With that in mind, these are my top five ASX shares for the long term.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus has built a strong position in medical imaging through its Visage software platform.

Its technology helps hospitals and radiologists view and manage enormous medical imaging files quickly, which becomes increasingly important as healthcare systems generate more data.

I like the opportunity in the US. Pro Medicus has already won major hospital networks, but there is still a large market left to capture.

The company also has room to expand beyond radiology into areas such as cardiology and enterprise imaging. Artificial intelligence could add another capability to the platform as hospitals look for better ways to analyse images and manage growing workloads.

Overall, I think Pro Medicus could be a much larger healthcare technology business a decade from now.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma Healthcare gives investors exposure to the Chemist Warehouse business following the combination of the two companies.

Chemist Warehouse has built one of Australia's strongest retail brands, with a model based on large stores, competitive pricing, and enormous customer traffic.

What interests me most is the opportunity to take that model overseas.

The business already has a growing presence in New Zealand and has begun exploring the UK market. If Chemist Warehouse can successfully replicate even part of its Australian success internationally, I think there could be a long runway ahead.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

This ASX 200 share has developed a platform that millions of families use to stay connected and keep track of the people and things that matter to them.

The core family location-sharing service gives the company a large audience, and I think the bigger opportunity is building more products around that relationship.

Life360 has been expanding into areas such as driving safety, identity protection, pets, and ageing family members.

Its international opportunity also interests me. The service can be used across a huge number of countries, giving Life360 room to grow well beyond its established US audience.

If it can keep adding users and give those users more reasons to pay for its services, I think Life360 has the ingredients for long-term growth.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Commonwealth Bank is one of Australia's strongest banking franchises.

Its enormous customer base gives it relationships across home lending, everyday banking, business banking, credit cards, and wealth-related services.

I also like the investment the bank has made in technology. Its digital banking capabilities can make the customer experience easier while allowing Commonwealth Bank to serve millions of people efficiently.

Australia's population and economy should continue growing over the long term, creating opportunities for more deposits, loans, payments, and business banking activity.

CBA may already be enormous, but I think its scale and brand give it a strong platform to keep compounding over time.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP remains one of my favourite ways to gain exposure to the resources needed by the global economy.

The company owns large, long-life assets across commodities including iron ore and copper, giving it exposure to infrastructure spending, industrial activity, and electrification.

Copper is particularly interesting to me over the longer term. Expanding electricity grids, renewable energy, data centres, and electric vehicles could require enormous amounts of the metal.

BHP also has the financial strength and operating experience to invest in major projects that smaller miners may struggle to develop.

I think that combination of scale, high-quality assets, and exposure to long-term commodity demand makes BHP a share I would be comfortable holding through multiple market cycles.

Foolish takeaway

I would be happy to buy all five of these ASX 200 shares with a long holding period in mind.

What I like most is that each business already has a strong foundation while still having meaningful opportunities ahead.

If they can keep strengthening their market positions and expanding over the years to come, I think patient shareholders could be well rewarded.

The post My top 5 ASX 200 shares to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For investors looking to add individual ASX shares, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) are two companies I would consider, along with another S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) blue-chip business that has caught my attention.

Here is why.

Coles shares

Coles has several qualities I would look for in a retirement investment.

Australians still need groceries when economic conditions become difficult, giving the supermarket giant relatively defensive demand. Coles also generates substantial cash flow and regularly returns some of that money to shareholders through fully franked dividends.

There is growth here as well. Coles has spent heavily on automated distribution centres and online fulfilment, and those investments are starting to strengthen the business. Supermarkets earnings increased by 14.6% during the first half of FY26, helped partly by benefits from its automation program.

Online sales also grew by 27%. I think this is important because Coles can continue adapting to how customers want to shop rather than relying entirely on its established store network.

For a retirement portfolio addition, I like the combination of defensive demand, dividends, and opportunities to gradually improve earnings.

Telstra shares

Telstra is another ASX 200 share I think could fit well alongside other retirement investments.

Mobile and internet connectivity have become essential services for households and businesses. That gives Telstra a recurring revenue base that should be relatively resilient when consumers become more cautious with their spending.

Its mobile business also continues to move in the right direction. Mobile services revenue increased by 5.6% in the first half of FY26 as average revenue per user increased and more customers chose Telstra's network.

That growth, together with tighter cost control, is supporting higher cash earnings.

It is also supporting dividend increases. Telstra increased its interim dividend earlier this year, while management continues to target a sustainable and growing payment over time.

I think steady earnings growth and a dependable dividend can be a valuable combination for retirees who still want their capital working for them over many years.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

My third pick is Sigma Healthcare, the company behind Chemist Warehouse following the merger completed in 2025.

Healthcare and pharmacy spending can provide another source of relatively defensive demand, but what interests me most is the growth opportunity.

Chemist Warehouse continues to expand in Australia and overseas. Australian Chemist Warehouse branded store sales increased by 17.2% during the first half of FY26, while international network sales jumped by 24.5%.

I think the combined group has several ways to keep growing from here. It can open more stores, expand internationally, increase sales of its own and exclusive products, and extract further benefits from bringing the Sigma and Chemist Warehouse businesses together.

Sigma carries more growth risk than Coles or Telstra, but I think that could make it an interesting addition for investors seeking capital growth alongside more defensive holdings.

Foolish takeaway

Coles, Telstra, and Sigma each offer something I would value in a retirement investment.

Coles provides defensive grocery exposure, Telstra combines essential connectivity with steady income, and Sigma offers a stronger growth angle through Chemist Warehouse.

I would be comfortable owning any of the three alongside other investments in a retirement portfolio.

