Top Australian shares to watch in 2025

Why consider the top Australian shares?

Looking at the top Australian shares provides a level of stability in a share trader’s portfolio, while still maintaining enough volatility for CFD traders to get in on the action, too.

The largest companies on the ASX by market capitalisation – essentially their total value on the stock market – are often the most watched and traded. These are household names with strong reputations, big customer bases and significant influence over the wider economy.

For share traders, these companies are attractive because they tend to be more stable, with reliable earnings and a track record of paying dividends. They’re considered blue-chip shares, meaning they’re generally less risky than smaller, more volatile companies. Holding them in a portfolio can provide long-term growth and steady income.

For CFD traders, size and popularity bring something different: liquidity and volatility. Highly traded stocks, like banks and mining companies, often respond quickly to economic news, interest rate changes or shifts in commodity prices. This creates regular opportunities to trade price movements without necessarily owning the shares.

Risks of the top Australian shares

Even though Australia’s biggest companies are often seen as more reliable, they’re not risk-free. Whether you’re a share trader or CFD trader, it’s important to understand where things can go wrong.

Share traders

• Market downturns: Banks, for example, are sensitive to interest rates and the health of the housing market. If property prices fall or the economy slows, bank profits may be hit. Mining companies, on the other hand, are heavily exposed to global demand for commodities. If countries cut back on imports, share prices can drop quickly
• Slower growth: Large companies may grow more slowly than smaller, high-growth ones, so share traders might see steady dividends but not rapid capital gains

CFD traders

• News volatility: While market movements create opportunities for CFD traders, it’s still inherently risky. Central bank decisions, earnings reports or sudden changes in commodity prices can cause massive swings in the market, and trading with leverage magnifies the potential for bigger profits and losses
• Regulation and compliance: Australian banks, for example, have faced fines and restrictions in recent years. Mining companies must also deal with environmental and political risks, both at home and overseas. These factors can make share prices extremely volatile

Top 5 Australian shares to watch in 2025

In this article, we look at the top five Australian shares by market cap. 

It’s no surprise that these companies are made up of two sectors: banking and mining – cornerstones of the Australian economy.

Mining is central because Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of resources like iron ore, coal, copper and gold. Global demand for these raw materials, particularly from countries such as China, directly impacts companies like BHP and Newmont.

Banking is equally crucial. From mortgages to business loans, banks underpin much of the country’s financial system and shape the market’s performance.

Overview of the shares in this article

You can share trade and CFD trade all of the stocks in this article through us.

All figures are accurate as of 29 September 2025.

1. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Industry: Banking

Market cap: A$275.65 billion¹

Commonwealth Bank is Australia’s largest bank and one of the most recognisable names on the ASX. It offers everyday banking services, like savings accounts, loans, credit cards, mortgages and business banking. It also offers wealth management, insurance and investment products.

For long-term share traders, CBA is appealing because of its strong market position. It has millions of customers and is one of the ‘Big Four’ banks in Australia, giving it stability. The bank is also well-known for paying regular dividends, which makes it popular with income-focused share traders. Even in times of economic uncertainty, CBA’s large customer base and reputation help it remain resilient.

CFD traders may be drawn to CBA because of its share price movements during different market conditions. Banking shares often respond strongly to interest rate changes from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). When rates rise, banks can earn more from loans, boosting profits – but this can also impact mortgage demand. This balance creates opportunities for CFD traders looking to capitalise on short-term price shifts.

Highlights:

• Commonwealth Bank is considered a blue-chip stock: dependable, dividend-paying and highly traded. For share traders, it provides stability and income. For CFD traders, its sensitivity to economic news and interest rates means frequent price action
• Its FY25 results indicate that it paid dividends of A$4.85 per share in total, fully franked²
• Its share price has increased by 8.99% over the past six months, as of 29 September 2025³

2. BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP)

Industry: Mining

Market cap: A$214.38 billion⁴

BHP is one of the biggest mining and resources companies in the world. Headquartered in Melbourne, it produces commodities like iron ore, copper, nickel and coal. These are the raw materials that feed into global industries – everything from steel production to EV batteries.

For share traders, BHP’s size and scale make it an appealing option. It’s consistently one of the highest-valued companies on the ASX and is seen as a key driver of Australia’s economy.

Its dividend payouts are also attractive, as BHP often rewards shareholders when commodity prices are strong. Share traders who want exposure to global resources frequently choose BHP because it provides diversification outside of purely Australian industries.

CFD traders look to BHP for its volatility. Commodity prices, such as iron ore or copper, can swing sharply depending on demand from countries like China and the US. For example, when China increases infrastructure spending, demand for BHP’s iron ore tends to jump, pushing its share price higher. Conversely, global slowdowns or weaker demand can drag prices down. These fluctuations create trading opportunities for those looking at short-term moves.

