Category: Stock Market

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares trailed the big four S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stocks in January.

In the first month of 2026, the ASX 200 gained a solid 1.8%. And only one of the big four Aussie banks managed to outpace those gains.

Here’s how their performances stack up.

CBA shares trail the big four pack in January

When the closing bell sounded on the shortened trading day of 31 December, CBA shares were trading for $160.57. At the end of the trading day on 30 January, shares were swapping hands for $149.36.

This saw CommBank stock down 7.0% over the month just past.

And with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares charging higher, January saw CBA lose its title as the biggest stock on the ASX to the Aussie mining giant. That crown was handed over on the 27th.

Meanwhile, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares managed to end the month in the green. Barely.

Westpac shares closed out December trading for $38.60 and ended January at $38.82 each. This saw the Westpac share price up 0.6% for the month.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares outpaced both Westpac and CBA shares but still fell short of the benchmark.

ANZ shares closed on 31 December at $36.34 each and ended January trading for $36.70, put the ANZ share price up 1.0% for the month.

Which brings us to the top performing big four bank stock last month, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

NAB shares closed out December trading for $42.31and ended January swapping hands for $43.37 apiece. This put the NAB share price up 2.5% for the month.

What’s been happening with CBA shares?

After smashing the returns delivered by the other big four ASX 200 bank stocks from late 2023 until notching all-time highs on 25 June last year, CBA shares have come under selling pressure.

Most analysts have been cautioning that Australia’s biggest bank has been trading at a material premium to its peers for several years. And after CBA stock closed at $191.40 a share on 25 June, the market appears to finally have sat up and taken notice.

Mind you, it’s not that CBA is unprofitable.

At its September quarterly results, CBA reported that home loans grew by $9.3 billion over the three months. And the bank’s quarterly cash net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at some $2.6 billion, up 2% year-on-year.

The post What happened with the big four ASX 200 bank stocks like ANZ and CBA shares in January? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• 3 ASX shares I’ll be watching like a hawke this earnings season
• Where I’d invest in ASX shares if the RBA increases the interest rate
• Here’s what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next week
• Buying ASX shares for passive income? Here’s how Woodside, Fortescue and CBA shares stack up

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

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a heavy decline. The benchmark index fell 1% to 8,778.6 points.

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

ASX 200 expected to rebound

The Australian share market looks set to rebound on Tuesday following a decent start to the week in Europe. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 81 points or 0.95% higher. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 1.1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.65%, and the Nasdaq is up 0.7%.

Oil prices sink

It could be a tough session for ASX 200 energy shares such as Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 4.9% to US$62.03 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 4.4% to US$66.29 a barrel. Traders were selling oil in response to easing US-Iran tensions.

ResMed upgraded

The team at Bell Potter thinks that ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) shares are good value at current levels. The broker has upgraded the sleep disorder treatment company’s shares to a buy rating with a $47.73 target price. It said: “2Q beat across the board, with double-digit revenue and earnings growth, further gross margin expansion and solid cash generation. Sleep and respiratory sales were strong in both regions, with above-market growth in the Americas and ROW returning to market growth, while SaaS beat expectations, but remained subdued by residential care headwinds. Operating leverage improved again, with gross margin gains from manufacturing and logistics efficiencies, and FY26 guidance tightened to 62-63% (from 61-63%), reinforcing confidence in ongoing margin progression.”

Gold price falls again

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have another poor session on Tuesday after the gold price fell again overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.85% to US$4,670 an ounce. The precious metal has been sold off since Donald Trump nominated his next US Federal Reserve chief.

Hold CSL shares

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are a hold according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its hold rating and $195.00 price target on the biotech giant’s shares. It said: “At 17x PE, CSL trades at a significant discount to its historical average and below domestic peers, however we consider this to be justified considering the low organic growth outlook, earnings growth below peers, and blows to credibility following the Seqirus de-merger pivot and recent downgrades to long-term guidance.”

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and Endeavour shares
• Corporate Travel Management announces major leadership changes
• GrainCorp shares: FY26 earnings guidance forecasts lower profits

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. 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.

