ASX All Ords gold share Ausgold Ltd (ASX: AUC) is charging higher today.

Ausgold shares closed yesterday trading for 94 cents. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for 97 cents apiece, up 3.2%.

For some context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.6% at this same time.

The ASX All Ords gold share looks to be catching tailwinds on two fronts today.

First, the gold price is up 0.7% overnight to US$4,773 per ounce. This comes amid news that the US and Iran may return to the negotiating table.

Investors are also buying Ausgold shares today after the miner released a promising exploratory drilling update.

Here’s what we know.

ASX All Ords gold share lifts on high-grade results

Before market open this morning, Ausgold reported on assay results from extensional and in-fill drilling within the Central Zone at its 100%-owned Katanning Gold Project (KGP), located in Western Australia.

The drill results stem from the ASX All Ords gold share’s current 54,000 metre reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling (DD) campaign. 46,717 metres of that campaign, comprising of 328 holes, have been completed to date.

Ausgold is targeting resource growth at KGP, supporting potential for future reserve conversion and improving the company’s confidence in early mine life areas. The miner is also targeting new discoveries across its 3,000 square kilometre tenure.

While the miner is still waiting for the results of some 15,349 metres of drill holes, today it revealed it had received results with “significant intercepts” from 77 RC and diamond drill-holes.

Among the top results, the ASX All Ords gold share reported 11 metres at 7.88 grams of gold per tonne from 99 metres, including 2 metres at 41.25 grams of gold per tonne from 100 metres.

As second hole returned 21 metres @ 3.27g/t from 105 metres, including 14 metres @ 4.69g/t from 110 metres.

What did Ausgold management say?

Commenting on the results helping to boost the ASX All Ords gold share today, Ausgold executive chairman John Dorward said, “The ongoing drilling campaign continues to deliver exceptional results across multiple fronts at the Katanning Gold Project.”

Dorward added, “The consistency of high-grade results from both in-fill and extensional drilling continues to strengthen the Katanning growth story.”

Looking to what ASX investors might expect ahead, Dorward said:

With extensions of the mineralisation confirmed beneath the DFS Update pits and outside current reserves, we see a clear opportunity to grow the production base and extend mine life, while simultaneously optimising the early years of production.

With regional drilling at Nanicup Bridge now complete, we are looking forward to reporting results from this exciting satellite project along with the balance of results from the KGP.

The post Why investors are buying this ASX All Ords gold share today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These 3 ASX 200 stocks hit a 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold?
• Should you buy the dip on A2 Milk shares today?
• 5 thematics driving ASX ETF investment today: expert
• Where is opportunity in the ASX real estate sector? Expert
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields

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.

A2 Milk Co Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dairy company closed down a sharp 12.0% yesterday, at $8.04. During the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $7.95 apiece, down 1.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.6% at this same time.

Before we look at whether now could be an opportune time to buy the dip in the infant formula stock, let’s see why investors were favouring their sell buttons on Monday.

Why did the ASX 200 stock tumble on Monday?

Almost 9.4 million A2 Milk shares swapped hands yesterday, with the ASX 200 stock, as mentioned up top, ending the day down 12.0%.

This came after the company released a trading update highlighting supply and product availability issues in its key China market.

Unexpected headwinds included tighter Chinese customs requirements as well as rising air and sea freight costs amid surging global energy prices.

As The Motley Fool reported yesterday, “While these supply chain disruptions are largely considered temporary, they are expected to materially affect fourth quarter sales, particularly during April and May.”

In light of this, management downgraded the company’s full year FY 2026 revenue growth forecast to be in the low to mid double-digit percent range. That’s down from prior guidance of mid-double digit percent revenue growth.

Earnings are also likely to take a hit, with FY 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin guidance lowered to 14.0% to 14.5%. That’s down from the prior guidance of 15.5% to 16.0%.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Is now a good time to buy A2 Milk shares?

Following on Monday’s update, the team at Citi ran their slide rule back over A2 Milk shares (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

Commenting on the company’s supply chain issues, Citi analyst Sam Teeger said:

We see risk that these constraints may persist for longer than expected, and even when they are resolved, it may not be easy or cheap for a2 to win back consumers who have switched to competitor brands.

