Reaching 55 can trigger a moment of financial clarity.

For some Australians, it’s reassuring. The numbers are tracking in the right direction. But for others, it can feel confronting. A quick look at your superannuation balance might leave you wondering whether you’ve left things too late.

The good news? You haven’t.

While time is no longer your biggest advantage, you still have something incredibly powerful on your side: the final stretch of your working life, where smart decisions can have an outsized impact.

Understand where you stand

Before making any changes, it helps to know what behind actually means.

On average, Australians in their mid-50s have superannuation balances in the range of roughly $216,000 for women and $286,000 for men. However, a comfortable retirement, according to ASFA, may require closer to $630,000 for singles or $730,000 for couples by the time you retire.

That gap can feel daunting. But it is important to remember that averages don’t define your outcome. Your actions from here do.

Take advantage of your highest earning years

For many people, their 50s are peak earning years.

That creates an opportunity to make additional super contributions while your income is strongest. Even modest extra contributions, whether through salary sacrifice or personal concessional contributions, can make a meaningful difference over 10 to 12 years.

The key is consistency. Regular contributions, combined with compounding returns, can quietly add tens (or even hundreds) of thousands to your balance over time.

Check your investment settings

One of the most overlooked factors is how your superannuation is invested.

Many Australians drift into conservative or balanced options as they approach retirement, sometimes earlier than necessary. While reducing risk is important, being too defensive too soon can limit growth at a critical time.

With potentially a decade or more still ahead, your super may still benefit from exposure to growth assets like shares, depending on your risk tolerance and personal situation.

Eliminate unnecessary drag

At 55, small inefficiencies can have a big impact.

Now is the time to review your super fund’s fees, performance, and structure.

Consolidating multiple accounts, avoiding duplicate insurance policies, and ensuring you’re in a competitive fund can help maximise what you already have.

It is not about chasing perfection. It is about ensuring you’re not letting wealth slip away.

Rethink your retirement timeline

One of the most powerful levers available isn’t always financial, it’s time.

Delaying retirement by even two or three years can significantly improve your outcome. It allows for additional contributions, reduces the number of years your superannuation needs to fund, and gives your investments more time to grow.

For many Australians, transitioning gradually into retirement, rather than stopping abruptly, can be both financially and personally beneficial.

Focus on the outcome, not the average

It is easy to get caught up comparing your balance to national averages or benchmarks.

But retirement isn’t a competition. What matters is whether your superannuation, combined with the Age Pension and any other assets, such as savings in a Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) account, can support the lifestyle you want.

For some, that may mean a comfortable retirement with travel and flexibility. For others, a simpler, lower-cost lifestyle may be perfectly fulfilling.

ASFA estimates that a comfortable retirement needs $54,840 a year for a single and $77,375 a year for couples. Whereas a modest lifestyle requires $35,503 and $51,299, respectively.

Foolish takeaway

Being behind at 55 isn’t the end of the story. It is the point where the story becomes more intentional.

With a decade or more still to go, the combination of contributions, compounding, and smart decisions can meaningfully shift your financial future. The earlier you take control, the more options you give yourself later.

And at 55, you still have more control than you might think.

The post If you’re 55 and behind on superannuation, here’s what you can still do appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• How higher interest rates could send CBA shares plunging 42%

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.

Warren Buffett’s investing strategy for market turmoil isn’t complex. When markets turn volatile, most investors react emotionally. Prices swing, headlines turn negative, and uncertainty takes over.

Warren Buffett spent more than 60 years navigating crashes, recessions, and crises while building Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) into an investing powerhouse.

In fact, Warren Buffett’s investing strategy can be distilled into this simple 5-step approach.

Think long term

Warren Buffett’s core principle is to focus on the long-term value of businesses; not short-term market moves.

Volatility is inevitable. But for Buffett, it’s simply the price investors pay for strong long-term returns. If a company’s earnings power remains intact, temporary share price declines are largely irrelevant.

This mindset and investing strategy helps investors stay rational when markets become unpredictable.

Keep cash ready

Buffett is famous for holding large cash reserves — sometimes tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars.

