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Laura Stewart

Author bio
Laura Stewart is a Finance Editor at The Motley Fool, where she covers Australian and international equity markets. She joined the company in 2022, following a career transition from legal advisory work in Southeast Asia into the investment industry.
Prior to her current editorial role, Laura spent three years as an Equity Analyst and Writer, producing investment research across the ASX, NYSE, and NASDAQ. Her coverage included small-cap growth companies, thematic investment ideas, and high-quality U.S.-listed businesses.
Laura holds a Master of Applied Finance and brings additional expertise in accounting, taxation, and estate and wealth planning from her postgraduate studies. She also has a background in law and communications, which supports her analytical and reporting work in financial markets.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the Adelaide Hills with her flock of sheep.
Education
Laura holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), and a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting and Corporate Finance. In 2025, she completed a Master of Applied Finance at the University of Adelaide, receiving postgraduate awards in Accounting Concepts & Methods, Ethical Principles in Accounting & Finance, Real Estate Valuation & Investment, and Tax, Estate & Wealth Planning.
Social media
LinkedIn
FYI – I am taking a break from social media at the moment, so this account isn’t active at the moment, but I will let you know when I rejoin.
Favorite investment quote
"Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it... he who doesn't... pays it."
— Albert Einstein

Recent Articles

Woman working on her laptop at a café.
Energy Shares

Origin Energy vs Woodside Energy: Which ASX 200 share is more likely to beat the market?

| Laura Stewart

Origin Energy and Woodside Energy compared: dividends, valuation, recent momentum, and my take on which ASX energy stock could beat…

Read more »

Woman on her phone with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.
Resources Shares

Champion Iron posts $403.9 million Q2 FY2027 revenue in preliminary results

| Laura Stewart

Champion Iron posted Q2 FY2027 revenue of $403.9 million and sold 4.5 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate.

Read more »

House models with REIT written on one.
REITs

Centuria Industrial REIT earnings: Leasing momentum and guidance reaffirmed

| Laura Stewart

Centuria Industrial REIT delivered strong leasing, sold a major asset at book value, and reaffirmed earnings and distribution guidance.

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
Growth Shares

Droneshield vs Xero: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy for a young growth investor?

| Laura Stewart

Which stacks up better on fundamentals and recent price action?

Read more »

REIT written with images circling it and a man touching it.
REITs

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT locks in major SYD1 contract and reaffirms guidance

| Laura Stewart

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT secures a major 71MW contract at SYD1 and updates investors on its growth and earnings outlook.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

GQG Partners declares Q3 2026 dividend for shareholders

| Laura Stewart

GQG Partners declared its third-quarter 2026 dividend, paying out 90% of distributable earnings to shareholders.

Read more »

A man in a four wheel drive vehicle lifts an arm and gives a thumbs up in the air as he traverses rugged mountain style terrain with a green valley and rocky hills in the background.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

ARB posts profit and sales drop but holds dividend steady

| Laura Stewart

ARB reveals lower FY26 revenue and profit but keeps dividend steady, focusing on new store growth and international expansion.

Read more »

Colleagues checking out company's financial numbers on a laptop.
Financial Shares

Bank of Queensland earnings: FY26 profit up 88% as dividends stay steady

| Laura Stewart

Bank of Queensland reports a strong lift in FY26 statutory profit, steady dividends, and progresses on digital and capital initiatives.

Read more »

Two business partner colleagues discuss financial and company results.
Financial Shares

Netwealth reports record FUA and platform growth in September 2026 quarter

| Laura Stewart

Netwealth delivers growth in FUA, FUM, and platform innovation.

Read more »

Smiling oil worker in front of a pumpjack.
Energy Shares

Contact Energy: September 2026 monthly operating results

| Laura Stewart

Contact Energy’s latest monthly report shows higher sales and major renewable projects moving forward.

