Author: openjargon

If I had a spare $10,000, here are five ASX shares I’d invest in. And they’re all tipped to climb higher over the next 12 months.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

While 2026 so far has been a series of bad news events for the AMP share price, it looks like the stock could shift course and begin soaring again over the next 12 months.

This week, AMP confirmed it will undertake an on-market buyback of up to $150 million of ordinary shares and Blair Vernon has officially stepped into the CEO role. Sentiment could well follow suit.

Analysts have a strong buy rating on AMP shares and tip a potential 33% upside to $1.75 per share, at the time of writing.

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

Capstone shares have crashed 40% over the past six weeks driven by rising operating costs and production disruptions. But I think rising copper prices could renew some investor confidence in the ASX copper company’s shares.

Capstone has confirmed 2026 production guidance of 200,000 to 230,000 tonnes of copper at C1 cash costs of US$2.45 to US$2.75 per pound. It also expects largely stable production in 2026, with growth anticipated from Mantoverde Optimised from 2027.

Analysts tip the shares to jump 45% higher to $15.10 a piece, at the time of writing.

EVT Ltd (ASX: EVT)

EVT is an Australian provider of entertainment, hospitality, tourism, and leisure-related services in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. The company announced it has completed $750 million in refinancing this week. 

The refinancing, together with EVT’s non-core asset divestment program, is expected to give the business more financial flexibility and aid a business shift towards the hotel and accommodation sector.

Analysts tip a potential 20% upside to $15.90 a piece, at the time of writing.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

The ASX gold stock’s shares have tumbled nearly 27% over the past month after concerns about rising inflation and more interest rate hikes overshadowed gold’s traditional safe-haven status.

The metal’s price has tumbled from an all-time high on the 1st of March. But Genesis Minerals’ has managed to maintain a strong revenue and earnings performance driven by increased production. I think as soon as gold comes back into favor, this ASX share will fly higher.

Analysts tip a potential 60% share price upside to $9.41, at the time of writing.

Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM)

Newmont is another ASX gold share which was oversold in March.

Declining gold prices have weighed heavily on the world’s largest gold miner, with its share price down 19% over the course of the month. I think the stock could rebound sharply as the gold price recovers.

Analysts tip a potential 26% upside to $192.20 a piece, over the next 12 months. 

The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX gold shares tumble as bull run faces its first big test in 1Q CY26
• Why Northern Star, Newmont, and Evolution shares are rising today
• AMP jumps on $150 million buyback and CEO handover. Is this beaten-down ASX stock turning a corner?
• Why AMP, Greatland Resources, Minerals 260, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today

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 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.

Yesterday afternoon, AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) announced it has made the Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with the Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 Project (K2), a major 220 MW dual-fuel gas power station in Western Australia. The $490 million project is expected to support AGL’s growth in the WA energy market and diversify earnings.

What did AGL Energy report?

• Final Investment Decision to proceed with $490 million Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 Project
• K2 will be a 220 MW open-cycle, dual-fuel gas turbine plant, co-located with AGL’s existing Kwinana facility
• Construction to start mid-2026, with operations targeted for Q4 2027
• Ten years of revenue secured at $360,700 per MW, escalating with CPI
• Expected asset life of 25 years; targeted project return above 8% post-tax, ungeared
• Growth capex forecast for FY26 now approximately $750 million

What else do investors need to know?

AGL reached this FID just months after agreeing to purchase four gas turbines from Siemens AB, illustrating strong momentum in its portfolio revamp. The company has also secured 176 MW of Peak Certified Reserve Capacity credits from the Australian Energy Market Operator, which begin from October 2027.

Funding for the project will come from AGL’s existing balance sheet, and about one-third of the K2 expenditure will occur in FY26, with the rest spread across the following two years. The deal strengthens AGL’s position in WA, where it has a flexible gas supply portfolio to support the new facility.

What did AGL Energy management say?

