Category: Stock Market

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.7% to 8,726.2 points on Thursday.

Here at The Fool, we’ve been super busy analysing the market’s performance over FY26.

You might like to check out the 13 ASX 200 shares that doubled (or better) in value last year.

Or the best and worst-performing ASX 200 sectors. Or the No. 1 stock for capital growth in each sector.

In this article, we look ahead to FY27.

Experts reckon these ASX 200 shares could be in for an exceptional period of growth in the new financial year.

Here’s why.

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) 

The Mesoblast share price rose by a very respectable 18% in FY26 to finish at $1.96 on 30 June. 

Bell Potter reiterated its speculative buy rating last week with an unchanged target of $4.45. 

This implies the Mesoblast share price could more than double over the next 12 months. 

The broker said: 

The key overhang on the stock remains clinical trial risk with three massive valuation events over the next 18 months being adult GvHD, back pain and the BLA approval for the first indication in HF.

None of these are priced in.

The broker added:

The recent clinical trial fail by Cynata and its MSC in adult GvHD highlights yet again the risks involved in drug development.

MSB will shortly enrol the first of 180 patients in its randomised, controlled, double blind label expansion study for Ryoncil, also in adult GvHD, albeit with risk of failure mitigated by numerous factors.

These factors include a tried and tested potency assay, more aggressive dose (up to 300% higher than the Cynata product) and a 2nd line patient population that has progressed following steroid therapy.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price fell 40% in FY26 to finish at 94 cents.

Judo was smashed in the final month of FY26 after downgrading its profit guidance.

Morgans renewed its buy rating on the ASX 200 bank share with a drastic cut to its price target, which is now $1.47.

This implies the broker is confident of a strong bounce back of at least 55% over the next year.

Morgans said:

The share price drawdown was vicious (particularly considering the decline that had already occurred since February).

While the earnings growth outlook has moderated, we still forecast c.30% EPS growth across both FY26 and FY27 with the stock now trading on a c.6.8x PER (FY27F) and 0.6x P:BV (end-FY26).

A significant risk premium or probability of failure has been priced into the stock. BUY.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price rose 5.5% to close out FY26 at $3.24 on 30 June.  

Jonathon Higgins from United Capital Partners (UCPS) says Zip shares are a buy for FY27.

Higgins is impressed with the buy now, pay later company’s turnaround.

In a note, Higgins said Zip was on track to report annual cash earnings of more than $260 million just three years after a $50 million loss. 

Higgins says the market is underappreciating Zip’s cost discipline and its growth prospects in the US.

UCPS has a 12-month target of $4.85. This implies a possible 50% upside over the next year.

Higgins said:

Sustainable earnings momentum against structural growth is hard to find on the ASX currently. 

The post 3 ASX 200 shares with 50% to 100% upside in FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Forget CBA shares, I’d buy these ASX bank stocks instead
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• Judo Bank shares rise despite Morgan Stanley price target cut
• Down 35%+, should you buy Zip and WiseTech shares?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. 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.

After a huge 12-month run, Cobre Ltd (ASX: CBE) shareholders are seeing some selling pressure on Wednesday.

The ASX copper stock has returned from a trading halt, and investors have not exactly rushed back in.

At the time of writing, the Cobre share price is down 10.61% to 29.5 cents.

Even after today’s fall, Cobre shares are still up 195% since the start of 2026 and around 640% over the past year.

Here’s what the company revealed.

$90 million placement completed

According to the release, Cobre has received firm commitments to raise $90 million before costs through a two-tranche placement.

The company will issue around 300 million new shares at 30 cents each to institutional, sophisticated, and professional investors.

The first tranche is expected to raise about $72 million, while the second tranche is expected to raise a further $18 million.

However, the second tranche will need shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting, which is expected to be held in late August or early September.

Cobre said the raising was strongly supported by new and existing shareholders, including global resources specialists and domestic and offshore investors.

Two of its major shareholders, Tribeca Investment Partners and Strata Investment Holdings, helped cornerstone the raising.

Cobre directors are also planning to take part, with board members committing a combined $200,000, subject to shareholder approval.

Where the money is going

A big chunk of the raising is being directed towards Cobre’s Sierra Atacama Copper Project in Chile.

Cobre said the money will go towards increasing its stake in the project, repaying debt, upgrading the plant, and funding more drilling.

