The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) has been swept up in the broader AI market sell-off.

It has fallen more than 14% year to date. 

However a new report from Betashares indicates the underlying forces driving cybersecurity demand may be strengthening.

Fund overview 

This ASX ETF aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to the leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector.

It is currently made up of 32 underlying holdings. 

These include a range of areas of cybersecurity, including: 

• Systems Software (40.7% allocation)
• Communications Equipment (15.0%)
• Internet Services & Infrastructure (12.5%) 
• Research & Consulting Services (9.0%)
• IT Consulting & Other Services (7.8%)
• Semiconductors (7.3%)
• Aerospace & Defense (5.3%)
• Application Software (2.4%)

By geography, it has a dominant exposure to companies based in the United States (roughly 78%). 

It may also be of specific interest to Australian investors because global cybersecurity is a sector that is heavily under-represented on the ASX.

Why now could be an ideal time to gain exposure

According to a new report from Betashares, cybersecurity stocks have experienced a sharp sell-off in February 2026, as investors reassessed the impact of new agentic AI tools on the software sector. 

While markets focused on disruption, the underlying forces driving cybersecurity demand may be strengthening.

Hugh Lam, Investment Strategist at Betashares said AI is not only changing the technology landscape, it is reshaping the threat environment. 

Mr Lam said techniques such as prompt injection attacks and AI agent impersonation are expanding the toolkit available to bad actors. 

In practice, this means the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats is likely to increase rather than diminish.

Cyber defence spending on the rise 

The report also said that geopolitical tensions are reinforcing the importance of robust cyber defences. 

Cyber operations have become a strategic tool for nation states, targeting everything from communications systems to critical infrastructure. For businesses and governments alike, cybersecurity is increasingly viewed as essential.

Betashares also pointed out that when it comes to spending, security software is the part of IT budgets governments are least willing to cut. 

The scale and resilience of this spending are also reflected in rising M&A and deal activity across the sector. Larger cybersecurity platforms are consolidating ‘best-of-breed’ security tools into one integrated ecosystem, while combining AI capabilities with vast proprietary datasets and broad product ecosystems.

Furthermore, global cybersecurity spending is forecast to reach US$308 billion in 2026, according to the International Data Corporation. 

Against that backdrop, the companies best positioned in cybersecurity may be those with the scale, technology and data to stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape.

The post The compelling case for this cybersecurity ASX ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX ETFs that could be strong picks for investors in their 30s
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• Why now could be a great time to buy these amazing ASX ETFs

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 positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX gold stocks have been volatile in recent months. Among them, Pantoro Ltd (ASX: PNR) and Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL) have each fallen by 20% or more in the past six months.

Yet the bigger picture tells a different story. Over the past 12 months, Pantoro is up around 39%, while Catalyst has climbed roughly 43% at the time of writing.

That mix of recent weakness and longer-term strength is catching the attention of brokers, with some leading experts tipping significant upside ahead for ASX gold stocks.

Pantoro: still in ramp-up phase

Pantoro’s recent decline has been driven by a combination of production guidance downgrades and profit-taking. The gold producer has operations centred on the Norseman project in Western Australia.

Pantoro has been steadily ramping up production at its Norseman operations, one of Australia’s historic gold regions. As output increases and operations stabilise, the company expects to deliver improving cash flow.

Pantoro produced 41,623 ounces of gold for the half year but is continuing to explore for gold around Norseman. The target is to increase production to 200,000 ounces per year in the medium term.

Gold itself remains a key tailwind. In uncertain economic environments, the precious metal often attracts safe-haven demand. This can support prices and, in turn, producer margins.

However, execution is critical. Pantoro is still in a ramp-up phase, and any delays or cost overruns could impact earnings.

Like all ASX gold stocks, it is also exposed to fluctuations in the gold price. A sustained pullback in bullion could weigh on profitability.

Despite recent share price weakness, brokers remain positive. They view Pantoro as a growth-oriented gold producer, with analysts pointing to strong upside potential as production ramps up and costs stabilise. The most bullish price target sees the ASX gold stock gain 110% over 12 months.

The team at UBS Group (NYSE: UBS) just named Pantoro as its top pick among the emerging gold miners. The broker has an average 12-month target of $7.50, which points to a 93% upside at the current share price of $3.89.

Catalyst Metals: emerging mid-tier gold player

Catalyst’s pullback appears more cyclical in nature, alongside broader profit-taking across the sector. The company is another ASX gold stock building scale through its portfolio of Australian assets.

The company has been expanding its resource base and production profile, positioning itself as an emerging mid-tier gold player.

Catalyst also benefits from exposure to a strong gold price environment, which can amplify earnings as production grows.

As with Pantoro, execution risk remains. Delivering on growth projects on time and on budget will be key. The company is also exposed to commodity price swings and broader market sentiment toward mining stocks.

