A lot of Australians have exposure to BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares, whether that’s directly or indirectly. It’s important who the leader of the ASX mining share is because they set the strategic direction of the business.

Earlier this week, BHP announced that Brandon Craig will become the new CEO and a director of BHP on 1 July 2026. He’ll replace Mike Henry, who will step down after six and a half years. Brandon Craig has already been working at BHP for decades in various roles.

Experts from broker UBS have given their view on the appointment and what it could mean for BHP (shares).

UBS opinions on the appointment

Firstly, the broker pointed out what Craig’s achievements are at BHP. Under his leadership, Escondida added around 550kt of additional more copper than November 2024 guidance, reflecting “operational and mine plan optimisation”.

Before that, as leader of the Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) business, he led WAIO to be the world’s highest margin iron ore business.

The broker said that his track record of “operational excellence” has been central to his rise in the company.

UBS said:

In our observation, Craig brings strong strategic insight across the business, projects, portfolio and BHP’s markets; while being across the detail in operations, especially safety & productivity. In our opinion, Craig represents a strong pair of hands to take forward BHP’s ambitious growth pipeline across copper, in Chile, Argentina and South Australia; and Potash at Jansen.

The broker believes the ASX mining share will continue to be disciplined when executing growth, carry out acquisitions if the value is compelling, and allocate capital to balance growth and returns.

UBS also said that Craig’s focus will also be on “strengthening capacity to deliver disciplined outcomes on projects, leaning harder into curating relationships in jurisdictions BHP operates in, and embracing technology change to drive value.”

Broker views on the BHP share price

UBS currently has a neutral rating on BHP shares, with a price target of $52. The broker is currently forecasting that the ASX mining share could generate US$12.6 billion of net profit in FY26, which would translate into earnings per share (EPS) of US$2.48.

That increased level of profit could lead to an annual dividend payment per share of US$1.49 in the 2026 financial year.

Net profit is projected to reduce a little in FY27 to US$12 billion, translating into EPS of US$2.37. This could fund an annual dividend per share of US$1.19.

While the short-term looks positive for profit generation, analysts are seeing better ASX share opportunities elsewhere.

The post Own BHP shares? Here’s an expert’s view on the new CEO appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• Are Fortescue shares a top buy in March?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• Here’s how much I’d need to invest in BHP shares to generate a $100 monthly income

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

Building a six-figure passive income from dividends is a goal many investors aspire to.

While it may sound ambitious, it becomes far more achievable when broken into a clear long-term strategy. The process involves growing a portfolio steadily over time and then positioning it to generate reliable income.

Here’s how that journey can unfold.

Start with growth in mind

In the early stages, the focus shouldn’t be on income. Instead, it is about growing your capital as efficiently as possible.

Historically, achieving an average return of around 10% per annum has been a reasonable long-term target for equity investors, though it is never guaranteed.

This often comes from owning high-quality ASX shares with strong competitive positions, pricing power, and the ability to grow earnings over time. Companies such as Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) are good examples. These businesses have delivered strong long-term returns through a combination of growth, reinvestment, and disciplined management.

By focusing on these types of companies, investors can build momentum in their portfolio during the early years.

Use consistency to your advantage

One of the most powerful tools available to investors is consistency.

If you were to invest $1,000 per month and achieve a 10% average annual return, your portfolio could grow significantly over time thanks to the wonderful power of compounding.

Starting from zero, this approach could see your investments build to around $2 million in approximately 30 years.

Importantly, this journey includes both capital growth and reinvested dividends along the way, which helps accelerate the compounding process.

Shift towards income over time

Once your portfolio reaches a meaningful size, the focus can gradually shift from growth to income.

At this point, investors often begin allocating more capital to dividend-paying shares that offer reliable and sustainable dividend yields. These may include companies across sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, and consumer staples.

Assuming an average dividend yield of 5% is possible, a portfolio of $2 million would generate $100,000 in annual passive income.

Stay the course

Reaching this level of income doesn’t require perfect timing or constant trading.

Instead, it comes down to owning quality ASX shares, investing regularly, and allowing compounding to do the heavy lifting over time.

