Author: openjargon

ASX 200 mining shares were the worst hit by the Iran war last month.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) tumbled 21% between 27 February and 23 March before a sharp recovery began.

Since then, materials shares have jumped 18% as investors refocus on the positive long-term outlook for Australian mining.

Meantime on The Bull this week, experts have revealed their ratings on three ASX 200 mining shares.

Let’s take a look.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price closed at $54.56 on Thursday, up 0.06%.

The market’s largest ASX 200 mining share is 59% higher over 12 months.

However, strong momentum was not enough to keep BHP shares immune from the Iran war sell-off.

The BHP share price dropped from a record high of $59.39 on 3 March to a low of $46.06 on 23 March.

With BHP stock now rebounding, Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities gives it a hold rating.

The commodities bull market has only just started, in my view.

As a global mining giant, BHP generally appeals to investors looking to increase exposure in the resources sector.

BHP’s share price has retreated to a major support level since the start of the war in Iran.

I’m confident the stock should bounce from these levels.

BHP’s diversification makes it a safer bet for investors to ride the commodities bull market.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC)

Capstone Copper shares finished yesterday’s session at $12.10, down 2.81%.

The ASX 200 copper mining share has almost doubled over the past 12 months, up 97%.

Mitch Belichovski from Morgans Financial has a buy rating on Capstone Copper shares.

Belichovski said:

CSC is one of a limited number of pure play copper names listed on the ASX.

Copper production growth differentiates CSC from its peers.

Growth is driven by a combination of near term and longer dated brownfield and greenfield projects, alongside a declining cost profile.

CSC was recently trading on a modest price-earnings ratio in 2026 and offers good value at these price levels.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price closed at $4.58 yesterday, up 0.22%.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a hold rating on South32 shares.

He said South32 was navigating a complex portfolio transition along with operational challenges.

He noted that the company put an aluminium smelter in Mozambique into care and maintenance last month.

However, Elzayed said South32’s 1H FY26 results were encouraging.

Underlying EBITDA of $US1.1 billion was up 9 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying earnings of $US435 million grew 16 per cent, supported by higher base and precious metals prices.

Copper and zinc production remained strong, highlighted by a 28 per cent increase in underground ore reserves at Cannington.

The ASX 200 mining share has soared 43% over six months and is 28% higher in the year to date.

He concluded:

From a valuation and technical standpoint, we see S32 as fairly valued following a strong rally earlier this year.

The stock is consolidating, with technical indicators appearing neutral, and we view it as a wait and see opportunity.

The post Buy, hold, or sell? South32, Capstone Copper, and BHP shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today
• Why surging ASX 200 copper stocks like Sandfire and BHP shares are ‘vulnerable’
• Morgans names two ASX 200 shares to buy and one to sell this week
• 3 analysts give their verdict on BHP shares
• ASX 200 sector leaders to buy amid today’s market rally

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. 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.

These quality ASX dividend shares have slid toward fresh 52-week lows and lost up to 20% for the year to date. As a result, long-term investors now get a rare chance to lock in higher starting yields and stronger rebound upside.

Three ASX dividend shares stand out for their mix of appealing income, asset backing, and recovery potential: Dexus (ASX:DXS), Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR), and Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC). 

Dexus: premium assets, premium yield

Dexus remains one of the clearest contrarian income plays on the ASX after appearing on one of the latest fresh 52-week lows scan. Its biggest strength is institutional-grade office, industrial, healthcare, and infrastructure exposure, backed by a vast $51.5 billion real assets platform. 

The market’s main concern is obvious: CBD office valuations and leasing demand. Higher bond yields and softer white-collar occupancy trends continue to weigh on sentiment, which explains why the ASX dividend share remains under pressure.

Still, the distribution story remains attractive. Dexus recently confirmed its February 2026 distribution payment, continuing its typical half-year payout structure, and the forward yield sits around 6.3% to 6.6% at current prices. 

For patient investors, this is the classic “buy when office fear peaks” setup.

Mirvac Group: diversified and less office-dependent

Mirvac offers a slightly different flavour of income. This ASX dividend share has also been dragged toward yearly lows with the broader REIT sector. Its strength lies in diversification across residential development, retail, industrial, and premium office assets. That broader earnings mix can make it less vulnerable than pure office landlords.

The risk, however, is that apartment settlements and commercial valuations are both highly rate-sensitive. If inflation remains sticky, the recovery could take longer than bulls hope.

