It seems the weekend wasn't enough to bring some optimism to investors' minds, with the ASX 200 opening sharply lower this morning and staying in red territory all day. By the time trading wrapped up, the index had lost 0.46% and finished at 9,073.2 points.

This cold-water start to the week's trading for the Australian markets comes after a similarly gloomy end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) wasn't getting any Friday cheer, dropping 0.2%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared slightly worse, falling 0.28%.

But let's return to this week and our local markets now and dig a little deeper into how today's pessimism spilled over into the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's drop, we had a handful of sectors that managed to come out ahead.

But first, it was consumer discretionary stocks that bore the brunt of the selling. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) was smashed this session, plunging a flat 3%.

Financial shares were hit hard too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) cratering 1.76%.

We could say something similar for real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) saw its value tank by 1.04% this Monday.

Healthcare stocks weren't much better, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 0.85% dive.

Utilities shares weren't exempt from investors' bad mood. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) saw its total cut by 0.65%.

Nor were tech stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) sinking 0.54%.

Industrial shares were also dragged lower. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended the day 0.31% behind where it started.

Our last losers this Monday were consumer staples stocks, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.24% dip.

Turning to the more exciting sectors now, it was gold shares that were at the front of the pack. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) enjoyed a 3.77% surge today.

Broader mining stocks ran hot too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) shooting 1.76% higher.

Energy shares continued the commodities theme for the winners. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was lifted 0.93% by investors this Monday.

Finally, communications stocks got out unscathed, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.2% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Taking out the top spot this Monday was biotech company Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB). Mesoblast shares exploded 10.86% higher today to close at $2.45 each.

This came after the company released some big news regarding one of its drug trials.

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.

This rather woeful Wednesday for the local markets followed a similarly downbeat night up on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in a foul mood, dropping 0.34%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more cross, falling 0.6%.

But let's get back to the Australian boards now and dive a little deeper into how the various ASX sectors handled this hump day's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

There were only a few sectors that escaped today's session intact.

But first, it was real estate investment trusts (REITs) that bore the brunt of investors' displeasure. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) took a 1.02% plunge this Wednesday.

Consumer discretionary stocks were on the nose as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) tanking 0.81%.

We could say the same for communications shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) cratered 0.79%.

Consumer staples stocks were in that ballpark as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.76% dive.

Next came industrial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sank 0.67% this session.

Financial shares didn't get a break either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) tumbling 0.59%.

Energy stocks weren't riding to the rescue. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) dipped down 0.42% today.

Nor were mining shares, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.19% slide.

Our last losers were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was sent down 0.09% this Wednesday.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were utilities shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) galloping 2.54% higher.

Gold stocks were a safe haven too. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) jumped 0.3% today.

Finally, tech shares held up well, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.16% advance.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) was our winner this Wednesday. Codan shares enjoyed a big surge in demand today, shooting 9.3% higher to $44.54 a share by close.

There wasn't any price-sensitive news out from the company today, although perhaps investors got some inspiration from a presentation released this morning.

Here's how the other winners 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.

This happy Tuesday session for ASX investors came despite a more downbeat start to the American trading week on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was volatile but ended up closing down 0.11%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did a little bit worse, dropping 0.32%.

But let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors fared amid today's sunny market conditions.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's rise, there were a few sectors that still went backwards.

Leading those losers were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was hit hard today, plunging 1.46%.

Tech shares were punished as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) diving 0.83%.

Industrial stocks weren't much better. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) ended up sinking 0.75% this Tuesday.

Financial shares followed industrials, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.35% dip.

Communications stocks had a day to forget as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value slide 0.29% today.

Our last losers were real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) slipping 0.14% lower.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was energy shares that led the winners. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had soared a huge 3.91% by the close of trading.

Healthcare stocks also ran hot, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 2.15% surge.

Utilities shares were in demand, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumped 0.98% this Tuesday.

Then we had mining stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) adding 0.51% to its tally.

Gold shares kept up their recent run. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) advanced another 0.45% this session.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares didn't miss out, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.22% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our top stock this Tuesday, and by a mile, was shipbuilder Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB). Austal shares roared 17.45% higher today to finish at $4.51 each.

This big gain followed the company's latest earnings, which included a revelation that Austal has had some takeover interest.

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.

After some mid-morning jitters, investors regained their confidence in afternoon trading and pushed the index up decisively to a new record high. Yep, the ASX 200 clocked a new record of 9,230 points this afternoon before closing at 9,227.8 points, up 0.9% for the day, by market close.

This exuberant hump day on our local markets comes after an equally excited night on the American bourse.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had another breakout session, gaining 1.71%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even giddier, rising a massive 2.59%.

But let's return to ASX shares now and examine how today's jubilation on the markets cascaded down into the different ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Despite today's new records, there were still some sectors that weren't invited to the party.

The most conspicuous of those were energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was left out in the cold today, crashing 2.22% lower.

Utilities stocks weren't popular either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) plunging 1.62%.

Communications shares missed out as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) took a 0.59% dive this session.