AGL Managing Director and CEO Damien Nicks, said:

The Final Investment Decision on the K2 Project, on the back of our recently signed 15-year PPA with Waddi Wind Farm for 105 MW, bolsters AGL’s portfolio in Western Australia and provides further opportunity to continue to scale our Perth Energy business and further diversify our earnings outside the NEM. It marks another important milestone in AGL’s strategy to develop new firming capacity to support the build out of renewables, and further expands the breadth and capacity of the company’s flexible asset portfolio.

What’s next for AGL Energy?

AGL expects construction of the K2 project to commence in mid-2026, with plant operations targeted for late 2027. This investment is part of AGL’s broader strategy to add new firming capacity and support Australia’s renewable transition, especially outside the National Electricity Market.

With a diversified generation and gas portfolio, AGL continues to focus on its Climate Transition Action Plan, positioning itself to be a leader in Australia’s shift toward lower emissions and a smarter energy future.

AGL Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, AGL shares have declined 6%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post AGL Energy gives green light to $490m Kwinana gas project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Wall Street just suffered its worst quarter in years. Is the ASX 200 next?
• Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules
• Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

As we head into April, I continue to find myself focusing on what I would be comfortable holding for years.

That usually leads me back to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Not because they are exciting, but because they allow you to capture long-term trends, diversify broadly, and stay invested without overthinking every decision.

Right now, there are three Vanguard ETFs that stand out to me ahead of the new month.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

If I wanted a single ETF to do most of the heavy lifting, this would be high on my list.

The VDHG ETF is essentially a portfolio in itself. It spreads your investment across Australian shares, global shares, emerging markets, and even a small allocation to fixed income.

What I like about it is how it removes decision-making. You do not need to worry about rebalancing between regions or trying to time different markets. The structure handles that for you.

It also leans heavily toward growth assets, which I think makes sense for long-term investors who can ride out volatility.

For someone looking to build wealth steadily without constantly adjusting their portfolio, I think this ETF does a lot of things right.

Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)

Large companies tend to dominate headlines, but smaller companies are often where some of the most interesting growth happens.

That is what draws me to the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF.

This ETF gives exposure to international small-cap companies across developed markets. These are businesses that are earlier in their growth journey, often more nimble, and sometimes overlooked by broader indices.

I see this as a way to add depth to a portfolio. While large caps provide stability and scale, small caps can offer a different growth dynamic. Over long periods, that combination can be powerful.

It will not always outperform. In fact, small caps can be more volatile. But for a long-term investor, I think that is part of the opportunity.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

Technology has been one of the defining forces in markets over the past decade, and I do not think that trend is fading.

The Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF is a new addition to the ETF universe, and what I like about it is its focused exposure.

Instead of owning the entire market, it concentrates on around 300 technology stocks across both developed and emerging markets. That includes many of the global leaders driving innovation today.

What I like in particular is the global approach. It is not just US tech. It includes companies from multiple regions, which I think gives a broader view of how technology is evolving worldwide.

This is a higher-growth, higher-volatility type of ETF. But over a long time horizon, I think having targeted exposure to the technology sector makes a lot of sense.

Foolish takeaway

If I were looking at Vanguard ETFs to buy in April and hold for the long term, I would want a mix of simplicity, diversification, and growth.

The VDHG ETF offers an all-in-one solution that can form the core of a portfolio. The VISM ETF adds exposure to smaller companies that can drive future growth. The VTEK ETF brings a focused tilt toward global technology, one of the most important themes in modern markets.

Together, I think they could form a portfolio that is both simple and forward-looking, which is what I want when investing for the long term.

The post Why I think these Vanguard ETFs could be top buys for next month (and forever) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced
• 3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April
• Should investors be targeting growth or value ASX ETFs right now?
• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio

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 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 war that the United States of America and Israel launched against Iran at the start of this month has comprehensively changed the investing landscape. Many ASX shares that were previously expecting to have a relatively smooth 2026 are now wargaming the supply of their most basic inputs – energy. Investors with ASX share portfolios would be forgiven for wondering how to chart a course forward. 

Of course, the energy shock that has resulted from this war is still reverberating through the global economy. We don’t yet know whether the Strait of Hormuz will be closed for another day or another year. 

What we do know is that things will be different, in both the Australian and global economies, for a while.

