Category: Stock Market

Investors with a high tolerance for risk might want to check out the exciting small-cap ASX stock in this article.

That’s because the team at Bell Potter has just initiated coverage on it with a bullish view.

Which small-cap ASX stock?

The stock that Bell Potter has been looking at is Orthocell Ltd (ASX: OCC).

It is a commercial-stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing and commercialising collagen-based medical devices and autologous cell therapies. These are for the repair and regeneration of bone and soft tissue.

Bell Potter believes the company’s Remplir product has a significant opportunity and could be a key commercial driver. It explains:

Orthocell’s investment case is anchored by Remplir, a collagen nerve wrap used in peripheral nerve repair that is differentiated by both design and commercial positioning. The product targets an underpenetrated market where clinical need persists and adjunct device usage remains low, creating room for a next-generation solution to gain traction as surgeon familiarity, evidence and commercial access continue to build.

In this context, Remplir has the potential to become the key commercial driver of the OCC story, with adoption supported by a large procedural opportunity rather than requiring aggressive incumbent displacement.

Commercial inflection underway

The broker also highlights that the small-cap ASX stock’s commercial inflection is underway at a time that its balance sheet is very strong. It adds:

OCC has moved beyond regulatory promise and into early US commercial rollout, opening access to a US$1.6bn peripheral nerve repair market. The company enters this phase well-funded, with A$49.4m of cash following its 1H FY26 capital raise, and is pursuing a more hands-on go-to-market model that combines specialist distributors with internal oversight of medical education, KOL engagement and hospital access.

This approach should enable OCC to drive early adoption in a capital-efficient manner while retaining control over the key levers of VAC conversion and surgeon uptake. Although near-term cash burn is likely to remain elevated, we expect Remplir-led revenue growth and margin expansion to progressively improve operating leverage as rollout matures.

Big potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has initiated coverage on the small-cap ASX stock with a speculative buy rating and $1.15 price target.

Based on its current share price of 78 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 50% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

We initiate coverage with a BUY (spec.) recommendation and A$1.15 valuation based on a risk-adjusted DCF, which we see as more appropriate than relative multiples given OCC’s early-stage commercial profile and FY29 EBITDA break-even horizon.

Our valuation is driven primarily by Remplir’s US rollout, leaving the key near-term proof points centred on distributor execution, VAC conversion, surgeon uptake and repeat procedure volumes. Beyond our base case, we see additional upside from broader geographic rollout and further indication expansion, including EU/UK approval and prostate nerve repair.

The post Bell Potter just put a buy rating on this exciting small-cap ASX stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) being Australia’s benchmark index, it is highly concentrated towards a few blue-chip stocks. 

In fact, the ASX 200 is one of the most concentrated developed-market indices on the planet.

After initially starting off 2026 strongly, Australia’s benchmark index has cooled off this month amidst geopolitical conflict. 

Across January and February, the ASX 200 rose more than 5%. 

Since then, it has dipped just over 4%. 

Let’s see how some of Australia’s blue-chip stocks have performed. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA remains Australia’s largest company by market cap. 

The big bank experienced a huge boost during February as earnings season brought some strong results, surprising many brokers who had tipped a decline in 2026. 

The bank reported a 6% increase in cash profit to $5.45 billion for 1H FY26.

It also declared a fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share, up 4% from 1H FY25.

At the time of writing, it is up 9.9% for the year to date. 

It has also remained steady amidst broader market volatility in March. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is Australia’s second largest company by market cap and its largest mining/materials stock. 

The global mining giant also was a winner during earnings season, hitting all-time highs in February. 

It has cooled down significantly in the last few weeks, as many materials stocks have dropped amidst the conflict in the Middle East. 

All in all, the stock price is up a healthy 9.46% in 2026. 

It will be important to monitor how markets react in the coming days/weeks to yesterday’s announcement of a change in leadership.

Yesterday, the company reported that Brandon Craig will become its new CEO and director on 1 July.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is Australia’s largest consumer discretionary/consumer staples stock. 

Its subsidiaries include household names such as Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart Australia, Officeworks, Priceline, and more.

Despite its dominant market position, it has fallen recently after a solid start to the year. 

At the time of writing, it is down 15% over the last month. 

