On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a heavy decline. The benchmark index fell 0.8% to 8,428.4 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to sink

The Australian share market looks set for a poor start to the week following declines on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 156 points or 1.85% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.95%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.5%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 2%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good start to the week for ASX 200 energy shares Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices charged higher again on Friday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price was up 2.8% to US$98.23 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price was up 3.25% to US$112.19 a barrel. Supply concerns continue to drive prices higher.

Buy JB Hi-Fi shares

Analysts at Bell Potter think investors should buy JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares after they hit a 52-week low. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the retailer’s shares with a $90.00 price target. This implies potential upside of 25% for investors over the next 12 months. It said: “The stock continues to trade at an 18-month low on a ~17x FY26e P/E (BPe), and we see valuation support considering the relative defensiveness and margin levers in the business model.”

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued start to the week after the gold price fell again on Friday night. According to CNBC, the gold futures price was down 0.7% to US$4,609.6 an ounce. This was driven by concerns that interest rates could be heading higher. The precious metal lost almost 10% in value during the week.

Buy Premier Investments shares

Bell Potter is also tipping Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV) shares as a buy this week. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the Peter Alexander and Smiggle owner’s shares with a trimmed price target of $18.00 (from $20.00). It said: “We view PMV as trading at a discount to our coverage, considering the Premier Retail division with two global roll-out worthy brands together with equity investments, land bank and cash position while retaining a strong balance sheet supportive of M&A. Our SOTP sees an attractive $1.8b EV for the key PA brand vs PMV’s $1.9b market capitalization.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market for a third week
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• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 recommended Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX investors will be happy to leave last week in the rear view mirror, and hoping its all uphill here.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has weighed heavily on investor sentiment. 

Subsequently, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped 1.7% last week, and is now down more than 7% over the last month. 

For investors looking towards greener pastures, recent notes out of the team at Morgans have highlighted two ASX shares that have significant upside. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

Turaco Gold Ltd (ASX: TCG)

Turaco Gold engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral interests, prospective for precious metals and other mineral deposits. It has ongoing exploration programs throughout the South Kyrgyz Gold project area with trenching, soil sampling and mapping undertaken on all of its prospects.

Like many ASX gold shares, it rose significantly in 2025. However, it has had a soft start to 2026, falling 20% year to date. 

It seems the tide could be turning back towards a positive outlook for the company. 

On Friday, Turaco Gold shares jumped an impressive 7% after the company announced rapid growth in its Afema Project. 

The company has upgraded the gold resource estimate at its Afema Project to 4.65 million ounces, up 15%, at a grade of 1.3 grams per tonne.

Following the announcement, the team at Morgans released updated guidance on the company. 

TCG released an MRE upgrade for the Afema Gold Project lifting the resource base to 4.65Moz Au at 1.3g/t Au (up from 4Moz)– a beat on our forecasts of 4.5Moz Au at 1.1g/t Au. Afema now ranks as one of the largest undeveloped gold resources on the ASX. We maintain our existing forecasts and reiterate our BUY rating, price target A$2.19ps.

From last week’s closing price, this price target of $2.19 indicates an impressive upside of roughly 230%. 

Morgans isn’t the only analyst tipping upside. 

Canaccord Genuity also has a positive outlook on Turaco Gold, along with a price target of $1.45. 

Advanced Innergy Holdings Ltd (ASX: AIH)

The company is a global leader in materials science technology for the protection of critical infrastructure. 

Morgans is optimistic about these ASX shares after it announced the completion of its acquisition of Imenco, although did note there are emerging headwinds.

We have incorporated the transaction into our forecasts, with the deal expected to be low-to-mid single digit EPS accretive. However, we use this update to also reflect forecast FX headwinds (GBP/AUD), which we expect to more than offset the accretion from the acquisition.

Our forecasts for the base business are unchanged excluding the impacts from FX, and we continue to assume constant FX in outer years. Overall, we reduce our EBITDA forecasts by 1% annually across FY26-28 and NPAT by 3-4% over the same period. Target price reduces modestly to $1.45.

