Australia’s share market is taking a breather today, but behind the modest index move there’s a lot happening in individual ASX stocks.
On Monday, 8 December 2025, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped about 0.1% to around 8,624 points as investors stayed cautious ahead of tomorrow’s Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decision and key jobs data later in the week. Miners led the declines, while financials, real estate and some technology names eked out gains. [1]
Within the index, lithium and data‑centre stocks are standing out, while a number of high‑quality healthcare and software names continue to attract buy ratings from brokers. [2]
This article pulls together today’s freshest broker calls, news and forecasts dated 8 December 2025 (and the last few days) to highlight ASX stocks many professionals currently view as potential buys. It’s general information only, not personal advice – always do your own research or speak with a licensed adviser before investing.
ASX today: key themes driving stock picks
A few macro stories are shaping where analysts are finding opportunities:
- RBA uncertainty: The RBA is widely expected to leave rates on hold tomorrow, but recent strong demand and jobs data have markets now pricing the next move as an increase, potentially as early as May 2026. [3]
- Lithium sentiment turning: UBS has dramatically upgraded its lithium price forecasts, now seeing 2027 prices almost 150% above its previous estimate and expecting strong earnings and cash‑flow growth for key Australian miners like IGO, Liontown and Mineral Resources. [4]
- AI and data centres: A wave of AI investment is spilling onto the ASX, with NEXTDC’s new partnership with OpenAI putting local data‑centre capacity in the global spotlight. [5]
- Year‑end “December rally” positioning: Technical and fundamental analysts are looking for stocks showing strong trends into year‑end – with particular attention on infrastructure, copper, quality tech and selected retailers. [6]
Against that backdrop, here are seven of the most widely tipped “buys” on the ASX today, plus a few bonus names to keep on your watchlist.
1. NEXTDC (ASX: NXT) – AI infrastructure leader with big broker upside
If there’s one ASX name at the centre of today’s AI narrative, it’s NEXTDC.
Why it’s on buy lists today
- OpenAI partnership: On Friday, NEXTDC announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI to collaborate on a hyperscale AI campus and GPU supercluster in Sydney. The project will be built at its S7 site in Eastern Creek with potential capacity of 550 megawatts. [7]
- Share price reaction: The stock jumped as much as 10.9% on the news, making it the top gainer on the ASX benchmark at the time of the announcement. [8]
- Capex and growth: NEXTDC recently lifted its FY26 capex guidance by A$400 million to A$2.2–2.4 billion to accelerate data‑centre capacity for new contracts – a sign management sees sustained demand from cloud and AI clients. [9]
Broker forecasts
- A note last week from Citi kept a Buy rating on NXT and a price target around A$18.35 following the AI campus news. [10]
- TipRanks data shows 7 analysts rate NXT a “Strong Buy”, with an average 12‑month price target of A$20.39 – roughly 52% upside from a recent price near A$13.40. [11]
Key risks
- High capital intensity and reliance on cheap, reliable power.
- Regulatory and copyright questions around AI training data.
- Execution risk on very large, multi‑year build‑outs. [12]
For investors comfortable with volatility, many analysts see NEXTDC as one of the clearest ASX plays on global AI growth right now.
2. REA Group (ASX: REA) – premium digital property platform
Online real‑estate advertising giant REA Group is another name repeatedly highlighted in today’s research.
Today’s analyst view
A fresh “Stock of the Day” note from IG showcases REA as a top pick for 2026, even after years of strong performance: [13]
- Return on equity: above 30%.
- Balance sheet: effectively debt‑free after paying down borrowings.
- Growth record: high double‑digit earnings growth for more than a decade.
- Valuation: trading around A$190 per share on a P/E of about 44, which – while high – is actually below its 10‑year average multiple of ~60. [14]
With housing turnover slowly normalising and REA’s pricing power still intact, analysts argue this is a quality compounder whose valuation has become more reasonable compared with its own history.
What to watch
- RBA messaging: a more hawkish stance could weigh on housing sentiment, but also tends to favour best‑in‑class platforms.
- Listing volumes and yield on ad products.
- Expansion of newer verticals like financial services.
3. Xero (ASX: XRO) – SaaS growth on sale
Cloud accounting heavyweight Xero appears on today’s list via broker tips compiled by The Bull.
Fresh “Buy” recommendation
In its 8 December “18 Share Tips” column, analyst Blake Halligan at Catapult Wealth names Xero as a BUY, highlighting: [15]
- 15% growth in average revenue per user in the first half of FY26 versus the prior period.
- EBITDA up 21%, signalling improving operating leverage.
- A large opportunity in U.S. bank feed connections and payments, which could materially expand Xero’s addressable market.
- A recent pull‑back in the share price that Halligan believes reflects short‑term worries rather than long‑term fundamentals.
Other recent broker notes have similarly argued that Xero’s long runway in international markets and adjacent financial services still isn’t fully priced in. [16]
Key risks
- Competition from Intuit and other global accounting platforms.