The post Why I'd buy Coles, Telstra and this ASX 200 blue chip share for retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Healthcare shares weren't far behind with a 5.5% gain, making this another impressive week for the rebounding sector.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) surged 2.3% to close at 8,976.8 points on Friday.

A better-than-expected inflation report last week reduced the risk of the Reserve Bank raising interest rates again on 11 August.

This, along with more oil tankers getting through the Strait of Hormuz, provided substantial tailwinds for the market last week.

All but one of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the green.

Let's review.

ASX 200 tech shares and healthcare outperform

ASX 200 tech shares are continuing to recover from a 48% sector meltdown between 29 August 2025 and 30 March this year.

Stretched valuations and fears that massive artificial intelligence (AI) capex spending would fail to yield high returns drove the downturn.

The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is now up 17% since 30 March vs. a 6.1% lift for the broader ASX 200.

Last week, ASX 200 tech shares were buoyed Microsoft Corp's (NASDAQ: MSFT) 15.5% rise on Thursday.

That was the biggest single-day increase for Microsoft shares ever.

The price jump followed the company's 4Q FY26 report, which revealed more than US$100 billion in annual revenue for Azure.

Among last week's best-performing ASX 200 tech shares was WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), up 20.9% to $36.30.

The Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) share price rose 13.7% to $70 per share on Friday.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) shares rose 13.5% to $30.76 apiece.

The Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) share price ascended 11.1% to $25.64.

Healthcare shares fell 39% over the 12 months to 3 June, when the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) hit a 9-year low.

The sector's downward spiral was due to many industry headwinds, including currency challenges for companies reporting in US dollars, cost-of-living pressures prompting patients to delay treatments and product purchases, higher shipping costs due to the US-Iran war, new caps on insurance payouts in some nations, higher staff wages, and US regulatory uncertainty impacting the biotechs.

Value investors have swooped on healthcare shares since 3 June, with the sector up 19% versus a 2.2% lift for the benchmark index.  

Last week, CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares rose 7.7% to finish at $123.06 on Friday. 

Shares in Chemist Warehouse owner, Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), rose 3.5% to $2.94.

Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) shares ascended 8.6% to $29.79.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares rose 3% to $21.86 and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) increased 7.5% to $119.94.

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 technology and healthcare shares continued their comeback last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Among the most popular are shares in Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN).

But are they buys now? Here's why I think they are.

Goodman Group shares

Goodman's most valuable asset may no longer be the warehouse itself.

The industrial property company controls well-located sites with access to consumers, infrastructure, and large electricity connections. That last requirement has become especially important as artificial intelligence and cloud computing increase demand for data centres.

Land can be found, but securing enough power in a major city can take years. I think Goodman's work assembling both gives it an advantage that cannot be quickly copied.

The ASX 200 blue-chip share can also develop projects alongside capital partners, allowing it to earn management and development income while sharing the cost of new facilities.

Data centres now dominate its development pipeline, while logistics remains a valuable business serving retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.

The shares usually command a premium, and construction delays could create volatility. I still think Goodman is one of the strongest ways to invest in the physical infrastructure behind the digital economy.

Sigma Healthcare shares

Sigma has become a different business since combining with Chemist Warehouse.

The merged company brings together pharmacy retail brands, a large franchise network, and a national wholesale and distribution operation. I think that scale gives Sigma several ways to improve rather than relying only on opening more stores.

A larger group can negotiate across more products, spread technology and marketing costs over a wider network, and use its distribution infrastructure more efficiently. It can also develop private-label products and health services that deepen customer relationships.

Competition remains strong, and Sigma still needs to integrate the businesses smoothly while protecting the value proposition that made Chemist Warehouse successful.

Overall, I think the merger has created a healthcare platform with more potential than either company had alone.

Qantas Airways shares

Airlines are traditionally difficult investments. Fuel prices can change quickly, disruptions are expensive, and customers remember poor service. Qantas has all those risks, yet I think its collection of assets is difficult to recreate.

The group combines a leading domestic network, valuable airport slots, Qantas and Jetstar, a large loyalty program, and a recognised international brand.

The loyalty division particularly interests me because it keeps Qantas connected with customers even when they are not flying. Credit cards, retail partners, rewards, and frequent-flyer activity can produce earnings that are less directly tied to jet fuel.

Fleet renewal and Project Sunrise should also improve the customer experience and gradually replace older, less efficient aircraft.

I expect plenty of volatility, but I think Qantas has more resilience than a basic airline description suggests.

Foolish takeaway

When looking for ASX 200 blue-chip shares, I want advantages that have taken years to build and a credible reason for the business to become more valuable.

These three companies meet that test for me and are all worth owning for the long-term.

The post 3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares I'd buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Large and mature businesses may offer a decent dividend yield, but their revenue growth may be limited because it's already such a large number.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma Healthcare is the largest pharmacy business in Australia – it owns the brands of Chemist Warehouse, Amcal and Discount Drug Store.

There are a variety of growth factors helping drive Sigma Healthcare. For starters, the existing Chemist Warehouse Australian store network is performing strongly. In FY26 to April 2026, Chemist Warehouse Australian store like-for-like (LFL) growth was 14.4%. It's exposed to strong tailwinds like an ageing and growing population.

It's also expanding its store network in Australia, further boosting its sales potential and scale benefits in the country. In the HY26 period, it reached 550 Australian Chemist Warehouse stores, up from 537 in FY25. I expect that number to continue rising by double-digits annually for the foreseeable future.

The ASX 200 share's international division is also performing strongly, with growing store networks in New Zealand and Ireland. It also has a presence in Dubai and China, plus it has just started expanding into the UK. I think the international segment could become a major contributor in the coming years. In FY26 to March 2026, international total sales were up by 24.7%.