Despite the decrease in target price, from last week’s closing price of $0.78, the updated price target still indicates an upside of approximately 86%. 

The post 2 ASX shares Morgans thinks are worth gobbling up right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Two ASX gold companies which could more than double in value, according to Canaccord Genuity

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

A new report from VanEck has highlighted that while geopolitical tensions rattle global markets, China’s onshore equities are showing resilience.

According to Alice Shen, Portfolio Manager, Vaneck, during global geopolitical conflict, countries that rely heavily on imported energy can be particularly exposed. 

This is due to rising oil prices trickling through to inflation and production, and negatively impacting economic growth expectations.

However, China’s onshore equity market has shown relative resilience. 

During the recent oil price spike following tensions in the Middle East, the CSI 300 Index, the benchmark for China’s A-share market, experienced comparatively modest moves relative to many global equity markets.

She said there are two structural factors that may help explain this resilience.

Energy strategy

According to the report, China has spent years pursuing a more diversified energy strategy. This may be helping cushion the impact of oil market shocks. 

VanEck said strategic oil reserves have been steadily built up since last year. This has helped reduce the immediate sensitivity of the economy to supply disruptions.

While coal remains the dominant source of energy, China has also been increasing its renewable energy capacity for many years.

According to the International Energy Agency, IEA, China accounted for roughly 40% of global renewable capacity expansion between 2019 and 2024. Enhance competitiveness of both solar and onshore wind energy generation, combined with improvements in energy storage and system integration, is gradually broadening the country’s energy base.

Diversification and defence potential

VanEck also noted that while China A-shares are not traditionally viewed as a defensive asset class, recent market behaviour has highlighted how domestic policy drivers and structural economic trends can sometimes decouple the market from global macro shocks.

The report also highlighted that at the country’s latest Two Sessions meeting, it pointed towards moderate and “quality growth.” This is set to be driven by domestic demand, technological self-reliance, and structural transformation rather than aggressive stimulus. 

How to gain exposure with ASX ETFs

For investors optimistic on the long-term prospects of Chinese equities, there are plenty of ASX ETFs to consider. 

Three notable options include: 

• VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW) – Invests in 120 fundamentally sound and attractively valued companies with growth prospects in China’s New Economy, targeting technology, healthcare, and consumer staples and consumer discretionary sectors.
• VanEck Ftse China A50 ETF (ASX: CETF) – Invests in a diversified portfolio comprising the 50 largest companies in the mainland (A-shares) Chinese market
• iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ). 

Other ASX ETFs with Chinese exposure include: 

• Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf (ASX: ASIA) – Targets the 50 largest technology and online retail stocks in Asia (ex-Japan).
• VanEck Msci Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ASX: EMKT) – Invests in a diversified portfolio of emerging market companies with value, low size, momentum and quality characteristics. Approximately 25% of the fund is currently allocated to China.

The post The unexpected global market showing resilience – 3 ASX ETFs to target appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs that could be strong picks for investors in their 30s
• The best ASX ETFs to buy for building wealth in 2026 and beyond
• Just 3 ASX ETFs could build a lazy Australian millionaire portfolio
• How these 2 ASX ETFs benefit from Chinese innovation: Expert
• 3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy after the selloff

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. 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.

It’s been a tough stretch for shareholders of CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

The biotech stock is down 45% over the past 12 months and have fallen 20% so far in 2026.

That’s a stark contrast to the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down just 3% year to date.

After slipping to fresh 52-week lows on Thursday, the ASX 200 share managed to finish the week on a stronger note, closing almost 3% higher at $138.50.

So, is it finally time to consider jumping into CSL shares?

Demand remains strong

One of CSL’s biggest strengths hasn’t changed. The demand for its products remains both strong and highly recurring.

The company is a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, supplying critical treatments for chronic and rare diseases. These are not discretionary products — patients rely on them regardless of economic conditions.

That gives CSL shares a defensive edge and provides a stable revenue base, even during uncertain periods.

Momentum is building

While the share price has struggled, the underlying business is showing signs of improvement.

