Author: openjargon

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.

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• 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.

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• Why EOS shares are tumbling 11% today as investors weigh a key defence catalyst
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• 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.

ARN Media Ltd (ASX: A1N) shares are under pressure once again after the radio company’s former star Jackie O filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against it, claiming she is owed at least $82.2 million.

This follows a lawsuit lodged last week by her former on-air partner, Kyle Sandilands, who is also arguing his contract was wrongfully terminated.

Major legal headache

The lawsuits could be ruinous for the company, with each aggrieved party employed under a $100 million contract that stretched out to 2034.

The lawsuits spring from an on-air falling out between the pair on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, after which Jackie O – real name Jacqueline Henderson – refused to go back on air with Sandilands.

Ms Henderson, at the time, ARN said, gave notice that she “cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands.”

ARN Media said then that it had terminated its agreement with Henderson, while offering her the possibility of another show on the network.

The company said in its statement to the ASX on Tuesday that Ms Henderson had now formally filed a suit against it.

The company added:

In summary, the applicants claim that the termination of Ms Henderson’s contract constituted adverse action. Ms Henderson sent a ‘Complaint Letter’ to Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation which noted that Ms Henderson “cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands” and made psychosocial health and safety and bullying complaints in relation to the conduct of Mr Kyle Sandilands on and prior to 20 February 2026. It is alleged that the Complaint Letter involved the exercise or proposal to exercise workplace rights, and that the contract was terminated because of that exercise or proposed exercise, in alleged contravention of section 340 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). It is also alleged the termination of her contract amounted to a repudiation of that agreement.

ARN said Ms Henderson was claiming compensation of “at least” $82.25 million, plus a pecuniary penalty.

ARN said it disputes the claims and intends to defend the proceedings.

The company added:

Given the early stage of the matter, ARN is unable to reliably estimate the outcome or any potential financial impact.

Shock jock aggrieved

Sandilands’ claim, filed last week, did not include a dollar figure; however, it did ask for “specific performance of two contracts”, with the quantum likely to be in a similar range to Henderson’s.

ARN said Sandilands is claiming that, “the termination of Mr Sandilands’ contract was invalid on the basis they allege that there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract, and that the termination was unconscionable under the Australian Consumer Law”.

Taken together, if successful, the two legal claims would dwarf the size of ARN Media, which was last valued at $90.8 million. The company’s shares were 3.5% lower at 28 cents on Tuesday morning.

The post The Kyle and Jackie O saga continues, with a massive new legal claim filed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which media company’s shares are on the slide after big legal news?
• ARN Media has torn up Kyle Sandilands’ contract – so how much could it cost them?

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.

The ASX share market is throwing up a lot of potential buying opportunities. I think there are a few Australian stocks that are simply too good to ignore if someone had $8,000 to invest (or a different figure).

It’s not often that some of the most compelling businesses trade at extremely low prices.

We saw great prices during 2022 and 2023 as high inflation caused concerns about economic conditions and rising interest rates. It seems the same thing is happening again, which I believe will be a great opportunity to buy and hold these Australian stocks for the long term.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

Pinnacle says it’s an investment business that is growing a diverse family of world-class investment management businesses (affiliates).

Along with holding stakes in these affiliates, Pinnacle provides seed funding, global institutional, retail distribution, and “industrial-grade” middle office and infrastructure services.

By doing this, Pinnacle enables the investment professionals to focus on delivering investment returns for clients.

Pinnacle has a growing portfolio, which includes Aikya, Antipodes, Coolabah Capital, Firetrail, Hyperion, Life Cycle, Metrics, Pacific Asset Management, Resolution Capital, and more.

For a business that has a large chunk of its earnings linked to funds under management (FUM) performance, it’s understandable why the Pinnacle share price has declined during this period. But the fall of more than 20% this year seems like an overreaction.

Pinnacle’s affiliates have a strong collective track record of outperforming their benchmarks over the long term, and they also have a history of attracting net inflows from clients. This has helped drive the underlying net profit (excluding performance fees) of Pinnacle over the long term. I believe FUM growth will return (or continue) after this period.

With the current market pessimism, I think this is a great time to look at the Australian stock while it’s trading at under 20x FY26’s estimated earnings, according to CMC Invest.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Another business I think would be a great buy during this market volatility is Lovisa, a retailer of affordable jewellery that has a global store network.

The business has built an impressive market position and continues to grow at an impressive rate.

Its financial growth and store rollout are two of the main reasons to consider this Australian stock, in my view, along with the fact that the Lovisa share price has dropped more than 25% this year, making the valuation much more appealing.

Excluding its new start-up business Jewells, Lovisa reported in HY26 that revenue grew by 22.7%, with comparable store sales growth of 2.2%. Underlying operating profit (EBIT) increased by 20.4%, and net profit increased 21.5% despite the fact that the company is investing significantly in long-term growth.

