Are you looking for exposure to the gold price while it sits around US$5,000 an ounce?

If you are, then it could be worth hearing about which ASX gold stocks analysts at Bell Potter are recommending to clients.

Here’s what the broker is saying about two popular options:

Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD)

This gold miner has caught the eye of Bell Potter. It thinks its shares are undervalued compared to peers, especially when you consider its strong long-term production growth outlook.

The broker has a buy rating and $9.90 price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of $6.54, this implies potential upside of 51% for investors over the next 12 months. It commented:

We remain positive on the outlook for gold, given the ongoing tensions in the Middle East which has seen the commodity recover from recent lows of ~US$4,130/oz up to spot of ~US$4,746/oz (+15% from the low, -7.9% MoM). The GDX appears to have outperformed the underlying commodity, with MoM decline of only -3.16% and a rally from the low in Mar-26 of ~23%. On a 12m forward EV/EBITDA basis GMD has contracted to ~6.2x NTM EBITDA vs its peak of ~8x in Sep-25. This places GMD slightly above Northern Star (NST, Buy TP$35) (5.1x NTM) but below Evolution (EVN, Buy TP$16.60) (7.1x NTM) in our mid-large cap gold coverage.

The upcoming (1QFY27) long-term guidance targeting 500kozpa is likely to focus on two aspects we believe: (1) development of Tower Hill and a standalone 3.5-4Mtpa mill which should offset higher cost processing at Leonora and (2) development for Lady Julie (MAU transaction) which would supplement the Laverton mill with higher grade tonnes.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Another ASX gold stock that Bell Potter is positive on is Northern Star. While its performance has underwhelmed this year with two guidance downgrades, the broker believes management’s recent buy-back is a big positive.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $35.00 price target on the gold miner’s shares. Based on its current share price of $24.48, this implies potential upside of 43% for investors.

NST announced the commencement of an on market Buy-back scheme of up to A$500m, representing ~1.6% of issued capital. The buy-back is separate from the dividend payout policy of 20-30% of cash earnings and will commence on the 23rd of April. The buy-back has minimal impact on our EPS estimates going forward, however the signalling of value in the underlying business is of more importance. As noted above, we see NST as hitting the bottom of production and earnings downgrades, with some margin compression to come from the impact of fuel prices.

The post 2 ASX gold stocks to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• Which cheap ASX 200 gold stock could rise over 50%?
• Are Northern Star shares a cheap buy?
• 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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 difference between $100,000 and $600,000 in superannuation is not small. It is enormous.

In fact, it can be the difference between just getting by and living with real financial freedom in retirement.

While both balances may technically support retirement, they sit at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to lifestyle, flexibility, and peace of mind. One leans heavily on government support and careful budgeting. The other opens the door to greater independence and choice.

In 2026, as the cost of living rises and expectations for retirement evolve, that gap has never been more important to understand.

What does retirement actually cost?

To understand the impact of these balances, it helps to look at the benchmarks from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.

According to its latest Retirement Standard, Australians need approximately $630,000 as a single or $730,000 as a couple to achieve a comfortable retirement. A more modest retirement requires far less, at around $110,000 for a single and $120,000 for a couple.

These figures assume retirees own their home and receive at least a part Age Pension, which plays a key role in supporting lower balances.

Life on $100,000 in superannuation

A super balance of $100,000 places someone right around the modest retirement threshold. This means retirement is achievable, but it comes with limitations.

In this scenario, spending tends to be tightly controlled. Everyday expenses can generally be covered, but there is little room for flexibility. Leisure activities may be occasional rather than regular, and larger expenses often require careful planning or sacrifice elsewhere.

Over time, the reliance on the Age Pension becomes central. While this provides a safety net, it also means financial independence is limited. Unexpected costs, whether they are related to health, home maintenance, or rising living expenses, can quickly create pressure.

This kind of retirement is about stability, but it often comes at the expense of freedom.

Life on $600,000 in superannuation

A balance of $600,000 paints a very different picture.

Although it sits slightly below the official comfortable benchmark, it is close enough to deliver a significantly improved lifestyle. The difference is not just in what can be afforded, but in how decisions are made.

With this level of savings, retirees typically have far more flexibility in their spending. There is greater capacity to enjoy leisure activities, maintain a higher standard of living, and absorb unexpected costs without major disruption.