While markets will always experience periods of volatility, maintaining a long-term mindset can make all the difference when building a portfolio designed to deliver meaningful passive income.

The post How to build $100,000 a year in passive income from ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• 2 great ASX 200 blue-chip shares I’d buy right now
• How are Australia’s biggest blue-chip stocks performing in 2026?
• How to invest when the ASX refuses to calm down

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

The prices we’re seeing now and in the coming weeks could be some of the best value ASX shares available to investors this year, or even the rest of the decade.

It’s not often that share prices go through a decline of 10% or more. Widespread selling is painful as a shareholder but there are lower valuations (almost) across the board for brave prospective investors.

Sell-offs give us the chance to search across the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) (or smaller) to find beaten-up opportunities which could then bounce back when market confidence returns.

Assuming the investment still has a positive long-term outlook, a large decline is a great opportunity to see big returns if/when there’s a recovery.

For example, if a share price drops by 50%, then returning to the previous position would be a return of 100%! Of course, it’s not as easy as that to find the right opportunities. I’d only go for investments I believe can deliver higher earnings in three years from now.

Where I’m seeing exciting ASX share opportunities

In my view, there are multiple areas where the market is being too bearish on certain ASX shares.

The ASX tech share (and tech-related) space is awash with names that have been hit by AI worries, then hit again by the prospect of inflation and higher interest rates. I’m thinking of names like Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

Businesses in the funds management space are certainly feeling the pain of lower share markets, as well as a hit to market confidence. I think the businesses of Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI), L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G) and Australian Ethical Investment Ltd (ASX: AEF) are very compelling options right now.

The ASX retail share space is appealing as well because market confidence in them can be cyclical. I think growing retail businesses could be particularly good long-term investments during this period, such as Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV), Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) and Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK).

Finally, I want to highlight some other ASX growth shares that have been caught up in the sell-off but could be generate significantly higher profit in three to five years. I’m attracted to Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) and Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG).

The post Why buying ASX shares in March could supercharge your wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• 4 top ASX share picks to buy
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• Morgans says these ASX 200 shares could rise 120%

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group, Guzman Y Gomez, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, Pro Medicus, SiteMinder, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, and Tuas. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Australian Ethical Investment, Lovisa, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, SiteMinder, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group, SiteMinder, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment, Lovisa, Nick Scali, Pro Medicus, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Some years call for bold stock picking. Others are better suited to a simpler approach.

With markets still adjusting to shifting interest rates, global uncertainty, and changing growth expectations, I think 2026 could be a year where diversification does a lot of the heavy lifting.

That’s why I keep coming back to Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Here are three I believe could be among the best buys right now.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If I could only choose one ETF for long-term growth, this would be right up there.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives investors exposure to a wide range of global companies, including many of the world’s largest and most influential businesses across the US, Europe, and other developed markets.

What I like about it is its simplicity. Instead of trying to pick which global stocks will outperform, you’re effectively backing the broader strength of international markets.

The VGS ETF also provides diversification away from the Australian share market, which is heavily weighted toward banks and miners. That balance can be especially valuable over time.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF adds something different to a portfolio.

It focuses on Asian markets outside of Japan, including countries like China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan. These regions are home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

That growth can come with volatility, but it also creates long-term opportunities.

For me, this ETF is about adding exposure to regions that could play a bigger role in global growth over the coming decades. It complements a fund like the VGS ETF rather than replacing it.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

The Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF takes a more all-in-one approach.

It gives investors exposure to a mix of Australian and international shares, along with smaller allocations to fixed income assets, all within a single ETF.

What stands out is how easy it makes diversification. Instead of building a portfolio across multiple funds, you can access a broad range of markets in one investment.

It’s also designed with long-term growth in mind, making it well suited to investors who are comfortable with market ups and downs in pursuit of higher returns over time.

Foolish takeaway

Vanguard ETFs aren’t about trying to beat the market. They’re about owning it.

The VGS ETF offers global exposure, the VAE ETF adds growth from Asia, and the VDHG ETF ties everything together in a diversified package.

For 2026, I think that combination of simplicity, diversification, and long-term focus could make these ETFs some of the most compelling options on the ASX.