Its global store count increased by 152 (or 16%) year over year to 1,095. Store growth is happening in numerous countries, including Australia, South Africa, China, Vietnam, the UK, Zambia, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

As long as the Australian stock continues to deliver positive comparable store sales growth, I think the store rollout will be a positive for both total revenue and long-term profit margins.

I’m not expecting the new Jewells business to become a major contributor to the company, but it may have a promising future if it can reach a certain scale.

The Lovisa share price is currently valued at 24x FY26’s estimated earnings, according to CMC Markets. This seems like a very promising time to invest, in my view.

The post 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $8,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa and Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management 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.

The Metallium Ltd (ASX: MTM) share price is gaining ground again on Tuesday after the company released a major update.

Investors are responding positively, sending the shares 5.36% higher to 59 cents in morning trade.

Even with today’s gain, the stock remains down 47% in 2026. That highlights the big swings investors have seen this year, after the stock has risen around 270% over the past 12 months.

Given the stock was halted on Monday pending this announcement, today’s move is likely to draw even more attention to the update.

Here’s what the market is reacting to.

10-year deal adds another key milestone

According to the ASX announcement, Metallium’s wholly owned US subsidiary, Flash Metals USA, has signed a 10-year initial agreement with Indium Corporation.

The deal covers gallium, germanium, indium, copper, tin, gold, and other critical metals recovered from e-waste and industrial scrap using the company’s Flash Joule Heating technology.

The pricing is tied to market-based formulas, giving investors a clearer view of how recovered metals could contribute to revenue as the Texas plant ramps up.

The agreement also adds a long-term customer as the company continues expanding its US operations.

This follows January’s binding Glencore feedstock supply deal, which secured raw material supply for the Texas site.

Texas growth plans remain in focus

The agreement gives Metallium further exposure to metals that remain in strong demand across semiconductors, defence equipment, AI infrastructure, and advanced electronics.

Gallium and germanium have become increasingly important as Western countries look to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

Management also said the deal aligns with broader US efforts to rebuild domestic refining capacity and strengthen critical mineral supply chains.

The Texas expansion remains a key reason behind the stock’s strong 12-month gain.

The company recently said it expects three Flash Joule Heating units to be operating together by June, with processing volumes set to increase through the second half of 2026.

Even so, the Metallium share price has continued to see-saw in recent months as larger-scale production builds.

Foolish Takeaway

The gain suggests investors wanted another clear sign that the company is turning its technology into commercial sales.

A 10-year deal with a well-known US customer marks another solid milestone for the company as it works toward larger operations in Texas.

With the stock still well below its 2026 highs, the move higher shows the market is still reacting strongly to progress on contracts and production growth.

Metallium has a market capitalisation of about $412 million, with 736.8 million shares outstanding.

The post This ASX stock just landed a 10-year US deal and investors are buying in appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• This innovative ASX metals company could deliver more than 100% upside: broker

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 is not always comfortable buying ASX growth shares during periods of market volatility.

In fact, it often feels easiest to buy them when prices are rising and confidence is high. The story sounds better, the outlook feels clearer, and momentum is on your side.

But that is usually not when the best long-term opportunities appear.

After the recent pullback in global markets, I find myself looking at growth shares a little closer. Because this is often when sentiment and fundamentals start to diverge.

When great ASX growth shares are marked down

One thing I have noticed over time is that high-quality ASX growth shares rarely stay cheap for long.

But they do get sold off.

Sometimes it is because of rising interest rates. Sometimes it is macro uncertainty. And sometimes it is simply a shift in market mood.

Businesses like Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), and Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360) have all seen their share prices pull back despite continuing to execute operationally.

That disconnect is what I find interesting.

Because if the long-term outlook remains intact, a lower share price can quietly improve future return potential.

The trade-off never really disappears

That said, I do not think growth investing suddenly becomes easy just because prices fall.

The trade-off is always there.

You are often paying a premium for companies that are expected to grow strongly into the future. That means expectations matter. Execution matters. And sentiment can shift quickly.

Even after a correction, many growth shares are not cheap in a traditional sense.

But I think that misses the point slightly.

For me, the question is less about whether a stock looks cheap today and more about whether the business can be meaningfully larger and more profitable in five or ten years.

Why I think this environment is interesting

What makes the current environment stand out to me is the combination of uncertainty and structural growth.

On one hand, there are still macro concerns floating around. Interest rates, artificial intelligence (AI) concerns, global growth fears, and market volatility have not disappeared.

On the other hand, many of the long-term drivers behind growth companies remain intact.

Digital transformation is still ongoing. Healthcare innovation continues. Enterprise software adoption is not slowing down.

That tension can create opportunities.

