Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) telco closed yesterday trading for $4.77. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $4.80 apiece, up 0.7%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.1% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Telstra shares have also modestly outperformed the benchmark index over the past year, with the ASX 200 down 1.5% in 12 months while Telstra stock has slipped a lesser 0.5%.

And we shouldn't discount the passive income Telstra stockholders receive.

Over the last 12 months, Telstra has paid out two dividends, both franked at 90%, totalling 21 cents a share. The ASX 200 telco currently trades on a 4.4% trailing dividend yield.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

With the company's full-year FY 2026 profits climbing to $2.4 billion, should you buy shares today?

Telstra shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

Red Leaf Securities' John Athanasiou recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 telco (courtesy of The Bull).

"Telstra provides relatively defensive earnings and reliable cash flow during what has been a volatile period for equity markets," he said.

Commenting on the company's growth in FY 2026, Athanasiou noted:

Reported net profit after tax of $2.4 billion in full year 2026 was up 2.7 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Reported earnings per share of 19.9 cents were up 5.3 per cent. The company announced a further on-market share buyback of up to $1 billion in full year 2027 when releasing its full year results in August.

The mobile division remains the key earnings driver, while infrastructure assets add stability.

Connecting the dots, Athanasiou issued a hold recommendation on Telstra shares.

"However, expectations are already reflected in the share price, and recent network service concerns create reputational risk," he said. "Hold for income rather than substantial near term capital growth."

What's happening with the new $1 billion share buyback?

Telstra released its FY 2026 results on 13 August.

After completing the previous $1.25 billion on-market share buyback in June, the company announced a new buyback of up to $1 billion on the day.

Commenting on the share buyback, Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said:

Buy-backs allow us to lower our cost of capital and manage our sources of funding more efficiently. This approach also supports earnings and dividend per share growth and, together with increased dividends, demonstrates our confidence in our financial strength and outlook.

Despite that news, Telstra shares closed down 3.2% on the day of the results release.

The post With $2.4 billion in FY26 profits, are Telstra shares a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Higher for longer: How to invest in a high-inflation Australia
• How many Telstra shares do I need to buy for $12,000 of passive income in 2027?
• Buy, hold, sell: Santos, BHP, Telstra shares
• If I could only buy 5 ASX shares for retirement, these would make my shortlist
• I look for 3 things in a retirement stock. These 5 shares have them all

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 may be time to sell those Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares.

That's according to Red Leaf Securities' John Athanasiou, who earlier this week issued a sell recommendation on both ASX travel stocks (courtesy of The Bull).

In morning trade today, CBA shares are changing hands for $149.07 each, down 0.8%. That sees shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock down 10.8% since this time last year, trailing the 1.6% 12-month losses posted by the benchmark index.

Now some of that underperformance will have been mitigated by the two fully franked CBA dividends, totalling $5.05 a share, that the big four bank paid out over the year. CBA shares trade on a 3.4% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

It's a bit of a more complicated picture for Corporate Travel Management shares, which only resumed trading on the ASX on 3 September. As you may be aware, Corporate Travel shares were suspended back in August 2025 following some material accounting errors.

Prior to the suspension, Corporate Travel shares were trading for $16.07. On 3 September, shares crashed 85.6% to close the day at $2.32 as frustrated investors overheated their sell buttons.

In morning trade today, the Corporate Travel share price stands at $2.32.

With those pictures in mind…

Time to exit CBA shares?

"CBA is Australia's highest quality major bank, but, in my view, quality doesn't always represent value," Red Leaf Securities' Athanasiou said.

Explaining his sell recommendation on CBA shares, Athanasiou noted:

Its premium valuation leaves limited room for disappointment as rising interest rates potentially slow credit growth and increase borrower stress. Investors could use the opportunity to take profits and consider better-value alternatives elsewhere in the banking sector.

Should I sell Corporate Travel shares?

Atop his bearish outlook on CBA shares, Athanasiou also issued as sell recommendation on Corporate Travel shares.

"CTD reported improved underlying earnings in fiscal year 2026," he said.

Indeed, the company reported a 4% year on year increase in revenue and other income to $670 million, with underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 36% to $114 million.

But that's not enough to keep this ASX share off Athanasiou's sell list.

"However, in my view, questions remain around historical customer remediation, governance, financial controls and funding requirements," he said.

Summarising his sell recommendation on Corporate Travel shares, he concluded:

In a company update on April 22, 2026, a review had found that UK customers were charged in excess of their contractual entitlement. On September 1, 2026, the company noted about 78 per cent of customer refunds had been agreed or were nearing finalisation.

In my view, the near term risk-reward equation remains unattractive.

The post Sell alert! Expert calls time on Corporate Travel and CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• If I could only check my ASX portfolio once a year, these are the 10 shares I'd own
• IATA releases $65m security guarantee for Corporate Travel Management
• If I invest $20,000 in CBA shares, how much passive income will I receive in 2027?
• I look for 3 things in a retirement stock. These 5 shares have them all

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Today could be an opportune time to buy Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

That's according to Red Leaf Securities' John Athanasiou, who issued a buy recommendation on both S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks this week (courtesy of The Bull).

In intraday trade on Tuesday, CSL shares were changing hands for $181.88 each. While that leaves shares in the ASX 200 biotech giant down 8.6% in a year, the share price has rocketed a remarkable 96.8% since notching a multi-year closing low of $92.24 on 3 June.

CSL stock also trades on a 2.2% unfranked trailing dividend yield.

As for Woodside shares, trading for $31.27 on Tuesday, the ASX 200 energy stock has gained 33.6% in 12 months. Woodside shares also trade on a 5.2% fully franked trailing dividend yield. That equates to a grossed-up yield of 7.5% once we take those franking credits into account.

Should I buy CSL shares today?

"CSL's recovery is gaining momentum after forecasting underlying profit growth guidance of about 5 per cent in fiscal year 2027," Athanasiou noted. "Guidance exceeded market expectations."

Summarising his buy recommendation on CSL shares, Athanasiou said:

Immunoglobulin sales improved in the second half of fiscal year 2026 amid the company announcing a further share buy-back of $1.1 billion. The outlook for this global health care company is improving after prolonged underperformance. CSL shares have risen from $92.24 on June 3 to trade at $179.19 on September 24.

