Technology was the strongest of the 11 ASX 200 market sectors following a commanding lead from Wall Street.

The NASDAQ Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) has been on a tear in April and hit a new record high last week.

As of Friday's market close (Australian time), the NASDAQ had recorded 12 consecutive days of gains — its best run since 2009.

ASX 200 tech shares have followed suit, but not in a straight line. The sector has lifted 18.47% since the rebound began on 31 March.

It appears investors may have overcome their fears about artificial intelligence (AI).

Investors have fretted over large AI spending and the potential for AI tools like Claude to wipe out software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers.

These fears drove a near halving in the value of the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) in just seven months.

You read that right — the tech index experienced an extraordinary 48% sell-off between 29 August and 30 March.

No other sector recorded significant gains last week amid the ongoing war in Iran and a major fire at one of Australia's two oil refineries.

Only five ASX 200 sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's recap.

ASX 200 tech shares led the market last week

The ASX 200's largest tech company, WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), skyrocketed 22.72% to finish the week at $46.18 per share.

The Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) share price leapt 14.72% to $81.98, while TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) jumped 11.34% to $30.83.

NextDC Limited (ASX: NXT) shares rose 10.14% to $14.12 and Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) increased 9.6% to $21.35.

The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price screamed 26.53% to $8.49.

Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN) shares soared 9.37% to $5.02.

ASX 200 hotel booking platform provider, Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR), ripped 13.27% to $3.33 per share.

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) shares stormed 10.96% higher to $1.26 apiece, while Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) rose 12.77% to $1.59.

The Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT) share price lifted 7.41% to $4.06.

Objective Corporation Ltd (ASX: OCL) shares lifted 6.97% to $11.82.

The Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) share price ascended 4.19% to $8.95.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

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

Over the five trading days:

The post ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After a brutal 6 months, the largest names on the ASX tech scene have staged a sharp rebound over the past five trading days. Investors are piling back into the sector, and the turnaround has been fast.

Let's take a closer look how each ASX tech share fared.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

Leading the charge is WiseTech, which has surged an eye-catching 26% in just a week. That's a major reversal for an ASX tech share still down 33% year to date.

The company's CargoWise platform remains deeply embedded in global logistics networks, giving it strong recurring revenue and pricing power. However, expectations are high, and any slowdown in global trade or earnings growth could quickly pressure the share price again.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

This ASX tech share has also bounced strongly, climbing 16% over the past five days, though it remains down 28% in 2025.

The cloud accounting leader continues to grow its global subscriber base, particularly in key offshore markets. Its long-term growth story is intact, but investors are still watching closely for improvements in profitability and margins.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

One of the biggest movers has been Megaport, which has jumped 28% in a matter of days, despite being down 30% year to date.

The company is benefiting from structural demand as more businesses shift to cloud-based infrastructure. Still, this ASX tech share remains a volatile name, and sentiment can swing quickly if execution falls short.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Meanwhile, NextDC is in a different position altogether. Its shares have risen 11% over the past week and are now up 12% for the year.

The data centre operator sits at the heart of powerful trends including artificial intelligence and cloud computing. That demand is driving growth, though its capital-intensive expansion plans mean investors must keep an eye on costs and project execution.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

Rounding out the group is TechnologyOne, which has climbed 13% in five days and is now up 11% year to date.

The ASX tech share has been one of the steadiest performers in the sector, supported by its successful transition to a software-as-a-service model. Its consistency is a strength, although any slowdown in contract wins or enterprise spending could temper momentum.

Foolish Takeaway

The sharp rebound across these names highlights just how quickly sentiment can shift in the tech sector. While some of these ASX tech stocks are still well below their earlier highs, the recent surge suggests investors are once again willing to back growth.

Whether this rally has staying power will likely depend on earnings delivery and broader market conditions, but for now, ASX tech is firmly back in the spotlight.

The post The tech rally is back: here are 5 ASX shares leading the charge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) lifted 1.59% to a new record high last night.

ASX 200 tech shares have risen 16.2% over the past 11 trading sessions, but our tech index has fluctuated over the period.

Meanwhile, the NASDAQ has increased in a straight line by 15.5%, one day after another, since 30 March.

That's its best run since December 2023.

Could this mean an end to the tech wreck?

ASX 200 tech shares began a downward spiral in September last year.

Tech investors began worrying about high stock valuations and large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) capex spending.

Then this year, a series of updates to Anthropic's AI assistant, Claude, stoked fears of major disruption for software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers.

If agentic AI and generative tools like Claude can custom-write software, why would companies subscribe to proprietary SaaS products?

These fears were especially felt in Australia given four of the six biggest ASX 200 tech shares by market capitalisation are SaaS providers.

Some experts labelled it a 'SaaSpocalypse' moment, while others insisted the highest quality tech companies would ride it out.

The cumulative impact: the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) fell 48% between 29 August and 30 March.

Here comes the rebound

The biggest ASX 200 tech share by market cap is SaaS logistics management platform provider, WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The Wisetech share price is $43.63, up 9.2% today and up 19.5% over the past 11 trading sessions.

Next is accounting services provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

The Xero share price is $80.70, up 7.5% on Thursday and up 14.5% since 30 March.

Enterprise resource planning provider TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is also higher today.

TechnologyOne shares are $30.49, up 5.8% today and up 15.2% over the 11 trading sessions.

The Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is 4.2% higher at $13.96, and it's up 23.8% since 30 March.

The share price of family location app provider Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) is $21.15, up 11.6% today and up 16.6% since 30 March.

Shares in hotel bookings management platform provider Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) are up 8.3% to $3.35 today.

Siteminder shares have surged 23.4% since 30 March.

Technology is the strongest of the 11 ASX 200 market sectors today.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in the red, down 0.3% to 8,952.6 points.

The post Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three ASX shares that may not always grab headlines but could quietly build serious wealth over time.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The first ASX share that could quietly deliver strong returns is Aristocrat Leisure.

The company has built a powerful dual-engine business. Its traditional land-based gaming division generates reliable cash flow, while its digital segment provides exposure to higher-growth opportunities.

What makes Aristocrat particularly interesting is its ability to consistently produce successful game content. In both physical machines and mobile platforms, strong titles can generate recurring revenue long after their initial release.

This blend of stability and growth gives Aristocrat flexibility. It can reinvest in new opportunities while still returning capital to shareholders.

Over time, that balance between dependable earnings and expanding digital exposure could make it a compelling long-term compounder.

UBS recently put a buy rating and $69.00 price target on its shares.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is data centre operator NextDC.

In many ways, it is helpful to think of NextDC as a backbone provider for the digital economy. As businesses move more workloads to the cloud and demand for data processing and AI grows, the need for secure, high-performance infrastructure continues to rise.

What sets NextDC apart is its focus on premium, interconnected facilities. These sites allow customers to link directly with cloud providers, networks, and partners, creating an ecosystem effect that is difficult to replicate.

While the company is still in a heavy investment phase, this infrastructure build-out could underpin earnings growth for many years.

This week, the team at UBS put a buy rating and $22.55 price target on NextDC's shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

A third and final ASX share that could be a long-term winner is REA Group.

REA Group operates a digital marketplace that has become deeply embedded in Australia's property ecosystem. Real estate agents rely on its platforms to reach buyers, giving the company significant pricing power and a dominant competitive position.

But the interesting part of the story is how REA Group continues to monetise that position. Premium listings, data-driven insights, and value-added services are all helping drive revenue per customer higher over time.

Even when property volumes fluctuate, REA Group has shown an ability to grow earnings through yield expansion and product innovation. Over the long run, this makes it less of a cyclical business than it might first appear.

Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating and $230.00 price target on its shares.

The post 3 fantastic ASX shares that could help build long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are storming higher:

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

The Bank of Queensland share price is up 6% to $7.23. This follows news that the regional bank has signed a strategic capital partnership with Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF). It notes that this marks a further step in its transformation to a simpler, specialist bank. The Challenger partnership includes a whole-of-loan sale and a forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets that will further optimise its funding base and support the acceleration of its ambition to service more equipment finance customers, particularly in the small to medium business sector.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

The Guzman Y Gomez share price is up 19% to $18.06. Investors have been buying the burrito seller's shares following the release of a trading update. Guzman Y Gomez reported a 19.5% increase in network sales to $345.9 million. Comparable sales grew 6.6% in Australia and 2.2% in the United States. Looking ahead, the company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance. It is expecting Australia segment underlying EBITDA as a percentage of network sales to climb to 6% to 6.2% in FY2026, compared with 5.7% the prior year. It also remains on track to open 32 new Australian restaurants.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The NextDC share price is up 12% to $12.65. The catalyst for this has been news that the data centre operator has launched a $1 billion wholesale offer of subordinated hybrid securities to fund growth initiatives. NextDC's CEO and managing director, Craig Scroggie, said: "The announcement of the Hybrid Securities Offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NEXTDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the Company's contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects. We are delighted with this binding commitment from La Caisse, a long‑term investor with deep experience in infrastructure, as further validation of our growth strategy."

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is up 5% to $13.61. This morning, this radiopharmaceuticals company released a first-quarter sales update and revealed a 24% increase in group revenue to US$230 million. A key driver was its Precision Medicine division, which delivered a 23% increase in revenue to US$186 million. Telix's managing director and CEO, Dr Christian Behrenbruch, said: "This performance reflects the growing uptake of Gozellix alongside Illuccix, contributing to market share gains underpinned by disciplined sales execution and pricing, and high-quality service delivery despite extreme North American weather conditions, an advantage of the pharmacy distribution model."

The post Why Bank of Queensland, Guzman Y Gomez, NextDC, and Telix shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In late morning trade on Tuesday, all three blue-chip stocks are racing ahead of the 2.6% intraday gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Here's what's happening.

NextDC shares leap on $1 billion funding news

Turning to NextDC first, shares in the ASX 200 data centre operator and developer are up 13.6% today, trading for $12.79 apiece.

Investors are sending NextDC shares surging after the company announced it was raising $1 billion in new funds via the issue of new hybrid securities.

The hybrid securities launch is backed by Canadian investment group La Caisse, which inked a binding $1 billion commitment to make up for any potential shortfall.

The securities carry a 100-year maturity.

The new funds will support NextDC's plans to develop new data centres and expand capacity.

Commenting on the fund-raising initiative that's boosting NextDC shares today, CEO Craig Scroggie said:

The announcement of the Hybrid Securities Offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NextDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the company's contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects.