Atop A2 Milk potentially losing market share amid these largely external constraints, Teeger added, “The stock’s valuation also doesn’t leave much scope for anything but flawless execution.”

Citi reduced its FY 2026 earnings forecast for A2 Milk by 9%, and reduced the ASX 200 stock to a neutral rating.

The broker also cut its target price for A2 Milk shares by 20% to $8.40. Still, that’s 5.7% above the current share price.

The post Should you buy the dip on A2 Milk shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Bell Potter saying about A2 Milk shares after the selloff?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Why A2 Milk, Metallium, Northern Star, and St Barbara shares are sinking today
• Why are A2 Milk shares sinking 18% today?
• The a2 Milk Company lowers FY26 guidance amid supply chain challenges

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

Betashares strategist, Tom Wickenden, says the Iran war is directly impacting ASX ETF investment activity today.

In a new report, Wickenden says the longer-term impact of the Iran war will centre around global energy self-sufficiency.

Investors have responded by ploughing funds into 5 ASX ETF thematics.

Let’s take a look.

Energy producers

An example is the Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: FUEL), which is 30% higher in the year to date (YTD).

Another example is the commodity-price-based energy ETF, Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO).

OOO ETF was the best performer among the more than 400 ASX ETFs on the market last month, returning 55% due to the global oil shock.

Uranium

Betashares offers investors the Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM), which is up 15% in the YTD.

The uranium arena is volatile, however, James Gerrish from Market Partners says small modular reactors are the way of the future.

In a recent Money Matters newsletter, Gerrish said:

Nuclear power accounts for ~10% of global electricity generation today with demand set to rise substantially over the coming years as AI usage ratchets up.

With the uranium market transitioning into a structural tightening phase, and a high probability of deficit emerging later this decade, the URNM ETF should push higher in the coming years.

Defence

Vaneck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) is one of the most popular defence ETFs on the market today.

DFND ETF has risen 34% over the past 12 months amid NATO committing to a substantial lift in defence spending at America’s urging.

Critical minerals

Australia’s last mining boom, from the early 2000s through to 2013, was mainly driven by iron ore and coal exports to China.

Experts say the next one already underway is being driven by critical minerals tied to electrification, power generation, and energy security.

They include copper, uranium, lithium, rare earths, and silver.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET) was among the 6 best-performing international shares-based ASX ETFs last year.

XMET ETF delivered a 100% return while Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL) returned a similarly impressive 81%.

Agricultural commodities

The oil shock has sparked concern over the global supply of fertiliser, which is crucial for crop production.

Natural gas is a key feedstock for nitrogen-based fertilisers like ammonia and urea.

This means higher oil and gas prices can significantly increase fertiliser costs.

Betashares offers the Global Agriculture Companies Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: FOOD), which has risen 41% over the past year.

The post 5 thematics driving ASX ETF investment today: expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What were the best performing Betashares ASX ETFs in March?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy amid share market rally today: Experts
• 2 ASX mining shares to buy: Expert
• Why are shares in this uranium company surging today?
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy before the rally really takes off: expert

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vaneck Global Defence Etf. 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.

Since the beginning of the Middle East conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel, real estate has been one of the worst performing sectors.

The S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate (ASX: XRE) index has dropped more than 14% year to date. 

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 3% in the same period. 

Despite the fall, real estate remains an important part of the Australian economy. 

Real estate activities (including renting, buying, selling, and property services) make up a significant share of Australia’s GDP.

Right now, there appears to be opportunity for investors to buy low on real estate shares and REITs.

The team at Bell Potter recently provided updated guidance on the sector. 

Here is where the broker sees opportunity. 

Little delineation last week 

In Monday’s report, the broker said there was little delineation between REITs and the broader ASX 200 last week (-0.5%). 

However REITs are now -15% vs. XJO 3mths rolling and as our strategy team points to, it has been the key sector underperformer vs all others since start of the Middle East conflict.

We are positive low future supply, strong fundamentals sub-sectors though (retail particularly non-discretionary; industrial) – Buy Region Group (ASX: RGN), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI). 

