Author: openjargon

Analysts have been busy running the rule over several ASX shares this week.

Let’s see what they are saying about these shares, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what you need to know:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The team at MPC Markets has named this mining giant as a hold this week.

While it is a fan of BHP, it appears to be waiting for a pullback before recommending its shares as a buy. It said:

The global miner delivered a strong half year result in fiscal year 2026. Copper delivered the majority of earnings for the first time in the company’s modern history. The dividend was above expectations. The balance sheet is in good shape. The conflict in Iran has rattled commodity markets, and BHP shares have fallen heavily.

Most of BHP’s output goes to Asia, not through the Strait of Hormuz. The market is selling the ticker, not the fundamentals. We suggest adding on weakness, and holding for an upgrade when the conflict ends.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Over at Sanlam Private Wealth, it has named this banking giant as a sell this week.

Although CBA is a high-quality bank, it isn’t a fan of its valuation. This is particularly the case given how it believes rising interest rates could slow the global economy and credit growth. It explains:

The bank is a quality company and a staple in investor portfolios. It has established a strong track record of performance over many years. The company delivered a 5 per cent increase in statutory net profit after tax in the first half of fiscal year 2026.

However, the dividend yield was trading below 3 per cent on March 26, so better income is available elsewhere. The conflict in Iran suggests a possibly slowing global economy likely to impact credit growth in Australia’s higher interest rate environment. CBA is trading at a premium to peers, so it may be time to consider reducing exposure in this volatile environment.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

One ASX share that MPC Markets is positive on is Pro Medicus. It has named the health imaging technology company’s shares as a buy.

MPC Markets thinks investors should be buying the dip after recent share price weakness. It said:

The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare groups across the world. Its software has quietly become the dominant choice across some of the largest hospital networks in the United States. The product is faster, more scalable and modern than what its competitors offer. Artificial intelligence is built in, so it complements the business.

The share price plunge has been driven by broad technology sentiment as opposed to issues with the business. Earnings are still growing and the company still wins major new hospital contracts. In our view, the market has handed investors an appealing entry point into one of the best software businesses on the ASX. We retain our buy recommendation.

The post Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows
• ASX 200 mining shares ride a rollercoaster in March quarter
• BHP shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• ASX share market sell off: Buy in the dip or stay on the sidelines?

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

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are pushing higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock closed yesterday trading for $19.51. As we head into the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $19.56 apiece, up 0.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.5% at this same time.

Northern Star shares remain up 6.8% over 12 months – not including the two partly franked dividends totalling 55 cents per share – despite the horror month the miner just experienced.

Hit with stiff headwinds from a fast-falling gold price and negative investor reaction to its decreased FY 2026 production guidance, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock are down a steep 38.4% since market close on 2 March.

That compares to an 8.4% decline in the ASX 200 and a 30.0% drop in the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) over this period.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

After plunging more than 38% in a month, is the Aussie gold mining giant now a bargain buy?

Should you buy Northern Star shares today?

MPC Markets’ Mark Gardner recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 200 gold miner (courtesy of The Bull).

“The gold company has been punished for downgrading gold production,” he said. “Mechanical and equipment issues at its flagship Kalgoorlie operation have been frustrating, and the market has lost patience.”

Indeed, Northern Star shares closed down 18.8% on 13 March after miner announced that, due to the issues Gardner mentions above, it now expects FY 2026 gold production of at least 1.50 million ounces. That was down from full year guidance of 1.60 million to 1.70 million ounces of gold reported on 2 January, which was already revised downwards from earlier guidance of 1.70 to 1.85 million ounces.

But Gardner notes that the long-term outlook for investing in the ASX 200 gold stock remains in place.

“However, Northern Star still owns one of the best gold assets in the world and its long-term reserve base is intact,” he said.

Gardner also pointed to the impact of the Iran war as potentially offering a good buying opportunity for Northern Star shares.

“The conflict in Iran has also generated indiscriminate selling in gold miners that history tends to show as a buying opportunity,” he noted.

Amid the prospect of rising interest rates, and as investors the world over have tapped into liquid assets to meet their financial obligations, the gold price has plunged 15% since 2 March, currently trading for US$4,518 per ounce.

