For income investors, ASX ETFs can be a powerful way to generate steady cash flow without picking individual stocks.

The key? Focus on ETFs that prioritise dividends, diversification, and consistency.

Here are three of the best ASX ETFs for income investors right now.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

This Vanguard ASX ETF is a go-to option for investors chasing reliable dividend income.

This ETF tracks an index focused on high-yielding Australian companies. It tends to lean heavily into banks, miners, and other mature businesses with strong cash flow.

Top holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) — two of the biggest dividend payers on the ASX.

Strengths? This ASX ETF offers broad diversification and a historically strong yield. Vanguard’s low-cost structure is another big plus.

Risks? It’s concentrated in a few sectors, particularly financials and resources. That can lead to volatility if those sectors fall out of favour.

Still, for pure Aussie income exposure, it’s hard to ignore.

BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)

BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund takes a more active approach to income.

Rather than simply holding high-yield stocks, it aims to ‘harvest’ dividends by rotating through ASX shares before they go ex-dividend.

Key exposures often include names like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Westpac Banking Corp. (ASX: WBC).

Strengths? This ASX ETF can deliver frequent income distributions, often monthly, which appeals to investors seeking regular cash flow.

Risks? This strategy can lead to higher turnover and potentially lower capital growth. Returns can also vary depending on market conditions and timing.

It’s less traditional, but potentially very effective for income-focused portfolios.

SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Listed Property Fund (ASX: SLF)

This ASX ETF offers something different: exposure to real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Property trusts are known for paying attractive income, as they’re required to distribute most of their earnings.

Top holdings include Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) and Scentre Group (ASX: SCG).

Strengths? This ASX ETF provides diversification beyond traditional equities and offers exposure to property-driven income streams.

Risks? REITs are sensitive to interest rates. When rates rise, property valuations and yields can come under pressure.

That said, for investors looking to diversify income sources, property exposure can be a valuable addition.

Foolish takeaway

Income investing doesn’t have to mean picking individual dividend stocks.

These three ASX ETFs offer different approaches to generating income. One focuses on high-yield blue chips, another actively targets dividends, and the third taps into property income.

Blend them wisely, and you could build a resilient income stream with less stock-specific risk.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs for income investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much passive income could $100,000 in ETFs generate?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• 3 of the best dividend ASX ETFs right now
• 3 ASX monthly dividend stocks yielding over 5%
• Shift your focus to passive income with these dividend ASX ETFs

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Goodman Group, and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed industries worldwide.

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google AI are trained to understand and generate text, code, and other content in ways a human would, and businesses have adopted the technology to improve productivity and efficiency. 

But the rapid uptake has also raised concerns that AI could actually disrupt software companies by reducing the need for traditional platforms.

At the same time, major advances in technology and a huge surge in investor enthusiasm saw valuations skyrocket out of pace with true business fundamentals.

And this created concern about whether AI has entered bubble territory.

After all, many Australian AI businesses are in the early stages of development. This means their share price is based on future potential rather than current earnings. 

Also, Australia’s technology sector is smaller than the likes of the US, which means investor interest is concentrated in a handful of AI shares, thereby inflating prices. 

But the reality is that, while the AI hype is real, some ASX-listed AI stocks could now be considered undervalued.

Take Block Inc (ASX: XYZ) shares, for example.

Why Block shares are worth the hype

Block shares closed 2.1% higher on Tuesday afternoon, at $86.63 a piece.

The US-founded payment services platform acquired Australian buy now, pay later (BNPL) company Afterpay and has continued expanding ever since.

The company posted some strong profit results late last year but was caught in a perfect storm of headwinds, including concerns about rising interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and fear around BNPL models. The combination slashed investor sentiment towards the end of 2025, and the sell-off continued in 2026.

Even so, the company’s financials continued gaining momentum. In late February, Block posted its Q4 and FY25 results, revealing a 24% jump in gross profit for the quarter and a 17% increase for the year. Its FY25 adjusted operating income came in at US$2.08 billion, representing a 20% margin.

Looking ahead, the company is guiding to a gross profit of US$12.2 billion. This represents 18% annual growth, which is expected to be achieved with an operating income margin of 26%.

What upside do analysts expect from here?

TradingView data shows that analysts are extremely bullish on Block’s outlook over the next 12 months.

Two out of three analysts have a strong buy rating on the stock, and another has a hold rating. Regardless, they all expect an upside ahead.

The maximum target price is $256, which implies a potential 194% upside at the time of writing. Even the minimum $95 target price represents a 9.2% upside for investors. 