Rather than being idle, this cash acts as strategic flexibility. This investing strategy allows him to move quickly when opportunities arise and provides a buffer during uncertain times.

In essence, Buffett prepares for market downturns before they happen.

Buy quality businesses

When markets fall, Buffett’s refrains from chasing speculative rebounds.

Instead, Buffett doubles down on high-quality companies with durable competitive advantages. Over time, this philosophy has led to major investments in businesses like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), American Express Co (NYSE: AXP), and Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO).

These companies have strong brands, loyal customers, and consistent earnings — qualities that help them weather economic storms. These 3 ASX blue chips would likely get Buffett’s nod: CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Be greedy when others are fearful

Buffett’s most famous advice is simple: be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.

Market downturns often push prices below intrinsic value as fear takes hold. That’s when Buffett looks to buy.

Some of his best investments were made during periods of panic, when others were selling.

Stay calm and disciplined

Above all, Warren Buffett avoids emotional decision-making in his investing strategy.

He doesn’t try to predict short-term market movements. Instead, he sticks to a disciplined strategy based on value, patience, and rational thinking.

This consistency has been key to his long-term success.

Foolish Takeaway

Market turmoil is unavoidable. But Buffett’s investing strategy shows that success isn’t about predicting downturns — it’s about being prepared for them.

By thinking long term, holding cash, buying quality, and staying calm, investors can turn volatility into opportunity.

For Warren Buffett, market chaos isn’t a threat. It’s where the best opportunities are often found.

The post Market meltdown? Follow Warren Buffett’s 5-step investing strategy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice and buying ASX shares
• The Warren Buffett rule that could transform your ASX share portfolio

American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, CSL, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Market crashes are hard to sit through, but they can also create rare opportunities.

If 2026 delivers a sharp pullback in global equities, long-term investors could be handed one of the best chances in years to build serious wealth. History shows that some of the strongest returns come from buying quality assets during periods of fear.

So rather than trying to avoid a downturn entirely, it may be worth considering how to use it.

Why crashes can be powerful wealth builders

When markets fall, valuations drop very quickly.

High-quality companies that were previously expensive can suddenly trade at far more reasonable levels. In some cases, strong businesses get sold off alongside weaker ones, creating mispricing across the market.

This is where patient investors can step in.

Buying during these periods means you are effectively lowering your average entry price. Over time, as conditions stabilise and earnings recover, share prices often move higher again.

It is not about picking the exact bottom. It is about consistently investing when sentiment is weak.

Building towards a $1 million portfolio

Turning a market downturn into a long-term opportunity comes down to discipline and consistency.

Investors who continue adding funds during a correction can accelerate their progress towards long-term financial goals, such as a $1 million portfolio.

For example, regularly investing into the market during a 20% decline means more shares are accumulated at lower prices. When the markets eventually recover, those extra shares can make a significant difference.

Compounding also plays a key role. Reinvested dividends and long-term capital growth can build momentum over time, especially when investments are made at attractive valuations.

What to consider buying during a crash

Diversification is important, particularly during volatile periods.

Broad-based ETFs can offer a simple way to gain exposure to the market. Options like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) or global funds tracking major indices can provide instant diversification across sectors.

At the same time, selectively buying high-quality ASX shares such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) can also make sense.

Companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and leading market positions tend to recover well after downturns. These are often the businesses that not only survive but generally come out in a stronger position.

Staying focused when markets fall

The hardest part of investing during a crash is managing emotions.

Sharp declines can create uncertainty and make it tempting to sit on the sidelines. However, waiting for “perfect” conditions often means missing the early stages of a recovery.

Instead, having a plan in place can help. This might include setting regular investment intervals or allocating additional capital during market downturns.

A potential 2026 market crash would not be easy to handle. But for those prepared to act, it could be an ultra-rare opportunity to build long-term wealth.

The post A 2026 stock market crash could be an ultra-rare chance to build a $1 million portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Worried about an ASX share market correction? I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• $10,000 invested in this ASX ETF a month ago is now worth $14,500

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are not many times in the past decade that the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen by 10% or more in a relatively short amount of time. It’s close to that level of decline now. I believe Warren Buffett has plenty of useful advice for investors worried about an ASX share market correction.