On income, Mirvac’s payout policy has historically been based on operating earnings and cash generation from both rent and development profits, usually paid in two instalments annually.

The yield around these levels is generally 5.5% to 6%, which becomes especially attractive when the stock is trading near 12-month lows. 

Charter Hall Group: the defensive income specialist

For pure passive income, Charter Hall may be the standout of the trio.  

The biggest strength of this ASX dividend share is right in the name: long weighted average lease expiry (WALE). This means rental income is typically locked in for years with blue-chip tenants. That makes distributions more predictable than most office-heavy REITs.

The key risk is that higher interest costs compress property values and slow external growth, even when rent collections remain stable.

The payout policy of this ASX dividend share is built around steady quarterly or semi-annual rental-backed distributions. Dividend yields can push north of 7% near cyclical lows, making it the most compelling pure-income pick of the three.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares near 52-week lows with very tempting yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Charter Hall Group secures $1.2bn property mandate from institutional client
• Why now could be the perfect time to buy ASX dividend stocks
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• These 3 ASX 200 shares have hit fresh multi-year lows: Buy, sell or hold?
• Is now the time to jump on these ASX real estate stocks?

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 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.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares closed another 8.4% higher on Thursday afternoon, at $11.34 a piece. 

The latest uptick means the shares are now 13.2% higher over the past five days and 6.9% higher for the year-to-date.

It’s welcome news for investors too, after Bendigo Bank shares shed over 14% of their value between mid-February and late-March.

Why are Bendigo Bank shares climbing higher this week?

The regional Australian bank posted its third-quarter trading update ahead of the ASX open on Thursday morning.

The bank revealed a 7.6% increase in unaudited cash earnings and a 1.98% rise in net interest margin. It’s annualised lending growth was 5.6% for the quarter and its statutory NPAT reached $109.4 million.

It also revealed that its operating expenses came in 4.1% lower than the previous quarter, largely due to reduced staff costs.

Alongside the trading update, the bank also announced the second phase of its Productivity Program to accelerate its progress towards its 2030 strategy.

The program is expected to help the bank evolve its operating model with a view to be simpler and more efficient. It is also accessing leading global capabilities to drive innovation for customers, and support operational excellence.

Bendigo Bank announced a partnership with Google in November last year. It has now added two more strategic partnerships with leading technology providers. 

These include a seven-year technology service partnership with Infosys (NYSE: INFY) and a six-year business operations partnership with Genpact (NYSE: G).

The Infosys partnership is expected to help improve Bendigo Bank’s IT service delivery capability and help drive innovation through better software engineering and access to AI talent.

Meanwhile, the Genpact partnership will help with optimisation to help drive productivity and improve risk management across the bank.

Bendigo Bank said it expects the partnerships will help drive an annual run rate expense benefit of approximately $65 million to $75 million by FY28. 

Investors were clearly thrilled with the latest update. Many rushed to buy into the shares soon after the announcement.

Are the shares a buy, sell or hold?

Bendigo Bank’s latest update injected some positive sentiment into investors, but it’s unclear whether the share price increase is sustainable.

ASX bank stocks across the board have been strained recently as ongoing conflict in the Middle East, soaring fuel prices, and interest rate growth weigh heavily on investor sentiment.

Experts are now warning that Australia’s inflation rate could keep climbing. Major banks widely predict another cash rate increase in May. 

It’s not too surprising then that analysts are relatively neutral on Bendigo Bank shares. While the bank has made some positive waves, the sector as a whole is still under pressure. 

According to TradingView data, nine out of 14 analysts have a hold rating on Bendigo Bank shares. The average $10.43 target price, however, implies a potential 8% downside at the time of writing. 

The post Are Bendigo Bank shares a buy after jumping 13% this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Bendigo Bank, EBR Systems, Strickland, and Woodside shares are rising today
• Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday?
• ASX bank stock jumps 7% on strategic partnerships and trading update
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank lifts profit and launches strategic partnerships
• ASX bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?

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 Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. 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 rough stretch for ASX retail stocks.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) both slipped again on Thursday afternoon, falling 4% and 3% respectively at the time of writing.

That adds to a painful trend. Lovisa is now down 21% year to date, while Nick Scali has tumbled 31%.

So, is this a red flag or the kind of dip investors dream about?

Let’s break it down.