Here’s how these stocks are currently performing. 

Region Group (ASX: RGN)

Region Group specialises in leasing out convenience-focused properties that offer everyday goods and services. More than half of the rent is derived from specialty tenants, which are mostly non-discretionary, such as food and liquor, pharmacy and healthcare, and general services.

It is down roughly 3% since the start of the year and is trading today for approximately $2.28 per share. 

However, Bell Potter currently has a price target of $2.75 on the ASX real estate stock. 

This indicates an upside potential of approximately 20%. 

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) 

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

Its share price has fallen almost 11% year to date. 

Bell Potter’s updated price target for this ASX real estate stock is $3.60, which is 22% higher than today’s share price. 

It also offers a strong dividend yield.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

Dexus is an Australian real estate investment trust (REIT) with a portfolio of workplace-focused properties. 

Its share price is down 11.3% in 2026 and is changing hands today for approximately $2.38 per share. 

Bell Potter recently placed a share price target of $3.00. 

If this real estate stock hits this target, it would represent a 26% climb from today’s share price. 

The post Where is opportunity in the ASX real estate sector? Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX materials stock could rise 20% according to this broker
• It could be time to buy-low on this ASX small-cap stock according to brokers
• Bell Potter says this ASX healthcare stock could rise nearly 200%
• Experts name 3 ASX shares to sell
• Bell Potter names the best ASX shares to buy in April

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

The ASX share market is one of the best places to find passive income, in my eyes. A combination of franking credits and rising interest rates means ASX blue-chip shares can offer some of the largest dividend yields.

While lower share prices can be unnerving, I think that’s the best time to strike because of the better dividend yields (and valuations) on offer.

With that in mind, I think the two ASX blue-chip shares below really fit the bill.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

Higher interest rates are a short-term negative for property due to higher interest costs and a headwind to property prices. I think that’s largely why the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT unit price has dropped by 20% in the last six months.

The decline has meant the distribution/dividend yield has been boosted. It’s expecting to increase its payout slightly to 25.5 cents per security in FY26, which now translates into a distribution yield of 7.5%, at the time of writing.

It’s not just the yield that’s appealing. It has a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of around nine years. That means many years of rental income have been locked in.

It is one of the largest REITs on the ASX with a diversified portfolio across a number of areas, including hotels, service stations, telecommunications exchanges, data centres, distribution centres, and plenty more.

It has a number of ASX blue-chip shares as reliable tenants, giving the REIT an even greater claim as a resilient blue chip itself. Some of its great tenants include Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), BP, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

Another leading ASX blue-chip share is JB Hi-Fi, one of Australia’s leading retailers of electrical products, gadgets, and home appliances through its stores across Australia and New Zealand. It also owns The Good Guys business.

The fact that it has increased its payout in most years over the past 15 years demonstrates its long-term growth and its potential as an effective income pick.

Following the 35% decline in JB Hi-Fi’s share price over the last six months, its projected dividend yield is now high.

According to CMC Invest’s projection, the business is expected to pay an annual dividend per share of $3.55 in FY26. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.75%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

I think the company’s earnings can continue to grow as it expands its store network, sells new products, achieves additional scale benefits, grows the newly acquired E&S, and implements additional cost-saving strategies.

The post 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now
• Looking for long-term passive income? Try one of these ASX shares
• Is it time to load up on these high-yielding ASX dividend shares?
• 20 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• 2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%

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 positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BP. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.6% to 8,977.7 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

The Clarity Pharmaceuticals share price is down almost 8% to $2.89. This follows the announcement of a commercial manufacturing agreement for 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA with Nucleus Radiopharma. It is an innovative contract development and manufacturing organisation in the radiopharmaceutical industry. Clarity’s executive chair, Dr Alan Taylor, said: “Clarity is building a strong foundation with its supply and manufacturing strategy to support a large-scale commercial rollout of 64Cu-SARbisPSMA from day one, with capability to supply not only the entire existing PSMA PET market, but a larger pool of patients that could benefit from our optimised product, given the promising data we have seen in the clinic to date.”

