Your superannuation offers the opportunity to receive concessional tax treatment, and you get the chance to grow your balance through the power of compounding.

Once you retire and move into the pension phase, your super can also provide a regular stream of passive income.

But how much superannuation do you need to accumulate to generate a passive income high enough to live comfortably on? 

Here's a breakdown, using a target of $8,000 a month in passive income as an example.

How much do I need in my superannuation to get a $8,000 monthly passive income?

First you need to work out what $8,000 per month translates to over the year.

So, $8,000 x 12 = $96,000.

Then you'll need to divide your annual passive income ($96,000) by the dividend yield of your overall portfolio. 

For example, $96,000 ÷ 3% = $3.2 million (that's the superannuation portfolio size you'd need).

The trick is that the answer varies significantly depending on the dividend yield of your portfolio.

For example, a superannuation portfolio with a dividend yield of around 6% only needs to be around half the size of one with a dividend yield of around 3% to generate the same level of passive income.

Ok, so what balance do I need for a portfolio yielding 4%, 5% and 6%?

Say your overall portfolio has a slightly higher dividend yield of around 4%, you'll need a balance of around $2.4 million to earn the same $96,000 per year (equivalent to $8,000 per month) in passive income. That looks like: $96,000 ÷ 4% = $2.4 million.

Then, if the yield of your portfolio is around 5%, your superannuation balance would need to be closer to $1.9 million to earn the same dividend income.

For a 6% yielding portfolio, you'd need a balance of closer to $1.6 million to earn the same amount.

And so on…

Note that most ASX dividend shares pay dividends on a semi-annual or yearly basis. This means that while you could target the equivalent of $8,000 per month in passive income, you won't actually receive the money on a month-by-month basis, but instead in a lump sum.

What ASX shares can I buy that yield 3-6%?

There are a huge number of ASX dividend shares available for superannuation investment. 

Here are some of my favourites.

For ASX shares yielding around 3% I'd pick large-cap blue-chips like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

ASX shares yielding around 4% would be something like banking giants National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) or ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), or Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK).

For 5% yielding ASX shares, my picks would be Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL), TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) or Servcorp Ltd (ASX: SRV).

And then for 6% yielding options, I'd opt for something like Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), or Dexus (ASX: DXS).

The post How much superannuation is needed to target $8,000 per month in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Brokers have reduced their ratings on several ASX 200 shares this week.

Let's take a look at some of them.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is $88.88, down 1.9% today and up 5% over 12 months. 

Jefferies downgraded Wesfarmers shares to a hold rating after the conglomerate said it and joint-venture partner SQM would expand their Mt Holland lithium mine.

Wesfarmers said it expected to chip in between A$645 million and A$715 million in capex funded from existing cash and debt.

Jefferies analyst Michael Simotas said:

With significant uncertainty and volatility in lithium prices, it is unclear whether Wesfarmers will generate an acceptable return on its circa A$3 billion total project investment.

But the expansion plan carries less operating risk given it won't expand refinery capacity and the first concentrator has been successful.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $73, implying an 18% downside from here.

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is $9.74, down 3.6% today and up 19% over 12 months.

UBS downgraded the ASX 200 financial share to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker raised its price target slightly to $11.30.

This implies a potential 16% upside ahead.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

The Nick Scali share price is $16.14, down 1.3% today and down 16% over 12 months.

Ord Minnett downgraded the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share from hold to lighten.

The broker said:

In its dominant Australian market, changes to negative gearing and the taxation of capital gains in the May federal budget drove a slump in auction clearance rates and caused housing prices to stumble.

These factors point to reduced housing turnover, a key factor in discretionary purchases of goods such as furniture.

The broker lowered its target price on Nick Scali shares to $14 from $15.

This suggests a potential 13% downside over the next year.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is $70.92, up 0.6% today and down 61% over 12 months.

RBC Capital downgraded the market's biggest ASX 200 tech share to a hold rating on Monday.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $130 to $85.

This still implies a healthy potential 20% upside ahead.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is $1.75, down 0.6% today and down 8% over 12 months.

Morgans downgraded the ASX 200 energy share from a buy to a hold call this week.

The broker shaved its price target from $1.77 to $1.75, implying the stock is already fully valued.

Morgans said:

KAR's June quarter delivered what we argued for when we upgraded a month ago.

Bauna is repaired and running at ~22,000 bopd, the heavy intervention spend is sunk, and we have 2H26 swinging to ~US$100m of free cash flow, a ~US$220m turnaround on the first half.

The problem is the share price got there first. KAR has added 20% since we wrote on 29 June, closing almost all of the gap to our valuation, while the portfolio risk has migrated from Brazil to the Gulf of Mexico.

At a price of A$1.71, vs a A$1.75 target, we see the value opportunity as having largely closed.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $18.81, up 1% today and up 69% over 12 months.

JP Morgan downgraded the ASX 200 copper share to a hold rating this week.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $19.

This indicates a potential rise of only 1% over the next year. 

The post Downgrade alert! 6 ASX 200 shares marked down by experts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After remaining in green territory all day, the ASX ended up finishing 1.01% higher at 9,038.6 points. We haven't seen the index that high since late February.