Firstly, I think it’s important to remember that it’s normal for share prices to go down – they don’t go up every single day forever. For the chance of share prices going up, we must be open to the fact that they can go down occasionally, too.

But, no one wants to see their portfolio go down in value, right?

As legendary investor Warren Buffett once said:

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.

This is not the right time to sell, on a long-term view, in my opinion.

We’d need a crystal ball to know how and when the Middle East conflict will be resolved, but I’m hopeful things will start improving sooner rather than later.

For investors nursing a painful portfolio hit, I’d say history shows that troubles like the GFC and COVID-19 can fade into the distance. That’s partly because governments and other authorities actively try to mitigate and resolve the problem.

Why I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice and investing in ASX shares

The Sage from Omaha has given out plenty of advice, which is very applicable at times like this.

In the 1997 annual letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett wrote why share buyers can feel optimistic about potential opportunities:

If you expect to be a net saver during the next five years, should you hope for a higher or lower stock market during that period?

Many investors get this one wrong. Even though they are going to be net buyers of stocks for many years to come, they are elated when stock prices rise and depressed when they fall.

Only those who will be sellers of equities in the near future should be happy at seeing stocks rise. Prospective purchasers should much prefer sinking prices.

Another of my favourite Warren Buffett quotes came from 2001 when he related shares to hamburgers:

To refer to a personal taste of mine, I’m going to buy hamburgers the rest of my life. When hamburgers go down in price, we sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in the Buffett household. When hamburgers go up in price, we weep. For most people, it’s the same with everything in life they will be buying — except stocks. When stocks go down and you can get more for your money, people don’t like them anymore.

There are numerous ASX shares now trading at much lower prices worth biting into. Some businesses may see their earnings impacted in the next 12 months, while others may have resilient demand. In both situations, I think there are major opportunities for investors to take advantage of because share prices have declined too far.

Earlier in March, I put some money into Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares and other names. I’m now on the hunt for more opportunities after the dip, and I’d invite readers to identify some great businesses at unmissable value.

The post Worried about an ASX share market correction? I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• $10,000 invested in this ASX ETF a month ago is now worth $14,500
• Down 20% in a month, can this ASX defence stock make a turnaround?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Not all exchange traded funds (ETFs) are built the same.

Some simply track broad indices, while others take a more selective approach by focusing on businesses with strong fundamentals.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that put quality at the centre of their strategy and could be worth considering today.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The first ETF that has gained a strong following is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

This fund screens global companies based on metrics such as return on equity, earnings stability, and low financial leverage. The result is a portfolio of high-quality businesses with proven track records.

Its holdings include companies like Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Visa (NYSE: V). Microsoft, for example, generates recurring revenue through its cloud platform Azure and its Office software suite, which are deeply embedded in business operations worldwide. This creates a highly predictable earnings stream and strong margins.

By focusing on these types of companies, the ETF aims to provide exposure to global leaders that can compound earnings over time. The team at VanEck recently recommended this fund.

BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

For investors wanting a local angle, the BetaShares Australian Quality ETF applies a similar philosophy to the Australian market.

Instead of concentrating on just the biggest companies, it selects businesses based on profitability, earnings consistency, and financial strength. This can result in a portfolio that looks quite different from the broader ASX.

Its holdings include companies such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG). CSL is a good example of a quality business, with a global presence in plasma therapies and vaccines, supported by significant research and development capabilities and strong margins.

This focus on high-quality Australian shares can help investors gain exposure to businesses with more resilient earnings profiles. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A final ASX ETF with a quality tilt is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

Rather than using financial metrics alone, this fund looks for companies with sustainable competitive advantages, or economic moats. These are businesses that can protect their market position and profitability over long periods.

Its holdings include companies like Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Boeing (NYSE: BA), and Nike (NYSE: NKE). Airbnb, for instance, dominates the short-term stays market with an accommodation network stretching across the globe.

The ETF also incorporates valuation into its process, aiming to invest in these high-quality companies when they are attractively priced.