So how do we account for these differences in our own ASX share portfolios?

Well, I think there are three things investors can do.

Three ways to position an ASX share portfolio for 2026

Firstly, ASX investors can focus on finding and owning shares of companies that possess a moat, or an intrinsic competitive advantage that can protect them from inflation, recessions, and other potential economic maladies in 2026. ‘Moats’ are a concept initially coined by legendary investor Warren Buffett, who only tends to buy companies that he thinks possess at least one wide moat. This could be a cost advantage, a powerful brand that inspires loyalty, or else making a good or service that investors find difficult to avoid buying.   

Companies that possess these moats are usually the most resilient in the markets. They tend to survive the bad times and thrive when the global economy is booming.

Secondly, investors can take advantage of higher interest rates. Few Australians get excited when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifts rates, as it did at the start of this month. But while higher rates make loans and mortgages more expensive to service, they also increase the returns of cash and fixed-interest investments. With term deposit rates now above 5%, there’s nothing wrong, at least in my view, with parking your surplus cash in the bank rather than the share market if you are worried about where things might go next. After all, the interest rate on a term deposit is completely safe, unlike an investment in any ASX share.

This time it’s different?

Finally, and this might be tough to hear, investors might want to prepare for a rough 2026 by lowering their expectations. The past few years have been exceptionally lucrative for stock market investors. To illustrate, as of 28 February, the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) has averaged 12.15% per annum over the past three years, and hit 16.2% for the preceding 12 months. Those are uncommonly high returns for a simple ASX index fund. The longer-term average sits closer to 8% per annum.

I’m a firm believer in the enduring tendency for investing metrics to regress to their mean. As such, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a return of well below 12% for the ASX 200 in 2026, and possibly in 2027 and beyond as well.

The post The Iran war has changed investing. Here are 3 ways to position an ASX share portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX gold shares tumble as bull run faces its first big test in 1Q CY26
• Why I’d buy DroneShield and these ASX 200 shares next month

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

When I think about building long-term wealth, I’m a fan of simplicity.

Not necessarily because simple is easy, but because simple is repeatable.

The more complicated a portfolio becomes, the harder it is to stick with when markets get volatile. And in my experience, sticking with a strategy matters far more than constantly tweaking it.

If I were building a simple portfolio from scratch today, this is a three-exchange-traded funds (ETF) combination I would be very comfortable holding for years.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

For me, any long-term portfolio needs exposure to the United States.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives access to 500 of the largest stocks in the US, but what stands out to me is not just the scale. It is the quality of earnings.

Many of these businesses generate significant cash flow, have global revenue streams, and sit at the centre of industries that continue to evolve. Technology, healthcare, financials, consumer brands. It is all there.

Even after a recent 11% pullback from its highs, I still see this as one of the most reliable ways to access global growth.

It is not about picking the next big winner. It is about owning the ecosystem where many of those winners are likely to come from.

BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Where the IVV ETF gives broad exposure, the BetaShares Australian Quality ETF adds a filter.

This ETF is not trying to own everything in the Australian share market. It is trying to own what it considers the better parts of it.

That means focusing on companies with stronger balance sheets, more consistent earnings, and higher returns on capital.

I like that approach.

The Australian market can be heavily influenced by banks and miners, which have their place. But I think adding a quality tilt helps smooth out some of that cyclicality.

For me, the AQLT ETF is about refining the local exposure. It is not replacing the market, but shaping it in a way that leans toward resilience and consistency.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

This is where things get more interesting. Asia is not always the easiest region to invest in directly. There are different markets, different regulatory environments, and varying levels of economic development.

That is why I like having it packaged into a single ETF.

The VAE ETF gives exposure to a wide range of economies that are still evolving, industrialising, and expanding their middle classes. It is a different growth profile compared to the US and Australia.

What I find compelling is that many of these economies are deeply embedded in global supply chains.

From semiconductors to manufacturing to digital platforms, Asia plays a critical role. And over time, I think that importance is likely to grow.

It will not always be smooth. But I believe that volatility is part of the opportunity.