CSL recently reported solid earnings growth, supported by rising plasma collections and improving margins in its core CSL Behring division. The company also continues to benefit from the integration of its vaccine business, Seqirus, which adds another layer of diversification.

Looking ahead, management has guided for continued earnings growth, with expectations that both revenue and profit will build further as operating conditions normalise and efficiencies improve.

In short, the business appears to be regaining momentum — even if the price of CSL shares hasn’t caught up yet.

What next for CSL shares?

Another encouraging sign for investors is the outlook from analysts.

Broker sentiment on CSL remains broadly positive, with most maintaining buy or outperform ratings on the stock. The average 12-month price target currently sits at roughly $211.00, implying potential upside of around 53% from current levels.

Some forecasts are even more bullish, with the most optimistic broker suggesting the shares could rally as much as 99%.

That’s a strong vote of confidence in CSL’s long-term growth prospects.

What are the risks?

Of course, CSL shares aren’t without risks.

The company has faced headwinds in recent years, including margin pressure, integration challenges, and currency impacts. Any delays in earnings recovery or weaker-than-expected growth could weigh on the share price.

There’s also the broader issue of market sentiment. High-quality healthcare stocks can still fall out of favour, particularly when investors rotate into other sectors.

Foolish Takeaway

CSL shares have been heavily sold off, but the underlying business remains robust.

With strong global demand, improving earnings momentum, and widespread broker support, the pieces appear to be falling into place for a potential recovery.

If that plays out, today’s weakness could prove to be an attractive entry point for long-term investors willing to look beyond the recent volatility.

The post CSL shares look primed to take off — Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• Down 20% in 2026, is now the time to buy CSL shares?
• CSL and these ASX 200 stocks just hit 52-week lows: Should you buy the dip?
• How are Australia’s biggest blue-chip stocks performing in 2026?
• 3 reasons to buy CSL shares today

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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking to add some ASX 200 stocks to your portfolio this week, it could be worth checking out the two in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes they could be dirt cheap at current levels. Here’s what the broker is recommending:

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The first ASX 200 stock that Bell Potter is bullish on is Pro Medicus.

It likes the health imaging technology company due to favourable industry trends and the quality of its Visage platform.

The broker explains:

The company continues to announce new contract wins on a regular basis as the drivers of interest in its product offering remain firmly in place. The entire radiology industry is headed to cloud based (off premises) archiving. Put simply, the Visage 7 viewer, Workflow and Archive are the fastest and most advanced tools for the retrieval and viewing of large radiology files.

The platform is immensely scalable and relatively easily installed, providing it with a sustainable competitive advantage over the likes of peers Intelerad, Sectra, Philips and GE Healthcare. The company is conservatively managed and well owned by large institutional investors while the two founders continue to have a controlling stake.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $240.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 100% for investors over the next 12 months.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Another ASX 200 stock that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is Telix.

It is a radiopharmaceuticals company that had a tough time in 2025 with US FDA rejections. However, the broker appears to believe that 2026 could be different, potentially making now a good time to invest.

Bell Potter commented:

We are confident regarding the approval in CY 2026 of Zircaix following resubmission of the Biological License Application (BLA). The FDA rejected the original BLA due to CMC (chemistry manufacturing & control) matters at Telix’s manufacturing partner. There were no matters related to safety or efficacy. We expect the market for Zircaix once approved will be in excess of US$500m.

The product has been included in guidelines for disease management in the US and Europe and continues to be available in the US under the expanded access program. Elsewhere, sales of Iluuccix/ Gozellix in the PSMA franchise continue to grow and were recently boosted by the refresh on the pass through pricing.

The broker has a buy rating and $19.00 price target on Telix’s shares. This suggests that they could rise approximately 50% from current levels.

