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.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 2 ASX shares that I rate as buys today for both growth and dividends!
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• Should I invest $2,000 in the VAS ETF?
• 1 ASX dividend stock down 52% I’d buy right now

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.

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price has continued to sink in 2026, with the stock trading at multi-year lows.

At the time of writing, shares are changing hands around $39.40, down more than 3% for the session. The stock is now sitting close to its 52-week low of $39 reached earlier today, and well below its 52-week high of $121.31.

This leaves WiseTech shares down more than 50% over the past year, placing it among the weaker performers in the ASX 200 tech space.

So, what has been driving the decline, and what would need to change for a recovery to take hold?

No single trigger behind the sell-off

The recent weakness has not been driven by one specific announcement.

Instead, the decline reflects a combination of broader tech sector pressure and company-specific concerns. Higher bond yields and valuation concerns have weighed on growth stocks, particularly those trading on elevated earnings multiples.

At the same time, WiseTech has faced ongoing scrutiny around execution, governance, and its strategic direction as it integrates acquisitions and expands its platform.

Broker price targets still above current levels

Despite the sell-off, broker price targets remain notably higher than the current share price.

Citi has cut its valuation to around $65.35 per share, while UBS has a target near $89. Bell Potter has set a target of approximately $83.75.

Macquarie remains more constructive, with a price target close to $97.70, while Morgan Stanley has previously pointed to levels above $100.

It’s worth noting that these estimates imply a very significant upside from current levels if the company can meet expectations.

Core business continues to expand

Operationally, the business continues to grow.

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform remains deeply embedded across the global logistics sector. Once integrated, customers face high switching costs, which supports recurring revenue and long-term retention.

The company has continued to expand through both organic growth and acquisitions, while also investing in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and broaden its offering.

This scalable model allows revenue to grow faster than costs over time, which has previously supported margins.

What would need to improve

For the share price to recover from here, several factors would likely need to align.

The company needs to demonstrate it can deliver consistent growth while integrating acquisitions and managing costs. Investor confidence will also need to stabilise following recent volatility and mixed broker sentiment.

In addition, confidence in long-term growth remains important, particularly as concerns around AI disruption and competition continue to weigh on sentiment.

Finally, market conditions for growth stocks would need to improve, as WiseTech remains sensitive to changes to interest rates and valuation levels.

The post Could this beaten-down ASX 200 stock double in the next 12 months? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began
• One ASX growth stock down over 50% to buy and hold
• Why Genesis Energy, Northern Star, PLS, and WiseTech shares are falling today
• Down 50%: Could these 2 leading ASX tech stocks rebound big?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are rebounding on Tuesday, up 0.4% to 8,397.8 points at the time of writing.

The market fell 0.82% yesterday, compounding a 2.19% tumble last week, as the war in Iran continues to erode investor confidence.

Since the war began, ASX 200 Index shares have fallen 8.8%.

ASX 200 energy shares have surged 17%, while materials stocks — incorporating the miners — have been the worst hit, down 19%.

Data from online investment platform Stake, given exclusively to the Motley Fool, provides some interesting insights into investor activity since the war began.

The data reveals the 10 most traded ASX 200 shares on the platform over the period 2 March to 18 March.

And no, they’re not all energy shares. In fact, only one energy stock features in the top 10.

In this article, we take a look at the first five within the top 10, and consider the reasons why they’re the most traded right now.

5 most traded ASX 200 shares during the Iran conflict

1. DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The Droneshield share price is $3.63, down 5.2% on Tuesday.

Droneshield shares are up 0.28% since the war in Iran began, and up 242% over the past 12 months.

Drones have become a staple of modern warfare. We’ve seen plenty of TV reports of drone strikes during the Iran and Gaza conflicts.

But the Iran crisis is unlikely to be the reason why Droneshield shares are the most traded stock among Aussie investors right now.

While the war may have reminded investors of the company’s relevance, Droneshield was already incredibly popular with Aussie investors.

As we reported in January, Droneshield was the most traded share on the Stake platform for the whole of 2025.

Rising global defence spending was already a well-established market thematic before the Iran war began.

2. Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is $34.56, down 0.7% today.

Woodside shares have leapt 22.1% since the war started, and are up 49.8% over 12 months.

