Category: Stock Market

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed 5.5% higher over the past month, regaining some of the losses shed after the index tumbled over 9% in early March. Here are three ASX 200 shares that have helped drive the index higher over the past month, and they’re all tipped to keep climbing.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman shares are trading 2.7% higher at $28.32 at the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon. After tumbling over 19% between mid-February and late-March, the shares have recovered 10.8% of their value over the past two weeks. The shares are still 8.2% lower for the year to date, but they’re 0.7% above this time last year.

Goodman shares faced headwinds amid concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and overall investor uncertainty. 

There is also broad weakness across the property sector, and the slump in investor confidence has flowed through to the company’s latest earnings results. 

But it doesn’t look like the downturn is here to stay.

Brokers rate the ASX 200 shares as a strong buy and tip an average target price of $35.34 over the next 12 months. At the time of writing, that implies a potential 35.51% upside. 

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

AMP shares are up 0.36% at the time of writing on Tuesday, to $1.40 a piece. The latest uptick means the shares are now 14.4% higher over the past month and 27% higher than just one year ago. 

AMP shares crashed over 26% off the back of a disappointing financial results announcement in February. Meanwhile, ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns that surging oil prices will push Australia’s inflation data higher have weighed heavily on financial stocks like AMP over the past month.

But since bottoming close to a 52-week low in mid-March, they’ve finally started rebounding. AMP recently confirmed it will undertake an on-market buyback of up to $150 million of ordinary shares, and Blair Vernon has officially stepped into the CEO role. Sentiment could well follow suit.

Brokers have a strong buy rating on the ASX 200 shares and tip a potential 36.19% upside to $1.75 per share, at the time of writing.

Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL)

Bellevue Gold shares are also down slightly today, by 0.75% to $1.72 per share. Many ASX gold stocks crashed in mid-March thanks to a sizable retreat in gold prices, and Bellevue wasn’t immune. 

After dropping to a four-month low in late March, the shares have climbed 37.7% higher at the time of writing. But the gold miner’s shares are also up an enormous 91.3% from just one year ago.

Brokers seem to think they can keep climbing higher, too. They have a strong buy rating on the ASX 200 shares and tip a 35.3% upside to $2.07 per share over the next 12 months.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb another 35% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX shares I’d buy and forget about for 10 years
• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy immediately if the market dips again
• ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week
• How to build a winning 10 ASX share portfolio from scratch in 2026
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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 positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. 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.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares are down 0.1% to $12.36 on Tuesday, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.3%.

The Origin Energy share price is up 9% in the year to date and up 22.5% over the past 12 months.

Origin Energy produces and sells natural gas and electricity to wholesale and retail customers in Australia and overseas.

This ASX 200 utilities stock has fluctuated in price over the past year.

Origin Energy shares traded at a 52-week low of $9.96 in May 2025 and lifted to an annual high of $13.13 in August 2025.

By early 2026, the stock had experienced a gradual decline back into the high $10 range before regaining some momentum.

During earnings season in February, Origin Energy reported a substantial fall in profit for 1H FY26 compared to 1H FY25.

Statutory profit was $557 million in 1H FY26, down from $1,017 million in 1H FY25.

Underlying profit was $593 million, down from $924 million in 1H FY25.

Origin Energy shares: 3 views

Expert views on this ASX 200 utilities stock are currently mixed.

Jed Richards from Shaw and Partners is buy-rated on Origin shares.

Richards likes the company’s attractive income profile and leveraged exposure to Australia’s changing energy market.

He commented on The Bull this week:

The company benefits from scale in electricity generation and retailing, while its yield remains appealing in a market still sensitive to income certainty.

That said, regulatory risk and energy price volatility remain key risks.

We see Origin as well placed to balance defensive income characteristics with longer term opportunities tied to the domestic energy transition.

Ord Minnett thinks investors in Origin Energy shares should hang on to them for now.

