Author: openjargon

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares pushed to another multi-year high on Tuesday, with investors continuing to back one of the ASX’s most dependable blue-chip income names.

In afternoon trade, the Telstra share price was up 0.28% to $5.355, after climbing as high as $5.37 earlier in the session.

That marks its highest level since August 2016, putting the stock back near levels not seen in almost a decade.

The move also extends Telstra’s 12-month gain to almost 30%, which is a strong return for a telecommunications stock that is usually known more for reliable dividends than big share price gains.

That performance is well ahead of the broader market. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen about 8% over the same period.

Why the Telstra share price keeps moving higher

The main reason behind Telstra’s strength is the market’s growing confidence in the company’s ability to keep lifting earnings.

Its recently announced mobile plan price increases, which begin in May, are expected to lift the average amount it earns from each customer. Brokers have previously noted that this should help make up for slower subscriber growth.

That ability to raise prices highlights the strength of Telstra’s network and brand. It also shows the company can protect profit margins even while consumers remain more careful with spending.

Investors are also still responding positively to February’s half-year result, which included another increase in its fully franked interim dividend to 10 cents per share, as well as ongoing progress with its buybackprogram.

This combination of dividend growth, capital returns, and consistent earnings continues to support demand for the stock.

What the chart is showing now

From a technical view, the move above the previous $5.25 to $5.30 resistance area looks important.

That level had capped the share price several times through March, so today’s move to $5.37 suggests buyers are still willing to keep pushing it higher.

The chart also shows the 14-day relative strength index (RSI) at around 69, which puts the stock close to overbought territory.

That points to strong momentum still being in place, especially with the share price continuing to track along the upper Bollinger band.

The next visible support area sits around $5.20 to $5.25. Below that, the old breakout zone near $5 could become a stronger floor over the medium term.

Foolish takeaway

Telstra’s climb to its highest level since 2016 reflects more than just defensive buying.

Investors are rewarding the company’s stronger pricing discipline, reliable dividend growth, and the consistency of its earnings base.

The stock’s momentum also remains firm, with the chart suggesting investors are still comfortable paying up for quality and yield.

The post Telstra just hit a 10-year high. Has this ASX income giant still got more to give? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a defensive ASX share portfolio in 2026
• 3 blue-chip ASX dividend shares to buy and hold
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan
• ASX chaos? Here’s how to invest smart, stay calm and win

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 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.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) is the kind of ASX dividend stock that can appeal to passive income investors, but putting 100% of your money into any single share would still be difficult to justify.

The technology distributor currently offers a dividend yield of about 5.2%, with payments made quarterly, which is relatively uncommon on the ASX.

At the time of writing, the stock is trading around $8.52, leaving it down roughly 15% over the past month despite a modest intraday recovery.

That weakness may make the yield look more attractive, but investors still need to consider whether the income is worth the risk of being too heavily exposed to one stock.

Why Dicker Data stands out for passive income

The biggest attraction here is the company’s long track record of regular, fully franked quarterly dividends.

Its most recent payment was 11.5 cents per share, paid on 19 March 2026. Across FY25, the business returned 44 cents per share.

The latest FY25 result also showed the core business remains in solid shape. Revenue increased 12.5%, gross profit rose 14.9%, and both EBITDA and NPAT moved higher. This gives the company a stronger base to keep paying reliable quarterly dividends.

That profit growth is important because dividends are only as reliable as the earnings behind them.

Dicker Data also recently updated its payout policy to distribute 80% to 100% of NPAT, down from the previous higher range, as management focuses on strengthening the balance sheet.

That is not necessarily a bad thing. A slightly lower payout ratio can make the dividend more sustainable during weaker periods and gives the company more flexibility if technology spending slows.

The risk of going all in

The problem with putting 100% into Dicker Data is not the quality of the business. It is the lack of diversification.

Even though the company has built a strong position in IT distribution across hardware, software, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure, it still operates in the technology sector, where earnings can be influenced by business spending cycles.