Whenever markets get volatile or certain ASX shares fall out of favour, I find myself thinking about Warren Buffett and one of his most famous ideas: be greedy when others are fearful.

It sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly hard to do in practice. When share prices are falling, confidence is usually low, headlines are negative, and it feels far more comfortable to sit on the sidelines. 

Yet history shows that some of the best long-term returns are earned by buying quality businesses when sentiment is poor and prices are depressed.

That’s exactly the mindset I’m trying to apply when looking at cheap ASX shares today.

Why Buffett focuses on quality first

Buffett has never been interested in buying something just because it’s cheap. The price only matters once the quality box has been ticked.

He looks for businesses with competitive advantages, strong cash generation, and management teams that allocate capital sensibly. Once he finds those traits, he waits patiently for the market to offer them at attractive prices.

That’s an important distinction. Buying low-quality ASX shares at cheap prices can be a value trap. We want to avoid those at all costs. Buying high-quality shares at discounted prices is where long-term wealth is built.

Fear creates opportunity in the share market

Markets don’t move on fundamentals alone. They move on emotion, expectations, and narratives.

When fear takes hold, investors often extrapolate short-term problems far into the future. Earnings disappointments, temporary margin pressure, or macro headwinds can push share prices well below the underlying business’ long-run value.

I would point to WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) as prime examples of this.

This is where Buffett’s philosophy really resonates with me. He’s never tried to predict short-term market moves. Instead, he’s used periods of pessimism to accumulate stakes in great businesses at prices that improve future returns.

On the ASX, these opportunities often appear when entire sectors are out of favour, not because every company is broken, but because sentiment has turned. Take a look at the tech sector to see this happening right now. Countless ASX tech shares, such as Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), are being sold off despite continuing to grow strongly.

Cheap doesn’t mean risk-free

Buying cheap ASX shares doesn’t guarantee success. Some businesses deserve to trade at lower prices, and not every sell-off is an overreaction.

However, paying less for quality assets stacks the odds in your favour. A lower entry price can provide a margin of safety. It gives earnings time to recover, dividends room to grow, and sentiment the chance to normalise.

Over long periods, returns are driven by what you pay and how the business performs, not by short-term price movements after you buy.

How to apply this with cheap ASX shares

When I look at the market now, I’m not trying to call the bottom or guess what happens next quarter. I’m asking a different question.

Would I be happy owning this business for the next 5 or 10 years if the share price didn’t move for a while?

If the answer is yes, and the valuation looks reasonable compared to its history and long-term potential, that’s when I start paying attention. That mindset has served Buffett well for decades, and I think it translates well to ASX investing.

Foolish Takeaway

Warren Buffett’s success wasn’t built on clever trading or perfect timing. It was built on patience, discipline, and a willingness to buy quality businesses when others were too fearful to do so.

By focusing on strong ASX shares and waiting for attractive prices, investors give themselves a far better chance of building wealth over time.

The post I’m listening to Warren Buffett and buying cheap ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Silver plunges from record highs. What has caused the sudden crash?
• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Xero shares hit a multi-year low. Is now the time to buy?
• 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February

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, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why 4DMedical, DroneShield, New Hope, and Zip shares are pushing higher today
• Why analysts say Hub24, New Hope, and Xero shares are buys
• Where I would invest $2,000 in ASX shares in February
• Corporate Travel Management announces major leadership changes
• GrainCorp shares: FY26 earnings guidance forecasts lower profits

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 ARB Corporation, DroneShield, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Nine Entertainment, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Silver has gone from one of the market’s hottest commodities to one of its sharpest fallers in just a few days.

At the time of writing, silver is down more than 10%, trading around US$75 per ounce after another heavy session of selling.

That follows a brutal fall on Friday, when prices slid by roughly 30% from recent highs, marking one of the worst days for silver in decades.

Only last week, silver was trading near US$120 per ounce after rallying more than 50% for the year. Much of that rally has now been unwound, leaving investors wondering what has changed and whether the sell-off has further to run.