Commenting on his current hold recommendation on Northern Star, Gardner concluded, “Operational problems are temporary, and we expect the gold price to improve moving forward.”

The post Down 38% in March, should you buy the dip on Northern Star shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Challenger, Magellan, Northern Star, and West African Resources shares are storming higher
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Koala Company Ltd (ASX: KOA) has listed at a healthy premium to its initial public offer price in an auspicious start to its life as a publicly traded company.

The furniture company raised $20 million via the issue of new shares, while existing shareholders sold down $48.1 million worth of stock under the ASX listing.

Early share jump

The company’s shares were priced at $3.40, however in early trade were changing hands for $3.75, up 10.3%.

On listing, the top 20 shareholders, which include several institutions, hold 97.48% of the shares on issue.

Koala also issued an interim report on its listing debut, showing that it made a profit of $5.37 million for the first half, up from a loss of $2.28 million for the previous corresponding period.

The company said it had enjoyed a “strong and growing average selling price and improved margins during the period”.

Koala said in its initial public offer prospectus that it was founded in 2015 and experienced early success selling its Koala mattress, “quickly becoming a leading Australian mattress brand”.

The company launched in Japan in 2017, and in 2018, launched its first sofa product in Australia, with that range also subsequently expanding to Japan.

The prospectus says further:

In November 2023, Koala launched in the US market with a targeted expansion and disciplined investment, delivering significant early growth. In 2025, Koala expanded its international footprint further with the launch into the UK market.

Chair Michael Gordon said the company was well-placed for growth.

As a furniture company, Koala is exposed to the global furniture market, which benefits from tailwinds including the growth of e‑commerce, increased time spent at home due to the shift to remote work, a desire to maximise the utilisation of living spaces, a growing emphasis on convenience, premiumisation, and the demand for more sustainable products. The business has a significant opportunity before it to grow in Koala’s established markets, scale its presence in newer markets and enter into additional markets over time to grow the business. The global furniture market has shown relatively steady and consistent rates of moderate growth in Koala’s key categories. Koala’s ability to enter new markets and scale is driven by its capital‑light business model and in‑house innovation capabilities, which enables the team to promptly adapt to changing consumer needs and market trends.

Further growth tipped

Koala is forecasting FY26 revenue of $332 million and net profit of $12.3 million.

Koala’s prospectus said the company would be valued at $305.3 million on listing at the $3.40 offer price.

The post The ASX’s newest entrant is off to a strong start appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Challenger, Magellan, Northern Star, and West African Resources shares are storming higher

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

Shares of Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR) are pushing higher on Tuesday.

This comes after the payments company welcomed the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s final reforms on card surcharging and merchant payment costs.

In midday trade, the Tyro share price is up 4% to 78 cents, after climbing as high as 80 cents before some profit-taking trimmed the gain.

The latest move follows an announcement that could strengthen the company’s longer-term competitive position.

Why investors are cheering today

According to the release, Tyro welcomed the RBA’s final reforms on card surcharging, interchange fees, and fee transparency across the payments sector.

The changes include a ban on surcharging for EFTPOS, Visa, and Mastercard transactions from 1 October 2026, alongside lower interchange caps and new disclosure requirements for larger payment providers from April 2027.

The RBA estimates the changes could save consumers and businesses a combined $2.5 billion each year.

Tyro said the reforms are in line with its expectations and will not affect its near-term financial guidance.

That is likely one of the main reasons the share price is moving higher, with investors viewing the regulatory changes as encouraging stronger competition across the merchant acquiring market.

Chief Executive Nigel Lee said the reforms represent “a win for consumers through lower payments costs, and a win for Australian small businesses through simpler and more transparent pricing”.

He added that the changes also mark a structural shift away from surcharge-led and opaque bundled pricing, which could encourage merchants to reassess their payment providers.

Tyro already operates with clearer transaction pricing and vertical-specific payment solutions.

The company has 76,000 merchants on its platform and may be well placed if smaller businesses begin reviewing incumbent providers under the new framework.

Clear rollout dates support Tyro’s outlook

Another supportive part of the update was the clear implementation timetable.

The RBA has confirmed that the surcharge ban and domestic interchange fee reductions will both begin on 1 October 2026, while the cap on foreign-issued cards and extra disclosure requirements for large acquirers will start from 1 April 2027.