TradingView data show that the 6 analysts covering the ASX gold stock rate it a strong buy. They have set an average price target of $14.34, suggesting a 115% upside.

Morgans is particularly bullish on the $1.7 billion ASX gold stock. The broker expects major growth to commence from FY2027, supported by project development and operational improvements.

Morgans has a buy rating on Catalyst and a price target of $15.24, suggesting a whopping 128% upside from current levels.

The post 2 ASX gold stocks tipped to double in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 undervalued ASX stocks to consider buying immediately
• Which ASX gold shares have risen the most in 2026?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What are the 5 emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners?
• Morgans names 3 ASX mining stocks to buy

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 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 Australian share market has been anything but steady in 2026.

Current futures contracts are pointing to a 1.6% decline on Thursday following a weak lead from Wall Street, continuing a run of sharp moves in both directions over recent weeks.

This volatility has been driven by a mix of factors. Investors are weighing the impact of artificial intelligence, including concerns about disruption and whether massive infrastructure spending is getting ahead of demand. At the same time, surging oil prices linked to conflict in the Middle East and higher interest rates are adding further uncertainty.

So, how should investors respond when markets refuse to settle?

Defensive ASX shares

One approach is to lean into defensive ASX shares.

Companies in sectors such as consumer staples, telecommunications, and infrastructure tend to generate more stable earnings regardless of economic conditions. Businesses like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) have historically shown resilience during periods of volatility.

Another option is to focus on quality and use market weakness as an opportunity.

High-quality ASX shares like ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) often get sold off alongside the broader market, even when their long-term outlook remains unchanged. This can allow investors to buy strong businesses at more attractive prices. Companies with competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and reliable earnings can often recover quickly once market conditions improve.

Taking a long-term view is key here. Short-term volatility can be uncomfortable, but it is also a normal part of investing and often creates opportunities for patient investors.

Dollar-cost averaging

Finally, dollar-cost averaging (DCA) can be a powerful strategy for Aussie investors to use in uncertain markets.

Rather than trying to time the perfect moment to invest, this approach involves investing a set amount at regular intervals. When prices fall, your money buys more ASX shares.

When prices rise, it buys fewer. Over time, this can help reduce the impact of volatility and remove the pressure of trying to predict market movements.

Foolish takeaway

In periods like this, the most important thing is to stay focused on long-term goals.

Markets may remain volatile in the near term, but history shows that disciplined investors who stay invested in ASX shares and follow a clear strategy are often rewarded over time.

The post How to invest when the ASX refuses to calm down appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX shares could be buys in today’s volatile market
• 2 amazing AI stocks to buy in the ASX 200
• Woolworths shares are storming ahead of Coles this year: Are the supermarket giants a buy, sell, or hold?
• With global populations ageing, are ResMed shares a good buy today?
• Why Cochlear and ResMed shares could be strong buys

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

Several leading ASX shares have been hit hard recently. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) have fallen between 30% to 60% over the past six months.

This is in sharp contrast to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has slipped just over 1% in the same period.

That disconnect raises an important question: has the sell-off gone too far? And could these industry leaders be set for a long-term rebound?

Analysts still rate the 3 ASX shares as buys and think they could be worth holding for the next decade.

WiseTech Global

WiseTech has been one of the hardest hit ASX shares in the past 6 months. The logistics software company has seen its share price tumble sharply with 55% to $44.60 at the time of writing.

WiseTech’s CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global supply chains. This creates high switching costs and a strong competitive moat. Once customers are on the system, they are unlikely to leave.

The tech business also benefits from a scalable software model. As more customers join, margins can expand and earnings can grow rapidly over time.

Recent concerns around governance and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on software businesses have weighed on sentiment. The company is also undergoing restructuring, which adds uncertainty in the short term.

Despite the volatility, brokers remain bullish. The stock carries buy ratings, with an average price target of $85.10, implying around 90% upside from current levels.

REA Group

REA Group, the operator of realestate.com.au, has also pulled back despite its dominant market position. The ASX share has slipped 30% in the past 6 months.

REA is the clear leader in Australia’s online property listings market. Its platform benefits from powerful network effects, as buyers and sellers naturally gravitate to the largest marketplace.

The company also has strong pricing power and generates high-margin, recurring revenue from listings and subscriptions.

The property market is cyclical. Slower housing turnover or weaker listings volumes can impact revenue growth. International expansion also carries execution risk.

Analysts remain confident in REA’s long-term growth. The stock holds buy ratings, with an average price target of $217.62, suggesting around 34% upside.

Aristocrat Leisure

Aristocrat has also come under pressure, despite solid underlying performance. The ASX share has tumbled 35% to $44.89 over 6 months.

