Author: openjargon

After the recent pullback in global markets, I have been thinking more carefully about where I would put fresh money to work.

Not in a reactive way, but in a deliberate one.

For me, April feels like a good time to focus on quality. Businesses with strong market positions, proven track records, and the ability to keep growing over time.

If I am looking at blue-chip ASX 200 shares right now, these are three that stand out to me.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group is one of those businesses that I think quietly dominates its space.

Its realestate.com.au platform has become the go-to destination for property listings in Australia. That kind of market leadership is incredibly valuable.

What I find particularly compelling is its pricing power.

As long as agents and vendors want visibility for their listings, REA remains a critical channel. That gives it the ability to grow revenue even in more subdued property markets.

Of course, the housing cycle does matter. Listings volumes can fluctuate depending on market conditions. But over the long term, I believe the structural shift toward online property advertising has firmly played into REA’s hands.

For me, it is a high-quality digital platform with strong margins and a long runway.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is another blue-chip ASX 200 stock I’d buy in April.

What stands out to me is its ability to grow globally while maintaining a strong focus on product quality and innovation.

It is not trying to compete on price. Instead, it is building a reputation around well-designed, high-end appliances, particularly in categories like coffee and kitchen products.

I also like the way it continues to expand into new markets.

Growth in regions such as the US, Europe, and parts of Asia suggests to me that the brand still has plenty of room to scale internationally.

There will always be some cyclicality in consumer spending. But I think Breville’s premium positioning gives it a level of resilience that not all discretionary companies have.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is probably one of the most well-known blue-chip names on the ASX, and I think there is a good reason for that.

At its core, it is a diversified group with exposure to retail, industrial, and chemical businesses. But what really stands out to me is its management track record.

Over time, Wesfarmers has shown an ability to allocate capital effectively, whether that is through acquisitions, divestments, or reinvestment into existing businesses.

Retail brands like Bunnings continue to perform strongly, and I think they provide a solid earnings base.

On top of that, the company has demonstrated a willingness to evolve, which I believe is critical for long-term success.

For me, Wesfarmers represents a blend of stability and strategic flexibility.

Foolish takeaway

When I think about blue-chip ASX 200 shares to buy in April, I am looking for quality.

REA Group offers a dominant digital platform, Breville brings global brand growth, and Wesfarmers provides diversification backed by strong management.

Individually, I think each has the potential to deliver solid long-term returns. And in a market that has recently pulled back, I believe they are worth a closer look.

The post My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• REA shares hit a multi-year low. Is the market overreacting?
• 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April
• Would Warren Buffett buy Wesfarmers shares?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

The REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) share price sank to a multi-year low on Monday as selling pressure continued across the ASX.

Shares in the realestate.com.au owner finished the session down 0.81% at $151.00, after falling as low as $147.57 in morning trade.

That intraday low marked the weakest level since October 2023, extending the stock’s difficult run in 2026. The latest move leaves REA shares down around 17% since the start of the year.

Here’s what appears to be driving the continued weakness.

Investors are paying less for growth

REA has spent years trading as one of the ASX’s most expensive growth stocks.

Its leading position in online property listings, strong profit margins, and reliable cash flow helped investors justify paying a high price for the shares.

However, that high valuation is now being wound back.

The shares have slid from above $220 in October 2025 to around $150 this week.

This seems to be more about investors becoming less willing to pay a premium for growth than any major weakness in the business itself.

Even so, the REA still appears solid. Its large agent network, established audience reach, and ability to lift pricing across premium products continue to support earnings.

This looks more like investors reassessing the share price than any problem with how the business is performing.

Property market worries remain

The other key issue is housing market activity.

Even though REA’s business is strong, its growth is still tied to the number of homes being listed for sale, developer advertising budgets, and overall property turnover.

With interest rates still high and affordability stretched, investors seem to be questioning how quickly listing activity can improve.

Fewer homes changing hands can reduce demand for premium listings products, display advertising, and other services linked to property sales.

This was also a major concern back in October 2023, the last time the stock traded around these levels, which helps explain why the market is again focused on housing activity.

Foolish takeaway

REA remains one of the strongest platform businesses on the ASX, with a market position that competitors have struggled to challenge.

But even great businesses can fall when investors start paying less for growth and become more cautious on profits linked to the property market.

At this stage, the sell-off seems more about the current market backdrop.

Whether this proves to be an overreaction will likely depend on how quickly property listings and agent spending start to recover.

The post REA shares hit a multi-year low. Is the market overreacting? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April
• Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,500
• Are we in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy cheap ASX shares?
• 2 high-quality ASX shares to buy and hold for 10 years
• $0 in savings? I’d aim for $20k in annual passive income with 3 simple steps

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.