The post Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• If a 30-year-old invests $500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement
• Why I’d buy VGS and these Vanguard ETFs right now
• New to investing? Start with ASX ETFs and quality ASX stocks
• The ASX ETFs to buy for growth, income, and diversification

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

When Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares recommenced paying dividends in 2025, passive income investors took notice.

As you may recall, Qantas suspended its coveted twice-yearly dividend payouts in 2020. That came after Covid restrictions shut down most all air travel and saw Qantas’ profits turn to losses.

But as domestic and international travel demand came roaring back, Qantas paid its first interim dividend in six years in April 2025.

And passive income investors will have received (or shortly will receive) two more fully franked dividends since then.

Now, here’s why I think today could be an opportune time for long-term investors to buy Qantas shares for those future dividends.

Should you buy the dip in Qantas shares for passive income?

Following a very strong run in 2024 and through much of 2025, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline stock have come under selling pressure after hitting an all-time closing high of $12.12 on 28 August.

Over the past month, Qantas shares have dropped 21%, closing on Friday trading for $8.42 each. Which, as we’ll look at below, could make the airline a compelling long-term passive income investment today.

Most of the past month’s share price losses have come since the onset of the war in Iran.

Atop the medium-term uncertainty surrounding a number of international travel routes and destinations, investors have also been favouring their sell buttons over concerns about mounting fuel costs.

To give you an idea of just how much jet fuel sets the airline back, at its recent half year results (H2 FY 2026), Qantas said it expected fuel costs for the six months to be approximately $2.5 billion, inclusive of hedging and carbon costs.

While the airline has hedging in place, as those contracts expire, Qantas shares will be more directly exposed to surging fuel costs. Since the commencement of the Middle East conflict, the Brent crude oil price is up 47%. Brent crude oil was trading for US$106.38 per barrel on Friday, according to data from Bloomberg.

But here’s the thing.

At some point, hopefully sooner than later, the conflict with Iran will be resolved. And when oil and gas again flow freely from the Middle East, fuel prices will come back down.

When they do, there’s a good chance that the Qantas share price will rebound. And the dividend yield that passive income investors receive after the share price rises will be lower than what investors receive who buy in at the lows.

What kind of dividend yield does the ASX 200 airline pay?

Over the past 12 months, Qantas has declared two fully franked dividends totalling 46.2 cents a share.

The airline will pay its interim dividend of 19.8 cents per share on 15 April. But it’s a bit too late to bank that passive income payout as Qantas shares traded ex-dividend on 10 March.

At Friday’s closing price of $8.42 a share, Qantas trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 5.5%.

Investors who bought at the August highs, however, will only be earning a trailing yield of 3.8%.

Which is why I think that buying the recent share price dip now should pay off handsomely over the long-term.

The post Why I think now is a great time to buy Qantas shares for long-term passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the Qantas share price dirt cheap after falling 30%?
• How high does Macquarie think Qantas shares will go?
• What’s next for Virgin Australia, Qantas shares as fuel prices surge?
• Qantas shares flying through $105 million legal turbulence
• How many Qantas shares do I need to buy for a $10,000 annual passive income?

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.

Building a second income with ASX shares is a very attractive option because of how it can bolster our total income with virtually no extra effort. For many people’s jobs, you need to work more hours to increase earnings.

What sorts of ASX shares would make good investments for this objective? I’d go for businesses that have a clear objective to pay and grow dividends for shareholders.

I think there are a few names that are very appealing because of how they’re set up.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

This is my favourite ASX share option for a second income because of its commitment to increasing payouts.

It’s the business with the longest record of dividend growth on the ASX – it has increased its regular annual payout each year since 1998, which is a great record of stability.

The business is an investment house that has been operating for over 120 years and has paid a dividend every year during that period, through wars, pandemics, recessions, and so on.

It has built its portfolio to include a range of sectors, including resources, telecommunications, agriculture, water entitlements, energy, swimming schools, financial services, industrial property, credit, and much more.

Soul Patts has invested in numerous assets that can deliver earnings growth and enhance the portfolio’s underlying value. That’s a powerful combination for long-term investors who want income. The ASX share receives cash flow from its portfolio in the form of dividends, distributions and interest, which it uses to pay its own expenses, deliver a growing dividend and reinvest the rest in other opportunities for its portfolio.