After reviewing Origin’s 1H FY26 report, the broker said:

… we remain cautious on Origin given the headwinds we see – increased capital expenditure to maintain APLNG production, ongoing bad debt problems at Octopus, weaker wholesale electricity pricing, and a likely fall in spot LNG prices – and remain at Hold.

The broker noted that Origin had exceeded its expectations for December-quarter LNG production and revenue, and average realised price.

However, Ord Minnett is concerned about future performance:

The stronger realised pricing in the quarter was likely driven by sales into the spot LNG market, in our view, and raises a question over whether the performance can be repeated in coming quarters considering weak domestic gas demand.

Volumes in Origin’s electricity and gas volumes in its energy markets division were weak, with retail volumes stable but business demand falling.

Last week, Ord Minnett reiterated its hold rating but raised its 12-month price target from $11 to $11.10.

Morgan Stanley has a similar price target to Ord Minnett but a sell rating on the stock.

Last week, Morgan Stanley analyst Richard Koh reiterated his sell rating on Origin Energy shares.

Koh also shaved his 12-month price target down from $11.11 to $11.07.

The post Origin Energy shares: Experts argue the case to buy, hold, and sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy Origin Energy shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares
• How much would I need to invest in ASX shares to earn $1,000 in passive income every month?
• Natural gas jumps 6% overnight. Which ASX gas giants stand to benefit?
• Passive income investors: These 3 ASX dividend shares pay 5% to 6%

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

If you are looking to put money to work this month, ASX ETFs can offer a simple way to tap into powerful global trends.

Rather than trying to pick individual winners, these funds give you exposure to entire industries and regions that are shaping the future. The key is finding ETFs with strong tailwinds and unique angles that could drive long-term growth.

Here are three fantastic ASX ETFs to consider right now.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that stands out is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

While many investors focus heavily on US tech, this fund offers exposure to a different engine of global growth. It targets leading technology companies across Asia, a region with rapidly expanding digital economies and massive populations.

Key holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

What makes the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF interesting right now is the potential for a shift in sentiment. Asian tech has lagged in recent years due to regulatory and macro concerns, but the long-term growth story remains intact.

If conditions stabilise, this could be a part of the market that surprises on the upside.

The team at BetaShares recently recommended this fund.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

This fund is not just about gaming in the traditional sense. It is a play on interactive entertainment, digital ecosystems, and how people spend their time and money online.

Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Nintendo, and Roblox (NYSE: RBLX).

What sets this ETF apart is its exposure to both the creators and enablers of gaming. From chipmakers powering graphics to developers building immersive experiences, it captures the full value chain.

As gaming continues to evolve into a global, always-on form of entertainment, the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF offers a way to participate in that shift.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares Global Robotics And Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

A third ASX ETF that looks compelling is the Betashares Global Robotics And Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This fund provides exposure to companies leading the automation and AI revolution. This includes businesses involved in robotics, machine learning, and industrial automation.

Among its holdings are Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Keyence Corporation, and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN).

Rather than focusing on a single application of AI, this ETF spreads exposure across multiple industries where automation is becoming essential.

From manufacturing to healthcare, these technologies are transforming how work gets done. That gives the Betashares Global Robotics And Artificial Intelligence ETF a broad and durable growth runway.

This fund was also recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

The post 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is this the best Vanguard ETF money can buy right now?
• 3 ASX ETFs for investors in their 30s
• 3 BetaShares ETFs I think can beat the market over 5 years
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years
• 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, Roblox, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Nintendo and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. 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) has followed Wall Street’s lead and is pushing higher on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.45% to 8,964 points.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are racing higher:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is up almost 8% to $1.73. This is despite there being no news out of the uranium producer today. However, it is worth noting that most uranium stocks are rallying today. And with short sellers having a high level of interest in Boss Energy shares, some could be buying shares to close positions.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

The Macquarie share price is up almost 4% to $232.24. This appears to have been driven by a bullish broker note out of Morgan Stanley this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the investment bank’s shares to an overweight rating with an improved price target of $270. The broker believes that Macquarie is well-placed to benefit from volatility in commodity markets. And while it concedes that its shares are not cheap, it still sees potential for a meaningful re-rating thanks to its positive earnings growth outlook. Morgan Stanley’s price target implies potential upside of 16% over the next 12 months.

Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX: NVA)

The Nova Minerals share price is up almost 10% to 75.2 cents. Investors have been buying this gold explorer’s shares following the release of drilling results from its flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project, which is located in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt in Alaska. Management stated: “The 2025 surface sampling at Portage Pass has outlined a broad gold anomaly just over the ridge from the established Korbel deposit. The proximity to existing resources and proposed infrastructure makes Portage Pass particularly compelling. These early results reinforce our belief that the greater Estelle district continues to deliver new opportunities with real upside potential.”

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The WiseTech Global share price is up 6% to $39.38. The catalyst for this has been a strong night of trade on Wall Street’s Nasdaq index for software stocks. WiseTech isn’t alone with its rise today. Most tech stocks are rising today. This has led to the S&P/ASX All Technology Index is up 2.55% at the time of writing.

The post Why Boss Energy, Macquarie, Nova Minerals, and WiseTech shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX shares I’d buy and forget about for 10 years
• 3 quality ASX shares I’d buy while everyone else is nervous
• $5,000 to invest? 3 ASX shares that could be no-brainer buys right now
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. 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) has climbed nearly 6% higher in the first two weeks of April, after dropping 8% through March. But some stocks are travelling in the opposite direction.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN), Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) are three ASX 200 shares which have dropped to a 52-week low recently.

Here’s a rundown of what has pushed their share prices lower, and what we can expect next.

The ASX 200 shares to buy

Harvey Norman shares hit a fresh 52-week low of $4.66 at the time of writing on Tuesday lunchtime. The share price also dropped over 12% in February alone and has continued to tumble another 13% through March. The trend has continued through the first two weeks of April too.

It looks like investors quickly took their profits off the table in late-February after Harvey Norman shares enjoyed a strong rally through late 2025.

But the retail giant has faced strong headwinds over the past year off the back of renewed concerns about rising inflation and how that will impact consumer spending. Tighter household budgets mean Australians are spending less discretionary items this year.

Market Index data shows that brokers now think the shares are below fair value. They rate the ASX 200 stock as a buy with an average target price of $6.29. That implies a potential 35.2% upside at the time of writing.

Another beaten-down ASX 200 stock that brokers are even more positive about is Life360. The US-based software development company’s shares fell to a 52-week low of $17.91 at close of the ASX on Monday afternoon. 

The shares have rebounded today, climbing 4.4% to $18.70 at the time of writing, but they’re still 42.4% lower for the year-to-date and over 66% lower since the stock peaked at an all-time high of  $55.87 recorded in October last year. 

The ASX 200 stock has suffered a volatile few months after it was caught up in the tech-sector-wide sell-off. This was driven by a growing fear that companies’ core services could be replaced by AI. At the same time, there was concern that tech sector share prices, including Life360, had become overinflated.

But brokers are very bullish that the share price could start soaring higher. They have a strong buy consensus rating with the potential to climb 91.5% to $35.78, at the time of writing.

And one to hold

Just because an ASX 200 stock has fallen to a 52-week low, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s below fair value.

For example, Super Retail Group shares closed at a one-year low of $12.50 when the bell sounded on the ASX on Monday afternoon. While the shares have climbed 1.5% at the time of writing today, to $12.69, they’re still down nearly 20% for the year-to-date.

The share price has tumbled since August last year off the back of declining revenue figures, tighter margins and rising operating costs. Higher inflation is also dampening consumer spending, which affects the company’s margins.

While the shares have tumbled, brokers are hesitant about what to expect next. Market Index indicates brokers have a hold rating on the ASX 200 stock with a $16.44 target price. However, that still implies a 30% upside at the time of writing.

