Buy, hold, sell: IAG, Mineral Resources, and Westpac shares

There are a lot of ASX shares for investors to choose from, but not all are necessarily buys.

To narrow things down, let's see what analysts are saying about three popular shares, courtesy of The Bull.

Here's what you need to know about them:

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The team at Baker Young thinks that investors should be selling this insurance giant's shares this week.

The broker highlights that IAG shares are trading above its estimate of fair value and feels investors should be taking profit. It explains:

The decision by competition regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), to block IAG's proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance (RACI) from the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia highlights the rising barriers to inorganic growth for IAG. Further, the ACCC decision reflects a desire to stimulate greater competition in the general insurance market. With IAG trading above our valuation, we would be inclined to take profits around current levels.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Analysts at Morgans highlight that this mining and mining services company's shares have risen very strongly since April. Unfortunately, the broker believes the run is now over and has rated Mineral Resources shares as a hold.

Commenting on the high-flying company, Morgans said:

MIN is a diversified resources company in Western Australia. It has extensive operations in lithium, iron ore, energy and mining services. Mineral Resources enters 2026 with improved stability after a volatile period, supported by progress at Onslow Iron. On January 29, 2026, the company upgraded lithium volume guidance and maintained cost guidance at both operations.

It reduced net debt to about $4.9 billion as at December 31, 2025. We remain confident management can successfully execute its strategy and expect strong earnings growth in the current commodity price environment. The shares have risen from $14.40 on April 9, 2025 to trade at $61.18 on January 29, 2026. At this point, we believe the stock is fully valued.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Morgans thinks that this banking giant's earnings growth could be challenging in the near term. As a result, it feels that investors should sell Westpac shares this week.

The broker believes there are better opportunities for investors elsewhere in the market. It said:

Weaker consumer sentiment in an uncertain policy environment cloud the earnings outlook. Recent economic commentary highlights creeping pessimism among Australian consumers. Uncertainty around interest rate expectations creates a challenging setting for major banks to profitably grow credit. Westpac's long term projections show acceptable returns.

However, in our view, near term momentum appears constrained by operational adjustments, margin pressure and a more cautious economic tone. Given limited earnings catalysts on the horizon, we see better opportunities elsewhere.

The post Buy, hold, sell: IAG, Mineral Resources, and Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026