ASX Stocks

Here Are 4 ASX Retail Stocks to Buy in FY26 — and 4 to Avoid

Published

2 months ago

September 5, 2025

The Australian retail sector is set for a transformative year in FY26, thanks to the Stage 3 tax cuts, shifting consumer habits, and changing economic conditions. While some retailers are poised to thrive, others face mounting challenges. Here are four ASX-listed retail stocks that look promising for FY26 — and four that investors may want to avoid.

4 ASX Retail Stocks to Buy in FY26

Beacon Lighting (ASX:BLX)

The home improvement sector is set to gain as households redirect tax savings into upgrades. Beacon Lighting, with its vertically integrated model and strong brand presence, is well-positioned to benefit.

Strengths: Sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solutions, strong family ownership (55% held by the Robinson family), and steady expansion in Australia and overseas.
Outlook: High electricity prices and the shift to energy-efficient lighting could drive long-term growth.

Universal Store (ASX:UNI)

Universal Store has emerged as a major winner from the Stage 3 tax cuts, particularly because its target market — Millennials and Gen Z — benefits the most from the revised tax package. Despite stereotypes about young consumers lacking disposable income, recent trends (like the success of major tours) show their willingness to spend.

FY25 Results: $333.5m revenue (+15.5%), $54.6m EBIT (+16%), $34.8m profit (+15.2%)
Dividends: 38.5c per share (80% payout ratio)
Outlook: Analysts forecast $370m revenue and $42m profit in FY26.

Myer (ASX:MYR)

After years of struggle, Myer may finally be turning the corner. The acquisition of Premier Investments’ Apparel Brands and the appointment of Olivia Wirth (ex-Qantas Loyalty) as CEO have reinvigorated its strategy.

Key Strengths: Improved loyalty program (4.6m members, 6.6% CAGR), strong data-driven retail platform, and renewed focus on in-demand brands and efficient sourcing.

Wesfarmers (ASX:WES)

A staple in the ASX retail landscape, Wesfarmers’ diverse portfolio includes Bunnings, Officeworks, Kmart, Target, and more. The company also operates in chemicals, fertilisers, and lithium mining.

Why Buy? Bunnings continues to dominate the hardware sector, while its pharmaceutical and consumer businesses expand. Strong balance sheet and diversified income streams make it a safer long-term bet.

4 ASX Retail Stocks to Avoid in FY26

Woolworths (ASX:WOW)

Australia’s largest supermarket chain underperformed compared to rival Coles in FY25.

FY25 Results: EBIT fell 12.6% to $2.8bn, NPAT declined 17.1% to $1.4bn.
Challenges: Margin compression from higher wages and superannuation costs, coupled with heavy capex spending ($2.5bn).
Verdict: Coles is showing better efficiency and profitability.

Bapcor (ASX:BAP)

Despite leadership changes, Bapcor remains in a tough position. Profits fell over 15% due to write-offs, uncollectible receivables, and weak retail performance in New Zealand.

Red Flags: High management turnover (three directors resigned in one day), and no clear signs of a turnaround.

Cettire (ASX:CTT)

The high-end eCommerce retailer has lost over 90% of its market cap in two years. Tariffs, slowing growth, and questionable business practices have shaken investor confidence.

Concerns: Declining margins, CEO share selling, and weak consumer trust.

City Chic Collective (ASX:CCX)

Once a $6 stock, City Chic is now trading under 10 cents due to failed international expansion and massive inventory issues.

Outlook: No clear growth catalysts, with private equity takeover speculation being the only bullish argument — and that’s a gamble.

Final Thoughts

FY26 offers opportunities for savvy investors to capitalise on Australia’s retail resurgence — but selectivity is key. Universal Store, Beacon Lighting, Myer, and Wesfarmers look well-placed to benefit from consumer spending tailwinds, while Bapcor, Woolworths, Cettire, and City Chic carry higher risk profiles that may not pay off in the near term.

ASX Stocks

ASX 200 Falls to 8,946: What’s Weighing on Australian Stocks

Published

3 weeks ago

October 8, 2025

Aniket Pahwa

The ASX 200 slipped 0.12% to 8,946 points on October 8, 2025, unable to maintain momentum despite a positive lead from U.S. markets overnight. That modest decline extends a frustrating pattern for Australian investors – the ASX keeps struggling to break decisively higher even when conditions appear favorable.