By combining competitive advantages with valuation discipline, it offers a slightly different take on quality investing.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Betashares ETFs I’d buy and hold for 10 years
• 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March
• 3 ASX ETFs that could quietly outperform over the next 10 years
• 3 ASX ETFs for beginners starting with $5,000
• 3 ASX ETFs to weather market turmoil

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Goodman Group, Nike, REA Group, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Airbnb, Boeing, CSL, Goodman Group, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Airbnb, CSL, Goodman Group, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Markets are facing a challenging backdrop right now.

Interest rates are rising and are expected to move higher after an escalating conflict in the Middle East pushed energy prices sharply higher. This combination is creating pressure across many parts of the market and has pushed the ASX 200 index sharply lower this month.

However, not all companies are necessarily going to be impacted negatively by these conditions.

For example, listed below are two ASX shares that could be better positioned in the current environment.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The first ASX share that stands out in the current environment is Woodside Energy.

The company is Australia’s largest listed oil and gas producer and generates the majority of its earnings from global energy markets.

With oil prices now trading above US$100 per barrel, energy producers like Woodside are likely to be benefiting greatly and generating significant cash flow from its operations. This can support strong dividend payments and also investment in future projects.

Woodside’s portfolio of long-life assets and global operations means it is well placed to capture the upside from elevated energy prices.

While commodity prices can be volatile, the current supply constraints and geopolitical risks could keep energy markets tight for some time.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Another ASX share that could benefit in the current environment is Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

But rather than higher energy prices, it is rising interest rates that could benefit Australia’s largest bank.

That’s because banks typically see their net interest margins (NIMs) expand when interest rates rise, as they can earn more on loans relative to what they pay on deposits.

This can lead to higher profitability, particularly for well-capitalised banks with strong market positions.

Given that Commonwealth Bank is the largest bank in Australia and has a dominant share of the mortgage market, it arguably stands to benefit more than most.

Of course, higher interest rates can slow lending growth over time. But as long as they don’t trend too high, this banking giant should be positioned to continue growing ahead of system thanks to its dominant position in the market.

In the current environment, this could help underpin further earnings and dividend growth for the banking giant.

The post 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• Woodside vs Santos: Which ASX energy stock is the best fit for your portfolio?
• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended what has been a brutal week of trading with another loss this Friday.

After yesterday’s horrid 1.7% drop, investors weren’t in the mood to turn the ship around today. The ASX 200 spent the entire session in the red and ended up closing down 0.82%. That leaves the index at 8,428.4 points as we head into the weekend.

This not-so-nice end to the trading week for Australian investors follows a similarly downbeat morning on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn’t hold water, falling 0.44%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) only managed a slightly better performance, dropping 0.28%.

Time now to get back to the local markets and take a closer look at what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this Friday.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 top ASX share picks to buy
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• Viva Energy welcomes government boost to refinery support
• Ampol welcomes stronger refinery support and domestic supply boost
• Which fast-growing Aussie furniture brand is about to list on the ASX?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Technology One and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO) has surged 45% in 30 days.

The tailwind for this ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF), of course, is skyrocketing oil prices due to the war in Iran.

Over the past 30 days, the Brent crude oil price has ripped 49% higher to US$107 per barrel on Friday.

The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price is up 41% at US$94 per barrel at the time of writing.

The key factor pushing up oil prices is the effective shut down of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil supply.

Since the war broke out on 28 February (US time), many Middle Eastern oil and gas producers have curbed or ceased production.

It’s either too dangerous to continue operating, or their storage tanks are full because hundreds of container ships are at a standstill.

On top of that, both Israel and Iran have bombed energy infrastructure across the region this week.

Iran targeted one of the world’s largest LNG export plants in Qatar, while Israel attacked the South Pars gas field in Iran.

Oil prices are weaker today after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not attack any more energy assets.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also said the war could end sooner than expected, given Iran’s reduced capacity to enrich uranium now.

What is OOO ETF?

This ASX ETF seeks to track the S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index Excess Return, hedged against AUD/USD currency movements.

It gives investors exposure to WTI crude oil futures, not the spot price.

Betashares explains the difference:

The price of oil futures contracts is not the same as the “spot price” of oil. As such, OOO does not aim to, and should not be expected to, provide the same return as the performance of this spot price.

