Category: Stock Market

If I’m putting a meaningful amount of money into an ASX dividend stock, I want one thing above all else.

Confidence.

Not just in the next dividend, but in the business’ ability to keep paying and growing those dividends over the next decade or even beyond.

That’s why I keep coming back to supermarket giant Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

At a share price of $36.41 at the time of writing, I think it stands out as a dependable option for income-focused investors right now.

A business built on everyday spending

Woolworths sits at the centre of one of the most consistent parts of the Australian economy.

People need groceries and household goods regardless of what’s happening with interest rates, markets, or economic cycles. That creates a level of demand that is relatively stable compared to many other industries.

What I like is how Woolworths has built around that core.

Its scale, supply chain, and store network give it a strong competitive position. That helps support margins and cash flow, which ultimately underpin its ability to pay dividends.

A growing dividend profile

According to CommSec, consensus estimates point to Woolworths paying fully-franked dividends of $1.03 per share in FY26, then $1.14 per share in FY27, and finally $1.28 per share in FY28.

At the current share price, that puts it on a forward dividend yield of around 2.8% for FY26, rising to roughly 3.5% by FY28 if those forecasts are met.

It may not be the highest-yielding stock on the ASX, but that’s not really the point here.

For me, it’s about consistency and growth.

What $20,000 could generate in this ASX dividend stock

If you invested $20,000 into Woolworths shares today at $36.41, you’d be able to buy approximately 549 shares.

Based on FY26 dividend estimates of $1.03 per share, that would generate around $565 in annual income.

Looking ahead, if dividends grow to $1.28 per share by FY28, that same investment could generate roughly $700 per year.

And importantly, those dividends are expected to be fully franked, which can add additional value for Australian investors.

Foolish Takeaway

Woolworths may not offer the highest dividend yield on the ASX, but I think it offers something more important.

Reliability.

With a strong market position, consistent earnings, and growing dividends, I think it looks like a solid option for investors looking to put $20,000 to work in a dependable ASX dividend stock right now.

The post A dependable ASX dividend stock to buy with $20,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 excellent ASX shares to buy for a retirement portfolio
• 3 blue-chip ASX shares to boost your retirement income
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• How to invest when the ASX refuses to calm down

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 Woolworths Group. 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) shares have delivered some outsized gains since late January.

On 21 January, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock closed trading for $147.22. On Tuesday, those same shares closed the day changing hands for $171.12 apiece.

That sees CBA shares up 16.23% in just over two months. For some context, the ASX 200 is down 4.59% since market close on 21 January.

What makes this outperformance even more remarkable is that CBA traded ex-dividend on 18 February. While CommBank won’t pay out the fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share until 30 March, investors who owned the ASX 200 stock at market close on February 17 will be looking forward to receiving that.

So, if we add that $2.35 back into Tuesday’s closing price of $171.12 a share, then the accumulated value of CBA shares is up an even more impressive 17.83% since 21 January. With some potential tax benefits from those franking credits.

Clearly, then, you’re unlikely to hear investors who bought in late January complaining about their returns to date.

But looking ahead, Medallion Financial Group’s Philippe Bui forecasts mounting headwinds for Australia’s biggest bank (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

CBA shares: Buy, hold, or sell?

“CBA remains the highest quality franchise among Australia’s major banks, but the valuation now looks stretched,” said Bui, who has a sell recommendation on CBA shares.

“The stock trades on a price-to-earnings multiple well above its peers despite similar earnings growth prospects,” Bui noted.

Indeed, CBA trades on a P/E ratio of around 28 times.

By comparison, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) trades on a P/E ratio of around 20 times; ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) trades on a P/E ratio of around 19 times; and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) trades on a P/E ratio of around 21 times.

And with the share price leaping higher, Bui was lukewarm on CBA’s passive income potential.

“The recent annual dividend yield around 3% is modest compared with other income opportunities,” he noted.

Bui concluded:

With credit growth slowing and net interest margins stabilising, we believe earnings momentum is unlikely to justify such a premium valuation. After a strong share price run, investors may want to consider taking profits and reallocating capital to more attractively valued opportunities.

How has the ASX 200 bank stock performed longer term?

Taking a step back, CBA shares have gained 16% over 12 months, not including dividends.