Importantly, reliance on the Age Pension is reduced. That means more control over how money is spent and fewer constraints on lifestyle choices.

This is where retirement begins to feel less like a financial balancing act and more like a phase of life to be enjoyed.

The real difference

The contrast between $100,000 and $600,000 is not simply about spending power.

It is the difference between having to think carefully about every expense and having the confidence to make decisions more freely. It is the difference between a lifestyle defined by limits and one shaped by choice.

While both balances can technically fund retirement, they lead to very different experiences.

Why this is important in 2026

Rising costs and inflation have steadily pushed up the amount Australians need for a comfortable retirement. As a result, the gap between modest and comfortable living has widened.

For many people, this means the difference between these two outcomes is no longer marginal. It is substantial and, in some cases, life-defining.

Understanding this gap is critical, especially for those still in the workforce who have time to influence their final balance.

Closing the gap

The good news is that superannuation outcomes are not fixed.

Even relatively small adjustments can make a meaningful difference over time. Increasing contributions, ensuring investments are appropriately positioned for growth, and avoiding unnecessary fees can all help improve long-term outcomes.

Time also plays a powerful role. The longer money remains invested, the more compounding can work in your favour.

The bottom line

A $100,000 super balance can support a retirement, but it is likely to involve compromise and careful budgeting. A $600,000 balance, on the other hand, brings a level of comfort, flexibility, and independence that transforms the retirement experience.

In the end, the difference between the two is not just financial. It is the difference between managing your retirement and truly enjoying it.

The post $100k vs $600k in superannuation: How different would retirement be? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX gold stocks to buy next week
• A rare buying opportunity to buy 1 of Australia’s top shares?
• 2 little-known ASX shares that could make big returns
• Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree’s dream
• Why I think CBA shares are a top buy with $5,000

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

When there are big moves on the ASX share market, investors have the chance to unlock strong returns with some of Australia’s top shares.

Buying when share prices have taken a hit seems like a smart move to me because of the better price/earnings (P/E) ratio valuation and potentially a larger dividend yield.

I think Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK), a furniture retailer, is one of the most underrated businesses on the ASX. I reckon this is a great time to think about buying shares.

It has fallen well over 30% since mid-January 2026, as the chart below shows.

The business saw significant declines in 2022 and 2023, with both years proving, in hindsight, to be great times to invest. I think this is another time to invest in one of Australia’s top shares.

Store network potential

I like to invest in businesses that have plenty of room to expand in the coming years. For Nick Scali, one of the easiest ways to deliver growth is by adding more stores and reaching new customers.

There are a number of ways it can grow its store count. In Australia and New Zealand, it has 110 Nick Scali and Plush stores. The business thinks it can reach between 180 to 200 ANZ locations, which would represent growth of between 63% to 82%. Enlarging the ANZ network could bring significant scale benefits and margin improvements.

Nick Scali also recently bought a small UK furniture business called Fabb Furniture and it’s rebranding those stores to Nick Scali. The ASX share is selling Nick Scali furniture in those UK stores, which is leading to a large uptick in the gross profit margin.

The company thinks the UK network could grow from the current 19 locations to between 60 to 70, a rise of between 215% to 268%.

Profit margins to improve?

The business has lost some market confidence in the last few months, but I still think the long-term looks very promising. I reckon the market is underestimating how much the company’s earnings could rise.

Nick Scali’s FY26 half-year result was a great example of how the company’s profit margins could rise as the business grows. Operating leverage is a powerful attribute for Australia’s top shares.

In HY26, group revenue rose by 7.2% to $269.3 million, the group gross profit margin improved by 310 basis points (3.10%) to 65.4%, operating profit (EBITDA) rose 18.1% to $96.6 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) grew 23.1% to $41 million.

Aside from a potential headwind of high inflation and rising interest rates in 2026, I think the company is on track to increase its profit margins and return on equity (ROE) over time.

Pleasing dividend

An added bonus when it comes to this business is a solid dividend that has grown significantly over the past decade. Impressively, in the HY26 result, the interim dividend was hiked by 30% to 39 cents per share.

According to the projection on Commsec, the business is forecast to pay an annual dividend per share of 78 cents in FY26. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of close to 7%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

The post A rare buying opportunity to buy 1 of Australia’s top shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Got $7,500? Here are 2 strong ASX retail stocks to buy now
• 2 incredible ASX shares to buy in April
• Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth
• Where I’d invest $20,000 into ASX growth shares right now
• A once-in-a-decade chance to earn a supersized passive income from ASX shares?