Which brings us to…

Telix shares surge on revenue growth

Telix shares are also catching plenty of investor attention today.

Shares in the ASX 200 diagnostic and therapeutic product developer are up 6.3% today, trading for $13.77 each.

This follows the release of Telix's March quarterly update.

Among the highlights, the company reported an 11% quarter-on-quarter increase in unaudited revenue to US$230 million. And management reaffirmed full-year FY 2026 revenue guidance in the range of US$950 million to US$970 million.

The March quarter saw the ASX healthcare share continue to advance its global studies across prostate, brain, and kidney cancer.

"We are delivering on our strategic priorities to advance our high-value clinical programs, demonstrated by the momentum in our therapeutics pipeline this quarter," Telix CEO Christian Behrenbruch said.

Bank of Queensland shares jump on strategic loan sale

Last, but not least, Bank of Queensland shares join Telix and NextDC shares in grabbing financial headlines and outperforming today.

Shares in the ASX 200 bank stock are up 5.3% at the time of writing, changing hands for $7.16 each.

Investors are bidding up Bank of Queensland shares after the company reported on its $3.7 billion equipment finance loan sale to investment management firm Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF).

Why is this boosting the Bank of Queensland share price today?

As the Motley Fool reported this morning:

The capital partnership enables BOQ to accelerate its specialist banking transformation by shifting equipment finance exposures off balance sheet while growing capital-light revenues. The transition is designed to improve return on equity and support further business in the small and medium business sector.

The post Why is everyone talking about Telix, Bank of Queensland and NextDC shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The capital raise is also underwritten, with Québec, Canada-based investment group La Caisse putting forward a binding commitment for the whole amount if other investors do not take it up.

Capital to drive growth

The company said in a statement to the ASX that the hybrid securities "will provide NextDC with flexible, long-term capital to support the company's growth funding requirements and strategic initiatives, including the continued development of key data centre assets and the advancement of future capacity expansions''.

NextDC went on to say:

The hybrid securities will have a non-call period of five years and a maturity of 100 years. They are expected to be tax deductible and classified as debt for accounting purposes, and will sit outside the company's senior debt covenants. This funding is expected to enhance the company's financial flexibility, including through a lower cash coupon during the first five years, small coupon step-ups until year 10 and the ability to defer coupons at the company's election.

There are no equity conversion features associated with the hybrid securities, which rank junior to the company's existing debt.

NextDC will now offer the securities to other institutional investors, with the closing date for acceptance expected to be on or about April 23.

Further raise potential

The company will have liquidity of about $5.2 billion once the new securities are issued.

NextDC said it also intended to undertake a subordinated notes issue in the Australian wholesale debt market to raise further funds, as flagged during the release of its first-half results.

NextDC Managing Director Craig Scroggie said regarding the new capital raise:

The announcement of the hybrid securities offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NEXTDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the company's contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects. We are delighted with this binding commitment from La Caisse, a long‑term investor with deep experience in infrastructure, as further validation of our growth strategy.

La Caisse Executive Vice President Emmanuel Jaclot said:

This commitment will help underpin NextDC's construction program, supporting growing demand for digital infrastructure in Australia and adding to La Caisse's long track record in partnering with high-quality infrastructure operators through their growth phase. We see this as a promising first step toward a long-term partnership between La Caisse and NextDC.

NextDC shares were 5.9% higher in early trade at $11.93. The company was valued at $7.2 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post Why are NextDC shares surging higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did NEXTDC report?

• Launched a $1.0 billion wholesale offer of subordinated hybrid securities to fund growth initiatives
• Secured a binding $1.0 billion commitment from La Caisse, a global institutional investor
• Pro-forma liquidity expected to reach approximately $5.2 billion as at 31 December 2025
• Hybrid securities to offer a 7.50% fixed coupon for the first five years, stepping up to 9.20% thereafter
• Hybrid securities are unsecured, deeply subordinated, and carry a 100-year maturity
• No equity conversion features attached to the hybrid securities

What else do investors need to know?

The hybrid securities will help fund NEXTDC's strategy, including developing new data centres and expanding capacity. The structure offers flexible, long-term capital while maintaining the company's financial agility, with the notes ranking junior to all existing and future debt but senior to ordinary shares.

NEXTDC also reaffirmed its plan to issue subordinated wholesale notes after this offer, aiming to further diversify its long-term capital structure. The hybrid securities do not impact the company's existing senior debt covenants.

What did NEXTDC management say?

CEO and Managing Director Craig Scroggie said:

The announcement of the Hybrid Securities Offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NEXTDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the Company's contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects. We are delighted with this binding commitment from La Caisse, a long‑term investor with deep experience in infrastructure, as further validation of our growth strategy.

What's next for NEXTDC?

Following this offer, NEXTDC expects to close the hybrid securities transaction around 23 April 2026, pending standard settlement conditions. Management will then evaluate options for a future subordinated wholesale notes issue, subject to market conditions, to further strengthen its funding mix.

The company remains focused on scaling up to meet contracted demand through FY29 and investing in new projects, supported by this enhanced capital flexibility.

NEXTDC share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, NEXTDC shares have risen 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Indeed, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) – which also contains some smaller tech companies outside of ASX 200 tech stocks – is up a blistering 3.0%.