Financial stocks missed out too, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.44% slide.

Our last losers this Wednesday were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) ended up slipping 0.31%.

Let's turn to the winners now. Gold stocks shone the brightest, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) exploding 6.42% higher.

Broader mining shares weren't forgotten. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soared up 3.56% today.

Tech stocks had a day to remember as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 2.51% spike.

Healthcare shares showed off their vitality, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) surged up 1.7%.

Industrial stocks didn't miss out either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) leaping 1.01%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) got an invite to the ASX party. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) galloped 0.79% higher this hump day.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares found plenty of buyers, as you can tell from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.74% lift.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Healthcare stock Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) was our best performer out of a long line of hefty winners this Wednesday. Neuren shares rocketed a whopping 16.28% higher today to finish at $21.64 each.

This came after the company released some pleasing quarterly numbers.

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.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline stock closed yesterday trading for $10.29. During the Wednesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $10.54 apiece, up 2.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.3% at this same time.

Following a strong rebound commencing in late May, Qantas shares have now recovered almost all of the 23.5% losses suffered in the first month following the outbreak of the Iran war on 28 February.

Those losses were partly driven by concerns that the conflict could crimp international travel demand. Surging oil prices also saw investors reach for their sell buttons, with higher jet fuel costs expected to take a bite out of the airline's profits and upcoming dividends.

Looking ahead, MPC Markets' Mark Gardner believes the recent rebound in the ASX 200 airline makes now an opportune time to sell (courtesy of The Bull).

Here's why.

Time to sell Qantas shares?

"The airline giant is exposed to volatile jet fuel prices in response to the Middle East conflict," Gardner said.

He noted:

Although QAN hedged about 90% of its exposure to crude oil prices in the second half of 2026, it was exposed to movements in jet refining margins. Qantas announced in April that jet refining margins had increased from US$20 a barrel in February to a peak of around US$120 a barrel.

On 14 April, amid the surging oil prices that followed the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, Qantas increased its second-half jet fuel cost guidance to between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion. That's potentially $800 million more than the airline had reported six weeks earlier, shortly before the outbreak of hostilities.

Summarising his sell recommendation on Qantas shares, Gardner concluded, "The company announced capacity adjustments and fare increases to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict. Higher fares may impact demand. We would be inclined to sell into strength."

Consider this ASX 200 defence stock instead

While Gardner is bearish on the medium-term outlook for Qantas shares, he issued a buy recommendation for remote weapon systems developer Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS).

Up 2.% today at $7.71 a share, shares in the ASX 200 defence stock have surged 81.9% in 12 months. Though shares remain down 37.4% since notching a record closing high on 2 June.

According to Gardner, that pullback represents a buying opportunity today.

Gardner said:

This counter drone and laser weapons group had an order book of $846 million at June 30, 2026, an 84% increase since December 31, 2025. In May, it completed the acquisition of the MARSS Group, a provider of artificial intelligence enabled command and control systems for counter drone capability.

The company upgraded full year 2026 revenue guidance to between $280 million and $300 million, excluding MARRS.

The stock has fallen significantly between June 2 and July 30 to the point it has been materially over-sold, in our view. Investors can consider buying EOS on weakness.

The post Sell alert! Why this expert is ditching Qantas shares for this ASX 200 defence stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That leaves the index at 9,145.8 points, its highest level since late February.

This delightful day on the Australian markets followed a euphoric start to the American trading week, up on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire, banking a 1.32% rise.

Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) climbed even higher, gaining a happy 2.13%.

But let's get back to our local markets now and take stock of how today's optimism filtered down across the various ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Today's gains were almost evenly distributed, with only one corner of the market missing out.

That unlucky sector was utilities stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) was left out in the cold, tumbling 0.42%.

But it was all gravy everywhere else.

Leading the winners were tech shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) rocketing 3.93%.

Healthcare stocks ran hot as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) recorded a 2.36% surge in value this Tuesday.

Financial shares were also in high demand, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 1.93% pole vault.

Gold stocks didn't miss out. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared 1.88% higher today.

Nor did communications shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) galloping up 1.63%.

Next came real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) saw a 1.39% spike this session.

Mining stocks overcame an early dip to finish comfortably higher, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 1.08% lift.

Industrial shares joined the party, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) finished the day 1.04% higher.

Energy stocks were at the party as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) adding 0.74% to its total.

Consumer discretionary shares managed to stay on investors' good side. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) advanced 0.21% this Tuesday.

Finally, we can say something similar for its consumer staples counterpart, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.15% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Defence stock DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) was our winner this Tuesday, beating out some stiff competition. DroneShield shares exploded 14.6% higher today, closing at $2.08 each.

This may have been a rebound move following the company's exceedingly rough July.

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.

Let's check out 3 shares with new ratings from the experts (courtesy The Bull). 

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price is $7.26, up 4.6% today and up 146% over 12 months. 

Mark Gardner from MPC Markets has a buy rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

Gardner explained: 

This counter drone and laser weapons group had an order book of $846 million at June 30, 2026, an 84 per cent increase since December 31, 2025.

