Published: 18/12/2025 (11:00am Sydney time)
This article is for information and news purposes only and is not financial advice. Markets can move quickly and losses are possible. Consider your objectives and risks and, if needed, speak with a licensed adviser.
Australia’s sharemarket is entering the late-morning session with investors balancing two competing forces: a bruising tech sell-off linked to Wall Street’s AI unwind and a renewed bid for commodities—especially lithium, gold and (again) silver.
At around 8:00am AEDT, ASX 200 futures were flat as traders digested an overnight Nasdaq fall of 1.4% and a firmer commodity tape (spot gold near US$4,374/oz, Brent crude near US$60.39/bbl, iron ore around US$103.60/t). [1]
By 10:21am AEDT, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.16% in early trade, with banks and miners comparatively steady while the tech sector extended its slide. [2]
So what does that mean for investors looking for ASX stocks to buy today—or at least the best “buy ideas” backed by the freshest 17–18 December 2025 news, broker moves and market analysis?
Below is a practical, news-driven list—starting with the clearest catalysts: broker upgrades in lithium, precious metals momentum, and event-driven special situations.
What’s moving the ASX today
1) Tech is still being sold hard
The local tech rout hasn’t eased: the tech sector was flagged as down for an eighth straight session, with notable decliners including NextDC, Life360, Megaport and Technology One in early trade. [3]
ABC reporting also framed the overnight lead as investors continuing to divest from AI stocks, which pushed the Nasdaq lower. [4]
Why it matters: In a market where “long-duration” growth names are being de-rated, investors often rotate into either (a) cash-generative defensives or (b) commodity-linked cyclicals if the tape supports it.
2) Lithium has fresh broker momentum again
On Wednesday, Market Index noted benchmark lithium futures in China were trading almost 8% higher, making lithium the standout commodity alongside precious metals. [5]
More importantly for stock selection, the broker tape turned constructive on 17 December with major target upgrades (details below). [6]
3) Gold (and silver) are back in the driver’s seat
Silver hit a major headline on 17 December: spot silver breached US$65/oz (about US$65.8 at 2pm AEDT), described as an all-time high. [7]
Market Index’s 17 December wrap also highlighted resurgent gold and silver stocks, with the Gold Sub-Index up ~4.1% on the day. [8]
4) Rates expectations are shifting again—watch financials
One of the biggest macro changes hitting Australia this week: Westpac walked back its forecast of two rate cuts, now expecting the RBA to stay on hold through 2026 (per ABC’s 17 December live coverage). [9]
In the same session, ABC reported that CBA and NAB now expect a February rate hike, reflecting concerns about inflation in a capacity-constrained economy. [10]
Why it matters: Rate-path changes can quickly reshape the outlook for banks, wealth platforms, REITs, consumer discretionary and anything priced off “peak rates are behind us.”
5) Big stock-specific headlines: Woodside, Netwealth, Bendigo
Woodside is the day’s most-watched mega-cap after CEO Meg O’Neill resigned to become BP’s CEO (effective 1 April 2026), with Liz Westcott appointed acting CEO. [11]
Meanwhile, Netwealth agreed to pay more than $100 million to compensate investors linked to the First Guardiancollapse and withdrew a bailout application, according to ABC reporting. [12]
And Bendigo Bank is facing escalating scrutiny: it acknowledged actions by APRA and AUSTRAC, including a requirement to set aside $50 million as risk capital and an AUSTRAC investigation into AML/CTF compliance. [13]
Top stocks to buy on the ASX today: 8 ideas built on 17–18 Dec news and broker moves
These are news-driven candidates—not “guaranteed winners.” The goal is to focus on stocks with a clear, current catalyst from 17–18 December 2025 reporting, broker notes, or market-moving announcements.
1) IGO (ASX: IGO) — Lithium leverage + a major broker upgrade
Why it’s on the list today:
Market Index flagged a JPMorgan upgrade for IGO to Overweight from Neutral, with a target lift to $10.20 from $5.40. [14]
IGO also featured among Market Index’s “best blue chip gainers” on 17 December, reflecting strong momentum as lithium sentiment improved. [15]
What to watch / key risks:
Lithium-linked names can be extremely volatile. If the lithium futures bounce fades, these upgrades can lose near-term market impact. Keep an eye on China pricing and any operational updates.
2) Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) — Upgrade + big target jump
Why it’s on the list today:
Liontown was also upgraded by JPMorgan to Overweight from Neutral, with a target move to $1.85 from $1.10. [16]
This aligns with the broader lithium “bull rampage” narrative highlighted in 17 December market analysis as Chinese lithium futures moved sharply higher. [17]
What to watch / key risks:
Execution and funding narratives matter a lot in lithium. Traders will watch whether broker optimism is confirmed by production, costs, and sales updates.
3) PLS Group / Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) — Target raised, but short interest is elevated
Why it’s on the list today:
JPMorgan retained Overweight and lifted its target to $4.80 from $3.60. [18]
PLS also appeared among Market Index’s strongest large-cap performers on 17 December during the lithium surge. [19]
The important nuance (risk & opportunity):
FNArena’s 18 December short report shows PLS with ~10.27% short interest, which can amplify moves in either direction—particularly if news surprises the market. [20]
4) BHP Group (ASX: BHP) — Iron ore tailwinds as prices push higher
Why it’s on the list today:
Reuters reporting carried by ABC highlighted iron ore futures rising to a one-week high, supported by accelerated spot buying as Chinese steelmakers began restocking ahead of Lunar New Year. [21]
On 18 December, ABC’s market snapshot also had iron ore around US$103.60/t. [22]
What to watch / key risks:
Iron ore remains heavily linked to China demand signals and policy headlines. Still, for investors seeking liquid, blue-chip commodity exposure, BHP tends to be the default “core” option.