It doesn’t look like the bubble is bursting on this AI stock anytime soon.

The post AI may look like a bubble. But what about Block shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Beach Energy, Block, Life360, and Medibank shares are rising today
• What are the 3 ASX technology shares Citi rates as a buy at the moment?
• 5 ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the next decade
• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb 130% (or more) in the next 12 months
• Are Block shares back in play?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Block. 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.

If I’m putting a meaningful amount of money into an ASX dividend stock, I want one thing above all else.

Confidence.

Not just in the next dividend, but in the business’ ability to keep paying and growing those dividends over the next decade or even beyond.

That’s why I keep coming back to supermarket giant Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

At a share price of $36.41 at the time of writing, I think it stands out as a dependable option for income-focused investors right now.

A business built on everyday spending

Woolworths sits at the centre of one of the most consistent parts of the Australian economy.

People need groceries and household goods regardless of what’s happening with interest rates, markets, or economic cycles. That creates a level of demand that is relatively stable compared to many other industries.

What I like is how Woolworths has built around that core.

Its scale, supply chain, and store network give it a strong competitive position. That helps support margins and cash flow, which ultimately underpin its ability to pay dividends.

A growing dividend profile

According to CommSec, consensus estimates point to Woolworths paying fully-franked dividends of $1.03 per share in FY26, then $1.14 per share in FY27, and finally $1.28 per share in FY28.

At the current share price, that puts it on a forward dividend yield of around 2.8% for FY26, rising to roughly 3.5% by FY28 if those forecasts are met.

It may not be the highest-yielding stock on the ASX, but that’s not really the point here.

For me, it’s about consistency and growth.

What $20,000 could generate in this ASX dividend stock

If you invested $20,000 into Woolworths shares today at $36.41, you’d be able to buy approximately 549 shares.

Based on FY26 dividend estimates of $1.03 per share, that would generate around $565 in annual income.

Looking ahead, if dividends grow to $1.28 per share by FY28, that same investment could generate roughly $700 per year.

And importantly, those dividends are expected to be fully franked, which can add additional value for Australian investors.

Foolish Takeaway

Woolworths may not offer the highest dividend yield on the ASX, but I think it offers something more important.

Reliability.

With a strong market position, consistent earnings, and growing dividends, I think it looks like a solid option for investors looking to put $20,000 to work in a dependable ASX dividend stock right now.

The post A dependable ASX dividend stock to buy with $20,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• How to invest when the ASX refuses to calm down

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have delivered some outsized gains since late January.

On 21 January, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock closed trading for $147.22. On Tuesday, those same shares closed the day changing hands for $171.12 apiece.

That sees CBA shares up 16.23% in just over two months. For some context, the ASX 200 is down 4.59% since market close on 21 January.

What makes this outperformance even more remarkable is that CBA traded ex-dividend on 18 February. While CommBank won’t pay out the fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share until 30 March, investors who owned the ASX 200 stock at market close on February 17 will be looking forward to receiving that.

So, if we add that $2.35 back into Tuesday’s closing price of $171.12 a share, then the accumulated value of CBA shares is up an even more impressive 17.83% since 21 January. With some potential tax benefits from those franking credits.

Clearly, then, you’re unlikely to hear investors who bought in late January complaining about their returns to date.

But looking ahead, Medallion Financial Group’s Philippe Bui forecasts mounting headwinds for Australia’s biggest bank (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

CBA shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

“CBA remains the highest quality franchise among Australia’s major banks, but the valuation now looks stretched,” said Bui, who has a sell recommendation on CBA shares.

“The stock trades on a price-to-earnings multiple well above its peers despite similar earnings growth prospects,” Bui noted.

Indeed, CBA trades on a P/E ratio of around 28 times.

By comparison, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) trades on a P/E ratio of around 20 times; ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) trades on a P/E ratio of around 19 times; and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) trades on a P/E ratio of around 21 times.

And with the share price leaping higher, Bui was lukewarm on CBA’s passive income potential.

“The recent annual dividend yield around 3% is modest compared with other income opportunities,” he noted.

Bui concluded:

With credit growth slowing and net interest margins stabilising, we believe earnings momentum is unlikely to justify such a premium valuation. After a strong share price run, investors may want to consider taking profits and reallocating capital to more attractively valued opportunities.

How has the ASX 200 bank stock performed longer term?

Taking a step back, CBA shares have gained 16% over 12 months, not including dividends.

The ASX 200 is up 5.58% over this same time.