With a new month just around the corner, investors may be thinking about how to put fresh capital to work.

If you have $10,000 ready to invest this April, focusing on high-quality ASX 200 shares could be a smart move, especially after recent share market volatility.

Here are three ASX 200 shares that could be worth considering.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL may be Australia’s most established biotechnology company, but its shares have come under pressure in recent times.

A softer-than-expected half-year result and uncertainty following a CEO departure have weighed on sentiment. In particular, its core CSL Behring division has faced slower-than-expected margin recovery and softer immunoglobulin sales growth.

However, looking beyond the near-term challenges, CSL still has a powerful long-term investment case. It operates in a global plasma therapies market with high barriers to entry, supported by complex manufacturing processes and strict regulatory requirements.

With growing demand for plasma-derived therapies and contributions from its Seqirus and Vifor divisions, CSL appears well positioned to return to stronger earnings growth over time, especially if it is successful with its significant cost cutting plan.

For investors willing to be patient, the recent weakness could present an opportunity to gain exposure to a global healthcare leader at a more attractive valuation.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield offers exposure to a very different theme. It develops counter-drone solutions designed to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial threats. With geopolitical tensions rising globally, demand for these types of technologies is increasing rapidly.

DroneShield has been winning new contracts and expanding its footprint across key international markets. Its solutions are being adopted by military, government, and critical infrastructure customers.

While it remains a higher-risk investment compared to more established blue chips, its growth potential is significant if it continues to scale successfully.

For investors looking to allocate a portion of their $10,000 to a higher-growth opportunity, DroneShield could be worth a closer look.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is another ASX 200 share that could be a compelling option for long-term investors.

The cloud-based accounting platform has built a strong position among small and medium-sized businesses, offering subscription-based software that generates recurring revenue.

One of Xero’s key strengths is its scalability. As it adds more subscribers and expands into new markets, its revenue base can grow while maintaining attractive margins.

The company also continues to invest in product innovation and ecosystem development, helping to deepen customer engagement and increase lifetime value.

Although its shares have been volatile during the recent market selloff, Xero’s long-term growth outlook remains intact.

For investors seeking exposure to a high-quality technology business with global ambitions, Xero could be a strong candidate for a buy-and-hold strategy.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday
• Why are DroneShield shares trading higher today?
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero

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

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may not be finished lifting interest rates.

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) now believes the central bank could raise the official cash rate three more times over the next few months, with expected increases in May, June, and August.

If that happens, the cash rate would climb to 4.85%, which would be a major jump from where it sits today.

The big reason is the recent surge in oil prices, which is now starting to push up costs right across the economy.

That is why economists now think the RBA may need to lift rates more than once from here.

Westpac now expects several rate hikes

The biggest change in Westpac’s view is that it no longer sees this as a one-off rate rise.

Chief economist Luci Ellis has lifted her forecast from one hike to three, saying the jump in fuel prices is spreading much faster than expected.

At first, higher oil prices mainly show up at the petrol pump.

The bigger issue is how those costs spread through other industries.

More expensive fuel also means higher transport costs, rising freight bills, more expensive flights, and bigger costs for businesses that rely on plastics, packaging, and manufacturing.

Those higher costs often end up being passed on to customers through higher prices.

That is what worries the RBA.

If price increases start spreading through lots of parts of the economy, inflation becomes much harder to bring back under control.

That could force the central bank to keep lifting rates.

Why rising oil prices are becoming a bigger inflation issue

The main issue is the ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, which remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

Because the supply problems are lasting longer than first expected, oil prices have stayed high.

That is now starting to affect much more than just petrol prices.

While the government’s fuel excise cut may help drivers a little, it does not reduce higher costs for airlines, freight companies, manufacturers, and many businesses that use oil-based products.

That means inflation could rise again in the June quarter.

Westpac now expects inflation to reach 5.4%, which is far above the RBA’s target range.

If that happens, the central bank may decide it has no choice but to keep raising interest rates until price pressures start easing.

Foolish takeaway

Westpac’s new forecast suggests the next rate rise may not be the end of the story.

Instead, the RBA may need to keep tightening policy if higher oil prices continue flowing through to everyday goods and services.

For households, that would mean more pressure on mortgage repayments and less room in family budgets.

Further increases would also add pressure to consumer spending, retailers, and other interest-rate-sensitive ASX sectors.

At this point, the interest rate outlook has become one of the market’s main concerns this year.