Foolish Takeaway

Building long-term wealth does not require a complicated portfolio. For me, a simple combination of ETFs that covers global leaders, high-quality Australian shares, and Asian growth markets is more than enough.

The real challenge is not choosing the portfolio. It is staying invested and letting it work over time.

The post A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this looks like a great time to buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market
• Here are 5 ASX ETFs that I would buy with $50,000

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 iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.

When the Australian share market is volatile, it makes sense that investors turn their attention to ASX income stocks.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed 1% higher in Tuesday afternoon trade, but the index is still down 7% over the past month.

The index-wide sell-off means some ASX income stocks are now trading at very attractive prices. 

Here are three of them.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

GQG Partners’ shares are up 3.9% at the time of writing, to $1.74 a piece. For the year-to-date the shares are down 0.85% and they’re down nearly 18% over the past year.

The company posted strong FY25 earnings results in mid-February and a total funds under management (FUM) of US$172.9 billion for the month, up from US$165.7 billion in January, thanks to strong investment performance. 

But it looks like investors were concerned about the company’s net outflows. While the total FUM increased during February, GQG continues to face consecutive months of net outflows. 

But investors view the latest FUM growth update as a potential turning point for the company, with some expecting the FUM to keep increasing each month from here.

Analysts rate the stock as a buy and tip a potential 16.7% upside to $1.96 at the time of writing.

Dexus (ASX: DXS)

Dexus shares are also trading in the green on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the share price is up 0.2% to $5.93 a piece. For the year-to-date the shares are down nearly 15%, and they’re 16% below where they were this time last year.

The ASX income stock’s share price has tumbled off the back of concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and investor uncertainty. 

But the real estate stock is diverse with a steady and reliable income. And it’s this diversity and reliable income that enable Dexus to pay a reliable dividend to its investors. 

Analysts tip an average upside of 24% to $7.33 per share.

Endeavour Group (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour Group shares have tumbled 0.5% to $3.30 a piece, at the time of writing. 

The alcoholic beverages retailer, hotel operator, and poker machines operator’s share have been smashed by a pickup in inflation woes, market volatility and tighter spending during March. The shares are now down 18.5% over the past month alone and 14% lower over the past year.

The ASX income stock is at the beginning of a strategy reset which could help boost its bottom line. At the moment, the company generates a solid cash flow and pays a regular dividend. 

Analysts tip a potential 12% upside to $3.70 at the time of writing. 

The post 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Wall Street just suffered its worst quarter in years. Is the ASX 200 next?
• 4 ASX shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules
• Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target

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

It was a wild, but ultimately positive Tuesday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today. Initially, investors were not in a good mood this morning. But that sentiment changed just before lunchtime and held for the rest of the afternoon as investors pushed the market higher. By the time the closing bell rang, the ASX 200 had recorded a 0.25% rise. That leaves the index at 8,481.8 points.

This optimistic session for the local markets followed a mixed start to the American trading week over on Wall Street in the early hours of this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) managed to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat, rising by 0.11%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn’t so lucky, though, falling 0.73%.

But let’s return to Australian shares now and take stock of how today’s indecisiveness affected the various ASX sectors this session.

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

More reading

• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• ASX gold shares tumble as bull run faces its first big test in 1Q CY26
• Wall Street just suffered its worst quarter in years. Is the ASX 200 next?
• Xero, WiseTech shares jump higher today: Is this the beginning of a rebound?
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder, Temple & Webster Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Generation Development Group 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.

ASX gold shares tumbled 10.1% over the March quarter as a commodities sell-off and a new war tested the two-year gold bull run.

Gold shares have been on a multi-year tear due to a rapidly rising gold price creating exceptional earnings growth for ASX miners.

The gold price increased 65% in 2025, its greatest annual rise in more than four decades, and that came on top of a 27% gain in 2024.

The S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) rose 125% in 2025 and 16% in 2024, delivering investors some thrilling returns.

And then came the first real test for this magnificent period of growth.

How did 2026 begin?

The start of 2026 was amazing for ASX gold shares.