Successfully meeting or exceeding its targets leaves room for a potentially higher share price considering the stock was trading above $300 in calendar year 2024.

Which brings us to…

Woodside shares benefiting from global energy crunch

Atop his bullish outlook on CSL shares, Athanasiou also issued a buy recommendation on Woodside shares.

"Woodside offers exposure to recent elevated global energy prices amid supply disruptions and continuing Middle East tensions," he said. "Stronger realised prices should support near term cash flow and dividends."

On the risk front, Athanasiou added, "A major risk is an easing of geopolitical tensions and a corresponding fall in crude oil prices."

Explaining his buy recommendation on Woodside shares, Athanasiou concluded:

However, the company delivered a solid interim result. Operating revenue of $7.446 billion in the first half of 2026 was up 13 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax of $1.334 billion was up 7 per cent. The Scarborough energy project is almost completed.

The post Expert names Woodside and CSL shares as top buys today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• I've been looking for long-term ASX investments for my kids. These 4 made my shortlist
• CSL has a new CEO. Are its shares a buy?
• CSL responds to class action, defends disclosure record

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

At 2:30pm AEST, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was up 0.1% at 8,687.5 points as investors awaited today's interest rate decision.

Then the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released that rate decision, and the ASX 200 promptly dropped 0.2% to 8,668.3 points.

With concerns over persistently high inflation rising, market expectations of an RBA interest rate increase had jumped to 92% prior to today's announcement, according to the ASX's RBA rate tracker.

And the market's expectations proved to be spot on.

At its meeting today, the RBA board decided to increase the cash rate target by 0.25% to the new 4.60%.

This marks the fourth interest rate hike by Australia's central bank this year. And it sees Australia's official cash rate at the highest levels since October 2011.

When Aussies turned over the calendar onto 2026, the rate stood at 3.60%. And most analysts were forecasting rate cuts ahead.

Here's why that's not happening.

ASX 200 wobbles as RBA boosts interest rates again

Commenting on today's decision, the RBA noted, "Inflation remains elevated and some of the upside risks flagged in August are materialising."

And ASX 200 investors look to have both the fallout from the Iran war and the ongoing AI boom to thank for today's interest rate boost.

According to the RBA:

The conflict in the Middle East has broadened and global energy prices are now much higher than had been assumed in the August forecasts. AI-related demand is driving rapid growth in global prices for technology-related goods.

As far as the domestic economy is going, the central bank cited "heightened" uncertainties about the outlook for Australia's economic activity and inflation.

The RBA noted:

There are signs that growth in consumer spending is easing gradually as expected, although housing prices have fallen in most capital cities and new housing loans have declined noticeably. Labour market conditions have eased broadly as expected in recent months, and labour market leading indicators are broadly stable. Meanwhile, growth in business investment and debt is strong.

The board's decision to lift interest rates today was unanimous.

What are the experts saying?

Commenting on today's RBA interest rate decision that's pressuring the ASX 200, Ronak Bhimjiani, real estate economist at JLL Australia, said, "While largely anticipated by markets, the move reflects a Board increasingly focused on persistent underlying inflation and stronger-than-expected economic growth."

Bhimjiani added:

For real assets, higher borrowing costs will continue to sharpen investor discipline, with pricing and underwriting assumptions likely to remain conservative in the near term.

However, income resilience remains a defining theme. With inflation still tracking above the RBA's target band, rental growth continues to provide a natural buffer, helping preserve real returns and supporting the appeal of well-leased assets relative to other investment classes.

The post ASX 200 slips as RBA boosts interest rates to 15-year highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX shares are underperforming global markets. Here's why and what to do: expert
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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's safe to say that Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have had a year to forget.

As have their stockholders.

In late morning trade on Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.1%, putting the benchmark Aussie stock market index down 2.1% in 12 months.

As for Life360, shares in the ASX 200 location-sharing software developer are down 1.9% today, trading at $18.95 each. This sees the Life360 share price down a sharp 64% since this time last year.

And Xero shares have had a similar bear run. At the time of writing, shares in the business and accounting software provider are up 1.5%, changing hands for $58.55 apiece. Despite the welcome intraday lift, shares remain down a painful 63% over the past 12 months.

What's been pressuring the ASX 200 tech stocks?

Life360 and Xero shares have both faced similar headwinds.

First, there have been ongoing concerns that rapidly advancing AI systems might cheaply replace a lot of the services that Software as a Service (SaaS) stocks currently offer. Or the so-called 'SaaSpocalypse'.

ASX tech stocks have also come under pressure as major economies across the globe, including the United States and Australia, ratchet up interest rates.

Growth-oriented shares like Xero and Life360 are generally priced with higher future earnings in mind. And as interest rates go up, so too does the present cost of investing in those future earnings.

And looking ahead, Fairmont Equities' Michael Gable believes both these ASX 200 tech shares could face further headwinds in the months ahead (courtesy of The Bull).

Time to exit Xero shares?

"Xero is an accounting software provider," Gable said. "In my view, potentially increasing bond yields and interest rates will continue to be a headwind for technology stocks, such as XRO."

Summarising his sell recommendation on Xero shares, Gable said:

Fiscal year 2026 operating revenue increased 31 per cent on the prior corresponding period. However, net profit after tax fell 27 per cent. The gross margin declined from 89 per cent to 83.9 per cent.

From a charting perspective, selling pressure follows share price rallies, so the downtrend may not yet be over at this point.

Should I sell Life360 shares today?

Atop his bearish outlook on Xero shares, Gable also issued a sell recommendation on Life360 shares.

"This information technology company provides a mobile networking safety app for families," he noted.

"The company posted a 38 per cent increase in revenue in the second quarter of 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period. Total subscription revenue was up 31 per cent," Gable added.

Explaining his sell recommendation on Life360 shares, Gable concluded:

However, the share price has fallen from $29.48 on August 10 to trade at $19.44 on September 24. We believe the business is vulnerable to increasing competition.

Any earnings disappointments moving forward may further pressure the share price. Investors may want to consider cashing in some gains.