- Sensitivity of small‑business customers to economic slowdowns.
- Ongoing investment requirements in product and geographic expansion.
4. Ramsay Health Care (ASX: RHC) – defensive healthcare with recovery upside
In the same Bull piece, Ramsay Health Care is highlighted as a BUY idea for investors looking for defensive growth. [17]
Why analysts like Ramsay right now
- Ramsay is one of Australia’s largest private hospital operators, benefiting from structural demand for healthcare.
- In Australia, it recently reported Q1 FY26 revenue growth of 6.5% and EBIT up 5.8% versus the prior comparable period. [18]
- Management expects EBIT growth for the full 2026 financial year, driven by gradual margin recovery, better indexation, improving digital efficiencies and easing wage pressures. [19]
Crucially, Hallihan argues Ramsay’s shares remain undervalued, trading in the high‑30s versus an internal fair‑value estimate of A$54 as at 4 December. [20]
In an environment where cyclical earnings can be unpredictable, many investors see Ramsay as a steady compounder that may also offer re‑rating potential as margins normalise.
5. Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) – lithium comeback story
Lithium stocks are back in the spotlight today, and Liontown Resources is front and centre.
Today’s price action
The MarketIndex live wrap shows Liontown leading the ASX 200 gainers board, up around 6–7% to roughly A$1.41 in late‑morning trade, alongside gains for Pilbara Minerals and Mineral Resources. [21]
Why lithium sentiment is improving
A detailed report from UBS has upgraded lithium price forecasts sharply, lifting its 2027 forecast to about US$2,850 per tonne – roughly 148% higher than its previous estimate – on expectations that battery energy storage systems will drive a significant demand surge. UBS has upgraded IGO, Liontown and Mineral Resources, and sees strong earnings and cash‑flow growth for the sector. [22]
Separately, a fresh broker round‑up published today by The Motley Fool notes that Liontown is one of three ASX shares that leading brokers currently rate as buys, underlining renewed institutional interest in the stock. [23]
Key risks
- Lithium price volatility – forecasts from UBS, Macquarie and Citi still differ widely on timing and magnitude of any deficit. [24]
- Execution on the Kathleen Valley project, including cost control and ramp‑up.
- Potential capital‑raising requirements if market conditions change.
For investors who believe the worst of the lithium downturn is behind us, Liontown is one of the purest ASX plays on a demand‑driven rebound – but it remains a high‑beta, high‑risk exposure.
6. Catalyst Metals (ASX: CYL) – high‑conviction gold explorer
Catalyst Metals, a gold and critical‑minerals player, has appeared on multiple radars today.
Broker and analyst views
- A pre‑market note on “5 things to watch on the ASX 200” highlights that Bell Potter sees Catalyst Metals as in the “buy zone”, citing attractive valuation and strong exploration potential. [25]
- Technical analysis from StockInvest flags a recent “pivot bottom” buy signal on CYL, with the stock up just over 3% since that signal, while warning that falling volume may warrant closer monitoring. [26]
- According to Investing.com, three analysts currently rate CYL a “Strong Buy”, with an average 12‑month price target near A$10.8 (high A$13, low A$8.88) – implying around 65% upside versus recent levels. [27]
What could drive returns
Catalyst has been consolidating high‑potential gold assets, and analysts are watching for:
- Resource upgrades and drilling results.
- Progress on development plans at key projects.
- Ongoing gold‑price strength amid macro uncertainty.
This is a higher‑risk, higher‑reward idea suited more to investors comfortable with exploration risk and commodity volatility.
7. Accent Group (ASX: AX1) – small‑cap retail with Sports Direct kicker
In small caps, one of the more widely discussed ideas today is footwear and sportswear retailer Accent Group.
Why it’s in focus
A fresh article from The Motley Fool argues that one ASX small‑cap trading at around 96 cents looks like a “bargain”, pointing to its beaten‑down valuation and growth optionality. The piece (and subsequent news aggregation) identify Accent Group as the stock in question, noting that Sports Direct Australia could be a key driver of future growth. [28]
Growth angle: Sports Direct partnership
Accent has entered a long‑term strategic partnership with UK‑listed Frasers Group to launch Sports Direct in Australia and New Zealand:
- Reuters reported in April that Accent – already Frasers’ largest shareholder in the region – plans to open around 100 Sports Direct stores over time, with at least 50 targeted in the first six years plus an online offering. [29]
- Accent’s FY25 investor presentations confirm that the Sports Direct Australia digital site went live in November 2025, and the first store opened at Westfield Fountain Gate, with at least four stores expected by the end of FY26. [30]
The thesis from bulls: if Sports Direct gains traction locally, Accent could leverage its existing store network, supplier relationships and exclusive brands to drive multi‑year earnings growth from a relatively low starting valuation.