That can make earnings less stable, which in turn can make future dividend growth less reliable.

There is also stock-specific risk to consider.

If one major vendor relationship changes, margins come under pressure, or enterprise spending softens during a weaker economic period, shareholders are fully exposed when their portfolio is concentrated in a single company.

This is why even high-quality dividend shares are usually better held as part of a broader income portfolio, alongside exposure to banks, infrastructure, healthcare, and other sectors.

Foolish takeaway

Dicker Data looks like a quality ASX tech share for passive income, especially for investors who value fully franked quarterly dividends and exposure to long-term IT spending growth.

But putting 100% into one stock still creates unnecessary risk, no matter how reliable the dividend history looks.

A more balanced approach would be to make Dicker Data one part of a diversified passive income strategy instead of the whole position.

The post Should I put 100% of my money into this ASX dividend stock for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 1 super cheap ASX dividend stock down 16% to buy and hold for decades
• 3 of the best ASX income stocks to buy now
• 1 incredibly cheap ASX dividend growth stock to buy now and hold for decades
• 5 ASX dividend shares to buy for income in 2026
• Dicker Data shares fall to a 7-month low. Is this a bargain buy?

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Dicker Data. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO) is $9.44 per unit, up 48.9% in just one month.

This commodity-tracking ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) is riding the wave of skyrocketing oil prices as the war in Iran drags on.

Over the past month, the Brent crude oil price has soared 38% to US$107.40 per barrel today.

The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price is up 44% over the month to US$102.95 per barrel at the time of writing.

What’s the latest in the Middle East?

Tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend after the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen joined the war and attacked Israel.

Yemen’s involvement adds further upside risk to oil and gas prices, as it sits alongside the Red Sea and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Shipments of oil and gas flow through this strait, just as they do the Strait of Hormuz, which runs alongside Iran and is effectively closed.

US President Donald Trump says he’ll bomb Iran’s electricity plants, oil facilities, and desalination plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly urging militant groups to prepare to disrupt shipping through the Red Sea.

Trading Economics analysts said:

Such developments risk further tightening energy flows from the Middle East, as two of the main strategic waterways in the world for trade and energy supplies could potentially be cut off.

The inability of tankers to sail out of the Middle East has created a global oil shock.

Petrol and diesel prices in Australia have soared, with the Federal Government halving the fuel excise from tomorrow to provide relief.

While the US continues to claim that negotiations with Iran are going well, President Trump is still considering sending in ground troops.

Meanwhile, ASX 200 energy shares have soared since the conflict began, as has the price of the OOO ETF.

ASX ETF a popular trade as oil prices rocket

Data from online investment platform Stake shows OOO has been the fifth-most traded ASX ETF among Aussie investors this month.

Kylie Purcell, Senior Markets Analyst at Stake, said many new investors to the platform have been active this month, commenting:

In commodities, many are looking to capitalise on large price swings by trading oil ETFs and related stocks.

How does ASX OOO work?

This ASX ETF aims to track the S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index Excess Return, hedged against AUD/USD currency movements.

This allows ASX investors exposure to WTI crude oil futures, rather than the spot price.

Betashares explains:

The price of oil futures contracts is not the same as the “spot price” of oil. As such, OOO does not aim to, and should not be expected to, provide the same return as the performance of this spot price.

The performance of an ETF that is linked to oil futures may be materially different to the performance of the spot price of oil itself.

This is because the process of “rolling” from one futures contract to the next to maintain investment exposure can result in either a cost or benefit to the Fund, affecting returns.

OOO ETF is backed by cash, which is held in bank accounts with a third-party custodian on behalf of unitholders.

The post Why is this ASX ETF up nearly 50% in a month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?
• ASX ETFs holding up amidst global volatility 
• Will ASX oil stocks protect your portfolio from a market crash in 2026?
• 3 reasons this commodities ASX ETF could be an ideal buy in the current environment
• $10,000 invested in this ASX ETF a month ago is now worth $14,500

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.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) is one of the best exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that Aussies can buy, and this seems like the right opportunity to invest.

