It doesn’t always feel like it in the moment, but some of the best opportunities in the share market tend to appear after periods of weakness.
While parts of the ASX have held up well this year, a number of high-quality ASX 200 shares have been sold down heavily. In some cases, that weakness looks more sentiment-driven than fundamental.
That’s why I think the setup for a rebound in 2026 is starting to build.
If the mood shifts even slightly and investors begin rotating back into the technology sector, there are a couple of ASX 200 shares that I think could move quickly.
Here are two I’d be watching closely when the bulls return.
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
WiseTech has gone from market darling to heavily sold-off growth stock in a relatively short period of time.
Concerns around slowing growth, management and board issues, business model changes, and broader fears about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption have all weighed on sentiment. That has pushed the share price down significantly from its highs.
But when I look at the business itself, I still see a company with a powerful long-term opportunity.
Its CargoWise platform sits at the centre of global logistics operations. These are mission-critical systems that customers rely on every day, which makes them incredibly sticky.
On top of that, the company continues to expand its product offering, integrate acquisitions like e2open, and evolve its commercial model. These initiatives are expected to support stronger growth over time.
There are still risks in the near term, and volatility wouldn’t surprise me. But after such a large pullback, I think the risk-reward profile is becoming more attractive.
If sentiment improves, WiseTech could be one of the first to rebound.
Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)
Xero is another high-quality ASX 200 share that has lost some of its shine in the current environment.
Like many tech names, its shares have been under pressure as investors reassess valuations and growth expectations in the age of AI. But the underlying business continues to move forward.
Xero remains one of the leading cloud accounting platforms globally, with a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and growing traction in key international markets.
What stands out to me is the size of the opportunity ahead. Cloud accounting penetration is still well below its long-term potential in many regions, which gives Xero a long runway for growth.
At the same time, the company has been focusing on cost discipline and improving margins, which could support stronger earnings growth as scale increases.
With the share price well below previous highs, I think the current level could represent an attractive entry point for long-term investors.
And if the market starts to favour growth again, Xero could benefit significantly.
Foolish takeaway
Market sentiment can shift quickly.
The same factors that have pushed high-quality ASX 200 shares lower can reverse just as fast when the bulls return.
WiseTech Global and Xero are two businesses that I believe have been oversold relative to their long-term potential. That doesn’t mean the rebound will happen immediately, but the setup for stronger performance over the course of 2026 looks compelling to me.
The post The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy now to get ahead 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 WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.