The ASX 200 is up 5.58% over this same time.

The post Up more than 17% since January, should you buy CBA shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Forget CBA shares, Bell Potter says this ASX financial stock could deliver a 75% return
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• The stress-free ASX ETF portfolio built to weather market crashes
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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 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.

If you have a spare $5,000 and want to put it to good use, here are five ASX shares I have my eye on this week, and they’re all tipped to soar higher this year.

Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX: ABB)

Aussie Broadband shares jumped 20% higher in early February after the company announced it had signed an agreement to acquire AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)’s Telco business. As part of the arrangement, the two companies have also agreed to an exclusive long-term partnership. Aussie Broadband already benefits from a sticky customer base, and now it has the opportunity to grow even more. Analysts tip an upside as high as 47% to $7.14 a piece, at the time of writing.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The ASX travel company’s shares have crashed 43% for the year to date after news of an audit of its Spanish subsidiary spooked worried investors. The audit will review direct taxes paid (and owed) between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as indirect taxes for the period between January 2022 and December 2025. But Web Travel Group said it does not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review, and its FY26 earnings guidance is unchanged at 22% to 29% higher than in FY25. It looks like the investor sell-off was overdone. Analysts are tipping an upside as high as 170% to $7.40 at the time of writing.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group shares have also tumbled 18% so far in 2026, amid concerns about Australia’s interest rate direction, high borrowing costs, and overall investor uncertainty. There is broad weakness across the property sector, and the dent in confidence has flowed through to the latest earnings results. But I don’t think the downturn is here to stay. Analysts tip an upside as high as 60% to $40 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)

Again, AUB shares are down 22% for the year so far after investors exited their positions following news that the company completed a $400 million institutional placement to help fund its acquisition of UK insurer Prestige and support growth. The placement was priced below the share price at the time. The move signalled expectations that the share price would decline. It looks like the ASX shares have now hit rock bottom. Analysts tip an upside as high as 63% to $38.90 for the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

Super Retail Group shares have also been through the wringer in 2026. The share price shot to an all-time high after a record sales result in late February, but has slumped 20% since then amid market-wide volatility. As a retail company, Super Retail Group is heavily reliant on discretionary spending, but this is the first thing to retract when concerns about interest rates, cost of living, or economic volatility surface. Despite investor sentiment, the business remains strong and steady, so over the long term, we can expect the cyclical downturn to rebound. Analysts tip an upside of up to 50% to $19 at the time of writing for the ASX company’s shares.

The post 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Goodman shares hit 52-week low. Can this ASX 200 stock make a comeback?
• 3 ASX shares I’d buy today and not check for a year
• How to survive an ASX share market crash
• How to build $100,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Aussie Broadband, Goodman Group, and Super Retail Group and is short shares of Aussie Broadband. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aub Group, Aussie Broadband, and Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The first quarter of 2026 hasn’t been kind to investors.

Markets have pulled back, sentiment has weakened, and a lot of growth-focused assets have come under pressure.

That doesn’t feel great in the moment. But it can create an interesting setup.

Because when markets do eventually stabilise and rebound, it’s often the higher-quality growth exposures that lead the way.

With that in mind, here are three ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I’d be looking at right now.

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

The iShares Global 100 ETF provides exposure to some of the largest and most dominant companies worldwide.

We’re talking about global leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financials. These are businesses with strong balance sheets, global reach, and proven earnings power.

What I like about the IOO ETF is that it doesn’t try to be too clever.

It simply gives you access to a concentrated group of high-quality global companies that have historically performed well over time.

In a rebound scenario, I think these businesses are well-positioned to recover strongly, especially as confidence returns to global markets.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is a more growth-focused option.

It tracks the Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted toward technology and innovation-driven companies.

This is typically one of the more volatile parts of the market. When sentiment turns negative, the NDQ ETF tends to fall harder. But when conditions improve, it can also rebound quickly.

That’s why I think it’s worth considering at times like this.

If the market does turn, exposure to sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital platforms could be a major driver of returns.

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

The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a more local angle on the same theme.

It provides exposure to Australian technology companies, including names involved in software, payments, and digital services.

These stocks have been hit particularly hard during the recent sell-off, with many trading well below their previous highs.

