2024’s Top ASX Stock Picks: 5 Opportunities You Can’t Miss
ResMed, Goodman Group and Treasury Wine Estates are among this market analyst’s top stock picks for the new year
ResMed, Goodman Group and Treasury Wine Estates are among this market analyst’s top stock picks for the new year
It’s been a tumultuous year for the ASX 200, which has moved within a broad range of between 7,568 points in February and 6,751 points in October. The benchmark index has recorded just 3.3% growth in the year to date. High interest rates and inflation have put pressure on businesses and forced consumers to rein in spending, while economic growth has weakened to an annual rate of just 2.1 percent.
Analysts at top brokerage house Morgan Stanley have a 12-month target of 7,350 points for the ASX 200, indicating more of the same for the market next year. Joe Wright of Airlie Funds Management comments: “ASX valuations have returned to more or less the average of their last 20 years”.
As always, some ASX stocks will shine, and eToro market analyst Josh Gilbert has announced his five top picks for 2024, as published on Finder.
The ResMed share price has fallen 18.6% in 2023 to $24.79. Its 52-week high is $36.37. “Much of this recent weakness has come from the expectation that the new highly coveted Ozempic drug will dampen demand for ResMed’s sleep apnea devices,” says Mr Gilbert. “ResMed is a fundamentally quality business, and its recent sell-off has made its valuation more attractive.” Top broker Goldman Sachs rates ResMed shares a buy and has a 12-month share price target of $32 on the company.
TechnologyOne stock has lifted 16.1% in the year to date to $15.17 per share. The 52-week peak is $17.12. “With inflation falling and central banks set to cut interest rates, technology shares could see their winning streaks continue,” says Mr Gilbert. “The good news for shareholders is the business has significant cash and investment holdings of $223 million and no debt, putting them in the position to continue its growth.” Goldman Sachs also rates this tech stock a buy with a 12-month price target of $18.05.
The Goodman Group share price has soared 34.7% in 2023 to $23.31. Its 52-week high is $23.69. Mr Gilbert says real estate shares should benefit from stabilising and potentially falling interest rates in 2024. “Goodman Group is in a strong position in the real estate sector, focused on logistics and warehouses. It also has a growing exposure to data centres – a booming area thanks to AI.” Top broker Citi says Goodman shares are a buy. Its analysts have a 12-month price target of $25.50.
The TPG share price has essentially moved sideways in 2023, down 1.05% to $4.79. Its 52-week peak is $5.72. “As the telecom industry continues to transition to 5G technology, revenue could continue to grow,” says Mr Gilbert. The broker consensus recommendation published on CommSec was downgraded late last month from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating.
Treasury Wine shares have tumbled 20% in 2023 to $10.36 per share. The 52-week high is $14.69. “The good news for Treasury Wines is that the Albanese government is renewing Australia’s relationship with China, which could mean good news for removing those tariffs denting Treasury’s sales,” Mr Gilbert says. Leading brokerage Morgans has an add rating on Treasury Wine shares with a 12-month price target of $14.15.
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
As costs continue to mount, more Australians are feeling the weight of expectation to keep spending
More Australians are living beyond their means in order to keep up appearances, new data has revealed.
A survey by financial comparison site, Finder, has shown 30 percent, or 6.3 million people, have felt pressured into purchasing to keep up with family or friends. The research, which involved surveying 1,062 Australians, also showed 15 percent of people have gone into debt as a result.
The most common sources of over spending people felt pressured into included splitting an expensive restaurant bill despite ordering less (14 percent), taking an expensive holiday (11 percent) and buying tickets to an event (10 percent). However, six percent of Australians had bought a nice car and five percent had bought a house in order to keep pace with others.
Tellingly, the wedding industry made an appearance on the list, with five percent of people pressured into over extending for a bucks or hens night. Three percent reported feeling pressured to pay for someone’s baby shower.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder said ‘comparisonitis’ was exacerbated by social media consumption.
“Never before have we had such an intimate and behind the scenes view into other people’s lives – but it’s important to remember it’s a highlight reel,” Ms Megginson.
“The millionaire next door might be drowning in debt to afford that apparent life of luxury.”
She counselled against falling into the trap of living beyond your means because others appear to have more.
“Getting into debt, ruining personal finances and compromising your values are all very real risks when it comes to trying to keep up with what others have,” she said. “Success isn’t defined by what you have or where you holiday. Focus on future wealth by paying your debt off and dedicating more money to investments and savings than to material possessions.”
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.