Share prices go up and down all the time, but when there is a significant decline, of 10% or more, that’s when investors are being offered an opportunity to invest at much better value.

I don’t know what share prices are going to do in the short-term (or long-term), but I do know that companies are doing their best to grow earnings over time. With that tailwind in mind, a correction (or worse) can be a great time to buy while the market is (temporarily) down.

There are three great reasons to invest in the IVV ETF right now. Let’s get into why.

Better valuation

It’s hard to escape the news of what’s happening in the Middle East and the flow-on impact that’s having on energy prices, inflation and the potential for interest rate rises.

It is possible that energy prices and inflation could increase in the coming weeks. But, that doesn’t put me off investing. In fact, market declines make me more motivated and excited to invest because of the better valuations.

If we’re shopping at a supermarket, would we rather buy when items are at discounted prices or when they’re at full price? I know which one is more appealing to me.

At the time of writing, the IVV ETF has dropped more than 11% since November 2025. That’s a sizeable decline, in my view, and means the price/earnings (P/E) ratio of the fund is more appealing.

If investors have been thinking about investing over the past six months, this is the best price to do it. The IVV ETF unit price could go even cheaper. If that were to happen, I’d say it’s an even better buy then.

Great businesses

The IVV ETF is invested in 500 of the largest and most profitable businesses that are listed in the US.

If we look at this group of companies, it has been a great investment to own over the last 50 years and particularly the last 15 years.

When you look at the businesses in the portfolio, you’ll find leaders across areas like AI, smartphones, internet search, computer software, healthcare, online video, automated driving, gaming, cybersecurity and so many more. It’d be a mistake not to have exposure to them in some way.

By introducing and developing new products and services, the businesses inside the IVV ETF are growing their revenue and laying the path for stronger earnings growth in the longer-term. I believe the ASX ETF will see the benefits of the improving financials of the underlying companies over time.

While the fund’s future long-term performance may not be as good as the past performance, I think it can continue to deliver strong returns, particularly at this lower valuation.

Cheap management costs

One of the best reasons to like the IVV ETF is the fact that it has extremely low annual management costs of 0.04%.

Having the ability to invest in these companies at such a low fee is a great advantage for Aussies just wanting to track the return of many of the world’s strongest businesses. That has a good chance of creating pleasing wealth-building returns.

Over time, plenty of fund managers have found it difficult to outperform the level of return of this ASX ETF, and I think this is a good period of time to dive in.

The post Why this looks like a great time to buy the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 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
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?

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 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.

ASX gold shares are climbing on Tuesday as the gold price stages a solid rebound from recent weakness.

Spot gold is currently trading at US$4,575 an ounce, up about 1.3% on the day, after recovering from what has still been its worst monthly decline since 2008.

The yellow metal remains down 14% over the past month, highlighting how sharp the pullback has been despite today’s recovery.

The gains are flowing directly into our local gold sector.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are up 4.56% to $20.40, Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) is climbing 3.21% to $152.99, and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) is higher by 2.24% to $12.80.

The move follows overnight gains in global gold miners as bullion rebounded on renewed expectations that US interest rate cuts could still arrive later this year.

Gold’s rebound gives miners some breathing room

The latest lift in gold appears to be driven by a combination of softer oil prices, easing US dollar strength, and confidence that inflation expectations remain contained.

According to The Australian, the rebound followed renewed market optimism after comments from US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell suggested longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored.

Stable inflation expectations can revive hopes for lower interest rates, which supports gold prices by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

Even so, the broader backdrop remains volatile.

Gold is still on track to finish March down about 13%, which would mark its weakest monthly performance in nearly 18 years.

Despite today’s rebound, the move still looks more like a recovery from an oversold pullback than the start of a sustained recovery.

Why Northern Star is leading the local gains

Northern Star is leading the gains among the major ASX gold stocks, which reflects its stronger leverage to moves in the Australian dollar gold price.

