Author: openjargon

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly shifted from being a future theme to something that is actively reshaping industries today.

What I find most interesting is that the opportunity is not limited to the obvious global tech giants. There are ASX shares quietly building the infrastructure that helps make AI possible.

If I were looking to lean into this trend, these are three ASX shares I would be paying close attention to.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

When I think about AI, one of the first things that comes to mind is data.

Not just the algorithms or the models, but the physical infrastructure required to store, process, and move enormous amounts of information.

That is where NextDC fits in.

The company operates high-performance data centres, which are becoming increasingly critical as demand for cloud computing and AI workloads continues to grow.

What stands out to me is the scale of its expansion. The company has been investing heavily in new capacity, and its growing forward order book suggests that customers are already lining up for that infrastructure.

AI workloads are not lightweight. They require power, connectivity, and proximity. Data centres sit right at the centre of that ecosystem.

For me, NextDC is less about short-term profitability and more about positioning. If AI demand continues to rise, I think the importance of high-quality data centre operators only increases.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

If NextDC is about where data lives, Megaport is about how it moves.

Megaport provides network-as-a-service, allowing businesses to connect quickly and flexibly to cloud providers, data centres, and other services.

In an AI-driven world, that connectivity becomes even more important.

Training models, running applications, and distributing results all rely on fast, scalable networks. The more complex and data-intensive the workloads become, the more valuable that connectivity layer is.

What I find interesting here is how the company is expanding its capabilities.

Its recent push into adjacent areas like compute and GPU-as-a-service suggests to me that it is trying to capture more of the AI value chain, not just the networking component.

It is still a business that is proving itself in some respects. But if it executes well, I think it has the potential to benefit meaningfully from the growth in AI-driven demand.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Industrial property company Goodman is not always the first name people think of when it comes to artificial intelligence.

But I think it arguably should be.

The company has been increasingly focused on developing data centres alongside its more traditional logistics assets. And those data centres are becoming a critical piece of AI infrastructure globally.

Something that stands out to me is the scale and positioning of its development pipeline.

With a significant portion of its work in progress now tied to data centres, Goodman is effectively building the physical backbone required for the digital economy.

It also has something that I think is underappreciated. Access to land, power, and capital in key global cities.

These are not easy assets to replicate. And as demand for data centre capacity grows, those constraints could become even more important.

For me, Goodman offers a slightly different way to play the AI theme. It is less about technology itself and more about the infrastructure that supports it.

Foolish takeaway

If you are bullish on artificial intelligence, I do not think you need to limit yourself to the obvious names overseas.

From data storage to connectivity to physical infrastructure, NextDC, Megaport, and Goodman Group each provide exposure to different parts of the AI ecosystem.

When I think about where the long-term demand is heading, these are the kinds of businesses I find myself drawn to.

The post Bullish on artificial intelligence? Here are 3 ASX shares I’d buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX tech stocks that belong in every long-term portfolio
• Got $5,000 to invest? Here are 2 ASX tech stocks to buy today
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• 3 ASX 200 shares that could beat the market over the next 10 years
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year

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

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the local bourse.

To narrow things down, let’s now take a look at three ASX shares that Morgans has recently given its verdict on.

Is it recommending them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

BWS and Dan Murphy’s owner Endeavour Group delivered a first-half result that was in line with expectations last month.

However, given that the company is still working its way through its refreshed strategy, it isn’t ready to recommend Endeavour shares as a buy. It has put a hold rating and $3.65 price target on them. It said:

There were no major surprises in EDV’s 1H26 result following the company’s trading update in January. While EDV continues to work on its refreshed strategy with further details to be provided at an investor day on 27 May, management confirmed that the combined Retail and Hotels portfolio will be retained.

Management also noted that they will continue investing in Dan Murphy’s to restore its price leadership, while accelerating hotel renewals and electronic gaming machine (EGM) replacements. We decrease FY26-28F underlying EBIT by between 0-1%. Our target price falls to $3.65 (from $3.70) and we retain our HOLD rating.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

Morgans is positive on this fund manager’s merger with Barrenjoey.