The post These 3 ASX 200 stocks hit a 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Qantas Airways flags higher fuel costs and capacity changes in FY26 update
• Cleanaway Waste Management trims FY26 outlook on fuel challenges
• Westpac Banking Corporation: Items impacting first-half 2026 results
• 3 quality ASX shares I’d buy while everyone else is nervous
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 positions in and has recommended Life360 and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman, Life360, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX All Ords gold share Ausgold Ltd (ASX: AUC) is charging higher today.

Ausgold shares closed yesterday trading for 94 cents. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for 97 cents apiece, up 3.2%.

For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.6% at this same time.

The ASX All Ords gold share looks to be catching tailwinds on two fronts today.

First, the gold price is up 0.7% overnight to US$4,773 per ounce. This comes amid news that the US and Iran may return to the negotiating table.

Investors are also buying Ausgold shares today after the miner released a promising exploratory drilling update.

Here’s what we know.

ASX All Ords gold share lifts on high-grade results

Before market open this morning, Ausgold reported on assay results from extensional and in-fill drilling within the Central Zone at its 100%-owned Katanning Gold Project (KGP), located in Western Australia.

The drill results stem from the ASX All Ords gold share’s current 54,000 metre reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling (DD) campaign. 46,717 metres of that campaign, comprising of 328 holes, have been completed to date.

Ausgold is targeting resource growth at KGP, supporting potential for future reserve conversion and improving the company’s confidence in early mine life areas. The miner is also targeting new discoveries across its 3,000 square kilometre tenure.

While the miner is still waiting for the results of some 15,349 metres of drill holes, today it revealed it had received results with “significant intercepts” from 77 RC and diamond drill-holes.

Among the top results, the ASX All Ords gold share reported 11 metres at 7.88 grams of gold per tonne from 99 metres, including 2 metres at 41.25 grams of gold per tonne from 100 metres.

As second hole returned 21 metres @ 3.27g/t from 105 metres, including 14 metres @ 4.69g/t from 110 metres.

What did Ausgold management say?

Commenting on the results helping to boost the ASX All Ords gold share today, Ausgold executive chairman John Dorward said, “The ongoing drilling campaign continues to deliver exceptional results across multiple fronts at the Katanning Gold Project.”

Dorward added, “The consistency of high-grade results from both in-fill and extensional drilling continues to strengthen the Katanning growth story.”

Looking to what ASX investors might expect ahead, Dorward said:

With extensions of the mineralisation confirmed beneath the DFS Update pits and outside current reserves, we see a clear opportunity to grow the production base and extend mine life, while simultaneously optimising the early years of production.

With regional drilling at Nanicup Bridge now complete, we are looking forward to reporting results from this exciting satellite project along with the balance of results from the KGP.

The post Why investors are buying this ASX All Ords gold share today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These 3 ASX 200 stocks hit a 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold?
• Should you buy the dip on A2 Milk shares today?
• 5 thematics driving ASX ETF investment today: expert
• Where is opportunity in the ASX real estate sector? Expert
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields

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.

A2 Milk Co Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dairy company closed down a sharp 12.0% yesterday, at $8.04. During the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $7.95 apiece, down 1.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.6% at this same time.

Before we look at whether now could be an opportune time to buy the dip in the infant formula stock, let’s see why investors were favouring their sell buttons on Monday.

Why did the ASX 200 stock tumble on Monday?

Almost 9.4 million A2 Milk shares swapped hands yesterday, with the ASX 200 stock, as mentioned up top, ending the day down 12.0%.

This came after the company released a trading update highlighting supply and product availability issues in its key China market.

Unexpected headwinds included tighter Chinese customs requirements as well as rising air and sea freight costs amid surging global energy prices.

As The Motley Fool reported yesterday, “While these supply chain disruptions are largely considered temporary, they are expected to materially affect fourth quarter sales, particularly during April and May.”

In light of this, management downgraded the company’s full year FY 2026 revenue growth forecast to be in the low to mid double-digit percent range. That’s down from prior guidance of mid-double digit percent revenue growth.