Year to date, it is down roughly 8%. 

There is growing sentiment that the current share price could be a strong entry point after the drop. 

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL also sits inside the top 10 largest blue-chip stocks in Australia. 

It is also the largest healthcare company on the ASX. 

While banks and miners have broadly increased year to date, it’s been more pain for healthcare shares like CSL. 

It currently sits close to 52-week lows, at $138.00. 

CSL shares are down 44% over the last 12 months, which includes almost 20% year to date. 

This has come from poor investor sentiment on the back of poor growth expectations,  declining US vaccination rates and international demand. 

With that being said, it has consistently been rated as oversold by brokers, who largely have positive outlooks on the company.

The post How are Australia’s biggest blue-chip stocks performing in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking to put $20,000 to work, ASX dividend stocks can be a great place to start.

They offer the potential for regular income while also providing exposure to businesses that can grow over time. The key is to focus on companies with reliable earnings, sustainable payouts, and supportive industry conditions.

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

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

The first dividend stock to consider is Charter Hall Retail REIT.

This property trust owns a portfolio of convenience-based retail centres, typically anchored by supermarkets and essential service providers. These locations tend to attract consistent foot traffic, which supports stable rental income.

Rather than relying on discretionary spending, the trust benefits from everyday consumer activity. This makes its income stream more resilient compared to traditional retail landlords.

Macquarie is positive on the company and recently put an outperform rating and $4.15 price target on its shares.

As for income, the broker expects dividends per share of 25.5 cents in FY 2026 and then 25.4 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $3.96, this would mean dividend yields of approximately 6.4% for both years.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Another ASX dividend stock that could be worth a look is Harvey Norman.

Unlike many retailers, Harvey Norman operates a unique franchise model that generates income through both retail sales and property ownership. This dual structure gives it multiple earnings streams and can help support its dividend payments.

While retail conditions can fluctuate, Harvey Norman has shown an ability to remain profitable across cycles, supported by its brand recognition and broad product offering.

Macquarie is also positive on this one and earlier this month put an outperform rating and $6.60 price target on its shares.

With respect to dividends, Macquarie expects Harvey Norman 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 $5.23, this would mean dividend yields of 5.3% and 6%, respectively.

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

A third ASX dividend stock to consider is Premier Investments.

This company owns the Smiggle and Peter Alexander brands, which have built strong customer followings both in Australia and internationally.

It also holds a significant investment in Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), which adds another layer of value and income potential to the group.

UBS is bullish on the company. Last week, it put a buy rating and $18.00 price target on its shares.

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 58 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 64 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $12.79, this equates to dividend yields of 4.5% and 5%, respectively.

The post Where to invest $20,000 for dividend income on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 positions in and has recommended Charter Hall Retail REIT and Harvey Norman. 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.

A Senior Investment Strategist has provided a timely roadmap for two possible outcomes for the current Middle East conflict. 

Cameron Gleeson, Betashares, said geopolitical events like this can create sudden swings in markets. 

This has certainly been felt throughout March.

In a report released yesterday, he outlined two potential paths for markets: a prolonged conflict and disruption to global oil supply, or a de-escalation within a matter of weeks. 

He also highlighted several ASX ETFs that may help investors position their portfolios accordingly.

How does the current conflict impact ASX portfolios?

There are several reasons the current conflict in the Middle East is influencing markets.

The most immediate influence to markets is typically energy prices, which have had significant movement this past week on mixed messages from the Trump administration and Tehran’s defiance. 

According to the report from Betashares, impact to global oil supply can quickly influence other areas of the economy like inflation expectations, central bank policy and the global growth outlook.

Here are two possible outcomes and how investors could adjust their portfolios.

Its important investors understand these scenarios are illustrative only and not predictions.

Potential path one: Prolonged conflict

Mr Gleeson said if tensions escalate and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz face sustained disruption, energy prices may remain elevated for some time. 

According to the report, even if Trump succeeds in dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and triggering regime change, the outcome could still create a power vacuum in which factions within Iran continue to threaten energy shipments.

If you are looking for the single most important indicator of risk in this crisis, it’s the price of oil. Oil’s reaction has been volatile, but some investors have tried to use it as a “geopolitical hedge” for when other asset valuations come under pressure.