Lovisa: expansion in Europe, Asia and US

Lovisa has built a global fashion jewellery empire and it’s still growing.

The fast-fashion model of this ASX retail stock allows it to quickly adapt to trends, while its expanding international footprint continues to drive store growth. Lovisa has successfully scaled across Europe, the US, and Asia, giving it a long runway for expansion. That growth story is the key attraction.

But the market has cooled. Rising costs, softer consumer spending, and concerns about margins have weighed on sentiment. Retail is a tough game in uncertain economic conditions, and Lovisa isn’t immune.

And analysts are becoming more cautious on the ASX retail stock. Bell Potter recently retained its hold rating but slashed its price target to $24.00 from $33.50 — a significant downgrade. From current levels, that implies only around 5% upside over the next 12 months.

Still, for long-term investors, the global growth story remains intact if execution holds.

Nick Scali: strong margins, UK growth

Nick Scali has also been under pressure, but its fundamentals remain solid.

The furniture retailer is known for strong margins, disciplined cost control, and a premium product offering. It has also expanded through acquisitions, including its UK growth push, which could unlock new revenue streams. Like Lovisa, it benefits from brand strength and a loyal customer base.

But the risks are clear. Furniture is highly cyclical. When consumer confidence drops or interest rates rise, big-ticket spending is often one of the first areas to be cut.

That’s likely a big reason behind the recent share price weakness.

Even so, analysts see potential. Sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with five out of ten analysts rating the ASX retail stock as a buy or strong buy, and the other five sitting at hold. The average price target is $22.37, suggesting potential upside of around 39%.

That’s a meaningful gap from current levels.

Foolish Takeaway

Lovisa and Nick Scali have both been hit hard, but that’s exactly what makes them interesting.

For investors willing to look past short-term retail headwinds, these ASX stocks could offer a mix of recovery potential and long-term growth.

The key question: are you buying the dip or avoiding the risk?

The post Got $7,500? Here are 2 strong ASX retail stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 beaten-down ASX shares that I think could rebound strongly
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why Bell Potter just downgraded its valuation of this popular ASX 200 share
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April

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

April looks like one of those periods where income-focused investors have a bit to think about.

Yields across parts of the market have come down as share prices have risen over time, but there are still opportunities to build a portfolio that generates reliable income.

For me, the focus is not just on the size of the dividend yield. It is about how sustainable that income is, and whether the underlying business can continue to support it over time.

Here are three ASX passive income ideas I would be looking at in April.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban is one of the more consistent income generators on the ASX.

Its toll road assets produce recurring revenue from everyday usage, which tends to be relatively resilient across economic cycles.

What I like most is the visibility. Many of its concessions run for decades, and toll increases are often linked to inflation. That provides a degree of predictability that is valuable for income investors.

The company has also been steadily growing its distributions over time.

For me, Transurban is the kind of infrastructure asset that can anchor a passive income portfolio.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The VHY ETF offers a different approach to income. Instead of relying on a single company, it provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of high-yielding Australian shares.

This includes many of the ASX’s traditional income sectors, such as banks, resources, and large industrial companies.

What I find appealing is the simplicity. You are effectively outsourcing the stock selection while still benefiting from dividend income and franking credits.

There will be some variability in payouts from year to year, particularly given the cyclical nature of some holdings. But over time, I think it can be an efficient way to generate income from the broader market.

Magellan Infrastructure Fund (ASX: MICH)

Magellan Infrastructure Fund adds a global dimension to an income portfolio.

It invests in infrastructure assets around the world, including utilities, transport networks, and communications infrastructure. These are businesses that typically generate stable and predictable cash flows.

That stability is important. Infrastructure assets often have regulated or contracted revenue streams, which can support more consistent distributions compared to other sectors.

The fund also provides diversification beyond Australia, which I think is valuable when building a portfolio for income.

With an approximate 3.4% dividend yield, it may not be the highest-yielding option available. But I think the quality and reliability of the underlying assets make it an interesting complement to domestic income sources.

Foolish Takeaway

Passive income investing is not just about chasing the highest yield. For me, it is about building a portfolio that can deliver income consistently over time.

Transurban offers infrastructure-backed cash flow with long-term visibility, the VHY ETF provides diversified exposure to high-yielding Australian shares, and the Magellan Infrastructure Fund adds global infrastructure income and diversification.

Together, I think they represent a solid starting point for anyone looking to build a passive income portfolio this April.