In May, it completed the acquisition of the MARSS Group, a provider of artificial intelligence enabled command and control systems for counter drone capability.

The company upgraded full year 2026 revenue guidance to between $280 million and $300 million, excluding MARRS.

The stock has fallen significantly between June 2 and July 30 to the point it has been materially over-sold, in our view.

Investors can consider buying EOS on weakness.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is $73.53, up 3.1% today and down 58% over 12 months. 

Gardner has a hold rating on this ASX 200 tech share, and commented:  

Xero is a quality accounting software provider. The shares have plunged in the past 12 months, partly in response to investor concerns about artificial intelligence replacing some of its services.

The company has a credible product road map to meet the challenge, such as JAX-powered bank reconciliation and an integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot. The company recently surpassed 5 million subscribers.

Investors can hold, but should monitor the news flow.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)

The Ramsay Health Care share price is $43.67, down 0.5% today and up 16% over 12 months. 

Dylan Evans from Catapult Wealth has a sell rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share. 

Evans said: 

Ramsay owns and manages private hospitals in Australia, the UK and Europe.

The company benefits from an ageing population driving spending on health care. But cost of living and inflationary pressures contribute to higher labour costs for RHC. Also, stretched government budgets put pressure on health care spending.

Consequently, margins may be pressured over time as governments offer lower contributions and less than inflation levels of indexation.

The shares have risen from $34.59 on January 2 to trade at $44.04 on July 30.

Investors may want to consider cashing in some gains.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Ramsay Healthcare, Xero, Electro Optic Systems shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Despite a negative start this morning, the index broke into positive territory in afternoon trading and ended up closing 0.47% higher. That leaves the index back over 9,000 points at 9,019.3.

This happy start to the Australian trading week came after a similarly upbeat end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) overcame some early jitters to record a 0.53% rise.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more upbeat, gaining a solid 1%.

But let's return to this week and our local share market now, and dig deeper into what was happening across the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

Today's good mood was almost universal, with only two sectors missing out on a rise.

The first, and worst, of those red sectors was energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) had a tough one, slumping 1.19%.

The other unlucky corner of the markets was communications stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) slipping 0.01%.

Let's get to the green sectors now. Leading the winners were utilities shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) was on fire, zooming up 2.1%.

Industrial stocks ran hot too, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 1.36% surge.

Consumer discretionary shares didn't miss out either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soared up 1.1% today.

Its consumer staples counterpart was in the same ballpark, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) spiking 1.03%.

Healthcare shares almost matched that gain. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) galloped up 102% this Monday.

Next came tech stocks, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.8% jump.

Gold shares snatched a win too. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) added 0.7% to its total this session.

Financial stocks were also popular, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) leaping 0.41%.

We could say the same for mining shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw a 0.3% improvement.

Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) squeaked in over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.04% uptick.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Healthcare stock 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) once again topped the index this Monday. 4DMedical shares roared another 9.09% higher to hit $3.96 each by the closing bell. This seems to be a continuation of the momentum we saw last week following the company's quarterly activity report.

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.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) is up around 126% over twelve months, against a gain of roughly 1% for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) climbed from under a dollar to $6.70 at its peak.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) more than doubled through 2025.

Yet two of those three have since halved, which begs the question: Is it too late to buy ASX defence shares?

Why ASX defence shares ran so hard

Global military spending has climbed sharply, drone warfare has become a defining feature of modern conflict, and AUKUS commits Australia to decades of naval investment.

Order books reveal much more about companies than their share prices do.

EOS reported a record order book of $846 million at 30 June, up 84% from $459 million at the end of 2025.

On the other hand, Austal's order book sits above $17 billion following the $4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract signed in February.

Recent earnings and trading updates

DroneShield gave the market fresh numbers on 28 July, albeit not a full earnings release. First-half 2026 revenue is expected at $125.8 million, up 74% on the prior corresponding period. Committed FY 2026 revenue reached $206 million, already 95% of everything the company billed across all of 2025.

Management guided full-year revenue to between $250 million and $270 million.

Recurring revenue reached $14.2 million, or 11.3% of first-half revenue. Gross margin, however, came in around 60%, below the 65% recorded a year earlier.

The half-year result is due on 26 August.

EOS, for its part, lifted its FY26 base business revenue guidance to between $280 million and $300 million. Available cash stood at $256 million, with a further $30 million in undrawn debt facilities.

Notably, that guidance excludes any contribution from MARSS, the European command-and-control business acquired in May.

Austal is the outlier of the group.

The shipbuilder cut FY26 EBIT guidance to approximately $110 million after discovering an overstatement tied to incentives within its US operations. Half-year revenue still rose around 34% to approximately $1.1 billion.

The case against chasing ASX defence shares

Share prices have moved in the opposite direction to those order books.

DroneShield traded near $1.92 in late July, roughly 66% below its 52-week high.

Austal fell to a 52-week low of $3.33, against a 52-week high of $8.82.

Both moves reflect something other than a demand problem.