The post Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks could rise 50%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX shares to invest $1,000 in right now
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• 3 ASX 200 stocks screaming higher in this week’s sinking market
• Morgans says these ASX 200 shares could rise 120%
• Could Telix shares be a millionaire-maker stock?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts have retained their overweight rating and $56.00 price target on this mining giant’s shares. Morgan Stanley notes that the Big Australian’s CEO, Mike Henry, will be stepping down after six and a half years leading the company. The good news is that he will be replaced from within, with Brandon Craig taking the reins on 1 July. Morgan Stanley believes this signals strategic continuity. The broker highlights that Craig has significant experience with BHP and has held various leadership roles across the group. This includes strengthening BHP’s position in copper and potash in the Americas region. As a result, Morgan Stanley appears to see the change of leadership as low-risk and expects it to be supportive of execution across key growth projects. The BHP share price ended the week at $47.47.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and $35.00 price target on this gold miner’s shares. Bell Potter was disappointed that Northern Star downgraded its guidance for a second time in FY 2026. It felt the company was finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel, so was surprised with the news. And while Northern Star has held firm with its cost guidance, Bell Potter expects this to be retracted when it releases its third-quarter update. However, despite all these negatives, the broker remains positive on the investment opportunity here. It highlights potential positives from asset rationalisation, noting the high capital and operating costs at the likes of Jundee and Thunderbox. The Northern Star share price was fetching $18.50 at Friday’s close.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and $144.80 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker believes that macro trends are positive for Xero. Citi points out that business formation is accelerating in both Australia and the United States, while insolvency trends are improving. It believes this combination points to increased demand for its platform. Coupled with potential margin expansion from cost efficiencies and AI adoption, Citi believes Xero is well-placed to grow its earnings in the coming years. The Xero share price ended the week at $77.00.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX shares to invest $1,000 in right now
• Own BHP shares? Here’s an expert’s view on the new CEO
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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 too many ASX dividend shares that are offering a dividend yield of more than 7% right now. There are a few ASX REITs, though, also called real estate investment trusts, that look like fantastic opportunities for passive income.

REITs can be resilient and stable for investors because of how they make their money. Long-term rental contracts with high-quality tenants that are reliably paying rent month after month. What’s not to like about that?

Well, it turns out the market is more negative on some REITs than it was several months ago. I think this makes it an excellent time to invest.

For example, the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) unit price has fallen by around 25% since mid-September 2025 (at the time of writing). After such a large fall, there are multiple reasons why this looks like a smart period of time to buy.

The distribution yield has soared

When a share price falls, the dividend yield goes up. That’s why bear markets can be a particularly good time to consider ASX dividend shares.

As I’ve mentioned, the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT has dropped approximately 25% over the last several months, boosting the distribution yield by a quarter.

The business has provided guidance multiple times during the 2026 financial year that it will increase its FY26 payout by 2% to 25.5 cents per unit.

At the time of writing, that translates into a forward distribution yield of 7.4%. I’m not sure if the FY27 payout will be larger than the FY26 payout, but the ASX REIT’s payout track record suggests to me that the distribution in the next financial year will be another good one.

The asset discount makes the unit price look cheap

One of the best reasons to like the ASX REIT is how cheaply it seems to be trading.

If someone wants to buy a $1 million residential property, they’ll need to pay $1 million (or slightly more to be the winner).

However, it’s quite common to see ASX REITs trade underneath their stated value.

Every six months, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT tells investors about its net tangible assets (NTA) – that’s the overall underlying value of the business, which includes the property values, loans, cash, and so on.

The ASX REIT reported a NTA per security of $4.68 at 31 December 2025 – it’s trading at a 26% discount at the time of writing. That looks too good to ignore.

Rental growth continues

Higher inflation and elevated interest rates are not ideal. For an ASX REIT, they are a headwind for interest costs and property values. But I’m not expecting elevated inflation and interest rates to last forever, particularly if they continue rising in 2026.

More importantly, the ASX REIT’s rental income continues to grow, which can offset some of the headwinds.

In the HY26 period, it reported 3% like-for-like net property income growth. Around half of its portfolio has contracted rental income growth that’s linked to inflation, which could see an acceleration of growth in the next year (or longer?).

In addition to that, the business has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years, which means its rental income is locked in for the long term.