5) Northern Star (ASX: NST) — Large-cap gold exposure as precious metals lead
Why it’s on the list today:
Gold and silver strength has been the clearest multi-session theme. Market Index noted the gold sector stacked on ~4%+on 17 December as precious metals rebounded. [23]
ABC’s 18 December market snapshot had spot gold up ~1% to US$4,374/oz, keeping the macro bid alive into today. [24]
What to watch / key risks:
Gold miners can lag gold if costs rise or operational issues emerge. But as the biggest ASX-listed gold name, NST is often where institutions express a “gold view.”
6) Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) — Momentum + gold/silver narrative support
Why it’s on the list today:
Evolution appeared among Market Index’s leading large-cap gainers on 17 December in the resources rebound. [25]
With silver making fresh headlines and gold holding near record levels, EVN remains a high-liquidity way to express precious-metals strength. [26]
What to watch / key risks:
If gold pulls back sharply, EVN can retrace quickly. Watch USD moves and bond yields as potential headwinds.
7) Netwealth Group (ASX: NWL) — A “clean-up” headline plus broker support
Why it’s on the list today:
ABC reported Netwealth will pay more than $100 million to compensate First Guardian investors and has withdrawn a bailout application, after reaching a deal with ASIC. [27]
Separately, FNArena’s 17 December overnight report listed Netwealth upgraded to Buy from Hold by Bell Potter (in the broker recommendation changes). [28]
How investors are thinking about it:
Yes, compensation is a cost. But markets often re-rate companies when a major uncertainty becomes quantified and “closed”, especially if regulators frame it as a path to a timelier resolution.
8) Humm Group (ASX: HUM) — Event-driven takeover optionality
Why it’s on the list today:
ABC reported Humm rose sharply after Credit Corp made a non-binding indicative proposal: $0.77 per share cash (a 16.7% premium to the prior close), with an alternative $0.72 off-market bid if a scheme fails. [29]
What to watch / key risks:
This is special-situations investing, not a fundamentals call. The risk is deal uncertainty (terms, due diligence, regulatory and funding considerations). The upside is a clearer price “anchor” while the process unfolds.
High-risk headlines today (where many investors are stepping back)
Not every big mover is a buy. Some of the loudest headlines on 18 December are warnings.
Boss Energy (ASX: BOE) — Guidance credibility shock
Market Index reported BOE withdrew its 2021 Enhanced Feasibility Study, flagged material deviations, and the stock fell hard early; it also noted FY27 costs could be materially higher. [30]
FNArena’s short report shows very high short interest in BOE (~25.05%), underlining how contested this name is. [31]
Bendigo & Adelaide Bank (ASX: BEN) — Regulatory overhang
Bendigo’s acknowledgement of APRA/AUSTRAC action and a $50m risk capital add-on creates an overhang for many investors until the scope and cost of remediation becomes clearer. [32]
Treasury Wine Estates (ASX: TWE) — Earnings downgrade shockwave (17 Dec)
ABC reported TWE fell sharply after cancelling the remaining portion of its buyback and forecasting lower first-half earnings. [33]
ASX tech: still in “unwind mode”
If you’re trying to catch a bottom in high-multiple tech, the current tape is hostile: Market Index explicitly described the move as a painful unwind as buyers fade. [34]
Macro watchlist for the afternoon: what could move “stocks to buy today” next?
- Commodities (gold, lithium, iron ore)
Gold and silver are headline drivers, while lithium’s bounce is currently broker-reinforced. [35] - Rates narrative in Australia
With Westpac shifting to an “on hold through 2026” view and other majors talking February hike risk, rate-sensitive sectors can move on any fresh inflation or RBA commentary. [36] - Budget/fiscal tone (MYEFO)
FNArena’s 18 December coverage summarised MYEFO as showing little change from the May 2025 budget and cited a 2025–26 deficit estimate of -$36.8bn (vs -$42.1bn previously), framing fiscal policy as relatively more supportive of growth. [37] - Woodside leadership transition
This is now a high-attention mega-cap situation: CEO change headlines can drive a near-term rerating as investors reassess strategy, succession quality and execution priorities. [38]
References
1. www.abc.net.au, 2. www.marketindex.com.au, 3. www.marketindex.com.au, 4. www.abc.net.au, 5. www.marketindex.com.au, 6. www.marketindex.com.au, 7. www.abc.net.au, 8. www.marketindex.com.au, 9. www.abc.net.au, 10. www.abc.net.au, 11. www.reuters.com, 12. www.abc.net.au, 13. www.abc.net.au, 14. www.marketindex.com.au, 15. www.marketindex.com.au, 16. www.marketindex.com.au, 17. www.marketindex.com.au, 18. www.marketindex.com.au, 19. www.marketindex.com.au, 20. fnarena.com, 21. www.abc.net.au, 22. www.abc.net.au, 23. www.marketindex.com.au, 24. www.abc.net.au, 25. www.marketindex.com.au, 26. www.abc.net.au, 27. www.abc.net.au, 28. fnarena.com, 29. www.abc.net.au, 30. www.marketindex.com.au, 31. fnarena.com, 32. www.abc.net.au, 33. www.abc.net.au, 34. www.marketindex.com.au, 35. www.abc.net.au, 36. www.abc.net.au, 37. fnarena.com, 38. www.reuters.com
