Getting rich is an ambition many Australians share. In reality, for most people, it doesn’t come from a lucky trade, a crypto windfall, or picking the next tiny mining explorer. It usually comes from something far less exciting.

Time. Consistency. And ownership of quality assets.

If I had to describe the easiest way to retire a millionaire using ASX shares, it would look something like this.

Step 1: Own productive businesses, not speculation

When you buy ASX shares, you’re buying a slice of a real business.

Companies like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), or global-facing growth names such as Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) or ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) generate profits, reinvest capital, and pay dividends. Over time, those profits tend to grow.

Their share prices may bounce around daily, but their underlying value is driven by earnings.

I think that’s the mindset shift that matters. You’re not trading a ticker. You’re owning part of an income-producing asset.

Over decades, productive businesses have historically delivered average returns in the high single digits. Let’s assume 9% per year as a long-term average. Some years will be negative. Some will be far higher. But that’s a reasonable planning assumption.

Step 2: Invest every month, no matter what the headlines say

The easiest path is not timing the market. It’s ignoring it.

If you invest a fixed amount every month into quality ASX shares or diversified exchange-traded funds (ETFs), you automatically buy more when prices fall and less when prices rise. That removes emotion from the process.

Let’s say you invest $1,000 per month and achieve a 9% average annual return.

After 25 years, you’d have roughly $1 million. Even investing $500 per month at 9% for 30 years gets you to around $850,000.

There’s no magic. Just maths and discipline.

Most of the heavy lifting comes in the final decade. That’s compounding at work. Early on, growth feels slow. Later, it accelerates in a way that surprises most people.

Step 3: Reinvest dividends and stay patient

One of the advantages of investing in ASX shares is the dividend culture.

Many Australian companies pay reliable, often fully franked dividends. If you reinvest those dividends instead of spending them, your portfolio grows faster.

Dividends buy more shares. More shares generate more dividends. That feedback loop becomes powerful over time.

It can be tempting to sell when markets fall or to chase the latest hot sector. But the easiest way to become wealthy is usually the boring way.

Buy quality. Hold through volatility. Add regularly.

Step 4: Avoid the big mistakes

Building wealth isn’t just about what you do. It’s about what you avoid.

Avoid panic selling in downturns, avoid concentrating your entire portfolio in one speculative idea, and avoid stopping contributions because the market feels expensive.

Markets will crash at some point. Unfortunately, that’s guaranteed. What’s also historically true is that they recover.

If you’re investing for 20, 30, or 40 years, short-term volatility becomes background noise.

Foolish takeaway

The easiest way to get rich and retire a millionaire with ASX shares isn’t glamorous.

It’s investing consistently in quality businesses or diversified ETFs, reinvesting dividends, and letting compounding work for decades.

There’s no shortcut. But there is a simple path. And for investors willing to stay the course, that simple path can be incredibly powerful.

The post The easiest way to get rich and retire a millionaire with ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build serious wealth with ASX shares
• Is the party over for the CBA share price?
• Why I would buy ResMed and these quality blue chips now
• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher 
• $15,000 invested in BHP shares at the start of 2026 is now worth…

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

Receiving passive income in the form of dividends is one of the best and most tangible ways ASX shares put money back into our pockets. The ASX is full of dividend stocks that will perform this service for investors.

However, not all ASX dividend stocks are equal. The vast majority only pay two dividends per year. Some pay out every quarter, but there are only a handful that will dole out a dividend every single month. The BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD) is one of those.

This income-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a relatively new passive income stock on the ASX. It functions in a manner consistent with most ASX ETFs, holding a portfolio of underlying shares that are managed on behalf of its investors. This portfolio, in HYLD’s case, consists of about 50 ASX dividend stocks. On the most recent data, these included BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

These 50 stocks are selected following ASX-wide screens. These include volatility, a stock’s dividend history, and the stock’s perceived ability to maintain or increase dividends going forward. The fund goes out of its way to avoid dreaded ‘dividend traps’. In this way, this ASX dividend stock aims to deliver higher passive dividend income than the broader market.

The BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF was only listed in August of last year. Even so, HYLD has notched up some pretty impressive achievements since then.

A good ASX start for this passive income ETF

As of 30 January 2026, this ETF has returned a total of 9.43% to investors. That’s well above the 4.02% that the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has delivered.

HYLD units have also paid out six dividend distributions, each worth 11.92 cents per unit. If this ASX dividend stock continues to pay the same monthly dividend, its shares would have a dividend yield of 4.24% at current pricing.

Now, we can never be certain that any ASX dividend stock will maintain its past dividends into the future. However, given the healthy dividend rises that we have seen this earnings season amongst many of HYLD’s holdings (that includes BHP, Wesfarmers, and Telstra, amongst others), investors arguably have some cause to feel optimistic.

If the HYLD ETF does maintain its monthly dividends going forward, investors can expect to receive approximately $1,700 in passive dividend income annually from a $40,000 investment today. That works out to be roughly $141 every month.

The BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF charges a management fee of 0.25% per annum.

The post Invest $40,000 in this ASX dividend stock for $140 in monthly passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Markets do not always move in straight lines.

Even high-quality businesses can see their share prices drift lower during periods of uncertainty. For long-term investors, those moments can create opportunities to accumulate blue chip ASX shares at more attractive levels.

Here are three quality names I would be comfortable buying now.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

The first blue chip ASX share I would consider buying is ResMed.

ResMed is a global leader in sleep disorder treatments. Its devices and cloud-connected software help millions of patients manage conditions such as sleep apnoea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

But the company is still only scratching at the surface of its market opportunity. Management estimates that there are over 1 billion sufferers of sleep apnoea globally. However, the majority of these people don’t know they have the condition.

As awareness grows, ResMed stands to benefit greatly as the clear market leader.

In addition, the company has been investing in digital health platforms that link devices to data, improving patient outcomes and strengthening recurring revenue streams. Combined, this blue chip appears well-placed to continue its growth over the next decade and beyond.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Another blue chip ASX share worth a look is Macquarie Group.

Macquarie has built a global reputation in infrastructure, asset management, and specialist financial services. It benefits from exposure to long-term trends such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and alternative assets.

Unlike traditional banks, Macquarie’s earnings are more diversified across geographies and business lines. This can provide resilience across economic cycles.

With strong capital management and a track record of reinvesting into growth areas, Macquarie remains one of the more dynamic blue-chip names on the ASX.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

A final blue chip ASX share I would consider this week is Wesfarmers.

It owns businesses such as Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Priceline, Silk Laser, WesCEF, and Officeworks. These are well-known brands with significant scale advantages in their respective markets.

Bunnings in particular has demonstrated pricing power and operational discipline over many years. Meanwhile, Wesfarmers continues to invest in growth areas, including lithium and health, while maintaining a strong balance sheet.

The company’s combination of retail leadership, capital allocation discipline, and diversification could make it a reliable long-term holding.

The post Why I would buy ResMed and these quality blue chips now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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 just starting out in the share market, simplicity matters.

You do not need to pick individual stocks straight away. You do not need to forecast earnings next quarter. And you definitely do not need to trade every week.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide instant diversification and exposure to global markets with a single trade.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could make sense for beginner investors in March and beyond.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ETF for beginner investors to consider buying is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund tracks the famous S&P 500 index, giving investors exposure to 500 of the largest stocks in the United States. That includes businesses such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT).

Rather than trying to pick which US stock will perform best, this ASX ETF spreads your investment across the broad US market. The S&P 500 index has historically delivered strong long-term returns, supported by innovation, corporate profitability, and economic growth.

For beginners, this type of broad exposure can provide a solid foundation.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

If you want exposure closer to home, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF could be worth a look.

This ASX ETF focuses on high-quality Australian shares that boast strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and high return on equity. It aims to tilt towards the best businesses rather than simply tracking the market.

Holdings often include established names with durable competitive positions and solid financial metrics.