The company has set aside $29 million for plant upgrades and other development costs at Sierra Atacama.

Another $26 million is expected to go towards debt repayment, while $17 million will be used to increase Cobre’s ownership in the project.

Cobre also plans to spend $17 million on Sierra Atacama exploration, including resource, near-mine, and high-grade sulphide drilling.

Why are Cobre shares falling?

The selling pressure appears to be coming from the terms of the capital raising.

Cobre priced the placement at 30 cents per share, which is a 9.1% discount to its last close of 33 cents on 6 July. It is also below the 10-day volume weighted average price of 32.8 cents.

Furthermore, the raising will add a large number of new shares.

If both tranches are completed, Cobre will issue around 300 million new shares, adding to the 966 million shares it already has on issue.

After such a strong run over the past year, the discounted placement and extra shares were always going to weigh on the stock.

The next things to watch are the shareholder vote on the second tranche and the next round of work at Sierra Atacama.

The post This ASX stock is tumbling 10% after huge 640% run. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares with 50% to 100% upside in FY27
• QBE shares rebound 35% to fresh multi-year high: Buy, sell or hold?
• Why are Fletcher Building shares flying 7% higher today?
• Takeover talk and a boardroom shake-up: Why Northern Star shares are falling today
• Average superannuation balance for 58 year olds in Australia. How does yours compare?

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.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares have climbed higher into the green in Thursday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the shares are up around 0.5% and changing hands at $25.49 a piece. At one point this morning, the shares were as high as $25.52.

The current trading price is the highest level seen since early 2009.

QBE shares had a slow start to the year after dropping to a low of $18.83 in December. The shares have rebounded 35% from that dip and are now up around 29% for the year to date and 12% higher than this time last year.

What has driven the QBE share price rebound in 2026?

QBE shares have rebounded off the back of support from stronger insurance earnings and higher premiums.

In May, the company posted its first-quarter FY26 update. It revealed an 11% year-on-year increase in gross written premium (GWP), or 7% on a constant currency basis. 

The insurer also reported total funds under management of $36.1 billion at the end of the quarter.

QBE maintained its FY26 outlook, pointing to mid-single-digit gross written premium growth and a group combined operating ratio of around 92.5%.

Then, just yesterday, the company announced a senior leadership change. In a statement to the ASX, QBE said Sue Houghton will step down from her role as Chief Executive Officer for Australia Pacific at the end of 2026. The move hasn’t seemed to spook investors, and the company’s share price has continued rallying higher.

Are the shares a buy, sell, or hold now?

The experts are divided about the outlook for QBE shares over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows that around half of brokers have a buy rating on the shares. But the $23.35 average target price currently implies a potential 8% downside ahead.

Sentiment is a little more bullish on TradingView data. Out of 11 analysts, six have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. Another two rate QBE as a hold, and three have a sell stance.

But the average $24.52 target price also implies a 4% downside at the time of writing, likely due to the latest share price rally.

Some are more optimistic, though, and think QBE shares have the potential to climb another 9% to $27.62 a piece.

Investment firm Market Partners is positive on the outlook for QBE shares and sees an emerging turnaround story ahead. It recently noted that QBE has been working hard to simplify its business over the past 5 to 10 years, including a number of acquisitions, and it’s now paying off. 

The post QBE shares rebound 35% to fresh multi-year high: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• QBE shares surge again as $37 billion insurance giant faces leadership change
• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy now: experts
• QBE shares soar to fresh multi-year high: Here’s what brokers expect next
• Invested in ASX 200 bank shares for dividends? This fundie prefers other stocks
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) shares are flying higher into the green in Thursday morning trade.

At the time of writing, Fletcher Building is the best-performing stock on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). The shares are up around 7% this morning and changing hands at $2.97 a piece.

Today’s uptick also follows a 1.5% increase in the company’s share price at the close of the market on Wednesday afternoon.

It’s been a great recovery story for the construction management company’s shares over the past couple of months. The stock has now rebounded around 31% in value from a two-decade low recorded in late April.

Over the past month, Fletcher Building shares have climbed nearly 13% higher, and they’re roughly 8% higher than 12 months ago. 

What is driving Fletcher Building shares higher today?

In a statement to the ASX ahead of the market open this morning, the company announced it has raised its full-year EBIT guidance by 6.4% to $400 to $403 million.