The post Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Life360 and Xero shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Xero or hero? UBS predicts the latter with huge upside for the accounting stock
• I hunted the ASX for oversold shares. These 3 stood out
• Buy, hold, sell: JB Hi-Fi, Xero, Northern Star Resources shares
• Should I buy Xero and Zip shares with $10,000?
• I searched for the next $10 billion ASX company. These 5 caught my attention

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) shares are edging lower today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock closed yesterday trading for $55.56. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $55.49 apiece, down 0.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.2% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Ramsay Health Care shares have surged 75.9% since this time last year, smashing the 12-month 1.9% losses posted by the benchmark index.

And that's not including the two fully-franked dividends, totalling 91 cents a share that the ASX 200 healthcare stock paid out over the full year. At the current share price, Ramsay Healthcare trades on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 1.6%.

Despite that strong outperformance, Merlon Capital Partners co-portfolio manager Joey Mui believes the stock is still undervalued (courtesy of the Australian Financial Review).

Here's why.

ASX 200 healthcare stock with further upside

Asked which stock his fund owns that's most undervalued by the market, Mui pointed to private healthcare provider Ramsay Health Care.

"We believe Ramsay is still significantly undervalued," he said.

Explaining his bullish outlook on the resurgent ASX 200 healthcare stock, Mui said:

The market has been cautious about its ability to offset inflation, but we see a strong opportunity to lift margins – through higher theatre utilisation, a better mix of specialities, and cost indexation from insurers. The new management team under Natalie Davis is executing on these strategies well.

What's the latest from Ramsay Health Care?

Ramsay Health Care shares closed up a blistering 13.7% on 27 August, following the release of the company's full-year FY 2026 results.

For the 12 months to 30 June, the ASX 200 healthcare stock reported underlying earnings before tax (EBIT) of $1.16 billion, up 11.5% year on year.

And on the bottom line, Ramsay achieved an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $364 million, up 19.3% from FY 2025.

Commenting on the strong results, Ramsay Health Care CEO and managing director Natalie Davis said, "FY26 was a year of continued improvement and delivery for Ramsay, with group underlying NPAT up 23% (in constant currency) year-on-year, all regions delivering EBIT growth, high patient NPS and clinical excellence across the group."

Looking to what's ahead for the company in FY 2027, Davis added:

We will continue to build on Ramsay's clinical excellence in Australia for the benefit of our patients, by investing in clinical innovation and connecting hospital and healthcare services in our priority therapeutic areas – cardiology, orthopaedics and cancer care, to be Australia's most trusted leading healthcare provider and to grow long-term shareholder value.

The post Expert names 'undervalued' ASX 200 healthcare stock to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: JB Hi-Fi, Sandfire Resources, Ramsay Health Care shares
• 2 top ASX blue-chip shares to buy according to experts
• Buy, hold, sell: Wildcat Resources, Ramsay Health Care, CBA shares
• Ramsay Health Care vs Sonic Healthcare: Which healthcare stock is better value?
• Buy, hold, sell: Woodside, Life360, Ramsay Health Care shares

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have delivered some benchmark smashing gains over the past year.

On Monday afternoon, Woodside shares were trading for $31.96 apiece. This sees the Woodside share price up 36.5% in 12 months, compared to the 1.9% one-year losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Atop those capital gains, Woodside also paid $1.631 a share in fully franked dividends over the year. The ASX 200 oil and gas stock trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 5.1%.

And BHP shares have performed even better.

On Monday, shares in Australia's biggest miner – and the biggest stock on the ASX – were changing hands for $60.41 each, up 44.1% in 12 months.

BHP also paid two fully franked dividends over this time, totalling $2.419 per share. BHP stock trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 4.0%.

And looking ahead, Fairmont Equities' Michael Gable forecasts more outperformance to come from both ASX 200 titans (courtesy of The Bull).

Here's why.

Should I buy BHP shares today?

"I believe commodities markets are in the early stages of a bull run, leaving BHP's share price in a prime position to move higher," Gable said.

Among the reasons Gable issued a buy recommendation for BHP shares is the miner's fast-growing exposure to copper. The price of the red metal has surged over the last year amid strong demand growth spurred by the global energy transition and a huge new pipeline of AI enabled data centre construction.

Gable noted:

Copper now generates most of BHP's earnings after it produced almost 2 million tonnes in full year 2026. The company should also benefit from constrained global supplies of copper. Iron ore is also a significant contributor to full year earnings.

The company posted an attributable profit of $US9.8 billion in full year 2026, up 9 per cent on the prior corresponding period. We view any share price dips as a buying opportunity.

Woodside shares tapping into energy crisis

Atop his bullish outlook on BHP shares, Gable also issued a buy recommendation on Woodside shares.

"We turned bullish on crude oil prior to the war in Iran due to a looming imbalance between supply and demand," he said. "The war has interrupted supplies, which has led to higher prices."

Summarising his buy advice, Gable concluded:

I believe crude oil prices are likely to move higher in the absence of a peaceful and sustained resolution in the Middle East. I acknowledge some investors doubt crude oil prices will move higher.

However, as the largest energy stock on the ASX, buying support should continue to grow for WDS.

The post Expert names Woodside and BHP shares as top buys today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I could only check my ASX portfolio once a year, these are the 10 shares I'd own
• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• Droneshield vs BHP shares: Which ASX stock is better for long-term wealth?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• CSL vs BHP shares: Should you swap after CSL's new CEO appointment?

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

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares have delivered investors some seriously outsized returns over the past year.

How seriously?

Well, in late morning trade on Monday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) coal stock are trading for $5.68 apiece. This sees the share price up 41.7% since this time last year, smashing the 2% 12-month losses posted by the ASX 200.

And that's not including the two fully-franked New Hope dividends, totalling 40 cents per share, that the coal miner paid out (or shortly will pay out) over this period. If we add those back in, then the accumulated value of New Hope shares has surged 51.6% in a year.

New Hope stock traded ex-dividend on 21 September. If you held shares at market close on 21 September, you can expect the final fully-franked 30-cent-per-share dividend to land in your bank account on 15 October.

At current prices, New Hope stock trades on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 7%. That equates to a grossed-up yield of 10.1%, once we account for those franking credits.

Atop its own operational successes on and below the ground, New Hope has been benefiting from resurgent global coal prices.