The company remains one of the ASX’s largest pure-play gold producers, with major assets including the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, Jundee, Thunderbox, and Pogo operations.

After a difficult month that has left Northern Star shares down more than 32%, today’s rise suggests investors are returning as bullion stabilises.

Newmont and Evolution are also benefiting from the same macro support, though their gains are slightly smaller after both stocks have held up better over the past 12 months.

Bullion remains the main driver for ASX gold stocks

The near-term direction of ASX gold miners is likely to remain closely tied to moves in bullion.

If gold can build on today’s rebound and regain momentum above the US$4,600 level, local producers could continue recovering from March’s sharp sell-off.

Nonetheless, after such a volatile month, investor attention will likely stay on US rate expectations, oil prices, and geopolitical risks heading into April.

The post Why Northern Star, Newmont, and Evolution shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 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?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 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.

Betashares has just announced estimated distributions (dividends) for a bunch of its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Investors who own these Betashares ASX ETFs below will receive their dividends on 20 April.

The ex-dividend date is tomorrow, 1 April, and the record date is Thursday.

Dividends for A200 and other ASX ETFs

Here are the estimated dividends that investors will receive, rounded to the nearest cent, on 20 April.

The Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) will pay a quarterly dividend of $1.20 per unit.

A200 ETF tracks the performance of the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) before costs and fees.

ASX A200 is trading at $143.79 per unit, up 0.94% today.

The Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST) will pay a monthly dividend of 6 cents per unit.

The Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD) will pay a monthly dividend of 12 cents per unit.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: QMAX) will pay a monthly dividend of 17 cents per unit.

The Betashares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX) will pay a monthly dividend of 4 cents per unit.

Betashares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: UMAX) will pay a monthly dividend of 11 cents per unit.

The Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF) will pay a quarterly dividend of 14 cents per unit.

Betashares Ethical Diversified Balanced ETF (ASX: DBBF) will pay a quarterly dividend of 13 cents per unit.

The Betashares Ethical Diversified Growth ETF (ASX: DGGF) will pay a quarterly dividend of 9 cents per unit.

Betashares Ethical Diversified High Growth ETF (ASX: DZZF) will pay a quarterly dividend of 4 cents per unit.

The Betashares FTSE Global Infrastructure Shares Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: TOLL) will pay a quarterly dividend of 21 cents per unit.

Betashares Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: AGVT) will pay a monthly dividend of 15 cents per unit.

The Betashares US Treasury Bond 7-10 Year Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: US10) will pay a quarterly dividend of 40 cents per unit.

Betashares Global Aggregate Bond Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: WBND) will pay a quarterly dividend of 45 cents per unit.

Want to reinvest your ASX ETF dividends?

A distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) is available for eligible Betashares ETFs.

If you’re newly invested in Betashares ETFs and would like to reinvest your dividends, you will need to lodge your DRP election form by 5pm AEST next Tuesday, 7 April.

The post Own A200 or other Betashares ASX ETFs? Dividends just announced appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?
• 8% yield: The ASX is getting a new dividend stock that pays out monthly
• How long will it take for the ASX 200 to recover? Expert

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. is short shares of BetaShares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Fund. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Fund. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Vanguard has just announced the estimated distributions (dividends) for a bunch of its ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Investors who own Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) or other ETFs will receive their dividends on 20 April.

According to the schedule, the ex-dividend date is tomorrow, 1 April, and the record date is 2 April.

In order to be entitled to a dividend, new investors must buy the ETF before the ex-dividend date.

How much will ASX VAS investors get?

ASX VAS is the most popular ETF on the market with $24.21 billion in funds under management.

VAS ETF tracks the performance of the top 300 listed companies in Australia via the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

Vanguard will pay 84.788 cents per unit to ASX VAS investors on 20 April.

Here is a summary of the dividends that other Vanguard ETFs will pay to investors next month.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY), which tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, will pay 81.1836 cents per unit.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG) will pay 64.7933 cents per unit.. This ASX ETF provides exposure to 16,000 ASX and international shares.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), which provides exposure to 1,500 stocks in developed nations outside Australia, will pay 39.576 cents per unit.

Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF (ASX: VAF) will pay 29.4897 cents per unit. This ASX ETF tracks the Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index.

The Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP) will pay 50.5505 cents per unit. This ASX ETF allows investors exposure to bricks and mortar via the S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Index.

Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ), which tracks the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars, will pay 27.0768 cents per unit.

The Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM), which tracks the MSCI World ex-Australia Small Cap Index (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars, will pay 177.1192 cents per unit.

Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF (ASX: VESG) will pay 43.9277 cents per unit. This ASX ETF tracks the FTSE Developed ex Australia Choice Index (with net dividends reinvested) in Australian dollars.

Want to reinvest your dividends?

A distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) is available for ASX VAS and the other Vanguard ETFs listed above.

DRP elections must be made by 5pm on Thursday.

The post Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• How the average Aussie at 30 could reach over $1 million in superannuation
• This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vanguard Msci Index International Shares 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 recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is bouncing 0.91% higher on Tuesday to 8,537.9 points.

But that rebound does little to hide the pressure that has built across the market over the past month.

Even with today’s gain, the benchmark index remains down more than 7% over one month, a sharp reversal that shows how quickly sentiment has shifted.

The latest backdrop from Wall Street helps explain why investors are still on edge.

According to The Wall Street Journal, US stocks are heading for their worst quarter in nearly four years after the Middle East oil shock rattled 2026 market expectations.

And that same sell-off is now spilling into Australian shares.

Oil shock is now hitting every major market

The biggest change is how quickly the global growth outlook has deteriorated.

Since the Middle East war began on 28 February, oil prices have jumped, and inflation fears have returned.

Investors have also quickly scaled back hopes for interest rate cuts in both the United States and Australia.

That is now feeding directly into the ASX 200.

While the index is higher today, the broader one-month trend still points to heavy selling across growth stocks, travel shares, consumer names, and other sectors most exposed to rising fuel, freight, and borrowing costs.

The risk now is that if oil remains elevated near US$100 to US$110 a barrel, inflation could spread well beyond the petrol pump.

While fuel costs rise, the impact keeps moving through airlines, logistics groups, mining operators, food producers, retailers, and household budgets.

That raises the risk of weaker earnings forecasts across large parts of the ASX 200 heading into the June quarter.

What this means for the ASX 200 next

For our local share market, the biggest issue is whether this proves to be a short-lived shock or the start of a broader earnings downgrade cycle.

The ASX 200 still has support from heavyweight energy and materials stocks, which stand to benefit from stronger commodity prices. That helps explain why buyers have stepped back in today.

But the bigger picture remains fragile.

If Wall Street keeps weakening after its worst quarter in four years, Australian equities may struggle to hold rallies, especially as recession concerns continue building globally.

A lot now comes back to oil.

If crude prices stabilise, the ASX 200 could begin rebuilding from the 8,400 level.

But if prices keep pushing higher, today’s 0.91% rise may end up looking more like a dead cat bounce.

Foolish Takeaway

Today’s gain is a positive sign.

But the ASX 200’s 7% decline over the past month shows the market is still dealing with the same issues facing Wall Street, including higher oil prices, sticky inflation, and growing recession fears.

Until energy prices begin to ease, the benchmark is likely to remain highly sensitive to every geopolitical news story.

The post Wall Street just suffered its worst quarter in years. Is the ASX 200 next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules
• Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target
• West African Resources: 2026 production guidance forecasts record gold output
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• ASX share market sell off: Buy in the dip or stay on the sidelines?

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 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 always exciting when a big-name company conducts an initial public offering (IPO) on the ASX. This week, the latest company set to go through an IPO is furniture company, and now stock, The Koala Company Ltd (ASX: KOA).

IPOs are blockbuster events, as they mark the transition, listing, and debut of what is usually a private company into the public markets. An IPO is the first chance most ordinary retail investors have to buy shares in a company they might already know and love. As such, they can provoke intense speculation and excitement in the markets. We saw this in action back in mid-2024 with the IPO of Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG), whose shares ended up soaring when they began trading on the ASX.

