Category: Stock Market

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) provides broad exposure to the Australian share market, tracking the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

Since the escalation of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran on 28 February 2026, equity markets have experienced increased volatility. This has flowed through to index-based ETFs such as VAS.

At the time of writing, VAS units are trading at $104.59 as of the 24 March 2026 close.

What a $10,000 investment looks like

On 27 February 2026, just before the conflict began, VAS was trading at approximately $114.14.

A $10,000 investment at that price would have purchased around 87.6 units.

At the current price of $104.59, those units would now be worth roughly $9,160.

This represents a decline of about 8.4% over the period.

Keep in mind that this move reflects broader weakness across the Australian share market rather than any ETF specific factor.

Market-wide pressure driving the decline

VAS is a passive ETF, meaning its performance is tied directly to the underlying index.

Since late February, global markets have been impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, alongside higher energy prices and shifting expectations around interest rates.

These factors have weighed on equity valuations, particularly in rate-sensitive sectors such as financials and real estate, which make up a large portion of the Australian market.

Financials alone represent a significant share of the index, with major banks among the top holdings. This concentration has also amplified following the shift in investor sentiment.

Recent data shows VAS is down around 3.96% year to date, although it remains up approximately 5.59% over the past 12 months.

Short-term performance has been weaker, with the ETF falling about 2.75% over the past week and 6.57% over the past month.

Income remains a component of returns

While the capital value has declined in recent weeks, VAS continues to provide income through distributions.

The ETF currently offers a dividend yield of around 3.15%, with distributions paid quarterly and partially franked.

Importantly, this income component can somewhat help offset periods of price volatility.

Foolish Takeaway

Although a $10,000 investment made just before the late February escalation would currently be lower in value, this reflects recent market weakness. It points to short-term movements rather than longer-term performance.

The decline highlights how quickly broad market ETFs can move when macro conditions change.

However, VAS remains a diversified, low-cost way to gain exposure to the Australian equity market. Its returns are driven by overall market direction rather than individual company performance.

The post $10k invested in the ASX via this ETF before the war is currently worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is this a good time to invest in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index (VAS) ETF?
• 3 ASX ETFs to weather market turmoil
• Should I invest $2,000 in the VAS ETF?
• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares
• How investing $50 a day into ASX shares could become $1 million faster than you think

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) officially entered market correction territory in March and the big four bank shares have not been immune from the broad sell-off,

Australia’s benchmark index is now down 9% since the beginning of the month. 

In this period: 

• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have fallen 10%
• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have dropped 7.3%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are down roughly 5%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have fallen 1.37%.

What’s impacting bank shares?

There are multiple factors putting pressure on big four bank shares. 

Firstly, energy costs are rising as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. 

This is reigniting global inflation pressures, complicating the outlook for central banks. 

Additionally, CommBank economists note that persistently higher oil prices could weigh on household sentiment at a time when inflation is already pushing higher and interest rates look like climbing. 

This is a headwind for mortgage borrowers and loan quality.

According to Commbank, the longer the conflict drags on, the more pressure banks will face through slower growth, stressed household budgets, and an uncertain interest rate environment. 

I covered last week two possible outcomes from the current conflict and how investors may decide to construct their portfolios. 

For now, the ASX big four remain in a difficult position – caught between a risk-off market and the broader economic damage an extended energy shock would inflict on their customers.

Is there any opportunity in ASX big four bank shares?

Based on current valuations from experts, it appears sentiment is largely cautious on ASX bank shares. 

CBA recently received a sell rating from Medallion Financial Group. 

The note out of the group said its shares are trading at a significant premium to peers despite having similar earnings growth outlook. 

For Westpac, analyst targets indicate it could continue to fall in the near term. 

14 analyst forecasts via TradingView have an average price target of $35.16 on Westpac shares. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $39.72, that indicates a downside of approximately 11%. 

ANZ appears to have the most optimistic outlook from recent analysis. 

Citi have recently retained their buy rating and $40.30 price target on ANZ shares. 

This indicates a potential upside of 10%. 

Finally, Samantha Menzies recently laid out the bull case for NAB shares after the recent 10% fall. 

Analysts views on NAB shares are mixed, with price targets ranging from $30 – $50 per share compared to a current price hovering around $42.75. 

Foolish takeaway 

With messaging changing day to day regarding the Iran/USA conflict, it is extremely difficult to predict the future of blue-chip shares like the ASX big four. 