The final reason to like the business is its rising profit margins, which helps the bottom line grow faster than revenue. HY26 saw revenue climb 14.9%, operating profit (EBITDA) rose 17.8% and net profit jumped 19.2%.

Net profit growth is the best driver of the Sigma Healthcare share price and seeing the company's profit margins rise is a great sign for future shareholder returns.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

The other ASX 200 share I want to highlight is TechnologyOne, a business I'd describe as one of the leading tech businesses on the ASX.

It provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, in other words essential operations software, for a number of clients including government entities, businesses, local councils, universities and so on.

I like its target client base because they're resilient customers and software is essential so they can run efficiently across their operations.

TechnologyOne invests a significant portion of its annual revenue into research and development, which is a key driver of organic growth. The ASX 200 share targets a net revenue retention (NRR) of 115%, meaning its existing client base produces 15% more revenue than the year before. Revenue can double in five years at that speed.

The company is in the early stages of its UK expansion, which is a market with similar entities as Australia, so there will hopefully be an easy transition to winning clients there. It has already won a couple of London local councils, which bodes well for future wins.

The ASX 200 share expects to grow its annual recurring revenue (ARR) to $1 billion in the next few years, while the profit before tax (PBT) margin is expected to rise as well.

I think it could be the top-performing ASX 200 share to own to the end of the decade. But, these aren't the only ASX shares that have a compelling future.

The post 2 ASX 200 shares I rate as top buys for growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The broker notes that if the changes suggested were put in place there could be significant implications for Chemist Warehouse owner Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG).

What is in the report?

Bell Potter highlights that the Future Pharmacy report shines light on the inefficiencies of the funding and other arrangements for Community Pharmacy (CP) in Australia. 

It notes that if "either side of politics to embrace the deregulation measures as recommended, earnings patterns for SIG and many of the pharmacies whose earnings are preserved by this pharmacy gerrymander would change forever."

Commenting on the report, Bell Potter said:

The Grattan report identifies numerous inefficiencies within Australia's system for CP including pharmacy remuneration and the opacity of data supporting the current structure, however, maximum venom is reserved for the pharmacy ownership laws and location rules. 

The rules are no longer fit for purpose and now act as a handbrake to further competition while preserving the earnings stream of incumbents. The rules also prevent the participation of supermarkets in CP for reasons that are less clear with each passing year.

Thankfully for Sigma Healthcare and its shares is that Bell Potter believes any potential changes to regulations would still be a long way off. It adds:

Whether the Grattan report influences change remains to be seen, however, CP is probably a long way down the Federal Government's priority list for reform. Additionally, reform in this section of the market is unlikely to generate momentum on polling day, particularly if the Guild and AMA oppose changes as history suggests is likely. For these reasons, the regulatory environment supporting Community Pharmacy and the likes of Sigma Healthcare are unlikely to change.

Should you buy Sigma Healthcare shares?

According to the release, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating and $3.00 price target on the company's shares. This is just a touch above its current share price of $2.93.

Commenting on its hold rating, the broker said:

Regulatory upheaval in CP is unlikely, nevertheless, investment metrics for SIG are not sufficiently attractive to warrant a Buy rating, particularly with a single payer (the Federal Government) representing a disproportionate level of group revenue. 

The Government's propensity to alter funding arrangements on short notice with little industry consultation should elevate the risk rating on SIG. We maintain our Hold rating and PT $3.00.

The post Chemist Warehouse: Are Sigma Healthcare shares a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Among the 11 market sectors, energy is in the lead today, up 1.9%.

The technology sector is the laggard, down 1.1%.

Let's check out some new ratings on three ASX 200 shares.

Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price is $33.88, down 3.1% today and down 71% over 12 months.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX 200 tech share with a 12-month target price of $71.75.

Analyst Chris Savage said: 

There has been a tech rally of sorts on the ASX over the past couple of months and this has been led by some of the large cap names including Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Block CDI (ASX: XYZ) and Life360 Inc (ASX: 360).

One large cap which has not rallied, however, is WiseTech and this is likely due to a number of factors including further negative press reports around founder and Chief Innovation Officer Richard White, concern around the potential future loss of key customer DSV and risk around both the FY26 result and FY27 guidance and whether each meets market expectations.

In our view, however, these negatives will start to dissipate over the coming months and indeed have already commenced with
the appointment earlier this month of Raelene Murphy to Chair which we regard as a positive move.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is $2.94, up 0.2% today and up 7% over 12 months.

Bell Potter has a hold rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share with a price target of $3.

Analyst John Hester said: 

… investment metrics for SIG are not sufficiently attractive to warrant a Buy rating, particularly with a single payer (the Federal Government) representing a disproportionate level of group revenue.

The Government's propensity to alter funding arrangements on short notice with little industry consultation should elevate the risk rating on SIG.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA shares are $172.73 apiece, up 0.6% today and down 3% over 12 months.

Morgans has a sell rating on CBA shares and just reduced its 12-month target from $119.40 to $117.63.

Analyst Nathan Lead said:

We make updates to our forecasts ahead of the FY26 result in August. Net result is 1-2% downgrades to FY27-28F EPS.

Sell retained, given stretched valuation metrics remain implied in the share price (c.26x PER, 3.7x PBV, 2.9% cash yield).

The post Buy, hold, sell: Sigma Healthcare, Wisetech Global, CBA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The country's leading pharmacy business may be best known for Chemist Warehouse, but it also has other elements to the company including Amcal, Discount Drug Stores and a pharmaceutical wholesale business.

However, with Chemist Warehouse making up a significant majority of the company's earnings, I think it's the right place for investors to focus because of three different reasons.

Excellent performance by the existing store network

When there are many different growth areas of a business to consider, I think it's important to see that the core business is performing strongly for shareholders, which is happening at Sigma Healthcare.

