared 0.85% higher this Monday.

Gold stocks were just behind that, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) jumping 0.84%.

Finally, healthcare shares had a great day, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.75% leap higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Titanium stock IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) was our best performer on the charts this Monday. IperionX shares rocketed up 5.91% today to close at $2.33.

This came despite no news or announcements from the company.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Block, Megaport, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Like many ASX blue-chip shares on the Australian stock exchange, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is often selected as an investment thanks to its dividend income potential. Most established, mature, and profitable companies on the ASX pay their investors a regular stream of dividend income, and Coles is no different.

In fact, this supermarket operator has one of the better track records of providing dividend income to its investors. Since it spun off from Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) in late 2018, the company has delivered an annual dividend increase every year.

Saying that, it has not all been smooth sailing for Coles and its investors over the past 12 months. Since this time last year, the grocery giant has traded as high as $24.59 per share and as low as $20.10 per share. At the time of writing, Coles is sitting at $23.31, essentially flat for the day.

With that in mind, let's dive a little deeper into Coles shares and discuss what kind of dividend yield one can expect from this company right now.

So, over the past 12 months, Coles has paid out two dividends to investors, as is its habit. The first of those came in March, with Coles funding an interim dividend worth 41 cents per share. The second was September's final dividend, which was worth 37 cents per share. Both payments came with full franking credits attached.

Coles shares: What is the current dividend yield?

This annual total of 78 cents per share for 2026 represents a healthy 13% rise over the 69 cents per share in dividend income that Coles investors enjoyed over 2025.

At the current Coles share price of $23.30, the 79 cents per share in dividends that Coles has doled out this year gives the company a trailing dividend yield of 3.35%.

However, as any prudent dividend investor knows, a trailing dividend yield only tells us what a company has paid out in the past, not what it may provide going forward. Of course, there's no way to know what dividend any company will pay until it announces it.

Saying that, my Fool colleague Tristan recently covered analysts' views on Coles' 2027 dividend potential. He reported that CommSec is pencilling in a consensus forecast of 83.5 cents per share in dividends for 2027. If accurate, that would represent a 7.05% rise over 2026's payouts. It would also give Coles shares a forward yield of 3.58% at current prices. Let's see if that turns out to be the case.

The post Buying Coles shares? Here's the dividend yield you'll get today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Since mid-May, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has held up relatively well. Despite some volatility along the way, the ASX 200 presently sits about 2% above where it was back on 19 May. However, we cannot say the same for Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares.

Back in May, Telstra had just hit a new 52-week (and multi-year) high of $5.55 a share. Today, those same shares sit at a far less impressive $4.65 each. That's after the nasty 2.6% plunge that we are witnessing today.

Given that Telstra first started exploring this territory back in September, it might be easy to blame the telco's full-year earnings that month for the lacklustre reception Telstra shares are still on the pointy end of. To be fair, these earnings didn't exactly light up the room. Telstra reported a 0.8% drop in revenues to $22.94 billion. Despite that, the company still managed to reveal a 4.9% rise in underlying net profits after tax to $2.5 billion, as well as a 14% increase in cash earnings per share (EPS) to 25.5 cents.

This allowed Telstra to boost its 2026 final dividend by 10.5% to 10.5 cents per share. A $1 billion share buyback program was also announced.

So why then have Telstra shares taken such a dramatic plunge since May? Well, we can't totally rule out a poor reception of these earnings. After all, if Telstra's revenues continue to flatline in the years ahead, its current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 23.4 arguably starts to look a little generous.

However, I think there's another factor at play here: interest rates.

Telstra shares fall as interest rates rise

Telstra is first and foremost known as one of the ASX's best and most reliable dividend payers. Many, if not most, of those Australian investors who own Telstra shares do so with the expectation of receiving fat dividend cheques, with at least some franking credits attached.

As we've already touched on, Telstra is continuing to deliver in this department. But perhaps the problem is the growing attractiveness of alternative sources of passive income.

2026 has been a dramatic year when it comes to interest rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has already hiked rates three times this year. Although the cash rate now sits at a 15-year high of 4.6%, many commentators anticipate it hasn't finished its current cycle yet. Most Australians understandably associate high interest rates with more painful mortgage repayments. However, this 4.6% cash rate has also resulted in the returns from term deposits and savings accounts exploding. Today, and for the first time in 15 years, one can open a term deposit with an interest rate of over 5.5% per annum – unheard of for years.

Back when Telstra was sitting at $5.55 a share, it would have only been offering a dividend yield of under 3.8%. You can see why more than a few investors would just take the risk-free 5% return instead.