The post My top ASX passive income picks for April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX 200 giant is rising while the market sells off. Here’s why
• Which ASX ETFs I’d buy for retirement investing
• Transurban Group March quarter 2026: Traffic rises across key toll roads
• How I’d invest $100,000 for retirement income on the ASX right now
• The ASX dividend stocks I’d buy for a retirement portfolio

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Magellan Infrastructure Fund 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.

Putting a lump sum like $30,000 to work in the share market can feel like a big decision. But don’t let that put you off.

One of the simplest ways to invest a large sum and reduce risk while still capturing strong long-term returns is through exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Rather than trying to pick individual winners, ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to entire markets, sectors, or strategies in a single trade.

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

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The first ASX ETF that could be a core holding is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

Instead of focusing on Australia, this fund gives investors exposure to a broad range of global companies across developed markets. This includes many of the world’s largest and most influential businesses.

Its holdings span sectors such as technology, healthcare, financials, and consumer goods, providing diversification that is difficult to achieve with a handful of individual stocks.

For investors deploying $30,000, allocating a meaningful portion to a fund like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could form a strong foundation for long-term growth, while also reducing reliance on the Australian economy.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund focuses on the Nasdaq 100 index, which is heavily weighted towards leading technology and innovation-driven companies. This includes global giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

What makes the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF particularly interesting is its exposure to businesses that are shaping the future of the global economy, from artificial intelligence to cloud computing and digital platforms.

While it can be more volatile than broader market ETFs, it offers strong growth potential for investors with a long-term mindset.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A third ASX ETF that could complement a portfolio is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

Rather than simply tracking a market index, this fund focuses on companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages, or economic moats.

This approach aims to identify high-quality businesses that can maintain strong returns over time, while also being attractively valued.

The result is a portfolio that blends quality and value, offering a different return profile compared to traditional index funds.

The post 3 top ASX ETFs to buy with $30,000 this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX ETFs I’d buy for retirement investing
• Where to invest $7,000 in ASX shares during April
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years
• How to invest $1,000 per month in ASX shares and build long-term wealth
• Where to invest $1,000 in ASX ETFs for beginners in April

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 Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, and Nvidia and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares are once again testing investor conviction.

The ASX tech stock has been one of the market’s biggest de-ratings in 2026, with Thursday’s sell-off dragging the shares back to levels last seen in January 2025.

In afternoon trade, the Megaport share price is down 7.40% to $6.88 after touching a fresh 52-week low of $6.80 earlier in the session.

That leaves the stock down around 43% year to date, despite the company continuing to deliver double-digit revenue growth and improving EBITDA margins.

The disconnect shows investors are paying more attention to valuation and earnings momentum than revenue growth alone.

With the previous $7 support level now giving way, the chart is starting to reflect a broader reset in how investors are pricing tech businesses.

The key question now is whether the sell-off is nearing exhaustion or if weak momentum still has further to run.

Momentum remains negative

From a technical view, the chart still points to ongoing selling pressure.

Megaport shares have been making a clear pattern of lower highs and lower lows since peaking above $17 late last year. The latest move to $6.80 only reinforces that downtrend.

The relative strength index (RSI) has slipped to around 38. While that is not yet deeply oversold, it still suggests buying interest remains weak.

The MACD also remains negative, with the shorter-term trend line continuing to sit below the longer-term signal line.

A decisive break below the $6.80 low could leave the next support near the psychological $6 level. On any rebound, the stock may first face resistance in the prior breakdown zone between $7.50 and $8.

Strong growth, but the market wants more

The weakness in the stock stands out because Megaport’s recent half-year numbers still showed solid operating momentum.

Revenue rose 26% to $134.9 million in the first half of FY26, while EBITDA increased 28% to a record $35.3 million.

Network annual recurring revenue rose 16%, while net revenue retention came in at 111%, highlighting continued expansion across its customer base.

Even so, the market reaction since its February update suggests investors are still focused on valuation and margin progression. The other key issue is whether the company can maintain this pace through the second-half.

Megaport’s updated FY26 guidance points to revenue of $302 million to $317 million and EBITDA margins of 21% to 24%. Keep in mind, this still implies healthy momentum but may not yet be enough to improve sentiment.

Foolish takeaway

Megaport is still delivering solid growth, but the share price is clearly being driven by weak momentum.