For a new investor, a quality-focused approach can reduce exposure to weaker businesses and provide a smoother ride over time. This fund was recently recommended to clients by analysts at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another beginner-friendly option is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF.

This ASX ETF invests in US stocks that have sustainable competitive advantages. These advantages can include brand strength, intellectual property, or cost leadership.

Its holdings change periodically but currently include shares such as United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), and Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII).

Instead of chasing fast-growing but speculative businesses, this fund focuses on shares that can defend their profits over the long term. This has proven to be a highly successful strategy for legendary investor Warren Buffett. And it is never a bad idea for beginners to follow in his footsteps.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for beginner investors to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Bristol Myers Squibb, Microsoft, United Parcel Service, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat 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.

It was a wildly successful session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday, as the index once again reset its all-time high. After starting strong this morning, the ASX 200 spent the whole day in positive territory and closed up a convincing 1.17% at 9,128.3 points. That’s after the index hit its new intra-day record of 9,130.3 points during afternoon trading.

This happy hump day for ASX investors comes after a decent morning up on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had a fantastic time of it, rising 0.76%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did open better though, gaining a rosy 1.04%.

But let’s get back to ASX shares now and check out how the various ASX sectors benefited from today’s unbridled optimism.

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

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• 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher 
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• Why Accent, DroneShield, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths shares are racing higher

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, DroneShield, Megaport, SiteMinder, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When markets turn volatile, growth shares can be the first to feel the pressure.

But short-term weakness does not always change the long-term opportunity. In fact, periods of uncertainty can create attractive entry points for investors willing to think in years rather than months.

With that in mind, here are three exciting ASX growth shares that could be worth considering right now.

Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360)

The first ASX growth share to consider is Life360.

Life360 operates a location-based platform focused on family safety and connectivity. While it began as a simple location-sharing app, it has evolved into a broader ecosystem offering premium subscriptions, emergency assistance, and driving insights.

What makes Life360 compelling is the combination of scale and monetisation potential. The company has almost 100 million active users globally, yet only a portion are paying subscribers. As premium adoption increases and new features are rolled out, revenue per user can grow without the company needing to acquire entirely new audiences. It is also aiming to monetise non-paying users through its advertising business.

Bell Potter is bullish on Life360’s outlook and recently put a buy rating and $41.50 price target on its shares.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Another ASX growth share to consider buying is Lovisa.

It is a global fashion jewellery retailer with a fast-growing store network. The company has expanded aggressively into North America and Europe, taking its vertically integrated model into new markets.

Its success comes down to execution. Lovisa controls its product design, sourcing, and distribution, allowing it to move quickly on trends and maintain healthy margins.

With more than a thousand stores already and significant room for further rollout globally, the runway for expansion remains long. If store growth continues and like-for-like sales remain solid, Lovisa’s earnings could scale meaningfully over time.

One top broker that is bullish is Morgans. It has a buy rating and $36.80 price target on its shares.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

A final ASX growth share worth a look is NextDC. It is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading data centre operators.

As cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation accelerate, demand for secure, scalable data centre capacity continues to rise.

Importantly, NextDC is not just renting space. It provides critical infrastructure including power, connectivity, and security for hyperscale cloud providers and enterprise customers.

This leaves the company well-positioned for growth over the next decade and beyond, which is partly the reason why Morgans currently rates NextDC shares as a buy with a $19.00 price target.

The post 3 exciting ASX growth shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Lovisa, and Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) reached a new all-time high on Wednesday. And while many big achievers helped drive the index to new highs, some beaten-down shares have moved in the opposite direction.

But not all of them will continue spiralling.

Here are three ASX 200 stocks that are expected to stage a turnaround this year. And some could climb as high as 100%, or even more.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero shares were in the green on Wednesday afternoon, but the stock is still down nearly 60% over the past 12 months. 

The cloud-based accounting software company was caught up in the sector-wide tech sell-off and AI-related nervousness late last year (and into early 2026). This, combined with investor worry about the company’s Melio acquisition, and potentially overvalued share price, saw many sell up. 

