Category: Stock Market

It appears momentum is growing for a gas and coal tax in Australia amidst the global energy crisis.

According to The ABC, Unions, the Greens, crossbenchers and One Nation are among those who want gas profits levied, with pressure mounting on Labor to respond to growing calls to reform the current tax system.

What is a gas tax?

Currently, the government collects about $1.5 billion in annual revenue through the Petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT).

In simple terms:

• It’s a tax on profits, not on total sales
• Companies only pay PRRT after they’ve made enough money to cover all their costs
• Once a project becomes really profitable, the government takes a share of those extra profits.

However, some politicians are now pushing for reforms to the current model.

ACT independent senator David Pocock has criticised this current system as a “rip-off”.

He said Australia should have a flat 25 per cent tax on all gas exports, which was the proposal also put forward by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) last year.

The Australia Institute has estimated it would raise about $17 billion a year.

What’s happening now?

According to The ABC, The Coalition and gas exporters have pushed back against this proposed change, arguing the current energy crisis sparked by war in the Middle East was the worst time to act. 

They warned that a new gas tax would discourage investment, create uncertainty, and weaken energy security and job growth.

Total taxes and royalties paid by the gas industry were $21.9 billion in 2024-25, according to the sector.

However, The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet have reportedly asked the Treasury to model “new levy options” to tax windfall gas and thermal coal company profits ahead of the federal budget in May.

In the rationale for the request, which also included exploring reforms to the PRRT, the department said that energy producers should not benefit from high international prices at the expense of domestic customers.

How does this impact energy stocks?

It’s important to understand that any sort of concrete tax changes have not been promised.

If tweaks were to be made to the current system, it could impact energy stocks in a few ways. 

For ASX-listed oil, gas, and coal companies, a new “gas tax” (especially something like a flat export levy) would likely reduce earnings. 

Companies such as Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) or Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could see a direct hit to net profit, especially on export-heavy LNG projects.

However, even with an increased tax, these companies will likely remain very profitable.

Some investors may view the sector as still attractive, just less lucrative than before.

Further down the pipeline, second-order effects spread across producers, infrastructure, services, and even utilities – some negatively, some potentially positively.

For example, companies such as AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) might actually benefit if policy shifts increase domestic supply or lower local gas prices.

While this is all hypothetical, developments are worth monitoring for ASX energy investors, as eyes will be on the federal budget in May.

The post What would a gas tax mean for ASX energy stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
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• These two ASX 200 stocks are hitting fresh 52-week highs
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market for a third week

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

It has been a miserable stretch for ASX investors, to say the least, over these past three weeks. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen 9.1% since the start of the month on 2 March, dragged lower by surging energy prices and fears about the global economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East. But amid all of that selling, there are pockets of the market that have quietly been holding water. One of the most interesting of those pockets are ASX tech stocks.

On the whole, tech stocks have done better than the broader market. Over that same period, the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) has dropped by a milder 5.9%, easily outperforming the ASX 200.

But I want to talk about two popular ASX tech stocks today that are particularity interesting.

The first is software stock TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). Incredibly, TechnologyOne shares are above where they were at the beginning of March. Since 2 March, the TechnologyOne share price has gained a rosy 10.9%, as of yesterday’s close.

The second is medical imaging company Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME). The Pro Medicus stock price has gained 6.7% since 3 March.

TechnologyOne has not made any significant price-sensitive ASX announcements this month. Pro Medicus has, a $40 million contract announcement on 9 March.

Although that contract could explain dome of this outperformance, investor optimism over both stocks this month has caught my eye. That’s because as ASX tech shares that traditionally trade on eye-wateringly high earnings multiples, both TechnologyOne shares and Pro Medicus stock have often been some of the first shares to drop in past sell-offs when markets have switched to ‘risk-off mode’.

Other such stocks, such as the ASX banks, have acted as one might have assumed they would. But not TechnologyOne or Pro Medicus.

Why are these ASX tech stocks an unexpected safe harbour?

So what’s different this time?

Well, I think we are seeing a fascinating dynamic playing out here.

Back in February, before the war started, markets were riding high. It seems strange to think, but it was only on 2 March that the ASX 200 was at a new all-time record. However, both Pro Medicus and TechnologyOne were not riding high. In fact, both had endured a horrid start to 2026. Between 1 January and 2 March, Pro Medicus shares took a 43.6% dive. It wasn’t so bad for TechnologyOne, but that company had still lost 10.4% of its value over that span.