DroneShield disclosed an ASIC investigation in May and has worked through a leadership transition, whereas Austal's accounting error revived long-standing questions about margin recognition on complex fixed-price defence contracts.

It seems that governance is doing most of the damage.

There is a valuation issue as well.

Defence contracts are lumpy, back-loaded, and dependent on government procurement cycles. As such, revenue can look spectacular one half and flat the next.

Paying a high multiple for that pattern of earnings requires real conviction, particularly when a single delayed contract can turn a strong half into a weak one.

Foolish Takeaway

The theme behind ASX defence shares has not broken. If anything, the order books are stronger now than they were when these stocks traded at their highs.

What has changed is investor trust in execution and disclosure.

That is a fixable problem, but it gets fixed slowly and only through results that are actually delivered.

The August reporting period gives all three companies a chance to do exactly that.

The post ASX defence shares have been the trade of the decade. Is it too late to join the party? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Well, to narrow things down, let's see what experts are tipping as buys this week, courtesy of The Bull.

Here's what they are recommending:

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The team at MPC Markets is bullish on this defence and space company and has named it as a buy.

MPC Markets has been pleased with EOS' performance this year and believes recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. It said:

This counter drone and laser weapons group had an order book of $846 million at June 30, 2026, an 84 per cent increase since December 31, 2025. In May, it completed the acquisition of the MARSS Group, a provider of artificial intelligence enabled command and control systems for counter drone capability. 

The company upgraded full year 2026 revenue guidance to between $280 million and $300 million, excluding MARSS. The stock has fallen significantly between June 2 and July 30 to the point it has been materially over-sold, in our view. Investors can consider buying EOS on weakness.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Over at Catapult Wealth, its analysts have named investment bank Macquarie as a buy this week.

The wealth management company believes Macquarie shares are a good alternative to the big four banks in the current environment. It explains:

Growth potential for the big four banks is likely to come under pressure from moderating house prices and investment loan demand. We see MQG as a compelling alternative in this environment due to Macquarie's more varied business mix. 

Macquarie offers a global range of services that includes investment banking and asset management, which should enable it to offer solid growth even in a slowing retail banking environment. Macquarie's commodity and markets business can also benefit from market volatility, a useful trait in what is likely to be an uncertain period given the conflict in Iran.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

MPC Markets is also bullish on Pro Medicus shares and has named them as a buy this week.

It thinks the market is undervaluing the health imaging technology company's growth, commenting:

The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and health care groups across the world. It was removed from S&P/ASX 50 and the S&P Global 1200 in June, which left index funds dumping stock whether the business deserved it or not in terms of performance. 

Reported half year net profit after tax of $171.2 million in the first half of 2026 was up 230.9 per cent on the prior corresponding period. The group keeps signing US hospital deals. Although the stock has bounced off its lows, we believe the market is still underpricing growth.

The post Experts name 3 ASX shares to buy this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, sentiment cooled off throughout the trading day, and the ASX 200 was lucky to finish ahead, eventually recording a rise of just 0.1%. That leaves the index at 8,976.8 points as we head into the weekend.

This lukewarm end to the Australian trading week followed a much more upbeat night up on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 1.19%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did much better again, gaining a euphoric 2.78%.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and take a closer look at what was happening within the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

We had plenty of both red and green sectors this Friday.

Leading the former were healthcare stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) was hit hard, slumping 1.85%.

Consumer staples shares provided no cover either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) cratering 1.26%.

Communications stocks were on the nose, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value dive 0.73% today.

Financial shares also fared poorly, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.37% dip.

Consumer discretionary stocks were looked over, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) sank 0.24% this session.

Industrial shares were our last losers today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sliding down 0.04%.

Turning to the green sectors now, it was gold stocks that, fittingly, got the medal. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared 1.62% higher by the end of trading.

Broader mining shares also ran hot, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 1.43% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were in demand as well. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) saw its value vault 0.69% higher.

Tech stocks enjoyed another positive day, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) lifting 0.56%.

Utilities shares were close behind. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) got a 0.54% bump.

Finally, energy stocks got over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.37% rise.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Our best share to close out this Friday was healthcare stock 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX). 4DMedical shares rocketed 13.08% today to close the week at $3.63 each. This significant jump came after the company released a quarterly activity report this morning.

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.

Brokers have indicated continuing confidence in several ASX 200 shares this week.

Let's take a look.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

The NAB share price is $41.47, up 0.7% today and up 8% over 12 months. 

UBS renewed its buy rating on the ASX 200 bank share with a 12-month price target of $50 today.

This suggests a potential 20% upside ahead.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price is $1.01, down 8.9% today and up 23% over 12 months. 

Morgans reiterated its buy rating on the ASX 200 mining share today.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $1.70 to $1.40.

This implies potential capital gains of almost 40% ahead.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price is $57.73, up 3.8% today and up 88% over 12 months. 

Mineral Resources was among the 5 best ASX 200 mining shares of FY26 for share price growth.

Bell Potter reaffirmed its buy rating on Mineral Resources shares today.