Investors’ motivation to buy Woodside shares this month is a bit more obvious.

As Australia’s largest oil & gas producer, it is likely investors see ongoing upside potential given that oil and gas prices have skyrocketed.

Over the past 30 days, the Brent Crude oil price has soared 42% while the European gas price has ripped 83%.

The Woodside share price reached a two-and-a-half-year high of $34.88 yesterday.

3. BHP Group (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is $48.30, up 2.5% today.

BHP is the market’s largest ASX 200 mining share, and leads the materials sector.

BHP shares have tumbled 17.3% since the war started, but remain 23% higher over 12 months.

Miners have been the worst hit by the war, indicating some investors have sold out to lock in impressive capital gains over the past year.

The BHP share price hit a record $59.39 last month after an impressive six-month surge, as shown below.

Rising fuel costs and the potential for constrained supply are headwinds for mining operations, potentially threatening production.

However, Australia remains at the start of a longer-term mining boom, with the war unlikely to negatively impact the key drivers of it.

4. Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is $1.49, down 1.7% today.

Zip shares have fallen 22.5% since the war started, and are down 22.4% over 12 months.

The Zip share price was already on a substantial downward trend before the war began.

As shown below, the ASX 200 financial share reached a near 4-year high of $4.93 in October 2025. It’s been on a downhill run ever since.

Investors may be seeing an opportunity to buy the dip on Zip, particularly given strong consensus expectations of a price rebound.

Earlier this month, Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Zip shares with a 12-month target price of $3.35.

That implies a more than 100% capital gain ahead.

5. Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price is $39.15, down 3.8% after hitting a near 4-year low of $39 in earlier trading.

Wisetech shares have fallen 17.6% since the war started, and are down 52% over 12 months.

We’re in the midst of an ASX tech wreck, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) nosediving 46% over six months.

The downturn reflects market fears over high stock valuations, extraordinary capex spending on artificial intelligence (AI), and concerns that AI could seriously disrupt, or even replace, some software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses.

It’s likely that Stake investors are seeing long-term opportunity in Wisetech shares and are buying the dip with hopes of significant upside.

Yesterday, Citi reiterated its buy recommendation on Wisetech shares with a 12-month target of $65.35.

This implies a potential near-70% upside ahead.

The post 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are these 2 defence stocks tumbling today?
• 3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA)
• Oil slides below US$100 as tensions shift, ASX energy stocks pull back
• Why BHP, EchoIQ, Life360, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield, Macquarie Group, and WiseTech Global and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and WiseTech Global. 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.

Two ASX-listed defence stocks are under pressure on Tuesday, with both giving back recent gains after a strong run over the past year.

Shares in Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) are both trading lower at the time of writing. This weakness comes despite no major company-specific announcements.

Here’s what appears to be driving the move.

Droneshield share price pulls back

The Droneshield share price is down 6.27% to $3.59.

This follows a strong rally over the past year, with the stock still up around 240% over 12 months. However, its short-term performance shows more volatility, with shares down 12.86% over the past week.

From a technical view, the recent pullback comes after a period of strong momentum that pushed the stock towards the upper end of its bollinger band range in recent months.

The relative strength index (RSI) is currently around 46, suggesting momentum has cooled and is closer to neutral levels. This indicates buying pressure has eased following the earlier run-up.

The chart also shows a pattern of lower highs forming since late 2025, which can point to a loss of upward momentum in the near term.

There have been no fresh announcements from the company today, suggesting the move is being driven by broader market activity.

EOS share price also under pressure

EOS shares are down a sizeable 8.84% to $8.15.

Like Droneshield, EOS has delivered strong longer-term gains, with the stock up more than 480% over the past 12 months. However, the recent trend has turned more negative, with shares falling roughly 23.97% over the past week.

Looking at the technicals, EOS has moved lower after failing to hold recent highs near $11.80 earlier this month.

The stock is now trading closer to the middle of its bollinger band range, with the lower band sitting well below current levels. This suggests there is still room for further movement in either direction.

RSI is currently around 43, indicating weakening momentum and reduced buying strength.

The pullback follows a sharp rally driven by increased demand for defence and counter-drone technology, which had pushed valuations higher in a short period.

What’s behind the weakness?