The ASX ETF that offers the most direct exposure to changes in the price of oil is the BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF – Currency Hedged (Synthetic) (ASX: OOO). 

The Motley Fool’s Sebastian Bowen provided a thorough breakdown of the fund and its positioning relative to the current conflict earlier this month. 

Other ASX ETFs that may be worthy of consideration if you expect a prolonged conflict and ongoing oil crisis include: 

• BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: FUEL) – Provides exposure to some of the world’s largest oil and gas producers, with significant production outside the Gulf region.
• BetaShares Global Agriculture Companies ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: FOOD)
• BetaShares Gold Bullion ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: QAU)

Potential path two: De-escalation

Mr Gleeson said alternatively, if tensions ease quickly and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes uninterrupted, oil prices could retrace and the geopolitical risk premium embedded in markets may fade. 

In that environment, global equities and cyclical sectors could benefit from improving sentiment and a renewed focus on economic growth.

A rising tide lifts all boats and one might expect all equity markets to rally, but below we identify some of the higher beta opportunities for such a recovery.

Some ASX ETFs mentioned include: 

• Betashares Msci Emerging Markets Complex Etf (ASX: BEMG)
• Betashares Global Shares Ex Us Etf (ASX: EXUS)
• BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (Hedge Fund) (ASX: GEAR)

He highlighted that historically, emerging markets have performed strongly when global risk appetite improves and trade flows normalise.

Additionally, Ex-US equities provide greater exposure to cyclical sectors like financials and industrials than the US equity market and, as such, greater exposure to a strong global growth environment.

The post Portfolio strategies for 2 potential Middle East scenarios – Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX ETFs for new investors to consider in 2026
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• Up 30% in a month: Is it too late to buy the BetaShares Crude Oil ETF (OOO)?
• Oil slumps to US$83 per barrel. Here’s what is driving the sharp pullback
• If you think global instability will persist, these ASX ETFs might be for you

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.

The Australian central bank decided to increase the cash rate again in March, marking the second RBA interest rate increase in the last two meetings. Aussies may be wondering if there’s any more pain to come following the 25 basis point (0.25%) rise to 4.1%.

The pace of inflation was already looking a bit hot before the Iran war, and now the outlook seems even more difficult following the Middle East conflict.

After two rate increases this year already, borrowers may be wondering and worrying about what could happen over the rest of the year. Economists at UBS have shared their views on what the financial institution expects.

Elevated inflation

UBS noted that the RBA seems like a “hawkish outlier” compared to most global central banks, with the current cash rate now only 25 basis points (0.25%) below the prior cycle’s peak of 4.35%.

The RBA vote was five votes for a hike and four for a hold, so UBS called it a ‘dovish hike’. UBS thinks that the RBA governor and deputy governor voted to hike, along with three external members. The February 2026 vote was unanimous, 9 to 0.

The central bank noted in its statement that “inflation is likely to remain above target for some time” and “risks have tilted further to the upside, including to inflation expectations.”

UBS explained:

Our interpretation of this comment remains on the hawkish side. We see this comment as a signal that as long as inflation remains too high, then each RBA meeting is ‘live’ to another potential rate hike.

How high could the RBA interest rate go?

At the subsequent press conference, the RBA governor didn’t want to answer whether this week’s rate rise was ‘front-loading’ or not.

UBS expects the RBA interest rate to increase by another 25 basis points (0.25%) in May 2026, bringing the rate to 4.35%. However, the board’s split decision suggests it’s possible the RBA’s next meeting in May 2026 could be a pause.

The broker also suggested that the RBA’s commentary was hawkish enough that the RBA staff’s recommendation will be a hike at the next meeting in May 2026. It’s possible the next meeting could also be a 5-to-4 rate-hike vote again. Additionally, there’s a risk the RBA will have to hike to 3.60%, though that’s not UBS’s central case.

UBS said:

Further ahead, we see a prolonged period of a peak in interest rates at 4.35%; unless there is a material change in the negative direction of: 1) the debt and household wealth cycle, which is booming ~8% y/y to 10% y/y; 2) nominal Government spending, which is still booming ~8% y/y; and/or 3) the global outlook deteriorating amid higher energy prices.