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

We all want to make good returns with our ASX share portfolios, but it’s not necessarily going to be the most well-known businesses that deliver the strongest results.

Sometimes it’s the under-researched, smaller businesses that can outperform large ASX blue-chip shares over the long-term because they have a stronger growth runway, yet they’re not priced for that level of success.

The two businesses I’m going to talk about are ones that the investment team in charge of the listed investment company (LIC), WAM Capital Ltd (ASX: WAM), likes.

That LIC is looking to find the most compelling undervalued growth opportunities in the Australian market. Let’s look at those the WAM team recently highlighted in a monthly update. 

Cobram Estate Olives Ltd (ASX: CBO)

The Wilson Asset Management (WAM) investment team describes Cobram Estate Olives as a leading Australian food and agribusiness company that specialises in olive farming, the production and marketing of premium-quality extra virgin olive oil.

The Cobram Estate Olives share price rose in March after completing the acquisition of California Olive Ranch, expanding its US footprint, and increasing exposure to a large, growing premium olive oil market. The deal was recently given US anti-trust approval, which had been an overhang on the deal.

This acquisition is expected to more than double the ASX share’s Californian footprint, broaden its customer base, and deliver “meaningful operational synergies and earnings growth over time”.

WAM said the Cobram Estate Olives share price rose during March because of reduced execution risk, improved visibility on transaction completion, and confidence in the long-term growth profile of the enlarged US-focused business.

According to the forecast on CMC Invest, the business is valued at 24x FY27’s estimated earnings.

GemLife Communities Group (ASX: GLF)

Another business that WAM likes – and it was a top 20 position in the WAM Capital portfolio at the end of March 2026 – is GemLife Communities.

This ASX share is a developer, builder, owner, and operator in Australia’s land lease community (LLC) sector. It provides resort-style communities for homeowners aged 50 and over.

During March, the GemLife Communities share price fell 17%, partly because the business released its FY25 results after a period of strong performance following its listing on the ASX in July 2025.

WAM believes the pullback reflected a combination of investor profit-taking and broader market weakness in interest rate-sensitive real estate stocks amid ongoing interest rate uncertainty.

Despite the pullback, the fund manager remains “positive” on the group’s outlook, supported by a strong development pipeline, favourable demographic tailwinds, and an integrated operating model that “underpins recurring revenue and margin expansion”.

Solid sales momentum and disciplined capital management further support WAM’s view that the ASX share can deliver long-term earnings growth.

The post 2 little-known ASX shares that could make big returns appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Cobram Estate, EOS, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares are storming higher today
• Experts like this ASX share which expects to grow its profit by at least 20% this year!

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

The ASX dividend share Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX) may not be one of the most famous businesses for dividends, but I think it can offer a lot of positives for retirees.

The business operates as a listed investment company (LIC), which means it invests in other shares for the benefit of shareholders.

A key difference with this LIC compared to most other LICs is that the ASX dividend share’s fund managers work for free so that the LIC can donate 1% of net assets each year to youth-related charities.

While the philanthropy is great, it doesn’t necessarily translate into a compelling investment choice. Let’s look at the advantages for the retirees.

Appealing dividends

There are few businesses on the ASX that have increased their payout every year for the past decade. Future Generation Australia is one of them. It has increased its annual dividend each year going back to 2015.

Dividend hikes are not guaranteed, of course, but it’s good to see that the business has tried to regularly increase payments to shareholders.

Pleasingly, the ASX dividend share increased its payout by 2.8% to 7.2 cents per share in 2025. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.5%, including franking credits.

Diversification

Another pleasing element to consider is that the business has excellent diversification characteristics for retirees.

With how Future Generation Australia is invested in the funds of 16 fund managers, it can provide investors with an excellent level of exposure across a large number of businesses.

At the end of February 2026, it reported that it had indirect exposure to more than 450 businesses across different sectors.

These businesses are of various sizes and the ASX dividend share also has exposure to a cash allocation, providing protection during market declines, as we’ve seen over the past several weeks.

Long-term growth

Future Generation Australia pays for its dividends out of the investment returns that it has generated.

Over the ten years to February 2026, its portfolio delivered an average return per year of 10.1%, which is large enough to deliver a large and growing dividend, donate 1% per year and deliver growth of the net tangible assets (NTA). The NTA is a key driver of the Future Generation Australia share price.