But Xero’s business model, which is often referred to as “sticky”,  has recurring revenue, global exposure, and profitability. It’s actively expanding its presence and its product suite, too. 

I think there’s a chance that the ASX 200 stock could double in value in 2026. Some analysts think it could storm even higher. Data shows the majority (12 out of 13) have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock with a maximum target price of $229.89 a piece. That implies a huge potential 204.98% upside at the time of writing.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus shares enjoyed a reprieve on Wednesday and closed in the green for the day. It comes off the back of a long string of declines due to similar sector-wide headwinds, which affected Xero stock.

Three of the company’s directors have increased their existing stake by purchasing additional Pro Medicus shares, which raises a green flag for other investors. 

Out of 14 analysts, nine have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The average target price is $220.75, which implies a 91.57% upside at the time of writing. However, some think it could soar even higher to $300 a piece. That represents a potential 160.35% upside for Pro Medicus shares.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech shares jumped over 10% after the company posted its half-year results on Wednesday morning. From an AFP and ASIC raise to a boardroom fallout, the logistics software company has sent WiseTech shares crashing over the past 8 months.

But investors are happy with the latest results announcement, suggesting that investor sentiment could finally be turning a corner for the beaten-down ASX 200 stock.

Most analysts already had a strong buy rating on the tech stock, with a maximum target price of $167.64 over the next 12 months. Even after Wednesday’s rally, that implies a huge 253.23% upside for investors at the time of writing.

The post 3 beaten-down ASX 200 stocks tipped to rocket over 100% higher  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Charging 6% higher today: What is happening with the Pro Medicus share price?
• Why Accent, DroneShield, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths shares are racing higher
• WiseTech shares jump 7% on its half-year results
• WiseTech Global FY26 earnings: Robust revenue growth, AI strategy in focus

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

Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

According to a note out of Ord Minnett, its analysts have upgraded this metal detector company’s shares to a buy rating with a $40.00 price target. The broker was pleased with Codan’s half-year results, noting that it delivered a strong performance. And while the Minelab business was the star of the show, it was pleased with the communications business and highlights its unmanned drone systems as a potential growth driver in the coming years. This is especially the case given how much EU countries are investing in drone warfare. The Codan share price is trading at $34.50 on Wednesday afternoon.

Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this diversified services company’s shares with an improved price target of $37.00. The broker was impressed with Monadelphous’ performance during the first half of FY 2026. It highlights that the company delivered a half-year profit ahead of expectations thanks to a stronger than forecast EBITDA margin. The good news is that Bell Potter believes that Monadelphous can sustain its current strong operating momentum in the short-term given its contracted position and further work package awards that are likely to land in the second half. In addition, it points out that the company’s increasing liquidity gives it optionality to lean aggressively on M&A or return excess capital to shareholders. The Monadelphous share price is fetching $30.72 at the time of writing.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this energy giant’s shares with an improved price target of $30.50. According to the note, the broker felt that Woodside’s FY 2025 result was strong, with profit and dividends ahead of expectations. Morgans sees further upside potential ahead from a recovering oil price and the successful execution of new projects. The broker also believes there’s potential for a production guidance upgrade in FY 2026 if everything runs smoothly. The Woodside share price is trading at $28.14 on Wednesday.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

Lithium shares are back in favour on Wednesday, with several ASX-listed producers and developers posting strong gains.

A rebound in lithium carbonate prices and improving sentiment across the battery materials space appear to be driving renewed buying interest.

Here are 3 lithium stocks that are going gangbusters today.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price is up 8.95% to $1.978 in late afternoon trade.

That takes its gain to roughly 16% over the past week, marking an impressive short-term recovery for the Kathleen Valley developer.

Liontown is one of the ASX’s largest pure-play lithium names, with its flagship Kathleen Valley project in Western Australia moving toward production. After a volatile 2025, investors appear to be repositioning as lithium prices show signs of stabilising.