But it’s not one‑way traffic
It’s worth noting that several brokers downgraded Accent in late November, citing margin pressures and execution risk around the Sports Direct rollout – one reason the share price has been under pressure. [31]
That makes AX1 very much a “value with a catalyst” idea: it could re‑rate sharply if the Sports Direct strategy works, but investors need to be comfortable with retail cyclicality and execution risk.
Bonus ideas on today’s radar
Beyond the seven stocks above, several other names are being actively discussed by analysts as potential buys:
APA Group (ASX: APA) – yield plus growth in energy infrastructure
Wealth Within’s December rally report spotlights APA Group alongside NEXTDC and Capstone Copper as one of three standout stocks for the month: [32]
- Recently announced a 400MW firming‑capacity power project in Queensland with CS Energy, backed by a 25‑year inflation‑linked revenue agreement.
- Technical analysts highlight key support around A$9.00–9.20, with possible upside to A$10.50–11.00 if resistance near A$9.50 breaks decisively. [33]
For investors seeking defensive income with moderate growth, APA remains on many watchlists.
Lovisa (ASX: LOV) – high‑return fashion retailer after a pull‑back
In the same IG note that praises REA Group, Lovisa is flagged as another top ASX pick: [34]
- ROIC close to 30%, with a low cost of capital.
- Affordable jewellery price points (typically A$10–20) appeal to budget‑conscious shoppers even in a softer spending environment.
- Despite a recent share‑price correction, analysts argue the long‑term global rollout story remains intact. [35]
Life360, ResMed and TechnologyOne – long‑term growth favourites
A 6 December feature from The Motley Fool singles out Life360 (ASX: 360), ResMed (ASX: RMD) and TechnologyOne (ASX: TNE) as “top ASX shares to buy now for long‑term growth,” citing their recurring revenue, global expansion prospects and strong balance sheets. [36]
Life360, in particular, continues to post around 34% year‑on‑year revenue and subscription growth, helped by acquisitions and product expansion. [37]
ASX penny stocks to watch, not chase
For risk‑tolerant traders, Simply Wall St has also flagged several ASX penny stocks to watch in December 2025, including Big River Industries (BRI), Djerriwarrh Investments (DJW), Toro Energy (TOE) and Havilah Resources. [38]
These are generally small, volatile names, so they’re best approached as speculative ideas rather than core holdings.
How to use these ASX stock ideas today
Given the mixed macro backdrop and the RBA/Fed meetings this week, the most common message from professional analysts is: be selective and manage risk.
Consider:
- Building a watchlist, not rushing in.
Use today’s buy calls to create a shortlist, then track how each stock trades around upcoming macro events and company updates. - Balancing growth and defensiveness.
- High‑beta plays like NXT, LTR and CYL can offer big upside but will swing with sentiment.
- More defensive names such as RHC, REA and APA may help smooth portfolio volatility.
- Diversifying by theme.
Rather than picking multiple lithium or AI stocks, you might pair one or two thematic plays with quality healthcare, infrastructure and software names. - Watching short interest and sentiment.
Heavily shorted stocks – as highlighted in today’s list of most shorted ASX shares – can either fuel sharp short squeezes or signal deeper fundamental concerns. They’re rarely suitable for conservative investors. [39]
Final word: this is not personal advice
All of the ideas above come from today’s broker notes, market wraps and analyst commentary. They reflect current professional opinions, not guarantees of future performance.
Before buying any ASX share:
- Check your time horizon, risk tolerance and diversification.
- Read the latest company announcements and financial statements.
- Consider speaking with a licensed financial adviser.
Used thoughtfully, these names – from NEXTDC and REA Group to Ramsay, Liontown, Catalyst and Accent Group – can be a starting point for deeper research into the best stocks to buy on the Australian market today, not the final word.
References
1. www.livemint.com, 2. www.marketindex.com.au, 3. www.livemint.com, 4. www.theaustralian.com.au, 5. www.reuters.com, 6. www.wealthwithin.com.au, 7. www.reuters.com, 8. www.reuters.com, 9. www.reuters.com, 10. www.fool.com.au, 11. www.tipranks.com, 12. www.reuters.com, 13. www.ig.com, 14. www.ig.com, 15. thebull.com.au, 16. www.fool.com.au, 17. thebull.com.au, 18. thebull.com.au, 19. thebull.com.au, 20. thebull.com.au, 21. www.marketindex.com.au, 22. www.theaustralian.com.au, 23. www.fool.com.au, 24. www.theaustralian.com.au, 25. www.fool.com.au, 26. stockinvest.us, 27. www.investing.com, 28. www.fool.com.au, 29. www.reuters.com, 30. announcements.asx.com.au, 31. fnarena.com, 32. www.wealthwithin.com.au, 33. www.wealthwithin.com.au, 34. www.ig.com, 35. www.ig.com, 36. www.fool.com.au, 37. www.marketbeat.com, 38. finance.yahoo.com, 39. www.fool.com.au