Here's how these top Aussie tech companies are tracking at this same time:

• Shares in cloud-based software solutions provider WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) are up 2.6% trading for $39.01each
• Shares in software-as-a-service provider Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) are up 2.5% trading for $27.51 each
• Shares in data centre operator NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are up 3.5% trading for $11.72 each
• Shares in location sharing software developer Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are up 6.2% trading for $19.93 each
• Shares in accounting software provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) are up 2.2% trading for $76.80 each

So, after a tough run in 2026 that still sees all of the above stocks in the red year to date, why are investors piling into the Aussie tech space today?

ASX 200 tech stocks leap on peace hopes

ASX 200 techs stocks are following US stock markets higher today as investors eye a potential near-term end to the Iran war.

Overnight the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closed up 2.9% while the tech heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) ended the day up a whopping 3.8%. AI chip making giant Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) helped boost the index, closing up 5.6%.

Investor hopes for peace in the Middle East were stirred after US President Donald Trump said his nation will complete its military campaign in Iran in the next two to three weeks. Trump said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would then resolve itself.

With Iranian leaders also reported to be calling for a rapid end to the war, rather than a just a ceasefire, the Brent crude oil price declined 3.2% overnight to US$104 per barrel.

If energy prices continue to decline, that would ease the building inflationary pressure that threatens to unleash interest rate increases from central banks across the globe.

ASX 200 tech stocks, often priced with future earnings in mind, have proven to be highly sensitive to interest rate moves.

What are the experts saying?

Commenting on the big move higher the stock markets, FBB Capital Partners' Michael Bailey said (quoted by Bloomberg), "Markets have taken it on the chin for over a month and expectations may have hit a low enough point that any glimmer of hope is now much more valuable."

Bloomberg strategists cautioned that investors, including those bidding up ASX 200 tech stocks today, could be getting a bit ahead of themselves.

The strategists noted:

The euphoria on Tuesday around Iran signalling a willingness to end hostilities looks a touch premature. Much hinges on what Tehran defines as 'essential guarantees' – particularly if they mirror the conditions outlined in its response to the US ceasefire proposal, which could prove a high bar for Washington to meet.

Stay tuned!

The post Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What I find most interesting is that the opportunity is not limited to the obvious global tech giants. There are ASX shares quietly building the infrastructure that helps make AI possible.

If I were looking to lean into this trend, these are three ASX shares I would be paying close attention to.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

When I think about AI, one of the first things that comes to mind is data.

Not just the algorithms or the models, but the physical infrastructure required to store, process, and move enormous amounts of information.

That is where NextDC fits in.

The company operates high-performance data centres, which are becoming increasingly critical as demand for cloud computing and AI workloads continues to grow.

What stands out to me is the scale of its expansion. The company has been investing heavily in new capacity, and its growing forward order book suggests that customers are already lining up for that infrastructure.

AI workloads are not lightweight. They require power, connectivity, and proximity. Data centres sit right at the centre of that ecosystem.

For me, NextDC is less about short-term profitability and more about positioning. If AI demand continues to rise, I think the importance of high-quality data centre operators only increases.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

If NextDC is about where data lives, Megaport is about how it moves.

Megaport provides network-as-a-service, allowing businesses to connect quickly and flexibly to cloud providers, data centres, and other services.

In an AI-driven world, that connectivity becomes even more important.

Training models, running applications, and distributing results all rely on fast, scalable networks. The more complex and data-intensive the workloads become, the more valuable that connectivity layer is.

What I find interesting here is how the company is expanding its capabilities.

Its recent push into adjacent areas like compute and GPU-as-a-service suggests to me that it is trying to capture more of the AI value chain, not just the networking component.

It is still a business that is proving itself in some respects. But if it executes well, I think it has the potential to benefit meaningfully from the growth in AI-driven demand.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Industrial property company Goodman is not always the first name people think of when it comes to artificial intelligence.

But I think it arguably should be.

The company has been increasingly focused on developing data centres alongside its more traditional logistics assets. And those data centres are becoming a critical piece of AI infrastructure globally.

Something that stands out to me is the scale and positioning of its development pipeline.

With a significant portion of its work in progress now tied to data centres, Goodman is effectively building the physical backbone required for the digital economy.

It also has something that I think is underappreciated. Access to land, power, and capital in key global cities.

These are not easy assets to replicate. And as demand for data centre capacity grows, those constraints could become even more important.

For me, Goodman offers a slightly different way to play the AI theme. It is less about technology itself and more about the infrastructure that supports it.

Foolish takeaway

If you are bullish on artificial intelligence, I do not think you need to limit yourself to the obvious names overseas.

From data storage to connectivity to physical infrastructure, NextDC, Megaport, and Goodman Group each provide exposure to different parts of the AI ecosystem.

When I think about where the long-term demand is heading, these are the kinds of businesses I find myself drawn to.

The post Bullish on artificial intelligence? Here are 3 ASX shares I'd buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have plunged 59%, while NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) is down around 34%. That's a sharp pullback for a sector that once led the market higher.

But this sell-off may have opened the door for savvy investors. With ongoing Middle East conflict, elevated interest rates, and rising concerns about AI disruption, many have rotated into defensive shares. In the process, ASX tech stocks are now shaping up as one of the most undervalued areas of the market — and potentially one of the most exciting.