This rather epic Wednesday for the Australian markets followed a mixed Tuesday for the US markets overnight.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) didn't hold back, rising 1.03%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did, though, dropping 0.22%.

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

Winners and losers

It was a uniform show of optimism on the ASX boards this Wednesday, with not one sector recording a loss.

The least enthusiastic corner of the markets was financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) crawled 0.19% higher this session.

Utilities shares were relatively muted as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) advancing 0.25%.

Then we had industrial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was up 0.48% this session.

Gold shares didn't miss out either, as you can see by the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)'s 0.59% bump.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were a little more enthusiastic. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) ended up lifting 0.75%.

Energy stocks did better again, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) shooting 0.92% higher.

Tech shares managed to hit the triple-digits. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) galloped up 1.08% this hump day.

It was a similar story with mining stocks, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 1.13% jump.

Communications stocks came after miners. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) added 1.5% to its total.

Consumer staples stocks really stepped on the gas though, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) vaulting 1.98% higher.

Its consumer discretionary counterpart did even better. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) soared up 2.37% today.

Finally, healthcare stocks topped the charts this Wednesday, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)'s 4.24% surge.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Retailer Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) was our top stock today. Lovisa shares roared 7.88% higher this hump day to close at $24.64 each.

This jump came despite no news or announcements from the company itself.

Here's how the top shares 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.

Among the 11 market sectors, energy is in the lead today, up 1.9%, while technology lags, down 2.6%.

Meanwhile, Ord Minnett has released new research notes on these three ASX 200 shares.

Let's see what the broker has to say.

Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD)

The Resmed share price is $27.33, down 0.8% today and down 33% over 12 months.

Ord Minnett kept its buy rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share.

In its new note, the broker said: 

ResMed (RMD) sold its MatrixCare unit, a supplier of software to manage post-operative out of hospital care for senior citizens, for US$400 million ($705 million) in cash, with net proceeds to be used to return capital to shareholders via an accelerated share buyback program.

Ord Minnett viewed the decision to offload MatrixCare, which is being bought by private equity group Frazier Healthcare Partners, as strategically sound given the business was complementary rather than core to its sleep apnoea and respiratory-focused residential care software (RCS) division.‍

ResMed also reiterated guidance for an FY26 gross operating margin of 62–63%, a selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses-to-sales ratio of 19–20%, and an R&D-to-sales ratio of 6–7%. 

Ord Minnett trimmed its 12-month share price target to $36.60, implying a potential near-35% upside from here.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

The Lendlease share price is $2.80, down 3% today and down 47% over 12 months.

Ord Minnett maintained a hold rating on the ASX 200 real estate share after reviewing its model ahead of Lendlease's FY26 results.

Lendlease is due to report its results on 17 August.

The broker raised its target price on Lendlease shares to $3.20 from $2.85, indicating a potential 14% upside from here.

Ord Minnett commented: 

We maintained our Hold recommendation despite the apparent upside on offer, given the uncertainty around further asset sales and business performance as the one-time blue-chip company reshapes its business.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

The Nick Scali share price is $15.33, up 0.1% today and down 17% over 12 months.

Ord Minnett downgraded the ASX 200 consumer discretionary share from hold to lighten after reviewing its model amid a "challenging outlook for the furniture retailer".

The broker said:

In its dominant Australian market, changes to negative gearing and the taxation of capital gains in the May federal budget drove a slump in auction clearance rates and caused housing prices to stumble. These factors point to reduced housing turnover, a key factor in discretionary purchases of goods such as furniture.

Meanwhile, the company, whose business is inextricably linked to the broader economic situation, also faces a slump in consumer sentiment, which has sunk to levels even lower than those seen in the COVID-19 pandemic, as constrained households juggle rising prices for everyday goods and services and higher interest rates that are unlikely to move lower until at least next year.

The broker reduced its target price on Nick Scali shares to $14 from $15, suggesting a potential 9% downside from here.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Nick Scali, Lendlease, Resmed shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to push on from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Wednesday following a solid night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 45 points higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose slightly, the S&P 500 climbed 0.4%, and the Nasdaq stormed 0.9% higher.

Oil prices climb again

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have another good day of trade on Wednesday after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.4% to US$80.02 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2.8% to US$85.62 a barrel. This was driven by news that the US has launched new strikes on Iran.

Buy Nick Scali shares 

Bell Potter continues to rate Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) shares as a buy. However, the broker has trimmed its price target from $25.00 to $22.00. This still implies potential upside of 40% and a dividend yield of 4%. It said: "With a cautiously optimistic view on the broader Consumer Discretionary sector and looking through to mid-term opportunities, we continue to favour category outperformers such as NCK and see lower risk on margins in manoeuvring revenue growth vs other retailers in our coverage. This sees us sitting ahead of median Consensus in FY27/28e (below in FY26e). We view NCK among the highest quality retailers in our coverage, with a stable market share in ANZ and UK offering sufficient growth levers."

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price rebounded overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.3% to US$4,058.1 an ounce. Traders were bidding gold higher after US inflation came in softer than expected.