More broadly, for the RBA to achieve its mandated inflation goal of 2½% y/y (after inflation has already been above the RBA’s target for most of the last ~4 years), it seems increasingly likely that interest rates will need to remain ‘higher-for-longer’, in order to slow GDP growth for long enough, to get the unemployment rate significantly higher than now.

With higher rates, that’s likely a tailwind for the net interest margin (NIM) of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Bank of Australia Ltd (ASX: NAB), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), but a headwind for borrowers going into arrears.

The post Here’s what experts think will happen with the RBA interest rate this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 are building a growth-focused portfolio, adding exposure to high-potential sectors can make a big difference over time.

An easy way to do this is with exchange traded funds (ETFs), which allow you to buy large groups of shares with a single investment.

With that in mind, here are three exciting ASX ETFs that could appeal to Aussie growth investors.

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The first ASX ETF that offers exposure to a high-growth and emerging sector is the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF.

This fund doesn’t invest directly in cryptocurrencies. Instead, it provides exposure to companies operating in the digital asset ecosystem. This includes crypto exchanges, mining firms, and businesses building blockchain infrastructure.

The appeal here is the potential for significant long-term growth as digital assets continue to evolve and gain broader acceptance. While the sector can be very volatile, it also represents one of the most disruptive areas of finance and technology.

For investors with a higher risk tolerance, this ETF offers a way to participate in the growth of the crypto economy without needing to buy and store digital currencies directly.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ASX ETF tapping into a global growth trend is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

Gaming is no longer a niche hobby. It is a massive global industry with billions of players and rapidly growing revenues across mobile, console, and online platforms.

This ETF provides exposure to companies involved in game development, hardware, and esports. These businesses benefit from increasing digital consumption, the rise of online communities, and ongoing technological advancements.

What makes this theme compelling is its longevity. Gaming continues to expand across demographics and regions, making it a structural growth story rather than a short-term trend.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

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

For growth investors wanting exposure closer to home, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF could be worth considering.

This ASX ETF includes Australian shares involved in areas such as software, payments, and digital platforms. These businesses are often earlier in their growth journey compared to global tech giants, which can create opportunities for higher growth.

While the sector can experience volatility, particularly during interest rate changes or shifts in sentiment, it also has the potential to deliver strong returns over time as these companies scale their operations.

And with Aussie tech shares down materially over the past 12 months, now could be an opportune time to add exposure to this side of the market.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 exciting ASX ETFs for Aussie growth investors to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) has been swept up in the broader AI market sell-off.

It has fallen more than 14% year to date. 

However a new report from Betashares indicates the underlying forces driving cybersecurity demand may be strengthening.

Fund overview 

This ASX ETF aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to the leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector.

It is currently made up of 32 underlying holdings. 

These include a range of areas of cybersecurity, including: 

• Systems Software (40.7% allocation)
• Communications Equipment (15.0%)
• Internet Services & Infrastructure (12.5%) 
• Research & Consulting Services (9.0%)
• IT Consulting & Other Services (7.8%)
• Semiconductors (7.3%)
• Aerospace & Defense (5.3%)
• Application Software (2.4%)

By geography, it has a dominant exposure to companies based in the United States (roughly 78%). 

It may also be of specific interest to Australian investors because global cybersecurity is a sector that is heavily under-represented on the ASX.

Why now could be an ideal time to gain exposure

According to a new report from Betashares, cybersecurity stocks have experienced a sharp sell-off in February 2026, as investors reassessed the impact of new agentic AI tools on the software sector. 

While markets focused on disruption, the underlying forces driving cybersecurity demand may be strengthening.

Hugh Lam, Investment Strategist at Betashares said AI is not only changing the technology landscape, it is reshaping the threat environment. 

Mr Lam said techniques such as prompt injection attacks and AI agent impersonation are expanding the toolkit available to bad actors. 

In practice, this means the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats is likely to increase rather than diminish.

Cyber defence spending on the rise 

The report also said that geopolitical tensions are reinforcing the importance of robust cyber defences. 

Cyber operations have become a strategic tool for nation states, targeting everything from communications systems to critical infrastructure. For businesses and governments alike, cybersecurity is increasingly viewed as essential.