That longer runway gives payment providers time to adapt systems, merchant communication, and pricing structures without disrupting current earnings expectations.

Lee said Tyro already operates cost-plus and card-based pricing models that align with the transparency objectives, adding that its systems and operational capability are already set up to support the reforms.

Despite today’s share price rise, the stock is still down by more than 20% in 2026.

The post This ASX payments stock jumped after a key RBA decision appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX gold explorer could more than double according to the team at Canaccord Genuity
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• EOS shares rebound after a surprise twist in its South Korean laser deal

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 recommended Tyro Payments. 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.

Saturn Metals Ltd (ASX: STN) is an aspiring gold producer that the team at Canaccord Genuity has just started covering, and which they like the look of.

So what’s piqued their interest?

Derisking underway

Let’s look at Saturn Metals’ most recent ASX release for a start.

The company said on March 26 that it had appointed engineering and consulting firm Ausenco to conduct a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its flagship Apollo Hill gold project in Western Australia.

The DFS will be based on a new mineral resource estimate, which the company said was due for completion in the second quarter of this calendar year.

The DFS would also refine the mining, metallurgy, and engineering designs included in Saturn’s prefeasibility study, which it put out in December.

The DFS is scheduled for completion during the fourth quarter of this calendar year, the company said.

Saturn Managing Director Ian Bamborough said last weeK:

We are pleased to award the contract for the Apollo Hill DFS to a company of Ausenco’s calibre and capability. Importantly, Ausenco has a strong track record of success in developing first-class heap leach projects across the globe, which will be a real asset for Saturn. A solid grounding in the Australian engineering and construction environment makes Ausenco an ideal business partner as we take the next important step in advancing the development of a large-scale, long-life gold project at Apollo Hill.

Shares looking cheap

Canaccord said in its research note to clients this week that since listing in 2018, Saturn had scaled and derisked the Apollo Hill project, “defining a bulk-tonnage, low-strip, single open pit enabled by heap leach, its key differentiator among Australian developers”.

Canaccord added:

Heap leaching is re-emerging in Australia as a disciplined, mainstream development pathway rather than a low-cost fallback, driven by three key shifts: decades of global operating experience have de-risked design, agglomeration, stacking and monitoring; WA offers ideal conditions with low seismicity, flat terrain, arid climate, strong regulation and deep technical capability; and modern workflows assess heap leach viability early, using detailed mineralogy, large-scale column test work and improved geosynthetics to define realistic recoveries and performance.

Canaccord has modelled a mine with a 14-year mine life, mining 10 million tonnes of ore per year, using the mineral resource estimate in the prefeasibility study.

They also note that the company is undertaking an aggressive drilling campaign both across the main deposit and more broadly.

Canaccord has a $1 price target on Saturn shares compared with 44 cents currently.

Saturn Metals is currently valued at $221.5 million.

The post This ASX gold explorer could more than double according to the team at Canaccord Genuity appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX payments stock jumped after a key RBA decision
• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• ASX 200 mining shares ride a rollercoaster in March quarter
• EOS shares rebound after a surprise twist in its South Korean laser deal

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) shares are 1.2% higher on Tuesday but down 17% over the first quarter of 2026.

Healthcare shares are facing many headwinds, as portfolio managers Joe Koh and Elan Miller from Blackwattle explain:

The sector as a whole has faced multiple headwinds, including currency and tariffs for the large multinationals and labour and cost pressures for the domestic players.

Today, eight of the 10 largest ASX 200 healthcare shares are trading at or close to multi-year or 52-week lows.

Does this present a buying opportunity?

Let’s see what the experts say about three of these ASX 200 healthcare shares.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

The Sonic Healthcare share price fell to a decade-low of $19.57 last week.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 9.7% in the year to date (YTD) and 21.3% over the past year.

Last week, Ord Minnett issued a new note on Sonic Healthcare shares.

The broker maintained its hold rating with an unchanged target of $24.

Ord Minnett commented:

Ord Minnett finds it difficult to be constructive on Sonic given its inability to generate meaningful organic growth even after $3.3 billion of acquisitions over the past seven years.