That can create a higher-risk, higher-reward setup.

If sentiment improves and investors rotate back into growth, the ATEC ETF could benefit as capital flows return to the sector.

Foolish Takeaway

Market pullbacks are never comfortable, but they can create opportunities.

The IOO ETF offers global quality, the NDQ ETF provides exposure to high-growth innovation, and the ATEC ETF adds a more aggressive local tech angle.

They’re not guaranteed to rebound quickly, and volatility could continue in the short term.

But if markets do recover from here, I think these are the types of ETFs that could be well-positioned to move higher.

The post 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for when the market rebounds appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
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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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The best ASX dividend shares are a fine balance between a good yield and robust growth potential.

After all, there is no point going for the highest yielding ASX stock out there if its share price is due to correct.

Here are three strong ASX dividend shares, each with a yield of over 5% and with great growth potential over the next 12 months.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL Energy shares jumped 20% higher in February after the company’s revised FY26 guidance figures excited investors. The energy company said it expects full-year underlying EBITDA of $2.02 billion to $2.18 billion. It also expects an underlying profit of $580 million to $680 million.

Most excitingly, the board also elected to increase its fully-franked interim dividend to 24 cents per share, up 4.3% from 23 cents last year. At the time of writing, that translates to a dividend of around 5.1%.

AGL is expected to grow its annual dividend even further, too. For FY26, UBS expects AGL to make an annual payout of 49 cents per share. It expects to pay 54 cents per share in FY27.

Analysts tip an upside as high as 40% for AGL shares too, to $13.25 over the next 12 months.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Rural Funds Group is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is focused on agricultural assets ranging from cattle to almonds. The company has high exposure to essential food production and agricultural supply chains and is expected to benefit from long-term demand.

The ASX dividend stock has paid a quarterly unfranked dividend to investors since 2016. Investors will be paid 2.9 cents per share next month. This implies a yield of around 5.5% at the time of writing. 

Bell Potter forecasts the company will pay dividends per share of 11.7 cents in FY 2026 and FY 2027. 

Analysts tip an upside as high as 24% to $2.50 per share over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

Dexus Industria REIT has a portfolio of workplace-focused properties comprising more than 90 assets. The listed Australian real estate investment trust (LIT) is primarily invested in industrial warehouses. It plans to provide resilient income growth and long-term risk-adjusted returns to investors. It benefits from a diversified tenant base, high occupancy, and stable rental income. 

The company has paid a quarterly unfranked or partially franked dividend since 2017. Its investors will be paid an unfranked quarterly dividend of 4.1 cents in May, implying a yield of around 6.9%.

The company is forecast to pay dividends per share of 16.6 cents in FY26 and then 16.8 cents in FY27. 

Analysts tip an upside as high as 43% over the next 12 months, to $3.40 per share, at the time of writing.

The post 3 ASX dividend shares yielding 5%+ that still have growth potential appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What would a gas tax mean for ASX energy stocks?
• These ASX 300 stocks could be top buys offering 25%+ returns according to Bell Potter
• These cheap ASX dividend shares could rise 20% to 30%
• Natural gas jumps 6% overnight. Which ASX gas giants stand to benefit?
• 2 ASX dividend shares with 5%+ yields and buy ratings

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

If you have $50,000 to invest, taking a long-term buy and hold approach can be a smart way to build wealth.

Rather than trying to time the market, focusing on quality investments and holding them over many years allows compounding to do the heavy lifting. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) make this process simple by providing exposure to large groups of stocks with a single click of the button.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could play an important role is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund provides exposure to a broad mix of leading US companies, including Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B). These businesses span multiple industries and generate significant revenue globally.

NVIDIA stands out as one of the most influential companies in the index today. It designs advanced graphics processing units that are critical for artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and high-performance computing. As demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, NVIDIA’s technology is becoming increasingly important across industries.

Owning companies like NVIDIA gives investors exposure to one of the most powerful trends shaping the global economy, which is why broad US exposure remains a popular long-term strategy.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This fund focuses on companies with sustainable competitive advantages and currently includes holdings such as Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

Fortinet is a strong example of the type of business this ETF targets. The company provides cybersecurity solutions that help organisations protect their networks and data. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and widespread, demand for these services continues to grow.