What caused the sharp decline?

The fall in silver prices has been driven by several factors hitting the market at the same time.

The sell-off began after reports that US President Donald Trump may nominate a more hawkish Federal Reserve chair. That raised concerns that interest rates could stay higher for longer, helping push the US dollar up.

When the US dollar strengthens, gold and silver often fall as US-priced metals become more expensive for overseas buyers.

At the same time, investors began locking in profits after silver’s rapid rise earlier this year. Prices had climbed very quickly, and once the rally started to lose momentum, many traders chose to sell. That early selling quickly drew in more traders, speeding up the move lower.

Forced selling then added further pressure. As silver prices fell, some traders using borrowed money were forced to close positions after exchanges increased margin requirements.

Is this just a short-term slump or something bigger?

The sell-off has been severe, but not everyone thinks it marks the end of silver’s run.

After rising so quickly earlier in 2026, silver was stretched, particularly on the technical side. Once conditions shifted, a pullback was always a risk.

At a broader level, not much has changed. Silver continues to attract demand during periods of uncertainty, while industrial use in sectors such as solar panels and electronics continues to grow. Political and economic risks also remain elevated, keeping precious metals in focus.

Foolish Takeaway

Silver’s sudden collapse has shocked markets after one of the strongest rallies seen in years.

The drop was driven by changing interest rate expectations, a stronger US dollar, and forced selling in leveraged trades.

Nonetheless, silver still plays an important role as both an industrial metal and a store of value, with heightened volatility reshaping market positioning.

What happens next will depend on the US dollar, central bank signals, and whether buyers return.

The post Silver plunges from record highs. What has caused the sudden crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Xero shares hit a multi-year low. Is now the time to buy?
• 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February
• 3 safe ASX dividend shares for low-risk investors
• What on earth is happening with the Bitcoin price?

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.

Knowing which ASX shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing which ones you should buy if you want a healthy portfolio.

With that in mind, it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the shares listed below, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what they are saying:

ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX)

The team at Catapult Wealth thinks that this stock exchange operator is a sell this week.

It highlights that there has been a long stream of bad news out of ASX and appears concerned there’s more to come. As a result, it thinks investors should wait for the ASIC final report before even considering a position. It said:

On January 28, 2026, the Australian financial markets operator updated the market on fiscal year 2026 expense guidance. Previous guidance, excluding Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) inquiry costs, has been lifted from between 8 per cent and 11 per cent to between 13 per cent and 15 per cent.

Including ASIC inquiry costs, total expense guidance has increased from between 14 per cent and 19 per cent to between 20 per cent and 23 per cent. Unaudited statutory net profit after tax of $263.6 million in the first half of 2026 was up 8.3 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying return on equity of 13.5 per cent remains flat. ASIC’s interim report cited ASX operational and governance issues. The shares have been under pressure since the ASIC inquiry was announced in June, 2025. Until we know what ASIC’s final report contains, other stocks appeal more.   

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

Catapult Wealth also thinks that this plumbing parts company is an ASX share to sell this week.

It notes that Reece has started FY 2026 softly and given the lofty premium its shares trade on, it thinks investors should be taking profit now. Catapult Wealth explains:

The soft first quarter of fiscal year 2026 for this plumbing supplies company reflected subdued housing activity in Australia and the United States. Sales on a like-for-like basis increased just 2 per cent in Australia and New Zealand amid a low single digit decline in the US. Group EBITDA of $222 million was down 8 per cent year-on-year.

The shares fell from $24.07 on January 30, 2025 to $10.22 on September 4. The shares were trading at $14.69 on January 29, 2026. The company was recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio above 28 times. Investors may want to consider locking in some gains, as the shares are exposed to a downwards rating, in our view.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Over at Morgans, its analysts have named this big four bank as an ASX share to sell this week.