Evolution Mining update

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares will be on watch on Wednesday when the gold miner releases its fourth-quarter update. When Evolution Mining released its last quarterly update, it revealed that it was on track for a strong result. It said: "On track to deliver FY26 gold production at lower than original cost guidance with March quarter production of 170koz gold and 11kt copper at an All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) of $2,220/oz."

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

It is one of Australia's largest furniture retailers competing within the middle to upper end of the Australian furniture market. It also has a growing global presence via its UK entry.

In general, it has been a tough year for consumer discretionary shares. Inflation and high interest rates have impacted consumer spending. 

This has been reflected in the performance of Nick Scali shares, which are down over 30% in 2026. 

However, a new report from Bell Potter has suggested Nick Scali shares may have been oversold, creating a buy-low opportunity. 

Strength into close of FY26 – cautious on FY27

In yesterday's report, Bell Potter said it expects Nick Scali to finish FY26 strongly.

Recent sales indicators have been positive, giving the broker confidence that the company's seasonally strong fourth quarter met expectations.

However, Bell Potter is more cautious about FY27 because consumer confidence is weak in both Australia and the UK, especially for big-ticket household purchases like furniture.

The broker expects challenging trading conditions over the next nine months and believes FY27 will be the low point in the retail cycle.

Even so, Bell Potter expects Nick Scali to perform better than the average retailer during this difficult period.

There are also some early signs that improving housing activity in Australia and better industry trends in the UK could support a gradual recovery.

Bell Potter has reduced its FY27 and FY28 earnings forecasts, mainly because it now expects slower sales growth in the UK than previously forecast.

While our FY26e estimates remain unchanged, we apply some conservatism to our forward estimates within our revenue assumptions for NCK's mid-market brand Plush in Australia and in the UK. Majority of our earnings changes are driven by revenue assumptions in the UK vs our previous assumptions for a sizable ramp-up in average store revenues.

Price target reduced but upside remains 

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has reduced its price target on Nick Scali shares to $22.00 (previously $25.00). 

It has retained its buy recommendation. 

Despite lowering its target, the broker still forecasts over 36% upside from current levels. 

With a cautiously optimistic view on the broader Consumer Discretionary sector and looking through to mid-term opportunities, we continue to favour category outperformers such as NCK and see lower risk on margins in manoeuvring revenue growth vs other retailers in our coverage. 

This sees us sitting ahead of median Consensus in FY27/28e (below in FY26e). We view NCK among the highest quality retailers in our coverage, with a stable market share in ANZ and UK offering sufficient growth levers.

The post Why Nick Scali shares are set for a 36% rebound: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I love buying dividend-paying shares when their valuations decline because we can get a lower price and a higher dividend yield.

For example, if a business has a dividend yield of 5% and then the share price falls 10%, the dividend yield becomes 5.5%. That's a noticeably better passive income return, just because we bought during a dip.

The Nick Scali share price is down 37% – investors can get a much better dividend yield now.

I think the ASX dividend stock is a great buy today for a few different reasons.

Opportunistic time to buy

It's understandable that retail shares go through volatility because of how economic conditions can change, affecting consumer spending and investor confidence.

Higher interest rates may well mean that demand for mid-range furniture declines during this period, but I don't think conditions will remain negative forever, which is why this could be a good time to invest opportunistically.

It's not often that the business falls by more than a third, but those large declines have proven to be good times to buy for the longer-term as the business grows.

The company's existing store network can see like-for-like sales grow in reasonable conditions, but the store network expansion is helping increase its underlying value as time goes by, even as the share price moves up and down.

Store expansion

As of December 2025, the business had 64 Nick Scali stores across Australia and New Zealand and 46 Plush stores in Australia.

The company says there's a long-term opportunity to reach 86 Nick Scali stores in Australia and New Zealand, as well as between 90 to 100 Plush stores across Australia and New Zealand. In other words, its overall ANZ network could grow from 110 to up to between 180 to 200 stores.

On top of that, the company recently expanded into the UK after acquiring Fabb Furniture. It's now rebranding those stores to Nick Scali. The UK has a much bigger population than Australia, so there's plenty of room for growth there too.

For now, the ASX dividend stock has around 20 stores in the UK and the business has a long-term opportunity of between 60 to 70 UK stores. With how the business is selling Nick Scali furniture to UK stores, the UK segment's gross profit margin is rapidly rising.

The UK business saw total January written sales of $6.7 million, with four refurbished stores achieving LFL store written sales growth of 32% compared to the prior corresponding period.

Better dividend yield

According to Commsec, for FY26, the business is projected to pay an annual dividend per share of 68.7 cents – that translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.1%, including franking credits.

The dividend is forecast to grow even further by FY28, with a possible annual payout of 76.9 cents per share. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.8%, including franking credits.

Overall, the future looks positive for dividend investors.

Cheaper valuation

It's clear that the ASX dividend stock is cheaper – it has dropped by more than a third. But what earnings multiple is it now trading at?

According to the forecast on Commsec, the Nick Scali share price is valued at 19x FY26's estimated earnings and 16x FY27's estimated earnings.