Today, Koala stock has followed GYG to list on our stock market. This company will already be familiar to many Australians, thanks to the popularity of its online-based mattress, sofa, and furniture store.

By all accounts, Koala is a very successful business. In a pre-IPO ASX release, the company told investors that its revenues were up 24% over the first half of FY2026 to $165.1 million. That helped Koala book an operating profit of $10.7 million from the period, up from $3.64 million over the same period in 2025.

Koala stock IPOs on the ASX

After a prospectus launch, stock offering, and settlement that all occurred earlier this month, The Koala Company’s stock has debuted on the ASX today under the ticker code ‘KOA’. The shares are floating after being offered at $3.40 each, giving Koala a nominal market capitalisation of $305.3 million and an enterprise value of $259.9 million. The new shares that will be issued under this IPO are forecast to raise $20 million for Koala.

At the time of writing, the IPO has gone well, with Koala stock currently up 2.65% at $3.49 a share.

Koala looks like a potentially exciting investment and is a home-grown success story. However, I will not be buying Koala stock during this IPO. I won’t be buying them today, this week, or probably anytime soon.

Why? I have nothing against Koala itself. But I do not participate in IPOs as a rule.

The problem with IPOs

There are a few reasons why. Firstly, IPOs tend to generate huge hype and buzz, things that tend to push shares up higher than they should go. After a few days or weeks, that buzz fades as the new company begins to blend into the broader market. Investors, of course, are left holding the bag.

We saw this happen with Guzman y Gomez in 2024. GYG shares had a phenomenal IPO, gaining almost 50% in the first few months of trading on the ASX. But, as of today, GYG is down by more than 46% from where it began its ASX life.

That brings us to the second reason. IPOs are designed, front to back, to maximise the value for the sellers of shares into an IPO. Not for the buyers they are selling to. There are many ways the orchestrators of the IPO can do this, by deciding how many shares will float at the IPO to when insiders can sell their shares and what price the shares debut at.

It’s for this reason that I think most buyers will be better off to wait.

I invested in an IPO once and lost a lot of money as a result. So perhaps I am biased here. But no matter how exciting a company is, I will always wait for the dust to settle from an IPO before I buy shares. That includes Koala stock.

The post I won’t be buying the Koala stock IPO. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and charging higher. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.9% to 8,539.7 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is down 2.5% to $5.50. Once again, this appears to have been driven by profit-taking from some investors. Investors have been bidding this respiratory imaging technology company’s shares higher this month after it made a big announcement. 4DMedical advised that its CT:VQ technology has been deployed at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. The company’s managing director and CEO, Andreas Fouras, was very pleased with the news. He said: “Mayo’s deployment is uniquely significant. When the world’s number one hospital chooses to use your technology, it sends the strongest possible signal to the entire U.S. healthcare market about the clinical value and readiness of CT:VQ.” 4DMedical shares remain up approximately 30% since this time last month.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope share price is down 5% to $5.81. This has been driven by the coal miner’s shares going ex-dividend on Tuesday. New Hope recently released its half-year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 10 cents per share. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this next month on 20 April.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is down 1.5% to $7.94. This may be due to reports that Donald Trump is intent on ending the US-Iran war sooner rather than later. Traders may believe that this could mean oil prices will pull back from recent highs.

St George Mining Ltd (ASX: SGQ)

The St George Mining share price is down over 4% to 11 cents. This is despite the rare earths company announcing a memorandum of understanding with Tecnicas Reunidas. The two parties will work to complete processing test work on samples of the rare earths resource at the Araxa niobium-REE Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. St George Mining’s executive chairman, John Prineas, commented: “We are very excited to be working with Tecnicas Reunidas to further assess the optimal processing route for the Araxa rare earths and to potentially access the vast European market for rare earths.”

The post Why 4DMedical, New Hope, Santos, and St George Mining shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.