The business has traded at a discount to its NTA before tax, so it’s a pleasing investment for retirees to buy at a discount to its actual underlying value.

If the long-term return of the portfolio can remain above 10% per year, then it could deliver capital growth and dividend growth in the longer-term.

The post Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree’s dream appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 21 ASX shares going ex-dividend over the school holidays
• 2 ASX dividend shares with yields above 7%
• Want to build a second income? I’d buy these ASX shares today

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Future Generation Australia. 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is not the kind of share that often looks cheap.

It usually trades at a premium to the rest of the banking sector, and that can make investors hesitate.

But when I look at the bigger picture, I think there are good reasons why it continues to be priced that way. And for long-term investors, that quality can still make it an attractive place to put $5,000 to work.

A business built on consistency

One of the things I value most in investing is reliability. And that is where Commonwealth Bank of Australia stands out.

The bank has spent decades building a dominant position in the Australian market. Its scale, brand strength, and customer relationships make it difficult for competitors to match.

You can see that in the underlying trends. During the first half, ongoing growth in lending and deposits is helping to support earnings, even as margins face some pressure.

For me, that kind of steady performance is important, particularly in an uncertain environment.

Strong foundations matter

Another reason I like CBA is the strength of its balance sheet.

The bank maintains high levels of capital and funding, which gives it flexibility to support customers, invest in its business, and navigate changing economic conditions .

That matters more than it might seem at first. Banking is a cyclical industry, and conditions can shift quickly. Having a strong financial position helps CBA manage those cycles more effectively than many peers.

It is one of the reasons I think it is often viewed as the highest-quality bank on the ASX.

Income remains a key part of the story

CBA is also a major income payer. The bank recently declared an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked .

That reflects both its profitability and its willingness to return capital to shareholders.

While dividend levels can vary over time, I think the bank’s earnings base provides a solid foundation for ongoing income.

For investors, that combination of income and stability can be appealing.

The premium is there for a reason

There is no denying that CBA shares often look expensive compared to other banks.

But I think that premium reflects something real. This is a business that has consistently delivered strong returns, invested heavily in technology, and maintained a leadership position in digital banking.

It is not just about what the bank earns today.

It is about its ability to keep delivering over the long term.

Foolish takeaway

Commonwealth Bank may not always be the cheapest bank option on the ASX.

But I think its consistency, balance sheet strength, and reliable income make it a compelling long-term investment.

If I were putting $5,000 to work today, it is one of the shares I would still feel comfortable buying and holding through different market conditions.

The post Why I think CBA shares are a top buy with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons to buy ANZ shares today
• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

Building a retirement portfolio isn’t about chasing the highest yield on the ASX. It’s about owning businesses that can keep paying you through market cycles, inflation shocks, and economic slowdowns.

If I were building a $250,000 retirement-focused ASX portfolio today, I’d split it across APA Group (ASX: APA), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

Together, they offer the three ingredients retirees need most: income, stability, and inflation protection. 

APA Group: Income engine

First, I’d put $100,000 into APA Group, making it the retirement portfolio’s income engine.

APA owns critical energy infrastructure assets including gas pipelines, storage, and electricity transmission networks. These are long-life, hard-to-replace assets that generate highly visible cash flow.

APA has paid semi-annual dividends in March and September since 2016, with a track record dating back to 2008. Impressively, it has increased its payout every year for the past 20 years.

Better yet, the stock is currently offering a dividend yield of roughly 6%, giving retirees a strong stream of passive income from day one. 

Woolworths: Resilient earnings and dividends

Next, I’d allocate $75,000 to Woolworths.

Every retirement portfolio needs at least one ultra-defensive blue chip, and it’s hard to look past Australia’s supermarket giant.

People keep buying groceries no matter what the economy is doing, which helps Woolworths deliver resilient earnings and reliable, partly franked dividends.

The company’s scale, loyalty ecosystem, and digital investments also give it the ability to grow income steadily over time. 

Transurban: Inflation hedge

Finally, I’d invest the remaining $75,000 into Transurban.

This is where the retirement portfolio gets its inflation hedge. Transurban’s toll roads are essential infrastructure assets with concession lives stretching decades into the future.

Many toll agreements allow regular price increases linked to inflation, which means rising CPI can actually support higher distributions over time. For retirees worried about the cost of living, that’s an incredibly valuable feature. 