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas share price is down 1% to $8.93. This follows the release of a market update from the airline operator today. As was widely expected, Qantas revealed that fuel costs have risen strongly. It now expects jet fuel costs for the second half to be $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion. This is more than double previous expectations. It also advised that net debt is now expected at or above the midpoint, but within Qantas’ target range. And while the $300 million interim dividend will be paid on 15 April, its $150 million buyback remains on hold.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

The Universal Store share price is down 3% to $7.20. This morning, this youth fashion retailer announced the exit of its CEO, Alice Barbery, later this year. However, Universal Store has acted fast and named George Do as her successor. Universal Store’s chair, Peter Birtles, said: “On behalf of the Board and the Universal team, I would like to thank Alice for her outstanding leadership of the Company over the past 17 years. During this time, she has overseen the continued strong growth and performance of the Universal Store retail banner, the creation and successful rollout of the Perfect Stranger retail banner and the acquisition of the CTC business.”

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is down 2.5% to $41.60. Investors have been selling the banking giant’s shares following the release of an update on its first-half expectations. The bank advised that: “Balance sheet momentum was solid with lending and deposit growth of 4% and 3% respectively; Core NIM, excluding the timing impact of rate rises, was stable in 2Q26; Ongoing productivity initiatives supported a 2% decline in expenses; and Asset quality metrics improved and the CET1 capital ratio strengthened in 2Q26.”

The post Why Clarity, Qantas, Universal Store, and Westpac shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Westpac, Cleanaway and Qantas shares are catching ASX investor interest on Tuesday
• Why Clarity Pharmaceuticals shares just fell 5% on today’s announcement
• This ASX retail stock is sliding after a surprise leadership announcement
• Qantas shares dip after fresh market update puts FY26 in focus
• Why Westpac shares are holding near record highs after a $75 million hit

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 recommended Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL) shares are off the board on Tuesday, leaving the stock parked at $4.21 after a strong 12-month run.

The pause comes at an interesting point in the stock’s recent performance.

Only yesterday, the shares closed 3% lower at $4.21 after touching $4.35 intraday, suggesting some repositioning may already have been underway.

Even after that softer finish, the stock is still up roughly 72% over the past 12 months.

That keeps expectations elevated heading into the next update.

Here’s what investors are waiting on.

Trading halt points to a larger corporate move

According to the release, Cuscal requested the halt pending a material acquisition announcement and associated equity raising.

The company expects the pause to remain in place until either a further update is released or trading resumes on Wednesday morning.

That may explain why Monday’s move remained relatively contained despite the broader S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) slipping 0.46%.

The main question is whether the acquisition strengthens Cuscal’s position in Australia’s growing payments and regulated data infrastructure markets.

Investors will also be watching whether issuing new shares puts pressure on the stock.

The company already completed the Indue acquisition in December 2025. That could also signal management is stepping up a broader consolidation strategy across banking and payments infrastructure.

Why the market may still stay constructive

Cuscal entered this trading pause with solid business momentum already in place.

At its half-year result, the company reported double-digit profit growth, supported by the Indue contribution and continued growth in core operating income. That helped reinforce the view that scale benefits across payments infrastructure are beginning to flow through more clearly.

The stock is also still trading comfortably above its $2.50 listing price set at its November 2024 IPO.

That suggests investors have been willing to pay up for exposure to one of Australia’s key digital payments platforms.

That backdrop could help the market look through an equity raising, especially if the acquisition expands network scale, client reach, or data capabilities.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s halt is all about the terms of the deal still to come.

Cuscal has already shown it can integrate acquisitions and use scale to lift earnings. Another deal in payments infrastructure makes strategic sense if the numbers stack up.

The key will be whether the acquisition adds quality clients, stronger network reach, and earnings support quickly enough to justify any new shares issued.

Cuscal has a market capitalisation of around $806.5 million, with 191.56 million shares on issue.

The post This ASX stock is locked after a major Tuesday update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Experts name 2 ASX financials stocks to watch closely

Fetching Disclosure…

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares fell 7.8% during the first month of the Iran war and the ensuing oil shock.

Rising oil and gas prices rattled investors, raising concerns about the impact on the businesses they were invested in.