I think this is a great time to invest in the ASX dividend stock, though it's not the only ASX share that looks good value today.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 37% I'd buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This tough hump day for ASX investors followed a similarly bearish session on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) did start well, but quickly lost all momentum to finish down 0.25%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more decisive, dropping 1.16%.

But let's get back to the Australian bourse now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's loss, we still had a few corners of the market that managed to prosper today.

But first, it was again gold shares that copped it hardest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had another bruising session, cratering by 2.36%.

Communications stocks were hit hard as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) plunging 2.1%.

Mining shares were also on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) took a 2% dive this Wednesday.

Tech stocks were in the firing line too, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 1.87% tumble.

Industrial shares came next. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) saw its value cut by 0.52%.

Healthcare stocks were our last losers, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sliding down 0.32%.

Turning to the green sectors, it was energy shares that topped the tables. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) vaulted 3.25% higher this hump day.

Utilities stocks also had a day to remember, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)'s 1.22% spike.

Consumer staples shares proved to be a safe haven, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) surged up 1.04% this session.

Financial stocks attracted attention as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) leaping up 0.65%.

Next came real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) advanced 0.52% today.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares stayed out of trouble, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)'s 0.4% jump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

This Wednesday's winning stock was energy share Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR). Karoon shares roared 6.64% higher this session to finish at $1.45 each. There wasn't any news out from the company today, but most energy shares did very well.

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.

That's because it has picked out three Australian shares that it believes could be top buys right now.

What is the broker saying?

The good news is that Bell Potter believes the consumer cycle could be approaching its low point. It expects FY 2027 to be the bottom of the cycle for earnings across consumer shares. It said:

FY27 as a low point in the cycle. We expect challenging trading conditions over the next ~9 months and sit below Consensus earnings estimates for FY26e on average across our Consumer Discretionary coverage as we view FY27 as the cyclical low point for most retailers. We expect flat to nominal sales growth, gross margin pressures however somewhat offset by the AUD strength, and cost deleverage ahead.

Unfortunately, this means that conditions are likely to remain subdued in the immediate term. It adds:

We expect a relatively nominal midyear seasonal sale period in Australia given the prolonged discounting activity from May, however broadly similar depth of discounting by retailers vs last year. While trends may see some plateauing post the ongoing mid-year sale period, we view an overall improvement in discretionary spend weighing towards 2Q of FY27e.

Which ASX shares are buys?

Bell Potter has named JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH), Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI), and Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) shares among its top picks in the consumer sector.

Commenting on its preference, the broker said:

Selective preferences in the sector. We continue to favour our key preferences, JBH, UNI and NCK considering their market position, gross margin levers and balance sheet strength vs current valuation.

According to the note, the broker has a buy rating and $87.00 price target on JB Hi-Fi's shares. Based on its current share price of $83.60, this implies potential upside of 4% for investors. It also expects JB Hi-Fi to offer an attractive dividend yield, sweetening the deal further.

For Nick Scali shares, Bell Potter has a buy rating and $25.00 price target on them. Based on its current share price of $16.41, this implies potential upside of 52% for investors over the next 12 months.

Finally, Universal Store shares could have plenty of upside. The broker has put a buy rating and $9.30 price target on them. Based on its current share price of $7.74, this suggests that upside of 20% is on the cards.

The post Bell Potter names 3 Australian shares to buy 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 rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Tuesday following a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 10 points or 0.1% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.6%, the S&P 500 is up 1.15%, and the Nasdaq has stormed 2% higher.

Telstra shares rated as a hold

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are fully valued according to the team at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating and $5.10 price target on the telco giant's shares, which is a touch below its current share price. The broker isn't expecting any surprises in August, saying: "We expect little if any surprises at the upcoming result so the focus shifts to the FY27 guidance and outlook. We and the market continue to forecast mid to high single digit growth in the key metrics of underlying EBITDAaL, cash EBIT and EPS – consistent with the Connected Future 30 strategy – so, again, we see little prospect of surprise in the guidance."

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a decent session after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.9% to US$70.51 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.2% to US$72.85 a barrel. Traders were bidding oil higher despite easing US-Iran tensions. They may have doubts that peace talks will hold.

Gold price tumbles

It could be a tough session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.7% to US$4,026.1 an ounce. Concerns over rising inflation and potential interest rate hikes weighed on the precious metal.

Consumer shares to buy

Bell Potter has named the consumer shares to buy in a difficult operating environment. They are JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH), Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI), and Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK). Commenting on its picks, the broker said: "We continue to favour our key preferences, JBH, UNI and NCK considering their market position, gross margin levers and balance sheet strength vs current valuation."

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

One is a wine company trying to rebuild returns. One is a wagering and gaming business dealing with a regulatory cloud. The other is a furniture retailer with a long history of disciplined expansion.

That mix makes this interesting. These are not lookalike recommendations, with each buy call being driven by a different investment case.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates is one ASX share Morgans thinks investors should be buying.

The broker has a buy rating and a $5.95 price target on the wine giant. Based on the current share price of around $4.79, that suggests potential upside of around 24%.

Morgans believes Treasury Wine's recent Investor Day was the positive share price catalyst it had been expecting. The broker pointed to ongoing depletions growth and noted that the mid-point of FY26 EBITS guidance was slightly ahead of consensus estimates.