A quick resolution could mean current valuations are an ideal entry point. 

However if the conflict continues long-term, the more pressure these stocks may come under through subdued growth and unclear interest rate decisions. 

The post How have the ASX big four bank shares held up in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• A top ASX dividend stock to buy on a pullback
• Up more than 17% since January, should you buy CBA shares today?
• 3 reasons to buy NAB shares today
• 3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA)
• Forget CBA shares, Bell Potter says this ASX financial stock could deliver a 75% return

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in National Australia Bank. 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.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares finished 0.22% higher on Tuesday after the US delayed strikes on power plants in Iran.

Trading data shows 248 of the 500 All Ords companies rose yesterday, while 168 shares fell, and 48 held steady.

Among them were four ASX All Ords shares that hit new 52-week lows.

Are they a buy, hold, or sell?

Let’s defer to the experts.

Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price touched a near 4-year low of $39 yesterday.

Wisetech shares have fallen 17.6% so far this month amid the broader market sell-off due to the war in Iran.

The Wisetech share price has also more than halved over 12 months amid an ongoing ASX tech sector rout.

On Monday, Citi reiterated its buy rating on this ASX All Ords tech share with a 12-month target of $65.35.

This implies a potential near-70% capital gain ahead.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) 

Guzman Y Gomez shares hit an all-time low of $16.30 yesterday.

The ASX All Ords consumer discretionary share has fallen almost 15% this month.

Guzman Y Gomez shares have also more than halved over 12 months, but Morgans is optimistic.

In a new note, the broker maintained its buy rating but slashed its target price from $32.30 to $24.

This still suggests an attractive potential upside of 47% over the next year.

Morgans said:

If it was just about Australia, GYG would be doing just fine right now. In its home market, it continues to outperform the broader QSR industry both in terms of comp sales and network expansion.

Australian earnings were up strongly in 1H26, much as we had expected. But it’s not just about Australia.

GYG came to market with a strategy for global expansion that was breathtakingly ambitious. The first big opportunity was the US.

Unfortunately, the pace of network expansion in the US so far has been pedestrian and the restaurants it has opened have lost more money than expected.

GYG has a bit to prove, but we can be certain it is going to give it all it’s got to ultimately realise its growth ambitions.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

This ASX All Ords wine share fell to a multi-year low of $3.54 yesterday.

The Treasury Wine share price has fallen by 64% over the past 12 months.

Traders think Treasury Wine shares have further to fall, with the stock among the most shorted ASX shares this week.

Last week, Ord Minnett upgraded the ASX All Ords wine share to a hold rating.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $5 to $4.50, implying a 27% upside from here.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The Flight Centre share price tumbled to a six-year low of $11.03 on Tuesday.

Not surprisingly, the war in Iran is having a direct impact on ASX All Ords travel shares.

Investors are worried about fuel costs and supply, as well as flight cancellations, given the Middle East’s role as a major transit hub.

The Flight Centre share price is down 13.8% since 28 February, and down 23% over 12 months.

In a new note released last week, Citi retained a buy rating on Flight Centre shares with a $16.75 price target.

Citi reckons the sell-off has been overdone, presenting a buying opportunity.

The broker’s 12-month target suggests a mighty 52% potential upside for the ASX All Ords travel share.

The post 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Which ASX battered tech stock has the most upside according to brokers?
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and loading up on cheap ASX shares
• Could this beaten-down ASX 200 stock double in the next 12 months?
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

A number of popular blue-chip ASX 200 shares recently hit 52-week lows or worse.

While this is disappointing, it could have created a buying opportunity for patient investors.

For example, listed below are three top blue-chips that analysts think are top buys:

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The first blue-chip ASX 200 share that has fallen heavily is Cochlear.

The hearing implant leader recently reported a softer half-year result, with profit declining and margins coming under pressure. A key issue was a higher mix of lower-priced emerging market sales, which weighed on revenue growth despite solid unit growth.

In addition, the rollout of its new Nexa system has been slower than expected, delaying revenue growth and disrupting the earnings trajectory investors had been anticipating.

However, demand remains strong and the company has been gaining market share, with Nexa now making up the majority of units sold. This suggests the issue is more about timing than underlying demand.

In light of this, Cochlear’s global leadership and exposure to long-term hearing healthcare demand could make the recent pullback an interesting opportunity for Aussie investors.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Another blue-chip ASX 200 share that looks attractive after a heavy decline is CSL.