The core Chemist Warehouse network in Australia is doing very well and continues to drive the value of the intrinsic value of the business higher.

In early May, the business gave a trading update which revealed the Australian Chemist Warehouse network delivered total sales growth of 16.7% year-over-year for the period of 1 July 2025 to 30 April 2026. This was mostly powered by like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of 14.4%, which is an excellent rate of growth, in my view, for a large retail business.

Thankfully, the company has tailwinds such as Australia's ageing and growing population. Plus, pharmacies are a huge market, so there is still a lot of market share the company could claim thanks to its scale benefits and low prices.

I expect Chemist Warehouse will be able to expand its Australian network with more stores at a pleasing pace over the rest of this decade.

Growth of the international network

Australia is not the only growth avenue for the business. The ASX share also operates in New Zealand, Ireland, Dubai and online in China.

Its international store network delivered 24.7% total sales growth and LFL sales growth of 14.4% for the period 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026. I expect the company's store networks in New Zealand and Ireland to steadily expand.

Excitingly, Sigma is also going to enter the UK market thanks to a joint venture agreement with Greenlight Healthcare. Greenlight has 22 stores in and around London – Sigma will acquire a 75% interest in a number of stores, with the other 25% continuing to be held by Greenlight.

Under that joint venture, Sigma will licence the Chemist Warehouse brand and intellectual property, and provide retail support (including ranging, store layout, inventory management and marketing support).

Phase one will rebrand up to five stores initially, with the option for more stores if the first phase is successful.

Improving profit margins

In my view, the ASX share has an exciting future of sales growth ahead, but profit growth could be even better because the company's increasing scale helps profit margins rise. Additional revenue dollars are becoming increasingly profitable in each reporting period.

For example, in the first half of FY26, the company reported that revenue grew by 14.9% to $5.5 billion.

Normalised operating profit (EBIT) grew strongly, rising by 18.7% to $582.9 million – faster than sales growth.

The normalised net profit after tax (NPAT) grew 19.2% to $392 million – faster than the EBIT growth.

It's normally net profit growth that investors value a business on, so the profit growth looks very appealing to me. The company can use this net profit to fund more growth, pay down debt and/or pay rising dividends to shareholders.

Overall, there's a lot to like about this ASX share, though it's not the only name I'd love to have in my portfolio.

The post 3 reasons why the ASX share owner of Chemist Warehouse is a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are outlined below. Let's see why they are bullish on them.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have upgraded this 4×4 accessories company's shares to a buy rating with a $22.35 price target. Morgans made the move in response to positive new vehicle sales during the month of June. This could be good news for ARB because it has a history of outperforming the market with its aftermarket sales. And while it has trimmed its earnings estimates slightly for FY 2026, it has boosted its medium-term forecasts. This partly reflects easing supply constraints for Toyota vehicles. Combined with significant share price weakness this year, Morgans thinks now could be a good time to invest. The ARB share price last traded at $18.03.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have put a buy rating and $4.45 price target on this biotechnology company's shares. This follows the release of a fourth-quarter update which revealed 20% quarter on quarter revenue growth. Bell Potter believes its full year performance represents an outstanding result considering its Ryoncil product was launched from a standing start in April 2025 and prior to broad reimbursement availability. The broker notes that commercial adoption has been exceptionally strong and has continued to grow as barriers to adoption have fallen away. Looking ahead, the broker expects Ryoncil's strong growth to continue. Bell Potter is also optimistic on Mesoblast's Rexlemestrocel-L product. The Mesoblast share price was fetching $2.35 at Monday's close.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating and $3.50 price target on this pharmacy chain operator's shares. According to the note, the broker has been looking at the consumer sector and continues to rate Sigma Healthcare as a preferred pick. Macquarie is bullish on the company due to its attractive valuation and exposure to structural tailwinds that are supporting the pharmacy industry. The Sigma Healthcare share price last traded at $2.92. 

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, the ASX 200 staged a late comeback and only just managed to finish in the green, gaining 0.028% for the day and finishing at 8,808.5 points.

This shaky start to the trading week for the Australian markets came after a happy finish to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) fared decently, rising 0.29%.

In a rare event, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) also gained 0.29%.

But let's return to this week and the local markets to see how the various ASX sectors performed this session.

Winners and losers

At the front of today's red sectors were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was hit hard, plunging 2.48%.

Gold stocks were also hit hard, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) cratering 1.89%.

Utilities shares were unpopular, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) saw its value tank 1.63% today.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven either, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)'s 0.91% slump.

Mining shares didn't hold water. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) sank 0.65% this Monday.

Nor did healthcare stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) dropping 0.61%.

Industrial stocks were our final losers today. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slid 0.17% down.

Let's turn to the winners now. Leading the push higher were communications stocks, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.89% surge.

Consumer discretionary shares proved popular as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) jumped 0.86% today.

We could say something similar for financial stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) advancing 0.67%.

Energy shares also ran relatively hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) put on an additional 0.66% this Monday.

Finally, real estate investment trusts (REITs) only just got over the line, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 0.04% inch higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Biotech company Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) was the best share on the index. Mesoblast stock leapt 4.91% higher this Monday to close at $2.35. This was potentially a reaction to a bullish broker note, which we covered this morning.

Here's the rest of today's best: 

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

After opening sharply lower at the start of morning trading, the ASX 200 did recover a little over the day. But it wasn't nearly enough to save investors from a loss. By the time trading finished, the index had lost 0.26% and closed at 8,762.5 points.

This depressing Thursday for the local markets came after a mixed night over on the US markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) wasn't in a good place, dropping 1.09%.

However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared far better, rising 0.2%.

Let's get back to the local markets now and check out how today's tough trading conditions have percolated down into the various ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's bad mood this Thursday, there were plenty of sectors that were spared from a sell-down.

