Category: Stock Market

Building a retirement portfolio is really about shifting priorities.

Income becomes more important, volatility matters more, and the focus tends to move toward businesses that can deliver steady returns rather than rapid growth.

In that context, I would be looking for companies with reliable cash flow, essential services, and a clear ability to keep paying dividends over time.

With that in mind, these are three ASX dividend stocks I would consider for a retirement-focused portfolio.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is one of the most straightforward defensive businesses on the ASX.

It operates in a sector that people rely on every day. Grocery spending tends to remain relatively stable, even during economic slowdowns, which helps support consistent revenue.

What I like most is the predictability.

Woolworths generates steady earnings, which underpin its ability to pay regular, fully franked dividends. That kind of reliability is important when you are relying on income.

There is also a modest growth element.

The company continues to invest in its digital capability, which could help improve margins over time.

For a retirement portfolio, I think Woolworths offers a solid foundation.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban brings infrastructure exposure into the mix.

Its toll roads are long-life assets that generate recurring revenue from everyday usage. People still commute, travel, and transport goods regardless of short-term economic conditions.

What stands out to me is the visibility of cash flows. Many of its concessions run for decades, and tolls are often linked to inflation. That provides a level of predictability that I think is valuable for income investors.

Distributions have also shown a pattern of steady growth over time.

For me, Transurban offers a combination of income today and the potential for gradual increases in that income over the years.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT adds another layer of income, but with a slightly different angle.

It focuses on large-format retail centres anchored by essential services such as supermarkets like Woolies, healthcare, and everyday goods.

That tenant mix is important.

It means the properties are supported by businesses that people continue to use regularly, which can help underpin rental income.

I also like the relatively high distribution yield that REITs like this can offer.

Of course, property trusts can be sensitive to interest rates, and that is something to keep in mind. But over time, I think assets tied to daily needs can provide stable income.

Foolish takeaway

If I were building a retirement portfolio, I would be aiming for a balance of stability, income, and modest growth.

I think Woolworths, Transurban, and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT provide this and have characteristics that can support a reliable income stream over time.

The post The ASX dividend stocks I’d buy for a retirement portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• An ASX dividend stock I’d hold no matter what
• How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March?
• Woolworths’ $37 share price is near an all-time high, so why am I going to buy some as soon as possible?
• 2 defensive ASX dividend stocks for reliable income
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group 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.

ASX ETFs make it easy to start investing without picking individual stocks.

Instead of guessing which companies will win, you can build a diversified, low-maintenance portfolio in minutes. For beginners, that’s a powerful way to invest with confidence over the long term.

If you’re aiming for a balanced, defensive mix of Aussie and global exposure, these three ASX ETFs could be ideal “set and forget” options.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This ASX ETF gives you instant exposure to hundreds of large companies across developed markets like the US, Europe, and Japan. That global diversification is a huge strength, as you’re not relying solely on the Australian economy.

It also taps into powerful long-term growth trends across industries. Key holdings include NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

The main risk? Currency fluctuations and market volatility. But over a 10-year horizon, global diversification can be a major advantage.

BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

This ASX ETF tracks the top 200 companies on the ASX, offering broad exposure to the Australian market at a very low cost. It’s a simple way to gain access to dividends, franking credits, and the strength of local blue chips.

Its holdings span multiple sectors, including companies like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

The risk here is concentration. The Australian market is heavily weighted toward financials and resources. But paired with global exposure, it works well in a balanced portfolio.

iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF)

This ETF invests in a diversified basket of Australian government and high-quality corporate bonds. It won’t deliver explosive growth, but that’s not the point.

IAF helps smooth out volatility and provides more stable income, especially during market downturns.

Its holdings include Australian Government bonds and debt issued by major institutions like Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

The trade-off is lower returns compared to shares, and sensitivity to interest rate movements.