The gold price went crazy, rising 30% in less than a month on new year optimism and excitement.

The gold price soared from just over US$4,300 per ounce on 31 December to a record US$5,608 per ounce on 29 January.

ASX gold shares ascended strongly, rising 17.7% over these first few weeks of 2026.

Then came the steepest one-day fall for the gold price in more than a decade.

Gold plummeted 21% over just a few days to US$4,400 per ounce by 2 February.

The sell-off was triggered by the nomination of Kevin Warsh to be the next US Fed chair.

Warsh is known for his hawkish stance on interest rates, and investors worried he may not cut rates as fast as the market was hoping.

Higher-for-longer interest rates are a headwind for the gold price, given that gold is a non-yielding asset.

The Warsh nomination led to a fall in the gold price, followed by panic selling as investors sought to lock in their incredible gains.

ASX gold shares followed suit. The S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) fell 12.4% between 29 January and 2 February.

Despite the late-month sell-off, ASX gold shares managed an 11% net gain over the month of January.

ASX gold shares recover, then crash even harder

The gold price rebounded in February, rising to about US$5,300 per ounce by month’s end.

ASX gold shares also rose by 4.7%.

Then came the war.

On 28 February (US time), Israel and the US attacked Iran, claiming they did so to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

That saw the gold price tank, and ASX gold shares went with it.

Trading Economics analysts say the gold price has experienced its worst monthly fall in March since October 2008, down about 13%.

ASX gold shares have followed the trend, diving 23.7% this month.

The analysts said:

The precious metal faced sustained pressure this month from an oil-driven inflation shock that pushed investors and policymakers toward a more hawkish stance on interest rates.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said long-term US inflation expectations appeared to remain anchored despite heightened uncertainties tied to the conflict.

He added that the central bank’s policy stance is well positioned to allow officials to assess the economic impact of the Iran war.

1Q CY26 performance

The ASX All Ords Gold Index finished the first quarter down 10.1%.

Let’s take a look at some specific ASX gold shares and their performance over the March quarter.

The market’s largest ASX gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) fell 16.7% over the quarter to close at $20.36 today.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price edged 0.5% lower over the quarter to $12.62 today.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares managed an 0.3% gain over 1Q CY26 to $151.55 today.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price rose 7.4% over the quarter to $11.34 on Tuesday.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares declined 13.2% to close out the March quarter at $3.67.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares weakened 8.7% over the quarter to finish at $5.15 today.

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares decreased 19.3% over the quarter to $5.89 today.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares fell 8.7% over the quarter to $5.89 today.

The Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price lost 12.8% to finish the March quarter at $6.65.

The post ASX gold shares tumble as bull run faces its first big test in 1Q CY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Northern Star, Newmont, and Evolution shares are rising today
• These 3 dirt-cheap ASX shares are tipped to climb another 50-90%
• After a major resource upgrade, how undervalued are Greatland shares looking?
• Why Challenger, Magellan, Northern Star, and West African Resources shares are storming higher
• Down 38% in March, should you buy the dip on Northern Star shares?

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.

As we head into April, I find myself looking for a mix of opportunity and resilience.

Markets have been unsettled, some sectors have sold off sharply, and sentiment is still a bit fragile. 

But that is often when I like to start building positions in businesses with strong long-term potential.

Right now, three ASX shares stand out to me for very different reasons.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is one of the more interesting opportunities on the market right now, in my opinion.

What draws me to the company is its exposure to a rapidly evolving area of defence technology.

The use of drones in modern conflicts is increasing, and with that comes the need for effective counter-drone solutions. DroneShield is positioning itself right in the middle of that shift.

I see this as a structural trend rather than a short-term one. Defence spending is rising globally, and technologies that can detect, track, and neutralise drones are becoming more important. That creates a large and expanding addressable market.

Of course, this is not without risk. Smaller companies can be volatile, and contract timing can impact results.

But from a long-term perspective, I think DroneShield offers exposure to a theme that could play out over many years.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

Netwealth is a very different type of business. Where DroneShield is more thematic and emerging, Netwealth is a proven compounder benefiting from a structural shift in financial services.