But first, it was mining stocks that got slammed the hardest today. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) ended up crashing 1.48% lower.

Gold shares had another rough one too, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) tumbling 1.24%.

We can say the same for real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) sank 1.1% by the closing bell.

Financial stocks were a little better, though, as illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ)'s 0.15% slip.

Turning to the green sectors now, energy shares had a blowout. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) ended up surging 1.67% higher.

Utilities stocks also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soaring 1.28%.

Consumer staples shares were solid. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) galloped 0.97% higher this session.

Tech stocks were in demand too, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 0.92% bounce.

Communications shares fared decently. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) added 0.89% to its total today.

As did consumer discretionary stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) advancing 0.58%.

Healthcare shares stayed afloat. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) lifted 0.13% this Thursday.

Finally, industrial stocks got over the line, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)'s 0.12% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today's top stock was building supplies company Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU). Fletcher shares rocketed 7.55% this session to $2.99 each.

This followed the stock releasing some updated earnings guidance, which investors clearly appreciated.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb: 

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

While analysts can be wrong, their work can highlight businesses where the market may be underestimating future growth.

Three ASX shares that have recently caught my attention are named below.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

The first ASX share I would consider buying is one where the market appears to have become much more cautious.

ResMed shares are trading around $31.44, and Morgans believes the recent weakness has created an attractive opportunity.

The concerns are understandable. Investors have been weighing the potential impact of GLP-1 therapies, the possibility of Philips returning to the US PAP market, and broader weakness across healthcare shares.

However, I think the bigger picture remains compelling. ResMed operates in a healthcare market with a huge long-term opportunity. Sleep apnoea and related breathing disorders affect a large number of people globally, and many remain undiagnosed or untreated. That creates a significant runway for growth.

I also like the direction of the business beyond traditional devices. Connected technology, digital health solutions, and software can help improve patient outcomes while making treatment more accessible.

Morgans highlighted that ResMed has de-rated to around 16 times forward earnings, close to its lowest valuation since the post-GFC period, while consensus still expects double-digit earnings growth. For this reason, it has a buy recommendation and $41.72 target price on its shares.

The risks are real, but I think the market may be underestimating the quality of the underlying business.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The second opportunity comes from a business that has been caught up in broader travel uncertainty.

Flight Centre shares have struggled as investors assess the impact of geopolitical issues and weaker operating conditions.

But I think the long-term travel story remains attractive. People continue to value experiences, holidays, and international travel. When confidence improves, travel demand can recover quickly.

What interests me about Flight Centre is the strength of its position. The company has built a global travel network, strong brand recognition, and a valuable customer base. It also has a strong balance sheet.

Morgans believes the recent weakness creates an opportunity, highlighting the company's financial strength and the potential for a stronger recovery in the second half of FY27. It has a buy recommendation and $14.80 target price on the shares.

I think the key is patience. The recovery may take time, but if travel conditions normalise, earnings and the share price could respond positively.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The final ASX share I would look at is Chemist Warehouse owner Sigma Healthcare.

Ord Minnett believes the company's UK expansion opportunity could become significant over time. The initial rollout is still small, but the market itself is large and fragmented, creating an opportunity for a proven retail model to expand.

What I find interesting is the possibility of taking existing capabilities into a new market. Sigma has access to pharmacy infrastructure, retail experience, and the backing of one of Australia's strongest consumer brands through Chemist Warehouse.

There is execution risk, as with any international expansion. But I think the potential upside comes from the ability to replicate a successful model in a much larger market.

Ord Minnett recently placed a buy recommendation and $3.40 target price on the shares. I think this is a fair valuation and shows potential for good returns from its current share price of around $2.82.

Foolish takeaway

I think these three ASX shares are interesting because investors are currently looking beyond the headlines and asking whether the long-term opportunity has changed.

In my view, the businesses themselves still have attractive qualities. The challenge for investors is having the patience to wait for those strengths to become more visible.

The post Why I want to own these ASX shares brokers rate as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The attractiveness of some investments may have changed in the last few months following the Federal budget. Property investors who buy an established residential property can no longer benefit from negative gearing (the losses are carried forward until the property makes a profit), though buyers of new builds can still make use of negative gearing.

The outlook for sizeable capital gains for residential property looks challenging in the short to medium term.

In my view, there are three areas that still make a lot of sense for investors.

Commercial property

Residential properties may have been impacted, but commercial property looks as attractive as ever to me. Commercial properties are normally positively geared, which is great for investor cash flow.

However, I'm not looking to become a property manager. Instead, I believe that high-quality real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a great option to invest my money because I can buy a stake in a portfolio of properties in a single transaction.

Names like Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) and Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) offer exposure to quality property portfolios and good distribution yields. As a bonus, they are all trading at large discounts to their last reported net tangible assets (NTA).

High-quality exchange-traded funds

Another area that I think is well worth investing in is exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and listed investment companies (LICs) because of the diversification and returns they can provide over the long-term.

I'd rather invest in international shares than local shares because I'm not sure that ASX blue-chip shares are going to grow earnings materially in the near-term. Major ASX bank shares face headwinds from the property taxation changes, as well as a challenge from Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), while African iron ore from new projects could be a headwind for earnings from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

In my view, something like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) makes a lot of sense because it provides exposure to well over 1,000 shares from the global share market.

But, given the uncertainty of how various intriguing investment trends will play out – AI, data centres, private credit, the lack of fuel and other resources flowing out of the Middle East, and inflation – I think high-quality businesses are best-suited to these conditions.

Over the long-term, I believe ideas such as VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) and Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) can outperform the wider global share market, so that could be a great place to invest my money.

ASX shares that can grow earnings

The final place that could be a good area to invest is good ASX shares with solid earnings growth potential.