Foolish Takeaway

These three ASX ETFs offer a powerful combination: global growth (VGS), Australian income and stability (A200), and defensive protection (IAF).

For new investors, that’s a simple, diversified portfolio you can build today, and potentially hold for the next decade with confidence.

All three ASX ETFs are also highly cost-effective options. The Vanguard ETF VGS charges a low management fee of around 0.18% per year, while the BetaShares Australia 200 ETF is even cheaper at approximately 0.04%. And the iShares Core Composite Bond ETF costs about 0.10% annually.

The post New to investing? 3 ASX ETFs to set and forget for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 1 ASX dividend stock down 22% I’d buy right now
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares

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 Alphabet, CSL, Macquarie Group, Nvidia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, CSL, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Many investors strive for reliable passive income. Whether it’s to supplement their main income source or replace it, earning an dividend yield from ASX shares is a straightforward way to make money.

The question is, how do you work out what to invest to get the passive income you want.

It’s actually more straightforward than you’d think.

For example, let’s assume you want to earn $1,000 in passive income every month by investing in ASX shares.

That totals $12,000 per year in dividend payments.

The easy way to work out the investment you need is to divide your annual passive income by the dividend yield.

The tricky part is that the answer varies widely depending on the dividend yield of the ASX shares you’d be buying. 

How much you’d need depending on the ASX share’s dividend yield

Here’s a breakdown of how much you can expect to invest depending on the dividend yield of the shares.

The average dividend yield on the Australian share market is traditionally around 4%. These are usually blue chip companies and major heavyweights which are considered low-risk but long-growth. For example, major banks like National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and defensive stocks like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

An investor would need to invest $300,000 into shares with a 4% dividend yield in order to earn a passive income of $1,000 per month (or $12,000 per year).

If the yield is higher, at around 6%, you’re looking at a $200,000 investment. These are typically companies with a stronger cash flow, which operate in more cyclical industries, which comes with additional risk. For example, ASX infrastructure shares such as APA Group (ASX: APA) or energy companies like Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG).

Then there’s high-yielding companies, which come with even greater risk, and are usually highly cyclical. ASX shares like intellectual property (IP) services company IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) and media giant Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) yield around 10%, or even more. You’d only need to invest $120,000 in order to earn $1,000 in passive income.

The catch…

While it can be tempting to buy the shares with the highest yield with the view of lowering the initial investment amount, it’s not usually a wise financial decision.

As I mentioned above, the higher the yield, the higher the level of risk. Rather than fast short-term growth, your focus should always be on earning a sustainable passive income over a long period of time.

The post How much would I need to invest in ASX shares to earn $1,000 in passive income every month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this reliable ASX dividend stock just climbed to a fresh multi-year high
• $8,000 invested in Telstra shares 1 month ago is now worth…
• The reliable ASX dividend shares I’d buy with $10,000
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for NAB shares
• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero

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 positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended IPH Ltd and Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you had a spare US$10,000 at the end of 2025, you might have decided to invest that in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC).

On 31 December, the world’s first and biggest crypto was trading for US$88,430, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

Indeed, with the price then down some 30% from the all-time high of US$126,198, notched on 7 October, a lot of crypto investors were eyeing what looked like a potentially opportune dip at the start of this year.

So, how did they fare?

What would your $10,000 Bitcoin investment be worth now?

At the start of 2026, you could have bought 0.113 Bitcoin, excluding any potential brokerage or exchange fees, with your US$10,000 investment.

You could also denote that in satoshis. Named after Satoshi Nakamoto – the still unknown creator, or creators, of BTC – one BTC is equivalent to 100 million satoshis. So your US$10,000 would have netted you 11.31 million satoshis.

Now on Tuesday, 7 April, the BTC price edged lower, changing virtual hands for US$68,755 in late afternoon trade Aussie time. That saw the token commanding a market cap of US$1.37 trillion.

Unfortunately, it also means that the US$10,000 you invested in the world’s top crypto at the start of the year is now worth $7,775, or a loss of 22.2%.