The broker believes there are better options out there for investors to choose from, especially given its subdued earnings growth outlook. It said:

Weaker consumer sentiment in an uncertain policy environment cloud the earnings outlook. Recent economic commentary highlights creeping pessimism among Australian consumers. Uncertainty around interest rate expectations creates a challenging setting for major banks to profitably grow credit. Westpac’s long term projections show acceptable returns.

However, in our view, near term momentum appears constrained by operational adjustments, margin pressure and a more cautious economic tone. Given limited earnings catalysts on the horizon, we see better opportunities elsewhere.

The post Analysts name 3 ASX shares to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest in ASX shares if the RBA increases the interest rate
• Here’s what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next week
• Are ASX Ltd shares a buy, sell or hold after their recent update?
• Buying Westpac shares today? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• ASX Limited shares keep getting cheaper, but the market still isn’t convinced

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

It has been a tough year for Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shareholders.

The cloud accounting company’s share price is down almost 50% over the past 12 months, with selling continuing today as Xero shares slipped another 0.43% to $93.35.

That leaves the stock sitting near its lowest level since early May 2023.

So, what has gone wrong here, and does this pullback finally create a buying opportunity?

Why have Xero shares fallen so hard?

Xero’s slide has not been driven by a single issue, but by several overlapping factors.

In February 2025, the stock was trading near $180 per share before a broader tech sell-off and strategic concerns weighed on sentiment.

A key catalyst for the sell-off has been the company’s acquisition of the US-based payments platform Melio for US$2.5 billion. The deal was intended to open the lucrative US small business market, but some investors have been concerned about the price paid and the time it will take to deliver returns.

At the same time, investors have started to question growth in Xero’s core subscriber numbers and profits. Those concerns are strongest in overseas markets, where competition is tougher, and growth is harder to achieve.

What does the chart say?

From a technical point of view, Xero shares are still under pressure.

Most moving averages point lower, and many technical indicators currently rate the stock as a strong sell.

Indicators like the relative strength index (RSI) also suggest the stock has been heavily sold. The RSI is in the mid-20s, which usually signals oversold conditions, but it does not guarantee a rebound.

On the other hand, the chart suggests there is support around the $92 level, where buyers have stepped in before. Resistance sits higher around the mid-$90s to low-$100s, which could limit any short-term bounce unless buying picks up.

What are analysts saying?

Even though the share price has fallen, many brokers are still positive about Xero over the long term. Most analysts continue to rate the stock as a buy, with price targets well above current levels if the business improves.

Brokers also believe the market may be underestimating the value of the Melio deal. They expect Xero’s core accounting business to grow faster as the integration progresses.

Key dates to watch

Xero is due to release its full-year results on 14 May 2026. This update could have a big impact on the share price.

Investors will be watching whether revenue and subscriber numbers continue to grow, especially in the US. They will also be looking for any changes to profit and cash flow guidance, and updates on how the Melio business is tracking.

Foolish Takeaway

At current prices, Xero shares are deeply discounted from their recent peaks, and some long-term buyers may see that as a compelling entry point.

However, the technical signals remain weak, and analysts differ on timing.

If you’re considering a position, waiting for signs of improving fundamentals or a break above key resistance could help reduce risk.

The post Xero shares hit a multi-year low. Is now the time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why analysts say Hub24, New Hope, and Xero shares are buys
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts
• Down 50% from recent highs: Is it time to buy these ASX stocks?
• 3 ASX 200 shares I would buy in February
• These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in January

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

When I look at exchange-traded funds (ETFs), I’m usually trying to answer a simple question. Does this fund give me exposure to parts of the market that could help my portfolio grow in the future?

With February rolling around, these are three Vanguard ETFs that stand out to me for ASX investors who want broad exposure without constantly tinkering with their portfolio.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

I think the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF is a great way to gain exposure to Asia’s long-term growth story.

The fund holds around 1,800 companies across some of the most important economies in the region. China accounts for roughly 32% of the portfolio, followed by Taiwan at 22.1%, India at 18.6%, Korea at 14.5%, and Hong Kong at 4.8%. That mix gives investors exposure to manufacturing, technology, finance, and consumer growth across very different stages of economic development.