The broker cut its price target from $83 to $75, suggesting almost 30% upside ahead.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The Genesis Minerals share price is $5.65, down 5.7% today and up 48% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter renewed its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold share on Thursday.

The broker reduced its 12-month target from $9.75 to $9.20.

This implies a potential 65% lift over the next year.

Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The Droneshield share price is $1.81, up 0.8% today and down 43% over 12 months. 

Bell Potter renewed its buy rating on Droneshield shares with a $2.50 target this week.

This suggests a potential near-40% upside ahead.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price is $6.26, down 6% today and up 105% over 12 months. 

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its buy rating on the ASX 200 industrial share on Wednesday.

The broker adjusted its price target from $14 to $14.20.

This implies a potential 125% upside ahead.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

The Lynas Rare Earths share price is $13.83, down 1.9% today and up 29% over 12 months. 

Canaccord Genuity reiterated its buy rating yesterday with a price target of $21.

This implies potential capital gains of more than 50% ahead.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

The Domino's Pizza share price is $19.84, up 10% today and up 7% over 12 months. 

Dominos released an FY26 earnings update and balance sheet review yesterday.

The company said preliminary unaudited underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was expected to be between $118 million and $122 million, consistent with previous guidance.

UBS renewed its buy rating on the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $22 to $21.

This implies potential capital growth of 5% over the next year.

The post 8 ASX 200 shares with strengthened buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX 300 slightly underperformed the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) last financial year.

The ASX 200 increased by 2.77% and provided a total return of 7%, according to S&P Global data.

Nine ASX 300 shares delivered triple-or-more share price growth last financial year.

That means they went up by 200% or more.

Let's check them out.

Nine triple treats of FY26

1. Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL)

This ASX 300 mining share stunned investors with a 2,040% gain in FY26 to finish the year at $17.23.

Sunrise Energy Metals is developing scandium and nickel-cobalt projects in central-west NSW.

2. 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

This ASX 300 healthcare share skyrocketed 1,786% to close out the year at $4.53.

The respiratory imaging technology company received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for CT:VQ in FY26.

CT:VQ is a post‑processing technology that transforms routine chest CTs into far more detailed images and graphics.

3. Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

This ASX 300 gold share soared 508% to end FY26 at 73 cents per share. 

This mineral explorer is building the Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia.

4. Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

The Weebit Nano share price catapulted 414% higher over the year to $8.35 by 30 June.

Weebit develops advanced semiconductor memory technology.

5. Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

This ASX 300 lithium share rocketed 327% higher to finish at $9.60 on 30 June.

Elevra was formed through the merger of Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining companies.

6. Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) 

The Elsight share price soared 300% to finish FY26 at $7.10. 

Elsight's Halo product provides Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) connectivity for drones, UAVs, and other defence systems.

7. PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, this ASX 300 lithium share soared 275% to $5.02 apiece.

The company's flagship is the Pilgangoora Operation, the world's largest independent hard-rock lithium mine. 

8. Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price increased 261% to close FY26 at $10.30.

Electro Optic designs defence technology, advanced weapon systems, and counter-drone solutions.

9. Macmahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH) 

This ASX 300 materials share ripped 213% to finish the year at 96 cents apiece.

Macmahon is a contract mining and civil infrastructure company that provides services in Australia and Southeast Asia.

The post 9 ASX 300 shares that tripled in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Drones have reshaped modern conflict: detecting and defeating them has become a spending priority for governments worldwide.

Three ASX-listed companies are at the heart that supply chain, though their risk profiles could hardly be more different.

One is scaling rapidly with a record order book, another has momentum clouded by a regulatory investigation, and the third is a micro-cap that has just walked back its guidance.

ASX defence shares in focus: Electro Optic Systems

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) delivered a blockbuster update this week.

First half 2026 revenue came in at approximately $169 million, a 284% increase on the prior year. The company's order book reached a record $846 million at 30 June, up 84% from $459 million at the end of 2025. Available cash stood at $256 million, with a further $30 million in unused debt facilities.

Management upgraded FY26 base business revenue guidance to between $280 million and $300 million, and underlying EBITDA is expected to be positive for the first half. What is worth noting is that the upgraded guidance excludes any contribution from MARSS, the European command-and-control business acquired in May, with management expecting to update that outlook during August.

Recent wins include a roughly $175 million Slinger counter-drone order from a UAE customer.

To put things into context, EOS shares have risen 140% over 12 months, against a 1% gain for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

DroneShield

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) is the purest counter-drone exposure on the ASX.

In its latest results, first quarter 2026 revenue jumped 121% to $74.1 million. The company finished March with $222.8 million in cash and no debt.

Its sales pipeline now spans 312 projects worth roughly $2.2 billion, including one opportunity carrying a $730 million price tag.

The company's half year results are scheduled for 26 August.

However, not everything is smooth sailing for this stock. Governance is a key concern: ASIC is formally investigating the company's ASX announcements and share trading during November 2025.

Moreover, shareholders also delivered a first strike against the remuneration report at the annual general meeting, with more than half voting against it. This has the potential to trigger a board spill if repeated next year.