As you may recall, January and February were both months where the ‘SaaSpocalypse’ was in full swing. Investors began to fear that artificial intelligence (AI) technology was about to make software that individuals, businesses and governments around the world rely on redundant. Almost every company that draws its money from a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model was abandoned by investors. We saw it over in the US too, with names like Adobe, Salesforce and S&P Global hit hard.

Of course, that all seems like a storm in a teacup now. So much so, apparently, that ASX tech stocks like Pro Medicus and TechnologyOne seem to now be viewed as safe harbours to hide out in amid the geopolitical conflagrations that are now dominating investors’ attention.

Strange things happen on the markets.

The post Up 11%: Why have these 2 ASX tech stocks surged in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 top ASX shares I’d buy today amid falling prices
• Bell Potter says these ASX 200 stocks could rise 50%+
• The best ASX shares to invest $1,000 in right now
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in S&P Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, S&P Global, Salesforce, and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Pro Medicus, Salesforce, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with a decline. The benchmark index fell 0.75% to 8,365.9 points.

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

ASX 200 set to rebound

The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Tuesday following a positive start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 159 points or 1.9% higher. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 1.5%, the S&P 500 is up 1.25%, and the Nasdaq is 1.5% higher.

Oil prices crash

It could be a difficult session for ASX 200 energy shares Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices crashed overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 10.3% to US$88.18 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 11.6% to US$99.14 a barrel. This was driven by news that Donald Trump has paused strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days.

BHP and Rio Tinto shares to rebound

It looks set to be a good session for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares on Tuesday. Both miners’ NYSE listed shares are charging higher on Monday night and up 4.5% and 3.5%, respectively. Improving investor sentiment and a strong rebound in the copper price overnight appear to be behind this.

Gold price sinks

ASX 200 gold shares including Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a poor session on Tuesday after the gold price sank overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 3.6% to US$4,410.7 an ounce. Inflation fears have been weighing on the precious metal.

Boss Energy named as a buy

The team at Bell Potter has named Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares as a buy. In response to concerns over high diesel prices impacting mining margins, the broker highlights that the uranium miner’s project is powered by the grid. It said: “The Honeymoon project draws power directly from the grid (connected to Broken Hill). In-situ-recovery operations by nature do not require high-diesel consuming truck and shovel fleet typically seen in open-pit operations. The only exposure is via 3rd party site deliveries for reagents.” It has put a buy rating and $1.95 price target on the ASX 200 share.

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

More reading

• What would a gas tax mean for ASX energy stocks?
• Where to from here for BHP shares after crashing over 20%?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Charter Hall Retail REIT reveals March 2026 distribution details
• Will ASX oil stocks protect your portfolio from a market crash in 2026?

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

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price has come under selling pressure in recent weeks.

On Monday, Northern Star shares finished at $17.21, down 6.97% for the session. This leaves the stock down more than 20% over the past week and roughly 40% over the past month.

The decline follows a combination of company-specific issues and weakness in the gold price.

Let’s take a closer look at what has been driving the sell-off.

Guidance downgrade shakes confidence

The initial move lower came after Northern Star released an operational update earlier this month.

In that update, the company revised its FY26 production outlook toward the lower end of its guidance range. Management flagged a weaker than expected performance across several key operations.

At KCGM, milling performance was below expectations, while mining productivity at Jundee also disappointed the market. These issues weighed on output and raised concerns about execution risk.

Gold sales for January and February totalled approximately 220,000 ounces. Open pit grades at KCGM averaged around 1.6 grams per tonne, which was below expectations.

The company also noted that performance at KCGM remains dependent on the existing mill, which is not running consistently.

While the Northern Star still expects to produce more than 1.5 million ounces for FY26, the downgrade has reset investor expectations.

Gold price weakness adds further pressure

The second driver of the sell-off has been the pullback in the gold price.

According to recent data, gold is now trading at approximately US$4,237 per ounce, down around 5% in the latest session. Over the past month, it has also fallen from recent highs.

Moves in the gold price directly impact Northern Star’s revenue and margins.

A lower realised gold price reduces cash flow, particularly when combined with operational challenges. This points to a weaker earnings outlook in the near-term.