The declines in both stocks appear to be linked to a broader market pullback, alongside profit-taking following strong recent gains.

Both companies have been among the strongest performers on the ASX over the past year, supported by rising global defence spending and increased focus on drone and counter-drone capabilities.

In both cases, technical indicators show momentum has eased, with prices moving away from recent highs and RSI levels trending lower.

In addition, the absence of new announcements also indicates the moves are being driven by overall market conditions.

The post Why are these 2 defence stocks tumbling today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began
• 3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA)
• Down another 5% today: Is the party finally over for the EOS share price?
• Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today
• What’s going on with DroneShield shares today?

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 DroneShield and Electro Optic Systems and is short shares of DroneShield. 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.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have tumbled 1.3% in Tuesday’s trade. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $44.18 a piece.

The slump means the banking giant’s share price has dropped nearly 9% over the past month as global volatility, higher interest rates, and a slowdown in lending take their toll on the banking sector.  

However, year to date, NAB shares are still trading 4% higher, and they’re a huge 30% above where they were this time last year.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is 3.8% lower year to date and 5.8% higher over the year.

NAB shares might have come off the boil this morning, along with many other ASX 200 shares, but there are still three compelling reasons why the bank stock is still a buy.

1. NAB is a classic defensive stock

The banking giant is a fantastic defensive stock that can remain stable in times of economic crisis. Unlike discretionary spending, which can be curbed, there will always be a need for banking services regardless of where we are in the economic cycle.

2. The company is stable

Because NAB is a defensive stock, the bank is able to benefit from a stable and recurring income. Its latest financial results show how its operational performance and earnings are able to stay strong and consistent, even when markets are weaker. The banking giant revealed a 15% hike in its cash earnings for the first quarter of FY26 and a 6% increase in revenue. 

While it is still sensitive to economic conditions such as further interest rate increases, increased sharemarket volatility, or a potential recession, its income and scale make it a good, stable option over the long term.

3. NAB pays reliable dividends to investors

NAB shares typically trade at a lower price-earnings (P/E) ratio than other sectors, which means investors are able to earn a higher dividend yield.

The bank paid an annual dividend of $1.70 per share in FY25, which was 1 cent per share higher than FY24. The annual dividend is forecast to also be $1.70 per share in FY26, fully franked, and then to climb to $1.705 per share in FY27 and $1.72 per share in FY28. It’s not a huge increase, but it’s a steady one.

The post 3 reasons to buy NAB shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s the latest earnings forecast out to 2030 for NAB shares
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How higher interest rates could send CBA shares plunging 42%
• $5,000 invested in NAB shares 12 months ago is already worth…
• Should I invest $2,000 in the VAS ETF?

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.

ASX energy share Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX: EXR) is charging higher today.

Again.

Elixir shares closed trading yesterday for 8.5 cents. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for 8.7 cents apiece, up 2.4%.

For some context, the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (ASX: XSO) is up 0.1% at this same time.

Today’s outperformance is par for the course for this junior ASX energy share.

Indeed, one year ago, on 24 March 2024, you could have picked up shares at an intraday low of 2.7 cents each.

Meaning you’d be sitting on eye-popping gains of 222.2% today. Or enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $25,778.

In one year.

And according to the investment team at Euroz Hartleys, Elixir Energy shares are well-positioned to more than double in value again.

Here’s why.

ASX energy share drills into excellent prospect

Last Monday, 16 March, Elixir reported the final drilling results from its Lorelle-3H appraisal well, located in Queensland’s Taroom Trough.

The ASX energy share closed up 7.1% on the day, with Elixir Energy CEO Stuart Nicholls noting, “The Lorelle-3 appraisal campaign has delivered an exceptional result for the company.”

And Euroz Hartleys analyst Declan Bonnick agrees.

According to Bonnick:

EXR announced excellent results from the Lorelle-3 horizontal well (ATP 2056: 50% EXR, 50% STO) in the Taroom Trough, onshore Queensland. The well achieved >1km targeted length and intersected average porosity of 11.2%, with peaks up to 18%, materially exceeding our expectations and approaching conventional reservoir quality. The well has now been cased and suspended ahead of a planned frac/flow test program in Q2CY26.