But the bigger part of the investment case appears to be what comes next.

Treasury Wine has been working through a transformation program called Ascent. Morgans believes this program can support sustainable, high-quality earnings growth and help deleverage the balance sheet over the medium to long term.

That is important because Treasury Wine has not always delivered the returns investors hoped for. The company owns premium brands, including Penfolds, but the share market has wanted clearer evidence that the business can convert those brands into more attractive financial outcomes.

Morgans has upgraded its FY27 and FY28 forecasts and says the stock is trading on low multiples. It also believes new management can deliver more acceptable returns over time.

I think that makes Treasury Wine an interesting recovery-style buy, provided investors are comfortable with the execution risk.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH)

Tabcorp is another ASX share Morgans recommends as a buy.

The broker recently upgraded the wagering company from accumulate to buy and placed a $1.07 price target on the stock. With Tabcorp shares trading around 87 cents, that implies potential upside of roughly 23%.

The backdrop is unusual. Morgans notes that Tabcorp's share price has fallen approximately 37% since AUSTRAC's investigation was announced earlier this month.

Regulatory investigations can hang over a stock for some time, and Morgans expects this one to remain an overhang for the foreseeable future. But at current levels, the broker believes Tabcorp looks materially undervalued.

Morgans argues that the roughly $960 million fall in market value is overly pessimistic and appears to reflect a very bearish scenario. The broker has taken a cautious approach by adding incremental operating costs linked to remediation in its base case, while noting that every 1% increase in compliance costs would reduce EBITDA by 1.6%.

The investment case here rests on valuation, current trading conditions, and the possibility that the market has reacted too harshly.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali is the third ASX share on Morgans' buy list.

The broker recently initiated coverage with a buy rating and a $17.84 price target. Based on the current share price of around $16.39, that suggests upside of around 9%.

Morgans describes Nick Scali as a high-quality retailer with a long track record. The broker highlights its history of long-term earnings per share growth through disciplined store rollout, like-for-like growth, strong margins, and operating leverage.

I think the business model is the appealing part here. Nick Scali has shown that furniture retailing can be highly profitable when the store network, product range, pricing, and cost base are managed well.

Morgans also points to strong cash generation and the company's balance sheet. It notes that the business benefits from structural negative working capital, high cash conversion, and relatively low capital intensity when opening new stores.

That leaves room for dividends, property purchases, and growth.

The broker also sees more store rollout optionality, including Plush and Nick Scali growth in Australia and New Zealand, as well as a UK opportunity.

Foolish takeaway

These three Morgans buy calls are interesting because they are not built around the same theme.

Treasury Wine is a recovery story, Tabcorp is a valuation call under a regulatory cloud, and Nick Scali is a quality retailer with rollout potential.

Each carries risk, and none should be treated as a simple bargain just because a broker is positive. But for investors looking across different parts of the ASX, I think these three shares are worth a closer look.

The post Morgans recommends these ASX shares as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you do, it could be worth considering the three shares listed below that Morgans rates as buys.

Here's why the broker is bullish on these names:

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

Morgans thinks this small business lender could be a top ASX share to buy.

In response to its capital relief securitisation transaction, the broker put a buy rating and $2.15 price target on its shares. It said:

JDO announced its second capital relief securitisation transaction backed by SME business loans. The transaction is significant as it shows JDO's ability to again source and its willingness to utilise capital relief securitisations to support its CET1 capital ratio without the need for equity raisings. Target price of $2.15 per share, with strong double digit earnings growth forecast across FY26-28F. BUY retained, with potential TSR at current prices of c.38% (driven entirely by capital growth).

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Another ASX share that Morgans is bullish on is furniture retailer Nick Scali. It recently initiated coverage on its shares with a buy rating and $17.84 price target.

Morgans likes Nick Scali due to its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook. It said:

We initiate with a BUY and $17.84 PT on Nick Scali. We use an FY28 PER and DCF when setting our price target as we opt to look through near-term consumer weakness, with the current price providing an attractive entry point. High-quality retailer with a long track record. Nick Scali has delivered long-term EPS growth through disciplined store rollout, LFL growth, best-in-class margins, and operating leverage. Strong cash generation and balance sheet.

Structural negative working capital supports high cash conversion, while the low capital intensity of new store rollouts leaves ample cash flow for dividends and property purchases and/or growth ventures. Store rollout optionality. Further Plush and Nick Scali rollout in ANZ and the Nick Scali rollout opportunity in the UK provide an attractive growth leg.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

A third ASX share that Morgans is positive on is travel technology company Web Travel. It recently upgraded the WebBeds owner's shares to a buy rating with a $3.75 price target.

It was pleased with its FY 2026 results and believes the market is seriously undervaluing its shares. It explains:

Given the Middle East conflict affected trading in March, WEB's FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance, albeit better than consensus, proving its resilience. Unsurprisingly, WEB's FY27 update showed that trading has slowed materially given the conflict. Adverse FX has been another headwind. Given the uncertainty, WEB did not provide any formal FY27 earnings guidance. We have made significant downgrades to our forecasts. We assume that the conflict and a subdued consumer environment impacts WEB's 1H27 (seasonally stronger half), followed by a recovery in the 2H27.