In response to the deal, which it believes makes strategic sense, the broker recently upgraded its shares to a buy rating with a significantly improved price target of $12.43.

Its analysts believe the merger could “reinvigorate” Magellan. It said:

MFG has entered into an arrangement to merge with Barrenjoey. We think the deal makes strategic sense and will reinvigorate the MFG story. Nevertheless, deal pricing appears tilted in Barrenjoey’s favour (in our view). We assume the merger closes at the end of FY26. Changes to our MFG FY26F/FY27F/FY28F EPS are -27%/+10%/~+25% reflecting the incorporation of the deal and upgrades to our assessment of Barrenjoey’s earnings profile (based on new disclosures).

Our price target is set at A$12.43 (previously A$9.80). We think the Barrenjoey merger fundamentally changes MFG’s overall outlook, strengthening the business and providing additional pathways to growth. MFG also retains a strong balance sheet (~A$690m of liquidity, post deal). Move to a BUY.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Finally, Morgans recently became a bit more positive on mining giant Rio Tinto and its shares.

However, it is not quite enough for a buy rating. The broker has put a hold rating and $147.00 price target on its shares. It said:

We upgrade RIO from TRIM to HOLD with a revised target price of A$147 (prior A$146). The recent share price pullback closes the valuation stretch, while a lift in our medium-term iron ore assumption from US$80/t to US$85/t provides a firmer earnings floor. RIO remains a top-tier diversified miner.

Not cheap enough for a BUY, but the pullback removes the overshoot that justified TRIM. [With an] Iron ore earnings platform, copper and aluminium leverage, and lithium optionality, RIO represents an attractive mix with good execution in the Pilbara and Oyu Tolgoi.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Endeavour, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why are Australian aluminium shares charging higher today?
• Why I’d buy these 3 ASX income shares this week
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• Why is the Magellan share price down 6% today?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX share market is a great place to find investments that we can buy and own for the long-term. Allowing compounding to work its magic over an extended period of time.

It’s during times like these that investors can find opportunities that are more likely to produce strong returns. The lower the price we pay for a good business, the stronger the return can be.

For example, a great business may be able to grow its share price from $10 to $20 over a five-year period – a return of 100%. But, if it fell to $8 (a 20% drop from $10) during that five-year period, the rise to $20 would be a gain of 150% (in a shorter timeframe) if someone managed to buy at $8.

Let’s look at two businesses that have compelling futures and look good value today.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG)

Guzman Y Gomez is a Mexican food business with restaurants in Australia, Singapore, Japan and the US.

At the end of the FY26 half-year period, the business had 237 locations in Australia (with 87 of those being company-owned and 150 being franchised). It also had 27 franchise locations in Asia (22 in Singapore and five in Japan), as well as eight company-owned locations in the US.

The ASX share is looking to grow to 1,000 Guzman Y Gomez locations in Australia over the next two decades, which would mean a quadrupling of its current network.

Network sales are growing rapidly in Australia, which I think is a great sign of how the company’s financials could progress in the coming years because of how popular it is with consumers.

In HY26, Australian total network sales jumped 17.4% to $632.1 million and the Asian network sales increased 19.25% year-over-year.

While the US segment is currently struggling with profitability, the ongoing scaling of the business can help with certain profit measures. In HY26, US network sales jumped 67% to $8.2 million, while general and administrative expenses as a percentage of network sales improved from 78.1% in HY25 to 48.2% to HY26.

Despite investment in growth in the US, Guzman Y Gomez is seeing pleasing growth of its profit levels. Overall operating profit (EBITDA) grew by 29.6% to $40.9 million and net profit rose 44.9% to $10.6 million.

The ASX share is demonstrating operating leverage, strong double-digit revenue growth and it has big growth plans.