Spot lithium carbonate prices in China have rebounded sharply in recent weeks, climbing back above CNY 150,000 per tonne. While still well below the 2022 highs, the recovery has been enough to reignite optimism across the sector.

With a market capitalisation of $6.26 billion and significant institutional support, Liontown is widely regarded as a key indicator of lithium sector sentiment on the ASX.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

Core Lithium shares are also enjoying a strong session.

The Core Lithium share price is up 6.52% to 24.5 cents, extending its weekly gain to approximately 25%.

Core owns the Finniss Lithium Operation near Darwin. After facing operational and pricing headwinds during the lithium downturn, the company has been focused on cost management and balance sheet strength.

As lithium prices recover, Core’s share price can move more aggressively as sentiment improves. And on the back of this, investors appear to be rotating back into smaller-cap lithium stocks as confidence builds around a potential sector recovery.

Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

Rounding out the trio is Lake Resources.

The Lake Resources share price is up 7.90% today. Over the past week, shares have surged around 21%.

Lake is developing the Kachi Lithium Project in Argentina and has positioned itself as a direct lithium extraction hopeful. Like many pre-production developers, its share price has been highly sensitive to changes in lithium pricing and investor risk appetite.

While the project remains in development, improving sector sentiment is clearly driving strong short-term share price momentum.

Why lithium shares are moving

The common factor behind today’s gains is lithium pricing.

After falling sharply through 2023 and 2024, lithium carbonate prices have rebounded in early 2026. Improving electric vehicle demand expectations, policy support in China, and supply discipline from producers have contributed to the recovery.

Lithium shares tend to respond quickly to changes in pricing, particularly among producers and developers with higher exposure to spot markets.

If prices continue to stabilise or move higher, sentiment across the sector could remain supportive in the near term.

The post Why these 3 ASX lithium shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Is it too late to buy surging ASX 200 lithium shares like PLS and Liontown?
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• The lithium price could increase by how much!

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) hit a fresh record high in afternoon trade on Wednesday. At the time of writing, the index is up 0.88% to 9,101.80 points. Some of the index’s strongest performers have helped drive the market higher today, but there is one ASX stock in particular that I have my eye on.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares have also reached an all-time high in afternoon trade today. The stock is 1.88% higher at the time of writing, trading at $7.845 per share. 

The gold miner has enjoyed incredible momentum and is now one of the strongest performers on the ASX 200 index over the past year, delivering gains of 211.31%.

What has driven the ASX stock price higher?

Westgold’s share price has been pushed higher by a few tailwinds over the past 12 months. 

Geopolitical uncertainty has seen investors flock to safe-haven assets, such as gold, so far in 2026. The repositioning has seen some sectors drop dramatically, while ASX gold stocks have soared.

Just this week, investors have been snapping up shares in Aussie gold miners amid concerns about US President Donald Trump’s global tariff plans. 

The upset around these planned “reciprocal traffics” has continued for over 12 months now. But fresh concerns have resurfaced this week after the US Supreme Court struck down Trump’s earlier nation-by-nation tariffs as exceeding his authority. 

Trump’s new 10% global tariff came into effect yesterday. And his administration plans to hike it to 15% in an effort to rebuild its tariff agenda. Trump has also warned that higher tariffs could be imposed on countries that “play games” with recent trade agreements. 

The soaring interest in gold has, in turn, sent the metal’s price surging. Trading Economics data shows that the gold price spiked to an all-time high in late January, and while it has since cooled, it’s still not far below that peak. Gold has risen to around $5,180 per ounce today. 

So what can we expect next from the Westgold share price?

Analysts are very bullish on the outlook for the ASX stock this year, even after its latest share price surge.

TradingView data shows that all six analysts have a strong buy consensus on the stock. The average target price is $9.34, which implies an 18.4% upside at the time of writing. However, the maximum target price is $11.70, which translates to a potential 48.38% upside for investors.

The post This stellar ASX stock is up 211% this past year — and there’s more growth ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.