There are plenty of businesses that could deliver pleasing returns over the long-term as they grow their earnings. The ASX is more than just the largest businesses.

I'm thinking of names like Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR), L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G), Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL).

These aren't the only names I'd buy to invest my money for my portfolio, there are plenty of exciting options!

The post How should I invest my money in FY27? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Instead, I would focus on businesses that sit inside long-term structural demand trends: healthcare, wealth management, and essential services that Australians continue to rely on regardless of economic conditions.

I think that approach can help smooth out some of the noise that comes from markets reacting to interest rates, sentiment shifts, and short-term headlines.

Here is how I would allocate that $20,000 today.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

One part of the portfolio would go to a business that operates at the centre of Australia's healthcare supply chain.

Sigma Healthcare is deeply embedded in pharmaceutical distribution and the supply of medicines to community pharmacies across the country.

What I like about this type of business is the essential nature of demand. Medicines are not discretionary. They are required regardless of economic conditions, which can provide a level of resilience over time.

The distribution model also benefits from scale. Once a national supply network is established, it becomes difficult for smaller players to compete on efficiency, coverage, and reliability.

It is not the most exciting part of the market, but I think it is one of the most durable.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Another portion of the $20,000 would go to a business that is closely tied to the growth of Australia's financial advice and superannuation system.

Hub24 provides a technology platform used by financial advisers to manage client portfolios, reporting, administration, and investment operations.

I think this is one of those businesses that benefits from complexity rather than simplicity. As client needs become more personalised and regulatory requirements increase, advisers need better systems to manage their workload efficiently.

That creates demand for platforms that can simplify administration and improve visibility across portfolios.

Once a financial adviser integrates a platform into their workflow, it can become difficult to replace without significant disruption. That kind of embedded usage can support long-term growth.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The final portion of the $20,000 would go to a business operating in a very different part of the healthcare sector.

Cochlear is a global leader in hearing implant technology. It operates in a market driven more by medical need and demographics than by economic cycles. Hearing loss becomes more common with age, which creates a long-term structural demand base across developed and emerging markets.

What stands out to me is the combination of medical technology leadership and long product lifecycles. These are not low-cost or easily replaceable solutions. They require clinical trust, regulatory approval, and long-term support infrastructure.

That tends to create strong competitive positioning over time, although execution in innovation and global rollout remains critical.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $20,000 into ASX 200 shares this month, I would want exposure to different types of long-term demand rather than concentrating on a single theme.

Each business operates in a different part of the economy, but all three share a common feature: they are tied to needs that do not disappear when markets get uncertain.

That is the type of foundation I would want when putting $20,000 to work for the long term.

The post Where I'd invest $20,000 into ASX 200 shares this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For most people, it takes years of investing, patience, and the willingness to keep putting money to work even when the share market feels uncertain.

But I think $500 a month can become a powerful starting point.

That amount may not feel like it could be life-changing at first. But if it is invested regularly into ASX 200 shares and allowed to compound over decades, it could make a major difference to someone's financial future.

Here is how I would approach it.

Let the habit do the work

The first step is building the habit. 

If an investor put $500 a month into ASX 200 shares and achieved an average annual return of 9%, the portfolio could grow to more than $850,000 after 30 years. After 32 years, it could pass $1 million.

Those numbers are only examples. Actual returns will vary, and there will be years when the portfolio falls.

But the point is that early retirement is not only about finding the next great stock. It is about creating a repeatable process and giving that process enough time to matter.

A $500 monthly investment also has another advantage. It takes away some of the pressure of trying to pick the perfect moment to buy. Some purchases will happen when prices are high. Others will happen when fear is higher and valuations look more attractive.

Over long periods, I think that consistency can be more useful than waiting for the perfect entry point.

Buy businesses that can grow

If I were investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares, I would want a mix of companies with strong positions and room to get larger.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) is one example I would consider. 

It has built a global business around gaming content, gaming machines, digital products, and intellectual property. What I like is that the company's success depends heavily on product quality and reinvestment. 

If it keeps creating content that venues and players value, I think it can remain a strong long-term compounder.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is another ASX 200 share I would look at. Its software is used by organisations that need reliable systems for finance, payroll, student management, local government, and other core operations. That kind of software can become deeply embedded in customer workflows, which can support recurring revenue and long-term growth.

I would also consider Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG). The business is now tied to a large pharmacy retail and distribution platform, with exposure to everyday health, beauty, wellness, and prescription needs. 

I like the repeat nature of the spending and the potential for scale to support supplier relationships, logistics, customer data, and broader category growth.

These are not the only ASX 200 shares I would buy. But they show the sort of qualities I would be looking for: relevance, scale, and a clear reason the business could be worth more in the future.

Stay focused on the end goal

The hardest part of this strategy may not be the maths. It may be staying patient.

A $500 monthly investment will not look meaningful in the early years. The portfolio may feel slow to move, and market falls can make the progress look even slower.

But compounding often becomes more visible later. Once the portfolio reaches a decent size, investment returns can start adding more than the monthly contributions in strong years.

That is when the early discipline begins to pay off.

Foolish takeaway

I think investing $500 a month into ASX 200 shares could be a realistic way to work toward early retirement.

It will still take time, and investors need to choose businesses carefully. But the strategy does not need to rely on one lucky stock pick.

Regular investing, quality companies, reinvested returns, and patience can be a powerful combination.

For someone starting today, I think the best move is simply to begin. The earlier the habit starts, the more time compounding has to turn those monthly investments into something much more meaningful.

The post I'd invest $500 a month in ASX 200 shares to retire early appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lifted 0.28% amid a US-Iran interim peace deal and oil prices dropping to pre-war levels.

The ASX 200 finished the week at 8,828.7 points.