As long as the company’s comparable sales growth remains solid, I think the business has very exciting prospects, particularly at this lower price – it’s cheaper by around 25% in the year to date.   

Rivco Australia Ltd (ASX: RIV)

This business is a company that purely owns water entitlements in Australia and leases them out to agricultural operators on both long-term and short-term leases.

Rivco regularly agrees leases with farmers. For example, its February update included a 1,000 ML lease, taking its forward-committed position from 1 July 26 to around 66% of the portfolio.

The ASX share is seeing strong demand from irrigators and some dam storage levels have reduced.

In the long-term, I’m expecting water entitlement values to increase as a result of the Australian and global populations increasing, as well as more water-hungry crops being planted (such as almonds).

With the ASX share recently placing greater emphasis on paying a dividend based on its core operating earnings, I think it will be able to deliver stronger capital growth over the long term if it reinvests more of its capital gains in additional water entitlements or other shareholder-boosting initiatives, such as debt repayment or on-market share buybacks.

At February 2026, the ASX share reported a pre-tax net asset value (NAV) of $1.79 and post-tax NAV of $1.62. That means the current Rivco share price is at a discount of more than 10%, which looks appealing to me.

The post 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• A rare buying opportunity for this ASX 200 stock as it rebounds from a historic low
• 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Guzman Y Gomez. 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.

ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be some of the most effective investments that Aussies can buy because of the investment exposure and instant diversification they can provide.

I don’t have a significant portion of my portfolio invested in ASX ETFs, but there’s a particular ASX ETF I’m expecting to build up my exposure to in the coming years: WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ).

There are plenty of ways to invest in international shares, with some options enabling investors to follow an index for a very cheap fee.

For multiple reasons, I think this ASX ETF is an even more appealing investment.

High-quality shares

This fund aims to own a portfolio of between 20 to 40 stocks that primarily come from the high-growth consumer, technology and healthcare sectors.

WCM – the California-based fund manager of this ASX ETF – believes that corporate culture is the biggest influence on a company’s ability to grow its competitive advantages, which can also be called an economic moat.

I think it’s important to recognise that competitive advantages are key drivers for a business to protect and grow their profit.

For WCM, they want to see that the competitive advantages are improving, which I think is smart, as that suggests improving profitability as time goes on.

Over the long-term, I think high-quality shares are likely to deliver a better performance than the overall share market.

In the 10 years to February 2026, the strategy that this ASX ETF follows has delivered an average net return per year of 16.6%, outperforming the global share market benchmark by an average of approximately 3% per year. Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

Global portfolio

One thing I think plenty of Aussie investors may be guilty of is not taking advantage of the great opportunities that are out there on the global share market.

The ASX only accounts for 2% of the global share market – there are lot of opportunities in the other 98% of the world.

But, instead of choosing a portfolio that’s weighted to just a few large US tech names, I like that the WCMQ ETF is invested in a variety of names across the world.

In terms of geographic exposure, only 55% of the portfolio was invested in the Americas at the end of February. Not just the US, but the whole of the Americas only had a 55% weighting. Europe with a 26% weighting and Asia Pacific with a 17% weighting are the other two main regions with a sizeable allocation.

Some of its current largest holdings include Siemens Energy, AppLovin, Taiwan Semiconductor, Western Digital and Rolls Royce.

Appealing dividend yield

Not only are the portfolio and returns impressive, but the fund also offers a very solid dividend yield.

The ASX ETF aims to give investors a minimum annualised cash yield of 5%, which I think is a great starting point.

Given how the portfolio has performed (a mid-teen net return), the ETF has been able to comfortably fund the yield and deliver good capital growth. With the investment strategy WCM employs, I’d optimistic the long-term returns can continue to be pleasing.

The post Why I’m planning to make this my biggest ASX ETF holding appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Wcm Quality Global Growth Fund. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and Western Digital. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Rolls-Royce Plc and Siemens Energy Ag. 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.

Is it too late to start investing? It is a question that can feel a little more confronting in your 40s.

