These are the top ASX 100 buy ideas from Macquarie

Let's see which ASX shares analysts from Macquarie are recommending.

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • It's hard to feel bullish about the next several months given the number of risks ASX shares are facing 
  • Macquarie has shortlisted its top ASX 100 buy ideas to help investors navigate the volatility 
  • Some of these include CSL, Lottery Corporation, James Hardie and Santos - just to name a few 

The Wall of Worry is a higher barrier for investors to scale this year but there are still plenty of S&P/ASX 100 shares to keep your eye on, according to a top broker.

The figurative wall refers to the market pushing higher despite the growing list of problems. And there are problems aplenty.

Aggressive global interest rate hikes, the sharp slowdown in China's economy and a looming energy crisis in Europe are only some of the obstacles ASX investors have to climb.

Volatility ahead

The experts at Macquarie are also warning investors to brace for more volatility over the next six months. The broker said:

"We think it is hard to make a bull case for stocks when Industrial (non-resource) PEs are already high, we are in the middle of an earnings downgrade cycle and central banks continue to tighten to slow inflation. Our indicators also suggest the US will be in recession by early 2023."

But with volatility comes opportunity. Macquarie polled its analysts for their best ASX 100 shares to buy now.

Defensive ASX 100 shares to buy

One standout is the CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price. Macquarie likes the global biotech for its multiple growth drivers.

These include recovery in plasma collections, benefits from the Rika platform, earnings from Vifor and contributions from pipeline products.

Another on the buy list is diversified property giant GPT Group (ASX: GPT). Macquarie believes its defensive earnings and gearing puts it in a good position to outperform in this environment.

Speaking of defensive shares, Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) is also on the broker's most favoured list. Macquarie calls it one of the most defensive discretionary shares due to its long and exclusive lotteries and Keno licenses in Australia.

Best placed industrial shares

Meanwhile, Idp Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) is another top ASX 100 share pick due to its structural growth story. The long-term growth rate of international students stands at 7% to 10% a year and the group enjoys good operating leverage.

The James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price is also a top buy, in Macquarie's book. While the building materials supplier is under pressure from a slowing property market, the company is more exposed to renovations and remodelling – an area that has greater resilience to economic cycles.

Energy shock puts these ASX 100 shares on the buy list

Finally, there are two ASX 100 shares in the energy sector that made the cut. These are the Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price.

The energy shortage caused by the Russian-Ukraine war will drive up global gas prices and the two are well placed to benefit.

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has positions in CSL Ltd. and Santos Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. and Idp Education Pty Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

A share market analyst looks at his computer screen in front of him showing ASX share price movements
Broker Notes

What's Macquarie focused on this earnings season?

Here's what the broker is saying about next month's results releases.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Should you buy Zip shares and sell NextDC shares?

Let's see what one analyst is saying about these popular shares.

Read more »

Two brokers analysing stocks.
Broker Notes

Morgans names 2 ASX shares to buy and 2 to hold

Let's see what the broker is saying about these shares.

Read more »

Hand holding out coal in front of a coal mine.
Broker Notes

Up 379% in 5 years, are Whitehaven Coal shares now a buy, hold or sell?

Here’s what Macquarie is forecasting for Whitehaven Coal shares into 2026.

Read more »

Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.
Broker Notes

Expert tips further upside for this surging ASX 200 gold stock

How much fuel is left in the tank for this gold mining heavyweight?

Read more »

A cute young girl with curly hair sips a glass of milk through a straw with a smile on her face.
Broker Notes

Up 37% this year, why Macquarie expects A2 Milk shares to keep outperforming

Macquarie remains bullish on A2 Milk shares heading into 2026. Let’s see why.

Read more »

ASX shares Business man marking buy on board and underlining it
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

An older female ASX investor holds a gangster-style fist pump pose showing off gold rings with dollar signs on them.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie forecasts Northern Star shares are set to surge 55%

Macquarie believes Northern Star shares are well-placed to rocket higher.

Read more »