The company’s FY26 EBIT from continuing operations (excluding property sales) has also been raised to $348 to $351 million, up around 3.6% from its mid-June guidance.

The company cited positive quarterly volumes across its core manufacturing and distribution segments. The increase was partly driven by customers bringing forward demand ahead of expected price increases.

Clearly, investors were thrilled with the update, and many have rushed to buy the shares today.

Fletcher Building is expected to announce its final FY26 financial results this earnings season in mid-August.

Can the shares keep climbing higher?

If the company can deliver, or even exceed, its latest guidance figures, I think the shares have a lot of potential to keep climbing higher in the near future.

It looks like analysts are relatively neutral on the stock, however.

At the time of writing, 6 of 13 analysts have a hold rating on the shares. Another four rate the shares as a buy or strong buy, and three rate the stock as a strong sell.

After today’s price rally, the average $2.82 target price implies a potential 2% downside at the time of writing.

The range between the minimum and maximum is significant, though. Some forecast the shares to climb around 17% to $3.37 each. Meanwhile, others think the stock could fall as much as 53% to $1.355 a piece.

After today’s announcement, it’s possible we’ll see some brokers revise their outlooks in the coming days. 

The post Why are Fletcher Building shares flying 7% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Fletcher Building lifts FY26 profit guidance as quarterly volumes rise
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Fletcher Building tips stable FY26 as divestments strengthen balance sheet

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.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are sliding on Thursday as investors weigh the latest developments around the gold miner.

At the time of writing, the Northern Star share price is down 3% to $19.70.

Northern Star shares are still up around 4% this week, but today’s fall has taken some momentum out of the move.

The ASX gold stock remains down 26% in 2026.

Here’s the latest.

More boardroom movement

According to The Australian, Northern Star has appointed former Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) boss Jeff Quartermaine to its board as a non-Executive Director.

Quartermaine has more than 35 years of mining experience and spent 15 years with Perseus, including as Chief Executive.

Northern Star told investors that Quartermaine brings “significant gold mining, processing and development experience” to the board.

The board change also comes while pressure is building behind the scenes.

US activist investor Elliott Investment Management has built a stake worth more than $1 billion and has been pushing for change, including board renewal and a wider strategic review.

The Australian also reported that Northern Star appears set to appoint two new board members with mining experience in the coming months.

Northern Star reshuffles at the top

Northern Star has been trying to clear up some leadership uncertainty.

The company recently named Suresh Vadnagra as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive. He is expected to replace Stuart Tonkin in October, with Chief Financial Officer Ryan Gurner stepping in as interim CEO until then.

Vadnagra is currently a senior executive at Glencore, where he oversees nickel and zinc industrial assets.

Northern Star has confirmed that Michael Ashforth will replace long-serving Chairman Michael Chaney after the company’s annual general meeting in November.

At the same time, takeover speculation is sitting in the background.

The Australian noted that Northern Star has received takeover approaches, although they are understood to be opportunistic and short of what the company could accept.

Gold Fields has been floated as one of the more likely names to watch.

Production update stays in focus

The boardroom changes and takeover talk aren’t the only things helping Northern Star this week.

The company also gave investors a better production update last week, which helped calm some of the concerns around the stock.

Northern Star said it remains on track for FY26 gold sales of 1.543 million ounces. That is within its recently downgraded guidance range.

Preliminary figures included 844,000 ounces from the wider Super Pit operations and 434,000 ounces from Yandal.

Still, there is a lot to work through. With Elliott applying pressure and takeover speculation brewing, the incoming CEO has quite a big job ahead.

The post Takeover talk and a boardroom shake-up: Why Northern Star shares are falling today 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.

Your late 50s should be when your focus shifts from accumulating your super to working out how and when you’ll access it.

After all, at the age of 58, you’re just two years from your preservation age. This is when you can start accessing your super if you’ve stopped working.

While it’s possible to retire this early, many Australians wait until they’re in their mid-60s or even early-70s to retire. By this point, you can access your superannuation regardless of whether you’ve stopped working or not, and you could also potentially be eligible for the Age Pension.

The question is, how much do you actually need in your superannuation before you can retire? And how do you know if you’re on track with the rest of the population?

Here’s a breakdown of what the average Aussie has at age 58, and what you actually need to retire comfortably in the next few years.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 58?