After material share price weakness, we upgrade WEB to a BUY rating. The company is worth materially more than the current share price. We know from past economic and geopolitical events, that after a downturn, travel demand rebounds and so will its earnings and share price.

The post Broker names 3 ASX shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, then take a look at the two listed below that brokers rate as buys.

Here's what they are expecting from them in the near term:

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Bell Potter thinks retail giant Harvey Norman could be an ASX dividend share to buy.

It likes the company due partly to its attractive valuation, international expansion, and real estate portfolio. It explains:

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN's well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN's 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia's single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

Bell Potter expects fully franked dividends of 29.8 cents per share in FY 2026 and 33.5 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.79, this equates to dividend yields of 6.2% and 7%, respectively.

The broker has a buy rating and $6.70 price target on its shares.

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Another ASX dividend share that brokers are bullish on is furniture retailer Nick Scali.

The broker is bullish due to its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook. The latter is being driven partly by its UK store rollout. It said:

We use an FY28 PER and DCF when setting our price target as we opt to look through near-term consumer weakness, with the current price providing an attractive entry point. High-quality retailer with a long track record. Nick Scali has delivered long-term EPS growth through disciplined store rollout, LFL growth, best-in-class margins, and operating leverage.

Strong cash generation and balance sheet. Structural negative working capital supports high cash conversion, while the low capital intensity of new store rollouts leaves ample cash flow for dividends and property purchases and/or growth ventures. Store rollout optionality. Further Plush and Nick Scali rollout in ANZ and the Nick Scali rollout opportunity in the UK provide an attractive growth leg.

Morgans is forecasting fully franked dividends of 71 cents per share in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $15.46, this would mean dividend yields of 4.6%.

The broker put a buy rating and $17.84 price target on its shares last week.

The post Brokers name 2 ASX dividend shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Consumer staples shares weren't far behind, surging 7.62%.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 2.07% to 8,804 points by Friday's close.

Experts are now predicting an eventual cut for interest rates due to crumbling consumer confidence and low GDP growth.

Consumer sentiment fell in May to one of its weakest levels ever in the 50-year history of the benchmark monthly survey.

Softer-than-expected inflation also enhances the case for rates to be kept on hold or cut at some point.

Annual headline inflation fell to 4.2% in April, down from 4.6% in March, according to Bureau of Statistics figures.

On Friday, the ASX 200 rallied 1.98% after US President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran could be reached this weekend.

This would likely lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that carries 20% of the world's oil and gas.

The ongoing oil shock has contributed to resurgent inflation and three interest rate increases in Australia this year.

The Reserve Bank will announce the next interest rate decision on Tuesday.

It may seem counterintuitive that signs of economic weakness boosted ASX 200 retail shares last week.

But remember, share markets tend to look six to 12 months into the future.

Thus, economic weakness today is pushing retail stocks up as investors anticipate a greater likelihood of interest rate cuts.

Let's see how some individual retail stocks performed last week.

Consumer discretionary shares led the ASX sectors last week

The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price leapt 9.55% over the short trading week to finish at $86.47.

Shares in gaming technology company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) rose 5.07% to $53.91.

The Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) share price soared 8.81% to $5.68.

The Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) share price ripped 9.8% higher to $127.26.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares ascended 7.6% to finish the week at $77.24.

The Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) share price increased 7.88% to $4.79.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares soared 13.09% to $5.27.

The Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) share price rocketed 11.71% to $15.46.

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) shares rose 7.06% to $22.29.

The Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) share price lifted 8.39% to $12.27.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) shares surged 8.66% to $22.20 apiece.

ASX 200 travel share Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) edged 0.36% higher to $11.07.

The Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) share price lifted 3.63% to $19.40.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here's how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the shortened trading week:

The post Why did ASX 200 retail shares outperform last week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $40.00 price target on this industrial property company's shares. The broker has been looking at Goodman's data centre developments and believes things are going well. It highlights that hyperscale customers are in negotiations in key markets, which could mean that lease agreements are signed in the near future. Citi believes this could lead to the company's earnings growing ahead of consensus estimates. The Goodman share price is trading at $31.66 on Friday afternoon.

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have initiated coverage on this furniture retailer's shares with a $17.84 price target. The broker believes investors should look past near-term consumer weakness and focus on its positive long-term growth outlook. It highlights the company's best-in-class margins, operating leverage, strong cash generation, and robust balance sheet, which leave ample cash flow for dividends, property purchases, and growth ventures. In addition, looking to the future, the broker believes that further Plush and Nick Scali rollouts in the ANZ region and the Nick Scali rollout opportunity in the UK provide an attractive growth leg. The Nick Scali share price is fetching $15.47 at the time of writing.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this logistics software company's shares with a trimmed price target of $71.75. According to the note, the broker believes that WiseTech could be having difficulty moving its large customers over to CargoWise Value Packs this financial year. As a result, it has reduced its CargoWise revenue forecasts in the short to medium term given it expects this transition to provide a boost to revenue with the shift to transaction-based pricing. Nevertheless, Bell Potter remains positive and highlights that its valuation is a significant premium to the share price. It also believes the lack of progress with CargoWise Value Packs is already reflected in the share price as well as the risk of a revenue result at the low end of guidance. The WiseTech Global share price is trading at $37.56 today.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's look at three that Morgans has recently recommended as buys.