So, could now be the time to put $5,000 to work? Two names that stand out right now are WiseTech Global and NextDC.

Wisetech: Dominant in global logistics

Starting with WiseTech, the ASX stock remains a dominant force in global logistics software. Its CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in international supply chains, giving it strong pricing power and high switching costs — the kind of competitive advantages investors love.

The long-term growth story also looks compelling, with global trade continuing to digitise. Of course, there are risks. The company has faced concerns around growth momentum and execution, particularly as it expands via acquisitions.

And like many ASX tech stocks, it has been caught in the crossfire of higher interest rates compressing valuations.

But analysts remain optimistic. Citi, for example, has a $65.35 price target on WiseTech shares — roughly 70% above current levels — suggesting the recent sell-off could be overdone.

NextDC: In the centre of digital boom

Turning to NextDC, this $7 billion ASX tech stock is right at the centre of Australia's digital infrastructure boom.

As demand for cloud services, AI computing, and data storage continues to surge, its data centres are becoming increasingly essential. The business also benefits from long-term contracts and recurring revenue streams, which provide a solid base for future growth.

Still, it's not without challenges. Data centres require heavy capital investment, and expansion can weigh on near-term earnings. Funding conditions and competition are also factors to watch.

Even so, brokers are upbeat. Morgans is firmly in the bullish camp, with a buy rating and a $20.50 price target on the ASX tech share. That points to a 79% upside over the next 12 months.

Foolish Takeaway

ASX tech stocks may be out of favour today, but that's often when the biggest opportunities emerge.

WiseTech and NextDC are trading well below recent highs and are both backed by strong long-term tailwinds. They could be worth considering if you're looking to invest $5,000 in the current market.

The post Got $5,000 to invest? Here are 2 ASX tech stocks to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Australian share market is home to a number of businesses with strong long-term potential, operating across industries benefiting from structural growth trends. Identifying companies with scalable models and expanding market opportunities can be a good starting point.

Here are three ASX growth shares that analysts think could be worth considering.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The first ASX growth share to consider is Aristocrat Leisure.

is a global entertainment and gaming content creation company with segments spanning land-based gaming (Aristocrat Gaming), online real money gaming (Aristocrat Interactive), and social casino (Product Madness).

Its offering includes electronic gaming machines, casino management systems, free-to-play mobile games, and online real money games, that serve customers and millions of players worldwide every day.

Given its leadership position in the industry, its strong intellectual property, and its investment in research and development, the company appears well-placed to continue its solid growth over the next decade.

UBS believes this is the case. Last week, it put a buy rating and $69.00 price target on its shares.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

Another ASX growth share that could be a compelling option is Life360.

The technology company has built a global platform centred around family safety, with almost 100 million active users across its ecosystem.

What makes Life360 particularly interesting is how it is evolving beyond its core subscription offering. The company is layering in additional revenue streams such as advertising and hardware, which could significantly increase monetisation over time.

At the same time, it still has a large opportunity to convert free users into paying subscribers, providing a clear pathway for growth.

With strong user engagement and multiple levers to drive revenue, Life360 appears well placed to scale over the coming years.

The team at Bell Potter is bullish and put a buy rating and $37.75 price target on its shares last week.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A final ASX growth share that could be worth a look is NextDC.

The data centre operator sits at the intersection of several powerful trends, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing need for data storage. Its facilities are becoming critical infrastructure for businesses that require secure and reliable access to data and computing power.

Importantly, NextDC has been building a strong pipeline of contracted capacity, which provides visibility over future revenue growth.

This could make it an interesting option for investors looking to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares this month.

Morgans is a big fan. It recently put a buy rating and $20.50 price target on its shares.

The post Where to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

No legacy holdings. No past mistakes. Just a clean slate and all the experience you've gained along the way.

If I had to build an ASX share portfolio from scratch today, I wouldn't rush into stock picking. I'd start with a solid foundation, then layer in quality and growth.

Start with ETFs

First, I'd allocate around 35% to broad, low-cost ETFs. Why? Instant diversification. Lower risk. Less guesswork.

One core holding would be Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX: VAS). It tracks a broad index of ASX shares, giving exposure to banks, miners, and industrials. Top holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

To balance that, I'd add global exposure through iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This ETF gives access to the world's largest companies, including Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Together, these ETFs create a strong base. You're exposed to both local income and global growth.

Add defensive income

Next, I'd layer in defensive, dividend-paying stocks in my ASX share portfolio. These provide stability and a consistent income.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is a classic choice. It offers essential services, resilient earnings, and fully-franked dividends. Demand for connectivity doesn't disappear in tough times.

Then there's ASX share Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Its toll road assets generate steady, long-term cash flows. It is infrastructure investors can rely on.

These types of businesses won't always deliver explosive growth. But they help smooth out volatility — and keep income flowing. I would allocate 30% of my funds to defensive ASX shares.

Build around growth leaders

Finally, I'd allocate the remaining 35% to high-quality ASX growth shares. These are market leaders with strong tailwinds.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) would be high on the list. It's a global biotech leader with a long track record of innovation and earnings growth.

And I'd add NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT). This ASX share is riding the surge in data demand, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure.

These companies aren't the cheapest. But they have scale, competitive advantages, and long runways for growth.