How about Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH)?

If Bitcoin investors are out more than 22% year to date, how about Ethereum?

Well, on 31 December, the world’s number two crypto by market cap was trading for US$2,971. Meaning you could have bought 3.37 Ethereum (again excluding any potential exchange or brokerage fees).

So, how did that crypto investment work out to date?

Well, on Tuesday afternoon, Ethereum was trading for US$2,108. That means your US$10,000 investment at the start of 2026 would now be worth US$7,095. Or a loss of 29.0%.

How does the Bitcoin performance compare to buying ASX shares or gold?

If, instead of buying Bitcoin or Ethereum, you decided to invest US$10,000 in an S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tracking exchange-traded fund (ETF), you’d still have lost money.

But a lot less.

As of late afternoon on Tuesday, the ASX 200 had slipped 0.24% since market close on 31 December. So your US$10,000 investment would be worth a slightly diminished US$9,976 today.

As for gold, the yellow metal kicked off 2026 trading for US$4,319 an ounce. Despite the sharp decline in March, gold was still commanding US$4,649 in Tuesday afternoon trade.

That sees the gold price up just under 7.9% year to date.

And it means a US$10,000 investment in bullion at the start of the year would be worth US$10,789 today.

The post US$10,000 invested in Bitcoin at the start of the year is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is the Bitcoin price outperforming amid the Middle East conflict?

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 positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s important to keep on top of how much superannuation you have (and should have) at any age. 

How else would you know if you’re on track for the ultimate goal of a comfortable retirement?

That’s one where retirees are able to maintain a good standard of living. It includes top level private health insurance, ownership of a reasonable car brand and regular leisure activities. It also includes funds for home repairs and renovations, occasional meals out, and an annual domestic trip.

The thing is, Australians at age 45 and age 60 are at a very different stage of their life. That means there is usually a significant gap between balances at each age.

At age 45, many Australians feel like they’re at a financial crossroads. It’s the point that bridges what they’ve accumulated in their early careers and the stage when their superannuation begins to grow more rapidly. 

This acceleration is usually driven by higher incomes and long-term exposure to growth assets like shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Age 45 is also a significant time when many women return to the workforce, or increase their hours, after raising children.

By age 60, Australians are largely moving to the next stage. Superannuation balances have grown significantly, and retirement is just around the corner. 

At this point, Australians should be focusing on whether there is enough in their superannuation to make retirement an immediate reality and, if not, have a short-term plan to get there.

Here’s a rundown of the average superannuation balance for 45-year-olds versus 60-year-olds in 2026.

How much superannuation does the average Australian have at age 45?

There isn’t an exact figure for Australians aged 45. But it’s straightforward to estimate using some of the data from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA). According to ASFA, at age 40-44, the average man has $140,680, and the average female has $109,209. 

Then, at age 45 to 49, the average male has $193,501 in their superannuation, and the average female has $147,146.

At age 45 (which sits between the two brackets), it would be safe to assume that the average superannuation balances would be somewhere between the two.

How much superannuation does the average Australian have at age 60?

It’s the same case for age 60. The average 55-59-year-old man has an average of $319,743, and women have $242,945. While the average balance for men aged 60-64 is $395,852, and for women it’s $313,360.

As age 60 sits between the two brackets, it would be safe to assume the average superannuation balance is between the two amounts.

How do these balances compare to how much I need?

According to ASFA, a comfortable retirement is expected to cost approximately $54,840 per year for individuals and $77,375 per year for couples.

That equates to a superannuation balance of approximately $730,000, and for a single person, this is approximately $630,000.

ASFA has crunched the numbers, and it turns out that in order to reach that figure, you’d need a superannuation balance of around 239,000 at age 45, and this would need to increase to around $496,500 by age 60.