There are undoubtedly some benefits from M&A, but other factors, such as price cuts and customer quotas specific to heathcare in its various markets, along with run-of-the mill costs such as wages and rents, appear to have constrained any meaningful earnings growth.

This view leads us to maintain our Hold recommendation despite the apparent value on offer.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price tumbled to a six-year low of $160 last week.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 36.1% YTD and 36.4% over the past year.

Wilsons says Cochlear shares are trading at “a compelling entry point”.

The broker commented:

Cochlear trades on a forward P/E multiple of ~26x, representing a >10 year low and a material discount to its 10-year average of ~42x.

We view this as a compelling entry point for a high-quality business ahead of accelerating earnings growth.

Wilsons expects the launch of Cochlear’s Nucleus Nexa product to drive sales growth over the medium term.

Cochlear is approaching an inflection point in its earnings growth trajectory, supported by the ongoing global rollout of Nucleus Nexa (approved in mid-2025), which is its most significant product launch in over two decades.

Nexa’s upgradeable firmware architecture represents a step-change in implant technology, enabling ongoing improvements in sound processing, connectivity and battery life via its Smart Sync app.

The rollout over the next few years should support ~10% CI unit growth over the medium term, with potential upside toward the mid-teens, while recurring implant upgrades will extend the Nexa’s product cycle, supporting a longer duration of growth.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price crumbled to a two-year low of $107.75 late last month.

This ASX 200 healthcare share has fallen 49.3% YTD and 43.5% over the past year.

Pro Medicus shares are experiencing a period of correction after a ripsnorting two-year run through to mid 2025.

The Pro Medicus share price hit a record $336 per share in July last year.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $240 price target on Pro Medicus shares.

The broker explains:

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

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

The post 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

It does not always feel comfortable buying shares when they are down heavily.

Prices are falling, headlines are negative, and sentiment is weak. 

But in my opinion, this can sometimes be the best time to make a move.

A market creating opportunities beneath the surface

The broader share market has underperformed in recent months, but has not fallen dramatically.

The S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) is down around 8.4% from its recent high, which is noticeable but not extreme.

But that does not tell the full story.

Beneath the surface, a number of ASX shares have been sold off heavily. In many cases, far more than the overall market.

And when I see that kind of divergence, I start paying attention.

Why buying cheap ASX shares can matter

Buying ASX shares after they have fallen significantly can provide something that I think is incredibly valuable.

A margin of safety.

If expectations are already low and sentiment is weak, it does not take much for things to improve. And when they do, share prices can move quickly.

That is where the potential for outsized returns comes from.

Of course, not every fallen share is a good opportunity. Some deserve to be down.

But when high-quality businesses are caught up in broader sell-offs, I think that is where things get interesting.

Where I am seeing value today

There are quite a few ASX shares that have pulled back sharply over the past year.

Online retailer Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) is down around 58%. Healthcare giant CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) has fallen roughly 42%.

Radiopharmaceutical company Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) is down about 50%, while footwear retailer Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) has dropped close to 60%.

Even high-quality industrial names like James Hardie Industries Plc (ASX: JHX) and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) are down around 35% and 37%, respectively.

These are not small moves.

And while each company has its own reasons for falling, I think it is important to recognise the broader context as well.

What is driving the sell-off?

There are a few key factors at play.

The conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices above US$100 per barrel, which is raising concerns about inflation and the potential for higher interest rates.

At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) disruption concerns have been weighing on parts of the market, particularly software and growth stocks.

Put that together and you get a market that is more cautious, more selective, and in some cases, more pessimistic.

But I do not think that necessarily reflects the long-term outlook for many of these businesses.

Lessons from the past

One thing I often think about is how investors behaved during the COVID crash in 2020.

At the time, fear was widespread and uncertainty was high. But for those who were willing to step in and buy quality ASX shares at depressed prices, the returns that followed were significant.

I am not suggesting this is the same situation. But I do think the principle still applies.

Periods of weakness can create opportunities for long-term investors who are willing to look beyond the short-term noise.

The importance of a long-term mindset

If I am buying ASX shares that have fallen sharply, I am not doing it for a quick rebound.

I am doing it with a long-term mindset.

Some of these companies may take time to recover. There could be more volatility ahead. And not all of them will bounce back in a straight line.