At US$144 per tonne, thermal coal (primarily used for energy production) prices are up approximately 35% in 12 months. And thermal coal prices have lifted more than 21% since the end of February, amid the worldwide energy crunch following the outbreak of the Iran war.

But following on this strong run, is the ASX 200 coal stock now a buy, hold, or sell?

New Hope shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

Fairmont Equities' Michael Gable recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 coal miner (courtesy of The Bull).

"I remain bullish about this thermal coal producer, as the war in Iran is leading other countries to lift demand for thermal coal to offset instability in gas markets," Gable noted.

Commenting on the miner's recent performance and passive income appeal, Gable said:

The company generated saleable coal production of 11.5 million tonnes in full year 2026, up 7.6 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Production was above market expectations as was the final, fully franked dividend of 30 cents a share.

Along with lifting production, New Hope also increased its total coal resources over the year, which grew to 2.96 billion tonnes as at 31 May, up from 2.55 billion tonnes year on year.

Summarising his hold recommendation on New Hope shares, Gable concluded, "The share price uptrend since early July is sustainable, in my view."

The post Up 42% and paying a 7% dividend yield, should I buy New Hope shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX stocks upgraded by leading brokers this week
• A leading broker just upgraded these 3 ASX shares
• Buy, hold, sell: Cleanaway Waste Management, New Hope Corporation, CSL shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are sliding today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) AI-powered drone defence stock closed on Friday trading for $1.61. In morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for $1.58 apiece, down 2.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.2% at this same time.

That's today's price action for you.

Now here's the latest top leadership news.

DroneShield shares get new non-executive director

In a market announcement this morning, deemed non-price sensitive to DroneShield shares, the company reported the appointment of Lynne Saint as a non-executive director. Saint will step into the role on 24 November.

Saint currently serves on the board of Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) and Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT), where she chairs the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and is a member of the Nominations Committee, People and Remuneration Committee, and Safety and Sustainability Committee.

DroneShield chairman Hamish McLennan noted that the appointment is further evidence of the board's renewal process.

McLennan said:

I welcome Lynne's appointment to the DroneShield Board where her deep experience across audit, financial leadership, enterprise risk, supply chain risk and project management will be valuable as part of the strategic oversight and governance as the company continues to scale and expands its global footprint.

Saint added:

DroneShield is an impressive Australian technology company operating in a strategically important and rapidly evolving global industry.

I am delighted to be joining the Board at this stage of the company's development, and I look forward to contributing my skills and experience as it continues to grow.

What's the latest from the ASX 200 drone defence stock?

With today's intraday moves factored in, DroneShield shares are down 59.6% since this time last year.

The ASX 200 drone defence stock released its half-year results (H1 2026), covering the six months to 30 June, on 26 August.

Highlights included all-time high first-half profits of $125.8 million, up 74% from H1 2025.

But things weren't so rosy on the earnings front.

DroneShield reported an underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) loss of $12.4 million for the half year, down from a positive EBITDA of $8 million in the prior corresponding half.

The company said the loss was driven by "a period of planned investment in production capacity, product development, organisational systems and management capability to support larger global operations".

On the bottom line, DroneShield's statutory net loss after tax of $32.2 million was down from the $2.1 million profit reported in H1 2025.

DroneShield shares closed down 11% on the day of the results release.

The post Buying DroneShield shares? Meet your new board director appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Droneshield vs BHP shares: Which ASX stock is better for long-term wealth?
• Why I'd buy Zip and DroneShield shares today
• How high will DroneShield shares go? A broker weighs in
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, DroneShield, and Lynas shares

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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. 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.

I'm not quite ready to retire yet, but when I do tap into my superannuation, I already have a few core investments in mind.

With diversification in mind, I plan to invest $50,000 blocks of my super balance into various baskets of ASX stocks covering a broad range of different sectors.

When it comes to the mining sector, I aim to put $50,000 of my superannuation into S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining stocks New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

All three companies are well-established, well-managed, and have very sizeable moats to keep the competition at bay.

And atop the potential for long-term share price gains, all three pay fully-franked dividends, delivering some handy passive income throughout the year.

I've also narrowed my focus to these three because they each offer unique diversity within the mining sector.

BHP shares, for example, derive the majority of their revenue from copper and iron ore.

New Hope shares are solely focused on thermal and coking coal production.

And Mineral Resources shares are exposed to the company's mining services, iron ore, lithium, and energy segments. On the energy front, Mineral Resources has a current gas exploration program running across prospective acreage in the onshore Perth and Carnarvon basins.

Investing $50,000 of superannuation into top ASX 200 mining stocks

While ASX mining stocks are inherently cyclical, if you're okay holding onto them through the low parts of any cycle, I believe they're an excellent place to invest $50,000 of superannuation savings.

At its FY 2026 results, New Hope reported underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $514 million. Net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $161 million.

And on the passive income front, New Hope declared a final fully-franked dividend of 30 cents per share. New Hope shares trade on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 7.1%. The New Hope share price is up 40.3% in a year.

Turning to Mineral Resources, the ASX 200 diversified miner reported record underlying EBITDA of $2.6 billion for FY 2026. On the bottom line, the company achieved an underlying NPAT of $822 million. This saw management restore the dividend, which had been suspended since 2024. Mineral Resources declared a final fully-franked dividend of 83 cents per share.

The Mineral Resources share price is up 25.4% in 12 months.

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 mining stock I'd buy with part of my $50,000 of superannuation, BHP.

For FY 2026, BHP reported underlying EBITDA of US$32.9 billion, with underlying profit of US$13.2 billion. BHP paid a fully-franked final dividend of $1.38 per share. The BHP share price is up 45.5% in 12 months.

The post Why I'd invest $50,000 of superannuation in New Hope, Mineral Resources and BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I could only check my ASX portfolio once a year, these are the 10 shares I'd own
• 6 ASX stocks upgraded by leading brokers this week
• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• Mineral Resources delivers record Q1 iron ore and lithium sales
• Droneshield vs BHP shares: Which ASX stock is better for long-term wealth?

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

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are among the most heavily traded S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare shares.

But they've delivered some very disparate returns over the past three years.

One of the ASX healthcare juggernauts has smashed the 22.4% returns delivered by the ASX 200 since 22 September 2023, while the other materially trails that performance.

So, if you'd bought $10,000 worth of Pro Medicus and CSL shares three years ago, how much would you have now?