With high switching costs and mission-critical products, Fortinet has built a strong position in the cybersecurity industry, supporting recurring revenue and long-term growth potential.

By combining competitive advantages with valuation discipline, this ETF appears well-placed to deliver good returns over the next decade.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A final ASX ETF to consider is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This fund provides access to a wide range of developed market stocks outside Australia, including Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Roche (SWX: ROG), Toyota (TYO: 7203), and LVMH (FRA: MOH).

Nestlé is a strong example of a long-term compounder. The company owns a portfolio of global consumer brands across food and beverages, generating steady cash flow and benefiting from consistent demand.

This type of business can help balance more growth-oriented holdings, providing stability alongside long-term earnings growth.

The post Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs for the next 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The stress-free ASX ETF portfolio built to weather market crashes
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF in 2026
• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• If a 30-year-old invests $500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Fortinet, Nike, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Constellation Brands and Nestlé. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX share market is up today – a rare event for March 2026. The positivity has been spurred by reports that US President Trump wants to make a deal with Iran.

There’s an acronym saying when it comes to Trump and the share market – TACO, which stands for Trump Always Chickens Out. Not the most complimentary way of describing his decisions to avoid (economic) disaster, but that has been a recurring theme over the past 15 months to date.

So, with Trump indicating he wants to work something out with Iran, investors may be wondering whether the ASX share market crash over.

Are the declines over?

I’m not about to try to guess how Iran, the US and Israel will act from here. The war itself was a surprise, how Iran targeted other Middle East countries was a surprise and it’s certainly possible any of the participants could do something that lengthens the conflict in another twist.

You’d need a crystal ball to know when the conflict will finish and when fuel-carrying ships can resume their passage of the strait of Hormuz unimpeded.

But, I do have some thoughts about the actual ASX share market itself.

Again, I don’t have a crystal ball. However, the market does have a history of falling rapidly and recovering even before the actual issue (the GFC, the COVID pandemic and high inflation a few years ago) has been fully resolved. It’s a panic at the start until optimism and bargain hunters return.

We may have seen the worst of the market being fearful, so this could be the time to be greedy while some ASX share prices are still trading at fearful prices. Of course, we’ll have to see how long it takes for the inflation effect of higher fuel prices to play out. Hopefully it’s quick.

The most important question is – are the share prices on ASX share market we’re presented with attractive?

I certainly think so. If the conflict is indeed winding down, then the impacts could be short-lived.

There are plenty of high-quality ASX shares that are trading at valuations that we’ve not seen for months or even years before now.

Which ASX shares could strong buys today?

The Iran conflict as well as AI concerns have pushed a number of ASX shares to very appealing places. It’s important to reflect on the fact that these businesses are generating the most revenue ever.

I’m looking at names like Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG), Pro Medius Ltd (ASX: PME), Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) and more. Over the next three years, I think their share prices could be contenders for market-beating returns as they deliver positive profit growth.

The post Is that the end of the ASX share market crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today
• This could be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to buy cheap ASX tech stocks
• Forget CSL shares, this ASX healthcare stock could double in value
• A rare buying opportunity in 1 of the ASX’s top shares?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX gold shares have tumbled since the war in Iran began, with the gold price slumping to nearly US$4,300 per ounce today.

The S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) has fallen 31% since 28 February, when Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) has fallen nearly 9% amid investors worrying about higher oil and gas prices.

The gold price is now down 13.2% over the past week and down 15.8% over 30 days as the Middle East conflict continues.

For now, concern about a potential resurgence in inflation has overridden gold’s traditional safe-haven appeal.

Analysts from Trading Economics explain:

Gold had dropped as much as 25% from its March peak as rising energy prices fueled inflation concerns and bolstered expectations of interest rate hikes.

In a blog, Zaner Precious Metals said the Iran conflict had triggered broad market deleveraging and a stronger US dollar.

This has pushed US Treasury bond yields close to a 10-month high, weakening the appeal of non-yielding precious metals like gold.

Zaner said markets are tilted toward a ‘risk-off’ temperament, commenting:

That risk aversion is underpinning the dollar, as the trade seeks maximum liquidity.

New expert ratings on ASX gold shares

The market’s largest ASX gold share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), has fallen 42% since 28 February to $17.60 today.