We are starting to see that impact, with Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) doubling its jet fuel cost estimates for 2H FY26 today.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) chair Dr Andrew Forrest has also revealed they paid up to double for emergency fuel supplies last month.

With all this in mind, it’s interesting to look at how Aussie investors repositioned their ASX ETF portfolios as the conflict unfolded.

Aussies have $329 billion invested in ASX ETFs, and last month they ploughed an additional $5.6 billion into their favoured funds.

That makes March the third-highest month for net inflows ever. It seems the volatility caused by the war did not dampen their interest.

A new report from Betashares, which shows the top 10 ASX ETFs for inflows and outflows last month, reveals some interesting trends.

Let’s take a look.

Top 10 ASX ETFs for inflows last month

ASX ETF	Amount
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)	$895,737,926
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)	$544,375,179
Vanguard All-World ex US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)	$411,499,905
iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)	$324,006,912
iShares U.S. Factor Rotation Active ETF (ASX: IACT)	$272,290,741
Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL)	$254,954,620
iShares S&P Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)	$250,738,482
Betashares Global Shares Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: HGBL)	$235,960,993
iShares S&P 500 AUD Hedged ETF (ASX: IHVV)	$232,411,736
Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)	$174,883,785

Top 10 ETFs for outflows

ASX ETF	Amount
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)	-$461,301,546
Magellan Global Fund (Open Class) (Managed Fund) (ASX: MGOC)	-$189,775,555
iShares Global High Yield Bond (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: IHHY)	-$133,228,387
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (ASX: EMXC)	-$70,942,670
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (ASX: IVE)	-$70,120,623
iShares Core FTSE Global Infrastructure (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: GLIN)	-$67,261,421
Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI)	-$53,986,599
Betashares Australian Credit Income Active ETF (ASX: HBRD)	-$52,576,579
Airlie Australian Share Fund (ASX: AASF)	-$46,503,867
Betashares Gold Bullion ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: QAU)	-$44,214,386

How ASX ETFs investors repositioned last month

The VAS ETF is the most popular Australian shares ETF on the market, so it’s no surprise to see it take out the top spot.

VGS is the most popular international shares ETF, so it’s routine to see it close to the top as well.

The presence of IHVV in the top inflows list, and its unhedged counterpart IVV ETF in the top outflows, shows investors are mindful of currency changes over the past 12 months.

The Australian dollar has risen from just over 60 US cents 12 months ago to a three-year high of 70.8 US cents today.

As James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec, points out:

When the Australian dollar strengthens, your international ETF returns shrink, and if the Australian dollar weakens, your returns improve.

Outflows from QAU ETF reflect profit-taking amid a 21% decline in the gold price over the first three weeks of March.

Sprott Managing Partner, Paul Wong, said investors need not be worried though.

Wong added:

Gold’s March drop reflects a liquidity crunch, not a breakdown in its long-term role. 

As financial stress builds, gold is likely to reassert itself as a key monetary anchor.

Another interesting trend is the inflows into non-US international ETFs, reflecting the poorer performance of US markets this year.

In the year to date, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) has lifted just 0.6% compared to a 3% bump for the ASX 200.

The post How ASX ETF investors repositioned as the Iran war shook markets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’m planning to buy loads of these ASX ETFs for my retirement
• How to turn $20,000 into $100,000 with ASX ETFs
• Guess which ASX ETF just hit an all-time high today?
• 3 reasons why the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) could perform strongly
• 5 Vanguard ETFs for Aussies to buy this month

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 Aud Hedged ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY), and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) are grabbing plenty of investor interest today.

As we head into the Tuesday lunch hour, all three of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are underperforming the current 0.4% gain posted by the benchmark index.

Here’s what’s happening.

Qantas shares slide on surging jet fuel costs

Qantas shares are slipping today, down 1.3% at time of writing at $8.90 each.

This follows an update this morning in which the ASX 200 airline stock warned that fast rising energy costs are going to impact its full year costs assumptions.

Indeed, since the outbreak of the Iran war, the Brent crude oil price has surged from US$71 per barrel to US$98 per barrel today. Brent crude oil traded near US$113 towards the end of March, having kicked off 2026 at just US$61 per barrel.