There isn’t an exact figure for the average superannuation balance at age 58, but the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has a good guideline.

ASFA’s data shows that at age 55 to 59, the average Australian male has around $319,743 in superannuation. The average female the same age has approximately $242,945.

So, how does your balance compare to the average Aussie the same age?

The catch is, even if you’re on track with the rest of the population, you still might not have enough to fund a comfortable retirement when the time comes.

How much does a comfortable retirement actually cost?

The majority of Australians will aim to live a comfortable retirement lifestyle. That’s one that enables retirees to maintain a good standard of living throughout their retirement years.

A comfortable retirement is one in which you have funds to pay for top-tier private health insurance and regular leisure activities. You’d have enough money to pay for home repairs or renovations, and perhaps even an annual holiday.

ASFA data shows that a comfortable retirement will cost around $55,923 per year for singles and $78,566 for couples. Again, it assumes you’ll receive a part Age Pension and that you own your home in full. 

That means ASFA’s data indicates that by age 67, single Australians need a superannuation balance of approximately $630,000. And couples should have closer to $730,000.

Is my average superannuation balance on track to meet this figure?

Unfortunately not. 

If your superannuation is in line with the rest of the population, then you’ll be able to afford a very basic and modest retirement lifestyle from the age of 67.

It could cover things like basic health insurance and home repairs, but wouldn’t leave much room for leisure activities or meals out, let alone a holiday.

But if you’re expecting to live a retirement lifestyle beyond the basics, you’re already falling far behind. 

In fact, I’ve crunched the numbers, and at age 58, you should have around $456,500 in your superannuation. 

This is around $137,000 to $214,000 more than what the average person has at the same age.

And if you’re planning to retire earlier than age 67, then you’ll also need to account for the cost of those extra years.

Help! How can I boost my balance before it’s too late?

At age 58, there are a few things you can do to boost your superannuation to where you want it.

Focus your attention on making extra contributions however you can. Individuals can make concessional (before-tax) super contributions, such as salary sacrificing, which are taxed at a reduced rate. You can also make after-tax payments within your annual limits. 

It is also a good idea to check in with Government contribution rules to see if you’re eligible for any under your personal circumstances. After all, every dollar counts when it comes to compounding growth!

The post Average superannuation balance for 58 year olds in Australia. How does yours compare? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) share price is in focus today following an update on a non-binding indicative proposal, with a further four-week exclusivity period now in place as Amwins Group and Dragoneer Investment Group progress their offer of $6.00 per share in cash.

What did Steadfast Group report?

• Consortium has re-confirmed its intention to acquire Steadfast at $6.00 per share in cash.
• Soft exclusivity period extended by four weeks under the Process Deed.
• Proposal made via a scheme of arrangement for 100% of Steadfast’s outstanding shares.
• No binding agreement reached at this stage; deal remains non-binding and indicative.

What else do investors need to know?

The Steadfast Board notes there is no guarantee a binding agreement will be reached and urges shareholders there is no certainty the proposal will result in a formal transaction. Shareholders do not need to take any action at this time.

The group will keep the market informed as new details emerge. Steadfast continues to operate its extensive insurance broker and agency networks across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA, serving a broad client base in the insurance sector.

What’s next for Steadfast Group?

Steadfast will continue cooperating with the consortium during the extended exclusivity period. The company’s board is carefully considering the interests of all shareholders in relation to the proposal.

Management has reiterated that further updates will be provided to the market as appropriate, keeping investors informed on any material developments as the process unfolds.

Steadfast Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Steadfast shares have declined 13%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Steadfast Group extends exclusivity on $6.00 per share takeover offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

$60,000 per year in passive income from ASX dividend shares sits comfortably above ASFA’s modest retirement standard and within reach of the comfortable retirement benchmark for a single person.

The maths is straightforward.

To generate $60,000 per year in dividend income at an average yield of 5%, you need approximately $1.2 million invested.

At a 6% yield, you need $1 million.

Three ASX dividend shares offer different but complementary ways to build toward that target.

Telstra: the defensive anchor

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is the natural starting point for any ASX passive income portfolio.

Not because it offers the highest yield, but because it offers reliability.

Telstra has not cut its dividend since 2019 and has increased its annual payout every year since 2022.

CommSec consensus estimates point to a fully franked dividend of 21 cents per share in FY26, rising to 21.5 cents in FY27.