The post Up more than 17% since January, should you buy CBA shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

If you have a spare $5,000 and want to put it to good use, here are five ASX shares I have my eye on this week, and they’re all tipped to soar higher this year.

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

Aussie Broadband shares jumped 20% higher in early February after the company announced it had signed an agreement to acquire AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)’s Telco business. As part of the arrangement, the two companies have also agreed to an exclusive long-term partnership. Aussie Broadband already benefits from a sticky customer base, and now it has the opportunity to grow even more. Analysts tip an upside as high as 47% to $7.14 a piece, at the time of writing.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The ASX travel company’s shares have crashed 43% for the year to date after news of an audit of its Spanish subsidiary spooked worried investors. The audit will review direct taxes paid (and owed) between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as indirect taxes for the period between January 2022 and December 2025. But Web Travel Group said it does not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review, and its FY26 earnings guidance is unchanged at 22% to 29% higher than in FY25. It looks like the investor sell-off was overdone. Analysts are tipping an upside as high as 170% to $7.40 at the time of writing.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group shares have also tumbled 18% so far in 2026, amid concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and overall investor uncertainty. There is broad weakness across the property sector, and the dent in confidence has flowed through to the latest earnings results. But I don’t think the downturn is here to stay. Analysts tip an upside as high as 60% to $40 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)

Again, AUB shares are down 22% for the year so far after investors exited their positions following news that the company completed a $400 million institutional placement to help fund its acquisition of UK insurer Prestige and support growth. The placement was priced below the share price at the time. The move signalled expectations that the share price would decline. It looks like the ASX shares have now hit rock bottom. Analysts tip an upside as high as 63% to $38.90 for the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

Super Retail Group shares have also been through the wringer in 2026. The share price shot to an all-time high after a record sales result in late February, but has slumped 20% since then amid market-wide volatility. As a retail company, Super Retail Group is heavily reliant on discretionary spending, but this is the first thing to retract when concerns about interest rates, cost of living, or economic volatility surface. Despite investor sentiment, the business remains strong and steady, so over the long term, we can expect the cyclical downturn to rebound. Analysts tip an upside of up to 50% to $19 at the time of writing for the ASX company’s shares.

The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Goodman shares hit 52-week low. Can this ASX 200 stock make a comeback?
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy today and not check for a year
• How to survive an ASX share market crash
• How to build $100,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Aussie Broadband, Goodman Group, and Super Retail Group and is short shares of Aussie Broadband. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group, Aussie Broadband, and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The first quarter of 2026 hasn’t been kind to investors.

Markets have pulled back, sentiment has weakened, and a lot of growth-focused assets have come under pressure.

That doesn’t feel great in the moment. But it can create an interesting setup.

Because when markets do eventually stabilise and rebound, it’s often the higher-quality growth exposures that lead the way.

With that in mind, here are three ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I’d be looking at right now.

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

The iShares Global 100 ETF provides exposure to some of the largest and most dominant companies worldwide.

We’re talking about global leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financials. These are businesses with strong balance sheets, global reach, and proven earnings power.

What I like about the IOO ETF is that it doesn’t try to be too clever.

It simply gives you access to a concentrated group of high-quality global companies that have historically performed well over time.

In a rebound scenario, I think these businesses are well-positioned to recover strongly, especially as confidence returns to global markets.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is a more growth-focused option.

It tracks the Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted toward technology and innovation-driven companies.

This is typically one of the more volatile parts of the market. When sentiment turns negative, the NDQ ETF tends to fall harder. But when conditions improve, it can also rebound quickly.

That’s why I think it’s worth considering at times like this.

If the market does turn, exposure to sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital platforms could be a major driver of returns.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a more local angle on the same theme.

It provides exposure to Australian technology companies, including names involved in software, payments, and digital services.

These stocks have been hit particularly hard during the recent sell-off, with many trading well below their previous highs.

That can create a higher-risk, higher-reward setup.

If sentiment improves and investors rotate back into growth, the ATEC ETF could benefit as capital flows return to the sector.

Foolish Takeaway

Market pullbacks are never comfortable, but they can create opportunities.

The IOO ETF offers global quality, the NDQ ETF provides exposure to high-growth innovation, and the ATEC ETF adds a more aggressive local tech angle.

They’re not guaranteed to rebound quickly, and volatility could continue in the short term.

But if markets do recover from here, I think these are the types of ETFs that could be well-positioned to move higher.

The post 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for when the market rebounds appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The best ASX dividend shares are a fine balance between a good yield and robust growth potential.

After all, there is no point going for the highest yielding ASX stock out there if its share price is due to correct.