The index remains up 9.26% year-over-year, respectable but underwhelming compared to the S&P 500’s 16% gain over the same period. This performance gap raises questions about whether Australian stocks deserve portfolio space when U.S. equities keep delivering superior returns.

Why the ASX Can't Break Higher

Several factors explain the ASX’s sluggish performance relative to global peers. Understanding these headwinds helps investors decide whether to maintain Australian exposure or rotate capital elsewhere.

Wall Street’s weak overnight session didn’t help. The Dow fell 0.2% as investors awaited FOMC meeting minutes, creating a cautious tone that carried over to Asian trading. When the U.S. leads lower, the ASX typically follows.

Beyond near-term market dynamics, structural issues weigh on Australian stocks. The index lacks exposure to high-growth technology companies that have driven U.S. market gains. Australia’s economy remains heavily tied to commodities and financials, both facing headwinds.

China’s economic situation creates additional uncertainty. While Beijing’s stimulus measures generated initial optimism, actual economic improvement has been modest. Australia’s China exposure becomes a liability when Chinese growth disappoints.

Banks Under Pressure

Financial stocks represent roughly 20% of the ASX 200, making their performance crucial to overall index direction. Unfortunately, banks face multiple challenges that limit upside potential.

Interest rate expectations have shifted. Markets now anticipate Reserve Bank of Australia rate cuts, which would compress net interest margins and pressure bank profitability. While rate cuts might support the broader economy, they typically hurt bank earnings.

Housing market concerns persist. Property prices have been volatile, creating uncertainty about mortgage book quality. If housing weakens significantly, banks could face increased loan defaults and reduced lending activity.

Regulatory scrutiny hasn’t disappeared. Banks continue dealing with compliance costs and reputation damage from past misconduct. These issues don’t create immediate financial pain but limit how aggressively banks can operate.

Energy Remains Weak

Energy stocks continue struggling as oil prices remain depressed. With WTI crude around $61-62 per barrel and showing no signs of sustained recovery, Australian energy producers face margin pressure.

Santos, Woodside Energy, and Beach Energy all trade well below year-earlier levels despite modest recent rallies. Without higher commodity prices, these stocks lack positive catalysts to drive meaningful gains.

The transition to renewable energy creates long-term uncertainty about oil demand. Even if near-term prices recover, structural questions about the industry’s future weigh on valuations.

Mining Shows Relative Strength

Materials and mining stocks have provided relative support for the ASX, benefiting from resilient commodity prices and China’s stimulus efforts.

Iron ore prices have held up better than expected given concerns about Chinese property sector weakness. Major miners like BHP and Rio Tinto contribute positively to index performance.

Gold’s surge to record highs above $3,800 per ounce benefits Australian gold producers. Companies like Newmont and Evolution Mining have posted strong gains, providing bright spots in an otherwise challenging market.

However, mining’s strength isn’t enough to offset weakness elsewhere. The sector can stabilize the index but can’t single-handedly drive it significantly higher.

What Could Change the Outlook

Several potential catalysts could improve ASX performance:

RBA Rate Cuts: If the central bank cuts rates while the economy remains healthy, it could support stock valuations without signaling serious growth concerns.

China Surprise: Stronger-than-expected Chinese economic data would benefit Australian exporters and boost sentiment toward ASX stocks.

Commodity Rally: Higher prices for iron ore, coal, and energy would directly benefit major index components.

U.S. Dollar Weakness: A weaker USD typically helps commodity-oriented markets like Australia by making resources more attractive to international buyers.

Technical Levels to Watch

The ASX 200 trades near important technical levels that could determine near-term direction. Support sits around 8,900-8,920, representing prior consolidation zones.

If support breaks, the index could quickly test 8,850 or lower. Conversely, breaking cleanly above 9,000 would signal renewed strength and potentially trigger momentum buying.

Volume has been relatively light, suggesting institutional investors remain cautious about adding significant Australian exposure. When big money sits on the sidelines, rallies struggle to gain traction.

Investment Implications

For investors deciding on ASX exposure, the current environment requires careful consideration. Australian stocks offer diversification benefits and attractive dividend yields, but growth prospects appear limited.