I'm glad you asked!

Tipping $10,000 into CSL shares

On 22 September, shares in the ASX 200 biotech giant closed the day trading for $252.15 each.

Meaning for $10,000 you could have bought 39 CSL shares, with enough change left over to take your partner out to dinner. For the next 10 or so months, you would have watched those shares march higher.

But by August 2024, the ASX 200 healthcare share came under sustained selling pressure.

On Thursday, CSL shares were swapping hands for $179.09 apiece. Meaning those 39 shares you bought three years ago for $10,000 would be worth $6,985 today.

Now, we shouldn't entirely discount the CSL dividends.

If you owned the stock for the past three years you would have received (or shortly will) the past six unfranked dividend payments, totalling $12.55 a share. CSL stock traded ex-dividend on 9 September. If you owned shares at market close on 8 September, you can expect to receive the final FY 2026 dividend of $2.244 a share on 2 October.

So, if we add that $12.55 of passive income back into the recent share price, then the accumulated value of the CSL shares you bought three years ago is now worth $191.64. And the 39 shares you invested $10,000 into are worth $7,474.

Which brings us to…

Buying Pro Medicus shares in September 2023

Three years ago, shares in the ASX 200 health imaging company closed the day trading for $71.67 apiece.

Meaning your $10,000 investment would have netted you 139 shares, with enough change for popcorn and a movie.

On Thursday, Pro Medicus shares were changing hands for $159.52 each. So those 139 shares are worth $22,173 today.

And, as with CSL shares, you'd also have received (or shortly will) the last six fully franked Pro Medicus dividend payments, totalling $1.64 a share. Pro Medicus stock traded ex-dividend on 7 September. If you owned shares on 4 September, you can expect that record high 37 cent per share final dividend to land in your bank account on 29 September.

Now, if we add that passive income back into the recent share price, then the accumulated value of the 139 Pro Medicus shares you bought three years ago for $10,000 is now worth $22,401.

Which sees Pro Medicus clearly top CSL shares as the better investment over the past three years.

The post $10,000 invested in Pro Medicus and CSL shares 3 years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX stocks upgraded by leading brokers this week
• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• Pro Medicus vs Telix Pharmaceuticals: Which is more likely to double your money in 2 years?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• I've been looking for long-term ASX investments for my kids. These 4 made my shortlist

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stocks are getting ready to turn the calendar page on a tough month.

Indeed, while the ASX 200 has slumped 5.6% since market close on 25 August, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) – which also contains some smaller miners outside of ASX 200 gold stocks – is down as steeper 8.3%.

Although most gold stocks have still strongly outperformed over the past full year, with the All Ords Gold Index still up 22.1% in 12 months, compared to the 1.4% one-year losses posted by the ASX 200.

As for the three big Aussie gold miners I'd buy today, Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) shares are down 8% in a month and up 45.3% in a year, while Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares are down 13.9% in a month and up 33.2% in a year.

It's a bit of a different picture for Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares, which are down 9.5% in a month and also down 2% in a year.

As you may know, Northern Star has faced some difficulties on and below the ground this year. Those include lower grades at some of its mines as well as lower overall gold production for FY 2026.

But I believe the miner's recent capex spend is set to pay off in FY 2027 and 2028, which should see a notable improvement in the share price performance.

What's been pressuring the ASX 200 gold stocks?

The common headwind pressuring Northern Star, Newmont, and Evolution Mining shares over the past month has been a sharp retrace in the gold price.

Trading for US$4,294 per ounce today, the gold price is down 7.7% since 25 August.

The gold price is now also down around 21% from its record highs, posted on 28 January.

A lot of that fall can be pinned on the outbreak of the Iran war. The conflict has sent global energy prices surging, stoking inflation and pushing central banks, including the US Federal Reserve and the RBA, to increase interest rates. And gold, which pays no yield itself, tends to perform better in low or falling rate environments.

But the case for higher gold prices remains very much in play, which could usher in a big rebound for the recently beaten-down ASX 200 gold stocks.

What are the experts saying?

Hedge fund manager Raphael Lamm, who manages a long-short gold fund, expects that the falling gold price is likely to be short-lived.

Among the reasons Lamm expects a rebound in the price of bullion, which would also support ASX 200 gold stocks, is the "unsustainability of fiscal situations in key markets," with the United States government debt recently topping US$40 trillion.

According to Lamm (quoted by Bloomberg):

While there's been some headwinds to gold markets and the gold price since the Iran war, we think they're very temporary in nature. Most of the key drivers of demand for gold are going to remain intact or even strengthen over the medium term…

We started to increase our long positions relatively aggressively when the gold price got below $4,000, and now we're keeping it where it is, which is in the low- to mid-60% net long.

The post Why I'd buy the dip in top ASX 200 gold stocks like Newmont, Northern Star and Evolution Mining shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy Hub24, Northern Star, and Transurban shares?
• Newmont Corporation reports robust third-quarter result and higher profit
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Buy, hold, sell: JB Hi-Fi, Xero, Northern Star Resources shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

To get some idea of the massive potential unleashed by the artificial intelligence revolution, you need look no further than ASX AI stock DXN Ltd (ASX: DXN).

If you're not familiar with DXN, the company manufactures and operates modular data centres.

And business is booming. Here's what I mean.

Tipping $5,000 into ASX AI stock DXN in March

Back in March, I hadn't yet heard of DXN. But I wish I had.

You see, on 24 March, DXN shares closed the day trading for 2 cents apiece.

So, for $5,000, I could have bought 250,000 shares in the ASX AI stock. I would then have watched the share price drop to 1.5 cents by market close on 13 April, cutting my initial $5,000 investment to just $3,500.

But if I'd held tight through those early losses, I would then have watched the stock go on an epic tear.

Indeed, in morning trade today, DXN shares are up another 4.6%, currently changing hands for 45.5 cents apiece.

Which means the 250,000 shares I bought six months ago for just $5,000 would be worth $113,750 today. Or a gain of 2,175%.

Boom!

What's been sending DXN shares to the moon?

Investors have been bidding up the ASX AI stock as DXN kicks off FY 2027 with growing demand for its modular models across AI infrastructure markets.