Here are three strong ASX dividend shares, each with a yield of over 5% and with great growth potential over the next 12 months.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL Energy shares jumped 20% higher in February after the company’s revised FY26 guidance figures excited investors. The energy company said it expects full-year underlying EBITDA of $2.02 billion to $2.18 billion. It also expects an underlying profit of $580 million to $680 million.

Most excitingly, the board also elected to increase its fully-franked interim dividend to 24 cents per share, up 4.3% from 23 cents last year. At the time of writing, that translates to a dividend of around 5.1%.

AGL is expected to grow its annual dividend even further, too. For FY26, UBS expects AGL to make an annual payout of 49 cents per share. It expects to pay 54 cents per share in FY27.

Analysts tip an upside as high as 40% for AGL shares too, to $13.25 over the next 12 months.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds Group is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is focused on agricultural assets ranging from cattle to almonds. The company has high exposure to essential food production and agricultural supply chains and is expected to benefit from long-term demand.

The ASX dividend stock has paid a quarterly unfranked dividend to investors since 2016. Investors will be paid 2.9 cents per share next month. This implies a yield of around 5.5% at the time of writing. 

Bell Potter forecasts the company will pay dividends per share of 11.7 cents in FY 2026 and FY 2027. 

Analysts tip an upside as high as 24% to $2.50 per share over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

Dexus Industria REIT has a portfolio of workplace-focused properties comprising more than 90 assets. The listed Australian real estate investment trust (LIT) is primarily invested in industrial warehouses. It plans to provide resilient income growth and long-term risk-adjusted returns to investors. It benefits from a diversified tenant base, high occupancy, and stable rental income. 

The company has paid a quarterly unfranked or partially franked dividend since 2017. Its investors will be paid an unfranked quarterly dividend of 4.1 cents in May, implying a yield of around 6.9%.

The company is forecast to pay dividends per share of 16.6 cents in FY26 and then 16.8 cents in FY27. 

Analysts tip an upside as high as 43% over the next 12 months, to $3.40 per share, at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares yielding 5%+ that still have growth potential appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What would a gas tax mean for ASX energy stocks?
• These ASX 300 stocks could be top buys offering 25%+ returns according to Bell Potter
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• Natural gas jumps 6% overnight. Which ASX gas giants stand to benefit?
• 2 ASX dividend shares with 5%+ yields and buy ratings

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you have $50,000 to invest, taking a long-term buy and hold approach can be a smart way to build wealth.

Rather than trying to time the market, focusing on quality investments and holding them over many years allows compounding to do the heavy lifting. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this process simple by providing exposure to large groups of stocks with a single click of the button.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could play an important role is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund provides exposure to a broad mix of leading US companies, including Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B). These businesses span multiple industries and generate significant revenue globally.

NVIDIA stands out as one of the most influential companies in the index today. It designs advanced graphics processing units that are critical for artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and high-performance computing. As demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, NVIDIA’s technology is becoming increasingly important across industries.

Owning companies like NVIDIA gives investors exposure to one of the most powerful trends shaping the global economy, which is why broad US exposure remains a popular long-term strategy.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This fund focuses on companies with sustainable competitive advantages and currently includes holdings such as Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

Fortinet is a strong example of the type of business this ETF targets. The company provides cybersecurity solutions that help organisations protect their networks and data. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and widespread, demand for these services continues to grow.

With high switching costs and mission-critical products, Fortinet has built a strong position in the cybersecurity industry, supporting recurring revenue and long-term growth potential.

By combining competitive advantages with valuation discipline, this ETF appears well-placed to deliver good returns over the next decade.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A final ASX ETF to consider is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This fund provides access to a wide range of developed market stocks outside Australia, including Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Roche (SWX: ROG), Toyota (TYO: 7203), and LVMH (FRA: MOH).

Nestlé is a strong example of a long-term compounder. The company owns a portfolio of global consumer brands across food and beverages, generating steady cash flow and benefiting from consistent demand.

This type of business can help balance more growth-oriented holdings, providing stability alongside long-term earnings growth.

The post Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs for the next 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Fortinet, Nike, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Constellation Brands and Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX share market is up today – a rare event for March 2026. The positivity has been spurred by reports that US President Trump wants to make a deal with Iran.

There’s an acronym saying when it comes to Trump and the share market – TACO, which stands for Trump Always Chickens Out. Not the most complimentary way of describing his decisions to avoid (economic) disaster, but that has been a recurring theme over the past 15 months to date.