Highlights:

• BHP has been investing in commodities tied to renewable energy technologies, such as copper and nickel, while slowly moving away from thermal coal. This balance between traditional resources and new energy markets adds another layer of interest for both share traders and CFD traders
• BHP’s FY25 results show that it achieved its annual production guidance and an underlying profit of US$10.2 billion⁵
• The company’s share price has increased by 7.85% over the past six months, as of 29 September 2025⁶

3. Newmont Mining Corporation (ASX: NEM)

Industry: Mining

Market cap: A$143.29 billion⁷

Newmont is the world’s largest gold mining company and only recently joined the ASX after acquiring Australia’s Newcrest Mining. This move gave Newmont a significant footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, adding to its operations across North America, South America and Africa.

For share traders, Newmont represents a way to gain exposure to gold – when markets are volatile, many investors turn to the precious metal as a store of value, which can benefit companies like Newmont.

The acquisition of Newcrest also expanded the company’s portfolio to include copper, which is in demand for renewable energy and EVs. This diversification strengthens its long-term growth potential.

CFD traders often watch gold miners closely because their share prices tend to move with the price of gold. Gold prices can shift rapidly in response to global inflation, interest rate changes and geopolitical events. For example, during times of economic uncertainty, demand for gold typically rises, which can push Newmont’s shares higher. This link creates trading opportunities for those looking to capture short-term price moves.

Highlights:

• Newmont also stands out for its focus on sustainability and responsible mining practices, something share traders increasingly value
• According to the FY25 Q2 earnings report, the company had a reported net income of A$2.1 billion and an adjusted net income of A$1.6 billion⁸
• Its share price has soared a whopping 70.73% over the past six months, as of 29 September 2025⁹

4. National Australia Bank Limited (ASX: NAB)

Industry: Banking

Market cap: A$133.30 billion¹⁰

National Australia Bank is another member of Australia’s ‘Big Four’ banks. It provides personal banking services like mortgages, credit cards and savings accounts, as well as business banking and wealth management.

NAB is particularly strong in business lending, serving a large number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia.

For long-term share traders, NAB is attractive because of its solid market position and history of paying dividends. While it may not always be as dominant as Commonwealth Bank, it remains a core part of Australia’s financial system. Share traders might see NAB as a reliable option for steady income, particularly during times when interest rates support bank profitability.

For CFD traders, NAB’s share price is influenced by the same forces as other banking shares – mainly interest rate changes, housing market trends and economic growth.

When the Reserve Bank of Australia adjusts rates, NAB’s stock often responds quickly, creating opportunities for short-term trades.

Highlights:

• It’s been working to modernise its operations, with investments in digital banking and customer experience. This forward-looking strategy helps it remain competitive in a crowded banking market. At the same time, it’s faced challenges in the past, such as compliance issues and restructuring costs, which can create share price volatility
• Its FY25 Q3 results indicate an unaudited statutory net profit of A$1.66 billion¹¹
• During this same quarter, its Australian home lending grew 2% and Business & Private Banking business lending grew 4% ¹²
• Its share price has surpassed 27% growth over the past six months, as of 29 September 2025¹³

5. Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC)

Industry: Banking

Market cap: A$130.39 billion¹⁴

Westpac is another of the ‘Big Four’ Australian banks, and one of the oldest financial institutions in the country. It offers a wide range of services, from everyday banking to insurance, wealth management and business lending. Like NAB and CBA, it’s deeply integrated into the financial lives of Australians.

For share traders, Westpac is a decent dividend stock, appealing to those looking for consistent income. While it has faced challenges in recent years – including compliance issues and restructuring costs – it continues to hold a strong market position.

Share traders may choose to buy Westpac shares due to its scale and the expectation that it will remain a major player in the Australian banking sector for years to come.

For CFD traders, Westpac’s share price offers opportunities linked to broader economic shifts. Like other banks, it reacts to interest-rate changes, housing market conditions and consumer sentiment.

Westpac also tends to be in the headlines when it comes to regulatory actions or financial performance updates, which can create sharp price movements. This makes it a share worth watching for short-term trades, too.

Highlights:

• Its dividend yield is 3.98%, indicating balanced growth and income¹⁵
• FY25 Q3 earnings results show that unaudited statutory net profit was A$1.9 billion¹⁶
• The bank’s share price grew a healthy 22.22% over the past six months, as of 29 September 2025¹⁷

How to trade Australian shares with IG AU

CFDs

1. Open a CFD trading account with IG AU
2. Search for Australian shares on the IG platform
3. Decide whether to go long (buy) or short (sell)
4. Choose your position size
5. Set stop-loss and limit orders
6. Place your trade and monitor it

Share trading

1. Open a share trading account with IG AU
2. Search for Australian shares
3. Choose the shares you want to buy
4. Determine how many shares you want to purchase
5. Place your order
6. Monitor your investment and collect any dividends

FAQs about AI shares

Footnotes
 

1. TradingView, September 2025
2. Commonwealth Bank, August 2025
3. TradingView, September 2025
4. TradingView, September 2025
5. BHP Group, August 2025
6. TradingView, September 2025
7. TradingView, September 2025
8. Newmont Mining Corporation, July 2025
9. TradingView, September 2025
10. TradingView, September 2025
11. National Australia Bank, August 2025
12. National Australia Bank, August 2025
13. TradingView, September 2025
14. TradingView, September 2025
15. TradingView, September 2025
16. Westpac Banking Corporation, August 2025
17. TradingView, September 2025
18. ASX, September 2025