And Elixir could be sitting on a gusher, judging by the outcome achieved to date by Shell PLC (NYSE: SHEL) on a nearby tenement.

Bonnick noted:

The Lorelle-3 results represent a key de-risking milestone in demonstrating the commerciality of EXR’s Taroom Trough acreage. The upcoming 30-day multi-stage frac and flow test (targeting >5 MMscf/d) through Q2CY26 will be a critical step in confirming commercial deliverability.

The program mirrors the approach taken by neighbouring Supermajor Shell, which is progressing development directly on trend and is understood to have achieved commercial flow rates from the same reservoir.

What’s the price target for Elixir shares?

Connecting the dots, Euroz Hartleys maintained its speculative buy rating for the junior ASX energy share.

Following last week’s drill results, the broker increased its price target for Elixir Energy to 19 cents a share. That represents further upside potential of more than 118% from current levels.

The post Up 222% in a year, why this ASX energy share is forecast to more than double your money again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How is this ASX energy share leaping 17% in Monday’s sinking market?

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.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) shares are trading in the green on Tuesday afternoon. At the time of writing, the ASX dividend stock is up 1.61% to $8.54 a piece.

It’s a welcome reprieve for investors after the Australian-owned technology company’s share price crashed 18% in late February to early March. There has been some recovery since the sharp sell-off, but the shares are still down 16% year to date.

What caused the Dicker Data share price crash?

There wasn’t one sole factor which caused the ASX dividend stock to crash, but a combination of headwinds which all hit at the same time. 

Geopolitical uncertainty in the face of the escalating war in the Middle East caused a sector-wide sell-off earlier this month. At the same time, Australia is faced with the prospect of multiple cash rate increases as the Reserve Bank tries to get on top of soaring inflation.

The combination saw investors sell up their riskier stocks in sectors like technology, and shifted into safe-haven assets instead. 

Why is Dicker Data a good ASX dividend stock?

Despite the sharp investor sell-off over the past month, Dicker Data’s fundamentals are still sound. In late February, the company announced a 12.5% increase in its statutory revenue for FY25 and a 14.9% increase in gross revenue. EBITDA and NPAT also increased by 5.9% and 8.8%, respectively.

The strong results meant the tech business could declare a final dividend of 11.5 cents per share, bringing fully franked dividends for FY25 to 44 cents. Management also confirmed a revised payout range of 80% to 100% of NPAT.

Not only does Dicker Data distribute a significant portion of its earnings to investors, but it also does so regularly. Unlike many other ASX dividend stocks, the company has paid a quarterly, fully franked dividend to its investors since 2016. That provides some strong cash generation.

Right now is a buying opportunity for investors

TradingView data shows that investors are mostly bullish on Dicker Data’s outlook. Five out of eight analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the ASX dividend stock, and another three have a hold rating.

Regardless, the consensus is for a strong upside over the next 12 months. The maximum target price of $12.50 implies a 47% upside at the time of writing. Even the minimum $10.30 target price implies analysts think the stock will soar 21%.

It looks like the ASX dividend stock’s latest share price weakness has created a compelling buying opportunity for long-term investors seeking reliable income and growth.

The post 1 super cheap ASX dividend stock down 16% to buy and hold for decades appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best ASX income stocks to buy now
• 1 incredibly cheap ASX dividend growth stock to buy now and hold for decades
• 5 ASX dividend shares to buy for income in 2026
• Dicker Data shares fall to a 7-month low. Is this a bargain buy?

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

Knowing which ASX 200 shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing ones you should buy.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three popular shares that experts are tipping as sells, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what they are saying:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Medallion Financial Group believes CBA shares are expensive and has labelled them as sell.

While the financial group acknowledges the quality of this big four bank, it is concerned that its earnings momentum is slowing given softening credit growth and net interest margin stabilisation. It explains:

CBA remains the highest quality franchise among Australia’s major banks, but the valuation now looks stretched. The stock trades on a price-to-earnings multiple well above its peers despite similar earnings growth prospects. The recent annual dividend yield around 3 per cent is modest compared with other income opportunities.

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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The team at Alto Capital believes that this counter-drone technology company’s shares are fully valued and thinks investors should be taking profit. As a result, it has labelled DroneShield shares as a sell.