The timing of the gold price decline has added to the impact of the downgrade, accelerating the fall in the share price.

Brokers cut targets as sentiment turns

The change in outlook has also been reflected in recent broker updates.

Following the downgrade, several investment banks have reduced their price targets, reflecting lower earnings expectations.

Recent revisions include Ord Minnett cutting its target to $23.70, Morgans to $30, Canaccord to $28.40, Macquarie to $25, and Jefferies to $33 per share.

Keep in mind, these targets are well above the current Northern Star share price.

Foolish takeaway

Northern Star shares have fallen sharply in recent weeks, with the stock now trading near the lower end of its recent range.

The company is still expected to deliver more than 1.5 million ounces of production in FY26, but recent updates point to ongoing challenges.

At the same time, changes in the gold price are adding another layer of pressure.

From here, attention is likely to be focused on the company’s upcoming production updates and operating performance.

The post Down 40% in a month. Does the Northern Star share price have further to fall? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Do Northern Star shares have further to fall?

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.

ASX dividend shares could be a smart choice in this era of higher inflation. If costs are rising, I’d want to see my dividend income rising to help offset (or even outgrow) the pain.

There are not many businesses that I’m confidently expecting to deliver rising dividends in the coming results. A weaker economic environment could lead to some businesses deciding to maintain (or even cut) their payouts.

However, the below three names are ones I’m feeling confident about for dividend growth in the foreseeable future.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is one the ASX blue-chip shares I’m most optimistic will deliver dividend growth because of the nature of the service of what it provides. Many households, businesses and organisations seem to put an important value on having a mobile connection. I think that means the business has defensive earnings.

Telecommunications is important for numerous reasons these days such as work, education, entertainment, communication, shopping and so on.

Telstra has been steadily increasing its dividend payout in the last few years, including the FY26 half-year result. That report saw earnings per share (EPS) rise by 11.2% and the dividend per share was hiked by 10.5% to 10.5 cents.

I think it’s very likely that the business will want to pay another 10.5 cents per share with its FY26 annual report.

With Australia’s growing population and the prevalence of digitalisation, I think Telstra’s mobile subscriber base and average revenue per user (ARPU) are set to continue rising in the coming years, which will be a useful tailwind for earnings and the dividend.

PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund Ltd (ASX: PGF)

This is a listed investment company (LIC), which means it invests in shares to try to make returns for shareholders. The board of directors have the flexibility to declare the size of dividend they want to, assuming they have the profit reserve to do so.

The LIC looks at a global portfolio of shares to find the right undervalued opportunities that could deliver market-beating returns.

At 31 December 2025, the business reported it had retained earnings and profit reserves of $584 million, which is enough to maintain the minimum intended dividend rate for nine years.

Management have provided guidance that the business intends to deliver a minimum dividend per share of 13.5 cents in FY26. That’d be a year-over-year increase of 17%.

Of the last decade, FY23 is the only year that it hasn’t increased its payout. That’s thanks to an average portfolio return of 16.8% per year since inception in December 2013. That’s an excellent track record, I’d say, though it’s not guaranteed to continue at that level.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

I view Soul Patts as the best option of all on the ASX for consistent growth.

It already holds the record for regular dividend growth – it has increased its payout each year since 1998 and it’s set up to continue that impressive dividend growth, in my view.

The businesses operates as an investment house, which means it has the flexibility to make investment buys (and sell investments) to adjust its portfolio to own assets that it thinks will provide good returns for investors.

Soul Patts is invested in a number of different areas such as resources, telecommunications, industrial property, building products, swimming schools, agriculture, credit and plenty more. I expect the portfolio to change in the coming years.

By retaining some of its investment cash flow each year, the company is able to steadily invest in expanding in its portfolio and unlock the next generation of growing assets which could fund larger dividends.

I like how the ASX dividend share has made growing its dividend one of the main objectives and I think management have done it very well so far. As a bonus, a growing portfolio also helps increase the underlying value of Soul Patts shares to help drive the share price higher over time.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares raising dividends like clockwork appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 excellent ASX shares to buy for a retirement portfolio
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• You can aim to beat the Age Pension for the price of a daily coffee!

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

One of the first questions I think many income investors ask about exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is simple.

How much passive income can they actually produce?

The answer depends on the type of ETF you choose. Some focus purely on yield, while others aim to balance income with diversification and stability.