And that’s going to have a material impact on fuel guzzling jetliners.

How much of an impact will that have on Qantas shares?

Well, enough so that the airline has more than doubled its previous expectations for second half year (H2 2026) jet fuel costs to the range of $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion.

To mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on its operations, Qantas said it is taking steps that include international network changes, capacity adjustments and fare increases.

With the current uncertainty in mind, Qantas planned $150 million on-market share buyback has not yet commenced.

Which brings us to…

Cleanaway shares slip on earnings downgrade

Cleanaway shares are also grabbing investor interest today, and for a related reason to Qantas shares.

Shares in the ASX 200 waste management and environmental services company are down 1.1% at time of writing, changing hands for $2.31 apiece.

Investors are bidding down Cleanaway shares after the company announced that it was downgrading full year FY 2026 earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance to between $460 million and $480 million. That’s down from prior full year earnings guidance of $480 million to $500 million.

The reason?

You guessed it. The Iran war.

The company estimates earnings will take a full year hit of some  $20 million, catching headwinds from higher fuel prices, increased supplier and logistics costs, and lower Middle East project activity.

Westpac shares in focus amid rising inflation and interest rates

Atop Cleanaway and Qantas shares, investors are tuning into Westpac today after the ASX 200 bank stock released an update detailing items impacting its first-half 2026 (H1 2026) results.

These include, wait for it, the initial impacts of the Middle East conflict.

Westpac noted:

With the supply shock from the energy market disruption expected to result in higher inflation and higher interest rates, an expected slowing in economic growth will create a more challenging environment for some customers.

The bank said its “strong financial position” enables it to support customers during these uncertain times while accelerating the execution of its strategic priorities.

The post Why Westpac, Cleanaway and Qantas shares are catching ASX investor interest on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Clarity, Qantas, Universal Store, and Westpac shares are falling today
• Qantas shares dip after fresh market update puts FY26 in focus
• Why Westpac shares are holding near record highs after a $75 million hit
• Qantas Airways flags higher fuel costs and capacity changes in FY26 update
• Cleanaway Waste Management trims FY26 outlook on fuel challenges

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.

There appears to be cautious optimism surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.

This is pushing global benchmarks into the green recently. 

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) recovered more than 1% overnight. Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has opened with strong momentum.

Since the end of March, both indexes have rallied, with Australia’s benchmark up more than 6% and the S&P 500 rising more than 8%. 

While it’s impossible to predict what will happen in the Middle East, one possibility is we have already hit the bottom of the current cycle. 

If this is the case, it may be time to buy low on ASX ETFs that are yet to fully bounce back from yearly lows. 

Here are three ASX ETFs to consider.

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

Healthcare stocks have been some of the hardest hit in 2026. 

Unsurprisingly, this ASX ETF has been heavily sold off. 

It is down more than 12% since November last year, but has slowly started to bounce back since late March. 

The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare (Sector) Capped Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of healthcare providers, biotechnology companies and manufacturers of medical supplies, advanced medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

This fund has been around since 2001, and in the last 10 years has brought annualised returns of nearly 10% per year. 

The recent drop off could be a rare opportunity to buy low on this ASX ETF. 

Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP)

This ASX ETF seeks to track the return of the S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Index. 

This index includes real estate companies in the retail, office, industrial and diversified sectors. 

Since inception in 2010, it has brought annualised returns of nearly 10% per year. 

However, it is currently down nearly 18% since late last year. 

This could be a rare opportunity to access exposure to the Australian real estate industry at a relative value. 

Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index Etf Fun (ASX: VESG)

This ASX ETF was first listed in 2018, since then, it has brought an average annualised return of more than 12%. 

At the time of writing, it is down almost 7% since yearly highs back in January. 

It includes more than 1,400 holdings, and is an ESG fund. 

This means it excludes companies that have a specified level of business involvement in fossil fuels, nuclear power, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, adult entertainment or weapons.

The post ASX ETFs that might never be this cheap again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced
• ASX ETFs that target undervalued sectors

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.