You look back and wonder if you should have started earlier. Maybe life was busy with career, family, or other priorities. And now, with retirement starting to feel less abstract, the idea of investing can come with a sense of urgency.

But I do not think starting in your 40s is too late.

In fact, it can be one of the most practical and purposeful times to begin.

You may be more prepared than you realise

By your 40s, your financial position has often matured in ways that can support investing.

Income may be stronger or more stable. Expenses, while still significant, are usually better understood. There is often a clearer sense of long-term goals, whether that is retirement, supporting family, or building financial independence.

That clarity matters.

Because successful investing is not just about time. It is about making consistent decisions and sticking with a plan. Starting in your 40s with a defined strategy can be far more effective than starting earlier without direction.

You still have meaningful time to compound

One of the biggest misconceptions is that investing only works if you start very young.

Time certainly helps, but your 40s still offer a meaningful runway.

Even 15 to 25 years of compounding can have a significant impact, particularly if you are investing regularly and reinvesting returns along the way.

At this stage, the focus may shift slightly. Rather than relying purely on time, contributions and discipline can play a larger role in building wealth.

The key is not trying to catch up overnight.

It is about steadily building from where you are today.

A balanced ASX share portfolio

If I were starting in my 40s, I would likely think carefully about balance.

That might include a core allocation to a broad market exchange-traded fund (ETF) such as the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) or the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), providing exposure to a wide range of US and Australian shares.

Around that, I would consider adding a handful of high-quality businesses with the potential to grow over time. Companies like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) could offer a mix of resilience and long-term growth, although the right mix will always depend on individual circumstances.

The goal is to build a portfolio you can stay invested in through different market conditions.

Avoid focusing on what you did not do

It is easy to dwell on the past. But investing is not about when you should have started. It is about what you do next.

Comparing yourself to others rarely helps. Everyone’s financial journey is different, shaped by different opportunities and responsibilities.

What matters now is putting a plan in place and following through.

Foolish takeaway

Starting to invest in ASX shares in your 40s is not too late. You may actually be in a strong position, with clearer goals, greater financial awareness, and the ability to invest with purpose.

There is still time to build wealth, generate income, and benefit from compounding. From my perspective, the most important step is not looking back. It is getting started today and staying consistent from here.

The post Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How the average Aussie at 30 could reach over $1 million in superannuation
• This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth
• My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Wesfarmers, and 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.

It’s hard to ignore the headlines right now.

Geopolitical tensions are rife across multiple regions. Energy markets are under pressure. Inflation remains sticky. And here in Australia, cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for most households.

For younger investors, this environment can feel like the worst possible time to invest.

But history suggests something different.

Periods of uncertainty are not new. What is consistently powerful, however, is the maths of long-term investing — and the earlier it starts, the better.

Why uncertainty feels worse than it is

When markets are volatile and headlines are negative, it’s natural to focus on what could go wrong.

That often leads to hesitation — delaying investments, holding excess cash, or waiting for “certainty” to return. The challenge is that certainty rarely arrives in real time. Markets tend to move ahead of improving conditions, not after them.

This is where younger investors may have an advantage.

With a longer time horizon, short-term volatility becomes less of a risk and more of a feature of the journey.

The real driver: compounding over time

One of the most powerful concepts in investing is compounding — the ability for superannuation returns to generate their own returns over time.

It’s simple in theory, but incredibly powerful in practice.

A useful shortcut to understand this is the Rule of 72.

Take 72 and divide it by your expected annual return. That tells you roughly how long it takes for your money to double.

At a 9% return, your money doubles about every 8 years.

That means over a 30-year period, your investments could double roughly three to four times.

Put simply:

• Year 0: $100,000
• Year 8: ~$200,000
• Year 16: ~$400,000
• Year 24: ~$800,000
• Year 30: ~$1 million+

That’s the power of time doing the heavy lifting.

For many investors, this kind of long-term exposure can be achieved through diversified ETF options like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), which provides broad access to the Australian share market without needing to pick individual winners.