The post Westpac warns the RBA may need to hike rates again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX bank has the biggest dividend yield?
• Westpac shares are climbing following UNITE update
• ASX bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?
• How have the ASX big four bank shares held up in March?
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?

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.

Last week I covered the growing upside for the global robotics industry. 

Investment, development and application are all reinforcing the case for investment in this sector. 

In good news for those interested in this space, the team at Global X have just announced the new Global X Humanoid Robotics ETF (ASX: HMND). 

Fund overview

The Global X Humanoid Robotics ETF (HMND) aims to capture the next phase of AI as intelligence moves into the physical world.

Global X said it includes companies across humanoid and service robotics, industrial and autonomous systems and assistive technologies. It also targets the underlying AI and hardware stack that powers next-generation robotics. 

Selection is based on measurable exposure to the theme, ensuring that constituents derive a meaningful portion of their revenues from relevant activities.

By taking a value chain approach, the strategy avoids relying on a narrow set of early-stage manufacturers and instead provides exposure to the broader infrastructure required for humanoid robotics to scale globally.

The fund includes 30 underlying holdings. 

The majority of the fund includes companies based in China (37.03%), South Korea (30.50%) and The United States (26.45%). 

The management cost is 0.57% per annum. 

The case for humanoid robotics

According to a new report from Global X, the global economy is entering the next phase of the AI cycle. Intelligence is now extending beyond software and into the physical world. 

The report said the past decade has been defined by digital platforms and computing. However, the next phase is centred on applying that intelligence to real-world tasks through robotics. 

Humanoid robots are designed to operate within human environments, enabling automation across a far broader set of use cases than traditional industrial systems. This shift is not incremental as it reflects a transition from automating processes to replicating human capability.

As labour constraints intensify, productivity growth remains constrained, and capital continues to flow into AI, the convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence is beginning to unlock a new multi-year investment cycle that extends well beyond the factory floor.

AI and robotics funds

Global X is an ETF provider that has built out a considerable list of thematic ASX ETFs. 

The new Global X Humanoid Robotics ETF, is the latest to target robotics and AI. 

For investors looking for other ASX ETFs in this sector, some options include: 

• Etfs Robo Global Robotics And Automation ETF (ASX: ROBO) – seeks to invest in companies that potentially stand to benefit from increased adoption and utilisation of robotics and artificial intelligence.
• Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ) – targets global companies involved in the production or use of robotics and robotics-focused AI products and services.

The post Meet the newest humanoid robotics ASX ETF from Global X appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade
• 3 reasons this AI and Robotics ASX ETF is a long term play
• 3 ASX ETFs that could be strong picks for investors in their 30s
• Why now could be the best time in years to buy NDQ and these ETFs
• 3 ASX ETFs that could be massive winners by 2036

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 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.

Looking to put fresh money to work this April? ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the simplest and smartest ways to build a diversified portfolio. And right now, there are some standout options for Aussie investors.

From low-cost local exposure to global growth leaders, here are five of the best ASX ETFs to consider today.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

First up is this popular Vanguard ETF, which remains a go-to core holding for local market exposure. This fund tracks a broad basket of Australian shares and includes many of the ASX’s biggest dividend payers like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

If you want a reliable, set-and-forget foundation for your portfolio, VAS is hard to beat.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

For global diversification, the ASX ETF stands out. It gives investors access to hundreds of companies across major developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan.

With names like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) in the mix, it’s a powerful way to tap into global growth trends. This fund remains one of the most popular ETFs and it helps reduce overexposure to Australian banks and miners.

BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

If keeping fees as low as possible is your priority, take a look at the BetaShares Australia 200 fund. The ASX ETF offers exposure to 200 of Australia’s largest companies at one of the lowest management fees on the market.

Over the long term, those lower costs can make a meaningful difference to your returns. This BetaShares fund could be a low-cost alternative to VAS.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Want more direct exposure to the powerhouse US market? This index fund is a popular pick. It tracks the S&P 500, giving you access to 500 of America’s largest companies.

With the US continuing to lead in innovation — particularly in tech and Artificial Intelligence — IVV offers a simple way to ride that wave.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Finally, for investors looking for a quality tilt, this VanEck fund is worth a look. It’s great for investors who want Warren Buffett-style businesses globally.

This ETF focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and competitive advantages. It’s a great option if you want to reduce risk while still staying invested in global equities.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line? You don’t need to overcomplicate things.

A handful of high-quality ETFs like these can form the backbone of a strong, long-term portfolio — and April could be a great time to get started.