To give you a clearer idea, let’s look at three popular income-focused ETFs and what a $100,000 investment in each could generate.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is one of the most well-known income ETFs on the ASX.

It focuses on high-dividend-paying Australian shares, which means it has significant exposure to banks and resource stocks.

Its top holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

That concentration can lead to solid income, but it also means returns are influenced by how those sectors perform.

With a trailing dividend yield of around 3.9%, a $100,000 investment would generate approximately $3,900 per year in passive income.

Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)

The Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF takes a slightly different approach.

It also focuses on high-yielding Australian shares, but places a strong emphasis on consistent income and monthly distributions, which can be appealing for investors seeking regular cash flow.

Its largest holdings currently include NAB, Westpac, ANZ Bank, BHP Group, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

The HYLD ETF has been paying around 11.9 cents per share each month since inception last year, which annualises to approximately $1.42 per share and equates to a yield of about 4.4% at current prices.

At that level, a $100,000 investment would generate roughly $4,400 per year, or about $366 per month in passive income.

Vanguard Diversified Income ETF (ASX: VDIF)

The Vanguard Diversified Income ETF offers a more balanced approach.

Instead of focusing only on high-yield shares, it blends Australian equities, global shares, and fixed income investments.

Its largest exposures include the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, Vanguard FTSE All-World High Dividend Yield ETF (LSE: VHYL), and a range of international and fixed interest funds.

This diversification can help smooth income and reduce reliance on any single sector or market.

With a dividend yield of around 3.7%, a $100,000 investment would generate approximately $3,700 per year in passive income.

Foolish takeaway

A $100,000 investment in income-focused ETFs could generate roughly $3,700 to $4,400 per year, depending on the strategy you choose.

For me, the more important question isn’t just how much income you can generate today, but how sustainable that income is over time.

That’s where diversification, quality, and long-term thinking start to matter just as much as the yield itself.

The post How much passive income could $100,000 in ETFs generate? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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 and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was largely a down day for ASX financials stocks and the broader ASX 200 on Monday. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 0.74% yesterday, while the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) fell just over 0.5%. 

However two struggling ASX financials stocks that bucked this trend were Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) and Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV). 

This has come after significant falls over the last 12 months. 

Let’s find out what happened. 

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The ASX fintech company has endured a tough past year, particularly following the release of its half-year results last month which sent its share price down 34%.

It appeared that investors were concerned with modest profit projections. 

Its share price remains down more than 54% year to date. 

Yesterday however, the ASX financials stock enjoyed a nice rebound, rising 4.5%. 

While no price sensitive news was released, the company did release an announcement that Superannuation provider Australian Retirement Trust had become a substantial holder, buying 63,834,078 fully paid ordinary shares. 

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

It has also been a rough year for Premier Investments. 

The company owns the Just Group which oversees retail fashion brands Just Jeans, Jacqui E, Peter Alexander, Jay Jays, Portmans, and Dotti. Just Group also owns the specialty children’s stationery brand Smiggle.

Its share price is down more than 40% in the last 12 months. 

However, yesterday it enjoyed a rebound of 5.68%. 

A contributing factor to this rise could be its 1H26 result, which was released last Friday. 

The company announced a fully franked interim dividend after skipping one last year. 

The updated dividend is 45 cents per share, which represents a yield over 3%. 

Premier Investments shares jumped 8% last Friday on the results, with investors continuing to buy the ASX financials stock on Monday. 

Is there upside for these ASX financials stocks?

It would appear that Monday’s big jump could be a sign of more to come for these companies. 

After falling considerably over the last year, brokers now see these ASX financials stocks as attractive opportunities. 

UBS currently has a positive view on Premier Investments shares, with the broker because of its strong core ANZ Peter Alexander business and it’s 25% stake in Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG). 

Meanwhile, Zip shares have also received positive outlooks from brokers on valuation grounds. 

Macquarie recently retained its buy rating and $3.35 price target on Zip shares. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $1.51, that indicates a potential upside of roughly 120%. 

The post Are these battered ASX financials stocks finally bouncing back? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why Ampol, Atlantic Lithium, Brightstar, and Premier Investments shares are rising today

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

It’s been a wild month for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares. A surge to record highs. Then a sharp pullback.

So, what just happened to BHP shares— and where to from here?

Let’s break it down.