A second guidance downgrade from the miner has contributed to the stock’s tumble.

Ord Minnett reckons this one is a buy.

Last week, the broker reiterated its buy rating on Northern Star but slashed its 12-month share price target from $29.70 to $23.70.

JP Morgan downgraded the ASX gold share to a hold rating with a $24 target.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has fallen 28% since 28 February to $11.93 on Tuesday.

Ord Minnett upgraded its rating on Evolution shares to a buy last week, with a target of $13.10.

JP Morgan also upgraded Evolution shares to a buy rating with a more ambitious target of $15.50.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares have fallen 22% since the war began to $138.21 at the time of writing.

Ord Minnett has reiterated its buy rating on Newmont shares but reduced its target from $215 to $205.

What about mid caps and small caps?

Mid-cap ASX gold share, Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS), has lost a quarter of its value since 28 February.

Today, Ramelius Resources shares are trading at $3.45 apiece.

Last week, UBS maintained its hold rating on Ramelius Resources shares with a 12-month target of $5.20.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price has fallen 32% since the war began to $9.35 today.

On The Bull this week, Philippe Bui from Medallion Financial Group put a hold rating on Greatland Resources shares.

Bui said:

Given gold prices remain strong amid company development progressing steadily, GGP is moving closer to becoming a meaningful producer.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares have fallen 38% since 28 February to $3.67 apiece.

Last week, Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating on Vault Minerals shares with a price target of $7.40.

UBS also retained its buy rating and lifted its target slightly to $7.60.

The post ASX gold shares down 31% since war began: What should you do? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive
• Why ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star and Evolution Mining are storming higher today
• Which top ASX gold stock just took the biggest hit?
• Up 84% since August, should you buy this $6 billion ASX 200 gold stock today?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

JPMorgan Chase 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 JPMorgan Chase. 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 Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) share price is edging lower on Tuesday despite fresh insider buying from one of Australia’s most well-known retail investors.

At the time of writing, Lovisa shares are down 0.62% to $20.94. The stock is now trading not far above its 52-week low of $19.30 and remains well below levels seen earlier in the past year.

This comes after billionaire Brett Blundy increased his stake in the jewellery retailer, marking his first on-market purchase in more than a decade.

Let’s take a closer look.

Blundy lifts stake after long absence

According to two separate ASX filings, Brett Blundy has been buying shares in Lovisa across multiple on-market transactions in March.

In the first notice, Blundy acquired 332,000 shares between 12 March and 19 March. These purchases were made at prices ranging from approximately $20.35 to $20.50 per share.

A second filing shows an additional on-market purchase of 263,000 shares on 20 March at around $20.32 per share.

Combined, this takes total recent buying to 595,000 shares, representing an investment of roughly $12 million.

Following these transactions, Blundy now holds approximately 43.3 million shares directly. He also maintains an additional indirect interest through associated entities, taking his total exposure to more than 43.5 million shares.

This marks his first on-market buying activity in Lovisa since December 2014.

Stock drifts despite insider buying

Despite the insider buying, the share price has failed to respond positively.

Lovisa shares have been trending lower in recent months, with the stock down 30% this year alone.

Recent weakness reflects pressure across discretionary retail stocks, alongside a valuation reset after a strong multi-year run through last year.

From a technical perspective, the stock has been making lower highs and lower lows, indicating a sustained downtrend. Momentum indicators have also softened, with the relative strength index (RSI) sitting in the lower range.

The share price is now trading near the lower end of its recent range, which has previously acted as a support zone.

What’s weighing on sentiment?

While Lovisa continues to expand its global store footprint, investor focus has shifted towards margin pressures and growth sustainability.

Higher costs, including wages and rent, are weighing on profitability across the retail sector. At the same time, consumer spending remains uneven, particularly in discretionary categories.

This has led to a more measured stance toward retail names that previously commanded premium valuations.

Lovisa’s rapid international expansion remains a key part of its long-term strategy, with more than 1,000 stores now operating across over 50 markets. However, the pace of growth also brings execution risk.

Foolish takeaway

Blundy’s return to buying shares may be seen as a signal of long-term confidence, particularly given his deep history with the business.

However, the lack of a positive share price reaction suggests broader market factors are currently outweighing insider activity.