Dependable income layer

Based on conservative yield assumptions, this retirement portfolio could generate around $11,700 a year in passive income, or close to $975 per month before tax.

That won’t fund a luxury retirement on its own, but combined with superannuation, pension payments, or other investments, it creates a highly dependable income layer.

Foolish Takeaway

What I like most is the balance. APA does the heavy lifting on yield. Woolworths provides the “sleep well at night” stability. Transurban helps protect purchasing power as inflation rises.

For long-term retirees, that’s exactly the kind of mix that can help preserve both income and peace of mind.

The best part? These aren’t speculative growth stocks. They’re essential businesses embedded into everyday Australian life, which is exactly why they deserve a place in a serious retirement portfolio.

The post 3 ASX blue chips I’d buy for a $250,000 retirement portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a $10,000 annual income with ASX shares
• My top ASX passive income picks for April
• This ASX 200 giant is rising while the market sells off. Here’s why
• Transurban Group March quarter 2026: Traffic rises across key toll roads
• 3 of the best ASX retirement shares to buy now

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

The recent tech selloff has shifted the tone across the market.

High-growth names have come under pressure, valuations have reset, and concerns around artificial intelligence (AI) and interest rates have made investors more cautious.

But these periods tend to do something important. They separate sentiment from fundamentals.

And in my experience, that is often when long-term investors start leaning back in.

Here are three ASX 200 shares I think are attracting attention after the recent pullback.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

WiseTech has been one of the more heavily sold-off tech names.

That reflects a mix of factors, including valuation concerns and broader uncertainty around how AI could reshape parts of the software industry.

But when I look at the business, I still see an ASX 200 share building a truly global logistics platform. Its software is deeply embedded in customer workflows, which creates switching costs and supports recurring revenue.

I think that matters. Even if growth moderates or sentiment takes time to recover, the underlying platform continues to expand.

For investors willing to look beyond the short term, I think that could make the current environment more interesting.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group has also seen pressure, despite operating one of the most dominant digital platforms in Australia.

Its position in online real estate listings gives it a powerful network effect. Buyers and sellers naturally gravitate to where the activity is, which reinforces its leadership.

The property market can move in cycles, and that can influence short-term performance.

But I think the long-term story is more stable than that. REA has consistently found ways to grow revenue through pricing, product expansion, and increased engagement.

For me, that combination of market position and monetisation potential remains compelling.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Hub24 is not always grouped with traditional tech names, but it shares many of the same characteristics.

It operates a platform used by financial advisers to manage client investments, and that platform continues to grow as more funds flow onto it.

What I find interesting is how that growth tends to build over time. As advisers adopt the platform, it becomes embedded in their processes. That creates a base of funds that is both recurring and scalable.

In a softer market, flows may slow at times. But as confidence returns, I think platforms like Hub24 are well positioned to benefit from renewed activity.

Foolish takeaway

Selloffs in the tech sector can feel uncomfortable, but they also tend to create opportunities.

The key, in my view, is focusing on businesses that still have strong underlying models, even if their share prices have come under pressure.

WiseTech, REA Group, and Hub24 all operate in different parts of the market, but each has characteristics that could support long-term growth.

For investors thinking beyond the current volatility, I think they could be great long-term investments.

The post The ASX 200 shares I think smart investors are buying after the tech selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could these ASX stocks double by the end of 2026?
• 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings
• 2 high-quality ASX stocks to buy and hold long term
• 3 fantastic ASX shares that could help build long-term wealth
• Why Orora, Select Harvests, Tamboran, and WiseTech shares are sinking today

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares fell 8% in March due to the war in Iran and skyrocketing oil and gas prices.

Energy prices and supply chain networks impact almost all corners of the global economy.

So it wasn’t surprising to see a broad market sell-off over the first three weeks of March as multiple industries assessed the damage.

The sell-off now leaves room for investors to buy the dip.

A two-week ceasefire is underway amid hopes of a long-term deal between the US and Iran soon.

Brokers have reviewed their ratings after many shares fell, and they see good opportunities across a number of industries.

Here are some of the ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy consensus ratings after last month’s turmoil.

6 ASX All Ords shares newly upgraded to strong buy ratings

These ASX shares have just been upgraded to strong buy consensus ratings among analysts on the CommSec platform.