Not obvious ones. Not risk-free ones. But opportunities to build positions in businesses that might otherwise always feel just out of reach.

How I would approach it

If I were looking at ASX growth shares today, I would focus on building positions gradually.

Adding over time helps smooth out volatility and removes the pressure of needing to get the timing exactly right.

I would also stay selective.

Not every company that falls is a good opportunity. For me, it comes back to quality. Strong balance sheets, clear competitive advantages, and a track record of execution.

That is what gives me confidence to hold through the inevitable ups and downs.

Foolish takeaway

Growth investing never really feels easy, and that is probably a good thing.

Right now, I think we are in one of those periods where high-quality ASX growth shares are being viewed with a bit more caution.

For long-term investors, that can be an opportunity because the gap between sentiment and long-term potential may be starting to open up again.

The post Is now the perfect time to buy ASX growth shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX tech stocks that belong in every long-term portfolio
• 3 strong ASX growth shares I want to buy in April
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday
• Got $5,000 to invest? Here are 2 ASX tech stocks to buy today
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

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 Life360, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price is in focus today after the company welcomed APRA’s new capital framework for longevity products, due to start from July 2026. Challenger expects the move will lower required capital and reduce risk for lifetime income product providers.

What did Challenger report?

• APRA finalised changes to capital settings for longevity product providers, effective 1 July 2026
• Reforms expected to lower required capital and cyclical risk for Challenger
• Challenger to detail business impacts at Investor Day on 26 May 2026
• Challenger Life remains Australia’s largest provider of annuities

What else do investors need to know?

Challenger has welcomed APRA’s reforms, saying they represent the biggest changes for longevity product providers in a generation. The company believes these changes will help develop Australia’s retirement income market as more Australians enter retirement each year.

Challenger operates both a fiduciary funds management division and an APRA-regulated Life division. The business remains firmly focused on providing customers with financial security in retirement.

What did Challenger management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nick Hamilton said:

We strongly welcome APRA’s reforms, which represent the biggest changes for providers of longevity products in a generation. For Challenger, it will lower the levels of required capital and cyclical risks to our capital position during times of market stress, while maintaining policyholder security.

What’s next for Challenger?

Challenger plans to work through the details of the new capital standards and will provide more information about their impact at its upcoming Investor Day in May 2026. The company continues to advocate for policy changes that support retirees’ financial confidence and improve the sustainability of lifetime income products.

Investors can expect further updates as Challenger refines its approach in light of these regulatory changes, helping position the business for the future.

Challenger share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Challenger shares have risen 38%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) is marching higher today.

West African Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $3.05. In late morning trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $3.09 apiece, up 1.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 0.3%.

Here’s why West African shares are outperforming today.

(* Note, all figures below in US dollars unless otherwise specified.)

ASX 200 gold stock lifts on record production outlook

West African shares are outperforming today after the unhedged gold miner released its production guidance for calendar year 2026 and its 10-year production outlook.

As for the year ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock forecasts production of 430,000 ounces to 490,000 ounces of gold. The high end of that guidance represents a 63% increase from the 300,000 ounces of gold West African produced in 2025.

The company expects to produce this gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,900 per ounce.

And with plans to increase its gold resources and extend mine lives, the miner is aiming to drill some 100,000 metres across its Sanbrado and Kiaka assets, both located in Burkina Faso, in 2026.

Amid strong operations, West African Gold said it is also considering share buybacks or declaring a maiden dividend in 2026.

“2026 is set to be a record production year for WAF as we will see a full year of operation from Kiaka for the first time, and another solid year of production from Sanbrado is expected,” West African Gold CEO Richard Hyde said.

What’s ahead for West African Gold shares?

Looking to the decade ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock released an updated Resources, Reserves and 10‐year production outlook.

West African’s Reserves increased to 7 million ounces of gold, while its Mineral Resources increased to 13.7 million ounces of gold.

Over the 10 years from 2026 to 2035, the miner expects to produce 5.3 million ounces of the yellow metal. Annual gold production is forecast to peak at 596,000 ounces in 2030.

And Hyde noted that those production figures could ramp up following ongoing exploration.

He said:

We see potential to improve annual production further through our ongoing drilling programs where we plan to drill more than 100,000 metres annually targeting extensions at M5 South underground, beneath M5 North open-pit and Toega underground.

Despite the March retrace following the onset of the Iran war and resulting decline in global gold prices, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock remain up 32% in 12 months.

The post Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is lifting off today on record breaking news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• West African Resources: 2026 production guidance forecasts record gold output
• 2 ASX gold miners to buy for solid share price gains, according to Barrenjoey
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Challenger, Meeka Metals, Vulcan Energy, and West African Resources shares are rising today
• Why is this $3 billion ASX 200 gold stock leaping higher on Tuesday?

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.