Foolish bottom line

Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch isn't about chasing the hottest stock.

It's about balance. Start with ETFs for diversification. Add defensives for stability and income. Then layer in growth leaders to drive long-term returns.

Get that mix right, and you give yourself the best chance of compounding wealth. No matter what the market throws at you.

The post Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here's my game plan appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

A number of high-quality ASX shares have pulled back sharply from their highs, despite continuing to execute on their long-term strategies.

For investors willing to look through short-term volatility, this could be a chance to buy into strong businesses at more attractive prices.

Here are two ASX shares that could be worth considering in 2026 according to analysts.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The first ASX share that could be a standout option is NextDC.

The data centre operator continues to benefit from powerful structural tailwinds, including cloud adoption and artificial intelligence demand. Its latest results highlighted further strong growth, with revenue up 13% and underlying EBITDA rising 9% for the half.

More importantly, the company's contracted utilisation surged and it now has a record forward order book, which is expected to drive a material uplift in revenue and earnings over the coming years.

Despite this, NextDC shares are down around 30% from their highs to $12.54, reflecting broader pressure on growth stocks rather than a deterioration in fundamentals.

The team at Morgans sees significant upside and has put a buy rating on its shares with a $20.50 price target. This implies potential upside of over 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Another ASX share that analysts think investors should consider is Temple & Webster.

The online furniture and homewares retailer has come under significant pressure in recent months, with its shares down approximately 75% from their highs to $6.73. However, its underlying performance suggests the business is still moving in the right direction.

Last month, the company reported revenue growth of nearly 20% for the first half and continues to gain market share. The latter reached record levels of 2.9% and shows little sign of slowing.

It is also seeing strong traction in key growth areas, including home improvement and commercial sales, while its expansion into New Zealand is already generating early revenue.

Importantly, Temple & Webster operates a capital-light model with no inventory risk and has a strong cash position, giving it flexibility to continue investing in growth.

Macquarie is positive on its outlook and has put an outperform rating on its shares with a $13.70 price target. Based on its current share price, this suggests that its shares could double in value over the next 12 months.

The post $3k to invest? 2 ASX shares to consider buying in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Both NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) have shed close to 30% of their value.

That's a sharp pullback. But it could also be an opportunity.

Both ASX 200 shares are backed by strong long-term growth trends. And brokers are tipping meaningful upside from here.

So, are these buy-and-hold-for-a-decade stocks?

Let's take a closer look.

NextDC

NextDC sits right at the centre of the digital economy.

The company develops and operates data centres across Australia. These facilities power cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise IT systems.

As businesses shift online and AI adoption accelerates, the need for secure, high-performance data infrastructure is exploding. That puts this ASX 200 share in a prime position.

Key strengths are strong long-term demand tailwinds, a growing pipeline of projects and strategic locations in key metro markets.

The company also benefits from long-term contracts with major customers. That provides visibility on future revenue.

But there are risks.

NextDC is capital intensive. Building data centres isn't cheap. That means ongoing investment and pressure on short-term earnings.

Valuation has also been a sticking point in the past. Even after the recent drop, some investors remain cautious.

What do analysts think?

Morgans is firmly in the bullish camp. It has a buy rating and a $20.50 price target on the ASX 200 share. That implies around 66% upside over the next 12 months.

The broader consensus is similar, with an average target of $20.84. Even more striking, the most bullish analyst sees upside of up to 150%.

That's a big call — and it shows the level of conviction in the long-term story.

Aristocrat Leisure

Aristocrat is a global gaming powerhouse.

The company develops gaming machines and digital games, with a strong presence in both land-based casinos and online platforms.

Its secret weapon? Content.

Aristocrat consistently delivers high-performing games that keep players engaged. That drives recurring revenue and strong margins.

Strengths of the ASX 200 gaming stock include its global footprint, market leadership in slot machines, and fast-growing digital segment. The shift toward online gaming is a major tailwind.

The company also generates strong cash flow, giving it flexibility to invest and return capital to shareholders.

But again, there are risks.

Gaming is a competitive industry. Trends can shift quickly, and success depends on continually producing hit content.

Regulation is another factor. Changes in gambling laws can impact growth in key markets.

Still, analysts remain upbeat on the ASX 200 share.

UBS currently has a buy rating on Aristocrat shares, with a $69.00 price target. That suggests around 50% upside from current levels.

The bottom line

NextDC and Aristocrat have both been knocked down in recent months.

But the long-term growth stories of the two ASX 200 shares remain intact.

One is riding the data and AI boom. The other is capitalising on global gaming demand.

Neither is risk-free. Both require patience.

But for investors thinking long term — and willing to hold through volatility — these two ASX 200 shares could be worth buying and holding all the way to 2036.

The post Buy these 2 top ASX 200 shares and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The key is to back companies with strong business models, robust competitive positions, and positive growth outlooks.

With that in mind, here are two ASX 200 growth shares that brokers think could be worth considering:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The first ASX 200 share that could be worth considering is Aristocrat Leisure.

It is a global gaming content and technology provider, with operations spanning land-based gaming (pokie) machines and a fast-growing digital gaming division. Its portfolio includes a range of popular titles and platforms that generate recurring revenue across multiple markets.

A key strength of Aristocrat is its ability to consistently develop and monetise high-performing game content. In land-based gaming, it has a strong position with casino operators, supported by long-standing relationships and a reputation for quality products.