The post 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• How the average Aussie at 30 could reach over $1 million in superannuation
• This simple ASX ETF strategy could quietly build serious wealth
• My best blue-chip ASX 200 buys for April
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, 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.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a decline. The benchmark index fell 0.65% to 8,461 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to edge higher

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued session on Tuesday following a poor start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 1 point higher. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up a fraction, but the S&P 500 is down 0.5% and the Nasdaq is 0.9% lower.

Oil prices jump

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices jumped overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 4.35% to US$103.96 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.25% to US$113.98 a barrel. This leaves oil prices on track to post a record monthly surge.

Shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX shares are going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes Cromwell Property Group (ASX: CMW), GenusPlus Group Ltd (ASX: GNP), Maas Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: MGH), and New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC). The latter will be paying its shareholders a 10 cents per share fully franked dividend next month on 20 April.

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a relatively positive session on Tuesday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.1% to US$4,494.7 an ounce. This was driven by increased demand for safe haven assets.

Strike Energy named as a buy

The team at Bell Potter has named Strike Energy Ltd (ASX: STX) shares as a speculative buy with a 15 cents price target. This implies potential upside of over 40% for investors from current levels. It said: “STX announced that the Western Australian Economic Regulation Authority had finalised its determination for the Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price for the 2028/29 capacity year at $488,500/MW per year which could support revenues of around $42m from the South Erregulla project, before electricity sales.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX share market sell off: Buy in the dip or stay on the sidelines?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 sinks deeper as oil shock sparks fresh recession fears
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended GenusPlus Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

April is shaping up as an interesting time to be putting money to work.

Markets have pulled back, sentiment has wobbled, and a lot of quality growth names are no longer trading at the same stretched valuations we saw not that long ago.

For me, that is typically when I start leaning in.

Here are three ASX growth shares I would be comfortable buying this month.

HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

What I like about HUB24 is that it sits right in the middle of a structural shift.

More Australians are moving toward financial advice platforms, and advisers are increasingly consolidating onto the providers that offer the best technology and user experience. HUB24 continues to win on both fronts.

The momentum here is hard to ignore. The company delivered record platform inflows in the first half and continues to take market share, with funds under administration climbing strongly.

But what stands out to me is the operating leverage.

As more funds flow onto the platform, the economics improve. Revenue grows, margins expand, and earnings can scale faster than costs over time.

This is exactly the type of business model I look for in a long-term compounder.

It will not be cheap on traditional metrics, but I think that reflects the quality of the growth on offer.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

Codan is one I think is often misunderstood.

Many investors still associate it primarily with metal detection, which has been a strong performer. But the real growth story, in my view, is the communications segment and its exposure to defence, security, and increasingly, drone and counter-drone technology.

The company’s communications division is seeing strong demand from defence and unmanned systems, with revenue from the unmanned segment rising significantly and reflecting a broader structural shift in how conflicts and security operations are evolving.

That matters.

The world is becoming more complex from a geopolitical perspective, and technologies linked to drones, surveillance, and secure communications are becoming more important.

Codan sits right in that ecosystem.

What I like is that this is not a single-product story. It has multiple growth drivers across communications and metal detection, which helps diversify earnings while still benefiting from powerful tailwinds.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is one of those businesses that just keeps executing.

It does not always get the same attention as some of the higher-profile tech names, but I think it is one of the highest-quality software companies on the ASX.

What stands out to me right now is its confidence.

The company recently upgraded its guidance, expecting profit growth of 18% to 20% and strong recurring revenue expansion, driven in part by its continued push into AI-enabled products.

That tells me demand is strong and visibility is high.

I also like the consistency. This is a business that has built its reputation on delivering steady, reliable growth over long periods of time.

When you combine that with a SaaS model, high customer retention, and expanding global footprint, it starts to look like a classic long-term compounder.

Yes, it often trades at a premium. But I think that premium is earned.

Foolish takeaway

I think April could be a great time to selectively add growth exposure.

Volatility has created opportunities, but I am not necessarily looking for the cheapest stocks. I am looking for businesses with strong tailwinds, scalable models, and the ability to keep growing over many years.

HUB24, Codan, and TechnologyOne all tick those boxes for me.

The post 3 strong ASX growth shares I want to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to become a millionaire with a $5,000 investment in ASX 200 shares each year
• Hub24 vs Netwealth: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy now?
• Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,500
• 5 oversold ASX 200 shares to buy according to Wilsons
• 2 ASX shares I’d buy if the market fell another 10%

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Codan and Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Australian share market has tumbled again. At the close of the ASX on Monday afternoon, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped 0.6%. The index has fallen over 8% in March alone. 