With the stock trading near its 52-week lows and momentum still weak, near-term movement is likely to remain tied to retail conditions.

The post Billionaire buying isn’t enough to lift this ASX retail stock. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX mining shares have been the worst hit by the war in Iran.

The ASX 200 materials sector, which is dominated by mining stocks, has slumped 19% while energy shares have rocketed 17%.

It’s likely that some investors have sold their ASX mining shares to preserve tremendous recent capital gains.

Before Israel and the US bombed Iran on 28 February, the materials sector was up 19% in 2026 alone.

Even more astounding, ASX 200 materials shares had lifted 56% over the preceding 12 months.

How is the war impacting ASX mining shares?

The war has created a fuel crisis, with the Brent Crude oil price tearing 42% higher in just 30 days.

Gas prices have skyrocketed, too.

European gas prices are up 83%, UK gas is up 91%, and German gas is up 77% over 30 days.

Rising fuel costs are a headwind for mining companies, as well as most other industrial businesses.

Higher operating costs will be partly offset by strong commodity prices after a very strong run last year.

But the more pressing concern is the potential for constrained fuel supply if the war drags on.

This would impact the miners’ production, exports, and earnings.

Of course, this may not materialise, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly indicating that the war will be over soon.

But when there’s fear in the market, investors often act on emotion, and we’re likely seeing a bit of that today.

The longer-term view is that Australia is at the start of a new mining boom that will be different from the last.

Experts say there are 5 key drivers behind a new commodities supercycle that became apparent last year.

The Iran conflict won’t change that.

In a new article, David Rumbens, a partner at Deloitte Access Economics, says:

Beyond the headline disruption, the latest data paints a positive picture of Australian mining output, investment and exploration.

Mining was the fastest-growing industry in the December quarter, becoming an increasingly important driver of Australia’s economic growth.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Accounts show that mining gross value added grew by 3.7% over the year to December 2025 – well above GDP growth of 2.6% — marking the first time in nearly two years that the sector has outpaced the broader economy.

Miners ramping up exploration spending

Rumbens said mining exploration spending is growing, with gold expenditure surging to a record high in the December quarter.

He said total new-deposit spending across all commodities grew 7% year over year.

The lift in exploration suggests the industry is investing to sustain its production base as existing reserves deplete.

While exploration and output are expanding, Rumbens said investment had not yet followed to the same extent.

He said capital expenditure has stabilised at about 1.9% of GDP per annum over the past six years.

That’s well down on the peak of 6.2% during the height of the last mining boom.

Rumbens said Deloitte’s Tracking the Trends 2026 highlights the growing role of technology in maintaining mining’s competitive edge.

The report notes that the exponential growth of AI is presenting transformative opportunities to elevate operational resilience and competitiveness by boosting productivity and revolutionising mineral discovery.

In exploration, it identifies that the starting point for future discoveries could be data, with firms that digitise and integrate diverse sources best positioned to leverage AI for faster, smarter discoveries.

Rumbens said export revenues are expected to hold above $370 billion over the next two years, with volumes near historical highs.

How have the major ASX mining shares fared since the war began?

The market’s largest ASX mining share has fallen significantly since the conflict in Iran began.

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has fallen 17% to $48.46 today.

Last week, UBS reiterated its hold rating on BHP shares with a 12-month price target of $52.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating with a target of $56.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price has fallen 11% since 28 February to $148.74 on Tuesday.

Last week, Morgan Stanley reiterated its hold rating on Rio Tinto shares with a $146 target.

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold mining share, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), has fallen 42% since 28 February to $17.63.

A second guidance downgrade from the miner contributed to its decline this month.

Last week, Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating on Northern Star shares.

However, the broker slashed its price target from $29.70 to $23.70.

JP Morgan downgraded the ASX 200 gold mining share to a hold rating with a $24 target.

The largest ASX 200 lithium mining share, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), has fallen 12% to $4.54.

Yesterday, Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating with a slightly improved 12-month price target of $5.55.

Last week, UBS maintained its hold rating on PLS shares with a $4.95 target.

The post ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began
• Why ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star and Evolution Mining are storming higher today
• Why BHP, EchoIQ, Life360, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Which top ASX gold stock just took the biggest hit?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase. 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.