It's potentially significant that healthcare was out in front last week given the sector's poor performance over the past 12 months.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is down 39% over 12 months and down 25% in the calendar year to date.

The healthcare index hit a 9-year low of 21,947.2 points on 3 June.

Samy Sriram, a market analyst at online investment platform, Stake, says healthcare companies have had many headwinds.

They include currency challenges for those reporting in US dollars; three interest rate rises in Australia; cost of living pressures; higher shipping costs; new caps on insurance payouts in some nations; higher labour costs; and regulatory uncertainty in the US.

However, markets are cyclical. At some point in a downturn, share prices fall to levels that offer too much value to ignore, and investors dive back in.

Does 3 June represent that pivot point?

ASX 200 healthcare shares have increased 13% since 3 June compared to just a 0.49% bump for the broader benchmark index.

Let's review some individual company performances last week.

Healthcare shares led the ASX sectors last week

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price ascended 8.19% to close at $116.32 on Friday.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) shares rose 4.55% to $2.76 apiece.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) shares dropped 2.17% to $31.53.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares lifted 5.37% to $172.80.

Resmed CDI (ASX: RMD) shares fell 3.75% to $26.68.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) shares eased 0.74% to $20.05.

The Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) share price lifted 1.73% to $39.49.

The Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) share price shot 13.87% higher to $118.14.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares increased 6.62% to $14.50.

The Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) share price rose 2.46% to $29.99.

The EBOS Group Ltd ASX: EBO) share price fell 3.87% to $16.91.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares ripped 9.23% to $2.13 apiece.

Megastar ASX 200 healthcare share, 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX), rocketed 23.37% to $4.54.

4DMedical shares are up 1,716% over 12 months.

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 Healthcare shares led the ASX 200 last week. Is a sector comeback underway? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But I think the process becomes much more manageable when it is broken down into the right habits. This includes investing regularly, buying quality businesses, reinvesting along the way, and giving the portfolio enough time to compound.

The aim is not to find one perfect share that does all the work. I would rather build a portfolio that can grow steadily over time, produce income later in life, and give investors more financial freedom when retirement arrives.

Here is how I would approach it.

Build around businesses that can last

I think a retirement portfolio needs staying power.

That does not mean only buying defensive shares. It means owning companies that can remain useful across different economic cycles.

I would want exposure to businesses that sell essential services, operate important infrastructure, own strong brands, or solve problems that customers keep coming back to.

That could include healthcare companies such as ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), infrastructure-style businesses such as Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), or high-quality financial names such as Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). I would also consider companies with repeat customer demand, such as Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), where everyday health and wellness spending can support long-term relevance.

The exact shares can change over time. The principle is more important: I would want businesses that can still make sense to hold in 10 or 20 years, not shares that only look exciting because they are popular this month.

Let contributions do their job

A $1 million portfolio is rarely built in one move. It is usually built through repeated action.

For example, investing $500 a month at an average annual return of 9% could grow to around $1 million in roughly 32 years. Investing $1,000 a month at the same return could reach that level in about 25 years.

Those returns are not guaranteed. Markets can deliver long stretches of disappointment, and there will be years when the portfolio goes backwards.

The road to $1 million does not require perfection. It requires consistency, enough time, and the discipline to keep adding money when the market is cheerful and when it is miserable.

Own growth before chasing income

If retirement is still years away, I would be careful about building the portfolio too heavily around dividend yields from the start.

Income will eventually matter. But in the accumulation phase, growth can be just as important, perhaps more important.

A portfolio that focuses only on today's dividends may miss businesses that can reinvest at attractive rates and become much larger over time. That is why I would want a blend of dividend payers and growth shares.

Be willing to look dull

Some of the best long-term investments can feel boring while they are being held.

That is fine with me. 

A retirement portfolio does not need to impress anyone at a barbecue. It needs to keep compounding quietly, survive downturns, and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

I would rather own a good business for a decade than keep trying to find the next market darling. The frequent buying and selling can feel active, but activity is not the same as progress.

The real advantage comes from giving strong companies enough time to do their work.

Foolish takeaway

I think building a $1 million ASX share portfolio is about creating a system that can keep moving forward.

I would focus on durable businesses, regular investing, sensible diversification, and growth that can support future income.

There will be setbacks. Every long-term investor gets them. But a retirement portfolio should be built with that reality in mind.

Start with quality and the right mindset, add money consistently, reinvest along the way, and let time do what it does best. That is the approach I would use to aim for a $1 million ASX share portfolio for retirement.

The post How to build a $1 million ASX share portfolio for retirement 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:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is up 15% to 74.5 cents. This follows news that major shareholder, Frasers Group, has made a low-ball takeover offer of 65 cents per share. This was where the footwear retailer's shares ended last week. The company's board has advised shareholders to take no action. It said: "The Accent Board notes that: the Offer Price is equal to the last closing price of Accent shares on 12 June 2026 and therefore represents no premium to that closing price; Frasers' own substantial holding notice discloses that its last on-market purchases of Accent shares occurred between 3 February 2026 and 5 February 2026, at average prices above A$0.90, which is materially above the Offer Price; and because the Offer is an on-market bid, shareholders who sell their Accent shares to Frasers will not be able to withdraw that sale and will not receive the benefit of any increase in the Offer Price or any superior proposal that may emerge."

IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX)

The IperionX share price is up 6% to $5.43. This morning, the titanium products company announced the US$3 million acquisition of critical mineral and mining assets adjacent to its flagship Titan Project in Tennessee. Management notes that the deal consolidates its position in the Big Sandy Critical Minerals Province. It also brings together established infrastructure and large stockpiles of pre-processed rare earth minerals.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 7.5% to $20.73. Investors have been buying gold miners today after the precious metal surged in response to a peace deal between the US and Iran. With oil now flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices tumbling, there are hopes that inflation could ease and interest rates may not need to rise further.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is up 7% to $2.83. Investors have been buying the Chemist Warehouse owner's shares after it announced that it was no longer interested in acquiring UK pharmacy chain Boots. It advised: "Sigma engaged in the Boots sale process given the potentially unique opportunity it presented to accelerate its UK expansion through the market-leading Boots brand and large footprint. However, following its preliminary review the Company has concluded that such an acquisition would not currently meet its strategic and capital investment objectives."

The post Why Accent, IperionX, Northern Star, and Sigma Healthcare shares are racing higher on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Short-lived takeover conversation

Sigma last week confirmed that it was in preliminary discussions with The Boots Group after the news broke in the Australian Financial Review.

But the company on Monday said these discussions had drawn to a close, while the company kept the door open to other international opportunities.

The company said:

International growth is one of Sigma's four key strategic growth pillars and the Company remains committed to driving growth in its core offshore markets, while assessing and seeding new markets. This includes the UK where Sigma recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Greenlight Healthcare. Sigma engaged in the Boots sale process given the potentially unique opportunity it presented to accelerate its UK expansion through the market-leading Boots brand and large footprint. However, following its preliminary review the Company has concluded that such an acquisition would not currently meet its strategic and capital investment objectives.

Sigma said it had many opportunities for growth and was confident in its current strategy.

It said the company would continue to assess acquisition opportunities, "in all markets that will deliver on our strategy and long-term sustainable returns for Sigma shareholders''.

Brokers say core business is strong

Macquarie issued a new research note on Sigma when the news of the Boots talks broke last week.

The analyst team said Boots had a potential enterprise value of US$10 billion, with about 1800 stores and 20% of the UK market share.

The Macquarie team said any deal would have necessitated a "sizeable" equity raise from Sigma.

They said the weaker Sigma share price when the deal was announced was, "evident of caution on a significant overseas transaction in an unproven market, with weak track record of UK expansion by Australian companies''.

But Macquarie said Sigma's domestic earnings trajectory appeared to remain intact, driven by health and beauty trends and operating leverage.

Macquarie has a share price target of $3.50 on Sigma shares, while a Jarden report from early May has a $3.60 share price target.

Sigma shares are 7% higher on Monday at $2.82.

Jarden said in early May that Sigma had a long runway for growth via new and expanded stores, "with success in Ireland and NZ, and now the UK entry'', referring to a memorandum of understanding with GreenLight Healthcare to launch Chemist Warehouse in the UK market.

Sigma is valued at $30.48 billion.

The post Sigma Healthcare shares are surging. What does Macquarie say they're worth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But they are not the only places to find compelling long-term opportunities.

I think there are some interesting ASX shares sitting in areas such as wealth technology, healthcare retail, and defence technology. These businesses are exposed to different demand drivers, which can be useful for investors looking beyond the usual market heavyweights.

These are three ASX shares I would consider buying.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

The first ASX share I would buy is Hub24.

Hub24 provides investment platform technology used by financial advisers and their clients. That may not sound exciting at first, but I think it is an attractive part of the market.

Financial advice is becoming more demanding. Clients may have superannuation, managed accounts, pensions, tax considerations, estate planning needs, and changing retirement goals. Advisers need tools that help them manage that complexity without wasting time on manual administration.

That is where Hub24 has built its position. The platform can become part of an adviser's daily workflow. Once client portfolios, reporting, administration, and managed accounts are running through the system, switching providers is not something most advisers would do lightly. I like that stickiness.

Hub24 can also benefit as more wealth moves through modern platforms. Australia's superannuation and retirement savings pool is enormous, and I think efficient technology will keep becoming more important as investors seek advice and better portfolio management.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Sigma is another ASX share I would buy.

I think the attraction with the Chemist Warehouse owner is repeat customer demand.

Pharmacy retail is tied to everyday health, wellness, beauty, personal care, and prescription needs. Customers may walk in for one product and leave with several. That gives the business frequent traffic and plenty of opportunities to deepen customer relationships.

Chemist Warehouse's value proposition is also a major strength in my view.

In a cost-of-living environment, shoppers are highly aware of price. A value-led pharmacy retailer can stay relevant because customers still need health products, but they want to feel they are getting a good deal.

I also think Sigma's scale could become more powerful over time. Larger retail and distribution networks can support stronger supplier relationships, improved logistics, private-label opportunities, better customer data, and category expansion.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield provides counter-drone and electronic warfare technology. Its products help customers detect, track, identify, and respond to drones in defence, government, and security settings.

I think this is a market with strong long-term relevance, potentially making it an ASX share to buy and hold.

Drones are changing the way militaries, airports, prisons, public events, and critical infrastructure operators think about security. They can be used for surveillance, disruption, smuggling, or attacks, which creates demand for counter-drone systems.

What I like about DroneShield is that it gives ASX investors exposure to a specialised defence technology niche. Recent contract momentum suggests customers are prepared to spend money on these capabilities, which is important for turning a strong theme into a real business.

This is not a quiet blue-chip share. Contract timing can be uneven, competition can increase, and the share price may remain volatile. But for investors comfortable with risk, I think DroneShield has one of the more interesting growth runways on the ASX.

Foolish Takeaway

The ASX offers more than banks, miners, and supermarkets.

I like the idea of looking for businesses that are exposed to different forms of demand, whether that is better wealth management technology, everyday healthcare spending, or rising security needs. These are very different opportunities, and each carries its own risks.

But for investors willing to look beyond the most familiar parts of the market, I think shares like these show there are still plenty of ways to find long-term growth on the ASX.

The post 3 ASX shares I'd buy that are not banks, miners, or supermarkets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.