Its largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, Alibaba, and SK Hynix. These are not speculative names. They are dominant players in their respective markets, operating at an enormous scale.

I like the VAE ETF because it complements a typical Australian or US-heavy portfolio. It adds geographic and economic diversity and provides exposure to regions that could grow faster than developed markets over the long term, albeit with higher volatility along the way.

Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF (ASX: VESG)

The Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF is an ETF that I think appeals to investors who want global exposure while being more deliberate about how their capital is invested.

The fund holds around 1,400 stocks and screens out businesses involved in activities that don’t meet Vanguard’s ethical criteria. Despite those exclusions, the portfolio still looks very much like a high-quality global equity fund.

What stands out to me is the underlying quality of the holdings. The portfolio has an average return on equity of 23.75% and an earnings growth rate of 21.55%, which are strong numbers for a diversified global fund.

Top holdings include Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and JPMorgan. In other words, investors are still getting exposure to many of the world’s most important growth companies, just through a more value-conscious lens.

For investors who want global growth without indiscriminately owning everything, the VESG ETF strikes a nice balance.

Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDGR)

The Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF is a very different proposition, and that’s exactly why I think it deserves a place on this list.

Rather than focusing on individual shares, the VDGR ETF is a diversified, multi-asset ETF. It spreads capital across Australian shares, international shares, bonds, and smaller allocations to emerging markets and international small companies.

Its largest exposures include the Vanguard Australian Shares Index Fund (ASX: VAS) and the Vanguard International Shares Index Fund (ASX: VGS). This structure is designed to smooth returns over time, reducing volatility compared to an all-equity portfolio.

I see the Vanguard Diversified Growth Index ETF as particularly appealing for investors who want growth but don’t want to manage asset allocation themselves. It’s a set-and-forget option that automatically maintains diversification across asset classes, which can be especially useful during more volatile market periods.

Foolish takeaway

These three Vanguard ETFs serve very different purposes, but that’s what I think makes them interesting together.

The VAE ETF offers exposure to Asia’s growth potential, the VESG ETF provides high-quality global shares with ethical considerations, and the VDGR ETF delivers a diversified growth portfolio in a single holding. Depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and existing investments, any one of them could play a valuable role in an ASX share portfolio this February.

The post 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 Vanguard ETFs for smart investors to buy in February
• 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs I would buy with $3,000
• 5 ASX ETFs for genuine global exposure
• 3 global ETFs I’d hold for the next decade
• I would put $10,000 of my savings into these ETFs

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When it comes to dividend investing, I think reliability matters far more than chasing the highest dividend yield on offer. 

For low-risk investors, the goal is usually steady income, supported by businesses with resilient cash flows and a track record of paying dividends through different market conditions.

With that in mind, these are three ASX dividend shares I’d feel comfortable owning if stability and income were the priority.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group is one of the most defensive dividend shares on the ASX, in my view.

The company owns and operates critical energy infrastructure across Australia, including gas pipelines and storage assets. These assets are essential to the economy and tend to generate stable, long-dated cash flows, often supported by contractual arrangements. That stability is exactly what income-focused investors are looking for.

APA currently offers a trailing dividend yield of around 6.5%, which is attractive without relying on aggressive assumptions about growth. While it’s not a high-growth business, I see it as a dependable income generator that can play a steady role in a low-risk portfolio.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra Group is another stock I think suits conservative dividend investors.

Telecommunications is a defensive sector by nature, and Telstra’s scale and infrastructure give it a strong position in the Australian market. Mobile services, broadband, and enterprise customers provide diversified revenue streams, and demand tends to hold up even when economic conditions soften.

Telstra currently offers a dividend yield of about 3.9%. That might not be the highest yield on the market, but what I like is the predictability. The dividend is well supported by cash flows, and Telstra’s ongoing focus on simplification and cost discipline adds confidence around sustainability and growth.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths Group rounds out the list. It had a tough FY25, which weighed on both earnings and sentiment. Cost pressures, competition, and execution challenges all played a role. That period has pushed the dividend yield down to around 2.75%, which is lower than the others on this list.