The move toward independent financial advice and platform-based investing continues to gain momentum, and Netwealth has been one of the key beneficiaries.

What I like most here is the consistency. Funds under administration have grown steadily over time, supported by strong inflows and adviser adoption. That creates a recurring revenue base that can scale as the platform grows.

There will be competition, and valuations can fluctuate. But I think the long-term trend is clear, and Netwealth is well positioned within it.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Lovisa adds a different flavour again. This ASX 200 share is a jewellery retail business that has demonstrated an ability to expand globally and grow earnings through its store rollout strategy.

What stands out to me is the pace of expansion. The company continues to open new stores across multiple regions, and that growth is supported by strong margins and a relatively simple operating model.

Retail can be cyclical, and consumer spending is not always predictable. But Lovisa’s focus on affordable fashion and fast product turnover gives it a level of flexibility.

I think it is one of the better examples of an Australian retailer successfully scaling internationally.

Foolish takeaway

As April arrives, I am not looking for one type of opportunity. I am looking for a mix.

DroneShield offers exposure to a powerful defence and technology trend, Netwealth provides steady platform-driven growth, and Lovisa brings global retail expansion. They are very different businesses, but each has a clear pathway to long-term growth.

The post Why I’d buy DroneShield and these ASX 200 shares next month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield, Lovisa, and Netwealth Group and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I were thinking about building passive income from ASX shares, I would be looking for reliability.

I’d want businesses that generate consistent cash flow, have clear competitive advantages, and can return capital to shareholders year after year.

For me, Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares tick a lot of those boxes right now.

Here are five reasons why I would be comfortable buying its shares for income.

A business built on essential services

At its core, Telstra provides something that has become non-negotiable.

Connectivity.

Mobile networks, broadband, and infrastructure are now essential to everyday life. Individuals rely on them, businesses depend on them, and governments need them.

That gives Telstra a level of demand stability that I think is incredibly valuable for an income investment.

It is not a business that relies on discretionary spending. It is part of the backbone of the economy.

Strong and growing cash earnings

One thing I always look for in a dividend stock is whether the earnings actually support the payout.

In Telstra’s case, I think the answer is yes.

In the first half of FY26, the company delivered earnings growth across key segments, with management highlighting strong cost control and disciplined capital management as key drivers.

Importantly, it also achieved solid cash EBIT growth and positive operating leverage, which suggests the business is becoming more efficient over time.

That is exactly what I want to see backing a dividend.

A clear focus on sustainable dividends

Telstra has been very explicit about its dividend strategy.

Management has stated its aim to deliver a sustainable and growing dividend, supported by strong cash earnings and a long-term target of mid-single digit growth.

That’s important.

It tells me that dividends are not an afterthought. They are a core part of the company’s capital management framework.

The latest interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, with high levels of franking, reinforces that commitment.

Additional capital returns

Income is not just about dividends.

Telstra is also returning capital through share buybacks, which can support earnings per share growth over time.

The company recently increased its on-market buyback to up to $1.25 billion, reflecting confidence in its financial position and outlook.

For me, that adds another layer to the investment case.

It suggests management sees value in the shares and is willing to return excess capital to shareholders.

Positioned for steady long-term growth

Telstra is not a high-growth company, and I think that is perfectly fine.

What I care about is steady, predictable progress.

The company’s Connected Future 30 strategy is focused on strengthening its core network, improving efficiency, and driving sustainable earnings growth over time.

It is not about chasing rapid expansion. It is about building a stronger, more resilient business.

For an income investor, I think that is exactly the right approach.

Foolish takeaway

Telstra may not be the most exciting ASX share, but I think it is one of the more dependable when it comes to passive income.

It operates in essential services, generates strong cash flow, and has a clear commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

With dividends supported by earnings and additional buybacks in play, I believe it offers a compelling mix of income and stability.

For me, that is exactly what I want from an ASX dividend stock.

The post 5 reasons why I’d buy Telstra shares for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Telstra just hit a 10-year high. Has this ASX income giant still got more to give?
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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.