The post Average superannuation balance in Australia in 2026: 45 versus 60 year olds appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late
• Why Bell Potter just downgraded its valuation of this popular ASX 200 share
• Why Challenger, Lotus Resources, Mesoblast, and Wildcat shares are falling today
• 6 ASX shares hitting 52-week lows amid today’s market rally
• Up 1,800% in a year, this ASX stock just hit another record high

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.

Recent market volatility has hit growth-focused investments particularly hard.

Concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt existing business models have weighed heavily on a number of sectors, especially technology.

But for long-term investors, this pullback could be creating opportunities to buy into powerful themes at more attractive prices.

Here are three ASX ETFs that have fallen sharply and could be worth considering.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The first ASX ETF that could be a buy is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund has fallen around 40% from its highs as investors reassess the outlook for software and technology companies in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

Its holdings include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

While some fear AI could lower barriers to entry, these companies already have large customer bases, deep integrations, and strong recurring revenue models.

If anything, AI could enhance their offerings and strengthen their competitive positions over time. 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 down approximately 30% from its highs, reflecting concerns about both consumer spending and the impact of AI on gaming and digital content.

It provides exposure to companies such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Tencent (SEHK: 700), and Nintendo.

NVIDIA stands out as a key holding in this fund. While it is well known for gaming, its chips are also central to AI infrastructure, giving it exposure to multiple growth drivers.

The broader gaming industry continues to expand globally, supported by mobile adoption, esports, and digital distribution. This fund was recently recommended to investors by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

A third ASX ETF that could be a compelling option is the BetaShares India Quality ETF.

This fund has dropped around 22% amid concerns that AI could disrupt outsourcing and IT services, which are important parts of India’s economy.

Its holdings include companies such as Infosys (NYSE: INFY), Tata Consultancy Services (NSEI: TCS), and HDFC Bank.

Infosys is a good example. It provides IT consulting and outsourcing services to global businesses, helping them manage and modernise their technology systems.

While AI may change how services are delivered, it is also likely to increase demand for digital transformation, which could benefit companies in this space.

With India’s economy continuing to grow and modernise, this ETF offers exposure to a large and expanding market. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy before it’s too late appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nvidia, Technology One, Tencent, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nintendo. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) shares started the week on a positive note.

The ASX 200 share ended the session 2% higher at $21.42.

This was despite Bell Potter making a major downgrade to its valuation.

What did the broker say about this ASX 200 share?

Bell Potter has been reviewing Lovisa’s performance in FY 2026 and has made downward revisions to its estimates. It said:

Lovisa Holdings (LOV)’s 1H26 result back in February saw revenue beats to BPe, however misses in both EBIT and NPAT on a group basis (core Lovisa brand + new global brand, Jewells) vs BPe. The trading update for the first 7 weeks of 2H26 saw total sales +21.5% on pcp and global comparable sales +1.6% on pcp (vs +2.2% in 1H26) tracking softer than BPe.

The strong performance in the US/UK markets of 30- 40% revenue growth on pcp has been offset by a weaker than expected performance (vs BPe) in the core ANZ market with a ~5% decline on pcp during 1H26. Net new stores of 64 driven by 85 openings & 21 closures and total stores at 1,095 was a miss to BPe (however in line with Consensus), however with UK the standout region adding 14 new stores.

In response, Bell Potter has downgraded its net profit estimates by double-digit percentages through to FY 2028. It adds:

We factor in the misses to our comparable sales growth (2H to-date), EBIT and operating cost base (in 1H26) and we continue to include the Jewells brand within our underlying forecasts ($2.5m in revenue and $10.8m in losses in 1H26). Our revised forecasts see global total sales growth of ~19% in 2H26 and ~21% in FY26e (on pcp). The net result sees our NPAT forecasts -11%/-11%/-10% for FY26/27/28e.

New price target

According to the note, the broker has retained its hold rating on the ASX 200 share with a price target of $24.00 (from $33.50).