The biotech giant has faced pressure following a softer-than-expected result, with its key CSL Behring division weighing on performance. Margin recovery has been slower than hoped and earnings growth expectations have been revised lower.

Adding to the uncertainty is the recent CEO departure, which has raised questions around leadership and the company’s near-term direction.

That said, CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies with significant barriers to entry and strong long-term demand drivers.

For investors with a long-term horizon, the combination of quality and a lower share price could present a more balanced risk-reward opportunity.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

A final blue-chip ASX 200 share that has come under significant pressure is Treasury Wine Estates.

Last month, the wine giant reported a sharp decline in earnings, with margins compressing and revenue falling amid softer conditions in key markets such as the United States and China. A large non-cash impairment also led to a statutory loss, while the interim dividend was suspended to preserve capital.

These developments highlight that the business is currently going through a period of transition rather than simply experiencing a short-term slowdown.

Management is now focused on its TWE Ascent transformation program, which aims to reduce costs, simplify operations, and reposition the portfolio for sustainable growth.

While there are clear execution risks, the company’s portfolio of premium wine brands continues to perform in the market. If the transformation is successful, the current weakness could prove to be an incredible buying opportunity.

The post 3 top blue-chip ASX 200 shares that look dirt cheap right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The war in Iran has inspired an unexpected ASX 200 market trend
• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and loading up on cheap ASX shares
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2030 for CSL shares
• Forget CSL shares, this ASX healthcare stock could double in value
• Why I’d buy these high-quality ASX 200 shares this week

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, Cochlear, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

While examining the recent performance of ASX sectors, it’s clear that energy has been a winner this year. 

Meanwhile, healthcare and technology have come under heavy pressure. 

However another sector perhaps undervalued and garnering less attention are ASX real estate shares. 

Four in particular that have dipped in 2026 include: 

• Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) is down nearly 37%
• Lifestyle Communities Ltd (ASX: LIC) is down 18% since mid February
• Dexus (ASX: DXS) is down 14% year to date
• Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) is down 10% year to date. 

Why have real estate shares dropped?

ASX real estate stocks have had a tough 2026, with the sector down significantly. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) is down roughly 17% year to date. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen roughly 4% in the same span. 

This has been driven by concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and overall investor uncertainty. 

These factors have all weighed heavily on sentiment in 2026.

Can these shares bounce back?

Amongst the four companies listed earlier, there is reason for some optimism in the long term according to analysis from brokers. 

In a weekly REIT report from Bell Potter, the broker had a buy recommendation on Centuria Industrial REIT. 

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

It closed trading yesterday at $2.96. 

However Bell Potter has a price target of $3.60, indicating a 21% upside from current levels. 

There is optimism around this real estate stock on the back of significant rental growth potential and tailwinds from a growing population. 

Upside may be more tempered for Lifestyle Communities, which recently received a hold recommendation from Bell Potter.

Dexus and Lendlease to rebound?

Dexus is a major Australian property investor, developer, and manager. It has a large, high-grade office portfolio and a smaller industrial portfolio in Australasia.

It may attract investors looking for strong dividend history, as it has a reputation as a reliable passive income option. 

To go along with a 5% yield, analysts forecasts via TradingView also anticipate capital growth, with 9 analysts having an average one year price target of $7.28. 

That’s a healthy 22% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

Finally, Lendlease is an international property development and construction business. 

After falling significantly to start the year, it could be a value play. 

The average price target amongst 6 analysts sits at $5.33. 

This is 63% higher than yesterday’s closing price of $3.26, which is likely to excite investors.

The post Is now the time to jump on these ASX real estate stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX dividend shares to double up on right now
• 3 ASX shares now trading at crazy cheap prices!
• These ASX 300 stocks could be top buys offering 25%+ returns according to Bell Potter
• Should you buy these ASX gold stocks after last week’s crash?
• Top broker says ASX this consumer staples stock could rise nearly 40%

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.

Amidst broader market sell-offs over the last month, several individual ASX shares have bucked the trend and charged to 52-week highs. 

Three such shares that hit new yearly highs yesterday were: 

• New Hope Corp Ltd (ASX: NHC) hit fresh highs of $5.84 
• Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) rose to $2.48 
• Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) has now reached $5.34. 

Investors on the outside looking in may be considering if there is any further upside. 

Here is what experts are saying about these ASX shares hitting fresh 52-week highs. 

Telstra Group

Telstra shares closed yesterday after a 0.75% gain. 