The post A 7.4% yield but down 25%! Is it time for me to buy this ASX REIT to earn passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Charter Hall Long WALE REIT declares March 2026 distribution and DRP update
• A once-in-a-decade chance to earn a supersized passive income from ASX shares?
• 3 top ASX dividend share buys for passive income in March
• 2 ASX REITs I’d buy today for passive income
• Buy, hold, sell: Charter Hall Long WALE, ASX, Aussie Broadband shares

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.

Managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) comes with a different mindset compared to everyday investing.

The focus is often on building a portfolio that can grow steadily over time while remaining diversified across regions, sectors, and investment styles.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can play a key role here by providing broad exposure without adding unnecessary complexity.

With that in mind, here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for an SMSF.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could be used as a foundation is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund captures a broad slice of the US economy, but what makes it particularly useful in an SMSF is its ability to evolve over time. As industries rise and fall, the index naturally adjusts, meaning investors stay aligned with where economic value is being created.

It provides exposure to a mix of sectors, from healthcare to financials and technology, offering a balance between growth and stability within a single holding.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF that can complement this is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

Where the iShares S&P 500 ETF is focused on the US, this fund expands the opportunity set across developed markets globally, including Europe and Asia.

This broader exposure can help reduce reliance on any single economy and provides access to global leaders across multiple industries. For an SMSF, that added diversification can be particularly valuable over long investment horizons.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

For a different approach, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF focuses on competitive advantages.

Instead of simply tracking markets, it looks for companies with sustainable business models that can defend their profits over time. These are often businesses with strong brands, intellectual property, or structural cost advantages.

It also incorporates valuation into its process, meaning it seeks to invest in these companies when they are attractively priced. This adds a layer of discipline that can complement more traditional index exposure.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF offers exposure to a very different part of the market.

This ASX ETF focuses on companies that produce everyday essentials such as food, beverages, and household products. These businesses tend to generate consistent demand regardless of economic conditions.

For an SMSF, this can provide a more defensive element within a portfolio, helping to balance out more growth-oriented holdings.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

To round things out, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides access to some of the most innovative companies in the world.

This ASX ETF is heavily weighted towards sectors such as technology and communication services, offering exposure to businesses that are shaping the future of the global economy.

While it can be more volatile than broader market ETFs, it also offers the potential for stronger long-term growth, making it a useful addition for investors looking to boost returns within a diversified SMSF portfolio.

The post 5 ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 3 Betashares ETFs I’d buy and hold for 10 years
• If a 30-year-old invests $500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement
• 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

ASX 200 energy shares outperformed for a third consecutive week, rising 6.35%, as the war in Iran continued last week.

Fear and uncertainty weighed on the broader market, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) falling 2.19% to 8,428.4 points.

Energy shares have gained 16.21% while the ASX 200 has fallen 8.37% since Israel and the US attacked Iran on 28 February (US time).

Last week, the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted interest rates for a second time this year, mainly due to inflation trending higher.

However, the war and rising petrol prices were clearly a concern for the RBA board, which said:

… the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel prices, which, if sustained, will add to inflation.

Short-term measures of inflation expectations have already risen.

As a result, the Board judged that there is a material risk that inflation will remain above target for longer than previously anticipated.

The ASX 200 was volatile all week, while Brent crude ripped to almost US$120 per barrel after Israel and Iran bombed energy assets.

Over the past 30 days, the Brent crude oil price has skyrocketed 50% while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has risen 42%.

On Friday, Trading Economics analysts said:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would refrain from additional attacks on Iranian energy facilities and that the war could end sooner than expected, noting Iran’s reduced capacity to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles.

Despite the pullback, Brent futures remain up almost 50% since the start of the conflict, as the disruption has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz and forced major regional producers to sharply curb output.

Seven of the 11 market sectors finished the week in the red.

Let’s review.

Energy shares rip 6% as war drags on

Several of the largest ASX 200 energy shares hit new multi-year highs last week.

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price reached a two-and-a-half-year high of $34.31 on Friday.

Woodside shares rose 9.66% over the week to finish at $34.04.

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price hit a 52-week high of $8.19 on Friday.

Over the week, Santos shares lifted 5.98% to close at $7.98 apiece.