But if the underlying businesses remain sound and continue to execute, I think the next decade could look very different from the past 12 months.

Foolish takeaway

Buying dirt-cheap ASX shares is not about chasing falling prices.

For me, it is about identifying quality businesses that have been caught up in broader sell-offs and buying them at more attractive levels.

With many ASX shares down significantly and the market off its highs, I believe there are opportunities available for patient investors.

The post Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April
• 3 reliable ASX dividend shares for set-and-forget investing
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group, CSL, Cochlear, Telix Pharmaceuticals, 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 200 mining shares just experienced one of the most volatile quarters we have seen in years.

After a 32% surge in CY25, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) managed just a 1.1% gain over the first quarter of CY26.

Let’s recap.

What happened in the first quarter?

The miners had momentum in January as commodity prices skyrocketed on new year optimism following an extraordinary run in CY25.

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

Then came the sell-off, with commodities plummeting over just a few days. The gold price fell 21% to US$4,400 per ounce by 2 February.

The sell-off was triggered by US President Donald Trump nominating the more hawkish contender, Kevin Warsh, to be the next Fed chair.

Investors feared tighter US monetary policy, which would be a headwind for metals prices, so they sold their mining shares to preserve profits.

For the month of January, the ASX 200 materials sector rose 9.5%.

In February, metals prices rebounded as the 5 key drivers of a new commodities supercycle continued to drive demand.

The materials sector lifted a further 9% over the month.

Then came the war.

On 28 February (US time), Israel and the US launched missile strikes on Iran on the basis of eliminating its ability to build nuclear weapons.

This injected fear into markets, with the ensuing oil shock driving oil and gas prices substantially higher.

That’s no good for the mining sector, which now faces higher energy costs and potentially constrained supply, which may limit production.

This led to a dramatic dive for ASX 200 mining shares this month.

At the time of writing, the materials sector is down 15.3% over March, with almost all of the gains over January and February wiped out.

What’s next for ASX 200 mining shares?

We saw signs of a fightback last week, with ASX 200 materials the fastest rising market sector with a 4.6% gain.

Investors may be buying the dip on ASX 200 mining shares on hopes that negotiations between the US and Iran will end this war soon.

The long-term outlook for mining shares is bright, with Australia in the early stages of a new mining boom driven primarily by the green energy transition, and increasingly, a desire among western nations for greater sovereign manufacturing capability and energy security.

Experts say a new metals supercycle is underway, with the primary beneficiaries being copper, uranium, lithium, rare earths, and silver.

How BHP shares fared in 1Q FY26

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has lifted 9.8% in the first quarter to $49.93 at the time of writing.

The following chart demonstrates the rollercoaster ride over 1Q CY26 for the market’s largest ASX 200 mining share.

BHP shares reached a record $59.39 on 3 March before plummeting as the war in Iran prompted investors to take profits.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares lifted 8.8% over 1Q FY26 to $159.69 today, while Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) fell 8.2% to $20.21 today.

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price rose fell 1.6% to $53.55 today.

The South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price rocketed 19.2% over 1Q CY26 to $4.25 today.

The post ASX 200 mining shares ride a rollercoaster in March quarter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BHP shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell
• Buy, hold, sell: Endeavour, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares

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.

The Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) share price is back in positive territory on Tuesday.

Earlier in the session, the stock fell before buyers stepped in.

At the time of writing, EOS shares are up 1.61% to $8.18, after dropping as low as $7.87 in morning trade.

Today’s volatile move follows a fresh update from the defence technology company. It includes new US defence orders and a revised timeline for its closely watched South Korean Apollo laser contract.

Here’s what investors need to know.

New US orders add revenue support

According to the release, EOS announced that its US defence systems division has secured two new contracts worth a combined US$12 million (about $17 million).

The first is a US$5 million contract to develop and deliver remote weapon systems (RWS) to the US Army.

Manufacturing and development work will take place in Huntsville, Alabama, with EOS saying the program is expected to help guide future production efforts tied to critical US Army programs.

The second is a US$7 million order for Northrop Grumman’s Angostic Gun Truck, a counter-drone application used by the National Guard.

EOS said it has previously supplied RWS into this program and described the latest order as the result of an ongoing collaboration and evolving market demand.