Since 1998, the company’s ordinary dividend has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% (excluding $1.09 per share of special dividends). That’s a strong growth rate for building a second income.

At the time of writing, Soul Patts has a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.75%, including franking credits.

PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund Ltd (ASX: PGF)

This is a listed investment company (LIC) that focuses on international shares to build a diversified and strong-performing portfolio.

LICs are great options for dividends because it’s up to the board of directors to decide the level of payment, which can be useful for a stable, growing second income.

But this LIC doesn’t usually invest in tech giants, which means we get different investment exposure than other typical internationally focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) (and LICs).

PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund is invested in areas like European banking, resources, healthcare, industrials, US banks, leisure and entertainment, consumer staples, Irish and Spanish housing, and more. It’s an interesting mix of investments,

The LIC has performed strongly – in the last seven years, its portfolio has returned an average of 21% per year. But, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

The strength of the performance over the years has enabled the LIC to steadily increase its payout – dividends are paid from investment returns. Impressively, it grew its FY26 half-year payout by 27%. Since 2016, FY23 was the only year it didn’t increase its payout (when it was maintained).

It expects to pay an annual dividend per share of at least 13.5 cents in FY26, which translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.5% at the time of writing, including franking credits. That’s a solid starting yield for building a second income, in my eyes.

The post Don’t want to rely on your wage? Build a second income with these ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX shares could be buys in today’s volatile market
• Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income
• Why I invested $3,000 into this great ASX share last week
• 3 legendary ASX dividend shares worth a closer look
• 2 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: Experts

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Reaching 55 can trigger a moment of financial clarity.

For some Australians, it’s reassuring. The numbers are tracking in the right direction. But for others, it can feel confronting. A quick look at your superannuation balance might leave you wondering whether you’ve left things too late.

The good news? You haven’t.

While time is no longer your biggest advantage, you still have something incredibly powerful on your side: the final stretch of your working life, where smart decisions can have an outsized impact.

Understand where you stand

Before making any changes, it helps to know what behind actually means.

On average, Australians in their mid-50s have superannuation balances in the range of roughly $216,000 for women and $286,000 for men. However, a comfortable retirement, according to ASFA, may require closer to $630,000 for singles or $730,000 for couples by the time you retire.

That gap can feel daunting. But it is important to remember that averages don’t define your outcome. Your actions from here do.

Take advantage of your highest earning years

For many people, their 50s are peak earning years.

That creates an opportunity to make additional super contributions while your income is strongest. Even modest extra contributions, whether through salary sacrifice or personal concessional contributions, can make a meaningful difference over 10 to 12 years.

The key is consistency. Regular contributions, combined with compounding returns, can quietly add tens (or even hundreds) of thousands to your balance over time.

Check your investment settings

One of the most overlooked factors is how your superannuation is invested.

Many Australians drift into conservative or balanced options as they approach retirement, sometimes earlier than necessary. While reducing risk is important, being too defensive too soon can limit growth at a critical time.

With potentially a decade or more still ahead, your super may still benefit from exposure to growth assets like shares, depending on your risk tolerance and personal situation.

Eliminate unnecessary drag

At 55, small inefficiencies can have a big impact.

Now is the time to review your super fund’s fees, performance, and structure.

Consolidating multiple accounts, avoiding duplicate insurance policies, and ensuring you’re in a competitive fund can help maximise what you already have.

It is not about chasing perfection. It is about ensuring you’re not letting wealth slip away.

Rethink your retirement timeline

One of the most powerful levers available isn’t always financial, it’s time.

Delaying retirement by even two or three years can significantly improve your outcome. It allows for additional contributions, reduces the number of years your superannuation needs to fund, and gives your investments more time to grow.

For many Australians, transitioning gradually into retirement, rather than stopping abruptly, can be both financially and personally beneficial.

Focus on the outcome, not the average

It is easy to get caught up comparing your balance to national averages or benchmarks.