This implies potential upside of 12% for investors over the next 12 months. In addition, a dividend yield of 3.6% is expected over the period, stretching the total potential return beyond 15%.

Commenting on its hold recommendation and sizeable valuation downgrade, Bell Potter said:

Our Target Price decreases by 28% to $24.00 (prev $33.50). Along with our earnings downgrades, we reduce our target P/E multiple to ~29x (prev. 32x) on a blended FY26/27e basis to reflect the de-rating in the sector. We highly rate LOV’s strong gross margin outlook, long term store opportunity upside, further prospects arising from changes in the competitive dynamics in US/UK/South Africa, together with strong execution and leadership.

On the flipside, we see elevated risks within the core Australian market with a fast-growing competitor and factor in further declines in comparable store sales for the region. However, we see some of these risks offset by the strong performance in the US/UK with better efficiencies within the North American store network and continuing growth in new stores within UK supported by the exit of key competitor as somewhat evident in the 1H26 result. Overall, we remain cautious considering the current weak consumer environment, potential costs related to the broader group’s new brand growth initiatives and also investments into market share & store refits to mitigate competitive pressures in key markets.

The post Why Bell Potter just downgraded its valuation of this popular ASX 200 share appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here’s what I consider to be the very best ASX 200 share to buy in April
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• 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $8,000
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In late trade on Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to end the session with a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.6% to 8,715.9 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.05. This is despite news that the company has signed a strategic capital partnership with Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ). The Challenger partnership includes a whole-of-loan sale and a forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. Challenger’s chief investment officer, Damian Graham, said: “We’re pleased to have partnered with BOQ on this whole-of-loan sale and forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. The transaction establishes a strategic partnership with BOQ and provides Challenger with access to a high-quality, seasoned and highly diversified loan portfolio that will deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for Challenger and institutional investors.”

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is down 3.5% to $1.31. This has been driven by the release of a uranium production update this morning. The company revealed that it will replace two newly installed electrical control panels in the drying and packaging area of its Kayelekera uranium mine due to fire damage sustained on Saturday. The incident is expected to result in production downtime of approximately three weeks for repairs, testing, and recommissioning. Lotus’ managing director, Greg Bittar, commented: “Despite this delay, the progress in positioning Kayelekera for steady-state production this quarter has been encouraging, and we still expect to achieve this in Q2 CY2026. Reagent planning and inventories, mill performance and other key processing parameters all provide visibility on this.”

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is down 6.5% to $1.99. This follows the release of a sales update from the biotech company today. Mesoblast revealed that net sales for Ryoncil reached US$30.3 million in the third quarter. This means that revenue since the Ryoncil launch is now approaching US$100 million. This may be softer than some investors were expecting. Ryoncil is the only FDA-approved cell therapy for children under 12 with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down almost 4% to 37.5 cents. This morning, the lithium explorer and developer released a drilling update. It revealed a ~300 metres northerly extension of interpreted spodumene mineralisation at Bolt Cutter Central. It is located ~10km west of Wildcat’s Tabba Tabba Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The post Why Challenger, Lotus Resources, Mesoblast, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Mesoblast shares are back in the red on Tuesday. Here’s why
• Mesoblast shares: Ryoncil® underpins strong earnings growth
• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger
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• Guess which ASX 300 uranium stock is rocketing today on a ‘fantastic milestone’

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rallied strongly today as investors looked beyond the Iran war and oil price shock.

ASX 200 shares soared 2.6% to an intraday peak of 8,804 points in morning trading on Tuesday.

Leading the market today are Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares, up 18%, and Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT), up 12%.

However, some ASX shares are bucking the trend.

Here are six stocks that hit 52-week lows today.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Sonic Healthcare is one of several ASX healthcare shares trading at multi-year lows these days.

The sector faces multiple headwinds, including currency changes, US tariffs, and higher labour costs and other expenses.

The Sonic Healthcare share price fell to a decade-low of $18.88 today.