The key variable isn’t timing the perfect entry point.

It’s time in the market.

The $30,000 superannuation cap most investors overlook

For Australian investors, there is an often under-appreciated opportunity: the ability to invest up to $30,000 per year into tax-advantaged structures like superannuation (subject to current concessional contribution caps).

While this may not be achievable for everyone immediately, it provides a useful framework.

Let’s break it down:

• $30,000 per year invested consistently
• Over 30 years
• Compounding at a long-term rate like 9%

Even allowing for market cycles along the way, the end result can be substantial.

And importantly, a large portion of that outcome is driven not by how much you contribute, but how long your money is compounding.

It’s a drum worth banging repeatedly: what matters most is consistency, not perfection.

Building the habit early

The biggest risk for younger investors isn’t volatility.

It’s inaction.

Many people spend years waiting for the “right time” to begin, only to realise later that starting earlier would have made a far greater difference than any short-term market movement.

A disciplined approach might include:

• Investing regularly (monthly or quarterly)
• Focusing on broad market exposure through diversified assets
• Adding selective positions over time as knowledge and confidence grow

This approach aligns with what many long-term investors aim to do — build steadily, rather than chase short-term gains or headlines.

A mindset shift that changes everything

It’s easy to view today’s environment as risky.

And in the short term, it is.

But for long-term investors, uncertainty can also create opportunity — particularly when it encourages lower prices and higher future return potential.

The key is reframing the question.

Instead of asking:

“Is now the perfect time to invest?”

A more useful question may be:

“Will I wish I had started earlier?”

Foolish takeaway

Short-term uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially for younger investors navigating their early years of wealth building.

But the combination of time, compounding, and consistent investing — particularly when taking advantage of structures like the $30,000 annual cap — can be incredibly powerful.

Markets will always face challenges.

The superannuation investors who tend to benefit most are those who start early, stay consistent, and allow time to do the heavy lifting.

The post How the average Aussie at 30 could reach over $1 million in superannuation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• Here are 5 ASX ETFs that I would buy with $50,000

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped a further 0.6% to start the week as ongoing conflict in The Middle East continued to weigh on sentiment. 

It’s important for investors not to panic, as history shows the market will recover. 

When markets fall, it does create buying opportunities for investors. 

For those looking to monitor small-caps or penny stocks, here are three that have drawn positive outlooks from brokers. 

Paragon Care Ltd (ASX: PGC)

Paragon Care conducts its business largely within the Australian healthcare sector and in 7 countries across Asia. The core business is distribution of pharmaceutical medicines, consumables and capital products. 

Following earnings results released last week, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on the healthcare stock.

The broker said it is cautiously optimistic on the full year EBITDA. 

It said the two cornerstones of long term earnings growth for Paragon are the expanding footprint in Medical Technology particularly in Asia and the expanding footprint in pharmacy distribution. 

At the recent half year result Asia Med Tech revenues grew 33% at gross profit margin of 45%. In the pharmacy wholesale business, the underlying growth rate (which excludes Infinity group trading from the prior period) was ~6%. The company estimates it has ~10% market share currently with aspirations to grow to 15%.

Included in the report from Bell Potter was a buy recommendation and price target of $0.30. 

This indicates a potential upside of 46% for this penny stock from yesterday’s closing price. 

EBR Systems Inc (ASX: EBR)

EBR systems is another penny stock drawing a positive outlook from Bell Potter. 

The company is primarily engaged in treatment for patients suffering from cardiac rhythm diseases by developing therapies using wireless cardiac stimulation. 

The Wise CRT System uses proprietary wireless technology to deliver pacing stimulation directly inside the left ventricle of the heart.

Following recent earnings results, Bell Potter adjusted its outlook on this penny stock, including a revised price target of $2.00. 

The broker maintained its buy recommendation. 

EBR systems closed trading yesterday at $0.58. 

Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART)

This ASX penny stock is an online platform that connects people wanting to outsource tasks with people who are willing to do them for a fee. 