Ava Risk Group

Ava Risk Group Ltd (ASX: AVA) is the smallest and most speculative of the three.

What does the company actually do? Ava supplies fibre optic sensing and perimeter intrusion detection rather than counter-drone systems specifically.

That places the company adjacent to the counter-drone theme. Perhaps as a result, Ava has not been able to capture the same momentum as its counter-drone peers.

The company recently guided FY2026 revenue to approximately $29.0 million, below its previous range of $34 million to $37 million. Management attributed roughly $6.0 million of the shortfall to delayed rather than lost orders. Gross margins were maintained at 60% to 64%, and underlying EBITDA is expected to be modestly positive.

In positive news, the company also secured a place on the Department of Home Affairs Border Protection Technologies Panel, which opens access to a recurring pipeline of Commonwealth contracts.

The risks across these ASX defence shares

Defence revenue is lumpy by nature: orders slip and government budgets shift.

Ava's downgrade is a reminder of exactly that.

Valuations have also run hard across the sector, so investors looking to get fresh exposure to the sector will be paying a large price for these shares.

Foolish takeaway

The counter-drone thesis looks set to continue into the future.

Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have provided a durable long-term tailwind for these companies.

But ASX defence shares are not a homogeneous group.

EOS is delivering at scale, DroneShield has momentum shadowed by governance questions, and Ava is a micro-cap working through a downgrade.

Investors should recognise company-specific risks and weigh each stock on its own merits rather than buying the theme wholesale.

The post 3 ASX defence shares riding the counter-drone boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In response to the release of the defence and space company's quarterly update, its shares jumped over 8% to $7.45 on Monday.

While this means EOS shares are up 140% since this time last year, one leading broker doesn't believe it is too late to invest.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with the update and highlights that the company has upgraded its guidance for FY 2026. It said: 

Unaudited revenue for 1H26 was ~$169m (BPe $103m) with ongoing conflicts and regional tension supporting demand for EOS' products. EOS upgraded base business (excl. MARSS) CY26 revenue guidance range to $280-300m up from $240-270m (BPe $252m), which if secured, would represent a record revenue result for EOS. 

There was more good news, with EOS advising that it expects EBITDA to be positive for the first half. This compares to Bell Potter's previous estimate for an EBITDA loss of $9.9 million for the period. It commented:

The upgrade to the guidance, previously given in June 2026, was driven by detailed work to optimise plans for production/delivery, reassessed results to date and the current order book. EOS expects underlying EBITDA to be positive for 1H26, higher than our $9.9m forecasted loss for 1H26e.

Looking ahead, Bell Potter is feeling positive, highlighting that "the contract backlog as at June 2026 is $846m, a record level, supported by several large announced and small unannounced awards"

Buy EOS shares

According to the note, in response to the update, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on EOS shares with an improved price target of $12.60 (from $12.50).

Based on its current share price of $7.45, this implies potential upside of almost 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

We retain our Buy rating and raise TP to $12.60 on higher multiple. EOS is positioned as a market leader across many C-UAS verticals and is leveraged to increasing defence budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. Key catalysts over next 3-12 months: Large MARSS C2 Middle East signings and two large UAE HELW JV orders.

EBITDA changes: +84%/-4%/-7% in CY26/27/28e reflecting upgraded CY26 revenue in alignment with guidance and upwardly revised MARSS opex estimates.

The post Why Electro Optic Systems (EOS) shares could rise 70% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a tough session on Tuesday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 39 points or 0.45% lower. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.25%, but the S&P 500 is down 0.2% and the Nasdaq is 0.5% lower.

Buy EOS shares

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares could be good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, in response to the defence and space company's quarterly update, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $12.60 (from $12.50). It said: "We retain our Buy rating and raise TP to $12.60 on higher multiple. EOS is positioned as a market leader across many C-UAS verticals and is leveraged to increasing defence budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. Key catalysts over next 3-12 months: Large MARSS C2 Middle East signings and two large UAE HELW JV orders."

Oil prices sink

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could be under pressure today after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 7.3% to US$82.78 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 8.5% to US$88.58 a barrel. Traders were selling oil after the US and Iran paused fighting.

Gold price rises

It could be a decent session for ASX 200 gold shares Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) and Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.15% to US$4,076 an ounce. Falling oil prices have reduced US interest rate hike bets, which is good news for the precious metal.

Buy Santana Minerals shares

The team at Bell Potter continues to see significant value in Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI) shares. This morning, the broker has responded positively to the gold explorer's latest drilling update and has retained its speculative buy rating and $1.70 price target. It said: "The BOGP is one of the most advanced and highest margin greenfield gold projects on the ASX. Despite the technical progress, the share price has traded lower on perceived risk around the pending FTA Determination. In our view, the project is technically robust, designed to exacting standards and operating conditions that stand up to intense scrutiny."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After a shaky week that ended with a significant drop on Friday, investors came back from the weekend with some pep in their steps today. After staying comfortably in green territory all session, the ASX 200 ended up closing 1.39% higher. That leaves the index at a flat 8,894 points.