Betashares also pointed out that when it comes to spending, security software is the part of IT budgets governments are least willing to cut. 

The scale and resilience of this spending are also reflected in rising M&A and deal activity across the sector. Larger cybersecurity platforms are consolidating ‘best-of-breed’ security tools into one integrated ecosystem, while combining AI capabilities with vast proprietary datasets and broad product ecosystems.

Furthermore, global cybersecurity spending is forecast to reach US$308 billion in 2026, according to the International Data Corporation. 

Against that backdrop, the companies best positioned in cybersecurity may be those with the scale, technology and data to stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape.

The post The compelling case for this cybersecurity ASX ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. 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 gold stocks have been volatile in recent months. Among them, Pantoro Ltd (ASX: PNR) and Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL) have each fallen by 20% or more in the past six months.

Yet the bigger picture tells a different story. Over the past 12 months, Pantoro is up around 39%, while Catalyst has climbed roughly 43% at the time of writing.

That mix of recent weakness and longer-term strength is catching the attention of brokers, with some leading experts tipping significant upside ahead for ASX gold stocks.

Pantoro: still in ramp-up phase

Pantoro’s recent decline has been driven by a combination of production guidance downgrades and profit-taking. The gold producer has operations centred on the Norseman project in Western Australia.

Pantoro has been steadily ramping up production at its Norseman operations, one of Australia’s historic gold regions. As output increases and operations stabilise, the company expects to deliver improving cash flow.

Pantoro produced 41,623 ounces of gold for the half year but is continuing to explore for gold around Norseman. The target is to increase production to 200,000 ounces per year in the medium term.

Gold itself remains a key tailwind. In uncertain economic environments, the precious metal often attracts safe-haven demand. This can support prices and, in turn, producer margins.

However, execution is critical. Pantoro is still in a ramp-up phase, and any delays or cost overruns could impact earnings.

Like all ASX gold stocks, it is also exposed to fluctuations in the gold price. A sustained pullback in bullion could weigh on profitability.

Despite recent share price weakness, brokers remain positive. They view Pantoro as a growth-oriented gold producer, with analysts pointing to strong upside potential as production ramps up and costs stabilise. The most bullish price target sees the ASX gold stock gain 110% over 12 months.

The team at UBS Group (NYSE: UBS) just named Pantoro as its top pick among the emerging gold miners. The broker has an average 12-month target of $7.50, which points to a 93% upside at the current share price of $3.89.

Catalyst Metals: emerging mid-tier gold player

Catalyst’s pullback appears more cyclical in nature, alongside broader profit-taking across the sector. The company is another ASX gold stock building scale through its portfolio of Australian assets.

The company has been expanding its resource base and production profile, positioning itself as an emerging mid-tier gold player.

Catalyst also benefits from exposure to a strong gold price environment, which can amplify earnings as production grows.

As with Pantoro, execution risk remains. Delivering on growth projects on time and on budget will be key. The company is also exposed to commodity price swings and broader market sentiment toward mining stocks.

TradingView data show that the 6 analysts covering the ASX gold stock rate it a strong buy. They have set an average price target of $14.34, suggesting a 115% upside.

Morgans is particularly bullish on the $1.7 billion ASX gold stock. The broker expects major growth to commence from FY2027, supported by project development and operational improvements.

Morgans has a buy rating on Catalyst and a price target of $15.24, suggesting a whopping 128% upside from current levels.

The post 2 ASX gold stocks tipped to double in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Morgans names 3 ASX mining stocks to buy

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Australian share market has been anything but steady in 2026.

Current futures contracts are pointing to a 1.6% decline on Thursday following a weak lead from Wall Street, continuing a run of sharp moves in both directions over recent weeks.

This volatility has been driven by a mix of factors. Investors are weighing the impact of artificial intelligence, including concerns about disruption and whether massive infrastructure spending is getting ahead of demand. At the same time, surging oil prices linked to conflict in the Middle East and higher interest rates are adding further uncertainty.

So, how should investors respond when markets refuse to settle?

Defensive ASX shares

One approach is to lean into defensive ASX shares.

Companies in sectors such as consumer staples, telecommunications, and infrastructure tend to generate more stable earnings regardless of economic conditions. Businesses like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) have historically shown resilience during periods of volatility.