At the same time, its digital division has become an increasingly important growth driver. Mobile games and online platforms provide access to a much larger global audience, with revenue generated through in-app purchases and ongoing engagement.

Looking ahead, Aristocrat appears well positioned to benefit from the continued shift towards digital gaming and the expansion of regulated online markets. With a combination of established cash-generating assets and growing digital exposure, it could deliver solid returns over the long term.

UBS currently has a buy rating and $69.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 50% for investors.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another ASX 200 growth share that could be a top option is NextDC.

It operates a network of data centres that provide the infrastructure required for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise workloads. As businesses continue to digitise and invest in AI capabilities, demand for secure and high-performance data storage continues to rise.

NextDC has been expanding its footprint across Australia and has secured a growing pipeline of contracted capacity that is expected to convert into revenue over the coming years.

This provides strong visibility over future earnings and highlights the increasing demand for its services.

With structural tailwinds from cloud adoption and AI-driven workloads, NextDC appears well placed to deliver strong long-term growth.

Morgans is bullish and has a buy rating and $20.50 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price, this suggests that upside of approximately 60% is possible over the next 12 months.

The post Brokers name 2 excellent ASX 200 growth shares to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But where should you put it next week?

Here are three ASX shares that could be best buys right now according to analysts:

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The first ASX share that could be a strong option for a $1,000 investment is NextDC.

It operates data centres that provide the infrastructure required for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise workloads. As more businesses shift their operations online and invest in AI capabilities, demand for high-performance data centres continues to grow.

NextDC has been expanding its footprint across Australia and the Asia-Pacific and has built relationships with major cloud providers. It also has a significant pipeline of contracted capacity that is expected to convert into revenue over the coming years.

With demand for digital infrastructure increasing, the company appears well placed to benefit from long-term growth in data usage and AI adoption.

Morgans thinks its shares are undervalued. It currently has a buy rating and $20.50 price target on them.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is Pro Medicus.

This healthcare technology company develops imaging software used by hospitals and radiologists. Its Visage platform allows clinicians to view and analyse medical scans quickly and efficiently.

What sets Pro Medicus apart is its capital-light model and strong margins. The company continues to win large contracts with major healthcare providers, which supports its long-term earnings growth outlook.

As medical imaging volumes increase and healthcare systems adopt more advanced digital tools, Pro Medicus could continue expanding its global footprint. This is especially the case given critical radiologist shortages.

Bell Potter is bullish on the investment opportunity here. It has a buy rating and $240.00 price target on its shares.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

A final ASX share to consider for the $1,000 investment is Xero.

It provides cloud-based accounting software to small and medium-sized businesses. Xero's platform helps users manage invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting, making it an essential tool for many businesses.

Xero benefits from a subscription-based model, which generates recurring revenue and supports long-term growth. It also has significant opportunities to expand internationally and increase revenue per user through additional features and services following recent acquisitions.

With digital adoption continuing across small businesses, Xero could remain a key player in the global accounting software market.

UBS is a big fan of the company and recently put a buy rating and $174.00 price target on its shares.

The post The best ASX shares to invest $1,000 in right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has dropped 22% this year and over 43% in the past 6 months at the time of writing.

But that sell-off is turning heads. Brokers see a number of quality companies poised for a strong rebound, with some tipping upside of 100% or more.

Here are two ASX tech shares that could be set for a comeback.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech has been heavily sold off. The ASX tech share is down about 54% over the past 6 months to $44.97 at the time of writing. The company develops logistics software, led by its CargoWise platform, which helps freight forwarders manage global supply chains.

Despite the sharp decline, WiseTech remains one of Australia's leading software success stories. CargoWise is deeply embedded across the logistics industry, creating high switching costs and a strong competitive moat.

The business also benefits from a highly scalable model. Once the platform is built, adding new customers comes at a relatively low cost, supporting margins and long-term earnings growth.

However, sentiment has been hit by governance concerns and rising fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software models. The company is responding, announcing a major restructuring and job cuts as it pivots toward AI-driven operations.

Even so, analysts remain positive. The ASX tech share still carries a consensus buy rating, with an average price target of $85.10 and a bullish case of $122.64. That suggests potential upside of 90% to 170% from recent levels.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The fall of this ASX tech share has been less dramatic, but still significant. Over 6 months, NextDC shares have lost 25%, shedding the company's market capitalisation to $8.5 billion.

NextDC operates a growing network of high-performance data centres across Australia. It provides critical infrastructure for cloud computing, AI, and enterprise digital services.

Demand is booming as businesses accelerate their shift to the cloud and ramp up AI workloads. NextDC is well placed to benefit, continuing to expand capacity and build new facilities across major cities.

The company has also been increasing contracted utilisation, indicating customers are committing to long-term data centre capacity. That's a positive sign for future revenue visibility.

That said, the business is capital-intensive. Building data centres requires significant upfront investment, which can weigh on short-term profitability. Higher interest rates also pose a risk by increasing financing costs.

Despite these challenges, analysts are bullish. The ASX share has a price target of up to $31.02. This points to a 132% upside over the next 12 months at the current price of $13.39 apiece.

The post 2 ASX tech shares that could double from here appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

We're going to look at two businesses that are investing to capitalise on major opportunities ahead.