Alto Capital highlights that the company has a positive outlook but that its valuation reflects significant future growth expectations. It said:

DroneShield operates in the counter-drone defence technology sector, providing detection and mitigation systems used to protect military, government and critical infrastructure assets. The company has benefited from strong investor interest in defence and security technologies, with the share price rallying sharply over the past year in response to geopolitical tensions and intensifying defence spending narratives.

While the long term outlook for counter-drone solutions remains compelling, DroneShield’s valuation increasingly reflects significant future growth expectations. Revenue remains contract-driven and can be uneven, with earnings visibility still developing as the company scales up globally. Following recent share price strength and a re-rating, the current risk-reward balance favours taking profits at present levels.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

Finally, DP Wealth Advisory has named airline operator Qantas as a sell.

This is due to concerns over the impact that higher oil prices could have on profitability. And with more attractive opportunities out there, the advisory firm thinks investors should avoid Qantas shares for the time being. It said:

Qantas is a well managed domestic and international airline, holding a 70 per cent market share in Australia. The shares were trading at $10.65 on February 25, a day prior to the company posting its first half year result in fiscal year 2026. The stock was trading at $8.46 on March 19. Qantas announced on March 13, 2026 that it had settled a class action for $105 million regarding flight credits during COVID-19.

The company has hedged jet fuel supply prices in the shorter term, but I’m concerned about the impact of possibly higher crude oil prices over the longer term. I’m also mindful of the expense involved in Qantas upgrading its airline fleet after years of under investment by previous management as well as COVID-19. Qantas has a high fixed cost base. In my view, it’s a cyclical stock due to its reliance on consumer and business sentiment. Other stocks appeal more at this point.

The post 3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began
• Why are these 2 defence stocks tumbling today?
• Why BHP, EchoIQ, Life360, and Qantas shares are racing higher today
• Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today
• Why is the Woodside share price getting smashed on Tuesday?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. 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 New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price has been on a strong run in recent weeks, supported by a rebound in coal prices.

At the time of writing, New Hope shares are trading at $5.79, up 1.94% for the day.

The stock has gained around 9.25% over the past week and approximately 22.67% over the past month. This makes New Hope shares among the top-performing ASX 200 stocks across the energy sector.

What a $7,500 investment looks like today

Around five weeks ago, New Hope shares were trading at $4.69.

A $7,500 investment at that price would have bought approximately 1,599 shares.

At today’s price of $5.79, those shares would now be worth roughly $9,250.

That represents a gain of about $1,750, or approximately 23% over the five-week period.

The move highlights how quickly returns can build when commodity prices shift in favour of producers.

Coal prices driving the move

The key driver behind the rally has been the strength in thermal coal prices.

According to recent data, coal is now trading around US$140 per tonne, marking a 16-month high. This follows a steady rise in recent months, supported by tighter supply conditions and strong demand from power generation markets.

This has lifted sentiment across the sector and contributed to the recent re-rating in coal-exposed stocks.

Operational snapshot

New Hope is a diversified coal producer with operations across New South Wales and Queensland, including the Bengalla and New Acland mines.

The company’s latest guidance shows:

• ROM coal production of 15.7 to 17.7 million tonnes
• Saleable coal production of 10.2 to 11.5 million tonnes
• Coal sales also in the range of 10.2 to 11.5 million tonnes

These figures remain unchanged from prior guidance, suggesting stable operating conditions despite volatility in commodity markets.

Momentum and technical picture

Looking at the chart, New Hope shares have been trending higher since late January, moving from around $4 to current levels near $5.80.

The stock is now trading near the upper bollinger band, which typically reflects strong upward momentum. The relative strength index (RSI) is also sitting around 70, indicating the stock is approaching overbought territory.

Foolish Takeaway

New Hope’s recent gains reflect higher coal prices, rather than any new updates from the company.

In just five weeks, a $7,500 investment has risen to around $9,250, driven by coal hitting multi-month highs.

These gains highlight how quickly returns can build when pricing conditions improve, with recent strength in coal prices driving the share price higher.

The post $7,500 invested in New Hope shares 5 weeks ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Oil slides below US$100 as tensions shift, ASX energy stocks pull back
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market for a third week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 ASX 200 energy shares smash multi-year highs after oil price spike

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.