A flying start… then a fast fall

BHP shares kicked off March in style. On 2 March, the mining heavyweight hit an all-time high of $59.25 after delivering a blockbuster half-year result.

The numbers impressed. Underlying NPAT jumped 22%. Even better for income investors, the company lifted its fully franked interim dividend to about $1.03 per share. That’s a 30% increase.

Investors loved it. The share price surged nearly 18% in short order.

But the momentum didn’t last.

Headwinds hit hard

Almost as quickly as it rose, BHP’s share price reversed course. Several factors piled on the pressure.

First, global uncertainty ramped up. Escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran have rattled markets. That matters for BHP. Commodity demand is closely tied to global stability and growth expectations.

Then came concerns closer to home. Reports suggested BHP’s Queensland coal operations are struggling to compete for fresh investment and may not be generating adequate returns. That’s not the kind of headline investors in BHP shares want to see.

And then there was leadership change. Mid-month, BHP announced CEO Mike Henry will step down and Brandon Craig is set to take over from 1 July. Leadership transitions often create uncertainty, and the market reacted accordingly.

Having said that, Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) believes Craig’s appointment signals strategic continuity. The broker said in a recent note that Craig has significant experience with BHP and has held various leadership roles across the group. The broker sees the change of leadership as low risk.

Should investors be worried?

The sharp pullback  – 20.7% from recent highs at the time of writing – might look alarming. But it doesn’t automatically signal it’s time to sell your BHP shares.

Analyst sentiment remains relatively balanced. According to TradingView data, most brokers are sitting on the fence. Out of 20 analysts, 11 rate BHP as a hold. Seven lean bullish with buy or strong buy ratings. Just two are bearish.

That tells a story: uncertainty, yes — but not widespread pessimism.

What about upside?

Here’s where it gets interesting.

The average price target for BHP shares is $52.94. After the recent dip, that suggests about 14% upside from current levels. According to Morgan Stanley, its analysts have maintained an overweight rating on BHP Group shares, alongside a $56.00 price target.

Some analysts are even more optimistic. The most bullish forecasts see BHP climbing as high as $68.22 — a potential 45% gain at current levels.

Of course, not everyone agrees. The most bearish target points to a possible fall to $34.11, implying a steep downside if conditions deteriorate.

Foolish takeaway

BHP shares have taken investors on a rollercoaster ride this month. Strong earnings and dividends pushed the stock higher. But macro fears, operational concerns, and leadership changes pulled it back down.

For now, the market seems undecided.

If you believe in long-term demand for commodities, BHP remains a $240 billion heavyweight worth watching. But expect volatility. This is a stock that moves with the global cycle — and right now, that cycle is anything but calm.

The post Where to from here for BHP shares after crashing over 20%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend shares with yields over 3% today
• BHP shares crash 21% in March so far: Time to sell up?
• Where to invest $2,000 in ASX dividend shares this week
• The stress-free ASX ETF portfolio built to weather market crashes
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

When I think about retirement investing, I believe it should be less about chasing returns and more about owning businesses that can keep showing up. 

The kind that generate steady cash flow, adapt over time, and continue rewarding shareholders through different market conditions for decade.

With that mindset, here are five ASX shares I think could complement a retirement portfolio.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is the kind of business that tends to quietly do its job.

It sits at the centre of everyday spending, with a scale and supply chain that few competitors can match. That position gives it a level of consistency that can be valuable when markets are unsettled.

What I find interesting is how it continues to evolve. Whether it’s refining its product mix, investing in automation, or improving efficiency, Woolworths isn’t standing still.

That combination of stability and ongoing improvement is what keeps it relevant in a long-term income portfolio.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra plays a different role. It owns critical infrastructure that underpins how Australians connect, work, and consume data. That creates a steady stream of revenue that is less sensitive to economic cycles than many other sectors.

The company is also in the middle of a longer-term shift, focusing on simplifying operations and improving returns through its Connected Future 30 strategy.

From a portfolio perspective, it adds a layer of dependability that can help balance out more cyclical holdings.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

Endeavour is in a phase where the narrative is starting to change.

After a period of mixed performance, the business is refocusing on its core strengths, particularly in retail execution and its hotel network.

What stands out to me is the asset base. It has a large footprint, well-known brands (Dan Murphy’s and BWS), and a business model that generates meaningful cash flow.