Perhaps the company is finding more buyers at the current price of $4.65. That offers up a much improved 4.52% yield. But as a company that could be described as a bond proxy, I don't find it at all surprising to see demand for Telstra shares drop off when risk-free passive income is looking so lucrative. Unless Telstra can start growing its revenues at a healthy rate again, or until interest rates start coming down, I'm not expecting to see Telstra shares back above $5 anytime soon.

The post Why have Telstra shares lost 16% since May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a pleasant end to a bumpy week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the broader Australian share market this Friday. After yesterday's depressing session, investors returned to trading this morning with a renewed sense of optimism, with ASX shares starting strong and staying in positive territory all day.

By the time the closing bell rang, the ASX 200 had added 0.64% to its total. That leaves the index at 8,716.6 points as we head into the weekend.

This happy ending for the local trading week came after a more nuanced morning on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) put on a decent show, rising 0.1%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn't so lucky, dropping a hefty 1.25%.

But let's get back to the ASX now and take a closer look at how the various ASX sectors fared this Friday.

Winners and losers

There were only two corners of the market that missed out on a gain today.

The first, and worst, of those unlucky sectors was communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) was left out today, falling 0.56%.

Mining stocks were also unlucky, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) sliding down 0.03%.

It was all smiles everywhere else, though. Leading the winners were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a veritable party, rocketing 2.23% higher.

Consumer discretionary stocks were right behind that, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 2.16% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) soared up 1.88% this session.

Gold shares were in demand too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) galloping 1.87% higher.

Next came utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) added 1.75% to its total.

Consumer staples shares didn't miss out either, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 1.25% jump.

Healthcare stocks were in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was upgraded by 1.15%.

Next, we had industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) leaping 0.87%.

Financial stocks also had a day to remember. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up lifting 0.49%.

Finally, energy shares recorded a win, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.22% uptick.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Topping the charts this session was financial services stock Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG). Generation Group shares roared 7.31% higher this session to close at $2.79.

There wasn't any news out from the company, but perhaps this was a rebound from recent lows.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Life360, Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, The Lottery Corporation, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Generation Development Group, Light & Wonder Inc, Lovisa, Pro Medicus, and The Lottery Corporation. 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) suffered a pullback this Thursday, continuing the sell-off we have seen for much of this week. After spending the entire session in negative territory today, the ASX 200 ended up closing with a 0.77% loss. That leaves the index at 8,660.9 points.

This tough Thursday for ASX investors follows a similarly downbeat morning over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was hit hard, dropping 0.66%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little tamer, but still fell 0.22%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this Thursday.

Winners and losers

Despite the broader market's losses, we still saw a few sectors make hay.

But first, it was mining stocks that were hit the hardest. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was smashed, tanking 2.03%.

Gold shares found themselves in a similar vein, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) crashing 1.38%.

Financial stocks had a day to forget, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) sank 0.99% today.

Industrial shares were in the same ballpark, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.92% dive.

Tech stocks also found themselves on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) took a 0.77% hit this session.

Healthcare shares were our last losers today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) dipping 0.12%.

Turning to the winners now, these were spearheaded by consumer staples stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) soared up 1.42% this Thursday.

Energy stocks ran hot too, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 1.36% surge.

Utilities shares were also in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) added 1.34% to its total today.

Communications stocks didn't miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) lifting 0.89%.

Nor did consumer discretionary shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) advanced 0.31%.

Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.17% jump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Taking out the top index spot this Thursday was the stock market operator itself. ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) shares had a blowout (relatively speaking) today, rising 3.84% to finish trading at $60.59 each.

There wasn't any news out today that explains this leap higher, though.

Here's how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, The Lottery Corporation, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, and The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a wild and ultimately red session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday. After yesterday's gains, investors were far more cautious today, with the ASX 200 spending time in both positive and negative territory. The bears won out, though, with the index closing at 8,727.7 points, down 0.092%.

This disappointing midweek session for the Australian markets comes after a more upbeat morning on the US markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) overcame some early jitters to finish 0.18% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was a little more decisive, rising 0.45%.

But let's return to the local markets now and examine how today's trading conditions filtered down into the various ASX sectors this hump day.

Winners and losers

We had plenty of both winners and losers this Wednesday.

Leading the latter were financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was left out in the cold today, plunging 0.59%.

Mining shares had a rough one as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) sinking 0.2%.

Industrial stocks were also left out. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up retreating 0.17% this session.