This happy start to the Australian trading week followed a mixed conclusion to the American week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) overcame some jitters to close 0.46% higher.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) went the other way, dropping down 0.64%.

But let's get back to this week and our local markets now and check out how today's gains filtered down into the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

Today's gains were almost universal, with only one sector missing out on a rise.

That unlucky sector (no prizes for guessing) was energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was abandoned, crashing 2.99% lower.

It was a veritable party everywhere else, though.

Leading the celebrations were tech stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) rocketing 4.52% today.

Close behind that were gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared up a happy 3.89%.

Broader mining stocks didn't miss out either, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 2.42% surge.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) roared up 1.68% this session.

Industrial stocks saw decent demand too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) galloping 1.53% higher.

Healthcare shares lived up to their name this Monday. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) jumped 1.44% by the closing bell.

Communications stocks were right behind that, as you can tell from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 1.41% leap.

Financial shares didn't miss out. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) advanced 1.19%.

Nor did consumer discretionary shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) increasing its value by 0.81%.

Its consumer staples counterpart held up. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) enjoyed a 0.68% lift today.

Finally, utilities shares staged a late recovery to get across the line, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 0.4% bounce.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's chart-topper was gold stock Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM). Capricorn shares had a blowout, exploding 15.13% higher to finish at $13.70 each. Most gold stocks did well, but Capricorn was boosted further by some pleasing market updates, which we examined here.

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.

What did Electro Optic Systems report?

• Revenue for the first half of 2026 was approximately $169 million, up 284% from 1H 2025.
• Order book at 30 June 2026 reached $846 million, up 84% from end-2025 and the highest in company history.
• Available cash stood at $256 million, with $286 million in available funding including unused debt facilities.
• Upgraded revenue guidance for the base business (excluding MARSS) to between $280 million and $300 million for FY26.
• Underlying EBITDA expected to be positive for 1H 2026.

What else do investors need to know?

During the quarter, EOS secured a series of large new orders, including a ~$175 million contract for its Slinger Counter-Drone Remote Weapon System and a ~$23 million deal for its Naval R400 RWS for new customers in the Middle East. The newly acquired MARSS business also contributed ~$188 million in new orders, including a significant country-wide drone mitigation contract.

EOS completed the acquisition of MARSS in May 2026, broadening its reach into AI-enabled command and control systems. The company moved the MARSS head office from Monaco to Nice, France, to align with the French defence ecosystem and be closer to key customers.

What did Electro Optic Systems management say?

Dr Andreas Schwer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

This has been a record period for EOS, with strong order growth reflecting global demand for our advanced defence technologies. We are seeing the benefits of our investments in manufacturing, and the MARSS acquisition provides us with new opportunities in AI-enabled systems.

What's next for Electro Optic Systems?

EOS has raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance for its core business to $280–$300 million, not yet including MARSS contributions. Management continues to review the outlook for the MARSS business and expects to provide an updated forecast during August 2026.

The company is focusing on delivering its record order book and integrating the MARSS operations. Targeted investments in long-lead inventory and expanded production are supporting shorter delivery times and a more robust global supply chain.

Electro Optic Systems share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Electro Optic Systems shares have risen 123%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Electro Optic Systems posts record revenue and orders in 1H 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That return was comprised of 2.77% capital growth and a 4.23% average dividend yield.

That's an improvement on last year's payout.

In FY25, dividends made up 3.84% of the total 13.81% return.

That was well below the long-term average of about 4.5%.

This last financial year, the market moved closer to the norm.

What pushed dividend yields higher last year?

The increase partly reflects higher earnings among resources companies due to rising commodity prices.

This contributed to an outstanding performance in the ASX 200 materials sector, which lead the 11 market sectors last year.

Materials stocks soared 47.48% and paid a healthy above-average dividend yield of 4.63%.

The energy sector paid an even higher dividend yield at 5.14% in FY26.

But neither paid the best dividend yield of the 11 market sectors.

That title belongs to a much more defensive segment.

Experts say capital gains tax (CGT) changes may prompt investors to seek better yield.

If that rings true for you, the following list will give you a general guide as to which sectors pay best.

Let's take a look at the dividend yields of each of the 11 market sectors in FY26.

Which ASX sectors delivered the best dividend yields?

The sectors are listed in order of highest dividend yield for FY26.

Utilities

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) last year was 11.87%.

Dividends made up 5.98% of that total return.

Energy infrastructure company APA Group (ASX: APA) was the sector's best performer for growth.

APA Group shares rose 24%, and are currently trading on a trailing dividend yield of 5.84%.

Energy

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) was 14.51%.

Dividends represented 5.14% of that return.

ASX 200 coal  producer New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) had the strongest share price growth at 44%.

New Hope Corporation shares have a trailing dividend yield of 4.78%.

Materials

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) was 52.11% in FY26. 

Dividends made up 4.63% of that return.

The best performer was gold explorer, Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6), which rocketed 508% in FY26.