If that reset continues to gain traction, it could strengthen its position as a reliable income contributor over time.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers brings something a little different.

It’s not just one business, but a collection of operations across retail, industrials, and chemicals, all tied together by disciplined capital allocation.

That flexibility is what I find most appealing.

The company has a track record of shifting capital toward higher-return opportunities, while still maintaining exposure to steady performers like Bunnings.

In a retirement context, that ability to adapt can be just as valuable as the income it generates.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

HomeCo Daily Needs adds a property angle to the mix.

Its portfolio is focused on convenience-based retail, including supermarkets, healthcare, and essential services. These are locations that people continue to visit regardless of broader economic conditions.

That tends to support stable rental income, which can flow through to distributions for investors.

It’s not the most exciting part of a portfolio, but that’s often the point. It can provide a steady income stream that complements more growth-oriented holdings.

Foolish takeaway

These aren’t the only ASX shares I’d consider for a retirement portfolio, and they probably wouldn’t make up a complete one on their own. But I think each of them brings something useful.

Woolworths offers consistency, Telstra adds infrastructure-backed income, Endeavour is a turnaround story, Wesfarmers provides flexibility, and HomeCo Daily Needs contributes steady property income.

Added thoughtfully alongside existing holdings, they’re the kind of businesses that could help strengthen a retirement portfolio over time.

The post 5 excellent ASX shares to buy for a retirement portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX dividend shares with yields over 3% today
• 2 fantastic ASX 200 shares to buy and hold for the next five years
• Why I’d buy these high-quality ASX 200 shares this week
• $20,000 of Wesfarmers shares can net me $820 in passive income!
• Where to invest $2,000 in ASX dividend shares this week

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

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is undoubtedly one of the highest-quality banks in the world.

But even the best stocks can become too expensive to buy. And that’s what most brokers believe has happened with CBA shares.

But don’t worry, because there are other ASX financial stocks that could deliver big returns.

Which ASX financial stock?

Bell Potter thinks that COG Financial Services Ltd (ASX: COG) could be seriously undervalued at current levels.

It is a diversified conglomerate of distribution businesses providing access to credit providers for yellow commercial goods. This is delivered through a nationwide broker network.

In addition, Bell Potter highlights that the company has some balance sheet funded direct originations, with a focus on capturing some of the overflow for non-prime chattel mortgages.

Bell Potter has been looking at monthly automotive data and ahead to the Federal Budget and appears to believe there are positives for this ASX financial stock. It said:

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries have continued to firm and demonstrate growth, counter to the broader market. Feb’26 penetration reached a record 12.2% and volumes grew +92% YoY, with established brands extending their lead, while smaller players gained relevance. Growth is being driven by contributions from the Sealion 7 (medium SUV), Zeekr 7X (medium SUV), and Atto 2 (small SUV), with around one-in-two electric vehicle sales occurring via the novated leasing channel.

An inaugural report showed two thirds of suppliers outperformed their emissions targets. Commercial costs will crystallise in 2028; brands have a similar window each year to offset and manage the liability. A $61m interim liability was recorded for the 2025 performance period, which penalises high-volume players and light commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicles comprised 71% of volumes, with an average carbon emission of 114g/km. The 141g/km benchmark tightens to 117g/km this year, mounting pressure on Hyundai and Mazda, with current potential penalties of $4m and $25m. More demand stimulus from cleaner vehicles will be required to generate saleable offsets, and supply customer wants, without passing on cost.

It believes this supports its view that the company is positioned for strong earnings growth in the coming years.

Big potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $2.30 price target on the ASX financial stock.

Based on its current share price of $1.35, this implies potential upside of 70% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, Bell Potter expects a much more generous dividend yield than what CBA shares offer. It is forecasting a 5.3% yield over the 12 months, which boosts the total potential return to 75%.

The broker concludes:

Our earnings and Buy rating is unchanged. We would like to see a strategy for the lending business articulated. Data and contract wins confirm our compound growth of +9%, with upside from acquisitions, realised cost synergies and further M&A potential.

The post Forget CBA shares, Bell Potter says this ASX financial stock could deliver a 75% return appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, QBE, and Qantas shares
• The stress-free ASX ETF portfolio built to weather market crashes
• If you’re 55 and behind on superannuation, here’s what you can still do
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?

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.