But retirement isn’t a competition. What matters is whether your superannuation, combined with the Age Pension and any other assets, such as savings in a Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) account, can support the lifestyle you want.

For some, that may mean a comfortable retirement with travel and flexibility. For others, a simpler, lower-cost lifestyle may be perfectly fulfilling.

ASFA estimates that a comfortable retirement needs $54,840 a year for a single and $77,375 a year for couples. Whereas a modest lifestyle requires $35,503 and $51,299, respectively.

Foolish takeaway

Being behind at 55 isn’t the end of the story. It is the point where the story becomes more intentional.

With a decade or more still to go, the combination of contributions, compounding, and smart decisions can meaningfully shift your financial future. The earlier you take control, the more options you give yourself later.

And at 55, you still have more control than you might think.

The post If you’re 55 and behind on superannuation, here’s what you can still do appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Pulse check: How are the top 10 ASX 200 shares performing amid a new war?
• How I’d build a world-class ASX passive income portfolio
• These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026
• How higher interest rates could send CBA shares plunging 42%

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.

Warren Buffett’s investing strategy for market turmoil isn’t complex. When markets turn volatile, most investors react emotionally. Prices swing, headlines turn negative, and uncertainty takes over.

Warren Buffett spent more than 60 years navigating crashes, recessions, and crises while building Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) into an investing powerhouse.

In fact, Warren Buffett’s investing strategy can be distilled into this simple 5-step approach.

Think long term

Warren Buffett’s core principle is to focus on the long-term value of businesses; not short-term market moves.

Volatility is inevitable. But for Buffett, it’s simply the price investors pay for strong long-term returns. If a company’s earnings power remains intact, temporary share price declines are largely irrelevant.

This mindset and investing strategy helps investors stay rational when markets become unpredictable.

Keep cash ready

Buffett is famous for holding large cash reserves — sometimes tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars.

Rather than being idle, this cash acts as strategic flexibility. This investing strategy allows him to move quickly when opportunities arise and provides a buffer during uncertain times.

In essence, Buffett prepares for market downturns before they happen.

Buy quality businesses

When markets fall, Buffett’s refrains from chasing speculative rebounds.

Instead, Buffett doubles down on high-quality companies with durable competitive advantages. Over time, this philosophy has led to major investments in businesses like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), American Express Co (NYSE: AXP), and Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO).

These companies have strong brands, loyal customers, and consistent earnings — qualities that help them weather economic storms. These 3 ASX blue chips would likely get Buffett’s nod: CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Be greedy when others are fearful

Buffett’s most famous advice is simple: be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.

Market downturns often push prices below intrinsic value as fear takes hold. That’s when Buffett looks to buy.

Some of his best investments were made during periods of panic, when others were selling.

Stay calm and disciplined

Above all, Warren Buffett avoids emotional decision-making in his investing strategy.

He doesn’t try to predict short-term market movements. Instead, he sticks to a disciplined strategy based on value, patience, and rational thinking.

This consistency has been key to his long-term success.

Foolish Takeaway

Market turmoil is unavoidable. But Buffett’s investing strategy shows that success isn’t about predicting downturns — it’s about being prepared for them.

By thinking long term, holding cash, buying quality, and staying calm, investors can turn volatility into opportunity.

For Warren Buffett, market chaos isn’t a threat. It’s where the best opportunities are often found.

The post Market meltdown? Follow Warren Buffett’s 5-step investing strategy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice and buying ASX shares
• The Warren Buffett rule that could transform your ASX share portfolio

American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, CSL, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Market crashes are hard to sit through, but they can also create rare opportunities.

If 2026 delivers a sharp pullback in global equities, long-term investors could be handed one of the best chances in years to build serious wealth. History shows that some of the strongest returns come from buying quality assets during periods of fear.

So rather than trying to avoid a downturn entirely, it may be worth considering how to use it.

Why crashes can be powerful wealth builders

When markets fall, valuations drop very quickly.

High-quality companies that were previously expensive can suddenly trade at far more reasonable levels. In some cases, strong businesses get sold off alongside weaker ones, creating mispricing across the market.

This is where patient investors can step in.

Buying during these periods means you are effectively lowering your average entry price. Over time, as conditions stabilise and earnings recover, share prices often move higher again.