"FY26 will be remembered as the year DXN's long-term investment thesis came into focus," DXN managing director Shalini Lagrutta said following the release of the company's full-year results on 31 August.

Lagrutta added:

While revenue for the year was impacted by customer-side project deferrals, our maiden AI HPC contract validated years of investment behind our AI-ready modular platform and drove a five-fold increase in the company's market capitalisation.

We enter FY27 with our strongest-ever backlog currently sitting at $40.9 million as of 30 August 2026 and a rapidly maturing pipeline of identified projects, of which approximately 21% are AI infrastructure related.

Is the ASX AI stock still a good buy today?

Despite its 20-bagger status, Wilson Asset Management – which is a major shareholder in the ASX AI stock – is still adding to its position.

According to Wilson Asset Management portfolio manager Shaun Weick (quoted by the Australian Financial Review):

We think DXN has the potential to be a multi-bagger from here and is one of the best micro-cap opportunities on the ASX…

They have engineered a modular solution, which critically accelerates the rollout of AI factory capacity. They have been awarded multiple initial contracts which, if delivered successfully in coming months, unlocks gigawatt-scale projects which is a multi-billion-dollar revenue opportunity.

The post If I'd invested $5,000 in this ASX AI stock 6 months ago, I'd have $113,750 today! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This is an exciting ASX growth share that experts think is a buy

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

New Hope Corp Ltd (ASX: NHC) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have not only smashed the benchmark returns over the past five years, they've also delivered some market-beating passive income.

Since 24 September 2021, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 19.4%.

Reflecting the importance of passive income, the S&P/ASX 200 Gross Total Return Index (ASX: XJT), which includes all cash dividends reinvested on the ex-dividend date, has gained 44.1% over this same period.

So, just how much would you have earned from a $5,000 investment in New Hope and BHP shares five years ago?

Let's dig in.

Drilling into BHP shares for passive income

On 24 September 2021, you could have bought shares in the ASX 200 mining giant for $33.59 apiece. So, your $5,000 investment would have netted you 148 shares, with enough change left over for a cheeseburger.

Now you would have done quite well on the capital gains front alone. During the Wednesday lunch hour, BHP shares are changing hands for $62.11, up 84.9% in five years. And if you sold those 148 shares today, you'd receive $9,192.

As for that passive income, if you'd owned Australia's largest mining stock – and now the biggest stock on the ASX – for the last five years, you would have received (or shortly will) the last 10 fully-franked dividends. BHP stock traded ex-dividend on 3 September. If you held the miner at market close on 2 September, you can expect to get paid today.

Turning to my trusty calculator, those 10 fully-franked dividend payouts work out to $13.583 a share.

So, the 148 BHP shares you bought for $5,000 five years ago would already have delivered $2,010 in passive income. And that's atop those share price gains, not to mention the cheeseburger!

Which brings us to…

Tipping $5,000 into New Hope shares

Five years ago, New Hope shares were trading for $2.38 each. Meaning for $5,000, you could have bought 2,100 shares in the ASX 200 coal stock.

And you wouldn't have regretted it.

At the time of writing, New Hope shares are trading for $5.89, up 147.5% since 24 September 2021. And those 2,100 shares you bought are now worth $12,369.

Over this time, you'd also have received (or shortly will) the last 10 fully-franked New Hope dividends. New Hope stock traded ex-dividend on Monday. If you owned shares in the Aussie coal miner at market close on Friday, you can expect to receive that passive income payout on 15 October.

All told, those last 10 New Hope dividend payments equate to $2.69 a share.

Meaning the 2,100 New Hope shares you picked up for $5,000 five years ago will already have paid out $5,649 in passive income, with tax benefits from those franking credits.

The post Bought $5,000 worth of New Hope and BHP shares 5 years ago? Guess how much passive income you've already earned! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I could only check my ASX portfolio once a year, these are the 10 shares I'd own
• 6 ASX stocks upgraded by leading brokers this week
• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• Droneshield vs BHP shares: Which ASX stock is better for long-term wealth?
• CSL vs BHP shares: Should you swap after CSL's new CEO appointment?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 BHP Group. 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 gained 24.3% since 22 September 2023, but Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares have left those gains wanting.

So, just how much would a $10,000 investment in both of the ASX 200 gold stocks three years ago be worth today?

Read on!

Buying $10,000 worth of Northern Star shares

On 22 September 2023, gold was trading for US$1,925 per ounce, according to data from Bloomberg.

Today, that same ounce is trading for US$4,360, which puts the yellow metal up 126.5%.

As for Northern Star, three years ago you could have bought the ASX 200 gold miner for $10.92 a share. Meaning you could have picked up 915 Northern Star shares for $10,000.

In intraday trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands $22.84 each. So, those 915 shares would be worth $20,899 today.

But let's not forget those Northern Star dividends.

If you'd owned the stock for the past three years you would have received (or shortly will) the past six dividend payouts, totalling $1.50 a share. The first three were unfranked while the most recent three were franked at 100%. Northern Star stock traded ex-dividend on 9 September. If you held the stock at market close on 8 September you can expect to get paid on 15 October.

Now, if we add those dividends back in to today's share price, then the accumulated value of the Northern Star shares you bought in September 2023 is worth $24.34 today. And those 915 shares are worth an accumulated $22,271.

Or a gain of 122.7%.

Which brings us to…

Investing $10,000 in Evolution Mining shares

On 22 September 2023, Evolution Mining shares closed the day trading for $3.58.

Your $10,000 investment, then, would have netted you 2,793 shares in this ASX 200 gold stock.

At the time of writing today, those same shares are changing hands for $13.97 each, meaning you could sell the whole lot now for $39,018.

But again, let's not forget those dividends.

Having bought the gold miner three years ago, you would have received (or shortly will) the past six fully franked Evolution Mining dividends, totalling 68 cents a share. Evolution Mining stock traded ex-dividend on 9 September. If you held the stock at market close on 8 September, you can expect to see that record high 21 cent per share passive income payout land in your bank account on 2 October.

If we add those dividends back in to today's share price, then the accumulated value of the Evolution Mining shares purchased three years ago is worth $14.65 now. And those 2,793 shares are worth an accumulated $40,917.

That's a gain of 309.2%, which sees Evolution Mining clearly beating out Northern Star shares as the better investment over the past three years.