A consensus rating represents the average rating among analysts.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

The Kingsgate Consolidated share price fell 38% in March alongside a big fall in the gold price.

In April so far, the ASX All Ords gold share is up 19% to $5.22 at yesterday’s close.

MA Financial is among the brokers that have upgraded Kingsgate shares.

The broker also lifted its 12-month share price target from $6.85 to $6.95.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

The Pinnacle Investment Management share price fell 10% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords financial shares is up 4% to $14.63.

Canaccord Genuity is buy-rated on Pinnacle shares with a $24.53 target.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price fell 19% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords financial share is up 19% to $1.84.

Blackwattle holds Zip shares in its Small Cap Quality Fund.

Portfolio managers Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren describe Zip as ‘one of the most compelling value opportunities on the ASX‘.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price fell 20% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords copper share is up 9% to $15.19.

Canaccord Genuity is buy-rated on WA1 Resources shares with a $32 target.

Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ)

The Macquarie Technology share price fell 12% in March.

In April so far, the ASX All Ords tech share is up 12% to $66.60.

Canaccord Genuity is also buy-rated on this stock with a $95 target.

Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI)

The Santana Minerals share price fell 27% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords gold share is up 2% to 68 cents.

Shaw & Partners has a buy rating and a $2.15 target on Santana Minerals shares.

Further reading

Check out 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings, too.

The post 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 stocks surging 13% to 36% in this shortened trading week
• Zip shares plunge again after yesterday’s 19% surge. Here’s what changed
• Are Zip Co shares a buy right now?
• Are Zip shares still a buy after soaring 20%
• 2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Dividend investing has long been a favourite strategy for Australian investors. And while market trends come and go, the appeal of generating regular income from a portfolio of shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) remains as strong as ever.

But dividend investing is not just about income. When done well, it can also be a powerful way to build wealth over time.

More than just passive income

At its simplest, dividend investing involves buying shares in companies that return a portion of their profits to shareholders.

This income can be used to fund lifestyle expenses or, importantly, reinvested to accelerate portfolio growth.

That reinvestment is where things get interesting. By using dividends to buy more ASX shares, investors can benefit from compounding. Over time, this can lead to a snowball effect, where both capital and income grow together.

The power of reliability

One of the key advantages of dividend investing is the focus on established, profitable businesses.

Companies that consistently pay dividends are often those with strong cash flows, resilient business models, and disciplined management teams. These characteristics can make them more stable during periods of market volatility.

In Australia, sectors such as banking, supermarkets, infrastructure, and telecommunications have traditionally been strong dividend payers. These businesses provide essential services, which helps support earnings even when economic conditions are challenging.

Franking credits

A unique feature of dividend investing in Australia is the benefit of franking credits.

Fully franked dividends come with a tax credit for the corporate tax already paid by the company. For many investors, particularly retirees, this can significantly increase the effective yield of their investments.

This system makes Australian dividend shares especially attractive compared to international markets, where similar tax advantages may not exist.

Not all dividends are created equal

While high dividend yields can be tempting, they are not always a sign of quality.

In some cases, an unusually high dividend yield may reflect underlying problems within a company. If earnings are under pressure, dividends may be cut, which can also lead to share price declines.

That is why it is important to look beyond the headline yield. Factors such as payout ratios, earnings growth, and balance sheet strength can provide a better indication of whether a dividend is sustainable.

Balancing income and growth

A common misconception is that dividend investing means sacrificing growth. In reality, many of the best dividend-paying companies also deliver steady earnings expansion over time.

This creates a powerful combination. Investors receive regular income while also benefiting from capital appreciation.

By blending reliable dividend payers with companies that have the potential to grow their distributions over time, it is possible to build a portfolio that supports both current income and future wealth.

A long-term strategy

Like any investment approach, dividend investing requires patience.

Markets will fluctuate, and dividend payments may vary from year to year. But over the long run, owning high-quality businesses that generate consistent cash flow can provide both stability and growth.

For investors seeking a straightforward and proven way to build wealth, dividend investing remains a strategy well worth considering.

The post Why ASX dividend investing still works for building long-term wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a $10,000 annual income with ASX shares
• Buying BHP shares? Here’s how AI is boosting the mining giant’s revenue
• Monadelphous wins $145m of new and renewed resources sector contracts
• Buy, hold, or sell? South32, Capstone Copper, and BHP shares
• 3 top ASX dividend shares for income investors to buy

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