They have now risen almost 30% in the last year, including more than 9% year to date. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 4% year to date. 

There are two key reasons investors may be piling into Telstra shares. 

Firstly, Telstra shares are considered to be a defensive option as Australia’s largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services.

In simple terms, consumers still need access to its services regardless of global conflict and economic instability. 

Another reason investors may be turning to Telstra shares is for its reliable income through dividends. 

As Tristan Harrison reported earlier this week, Telstra has been steadily increasing its dividend payout in the last few years, including the FY26 half-year result. 

In terms of further upside, these two factors could easily continue to push the share price higher if near-term risk off sentiment continues. 

13 analysts forecasts via TradingView indicate the current price is hovering close to fair value. 

Duratec

Duratec is an investment holding company. The company’s operating segment includes Defence; Mining and Industrial; Building and Facades, and Energy. 

This combination has helped it continue to benefit from defence spending, which contributes to most of its revenue. 

Thanks to this, its share price has risen an impressive 34% year to date, hitting fresh 52-week highs yesterday.

After such a strong run, it seems analysts see the All Ords stock as fully valued, with average forecasts hovering around $2.41. 

New Hope

New Hope is an Australian thermal coal miner.

Its share price has lifted 44% year to date. 

It has benefited from a rally in global coal prices, which recently hit a 16 month high.

While the previous two shares listed appear close to fair value, recent broker targets indicate New Hope shares may now be overvalued. 

Morgans has a hold rating on these ASX shares, along with a price target of $5.00. 

That target is 14% higher than yesterday’s closing price. 

The post Are these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs still worth buying? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the safest ASX 200 dividend stocks in Australia
• Can Telstra Group shares keep soaring after hitting a 10-year high?
• $7,500 invested in New Hope shares 5 weeks ago is now worth…
• Oil slides below US$100 as tensions shift, ASX energy stocks pull back
• 3 ASX dividend shares raising dividends like clockwork

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

Are you looking to bolster your income portfolio with some new additions?

If you are, then it could be worth looking at the three ASX dividend shares in this article that brokers are bullish on.

Here’s what they are recommending to clients:

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

The first ASX dividend share that could be worth considering is Cedar Woods Properties.

The property developer focuses on residential communities and urban land subdivision projects across Australia. While the housing market can be cyclical, long-term demand remains supported by population growth and limited supply in key regions.

With development projects progressing and demand for housing remaining strong, the company could be well placed to continue generating earnings and supporting its dividend payments over time.

Bell Potter believes this will underpin fully franked dividends of 39 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 41 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.27, this would mean dividend yields of 5.35% and 5.6%, respectively.

The broker also sees plenty of upside for its shares with its buy rating and $10.20 price target.

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

Another ASX dividend share that could appeal to income investors is Centuria Industrial REIT.

This REIT owns a portfolio of industrial and logistics assets, including warehouses and distribution centres. These properties are closely tied to supply chains and ecommerce activity, which has driven strong demand in recent years.

The trust benefits from long lease terms and a diversified tenant base, which provides visibility over future rental income.

With industrial property remaining a key part of the modern economy, Centuria Industrial REIT could continue to deliver steady income for investors.

UBS believes the company is well-placed to pay 17 cents per share dividends in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.96, this would mean dividend yields of 5.75% in both years.

The broker has a buy rating and $3.40 price target on its shares.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

A final ASX dividend share that brokers rate as a buy is Harvey Norman.

It operates a retail and franchise model across furniture, electronics, and appliances, while also owning a significant property portfolio.

This combination provides multiple income streams, with both retail earnings and rental income supporting its financial performance.

Harvey Norman has a history of paying solid dividends, and while retail conditions can fluctuate, its strong brand and asset backing provide a level of resilience.

The team at Macquarie believes Harvey Norman is positioned to reward shareholders with fully franked payouts of 27.8 cents per share in FY 2026 and 31.2 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $4.97, this would mean dividend yields of 5.6% and 6.3%, respectively.

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $6.60 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares to double up on right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is now the time to jump on these ASX real estate stocks?
• 3 ASX shares now trading at crazy cheap prices!
• These ASX 300 stocks could be top buys offering 25%+ returns according to Bell Potter
• 14 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend
• Where to invest $20,000 for dividend income on the ASX

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

Following all the drama of the last few weeks, a number of ASX shares are now trading at surprisingly low prices.