The performance of an ETF that is linked to oil futures may be materially different to the performance of the spot price of oil itself.

This is because the process of “rolling” from one futures contract to the next to maintain investment exposure can result in either a cost or benefit to the Fund, affecting returns.

OOO ETF is fully backed by cash, which is held in bank accounts with a third-party custodian for the benefit of unitholders.

Record day for ASX ETF

Betashares Senior Investment Strategist, Cameron Gleeson, says OOO offers ASX investors the most direct exposure to oil prices.

However, he notes the inherent volatility of oil-linked investments, commenting:

This ETF produced a record 1 day ETF price gain on 9 March 2026, when oil shot up to nearly US$120 per barrel and Australian equities experienced their largest fall since COVID.

However, OOO also fell by nearly as much the following day and has been very volatile during this episode, highlighting the risk of oil-linked exposures.

Data from online investment platform Stake shows OOO has been the fifth most traded ASX ETF among Aussie investors this month.

Long-term track record

Since inception in November 2011, this ASX ETF has delivered a negative 10.23% average annual return.

Over five years, the average annual return is 11.38%.

The management fee and costs total 1.29%.

The OOO ETF is trading 2.8% lower at $8.60 per unit on Friday.

The post $10,000 invested in this ASX ETF a month ago is now worth $14,500 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Portfolio strategies for 2 potential Middle East scenarios – Expert
• Up 30% in a month: Is it too late to buy the BetaShares Crude Oil ETF (OOO)?
• Oil slumps to US$83 per barrel. Here’s what is driving the sharp pullback
• Oil tumbles after nearing US$120. Here’s why prices are pulling back
• Oil rockets past US$100 as Iran war escalates. This ASX oil ETF is surging

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) share price has been sinking in recent weeks.

At the time of writing, the defence shipbuilder’s shares are down 1.25% to $4.73. This leaves the stock down 20% over the past month and not far above its 52-week low of $4.04 reached during the March 2025 market sell-off.

Let’s take a closer look at what has happened and whether Austal shares can turn the clock back.

A clear reset in expectations

The recent decline follows a material shift in expectations after Austal downgraded its FY26 earnings guidance.

The company revealed that its prior outlook had included an overstatement tied to incentives within its US operations. This resulted in EBIT guidance being reduced to approximately $110 million.

While the company still reported solid top-line growth in its most recent half, the downgrade has weighed on sentiment.

There are also ongoing pressures within the US business. Cost challenges and legacy contract issues continue to impact margins, even as revenue in that segment remains solid.

Share price trend remains weak

The trend in Austal shares is still pointing lower.

Over the past several months, the stock has formed a pattern of lower highs and lower lows. The recent move back toward the $4.70 range has reinforced that downward momentum.

In addition, the relative strength index (RSI) has been sitting in the lower range, pointing to weak buying interest. While it has not reached deeply oversold levels, it indicates the stock is still lacking strong support from buyers.

Key support appears near the $4 to $4.20 range, close to the previous 52-week low. On the upside, resistance may sit around $5.50, where the stock traded before the latest sell-off.

What could drive a turnaround?

Despite the recent weakness, Austal continues to operate in a sector supported by long-term demand.

The company has a $17.7 billion order book and remains exposed to rising defence spending, particularly in the United States and Australia.

In the near term, performance is likely to come down to execution rather than broader industry trends.

If the company delivers on its revised guidance and improves margins in its US operations, investor confidence may begin to recover.

Foolish Takeaway

Austal remains a sizeable defence contractor with a strong pipeline of work. However, recent events have shifted the focus back to its operational performance.

The downgrade has reset expectations, and the burden is now on management to deliver consistent results from here.

Until that happens, the market may remain hesitant.

The post Down 20% in a month, can this ASX defence stock make a turnaround? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These 2 lesser-known ASX defence stocks are tipped to soar
• The five worst performing ASX 200 stocks bought and held in February unmasked
• These ASX 200 shares sank 20% or more in February
• Austal shares down almost 40% in a month. Is this the bottom?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.5% lower on Friday and have fallen 8% since the war in Iran broke out.