Earnings are also likely to take a hit, with FY 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin guidance lowered to 14.0% to 14.5%. That’s down from the prior guidance of 15.5% to 16.0%.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Is now a good time to buy A2 Milk shares?

Following on Monday’s update, the team at Citi ran their slide rule back over A2 Milk shares (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

Commenting on the company’s supply chain issues, Citi analyst Sam Teeger said:

We see risk that these constraints may persist for longer than expected, and even when they are resolved, it may not be easy or cheap for a2 to win back consumers who have switched to competitor brands.

Atop A2 Milk potentially losing market share amid these largely external constraints, Teeger added, “The stock’s valuation also doesn’t leave much scope for anything but flawless execution.”

Citi reduced its FY 2026 earnings forecast for A2 Milk by 9%, and reduced the ASX 200 stock to a neutral rating.

The broker also cut its target price for A2 Milk shares by 20% to $8.40. Still, that’s 5.7% above the current share price.

The post Should you buy the dip on A2 Milk shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Bell Potter saying about A2 Milk shares after the selloff?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Why A2 Milk, Metallium, Northern Star, and St Barbara shares are sinking today
• Why are A2 Milk shares sinking 18% today?
• The a2 Milk Company lowers FY26 guidance amid supply chain challenges

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

Betashares strategist, Tom Wickenden, says the Iran war is directly impacting ASX ETF investment activity today.

In a new report, Wickenden says the longer-term impact of the Iran war will centre around global energy self-sufficiency.

Investors have responded by ploughing funds into 5 ASX ETF thematics.

Let’s take a look.

Energy producers

An example is the Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: FUEL), which is 30% higher in the year to date (YTD).

Another example is the commodity-price-based energy ETF, Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO).

OOO ETF was the best performer among the more than 400 ASX ETFs on the market last month, returning 55% due to the global oil shock.

Uranium

Betashares offers investors the Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM), which is up 15% in the YTD.

The uranium arena is volatile, however, James Gerrish from Market Partners says small modular reactors are the way of the future.

In a recent Money Matters newsletter, Gerrish said:

Nuclear power accounts for ~10% of global electricity generation today with demand set to rise substantially over the coming years as AI usage ratchets up.

With the uranium market transitioning into a structural tightening phase, and a high probability of deficit emerging later this decade, the URNM ETF should push higher in the coming years.

Defence

Vaneck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) is one of the most popular defence ETFs on the market today.

DFND ETF has risen 34% over the past 12 months amid NATO committing to a substantial lift in defence spending at America’s urging.

Critical minerals

Australia’s last mining boom, from the early 2000s through to 2013, was mainly driven by iron ore and coal exports to China.

Experts say the next one already underway is being driven by critical minerals tied to electrification, power generation, and energy security.

They include copper, uranium, lithium, rare earths, and silver.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET) was among the 6 best-performing international shares-based ASX ETFs last year.

XMET ETF delivered a 100% return while Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL) returned a similarly impressive 81%.

Agricultural commodities

The oil shock has sparked concern over the global supply of fertiliser, which is crucial for crop production.

Natural gas is a key feedstock for nitrogen-based fertilisers like ammonia and urea.

This means higher oil and gas prices can significantly increase fertiliser costs.

Betashares offers the Global Agriculture Companies Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: FOOD), which has risen 41% over the past year.

The post 5 thematics driving ASX ETF investment today: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What were the best performing Betashares ASX ETFs in March?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy amid share market rally today: Experts
• 2 ASX mining shares to buy: Expert
• Why are shares in this uranium company surging today?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy before the rally really takes off: expert

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vaneck Global Defence 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 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.

Since the beginning of the Middle East conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel, real estate has been one of the worst performing sectors.

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX: XRE) index has dropped more than 14% year to date. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 3% in the same period. 

Despite the fall, real estate remains an important part of the Australian economy. 

Real estate activities (including renting, buying, selling, and property services) make up a significant share of Australia’s GDP.

Right now, there appears to be opportunity for investors to buy low on real estate shares and REITs.