This ASX healthcare share has fallen 13% in the year to date (YTD) and 21% over the past year.

Ord Minnett has a hold rating on Sonic Healthcare with a 12-month share price target of $24.

Stockland Corp Ltd (ASX: SGP)

The Stockland share price fell to a 52-week low of $4.01 today.

Stockland shares are down 30% YTD.

In a separate article, my colleague Aaron has delved into the reasons this ASX property share has tanked in 2026.

Macquarie has just reiterated its buy rating on Stockland shares with a target price of $4.42.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price fell to a record low of $3.13 on Tuesday.

Endeavour shares have tumbled 14% YTD.

Citi recently downgraded this ASX consumer staples share to a hold rating.

The broker reduced its 12-month target from $4.30 to $3.70.

Atlas Arteria Group Ltd (ASX: ALX)

The Atlas Arteria share price fell to a nine-year low of $4.21 today.

Shares in the toll roads operator have fallen 13% YTD.

Last week, Morgan Stanley maintained its hold rating on Atlas Arteria shares.

The broker reduced its share price target from $5.06 to $4.96.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

The Lendlease share price dropped to an all-time low of $3.10 on Tuesday.

The ASX real estate share has fallen 39% in 2026.

Today, Macquarie reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month price target of $4.99.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price dropped to a record low of 51 cents today.

The ASX healthcare share has declined 43% YTD.

Goldman Sachs reiterated its sell rating on Healius shares last month.

The broker lowered its price target from 66 cents to 57 cents.

The post 6 ASX shares hitting 52-week lows amid today’s market rally appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Experts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Why Stockland shares just crashed to a multi-year low
• Is it time to load up on these high-yielding ASX dividend shares?
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Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS) shares are on fire again today, pushing to a fresh all-time high as investors continue to pile into this momentum stock.

In afternoon trade, the Elsight share price is up 8% to $6.75, after touching an intraday peak of $6.76. That move marks a new record high and leaves the stock up roughly 1,800% over the past 12 months.

The latest gain extends one of the ASX’s strongest defence tech moves. Investors continue to reward the company’s expanding role in global unmanned systems connectivity.

Here’s what is driving the momentum.

Drone contract wins keep the momentum building

One of the key drivers behind Elsight’s strong run this year has been contract momentum across its defence-linked drone programs.

Its Halo connectivity platform is being adopted more broadly for beyond visual line of sight drone missions. Reliable multi-link communication remains critical across military, public safety, and commercial use cases.

Recent updates have pointed to new orders from the US, while Bell Potter previously described 2026 as potentially a “year of the drone” for Elsight as defence departments increase investment in autonomous systems.

The market also seems to be recognising the company’s stronger financial performance.

Elsight’s recent results showed record revenue, a growing installed base, and a larger pool of recurring software-style revenue, which is giving investors more confidence in future growth.

What the chart is saying now

The chart setup remains very positive.

The stock is trading well above both its short and long-term moving averages, which points to strong bullish momentum.

In addition, the relative strength index (RSI) is sitting near 70, placing the stock close to overbought territory but not yet at an extreme level.

Momentum indicators such as MACD remain supportive after the move to fresh highs.

The previous resistance zone around $6.25 now looks like the first key support level after today’s breakout.

Below that, the $5.80 to $6.00 region may act as a secondary support band, which aligns with recent consolidation levels.

With the stock at new highs and no historical resistance above, momentum buyers may remain interested in the current market environment.

Foolish takeaway

Elsight is now one of the ASX’s standout defence tech stocks, with its market capitalisation pushing to around $1.25 billion.

The combination of strong contract wins, growing defence exposure, and a technically strong breakout is keeping the stock in focus.

After a 1,800% run in a year, the pace of gains is clearly extraordinary. But for now, the upward trend looks well supported.

The post Up 1,800% in a year, this ASX stock just hit another record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.