The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February (US time) with the intention of destroying Iran’s nuclear capability.

This has caused a global fuel crunch, with oil prices skyrocketing due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait is a crucial shipping lane for transporting oil and gas from the Middle East to markets worldwide.

On top of that, fresh missile strikes on energy infrastructure this week have further disrupted oil and gas supply chains.

These events have far-reaching ramifications for individual businesses relying on fuel to power machines and transport goods.

Higher petrol prices are already having a broader economic impact, contributing to the Reserve Bank’s call to raise interest rates this week.

Amid all this volatility, how are Australia’s top 10 ASX 200 shares faring?

Are they demonstrating resilience, or have they been caught up in the broader market sell-off?

Let’s take a look at their share price performance since the start of March.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The Commonwealth Bank share price is $176.50, down 0.5% on Friday and up 1.1% since the war began.

Amid the market turmoil, CBA quietly reclaimed its title as Australia’s largest ASX 200 share by market capitalisation.

CBA and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) have been passing the crown back and forth for the past few months.

On 27 February, BHP reassumed the title.

Less than three weeks later, CBA shares are back on top with more than $50 billion in market cap separating them from BHP shares.

Over 12 months, the CBA share price has lifted 21.1%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is the market’s largest mining share, and leads the ASX 200 materials sector.

The BHP share price is $47.56, down 1.6% on Friday and down 18.6% since the war in Iran began.

Over 12 months, BHP shares have lifted 22%, and reached a record high of $59.39 apiece last month.

ASX 200 mining shares have been the worst hit by the war, with the materials sector falling 19% so far this month.

Mining shares have fallen because higher oil prices will directly impact operating costs and potentially production, if there’s a shortage.

It is also likely that investors are taking profits after a strong 12-month run for materials amid a new longer-term mining boom in Australia.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

Business lending specialist NAB is the second-largest ASX 200 bank by market capitalisation.

The NAB share price is $45.82, down 1.7% on Friday and down 6.5% since the start of the war.

Over 12 months, NAB shares have lifted 38%, and reached a record $49.45 last month.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) 

Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank.

The Westpac share price is $40.87, down 0.6% today and down 3.9% since the war began.

Over 12 months, the ASX 200 bank share has lifted 33%, and hit a record $43.32 last month.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is $36.78, down 0.7% on Friday and down 8.1% since the war began.

Over 12 months, ANZ shares have lifted 26% and reached a record high of $41 last month.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is the largest ASX 200 consumer discretionary share. 

The conglomerate owns household names like Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline.

The Wesfarmers share price is $73.51, down 0.2% today and down 7.7% since the start of the month.

Over 12 months, Wesfarmers shares are up 4%.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

This investment bank is the fifth-largest ASX 200 bank by market capitalisation.

The Macquarie share price is $195.70, down 0.2% on Friday and down 8.3% since the war broke out.

Over the past 12 months, Macquarie shares have fallen by 3%.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is still the largest ASX 200 healthcare stock, despite a near-halving in its share price over the past 12 months.

The CSL share price is $137.88, up 2.4% today and down 6% since the war in Iran began.

Over 12 months, CSL shares have fallen 46% due to company-specific issues, including a drop in vaccination rates worldwide.

The CSL share price touched an eight-year low of $133.35 yesterday.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside is the largest ASX 200 energy share on the market.

The Woodside share price is $33.92, up 0.7% on Friday and up 19.8% since the war started.

Over 12 months, Woodside shares have increased by 48%.

The oil & gas giant has benefited from rising oil and gas prices since the war began.

Over the past 30 days, the Brent Crude oil price has soared 47% while the European gas price has skyrocketed 96%.

The Woodside share price reached a two-and-a-half-year high of $34.31 in earlier trading today.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is the No. 1 ASX 200 communications share by market cap.

The Telstra share price is $5.31, up 0.1% on Friday and up 2.4% since the war in Iran began.

Over the past 12 months, Telstra shares have risen 28%.

On Friday, the Telstra share price reached a nine-year high of $5.35.

The post Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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>Motley Fool</a> contributor href=”https://www.fool.com.au/author/TMFBronwyn/”>Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.