Typical tasks include home cleaning, removal services, handyman jobs, admin work, photography, graphic design, and collection services.

It closed trading yesterday at $0.22, however it has attracted a buy rating and $0.51 price target from Morgans after it posted healthy half-year results last month. 

The post 3 ASX penny stocks drawing positive ratings from experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans says these small-cap ASX shares could rise 85%+
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• Bell Potter is tipping this ASX small-cap to double in the next year
• Why EBR, EOS, Racura, and Woodside shares are rising today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker. 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 been another rough start to the week for investors of these 3 ASX tech stocks.

Shares in WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Life360 Inc (ASX: 360), and Megaport Ltd (ASX:MP1) all tumbled between 4% and 6%. That adds to an already painful 2026, with WiseTech down 47% year to date, Life360 off 43%, and Megaport also deep in the red at 42%.

All 3 ASX tech stocks are now trading at — or near — 52-week lows. So, is this a warning sign… or a golden opportunity?

WiseTech: Global logistics player

WiseTech Global remains one of Australia’s highest-quality tech businesses. Its CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global logistics networks, giving it strong pricing power and high switching costs.

As global trade becomes increasingly digitised, this ASX tech stock is well placed to benefit over the long term.

The risk? Growth expectations have been dialled back, and the market is wary of execution as the company scales and integrates acquisitions. Higher interest rates have also weighed on tech valuations.

Still, analysts remain upbeat. Citi recently placed a $65.35 price target on the ASX tech stock. This implies roughly 80% upside from current levels if sentiment turns.

Life360: Millions of app users worldwide

Life360 offers a different kind of growth story. Its family safety app connects millions of users worldwide, providing location sharing, crash detection, and digital safety tools.

The $4.5 billion ASX tech stock is increasingly focused on monetisation, converting free users into paying subscribers and lifting average revenue per user.

That shift is a major strength, but it doesn’t come without risk. Competition in the app space is fierce, and maintaining user growth while increasing subscription revenue is a delicate balancing act. Profitability is also still evolving.

Even so, many analysts see strong long-term potential as Life360 builds out its ecosystem and deepens engagement. According to CMC Invest, there are currently seven buy ratings on the ASX share, with an average price target of $32.80. That implies a possible rise of around 78% over the next year.

Megaport: Powerful growth, scalable business

Megaport rounds out the trio with exposure to cloud and network infrastructure — two powerful long-term trends. Its platform allows businesses to connect to cloud providers and data centres on demand, offering flexibility and scalability in an increasingly digital world.

As cloud adoption continues to surge, this ASX tech stock stands to benefit. However, the company has faced concerns around growth consistency and profitability, which have weighed heavily on its share price. Like many tech names, it is also sensitive to macro conditions and investor sentiment.

Analysts are cautiously optimistic, pointing to improving margins and a clearer path to sustainable earnings as potential catalysts.

However, Morgans remains positive and has a buy rating and $16.00 price target on its shares. This points to a potential upside of almost 130% for investors from current levels.

Foolish Takeaway

The big picture is hard to ignore. These are not speculative startups. All 3 ASX tech stocks are established tech businesses with real products, customers, and global opportunities. Yet all three have been heavily sold off amid a broader rotation out of growth stocks.

That’s where things get interesting. When high-quality companies fall this far, long-term investors often start to pay attention. Timing the bottom is never easy, but buying strong businesses when sentiment is weak has historically been a winning strategy.

The bottom line? These ASX tech stocks may be under pressure today, but their long-term growth stories remain intact. For investors willing to look beyond short-term volatility, this could be an opportunity that’s hard to ignore.

The post 3 ASX tech stocks that belong in every long-term portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 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
• 3 ASX 200 shares that could beat the market over the next 10 years
• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Megaport, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Not every investing strategy needs to be complicated. In fact, the ones that tend to work best are often the simplest.