Next came communications shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.14% downgrade.

Our last losers this Wednesday were utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) ended up dipping 0.06%.

Let's get to the winners now.

Leading the charge were healthcare shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) roaring 1.09% higher.

We can say the same for gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) experienced a 0.94% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) ran hot too, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.8% jump.

Consumer discretionary shares were also in demand. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) lifted 0.47%.

Energy stocks were next, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) advancing 0.45% this hump day.

Consumer staples shares held up well, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) had gained 0.11% by the closing bell.

Finally, tech stocks only just got across the line, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.01% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

This Wednesday's winner was the real estate investment trust Arena REIT (ASX: ARF). Arena units soared 12.98% higher today to close at $2.35 each.

This came after the REIT released a pleasing update regarding its childcare portfolio.

Here's how the other high flyers landed their planes:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Investing in ASX shares, especially dividend shares, is an ever-changing challenge. Recently, I've been thinking about just how different the world we are navigating in 2026 is from the one we were feeling out just a few years ago.

Just to be clear, this is from a financial standpoint. I don't have enough time or patience to discuss geopolitics, the environment, or 'events dear boy', although those have all changed beyond recognition as well. For now, let's stick to finance.

Five years ago, interest rates around the world were essentially at zero (0.1% in Australia, to be precise). With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raising the cash rate to 4.6% last week, that certainly feels like a world away.

Back when interest rates were at that historic low, it was easy to conclude that the best way to secure a stream of passive income was by buying ASX dividend stocks.

With a cash rate of 0.1%, it was almost impossible to find a 'safe' investment that even compensated one for inflation (even though that was at a low base, too). Savings accounts and term deposits were only yielding between 0.5% and 1% per annum. That's almost comparable to the underside of the mattress.

As such, it was a no-brainer to dump cash into blue-chip ASX dividend shares that were yielding 2%, 4%, or even 6%. Plus, you usually get the benefits of full franking to boot.

ASX dividend investing in 2026

Today, the game has changed, and dramatically so. ASX dividend stocks are not as lucrative as they once were. The best yields you can get from a big four ASX bank are hovering around 4.5%, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) well under 3.5%. Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is in that boat too. Other popular options like Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) are also offering yields comfortably under 4%.

However, the steep increase in interest rates since 2021 has changed the other side of the playing field far more substantially.

Savings accounts and term deposits have gone from their sub-1% yields five years ago to today offering as much as 5.5% per annum. That's real cash flow that's available without any capital risk whatsoever.

Think about it. Investors have the choice between risking their capital in the stock market and getting a franked yield of 4% on most blue-chip shares, or obtaining a risk-free yield of 5%-plus from the bank.

For many income investors, particularly those who have retired, the choice is easy.

As we've already demonstrated, nothing lasts forever in the world of finance, and this rather strange situation probably won't be any different. Also keep in mind that, long term, shares usually outperform cash investments, even in periods of high interest rates. But even so, the investing game has changed, so take advantage (if it makes sense for your personal circumstances) while you can.

The post The ASX dividend game has changed. Here's why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. 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) experienced a pleasant day's trading this Tuesday, rising heartily after yesterday's more tepid start to the trading week. The ASX 200 began in green territory this morning, and stayed there all day, eventually closing on a rise of 0.57%. That leaves the index at 8,735.7 points.

This sunny day on the Australian markets follows a similarly rosy start to the American trading week, up on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, gaining 0.18%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was far more enthusiastic, though, jumping 1.05%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were treated by investors this Tuesday.

Winners and losers

There were far more green sectors than red ones this session.

Leading the losers, though, were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was left out in the cold today, slumping 2.9%.

Gold shares were also neglected, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tumbling 0.8%.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) saw its value cut by an unlucky 0.13% today.

It was much better everywhere else, though. At the front of the pack this Tuesday were real estate investment trusts (REITs), illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1.15% surge higher.

Mining shares also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ended up leaping 0.91% higher.

Utilities stocks were just behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soaring 0.9%.

Financial shares had a day to remember, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) enjoyed a 0.73% bounce this session.

Healthcare stocks weren't left out, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.63% lift.

Consumer discretionary shares were a little less excited. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) still managed a 0.33% advance, though.

Energy stocks got some love, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) adding 0.15% to its total.

As did communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) ticked up 0.14% today.

Finally, industrial stocks got over the line, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.05% improvement.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's best performer on the index was IGA supplier Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS). Metcash shares roared 4.88% higher today to close at $3.01 each.

This move came despite no obvious catalysts from the company this week.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Region Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.