However, I think this is where the opportunity lies for patient, low-risk investors. Woolworths remains one of the most defensive businesses on the ASX. People continue to buy household goods regardless of economic conditions, and the company’s scale provides long-term advantages.

Importantly, expectations are now lower, and conditions are expected to improve materially in FY26. If earnings recover as anticipated, there’s scope for significant dividend growth over time, making Woolworths a more attractive income stock than the current yield alone suggests.

Foolish Takeaway

For low-risk investors, dividend investing doesn’t have to be complicated. APA, Telstra, and Woolworths all operate in essential sectors, generate resilient cash flows, and have a clear rationale for ongoing dividends.

They may not deliver excitement or rapid growth, but I think that’s a feature, not a flaw, when the objective is steady income and peace of mind.

The post 3 safe ASX dividend shares for low-risk investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Coles vs Woolworths shares: Which supermarket giant has the biggest upside for 2026?
• Buying Woolworths shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get
• 3 reasons Telstra shares could be worth buying today
• Got $5,000? 5 ASX income shares to buy and hold forever
• How to build income on the ASX without losing sleep at night

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price is having a week to forget.

The world’s first and biggest crypto is currently trading for US$77,334 (AU$111,032). That’s down 1.6% overnight and down 11.7% since this time last week, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

This marks the lowest levels for the token since 9 April, when all manner of risk assets came under pressure following United States President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ global tariff pronouncements.

The Bitcoin price hit an all-time high of US$126,198 on 7 October last year. The crypto is now down 38.4% from that high watermark.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), the world’s second biggest crypto, is having an even tougher run of it lately.

Ethereum is currently fetching US$2,275, down 7.1% over the past 24 hours. The Ethereum price is now down 20.5% since this time last week. Ethereum hit its own record high of US$4,954 on 22 August last year.

The world’s number two crypto has since tumbled 53.9% from those highs.

What’s pressuring the Bitcoin price?

The Bitcoin price looks to be catching headwinds on several fronts.

First, despite the recent pullback in gold and silver prices, investors have been showing greater interest in precious metals and cold hard cash than in cryptocurrencies as safe-haven assets amid rising geopolitical risks.

Indeed, spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) outflows have continued over the past weeks.

Then there’s the diminishing outlook for ongoing interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve.

What are the experts saying?

“Suddenly, cryptocurrencies no longer appear to be an alternative to fiat money and a hedge against the not-so-responsible financial policies of major countries,” Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, said (quoted by Bloomberg).

“Silver and gold have become the vehicle for investors concerned about fiat currencies,” Louis Navellier at Navellier & Associates added.

Matt Howells-Barby, vice president at Kraken, noted that the big global cash splash on artificial intelligence also looks to be weighing on the Bitcoin price.

He said:

Concerns around heavy AI investment by big tech, without the corresponding earnings to justify the spend, appear to be unsettling broader risk assets. With credit spreads already extremely tight, markets were firmly risk-on going into this move, so it’s not surprising to see investors pause and reassess their risk appetite.

Then there’s the market’s shifting expectations on the outlook for interest rates in the world’s biggest economy after United States President Donald Trump last week appointed Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair.

While Warsh has recently amended his views to be more dovish and in line with Trump’s own push for lower interest rates, he is known to be hawkish, with a sharp focus on combating inflation.

“While his nomination would support the case that rates will continue to decline in 2026 through to 2027, Warsh is a career economist who is all too aware of reducing too much, too quickly,” Hayden Hughes, general partner at Tokenize Capital, said (quoted by Bloomberg).

The Bitcoin price has historically proven to be highly sensitive to interest rate moves.

The post What on earth is happening with the Bitcoin price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How is Ethereum stacking up against the Bitcoin price so far in 2026?
• Bold calls, big risks, and what really matters for Bitcoin price in 2026
• Better Buy in 2026: XRP, Dogecoin, or Bitcoin?

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.