We can’t say what will happen in the next few weeks. But, I think the experience after 2020 and 2022 shows that the market is probably looking for good news to recover.

With US President Trump indicating he’s keen to make a deal with Iran, this could be a great time to invest in the following businesses.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

Pinnacle is invested in a portfolio of funds management businesses that generally have a long track record of delivering stronger returns than their benchmarks.

It’s understandable that a fall in share markets has led to a 14% drop in the Pinnacle share price over the past month, given the likely painful impact on funds under management (FUM).

But, due to the cyclical nature of the share market volatility, I believe there will be a recovery down the line.

Plus, Pinnacle’s affiliates have collectively experienced billions of dollars in net inflows each financial year, which is a strong tailwind for longer-term FUM growth, even if FY26 earnings are impacted. I’m hopeful the company will add to its affiliate portfolio over the coming years.

I think this sell-off is an opportune time to invest in this ASX share, given market confidence is low.

Using the forecast on Commsec, the Pinnacle share price is valued at 20x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

Australia’s growing and ageing population is a strong tailwind for businesses involved in the healthcare industry.

Sigma is the owner of Chemist Warehouse, Australia’s leading chemist business, along with other companies in the chemist industry.

Impressively, Chemist Warehouse is seeing network sales growth in the mid-teens, while its international sales are growing even faster.

The business is generating strong same-store sales growth, while also expanding its store network in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

Growing scale can help improve the company’s profit margins, as we’re seeing in its financials. In HY26, it reported revenue growth of 14.9%, normalised operating profit (EBIT) growth of 18.7% to $582.9 million, and normalised net profit growth of 19.2% to $392 million.

It’s a great sign when each profit line is rising faster than the one before it. Investors usually value a business based on its net profit, so Sigma is demonstrating pleasing characteristics.  

I think the business is capable of adding dozens of new Chemist Warehouses to its global network in the coming years, which should be a strong tailwind for shareholder returns.

According to Commsec, the Sigma Healthcare share price is valued at 42x FY26’s estimated earnings.

L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G)

This is a fund manager that offers a range of investment strategies that have performed strongly for investors across ASX shares, international shares, gold, and more.

After taking over Platinum, the business has hit the ground running on the ASX. It’s planning to list a gold-listed investment company (LIC) soon, and its other LICs’ performances have been excellent in recent times (though past performance is not a guarantee of future performance).

In the FY26 half-year result, the company reported underlying revenue growth of 23% to $145.1 million, underlying operating profit (EBITDA) growth of 61% to $94.9 million and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) growth of 63% to $66.3 million.

I’m a fan of how L1 invests in its funds with a contrarian mindset and a focus on businesses with lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios.

I expect the business will launch additional funds over time, while organic investment performance can help FUM grow naturally as well.

I think this investment outfit is one of the most impressive in Australia and is worth owning for the long term.

The post 3 ASX shares to buy for magnificent long-term growth! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’m listening to Warren Buffett and loading up on cheap ASX shares
• 2 top ASX shares I’d buy today amid falling prices
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 4 top ASX share picks to buy

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

One of the hardest-hit S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) shares over the last several months has been Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW). It really strikes me as an oversold ASX stock after falling more than 50% this year.

It’s understandable why there has been some volatility. AI worries and the Middle East conflict have impacted a wide range of ASX growth shares, including Temple & Webster.

The business sells hundreds of thousands of products across homewares, furniture and home improvement. It has already built an impressive market share across Australia.

Strong revenue growth rate

One of the key appealing aspects of the oversold ASX stock is how quickly revenue is growing. The speed of a company’s growth is a key aspect that drives the underlying value because of how that flows to profit growth and scale benefits.

The FY26 half-year result included very impressive revenue growth numbers. In the first six months of the 2026 financial year, revenue increased by 20% to $376 million. On top of that, in the first several weeks of the second half of FY26, revenue grew by another 20%.

Part of the reason why the company is delivering impressive growth is the ongoing adoption of online shopping. E-commerce now makes up around 20% of the homewares and furniture sector in Australia, but the trends are positive for further growth based on other similar countries – online penetration has reached around 30% in the UK and even more in the US.

There are currently two other areas of the business I’m bullish about. Firstly, it recently started shipping items to New Zealand, which opens up a sizeable additional market to sell to.

Secondly, its home improvement segment is growing even faster than the main business. It’s a significant growth avenue if it continues to execute well. HY26 home improvement revenue soared 47% to $30 million. If that growth trend continues, it will become an important contributor.  