At $4.92 per share, that implies a forward yield of approximately 4.3%, or a grossed-up yield of approximately 6.1% including franking credits.

That franked income is particularly powerful inside superannuation, where franking credits arrive as cash rather than being absorbed by tax.

A $400,000 investment in Telstra at a 5.86% grossed-up yield generates approximately $23,440 per year.

Suncorp: the recovery play with a growing payout

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) had a difficult FY26.

Catastrophe costs ran to approximately $580 million above budget and weighing on near-term dividends.

Despite this, UBS forecasts a fully franked annual dividend of 66 cents per share for FY2026.

This would imply a grossed-up yield of approximately 5.0% at the current share price of $18.94.

The more compelling part for this ASX dividend share is the trajectory.

UBS projects Suncorp’s dividend climbing toward $1.09 per share by FY2030, implying a forward grossed-up yield of approximately 8.2% at today’s price.

That reflects a scenario where FY26’s elevated catastrophe costs are unlikely to repeat at the same scale, and where improving margins support a multi-year dividend recovery.

A $350,000 investment in Suncorp at a 5.0% grossed-up yield generates approximately $17,500 per year today. This should grow materially as the dividend recovers.

Amcor: the quarterly payer

Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) brings something Telstra and Suncorp do not: quarterly dividends.

Most ASX companies pay twice yearly. Amcor pays four times per year, giving income investors a more frequent and consistent cash flow.

Amcor’s most recently declared quarterly dividend was 91 cents per share in AUD terms. This translates to an annualised payout of approximately A$3.64 per share.

At $63.92 per share, that implies a trailing yield of approximately 5.7%.

Unfortunately, that yield is unfranked, reflecting Amcor’s UK domicile and predominantly offshore earnings.

However, the yield more than compensates for the lack of franking at an absolute level.

The business is delivering too. In Q3 FY26, Amcor delivered net sales of US$5.91 billion, up 77% year-on-year, as Berry Global synergies continued to flow through.

A $320,000 investment in Amcor at 5.7% generates approximately $18,240 per year.

The portfolio maths for these ASX dividend shares

$400,000 in Telstra at 6.1% generates approximately $24,400 per year.

$350,000 in Suncorp at 5.0% generates approximately $17,500 per year.

$320,000 in Amcor at 5.7% generates approximately $18,240 per year.

Combined, a $1,070,000 portfolio across these three stocks generates approximately $60,140 per year, essentially hitting the $60,000 target.

Foolish takeaway

$60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares is achievable with approximately $1 million to $1.2 million invested across reliable, income-producing businesses.

Telstra provides the defensive anchor with franked income.

Suncorp provides the income growth trajectory.

Amcor provides the quarterly cash flow and global defensive exposure.

Income investors looking for high yield at a reasonable price don’t need to look much further than these three.

The post How to build $60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX shares could generate $10,000 per year in passive income
• Are Telstra shares a buy for passive income?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• 5 of the best investments on the ASX right now to complement your superannuation

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 Amcor Plc and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is one of Australia’s greatest corporate success stories.

For decades, the biotech company has built a global business around specialised medical products that solve serious healthcare problems. It has expanded internationally, developed valuable expertise, and become one of the country’s most recognised companies.

But great companies can still go through difficult periods.

Confidence lost

CSL has lost some of the market confidence it once enjoyed, with investors questioning growth expectations, execution, and whether the company can return to its previous level of performance.

The question for investors is whether this is a permanent change or an opportunity created by short-term disappointment.

I think CSL shares are worth buying in July.

A biotech business built on real needs

The reason I continue to like CSL is that its products are connected to genuine medical demand.

The company operates across plasma-derived therapies, vaccines, and specialist healthcare products. These are areas where patients and healthcare systems rely on effective treatments rather than temporary consumer trends.

That creates a different type of growth opportunity.

Healthcare demand tends to be supported by long-term forces such as ageing populations, improving access to treatment, and advances in medical technology.

CSL’s plasma business remains particularly important. Collecting plasma, manufacturing therapies, and supplying patients around the world requires significant infrastructure, expertise, and regulatory capability.

Those advantages have taken decades to build.

I think that is easy to overlook when investors are focused on short-term earnings pressure.