The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price ascended to an 18-month high of $34.29 on Friday.

Ampol shares increased 7.33% over the week to close at $33.11.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price rose to a 52-week high of $2.64 on Friday.

Viva Energy shares ripped 10.28% over the week to close at $2.36 apiece.

ASX 200 coal shares also rose again last week, as disrupted gas supplies forced power plants to start using coal.

The thermal coal price has risen 25% over 30 days.

The thermal coal price was US$145.20 per tonne on Friday, its highest level since November 2024.

The Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price rose 3% to end the week at $8.31, a new 52-week high.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price lifted 6.73% to $5.71, after reaching a 52-week peak of $5.79 on Friday.

ASX 200 market sector snapshot

Here’s how the 11 market sectors stacked up last week, according to CommSec data.

Over the five trading days:

S&P/ASX 200 market sector	Change last week
Energy (ASX: XEJ)	6.35%
Utilities (ASX: XUJ)	3.25%
Consumer Staples (ASX: XSJ)	2.09%
Communication (ASX: XTJ)	0.23%
Financials (ASX: XFJ)	(0.5%)
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The post ASX 200 energy shares lead the market for a third week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

It’s not often you get a cluster of quality ASX growth shares all trading near their lows at the same time.

But that’s exactly what the market has handed investors this week.

A number of well-known ASX growth names have fallen sharply, with each of the five below hitting 52-week lows or worse in recent sessions. While that can feel uncomfortable in the moment, it’s often where long-term opportunities start to appear.

Here are five I’d be happy to buy and hold from here.

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

Gentrack isn’t a household name, but it operates in a niche that is becoming increasingly important.

The technology company provides billing and customer management software to utilities and airports, both of which are undergoing significant digital transformation.

What I like here is the structural tailwind. Energy markets are becoming more complex, and utilities need better systems to manage customers, pricing, and data.

This ASX growth share has been building momentum in recent years, and while the share price has pulled back, the long-term demand for its software looks intact despite artificial intelligence (AI) disruption fears.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder sits at the heart of travel and technology.

Its platform helps hotels manage bookings across multiple channels, which is critical in an industry that relies heavily on online distribution.

The business has been growing strongly as global travel recovers and hotels continue shifting toward more automated, cloud-based systems.

Even after a sharp share price decline, the underlying story hasn’t changed in my view. If anything, the long-term opportunity remains tied to increasing digitisation across the accommodation sector.

It is also worth highlighting that management appears confident AI will support rather than disrupt its platform. In fact, it is working on an AI agent function to leverage the technology.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is one of the highest-quality growth shares on the ASX.

It has a global leadership position in hearing implants, backed by decades of research, innovation, and a strong brand.

While the share price can be sensitive to short-term factors, the bigger picture is driven by demographics and healthcare demand. An ageing population and rising awareness of hearing solutions continue to support long-term growth.

For me, this is the type of business where short-term weakness can create long-term opportunity.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster has had a volatile journey, but its long-term potential remains compelling.

It operates as an online furniture and homewares retailer, benefiting from the ongoing shift toward ecommerce in categories that were traditionally dominated by physical stores.

The business has been investing in its platform, logistics, and customer experience, which should help it capture more market share over time.

With the share price down heavily, I think the market may be underestimating how large the online opportunity could become in this space.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Lastly, Aristocrat is a global gaming and entertainment company with a strong track record.

Its core land-based gaming business generates solid cash flow, while its digital segment provides an additional growth engine.

What stands out is its ability to consistently develop successful game content, which supports both revenue and margins.

Despite its quality, the share price has come under pressure recently along with broader market weakness. For long-term investors, that could be a chance to pick up a high-quality business at a more attractive valuation.

Foolish takeaway

Gentrack, SiteMinder, Cochlear, Temple & Webster, and Aristocrat all have different drivers, but each offers exposure to long-term growth trends.

After their recent pullbacks, I think they’re worth serious consideration for investors willing to take a longer-term view.

The post 5 great value ASX growth shares I’d buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 Cochlear, Gentrack Group, SiteMinder, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Gentrack Group and SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.