One of them is tapping into big increases of demand for AI, while the other is looking at the UK as an exciting growth avenue.

Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Broker UBS describes Nextdc as Australia's leading data centre as a service business, which has locations in a number of cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and Auckland.

The FY26 half-year result saw ongoing progress by the business. Total revenue grew by 13% to $26.3 million and the underlying operating profit (EBITDA) climbed by 9% to $115.3 million. The net loss after tax improved by 8% to $3.3 million.

Impressively, the contracted utilisation – an important measure for a business selling data centre space – saw 137% growth to 416.6MW. Its forward order book of 296.8MW is projected to ramp into billing across the rest of FY26 to FY29, underpinning future growth of revenue and earnings.

UBS has a buy rating on the ASX share with a price target of $22.55, implying a possible rise of 70% over the next 12 months from where it is, at the time of writing.

The broker wrote in a note:

NXT is experiencing the strongest growth chapter in its history. Not only has it just contracted 172MW, but it will activate 157MW in FY27 – more than the 120MW activated in the entirety since the business started in 2012. We estimate contracted EBITDA of c.$718m (materially higher than the $239m we forecast for FY26).

UBS thinks the business has enough financial funding to deliver on its growth prospects, as well as the ability to secure an associated hyperscaler contract.

UBS thinks Nextdc can grow its revenue to $488 million in FY26 and reach $1.3 billion by FY30. The broker is expecting a net loss of $117 million in FY26, which could turn into net profit of $139 million in FY30.

PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA)

Another buy-rated business is PEXA, which operates the "leading digital property settlement platform" in Australia, according to UBS. It handles property transfers and refinancing transactions.

The ASX share's FY26 half-year result was promising. Revenue rose 10% to $215.3 million, operating profit (EBITDA) rose 19% to $85.9 million, underlying net profit (NPATA) climbed 33% to $40.3 million and free cash flow jumped 25% to $40.2 million.

UBS noted that HY26 profit was ahead of expectations, though it seems the business will invest much of that into delivering stronger long-term growth.

The broker points out the "critical UK roll-out should support longer-term value upside". The Natwest remortgage launch is due in April 2026. PEXA is also investing in attracting/onboarding additional lenders and conveyancers.

UBS has a price target of $17.50 on the business, implying a possible rise of 14% over the next year from where it is, at the time of writing.

The broker expects PEXA to generate $50 million of net profit in FY26 and this could grow to $191 million by FY30.

The post Brokers rate these 2 top ASX shares as buys in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But that weakness has also caught the attention of analysts. In fact, brokers believe several high-quality companies could rebound strongly, with some price targets suggesting the potential for 100% or more upside.

Here are three ASX shares that analysts believe could stage a major comeback.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

This ASX share has lost 52% of its value over 6 months at the time of writing. WiseTech is a logistics software company best known for its CargoWise platform, which helps freight forwarders manage global supply chains.

The tech company is widely regarded as one of Australia's most successful software companies. CargoWise has become deeply embedded in the global logistics industry. It creates strong switching costs and a powerful competitive moat.

The ASX share also benefits from a highly scalable software model. Once the platform is built, additional customers can be added with relatively low incremental costs. This supports strong margins and long-term earnings growth.

However, WiseTech has faced governance concerns and investor worries about how artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software businesses. The company has also announced a major restructuring, including significant job cuts, as it pivots toward AI-driven operations.

Despite recent volatility, analysts still see major upside for the ASX share. The consensus rating on the tech stock remains buy with an average price target of $85.10, and the most bullish forecast at $122.64.

This points to upside between 80% and 165% from recent levels.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC operates a network of high-performance data centres across Australia, providing critical infrastructure for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise digital services.

Demand for data centre capacity is surging as businesses shift to cloud computing and AI workloads expand.

The $8.5 billion ASX share is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. The company continues to build new facilities and expand capacity across major Australian cities, which could drive strong long-term revenue growth.

NextDC has also been steadily increasing contracted utilisation, suggesting customers are locking in long-term data centre capacity.

Data centre development is capital-intensive. Building new facilities requires significant upfront investment, which can pressure profits in the short term.

Interest rates are another risk. Higher borrowing costs can increase financing expenses for large infrastructure projects.

Analysts are bullish on the ASX share and expect it could hike up to $31.02. That's a potential 133% increase over the next 12 months at the time of writing.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

This ASX share has tumbled almost 60% in the past 12 months. Telix is a biotechnology company specialising in radiopharmaceutical treatments and cancer imaging technologies.

The company is rapidly emerging as a major player in precision medicine. Its flagship prostate cancer imaging product, Illuccix, has already been commercialised and is generating strong revenue growth.

Telix also has a deep pipeline of cancer diagnostics and therapies in development across prostate, kidney, and brain cancers.

Biotech investing always carries risk. Clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and manufacturing processes can all affect a company's timeline and profitability.

The ASX share has also been volatile following regulatory hurdles involving the US Food and Drug Administration, which have weighed on investor sentiment.

Despite these setbacks, analysts remain extremely bullish. The stock currently carries a strong buy consensus. Analysts have set an average 12-month price target of about $24, implying more than 118% potential upside from recent levels.

The most bullish broker sees the ASX share climb to $31.59, a potential 188% upside.

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