A 43% fall this year, fresh 52-week lows, and soft technical indicators suggest the market still needs to see more before sentiment improves.

At this point in time, the chart signal is still the clearest guide, and it continues to point lower.

The post Down 43% this year, this ASX tech stock is now back at January 2025 levels appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 beaten-down ASX shares that I think could rebound strongly
• 3 ASX shares tipped to grow 100% or more in the next 12 months
• 2 ASX 200 tech shares this fund manager backs to survive the AI threat
• 3 amazing ASX growth shares I’d buy and hold for the next decade
• 2 ASX stocks that could help turn $10,000 into $1 million

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 positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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 Australian share market is home to a large number of quality companies.

But not all of them are necessarily buys today. So, let’s see what analysts are saying about three popular ASX shares this week.

Here’s what you need to know:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Despite CSL shares falling materially from their highs, the team at Bell Potter is not in a rush to invest. The broker has retained its hold rating on the biotech giant with a reduced price target of $155.00.

Bell Potter highlights that its shares are trading in line with peers, but estimates that its growth outlook is weaker than average. It said:

The current share price reflects a materially de-rated PE multiple of ~15x our FY27 NPAT forecast, bringing CSL in line with the global biopharma peer set which also trades at an avg PE of 15x. While CSL doesn’t face the same extent of generic/biosimilar competition as these biopharma peers, it does have a lower growth outlook of ~2.5% revenue CAGR (3yr) per our forecast compared to >4% avg for global peers.

Considering the low-growth outlook in the near-term, risk to FY26 guidance, and our below-consensus FY27 forecasts, we maintain our HOLD recommendation notwithstanding the historically low trading multiple. We don’t think CSL is out of the woods just yet. PT is lowered to $155.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

Over at Morgans, its analysts are positive on this fund manager ahead of its proposed merger with Barrenjoey.

This week, the broker has retained its buy rating on Magellan’s shares with a trimmed price target of $11.99. It said:

MFG has given an end-to-March 2026 quarterly FUM update. FUM (A$37.5bn) was down 6% for the quarter due to a combination of outflows across most funds and market movements. Overall this was a softer quarter at the headline level, albeit some impacts from market volatility are unsurprising. We downgrade our MFG FY26F/FY27F EPS by -1%/-8% due to slightly weaker FUM assumptions and also applying more conservatism to our future Barrenjoey earnings forecasts. Our PT falls to A$11.99 (from A$12.43).

Whilst MFG’s Investment Management performance remains patchy, we think the Barrenjoey merger fundamentally changes MFG’s overall outlook, strengthening the business and providing additional pathways for growth. MFG also retains a strong balance sheet (~A$650m of liquidity, post deal). BUY maintained.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Lastly, Morgans thinks that this energy giant’s shares are a hold (with a $33.40) price target.

It believes its shares are fairly valued following a strong gain in response to the war in the Middle East. It said:

We downgrade our rating on WDS to HOLD (from ACCUMULATE). Owning WDS has been powerful insurance (as a hedge against supply disruption) but now trading above A$35/share and above our NAV, it has crossed over into an active wager that the crisis is more permanent than we estimate, which sadly is possible, but should this be our base case steering our strategy? No. We remove our 10% conflict premium and apply our upgraded oil/LNG deck, for a small net change in our target price, now at A$33.40 (was A$33.55).

The post Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Magellan, and Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw amid fragile ceasefire
• Why Bendigo Bank, EBR Systems, Strickland, and Woodside shares are rising today
• What is this broker’s view on Magellan Financial Group after yesterday’s disappointing results
• What’s Bell Potter’s updated view on CSL shares?
• Why are CSL shares struggling to regain momentum?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.

ASX 200 energy shares are leading the market after Israel hit Lebanon again, and the Strait of Hormuz remains at a standstill.

This follows a substantial sell-off for ASX 200 energy shares yesterday.

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) dropped 7.3% after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.

The rest of the market celebrated the news, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finishing the session 2.8% higher.

Today, we’ve seen a reversal of trends.

ASX 200 energy shares are up 2.4% while the ASX 200 is down 0.05%.

Oil prices have also rebounded today after a sharp fall yesterday.

Brent Crude is currently up 2.7% to US$97.35 per barrel.

Why are ASX 200 energy shares leading the market today?

There is uncertainty in the market as investors wonder how fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon will impact the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely obstructed.