The team at Bell Potter recently provided updated guidance on the sector. 

Here is where the broker sees opportunity. 

Little delineation last week 

In Monday’s report, the broker said there was little delineation between REITs and the broader ASX 200 last week (-0.5%). 

However REITs are now -15% vs. XJO 3mths rolling and as our strategy team points to, it has been the key sector underperformer vs all others since start of the Middle East conflict.

We are positive low future supply, strong fundamentals sub-sectors though (retail particularly non-discretionary; industrial) – Buy Region Group (ASX: RGN), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI). 

Here’s how these stocks are currently performing. 

Region Group (ASX: RGN)

Region Group specialises in leasing out convenience-focused properties that offer everyday goods and services. More than half of the rent is derived from specialty tenants, which are mostly non-discretionary, such as food and liquor, pharmacy and healthcare, and general services.

It is down roughly 3% since the start of the year and is trading today for approximately $2.28 per share. 

However, Bell Potter currently has a price target of $2.75 on the ASX real estate stock. 

This indicates an upside potential of approximately 20%. 

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) 

CIP is a real estate investment trust that owns around four billion dollars of industrial properties. These include manufacturing facilities, distribution warehouses, and data centres.

Its share price has fallen almost 11% year to date. 

Bell Potter’s updated price target for this ASX real estate stock is $3.60, which is 22% higher than today’s share price. 

It also offers a strong dividend yield.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

Dexus is an Australian real estate investment trust (REIT) with a portfolio of workplace-focused properties. 

Its share price is down 11.3% in 2026 and is changing hands today for approximately $2.38 per share. 

Bell Potter recently placed a share price target of $3.00. 

If this real estate stock hits this target, it would represent a 26% climb from today’s share price. 

The post Where is opportunity in the ASX real estate sector? Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX materials stock could rise 20% according to this broker
• It could be time to buy-low on this ASX small-cap stock according to brokers
• Bell Potter says this ASX healthcare stock could rise nearly 200%
• Experts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in April

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 positions in and has recommended Region Group. 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 one of the best places to find passive income, in my eyes. A combination of franking credits and rising interest rates means ASX blue-chip shares can offer some of the largest dividend yields.

While lower share prices can be unnerving, I think that’s the best time to strike because of the better dividend yields (and valuations) on offer.

With that in mind, I think the two ASX blue-chip shares below really fit the bill.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

Higher interest rates are a short-term negative for property due to higher interest costs and a headwind to property prices. I think that’s largely why the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT unit price has dropped by 20% in the last six months.

The decline has meant the distribution/dividend yield has been boosted. It’s expecting to increase its payout slightly to 25.5 cents per security in FY26, which now translates into a distribution yield of 7.5%, at the time of writing.

It’s not just the yield that’s appealing. It has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years. That means many years of rental income have been locked in.

It is one of the largest REITs on the ASX with a diversified portfolio across a number of areas, including hotels, service stations, telecommunications exchanges, data centres, distribution centres, and plenty more.

It has a number of ASX blue-chip shares as reliable tenants, giving the REIT an even greater claim as a resilient blue chip itself. Some of its great tenants include Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), BP, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

Another leading ASX blue-chip share is JB Hi-Fi, one of Australia’s leading retailers of electrical products, gadgets, and home appliances through its stores across Australia and New Zealand. It also owns The Good Guys business.

The fact that it has increased its payout in most years over the past 15 years demonstrates its long-term growth and its potential as an effective income pick.

Following the 35% decline in JB Hi-Fi’s share price over the last six months, its projected dividend yield is now high.

According to CMC Invest’s projection, the business is expected to pay an annual dividend per share of $3.55 in FY26. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.75%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

I think the company’s earnings can continue to grow as it expands its store network, sells new products, achieves additional scale benefits, grows the newly acquired E&S, and implements additional cost-saving strategies.

The post 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now
• Looking for long-term passive income? Try one of these ASX shares
• Is it time to load up on these high-yielding ASX dividend shares?
• 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BP. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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.