Minerals 260 does not pay dividends.

The largest company in the materials sector is BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), which has a trailing yield of 3.47%.

Consumer Staples

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) was 13.72%. 

Dividends represented 3.63% of that return.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) was the top-performing consumer staples share, rising 29%.

Woolworths shares have a trailing yield of 2.24%.

Financials

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was 1.69%. 

The index lost 1.89% of its market cap last year, but dividends of 3.58% brought the sector into the green.

New Zealand-based infrastructure investment company, Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) was the fastest riser, lifting 29%.

Infratil shares have a trailing dividend yield of 1.22%.

Industrials

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was 5.24%.

Dividends made up 3.55% of that return.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares were the fastest risers, rocketing 261%.

Electro Optic Systems does not pay dividends.

The biggest company in the sector is Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), which has a trailing yield of 4.68%.

Real estate & REITs

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XPJ) was a negative 2.24%.

The index dropped 5.32% in FY26, but an average dividend yield of 3.08% mitigated the capital loss.

Property fund manager Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) outperformed with capital growth of 19%.

The ASX 200 real estate investment trust (REIT) has a trailing dividend yield of 2.3%.

Communications

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Communications Index (ASX: XTJ) was a negative 9.41%.

The sector lost 12.4% of its value, but an average dividend yield of 2.99% partially offset the loss.

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB) shares rose the most, lifting 26%.

Aussie Broadband has a trailing dividend yield of 1.03%.

Consumer discretionary

The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) produced a negative total return of 1.21%.

The index fell 3.56%, but an average dividend yield of 2.35% reduced the impact.

The Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) share price experienced the most growth, rising 22%.

Eagers Automotive shares have a trailing dividend yield of 3.43%.

Healthcare

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) was a negative 36.15%.

The healthcare index fell 37.4%, and an average dividend yield of 1.25% did little to buoy investors' spirits.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) was the outperformer, with its share price skyrocketing 1,786%.

4DMedical does not pay dividends.

The largest company in the sector is CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), which has a trailing dividend yield of 3.38%.

The healthcare sector is experiencing an extraordinary bounce back, with value investors returning just last month.

Since the pivot point on 3 June, the healthcare index has soared 23%.

Technology

The total return for the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was a negative 36.97%.

The index lost 37.22% of its value, and a tiny average dividend yield of 0.25% was barely noticeable to investors.

The Aussie tech sector is comprised predominately of younger growth companies, and not many pay dividends yet.

ASX 200 tech shares tanked in FY26, with only four shares experiencing capital growth.

The stand-out was Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) shares, which rocketed 119%.

Codan shares have a trailing dividend yield of 0.8%.

Technology is also on the rebound after bottoming out on 30 March.

The post Which ASX 200 sectors paid the highest dividend yields in FY26? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the EOS share price is down 2.42% to $9.67.

That takes its fall over the past month to almost 12%, leaving investors to wonder whether this is just a pause after a massive rally.

It is not as if the stock has gone cold completely. EOS shares are still up around 270% over the past year, although they are now only slightly higher in 2026 with a gain of about 2%.

With the company still winning defence contracts and brokers still seeing upside, this pullback is worth a closer look.

The big run is cooling off

The recent weakness looks more like the market taking a breather after the stock's big rally.

After climbing so far, some investors may be happy to take a profit while they wait for the next update.

The company has been supported by a series of contract wins, higher defence spending, and growing demand for counter-drone and remote weapon systems (RWS).

There has also been plenty for the market to take in.

Earlier this month, EOS announced new sales orders worth about $38 million. The larger one was for a US$16 million Naval 400 RWS, which will be supplied to a new customer in the Middle East.

MARSS, its command-and-control business, also received an 8-million-pound order for a new counter-drone command and training centre.

Before that, EOS announced a much larger US$124 million deal for its Slinger counter-drone RWS.

That deal came from Generation 5 Holding in the UAE and includes systems, cannons, spares, training, and other supplies.

Delivery is expected across 2027 and 2028, subject to customer and export approvals.

Brokers are still upbeat

The recent pullback hasn't stopped brokers from seeing more upside in EOS shares.

Bell Potter recently kept its buy rating on EOS and lifted its price target to $12.50. Based on the current share price of $9.67, that suggests potential upside of about 29%.

Ord Minnett is also backing the stock, recently lifting its target to $11.45. That points to a possible upside of about 18% from today's level.

The upbeat broker view seems to come down to the order book, counter-drone demand, and the laser weapon joint venture in the UAE.

That venture is focused on developing and manufacturing 100-kilowatt and 200 to 300-kilowatt laser weapon products.

Can EOS shares bounce back?

After a 12% pullback, I would not be writing this one off.

EOS shares have declined recently, but the stock hasn't lost the key things that drove the rally in the first place.

The company is still winning work, brokers are still positive, and the all-time high of $12.58 sits just above Bell Potter's $12.50 target.

If EOS lands another decent contract, I think the share price can have another crack at that high.

The post Down 12% in a month: Is the EOS share price ready to explode? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.