Here's what it is recommending to clients:

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

Morgans recently upgraded this language testing and student placement company's shares to a buy rating with a $3.15 price target.

Although it acknowledges that current trading conditions are tough, the broker remains positive on its long-term opportunity. As a result, it thinks now is a good time for patient investors to open a position. It said:

Visa data in IDP's key destination markets remains in deep contraction, with AUS, CAD, and the UK all experiencing material volume and visa grant rate declines. Positively, IDP's China IELTS is scaling quickly (13 test centres vs 5 at 1H26), the cost base reset is on track (A$25m net reduction), and the group continues to demonstrate pricing power across both IELTS and Student Placement (SP).

With structural demand drivers for international study intact, a leaner cost base, growing China optionality and ongoing technology/product development (Navi, FastLane, One Skill Retake), we are willing to look through the near-term backdrop on a cyclically depressed multiple. We upgrade to BUY, A$3.15ps PT.

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Another ASX share that Morgans is positive on is furniture retailer Nick Scali.

It has just initiated coverage on the company's shares with a buy rating and $17.84 price target.

The broker believes its shares are good value, especially given its attractive growth opportunity in the UK market. It explains:

We initiate with a BUY and $17.84 PT on Nick Scali. We use an FY28 PER and DCF when setting our price target as we opt to look through near-term consumer weakness, with the current price providing an attractive entry point. High-quality retailer with a long track record. Nick Scali has delivered long-term EPS growth through disciplined store rollout, LFL growth, best-in-class margins, and operating leverage. Strong cash generation and balance sheet.

Structural negative working capital supports high cash conversion, while the low capital intensity of new store rollouts leaves ample cash flow for dividends and property purchases and/or growth ventures. Store rollout optionality. Further Plush and Nick Scali rollout in ANZ and the Nick Scali rollout opportunity in the UK provide an attractive growth leg.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

A third ASX share that has been given the thumbs up by the team at Morgans is wine giant Treasury Wine.

It was positive on Treasury Wine's investor day update and responded by reiterating its buy rating with a new price target of $5.95.

Commenting on the Penfolds owner, the broker said:

TWE's Investor Day was the positive share price catalyst we were expecting. Solid depletions growth continues and the mid-point of FY26 EBITS guidance was slightly ahead of consensus estimates. Importantly, Ascent or TWE's transformation program is expected to deliver sustainable, high-quality earnings growth and deleverage the balance sheet over the medium to long term.

We have upgraded our FY27 and FY28 forecasts. Given TWE's low trading multiples and our belief that new management can deliver more acceptable returns over time, we reiterate our BUY recommendation with a new A$5.95 price target.

The post Morgans names 3 ASX shares to buy in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's check out what these experts think of three ASX shares in the retail and healthcare sectors.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

The Nick Scali share price closed at $15.05, down 1.1% yesterday and down 36% in the calendar year to date (YTD). 

Morgans commenced coverage on this ASX 200 retail share with a buy rating this week.

The broker said it was looking through weak near-term consumer sentiment, and that the current share price is attractive.

Morgans described Nick Scali as a "high-quality retailer with a long track record".

In a new note, the broker explained its buy recommendation:

Nick Scali has delivered long-term EPS growth through disciplined store rollout, LFL growth, best-in-class margins, and operating leverage. Strong cash generation and balance sheet.

Structural negative working capital supports high cash conversion, while the low capital intensity of new store rollouts leaves ample cash flow for dividends and property purchases and/or growth ventures.

Store rollout optionality. Further Plush and Nick Scali rollout in ANZ and the Nick Scali rollout opportunity in the UK provide an attractive growth leg.

Morgans has a 12-month target of $17.84, which suggests almost 20% upside ahead.

Nyrada Inc (ASX: NYR)

The Nyrada share price finished at 45 cents, down 8.2% yesterday and down 62% YTD. 

Nyrada is a biotech developing novel therapies for cardiovascular, neurological, and cancer-related diseases.

On The Bull this week, Tony Locantro from Alto Capital put a hold rating on this ASX biotech share.

Locantro commented: 

Recent announcements highlighted progress in the Phase IIa PROTECT-MI trial for its lead drug candidate Xolatryp, along with encouraging pre-clinical oncology data and additional patent protection.

These developments continue to strengthen confidence in the broader platform and its commercial potential.

However, the company remains at a clinical development stage, with key efficacy and regulatory milestones still ahead. While the long term opportunity remains attractive, the current risk profile supports a hold recommendation pending further clinical validation.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) 

The Wesfarmers share price closed at $84.31 on Thursday, up 1.1% for the day and up 3% YTD. 

Wesfarmers held its 2026 Strategy Briefing Day on Wednesday.