Read more »

CEO leading a board meeting.
Retail Shares

Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments: Which founder-led stock is the better buy in 2026?

| Laura Stewart

I dig into Harvey Norman vs Premier Investments shares to answer which founder-led retailer offers more bang for your buck…

Read more »

Man reading his emails on a laptop while relaxing on a beach.
Dividend Investing

WAM Leaders vs Growthpoint Properties: Which 7%+ yield stock looks better for passive income?

| Laura Stewart

Chasing passive income? Here’s which high-yield stock I think looks better.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Materials Shares

Orora FY26 earnings: Cans strong, Glass under pressure

| Laura Stewart

Orora's FY26 results show strength in Cans but ongoing challenges for Glass, including a substantial non-cash impairment.

Read more »

Three people at a building site discussing a plan whilst eating.
Materials Shares

Fletcher Building posts higher volumes in Q1 FY27, residential lags

| Laura Stewart

Fletcher Building posted Q1 FY27 sales volume growth in several key business units, though residential activity stayed challenging.

Read more »

Work colleagues discussing finance charts and graphs on a laptop computer and tablet in their office.
Financial Shares

Insurance Australia Group updates on RAC alliance and ACCC review

| Laura Stewart

Insurance Australia Group updates investors on its RAC alliance, financial benefits, and new ACCC commitments for the WA market.

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Energy Shares

Paladin Energy: Q1 FY2027 uranium output and outlook

| Laura Stewart

Paladin Energy’s uranium output dipped in Q1 FY2027, but the firm maintained guidance and highlighted progress in Canada.

Read more »

A man smiles as he holds bank notes in front of a laptop.
Blue Chip Shares

Westpac vs BHP: Which ASX giant is the better buy right now?

| Laura Stewart

Weighing up Westpac vs BHP for your next $10,000? I break down their dividends, value, and performance – and pick…

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Resources Shares

Evolution Mining lifts cash flow and holds full year guidance in September quarter

| Laura Stewart

Evolution Mining maintained full year guidance and delivered strong cash flow in the September 2026 quarter.

Read more »

Two miners laughing and having fun while using smart phone during their coffee break.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto provides Q3 2026 production update

| Laura Stewart

Rio Tinto announced robust Q3 2026 production led by copper and iron ore growth with stable outlook.

Read more »

Piles of increasing coins alongside an hourglass.
Growth Shares

Zip vs WiseTech: Which is the superior ASX growth stock today?

| Laura Stewart

We dive into Zip vs WiseTech to see which ASX tech share looks better placed for strong growth from here.

Read more »

Hand pressing on digital screen with REIT related images.
REITs

Scentre Group vs GPT Group: Which ASX REIT is more likely to beat the market?

| Laura Stewart

Scentre and GPT are both major ASX REITs, but I think GPT offers an edge for investors seeking outperformance.

Read more »

Gold nugget in a miner's hand amid black rocks.
Resources Shares

Evolution Mining vs Northern Star Resources: Which gold stock is better for a $1,000 investment?

| Laura Stewart

Evolution Mining and Northern Star Resources go head-to-head — see which gold stock I’d back with $1,000 today.

Read more »

REIT and real estate investment trust written on a notebook with a pen, paper house, and calculator around it.
REITs

Arena REIT provides Edge Early Learning update

| Laura Stewart

Arena REIT is still receiving rent on its Edge Early Learning centres as sales and lease transitions progress.

Read more »

A happy young boy in a wheelchair holds his arms outstretched as another boy pushed him.
Resources Shares

Capricorn Metals vs PDI Gold: Which high-flying ASX gold stock has more upside left?

| Laura Stewart

Capricorn Metals and PDI Gold are booming gold stocks, but which has more room to run after surging more than…

Read more »

The hands of three people are cupped around soil holding three small seedling plants that are grouped together in the centre of the shot with the arms of the people extending into the edges of the picture representing ASX growth shares and it being a good time to buy for future gains
Growth Shares

Droneshield vs Pro Medicus: Which is the better ASX growth stock right now?

| Laura Stewart

Pro Medicus and Droneshield are both popular ASX growth shares, but only one stands out for quality and momentum right…

Read more »

Woman using her laptop with her feet up.
Blue Chip Shares

CBA vs Soul Patts: Which ASX share wins in 2026?

| Laura Stewart

Weighing up ASX giants Commonwealth Bank and Soul Patts on valuation, yield, and recent growth—here's which one I'd buy if…

Read more »

Green arrow with green stock prices symbolising a rising share price.
Resources Shares

Benz Mining Corp vs EQ Resources: Both up more than 500% in 5 years, which is more likely to keep climbing?

| Laura Stewart

Both ASX All Ords miners have delivered outstanding returns. But which is more likely to keep the rally going?