The post $10,000 invested in Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares 3 years ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy Hub24, Northern Star, and Transurban shares?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Buy, hold, sell: JB Hi-Fi, Xero, Northern Star Resources shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Northern Star Resources posts production and commissioning update

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) shares are leaping higher today.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) department store owner closed yesterday trading for 17.5 cents. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for 19 cents apiece, up 8.6%.

For some context, the All Ords is up 0.3% at this same time.

This outperformance follows the release of Myer's full-year FY 2026 results.

Here are the highlights.

Myer shares jumping higher

For the 12 months to 25 July, Myer reported total sales of $4.09 billion, up 0.7% from FY 2025 on a comparable basis.

The company's cost of doing business (CODB) came in at $1.19 billion, which management said reflected the inclusion of Myer Apparel Brands and investments to drive strategic priorities.

Myer shares are soaring today, despite the company reporting underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $139 million, down 7% year on year on an actual basis and 23.5% lower on a pro forma basis.

On the bottom line, the department store reported underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $42.5 million, down 2.9% on an actual basis and down 32.1% on a pro forma basis.

With profits sliding, Myer will not pay a final FY 2026 dividend. The company paid a fully franked interim dividend of 1.5 cents a share on 21 May.

As for the first eight weeks of FY 2027, Myer's comparable sales are up 0.2% while actual sales are 2.7% lower than the first eight weeks of FY 2026.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results that are lifting Myer shares today, chair Olivia Wirth said, "The second half of FY26 was characterised by a volatile and significantly more challenging macroeconomic and retail environment than 1H26 or FY25."

Wirth added:

While our performance in the first four months of 2H26 was mixed, including a stronger May, we observed a material downturn in consumer sentiment. This was particularly evident in June and July, adding to subdued consumer sentiment and weak discretionary spending.

Despite these challenges, we continued to progress our Myer Group Growth Strategy, Value Creation program and integration activities.

Can Solomon Lew revive Myer shares?

Even with today's gains factored in, Myer shares remain down 60.4% since this time last year.

But the company appears to be banking on the return of billionaire investor Solomon Lew to help turn the ship around.

In a separate announcement this morning, Myer revealed that Lew has been appointed to the board as a Non-Executive Director, effective tomorrow, 24 September.

Lew, Myer's largest shareholder, was voted off the board back in 2002.

Commenting on his appointment, Wirth said:

We are pleased to welcome Sol to the board. His deep retail expertise and strong economic alignment to Myer Group as our largest shareholder will be important in helping to drive long-term value creation for all our shareholders.

Sol knows the retail sector inside and out. We are confident that the board and Myer Group will benefit greatly from his vast experience and expertise.

The post Why are Myer shares rocketing 9% on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments: Which founder-led stock is the better buy in 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: Myer, Develop Global, Netwealth shares
• A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia's top shares?
• Premier Investments vs Myer: Which ASX Retail Stock is Best?

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

I won't be able to access my superannuation for a few years yet.

But when I can, I plan to invest $50,000 of my super balance into three distinct ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

I also plan to invest some of my superannuation into a diverse basket of ASX growth shares and ASX passive income stocks.

But I believe the below three ASX ETFs provide a simple means to invest $50,000 into a very diversified collection of quality global and Aussie companies.

So, which ETFs am I eyeing?

Three ASX ETFs I'd buy with $50,000 of superannuation

First up, and as an Australian, I'd invest part of that $50,000 in superannuation in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

With a management fee of 0.07% per year, this ASX ETF gives you immediate exposure to the 300 companies listed on the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO). VAS seeks to track the return of the ASX 300 Index and provide both long-term capital growth and some passive income.

The ETF's top three holdings are BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares.

As at 31 August, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF has delivered a total five-year return (including reinvested dividends) of 44%. That equates to an annualised return of around 7.6%.

Which brings us to the second ASX ETF I'd invest part of my $50,000 of superannuation in, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

I believe the tremendous outperformance we've seen from the US tech giants, while it may retrace short term, will continue apace over the longer-term, fuelled by the AI revolution.

With an annual management fee of 0.48%, NDQ aims to track the performance of the Nasdaq 100 Index. In other words, the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq, most of which have direct connections to the new economy.

The ETF's largest holdings are Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT).

As at 18 September, over the past five years NDQ has returned an annualised gain of 14.2%.

And the third ASX ETF I'd buy with some of my $50,000 in superannuation is the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU).

This third investment, as you can likely tell from its name, will materially help diversify my retirement portfolio. And the management fee is a low 0.04% per year.

VEU offers exposure to some of the world's largest companies that are listed in major developed and emerging countries outside the United States.

Its top three holdings are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TPE: 2330), Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (KRX: 005930) and SK Hynix Inc (KRX: 000660).

As at 31 August, the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF has delivered a total five-year return of 61.4%. That equates to an annualised return of approximately 10.0%.

Based on historical five-year returns, if I invest an equal portion of my $50,000 superannuation in each ASX ETF, I can expect an annual return of 10.6%.

The post Why I'd invest $50,000 of superannuation into these 3 top ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons I would buy NAB shares right now
• I've given myself 25 years to turn $10,000 a year into $1 million on the ASX. Here's how I plan to do it
• NAB vs Macquarie Group: Which banking stock deserves a core portfolio spot?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• If I could only check my ASX portfolio once a year, these are the 10 shares I'd own

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have staged a remarkable recovery since plumbing a multi-year closing low of just $92.24 on 3 June.

How remarkable?

Well, in mid-day trade on Tuesday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) biotech giant were trading for $180.17 apiece. This sees the CSL share price up 95.3% in less than four months. That compares to a 0.4% loss posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

And this doesn't include the unfranked $2.244 a share final CSL dividend. While that passive income payout won't be made until 2 October, CSL stock traded ex-dividend on 9 September.

If we add that back into Tuesday's share price, then the accumulated value of CSL shares has soared 97.8% since the 3 June lows.

CSL trades on an unfranked 2.3% trailing dividend yield.

But following this meteoric recovery, and noting that CSL stock remains down more than 43% since August 2024, is the Aussie biotech company still a good buy today?

CSL shares: Buy, hold or sell?