It is not about picking the exact bottom. It is about consistently investing when sentiment is weak.

Building towards a $1 million portfolio

Turning a market downturn into a long-term opportunity comes down to discipline and consistency.

Investors who continue adding funds during a correction can accelerate their progress towards long-term financial goals, such as a $1 million portfolio.

For example, regularly investing into the market during a 20% decline means more shares are accumulated at lower prices. When the markets eventually recover, those extra shares can make a significant difference.

Compounding also plays a key role. Reinvested dividends and long-term capital growth can build momentum over time, especially when investments are made at attractive valuations.

What to consider buying during a crash

Diversification is important, particularly during volatile periods.

Broad-based ETFs can offer a simple way to gain exposure to the market. Options like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) or global funds tracking major indices can provide instant diversification across sectors.

At the same time, selectively buying high-quality ASX shares such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) can also make sense.

Companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and leading market positions tend to recover well after downturns. These are often the businesses that not only survive but generally come out in a stronger position.

Staying focused when markets fall

The hardest part of investing during a crash is managing emotions.

Sharp declines can create uncertainty and make it tempting to sit on the sidelines. However, waiting for “perfect” conditions often means missing the early stages of a recovery.

Instead, having a plan in place can help. This might include setting regular investment intervals or allocating additional capital during market downturns.

A potential 2026 market crash would not be easy to handle. But for those prepared to act, it could be an ultra-rare opportunity to build long-term wealth.

The post A 2026 stock market crash could be an ultra-rare chance to build a $1 million portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Worried about an ASX share market correction? I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• $10,000 invested in this ASX ETF a month ago is now worth $14,500

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

There are not many times in the past decade that the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen by 10% or more in a relatively short amount of time. It’s close to that level of decline now. I believe Warren Buffett has plenty of useful advice for investors worried about an ASX share market correction.

Firstly, I think it’s important to remember that it’s normal for share prices to go down – they don’t go up every single day forever. For the chance of share prices going up, we must be open to the fact that they can go down occasionally, too.

But, no one wants to see their portfolio go down in value, right?

As legendary investor Warren Buffett once said:

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.

This is not the right time to sell, on a long-term view, in my opinion.

We’d need a crystal ball to know how and when the Middle East conflict will be resolved, but I’m hopeful things will start improving sooner rather than later.

For investors nursing a painful portfolio hit, I’d say history shows that troubles like the GFC and COVID-19 can fade into the distance. That’s partly because governments and other authorities actively try to mitigate and resolve the problem.

Why I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice and investing in ASX shares

The Sage from Omaha has given out plenty of advice, which is very applicable at times like this.

In the 1997 annual letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett wrote why share buyers can feel optimistic about potential opportunities:

If you expect to be a net saver during the next five years, should you hope for a higher or lower stock market during that period?

Many investors get this one wrong. Even though they are going to be net buyers of stocks for many years to come, they are elated when stock prices rise and depressed when they fall.

Only those who will be sellers of equities in the near future should be happy at seeing stocks rise. Prospective purchasers should much prefer sinking prices.

Another of my favourite Warren Buffett quotes came from 2001 when he related shares to hamburgers:

To refer to a personal taste of mine, I’m going to buy hamburgers the rest of my life. When hamburgers go down in price, we sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in the Buffett household. When hamburgers go up in price, we weep. For most people, it’s the same with everything in life they will be buying — except stocks. When stocks go down and you can get more for your money, people don’t like them anymore.

There are numerous ASX shares now trading at much lower prices worth biting into. Some businesses may see their earnings impacted in the next 12 months, while others may have resilient demand. In both situations, I think there are major opportunities for investors to take advantage of because share prices have declined too far.

Earlier in March, I put some money into Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares and other names. I’m now on the hunt for more opportunities after the dip, and I’d invite readers to identify some great businesses at unmissable value.

The post Worried about an ASX share market correction? I’m following Warren Buffett’s advice appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 2 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates and oil prices
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• $10,000 invested in this ASX ETF a month ago is now worth $14,500
• Down 20% in a month, can this ASX defence stock make a turnaround?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.