Read more »

A mining worker clenches his fists celebrating success at sunset in the mine.
Resources Shares

Fortescue vs Rio Tinto: Which ASX mining giant is the better buy today?

| Laura Stewart

Fortescue vs Rio Tinto: See how the mining giants compare on yield, valuation, and recent share price momentum.

Read more »

A group of seven young people of different genders and cultural backgrounds stand in a group with serious expressions wearing casual young persons' attire.
Technology Shares

Nextdc vs WiseTech: Which ASX tech stock is better for a 25 year old investor?

| Laura Stewart

Weighing Nextdc vs WiseTech Global for a young investor? Here’s which ASX tech stock I think deserves the spot in…

Read more »

Man and woman sitting at table with the man looking a bit puzzled at his laptop.
Value Investing

Tuas vs Temple & Webster: Which beaten-down ASX share offers better value?

| Laura Stewart

Both ASX shares have crashed more than 65% in a year. So which is the better pick for value investors?

Read more »

A group of young people lined up on a wall are happy looking at their laptops and devices as they invest in the latest trendy stock.
IPOs

The real winners of the Firmus fiasco

| Laura Stewart

Often plagued by the winner's curse, this group of investors has come out on top this time around.

Read more »

Couple looking ahead with laptop open at a table.
Real Estate Shares

Summerset Group Q3 FY26 earnings: Sales up 10% on strong resales

| Laura Stewart

Total sales were up 10%, and resales growth outpaced last year.

Read more »

A woman sits in front of a computer and does some calculations.
Financial Shares

GQG Partners posts FUM of US$149.2bn in September 2026

| Laura Stewart

GQG Partners posts US$149.2 billion in funds under management, balancing outflows with investment gains in September 2026.

Read more »

Smiling man points to graph comparing different companies.
Dividend Investing

CBA vs AMP: Which is better for a 40-year-old investor seeking passive income?

| Laura Stewart

Comparing CBA and AMP shares for passive income: dividend yields, franking, and 2026 performance for Aussie investors.

Read more »

Hand sketching investment growth concept chart with chalk on blackboard.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Temple & Webster vs Harvey Norman: Which beaten-down ASX retailer offers better value?

| Laura Stewart

Temple & Webster vs Harvey Norman—here's which value investors might want to back after a tough year for retail shares.

Read more »

A young woman looks happily at her phone in one hand with a selection of retail shopping bags in her other hand.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Woolworths vs JB Hi-Fi: Which ASX shares to buy now?

| Laura Stewart

Which is the better buy right now: Woolworths’ steady staples or JB Hi-Fi’s value and yield? Here’s my verdict for…

Read more »

Side view of a happy senior woman smiling while drawing as a recreational activity or therapy outdoors together with the group of retired women.
Retirement

CBA vs Coles shares: Which is the better buy at age 50?

| Laura Stewart

CBA and Coles are Aussie blue chips, but which is better if you’re investing a large sum at 50? Here’s…

Read more »

A group of seven young people of different genders and cultural backgrounds stand in a group with serious expressions wearing casual young persons' attire.
Technology Shares

Xero vs Megaport: Which ASX tech stock suits young investors better?

| Laura Stewart

I break down Xero vs Megaport shares for young investors — with a clear verdict on which tech stock I’d…

Read more »

A young farnmer raise his arms to the sky as he stands in a lush field of wheat or farmland.
Growth Shares

PLS Group vs Zip: Which ASX share could be a 10-bagger?

| Laura Stewart

Which of PLS Group and Zip is better positioned to deliver truly explosive long-term returns? Here’s my candid take for…

Read more »

Two colleagues looking at a graph and comparing share prices.
Healthcare Shares

Telix vs Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals: Which ASX healthcare share deserves your next $1,000 of investment capital?

| Laura Stewart

We compare Telix and Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals on valuation, dividends, and momentum—which ASX healthcare stock looks more compelling now?

Read more »