If I were starting fresh today and wanted a simple strategy I could stick with for years, I’d focus on just a handful of exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Here’s the approach I keep coming back to.

Start with a global core

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) would be my foundation.

It gives exposure to more than a thousand stocks across developed markets, including the United States and Europe.

What I like is that it captures many of the world’s largest and most innovative businesses in a single investment.

Anchor it with Australia

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) plays a different role in a portfolio.

It brings in exposure to the local share market, including our banks, miners, and dividend-paying companies.

That adds income through dividends and franking credits, which can be valuable over time.

It also creates a balance. Instead of being fully exposed to global markets, you’re anchoring part of your portfolio in Australia.

Add in some quality

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) is where I’d look for a slight edge.

This ETF focuses on global stocks that boast robust balance sheets, high returns on equity, and strong earnings.

For me, this adds a layer of quality to the portfolio without needing to do the research myself or pick individual stocks.

Keep it simple and consistent

The real power of this strategy isn’t in the ETFs themselves. It’s in the behaviour.

Regularly adding to these positions, reinvesting dividends, and staying invested through different market conditions is what drives long-term outcomes.

There will be periods where one ETF outperforms and another lags. That’s normal.

The key is that together, they provide diversification across regions, sectors, and investment styles.

Why I like this approach

This kind of setup avoids a lot of common pitfalls. 

You’re not trying to time the market. Nor are you chasing trends. And you’re not relying on a handful of individual stock picks.

Instead, you’re building exposure to broad markets and high-quality businesses, and giving them time to grow.

Foolish takeaway

A simple ASX ETF strategy might not look exciting day to day. But over time, I think it can be incredibly effective.

With a global core, local exposure, and a quality tilt, I think this kind of approach has the potential to quietly build serious wealth for patient investors.

The post This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth 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
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index 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 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 recent market selloff has been disappointing for investors, but it may have created a very attractive opportunity to buy shares or exchange traded funds (ETFs) at bargain prices.

But which ASX ETFs could be buys after the selloff?

Here are three funds that could be worth buying and holding from here.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF effectively gives investors access to a collection of global platform businesses that sit at the centre of the digital economy.

Its holdings include companies like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), all of which generate vast amounts of cash and reinvest it into expanding their ecosystems.

Amazon is a good example of this dynamic. While best known for ecommerce, it has built a highly profitable cloud computing division in AWS, which underpins much of the modern internet.

After the recent pullback, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF now offers exposure to companies that are not just growing, but shaping how entire industries operate at a sizeable discount to what investors were willing to pay a month ago. That could make it an appealing option for long-term investors.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF (ASX: ESPO)

The VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF is another ASX ETF to consider. It provides exposure to an industry that continues to evolve far beyond traditional gaming.

Its holdings include Nintendo (TYO: 7974), Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), and Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), spanning game developers, publishers, and interactive platforms.

Roblox highlights how the industry is shifting. It is not just a game, but a user-generated platform where players create and monetise their own experiences, blurring the lines between gaming and social media.

This points to a broader trend where gaming is becoming a form of digital engagement and community, rather than just entertainment. As younger generations spend more time in these environments, monetisation opportunities are expanding.

Overall, the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF offers investors exposure to a growing digital ecosystem that is still in the early stages of its evolution. This fund was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is a third ASX ETF to consider after the selloff. It offers a different angle on growth, focusing on the rise of technology leaders across Asia.

Its portfolio includes companies such as Tencent (SEHK: 700), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM).

Taiwan Semiconductor is a key player worth highlighting. It manufactures advanced chips used in everything from smartphones to AI systems, making it a critical supplier in the global technology chain.

While sentiment towards Asian markets can be volatile, the long-term drivers remain strong. Rising digital adoption, expanding middle classes, and increasing innovation are all supporting growth in the region.

After the recent pullback, the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides an attractive way to tap into these trends. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold after the selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade
• Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy before the next bull market
• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for when the market rebounds

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Baidu, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Roblox, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group, Electronic Arts, and Nintendo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.