Another option is to focus on quality and use market weakness as an opportunity.

High-quality ASX shares like ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) often get sold off alongside the broader market, even when their long-term outlook remains unchanged. This can allow investors to buy strong businesses at more attractive prices. Companies with competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and reliable earnings can often recover quickly once market conditions improve.

Taking a long-term view is key here. Short-term volatility can be uncomfortable, but it is also a normal part of investing and often creates opportunities for patient investors.

Dollar-cost averaging

Finally, dollar-cost averaging (DCA) can be a powerful strategy for Aussie investors to use in uncertain markets.

Rather than trying to time the perfect moment to invest, this approach involves investing a set amount at regular intervals. When prices fall, your money buys more ASX shares.

When prices rise, it buys fewer. Over time, this can help reduce the impact of volatility and remove the pressure of trying to predict market movements.

Foolish takeaway

In periods like this, the most important thing is to stay focused on long-term goals.

Markets may remain volatile in the near term, but history shows that disciplined investors who stay invested in ASX shares and follow a clear strategy are often rewarded over time.

The post How to invest when the ASX refuses to calm down appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, ResMed, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, ResMed, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed, Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Several leading ASX shares have been hit hard recently. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) have fallen between 30% to 60% over the past six months.

This is in sharp contrast to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has slipped just over 1% in the same period.

That disconnect raises an important question: has the sell-off gone too far? And could these industry leaders be set for a long-term rebound?

Analysts still rate the 3 ASX shares as buys and think they could be worth holding for the next decade.

WiseTech Global

WiseTech has been one of the hardest hit ASX shares in the past 6 months. The logistics software company has seen its share price tumble sharply with 55% to $44.60 at the time of writing.

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global supply chains. This creates high switching costs and a strong competitive moat. Once customers are on the system, they are unlikely to leave.

The tech business also benefits from a scalable software model. As more customers join, margins can expand and earnings can grow rapidly over time.

Recent concerns around governance and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on software businesses have weighed on sentiment. The company is also undergoing restructuring, which adds uncertainty in the short term.

Despite the volatility, brokers remain bullish. The stock carries buy ratings, with an average price target of $85.10, implying around 90% upside from current levels.

REA Group

REA Group, the operator of realestate.com.au, has also pulled back despite its dominant market position. The ASX share has slipped 30% in the past 6 months.

REA is the clear leader in Australia’s online property listings market. Its platform benefits from powerful network effects, as buyers and sellers naturally gravitate to the largest marketplace.

The company also has strong pricing power and generates high-margin, recurring revenue from listings and subscriptions.

The property market is cyclical. Slower housing turnover or weaker listings volumes can impact revenue growth. International expansion also carries execution risk.

Analysts remain confident in REA’s long-term growth. The stock holds buy ratings, with an average price target of $217.62, suggesting around 34% upside.

Aristocrat Leisure

Aristocrat has also come under pressure, despite solid underlying performance. The ASX share has tumbled 35% to $44.89 over 6 months.

The gaming giant operates across both land-based machines and digital platforms. This diversification allows it to capture growth as the industry shifts online.

Aristocrat also has global scale, a strong content library, and resilient earnings streams, particularly from its digital segment.

Gaming revenue can be sensitive to economic conditions, while regulatory changes remain an ongoing risk. Currency fluctuations can also impact reported earnings.

Even after recent weakness, brokers remain positive. The stock carries buy or strong buy ratings, with an average price target of $66.47. This points to a potential 48% upside over 12 months.

Foolish Takeaway

WiseTech, REA Group, and Aristocrat have all faced sharp selloffs that far exceed the broader market.

But these are not struggling businesses. They are industry leaders with strong competitive positions and long-term growth potential.

With analysts still firmly in the bullish camp on all 3 ASX shares, the recent pullback could offer long-term investors a chance to buy quality at a discount. And potentially hold through to 2036 and beyond.

The post 3 quality ASX shares to buy and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX tech shares that could double from here
• Has the WiseTech stock finally hit rock bottom?
• Is this $28 billion ASX share a bargain after reaching new lows?
• Where to invest $5,000 in Australian shares for the rest of 2026
• The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy now to get ahead

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.