ASX share market weakness has been driven by several factors, including global share market weakness, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, concerns about fuel prices and supply chain disruptions. 

Rising inflation figures and fears about more Reserve Bank interest rate hikes have also contributed to broad-based selling. 

And the problem is, this volatility is unlikely to ease in the near future.

The question is, does the current market present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors to buy in the dip? 

Or is it a better idea to sit tight until the worst is over?

Why it could be better to buy in the ASX share market dip?

ASX share market dips often mean that bargain-hunting investors can buy into high-quality stocks at below their fair value.

After all, it’s worth remembering that historically, markets will eventually recover from geopolitical shocks. While it’s likely that there could be more downside yet to come, investors who want their money to grow over the next five or 10 years could benefit from buying and holding onto shares with high-growth potential.

Take Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) for example. The company’s shares have plummeted over the past six months after investors took gains off the table following a strong price rally in 2025. 

As a tech company, Zip has also been caught up in the recent sector-wide tech sell off. Rising concerns about the global impact of the war in the Middle East have driven investors away from high-growth technology stocks and towards more stable assets.

But the company’s outlook is strong and analysts are tipping an upside of up to 255% over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.  

The cons of buying the the dip is that there could well be more downside to come before shares bottom out and start rising again. 

Why it could be better to stay on the sidelines?

Economists believe the Reserve Bank will raise interest rates again in 2026. This will increase borrowing costs, put pressure on household spending, and restrict company profit margins.

And if the conflict in the Middle East escalates further, or goes on for a lot longer than expected, it could have widespread repercussions on company costs and supply chains.

There is also concern that share prices across some sectors have risen faster than their business fundamentals. 

Take Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) for example. The banking giant’s share price is overvalued relative to its peers, and it’s not supported by earnings or business fundamentals. CBA’s current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, at the time of writing, is 27.62, which is much higher (and therefore more expensive) than that of other major banks. Analysts are forecasting the shares to crash up to 47% over the next 12 months.

If you’re a more risk-adverse investor or one who wants to invest for the short term, now is the perfect time to sit back and wait. The market hasn’t priced in the worst-case scenario yet.

Ultimately, whether to buy in the dip or sit on the sidelines right now depends on your risk tolerance and how confident you are about a near-term market recovery.

The post ASX share market sell off: Buy in the dip or stay on the sidelines? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Down 55%! Can this ASX financial stock stage a major comeback?
• Forget CBA shares and buy this ASX ETF: experts
• ASX 200 sinks deeper as oil shock sparks fresh recession fears

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

With April just around the corner, now could be a great time to consider making some new additions to an income portfolio.

But which ASX dividend shares could be top picks for the month ahead? Let’s take a look at three that could be worth considering.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be an ASX dividend share to buy next month. It offers exposure to a portfolio of convenience-based retail properties, including supermarkets and essential service centres.

What makes this business particularly appealing is the resilience of its tenant base. These are typically retailers that consumers rely on regardless of economic conditions, which helps support stable rental income.

In fact, its recent half-year results highlight the strength of this model, with occupancy and rent collection both remaining above 99%. In addition, the trust continues to grow through a pipeline of development projects and targeted acquisitions.

With a focus on essential retail and consistent income generation, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be an attractive option for investors seeking dependable dividends.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)

Smartgroup may be a less well-known ASX dividend share, but it has been quietly delivering strong results.

The company provides salary packaging and novated leasing services, benefiting from a large and growing customer base across corporate and government sectors. Its capital-light business model supports strong cash flow and high returns on equity.

Its recent performance has reinforced this strength, with EBITDA growing 14% and margins expanding to 41% in FY 2025. The company also returned a significant portion of earnings to shareholders, with dividends representing 90% of net profit.

Looking ahead, with strong cash generation and a supportive demand backdrop, it appears well positioned to continue delivering attractive dividends.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths remains one of the ASX’s most dependable dividend shares, underpinned by the consistent demand for groceries and everyday essentials.

What makes the investment case more compelling today is the progress it is making operationally. Recent results showed improving customer metrics and stabilising market share, supported by targeted investment in value and convenience. This suggests the business is strengthening its competitive position, which is critical for sustaining earnings over time.

At the same time, Woolworths is driving productivity gains and cost efficiencies while continuing to invest in its supply chain and digital capabilities. These initiatives are aimed at supporting margins and cash flow as conditions normalise.

With a resilient earnings base, improving operational momentum, and a clear focus on efficiency, Woolworths appears well placed to deliver reliable and gradually growing dividends over the long term.

The post Why Woolworths and these ASX dividend shares could be buys in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woolworths 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 positions in and has recommended Smartgroup and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.