International investors might find better opportunities in U.S. or Asian markets where growth drivers look clearer. Australian investors face tougher choices – home bias argues for maintaining ASX exposure, but performance has been disappointing.

The dividend story remains compelling. Many ASX stocks yield 4% or more, providing income that partially compensates for limited capital appreciation. For retirees and income-focused investors, this matters more than price gains.

The Bottom Line

The ASX 200’s 0.12% decline to 8,946 points reflects ongoing challenges facing Australian stocks. Structural headwinds from sector composition, China exposure, and lack of high-growth companies limit upside potential.

While the 9.26% year-over-year gain is respectable in absolute terms, it’s underwhelming compared to global alternatives. Investors need to decide whether diversification benefits and dividend income justify accepting lower returns.

The next few weeks will be crucial. If the ASX can break above 9,000 and hold, it might signal improved momentum. If it fails and tests lower levels, the case for overweighting Australian stocks weakens further.

ASX Stocks

5 ASX All Ords Gold Stocks Outperforming in 2025 — And 5 Lagging Behind

Published

4 weeks ago

October 2, 2025

Aniket Pahwa

The year 2025 has proven to be a turning point for gold investors. With prices edging towards an all-time high of US$4,000/oz (A$6,000/oz), ASX gold stocks have been riding the wave of investor enthusiasm. At the beginning of 2025, gold was trading near A$4,200/oz — and when compared to just A$1,600/oz in 2019, the growth has been nothing short of extraordinary.

But while the rising tide has lifted most boats, not all gold stocks are performing equally. Some All Ords-listed miners and developers have surged to record highs, while others have struggled despite the bullish backdrop.

Here’s a breakdown of the 5 top-performing gold stocks on the ASX All Ords this year — and 5 that have failed to keep pace.

5 ASX All Ords Gold Stocks Outperforming Their Peers

Medallion Metals (ASX: MM8)

Share price growth: +800% in 12 months
Project: Ravensthorpe Gold Project (WA), JORC Resource of over 1Moz gold.
Recent catalyst: Acquisition of Forrestania gold/nickel assets with 342koz production inventory.
Why it’s winning: Strong project pipeline, high-margin potential at current gold prices, and strategic exposure to nickel.

Dateline Resources (ASX: DTR)

Market cap: Now valued above A$1.5bn.
Projects: Colosseum Gold-REE Project (California) and Gold Links (Colorado).
Key driver: Dual exposure to gold and rare earths, both in high demand.
Why it’s winning: Rare earths upside makes this more than just a gold play.

Barton Gold (ASX: BGD)

Share price growth: +392% in 12 months.
Resource base: 1.7Moz gold in South Australia.
Strategic advantage: Operates its own regional gold mill, reducing costs.
Why it’s winning: Infrastructure advantage and strong production growth targets.

New Murchison Gold (ASX: NMG)

Market cap: Over A$300m, share price tripled in 2025.
Project: Garden Gully (Crown Prince deposit), WA.
Key deal: Ore purchase/processing agreement with Westgold subsidiary, reducing capital risk.
Why it’s winning: Fast-track to production and high-grade exploration results.

Pantoro (ASX: PNR)

Market cap: ~A$2bn, shares up 200% in 12 months.
Operations: Mining 25,417oz in June 2025 quarter.
Growth plan: Drilling ~250,000m in FY26 to expand resources.
Why it’s winning: Strong production plus aggressive exploration program.

5 ASX All Ords Gold Stocks Underperforming Despite the Bull Market

Greatland Resources (ASX: GGP)

Issue: Capex blowout at Telfer mine (from $80m to $260m).
Guidance: Annual production cut from 340koz to 260koz.
Why it’s lagging: Weak disclosure, rising costs, and investor concerns.

Bellevue Gold (ASX: BGL)

Down: 40% from 2024 highs.
Resource: 3.2Moz at 9 g/t.
Why it’s lagging: Multiple production downgrades, rising costs, and lost investor confidence — though takeover rumours keep some interest alive.

West African Resources (ASX: WAF)

Flagship: Sanbrado mine in Burkina Faso (>200koz producer).
Issue: Government push to increase stake in Kaika project from 10% to 50%.
Why it’s lagging: Political risk and suspended trading due to government negotiations.

Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR)

2025 performance: Only up 3% YTD.
Financials: FY25 loss of A$40.2m despite A$33.5m revenue.
Why it’s lagging: Not yet profitable, high costs, limited catalysts.

Gold Road Resources (ASX: GOR)

Up 68% this year — but flat since June.
Issue: Takeover-driven rally has faded; Gruyere mine production guidance cut.
Why it’s lagging: Rising costs (AISC A$2,400–2,600/oz) and slowing momentum.

Investor Takeaway

The gold rally of 2025 has created clear winners and losers in the ASX All Ords. Investors should note that while rising gold prices boost margins across the board, the biggest returns are being delivered by companies that:

Control their own infrastructure
Secure low-cost production pathways
Have exposure to growth markets (like rare earths)
Avoid cost overruns and political risk

Gold remains a safe-haven asset in 2025, but not all gold stocks are equal. Careful stock selection will be critical for investors hoping to ride this bull market further.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research or consult with a professional financial advisor before making investment decisions.

ASX Stocks

Cleo Diagnostics (ASX:COV): Can It Clear Key Regulatory Hurdles Ahead?

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2025

Aniket Pahwa

Cleo Diagnostics Ltd (ASX:COV) has been getting attention in the diagnostics and med-tech sector, but the big question for investors is: Does it have what it takes to succeed in such a competitive and heavily regulated market?

For finance-minded readers, the company’s journey is not just about innovation—it’s about regulatory approvals, funding, competition, and ultimately, share price growth. Let’s break it down.

U.S. Market Entry: The Key to Growth

Cleo’s eyes are firmly set on the U.S. diagnostics market, one of the largest and most lucrative in the world. But cracking this market is far from easy.

FDA 510(k) Approval – This is the regulatory process Cleo must clear to prove its diagnostic tools are safe and effective. While less demanding than a full approval, it still requires strong clinical data.

Beyond Approval – Even after clearance, Cleo needs to convince insurers and healthcare providers that its tests are accurate, affordable, and worth adopting.

In short, approval opens the door, but market acceptance decides success.

Risks That Investors Must Watch

1. Technical & Clinical Accuracy

Diagnostics is a zero-tolerance industry. If tests aren’t highly accurate, adoption will fail. Cleo must prove its technology works across multiple clinical settings.

2. Cost & Pricing

Even if the tech is solid, affordability matters. If Cleo prices its tests too high, providers may stick to existing solutions from big players like Roche, Abbott, or Siemens Healthineers.

3. Competition

Cleo is entering a crowded space with industry giants. To win market share, it must offer something unique—whether it’s faster results, better accuracy, or lower cost.

Cash Burn & Funding Needs

Like many early-stage biotech companies, Cleo is burning cash quickly. Clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and manufacturing scale-up are expensive.

Capital Raising will be crucial. Investors should watch whether Cleo secures funding via equity raises, partnerships, or potential mergers.
Timeline – Commercialisation is a multi-year process. Delays in funding or approvals could slow down progress.

For shareholders, this means short-term volatility but possible long-term rewards.

Like many early-stage biotech companies, Cleo is burning cash quickly. Clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and manufacturing scale-up are expensive.

Capital Raising will be crucial. Investors should watch whether Cleo secures funding via equity raises, partnerships, or potential mergers.
Timeline – Commercialisation is a multi-year process. Delays in funding or approvals could slow down progress.

For shareholders, this means short-term volatility but possible long-term rewards.

Risk vs Reward: Should You Buy, Hold, or Avoid COV?

Buy – If you’re a high-risk investor looking for long-term growth, Cleo offers strong upside potential, provided it clears regulatory hurdles and secures funding.
Hold – If you prefer to wait for more certainty, holding until Cleo hits a key milestone (like FDA clearance or strong clinical trial results) may be safer.
Avoid – If you dislike risk, this stock may not be for you. The regulatory process is lengthy, competition is tough, and funding needs remain high.

Final Thoughts

Cleo Diagnostics (ASX:COV) is a classic high-risk, high-reward play. Success depends on its ability to:

Secure FDA clearance
Prove accuracy and cost-effectiveness
Raise enough capital to survive the long road to market

For aggressive investors, Cleo could be an exciting opportunity. For conservative ones, it may be wiser to stay on the sidelines until clearer proof of success emerges.