The market has become more cautious

CSL’s recent challenges are real. Investors have raised concerns around the performance of parts of the business, including Vifor, while also assessing the longer-term outlook for vaccines and plasma therapies.

Those concerns deserve attention. However, I think the market may have moved too far in the other direction.

CSL does not need to return to being viewed as a perfect growth company for its shares to perform well. It just needs to stabilise the business, improve execution, and show that its core strengths remain valuable.

That feels achievable to me.

One thing I like about CSL is that it operates in complex markets where experience is important. Competitors cannot simply appear overnight and replicate decades of research, manufacturing capability, regulatory knowledge, and global relationships.

Why this could be an opportunity

When a company with a strong history falls out of favour, investors often have to decide whether the problems are temporary or structural.

With CSL, I think it is a temporary issue and the long-term opportunity remains intact.

The company still operates in markets with significant unmet demand. It still has global scale. And it still has the expertise required to compete in highly specialised healthcare areas.

The recovery may take time. Investors may need patience while management continues improving the business and rebuilding confidence. The share price may not immediately reflect any progress, but I would argue the worst is now behind it.

Foolish takeaway

I think CSL is a fallen ASX giant worth buying in July.

The company has faced genuine challenges, and investors should not ignore them. But I think the strength of CSL’s underlying business, its global position, and the long-term demand for its products make it one of the more interesting recovery opportunities on the ASX.

Sometimes the best investments come from companies that have temporarily lost favour while their long-term advantages remain.

The post Is CSL a fallen ASX giant to buy in July? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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 Middle East conflict has entered a new phase.

Washington launched strikes against Iran in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This has reversed what had briefly appeared to be a path toward a negotiated peace just weeks earlier.

ASX shares initially slid lower, with broad selling pressure across materials, technology, and financial shares.

The energy sector is the notable exception.

On news of the new outbreak of conflict, WTI crude rose 2.66% to US$72.32 and Brent crude rose 2.55% to US$76.05 as supply disruption fears return.

Here is what that means for these energy focused ASX shares.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside shares were up yesterday, a strong move against a broadly falling market.

The company is the most direct ASX beneficiary of higher oil prices, with LNG and oil production revenue rising almost in lockstep with the global oil price.

The Scarborough LNG project is 94% complete with first cargo targeted for Q4 2026, adding earnings support at exactly the moment oil prices are recovering.

A sustained return to US$90 per barrel would upgrade Woodside’s second-half FY26 revenue and dividend capacity.

The risk is equally clear: another ceasefire could reverse the trade just as rapidly as it did in June for ASX shares.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos shares also surged yesterday, reflecting Santos’ historically higher sensitivity to oil price swings.

When the original peace deal broke in June, Santos fell 8% in a single session. Today’s move reflects the reverse trade as war risk returns.

The underlying business is not dependent on geopolitical volatility to perform.

The company’s Barossa LNG plant is already producing at 75% of planned 2026 production rates. Moreover, the first oil from Pikka Phase 1 in Alaska provides an additional production stream that should insulate cash flow regardless of where oil settles.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Northern Star Resources may benefit from yesterday’s escalation in a different way.

Gold is the market’s preferred safe-haven asset in periods of geopolitical stress.

The gold price has already risen to US$4,187 per ounce in recent sessions, and renewed Middle East conflict adds a further layer of safe-haven demand.

Northern Star is Australia’s largest listed gold miner, and the Elliott Management activist campaign continues to add a corporate catalyst dimension, with calls for a strategic review still unresolved heading into FY27.

A gold price above US$4,000 combined with an in-depth strategic review gives Northern Star shareholders two potential catalysts for future growth.

The broader picture for ASX shares

Beyond energy and gold, the renewed escalation is weighing on the rest of the ASX.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) was down yesterday as rising oil prices increase mining operating costs, while the four major banks were all under pressure yesterday morning.

The pattern is familiar: geopolitical escalation benefits energy and gold while weighing on almost everything else.

Foolish Takeaway for ASX shares

Washington’s fresh strikes on Iran have put supply risk back in the spotlight.

Woodside and Santos are today’s direct beneficiaries as oil prices climb.

Northern Star benefits through the safe-haven gold price tailwind.

How long any of these moves last depends entirely on whether diplomacy reasserts itself, as it has done multiple times already in 2026.

The post Washington just launched fresh strikes on Iran. Here is what that means for ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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