The diversified conglomerate highlighted its growth and productivity plans, its portfolio of high-quality businesses, and its strong balance sheet, which provides the potential to invest.

Managing Director Rob Scott said Wesfarmers' primary objective remained satisfactory returns for shareholders.

Scott pointed out that Wesfarmers shares had delivered an average annual return of 15.8% over 10 years.

This compares to a 9.2% average annual return from the All Ordinaries Accumulation Index.

After the event, Citi reiterated its sell call on the ASX 200's biggest consumer discretionary share.

The broker has a price target of $69 on Wesfarmers shares.

This indicates a potential near-20% downside ahead.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Nick Scali, Nyrada, Wesfarmers shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to jump

The Australian share market looks set for a very strong session on Friday following a positive night of trade in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 148 points or 1.7% higher this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 1.85%, the S&P 500 rose 1.75%, and the Nasdaq jumped 2.55%.

Oil prices sink

ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a poor finish to the week after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 4.1% to US$86.35 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 4.45% to US$88.98 a barrel. Traders were selling oil amid reports the US President Donald Trump wants to seize Iran's Kharg Island, which is home to its oil exports.

Buy Nick Scali shares

Morgans has initiated coverage on Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) shares with a buy rating and $17.84 price target. This implies potential upside of 18.5% from current levels. The broker said: "We use an FY28 PER and DCF when setting our price target as we opt to look through near-term consumer weakness, with the current price providing an attractive entry point. High-quality retailer with a long track record. Nick Scali has delivered long-term EPS growth through disciplined store rollout, LFL growth, best-in-class margins, and operating leverage. Strong cash generation and balance sheet."

Gold price rebounds

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a good finish to the week after the gold price rebounded from a six-month lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 2.5% to US$4,236.4 an ounce. Falling oil prices gave the precious metal a boost.

Buy Select Harvests shares

Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV) shares are undervalued according to Bell Potter. This morning, the broker retained its buy rating and $5.30 price target on the almond producer's shares. This implies potential upside of almost 40%. It said: "The implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in California has the potential to result in a multi-year reduction in Californian almond supply, kickstarting an upward price cycle that would be materially beneficial for SHV."

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

Sales growth can slow, margins can tighten, and investors often become impatient very quickly. But I think this is the type of environment where patient investors can start looking for opportunities before confidence improves.

Two cheap ASX shares I would consider buying before the next consumer recovery becomes more obvious are named in this article.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent Group has been through a painful period, with its share price down around 66% from its high. I think that weakness has created a more interesting setup.

The company owns a large portfolio of footwear and lifestyle banners, including The Athlete's Foot, Platypus, Hype DC, Nude Lucy, Skechers, and Stylerunner. That gives it exposure to several different customer groups, from performance footwear to streetwear, casual shoes, and youth fashion.

The attraction for me is that footwear is a repeat-purchase category. Customers may delay purchases when budgets are tight, but shoes still wear out, trends change, kids grow, and athletes keep needing product.

I also think the group has more levers than a smaller retailer.

It can adjust store formats, improve ranges, negotiate with landlords, grow stronger brands, and use its scale with suppliers. Its Sports Direct rollout could also add a different growth angle if management executes well.

This is still a higher-risk retail recovery story. Consumer demand could stay weak for longer, and retail turnarounds rarely move in a smooth line.

But I think the market may already be pricing in a very cautious outlook. If trading stabilises and management starts to rebuild earnings, Accent could offer meaningful upside from today's depressed levels.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali is another cheap ASX share I would consider before the mood improves. Its shares are down over 40% from their high.

Furniture retail is closely tied to confidence, housing activity, renovation spending, and household budgets. When consumers feel stretched, a new sofa or dining table can be delayed.

That is why the stock can come under pressure during tougher retail conditions.

But I think Nick Scali has a strong long-term position. It has built a premium furniture brand with good margins, a disciplined store model, and a reputation for managing the cycle better than many retailers.

The UK opportunity also makes the story more interesting. Offshore expansion adds execution risk, but it gives the business another way to grow beyond the Australian market.

I like companies that can come through a softer period with their brand still intact and their balance sheet strong enough to keep investing. Nick Scali fits that description for me.

If interest rates ease in 2027, housing turnover improves, or consumers become more willing to spend on the home again, I think the earnings outlook could look better than it does today.

Foolish Takeaway

Consumer recovery stories can feel uncomfortable because the good news is often missing at the point of purchase.

That is part of the appeal. By the time shoppers feel confident again, and earnings momentum is obvious, the share prices may already have moved. I would rather look at businesses with strong brands, repeat demand, and management teams that can keep improving while conditions are difficult.

Accent and Nick Scali both carry risk, but I think they are worth considering before the next consumer upswing becomes clear.

The post Down 40%+! 2 cheap ASX shares I'd buy before the recovery becomes obvious appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It was a bit of a wild session for the ASX 200 today, with the index dipping into the red at one point. But investors regained their optimism, and the index finished 0.57% higher at 8,653.3 points.

This successful session for Australian investors comes after a mixed night on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, rising by 0.17%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) went the other way, dropping a chunky 0.97%.

But let's return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what the different ASX sectors were up to today.

Winners and losers

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