Capital-light model

One of the best parts of the Temple & Webster business model is that a significant majority of products sold through its website/portal are shipped directly by suppliers to customers.

This makes Temple & Webster capital-light because it doesn’t need its own warehouses (and everything else) for those sales.

Under this set up, the company can produce a lot of cash flow and build a large cash balance.

In the FY26 half-year result, the business reported cash flow of $31.3 million and ended HY26 with a cash balance of $160.6 million. The large cash balance can help fund the ongoing share buyback (which boosts the value of each remaining Temple & Webster share)

Big growth goals for the ASX oversold stock

One of the final reasons why I think this business is an oversold ASX stock is because of the level of growth it’s targeting.

In the next few years, the business is aiming to reach $1 billion of annual sales. It may not get there quite as fast as it was hoping, but it’s still rapidly growing towards that target at a double-digit pace.

Additionally, the company is expecting to become much more profitable in the long-term.

In FY25, the business achieved an operating profit (EBITDA) margin of 3.1%. It’s expecting an EBITDA margin of between 3% to 5% in FY26 and then to reach at least 15% in the long-term.

That suggests a significantly higher profit margin and it could be generating a lot more revenue by the time it reaches that revenue target.

According to the forecast on CMC Invest, the Temple & Webster share price is now valued at just 28x FY28’s estimated earnings.

The post This oversold ASX stock is so cheap it’s crazy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There are plenty of global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX, but not many come from Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

The Macquarie Core Global Equity Active ETF (ASX: MQEG) has been around for almost a couple of years, but is still likely to be unfamiliar to a lot of investors.

That’s why I think it is worth a closer look today, especially for investors wanting global exposure with the potential for index-beating returns.

A different way to invest globally

Most global ETFs are passive. They track an index and aim to match its performance. 

The MQEG ETF takes a different approach. It is actively managed, using a systematic and data-driven process to select between 200 and 500 global shares.

The idea is to identify companies with desirable characteristics while reducing emotional bias, and to aim for consistent returns above the benchmark over time.

That’s an interesting proposition.

It blends the diversification of an ETF with the potential upside of active management.

Built on a long track record

This isn’t a brand-new idea for Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

The strategy behind the MQEG ETF has been developed over decades, with Macquarie Systematic Investments using data, signals, and risk controls to build portfolios designed to deliver index-plus returns.

According to the fund, the process analyses millions of data points and combines factors like valuation, sentiment, and quality to construct a diversified portfolio.

That kind of disciplined approach is designed to remove emotion and keep decisions consistent.

Early performance looks encouraging

While it’s still relatively early days, the initial results are worth noting.

The ETF aims to outperform the MSCI World ex-Australia ex-Tobacco Index over the medium to long term.

Since inception, it has delivered returns ahead of its benchmark on a net basis, suggesting that the strategy has been working so far.

Of course, past performance isn’t a guarantee of future results. But it does provide some early validation.

Cost and structure

One of the more appealing aspects of this Macquarie ETF is its cost structure.

It has a relatively low management fee (0.08%) for an active ETF, combined with a performance fee that only applies if it beats the index.

That alignment is important.

It means investors are paying more only if the fund is delivering additional value.

What you’re actually getting

Under the hood, the MQEG ETF is a globally diversified portfolio.

It has significant exposure to the United States, alongside allocations to Japan, Europe, and other developed markets.

Its holdings are constantly evolving based on the model, but examples of positions include companies like Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ: LRCX), Comcast Corp (NASDAQ: CMCSA), and Eiffage SA (FRA: EF3).

This isn’t a static portfolio. It’s designed to adapt as market conditions change.

Why I think it could be a strong buy

What stands out to me is the combination of features.

You’re getting global diversification, a disciplined, data-driven investment process, the potential for outperformance, and a relatively low-cost structure for active management

That’s not something you see every day in a single ETF.

It won’t suit everyone. Some investors will still prefer simple index tracking.

But for those open to a systematic active approach, I think the MQEG ETF could be a compelling option to consider.

Foolish takeaway

The Macquarie Core Global Equity Active ETF offers a different way to access global markets.

It combines broad diversification with a systematic strategy aimed at delivering consistent excess returns over time.

It’s still early in its journey, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I think it could be a strong buy for investors looking to add something a little different to their portfolio.

The post Is this outperforming ETF from Macquarie a strong buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Lam Research and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Comcast. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lam Research. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.