As part of the ceasefire deal, Iran agreed to allow safe passage of shipping through the Strait, coordinated by its armed forces.

On Thursday, Trading Economics analysts said:

Iranian media reported that oil tanker traffic through the strait had been suspended following the attacks, amid disputes between Tehran and the American-Israeli side over whether the truce extends to Lebanon.

A senior Iranian official also stated that three provisions of the ceasefire agreement have already been breached.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said there are indications the strait may begin reopening as he leads a US delegation to Islamabad for direct talks with Iran this weekend.

The Strait of Hormuz is not technically closed.

However, shipping companies have chosen not to sail through it for fear of Iranian attacks and a lack of insurance coverage.

About 20% of global crude oil and gas is shipped via the Strait.

The war has triggered the worst oil shock since the 1970s.

ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw on ceasefire tensions

Let’s take a look at what’s happened with the market’s largest ASX 200 energy shares over the past two days.

On Wednesday, the Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price plummeted 10.4% to close at $32.06.

Today, Woodside shares have regained 3.8% to $33.29, at the time of writing.

Yesterday, the Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price fell 4.6% to $7.76. Today, Santos shares are 2.5% higher at $7.95.

The Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) share price dropped 13.4% to $1.90 on Wednesday.

Today, Karoon Energy shares are $1.98, up 4.3%.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares fell 4.2% yesterday to $32.12, but today they’re up 3.6% to $33.26.

The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price tanked 9.1% to $2.42 yesterday.

Today, Viva Energy shares are $2.49 apiece, up 2.7%.

ASX 200 coal share Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) fell 9.8% to $7.49 on Wednesday.

Today, Yancoal shares are in the red again, down 0.1% to $7.48.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price dropped 9.6% to $5.30 yesterday.

On Thursday, New Hope shares are slightly higher, up 0.2% to $5.31.

The post ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw amid fragile ceasefire 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.

Not every great investment needs to be flashy. In fact, some of the best long-term performers are businesses that simply execute well year after year, steadily growing earnings and expanding their market positions.

Here are three ASX shares that may not always grab headlines but could quietly build serious wealth over time.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The first ASX share that could quietly deliver strong returns is Aristocrat Leisure.

The company has built a powerful dual-engine business. Its traditional land-based gaming division generates reliable cash flow, while its digital segment provides exposure to higher-growth opportunities.

What makes Aristocrat particularly interesting is its ability to consistently produce successful game content. In both physical machines and mobile platforms, strong titles can generate recurring revenue long after their initial release.

This blend of stability and growth gives Aristocrat flexibility. It can reinvest in new opportunities while still returning capital to shareholders.

Over time, that balance between dependable earnings and expanding digital exposure could make it a compelling long-term compounder.

UBS recently put a buy rating and $69.00 price target on its shares.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering is data centre operator NextDC.

In many ways, it is helpful to think of NextDC as a backbone provider for the digital economy. As businesses move more workloads to the cloud and demand for data processing and AI grows, the need for secure, high-performance infrastructure continues to rise.

What sets NextDC apart is its focus on premium, interconnected facilities. These sites allow customers to link directly with cloud providers, networks, and partners, creating an ecosystem effect that is difficult to replicate.

While the company is still in a heavy investment phase, this infrastructure build-out could underpin earnings growth for many years.

This week, the team at UBS put a buy rating and $22.55 price target on NextDC’s shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

A third and final ASX share that could be a long-term winner is REA Group.

REA Group operates a digital marketplace that has become deeply embedded in Australia’s property ecosystem. Real estate agents rely on its platforms to reach buyers, giving the company significant pricing power and a dominant competitive position.

But the interesting part of the story is how REA Group continues to monetise that position. Premium listings, data-driven insights, and value-added services are all helping drive revenue per customer higher over time.

Even when property volumes fluctuate, REA Group has shown an ability to grow earnings through yield expansion and product innovation. Over the long run, this makes it less of a cyclical business than it might first appear.

Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating and $230.00 price target on its shares.

The post 3 fantastic ASX shares that could help build long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to invest $1,000 per month in ASX shares and build long-term wealth
• 3 ASX 200 shares that could quietly compound for years
• Morgans names two ASX 200 shares to buy and one to sell this week
• Why Bank of Queensland, Guzman Y Gomez, NextDC, and Telix shares are racing higher today
• Why is everyone talking about Telix, Bank of Queensland and NextDC shares today?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nextdc and REA Group. 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.