So, with Trump indicating he wants to work something out with Iran, investors may be wondering whether the ASX share market crash over.

Are the declines over?

I’m not about to try to guess how Iran, the US and Israel will act from here. The war itself was a surprise, how Iran targeted other Middle East countries was a surprise and it’s certainly possible any of the participants could do something that lengthens the conflict in another twist.

You’d need a crystal ball to know when the conflict will finish and when fuel-carrying ships can resume their passage of the strait of Hormuz unimpeded.

But, I do have some thoughts about the actual ASX share market itself.

Again, I don’t have a crystal ball. However, the market does have a history of falling rapidly and recovering even before the actual issue (the GFC, the COVID pandemic and high inflation a few years ago) has been fully resolved. It’s a panic at the start until optimism and bargain hunters return.

We may have seen the worst of the market being fearful, so this could be the time to be greedy while some ASX share prices are still trading at fearful prices. Of course, we’ll have to see how long it takes for the inflation effect of higher fuel prices to play out. Hopefully it’s quick.

The most important question is – are the share prices on ASX share market we’re presented with attractive?

I certainly think so. If the conflict is indeed winding down, then the impacts could be short-lived.

There are plenty of high-quality ASX shares that are trading at valuations that we’ve not seen for months or even years before now.

Which ASX shares could strong buys today?

The Iran conflict as well as AI concerns have pushed a number of ASX shares to very appealing places. It’s important to reflect on the fact that these businesses are generating the most revenue ever.

I’m looking at names like Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG), Pro Medius Ltd (ASX: PME), Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and more. Over the next three years, I think their share prices could be contenders for market-beating returns as they deliver positive profit growth.

The post Is that the end of the ASX share market crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX gold shares have tumbled since the war in Iran began, with the gold price slumping to nearly US$4,300 per ounce today.

The S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) has fallen 31% since 28 February, when Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) has fallen nearly 9% amid investors worrying about higher oil and gas prices.

The gold price is now down 13.2% over the past week and down 15.8% over 30 days as the Middle East conflict continues.

For now, concern about a potential resurgence in inflation has overridden gold’s traditional safe-haven appeal.

Analysts from Trading Economics explain:

Gold had dropped as much as 25% from its March peak as rising energy prices fueled inflation concerns and bolstered expectations of interest rate hikes.

In a blog, Zaner Precious Metals said the Iran conflict had triggered broad market deleveraging and a stronger US dollar.

This has pushed US Treasury bond yields close to a 10-month high, weakening the appeal of non-yielding precious metals like gold.

Zaner said markets are tilted toward a ‘risk-off’ temperament, commenting:

That risk aversion is underpinning the dollar, as the trade seeks maximum liquidity.

New expert ratings on ASX gold shares

The market’s largest ASX gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), has fallen 42% since 28 February to $17.60 today.

A second guidance downgrade from the miner has contributed to the stock’s tumble.

Ord Minnett reckons this one is a buy.

Last week, the broker reiterated its buy rating on Northern Star but slashed its 12-month share price target from $29.70 to $23.70.

JP Morgan downgraded the ASX gold share to a hold rating with a $24 target.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has fallen 28% since 28 February to $11.93 on Tuesday.

Ord Minnett upgraded its rating on Evolution shares to a buy last week, with a target of $13.10.

JP Morgan also upgraded Evolution shares to a buy rating with a more ambitious target of $15.50.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares have fallen 22% since the war began to $138.21 at the time of writing.

Ord Minnett has reiterated its buy rating on Newmont shares but reduced its target from $215 to $205.

What about mid caps and small caps?

Mid-cap ASX gold share, Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS), has lost a quarter of its value since 28 February.

Today, Ramelius Resources shares are trading at $3.45 apiece.

Last week, UBS maintained its hold rating on Ramelius Resources shares with a 12-month target of $5.20.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price has fallen 32% since the war began to $9.35 today.

On The Bull this week, Philippe Bui from Medallion Financial Group put a hold rating on Greatland Resources shares.

Bui said:

Given gold prices remain strong amid company development progressing steadily, GGP is moving closer to becoming a meaningful producer.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares have fallen 38% since 28 February to $3.67 apiece.

Last week, Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating on Vault Minerals shares with a price target of $7.40.

UBS also retained its buy rating and lifted its target slightly to $7.60.

The post ASX gold shares down 31% since war began: What should you do? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive
• Why ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star and Evolution Mining are storming higher today
• Which top ASX gold stock just took the biggest hit?
• Up 84% since August, should you buy this $6 billion ASX 200 gold stock today?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase. 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.