Catapult Wealth's Dylan Evans recently ran his slide rule over the ASX biotech giant (courtesy of The Bull).

"The CSL share price has partially recovered after the company posted a brighter outlook at its 2026 full year results," he noted.

"A promising sign was profit growth guidance in full year 2027, driven by the core blood plasma business," he added.

Connecting the dots, Evans issued a hold recommendation on CSL shares for now.

He concluded:

This guidance should provide the market with confidence about CSL's brighter future after a difficult period. There's potential value in the stock, particularly if CSL achieves guidance and growth recovers.

What's been sending the ASX 200 biotech stock soaring?

CSL reported its full year FY 2026 results on 18 August.

Although revenue declined 1% from FY 2025, and CSL reported net loss after tax of US$2.6 billion, investors were more focused on the company's profit growth guidance that Evans mentioned above.

For the full year FY 2027, management forecast steady revenue and underlying NPAT growth of approximately 5%.

"FY26 has been a year of reset. We have taken decisive action and created a clear path to return to sustainable growth," CSL interim CEO Gordon Naylor said on the day.

Naylor added:

We have made solid progress on our transformation program and continue to simplify the business. We have also invested in our commercial capabilities and development programs to drive top line growth in the future.

CSL shares closed up 17.3% on the day of the results release.

The post Up 98%: Are CSL shares now a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• I've been looking for long-term ASX investments for my kids. These 4 made my shortlist
• CSL has a new CEO. Are its shares a buy?
• CSL responds to class action, defends disclosure record
• CSL vs BHP shares: Should you swap after CSL's new CEO appointment?

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

In morning trade on Tuesday, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are trading for $60.95 each, while the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price stands at $153.56.

As it stands then, CommBank shares have a 151.9% higher valuation than BHP shares.

Although with a market cap of approximately $310.2 billion, BHP has taken a commanding lead as the biggest company on the ASX. With a market cap of $256.9 billion, CBA comes in at number two.

BHP retook that title from the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock on 27 January this year after CBA had held the biggest ASX share crown for almost 18 months. As you may recall, the following few weeks saw the two ASX titans hand that crown back and forth as one stock alternately outperformed the other.

But by April, the winds had turned decidedly in BHP's favour, with iron ore prices remaining resilient and copper prices racing to new record highs.

At the same time, the CBA share price began to come under pressure as investors eyed a potentially deteriorating Aussie economy. With ongoing elevated inflation and higher interest rates, the bank could be facing lower home loans coupled with higher default rates.

With this picture in mind, and their bullish outlook on copper, the team at Regal Partners believe that not only is BHP likely to maintain a larger market cap than CBA, but that both stocks could be trading at a similar price within five years.

BHP and CBA share price matched at $100?

"Phil King and I have often discussed the scenario over the next five years where CBA and BHP are both trading at $100," Regal Partners investment director Charlie Aitken said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review).

"We've generally kept that view to ourselves because it once sounded so outrageous. Today, it doesn't sound so far-fetched," he added.

Pointing to the recent growing stresses emerging in the private Aussie credit market, Aitken noted, "I would be astonished if arrears, bad and doubtful debts and credit card delinquencies aren't all increasing sharply for … banks."

Regal's five-year forecast would see the CBA share price fall by almost 35% from current levels, putting it back to November 2023 prices. While Regal expects that BHP's copper exposure will see the 'undervalued' miner outperform over this time amid booming demand for the red metal, spurred in part by the AI revolution.

According to Aitken:

Where we prefer to invest is where productivity gains from developments in AI and an associated lift in demand for the given product driven by AI: welcome to mining. The modern world simply can't open for business each day without BHP's mined products, yet, unlike Jensen Huang, 99.99 per cent of the world wouldn't recognise BHP chief executive Brandon Craig if they walked past him in the street.

The post Are the BHP and CBA share price headed for parity? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• If I could only check my ASX portfolio once a year, these are the 10 shares I'd own
• 6 ASX shares experts are backing amid the market downturn
• Droneshield vs BHP shares: Which ASX stock is better for long-term wealth?
• CSL vs BHP shares: Should you swap after CSL's new CEO appointment?

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

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) copper stock closed yesterday trading for $14.55. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $14.78 apiece, up 1.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

Here's what's catching investor interest today.

Capstone Copper shares lift on asset sale

Capstone Copper shares are lifting after the miner announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Cozamin copper-silver zinc-lead mine, located in Mexico.

Capstone said that Luca Mining Corp will pay up to US$385 million (AU$542.3 million) in total consideration for the mine.

The ASX 200 copper stock noted that the figure is comprised of:

• US$275 million in upfront cash, subject to customary closing adjustments
• US$15 million in Luca shares, to be issued to Capstone at closing
• US$35 million in deferred consideration, to be received on the first anniversary of closing
• And up to US$60 million in contingent cash consideration tied to annual average copper prices

Capstone said it will use the fund to strengthen its balance sheet and support its growth pipeline.

What did management say?

Commenting on the $542 million divestment helping boost Capstone Copper shares today, president and CEO Cashel Meagher said, "Cozamin has been an important part of our portfolio, providing stability and strong cash flows as Capstone has matured into a diversified copper producer."

Meagher added:

The transaction optimises our portfolio and further strengthens our balance sheet, enabling us to redeploy capital into our high-return growth projects and allowing leadership to focus on the opportunities we believe will create the most value for our shareholders. It is an ideal time to streamline our portfolio through this divestiture as we advance towards transformational copper growth in Chile and the United States.

We are also pleased to retain exposure to the exploration upside at Cozamin, through our shareholding in Luca, following completion of the Transaction. Given the strong operational track record of the Luca team in Mexico, we believe they will be excellent stewards of the mine and are well placed to unlock its full potential.

What's happening with the copper price?

Capstone Copper shares have surged 33.5% since this time last year, supported in part by soaring global copper prices.

The red metal is back near all-time highs today, trading for US$14,661 per tonne. That sees the copper price up a whopping 47% in 12 months, spurred by spiking demand from data centres, EVs, and the ongoing energy transition.

The post Capstone Copper shares take off on $542 million divestment news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts tip these ASX shares to return 20% to 50%
• Own ASX mining shares? Official forecasts show commodity prices peaking in FY27
• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Capstone Copper, Codan shares

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.