Both contracts are expected to be delivered during 2026, providing near-term revenue visibility from the company’s US growth pipeline.

South Korea timeline shifts after contract manufacturing change

The bigger strategic update came from EOS’ South Korean conditional Apollo high energy laser contract.

The company said discussions with Goldrone during February and March led both parties to agree on a shared action plan that changes the proposed manufacturing setup.

Instead of using EOS’ Singapore facility, the revised structure now centres on building the first unit in South Korea.

As a result, management now expects the conditional US$80 million agreement to convert into an unconditional contract during the second quarter of 2026. That said, the company noted there is still no certainty this will occur.

This revised timeline may help explain today’s mixed share price action, given the market had previously been focused on a March milestone.

Volatility remains high

Today’s intraday swing highlights how reactive EOS shares remain to contract milestones.

The stock recently tested below $8 again, reaching $7.87 this morning before rebounding back above that level. This keeps the recent support zone around $8 in focus after several similar pullbacks over the past few weeks.

Technical indicators continue to point to consolidation. The relative strength index (RSI) remains in the low 40s, while bollinger bands indicate the stock is still trading near the lower half of its recent range.

Foolish bottom line

Today’s update gives EOS fresh US defence revenue and extends the path toward its Korean Apollo laser opportunity.

However, the revised second-quarter timeline for Goldrone means investors are still likely to stay focused on contract conversion milestones.

In the meantime, the $8 level remains the key technical area to watch.

The post EOS shares rebound after a surprise twist in its South Korean laser deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Bell Potter saying about DroneShield and EOS shares this week?
• Why EOS shares are tumbling 11% today as investors weigh a key defence catalyst
• Why are these 2 defence stocks tumbling today?
• Down another 5% today: Is the party finally over for the EOS share price?
• Can EOS shares break a new all-time high again?

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 Electro Optic Systems. 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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have tumbled 0.9% in morning trade on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $49.97 a piece.

Despite today’s decline, BHP shares are up 9.2% for the year to date, and they’re 31% higher than this time last year.

Earlier this month, BHP shares spiked 18% to an all-time high of $59.25 after the mining giant reported an impressive half-year earnings result. 

But the uptick wasn’t sustainable, and the share price sank just as quickly as it jumped. Several announcements and market updates are acting as strong headwinds for the miner’s stock. 

So, if you’re looking to add the mining stock to your portfolio, here are some things you should consider.

3 reasons to buy BHP shares

1. BHP is a premier blue chip

BHP is widely recognised as a premier blue-chip stock with a huge market capitalisation and a strong operational history. The company is a cyclical, rather than a defensive stock. While cyclical stocks are closely tied to the broader economic cycle, they often outperform during periods of economic recovery.

2. Reliable dividend payments 

BHP is a reliable, high-yield dividend stock that often yields around 4% to 6%, fully franked. It has a long history of regular dividend payments dating back to 2006. As a major diversified miner, it maintains dividend payouts even when commodity prices fluctuate thanks to its low-cost operations. 

3. Analysts tip an upside ahead

According to Market Index data, analysts currently have a buy rating on BHP shares. At the time of writing, the share price is tipped to climb another 9.3% to $55.09 a piece over the next 12 months.

3 reasons to sell BHP shares

1. Geopolitical uncertainty

Soaring geopolitical uncertainty, as the US and Israeli war against Iran continues to intensify, has frightened investors and raised concerns about the outlook and expectations for commodities. This directly impacts investor confidence and, therefore, BHP’s share price.

2. Investment return concerns for some projects

There have been reports this month that suggest that BHP’s Queensland coal operations are facing fresh investment challenges. Management told workers that its Queensland mines can no longer compete for investment and that the company was receiving no returns from projects. This type of news raises concerns about BHP’s overall operational efficiency and profitability.

3. Leadership uncertainty

In mid-March, BHP announced that its CEO, Mike Henry, is stepping down after six and a half years in the role. The mining giant reported that Brandon Craig will become its new CEO and Director on the 1st of July. Given that the appointment doesn’t come into effect for three more months, it could drive more share price volatility. 

The post BHP shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares ride a rollercoaster in March quarter
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares
• 3 reasons to buy BHP shares today
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities

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