The gaming giant operates across both land-based machines and digital platforms. This diversification allows it to capture growth as the industry shifts online.

Aristocrat also has global scale, a strong content library, and resilient earnings streams, particularly from its digital segment.

Gaming revenue can be sensitive to economic conditions, while regulatory changes remain an ongoing risk. Currency fluctuations can also impact reported earnings.

Even after recent weakness, brokers remain positive. The stock carries buy or strong buy ratings, with an average price target of $66.47. This points to a potential 48% upside over 12 months.

Foolish Takeaway

WiseTech, REA Group, and Aristocrat have all faced sharp selloffs that far exceed the broader market.

But these are not struggling businesses. They are industry leaders with strong competitive positions and long-term growth potential.

With analysts still firmly in the bullish camp on all 3 ASX shares, the recent pullback could offer long-term investors a chance to buy quality at a discount. And potentially hold through to 2036 and beyond.

The post 3 quality ASX shares to buy and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX tech shares that could double from here
• Has the WiseTech stock finally hit rock bottom?
• Is this $28 billion ASX share a bargain after reaching new lows?
• Where to invest $5,000 in Australian shares for the rest of 2026
• The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy now to get ahead

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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Australian sharemarket has been volatile over the past month as geopolitical conflict and rising interest rates create uncertainty for investors.

But even when markets look murky, ASX investors hunting for a bargain can still find undervalued stocks hiding in plain sight.

An undervalued ASX stock is one that is trading below fair value. This could be due to investors overselling, taking gains off the table after strong price surges, or another short-term fundamental factor causing a temporary sharp pullback.

It’s worth remembering that just because an ASX stock is cheap doesn’t mean it is a bargain or undervalued. Some cheaper stocks have lower valuations for valid reasons, whether it’s slowing growth or intensifying competition.

Here are three ASX stocks that I think could fit the bill.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip shares have faced significant headwinds over the past six months. These include pressure from short sellers in late 2025 and from investors taking their gains after a huge mid-year price rally in 2025. The ASX company posted a strong half-year FY26 result, but seemingly missed high expectations. The company’s outlook is strong, though, with solid consecutive financial results over the past few quarters and strong growth plans in place. The consensus is that the shares are now oversold and undervalued. Analysts are tipping a maximum upside of 238% to $5.27 over the next 12 months.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster shares have crashed 77% since peaking at an all-time high in August last year amid concerns about slowing growth and margin pressure. Recent concerns about the latest Middle East conflict and its impact on shipping costs have pushed the share price to a multi-year low. But the benefit of the company’s business model is that it is a pure-play online retailer with a long-term strategy. It’s focused on capturing market share in a fragmented industry. Despite trailing sentiment, its revenue momentum has remained strong. The business even reported sales growth of close to 20% in the first half of FY26. Analysts are tipping the ASX stock to climb up to 260% to $24 over the next 12 months.

Catalyst Metals Limited (ASX: CYL)

The Western Australian gold producer announced a significant new high-grade discovery at its Plutonic Gold Belt in January. The ASX gold stock also delivered impressive first-half FY26 financial results last month. This represents a long period of operational consistency and organic growth. The miner has a good growth strategy going forward, too, including expectations of production increase towards the latter half of FY26. Analysts tip a maximum target price of $20.40, which implies a potential 206.31% upside at the time of writing.

The post 3 undervalued ASX stocks to buy immediately appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Prediction: Zip shares could explode over 230% to $5.27
• Are these 3 ASX shares at 52-week lows going cheap?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What are the 5 emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners?
• 3 high risk, high reward ASX shares to buy ASAP

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

On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and recorded a decent gain. The benchmark index rose 0.3% to 8,640.6 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to sink

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Thursday following a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 138 points or 1.6% lower this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 1.7%, the S&P 500 is down 1.3% and the Nasdaq is 1.4% lower.

Core Lithium shares on watch

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares will be on watch on Thursday. That’s because the lithium miner has raised $120 million to support the restart of the Finniss Lithium Project. The company notes that the restart repositions Finniss as a lower cost, long-life, brownfield lithium operation with a shorter path to nameplate production of 214ktpa. Unit operating costs are expected to be A$762 per tonne. This compares favourably to the current spodumene concentrate spot price of US$2,200 per tonne.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session on Thursday after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.7% to US$97.88 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 5.3% to US$108.89 a barrel. Oil prices charged higher after Iran threatened to strike oil facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX 200 shares are going ex-dividend today and could trade lower. This includes infant formula company A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M), hearing solutions company Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), transport services provider Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS), telco Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK), and coal miner Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL). The latter will be paying its shareholders a fully franked 12.2 cents per share dividend next month on 15 April.

Gold price sinks

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a poor session on Thursday after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 3.1% to US$4,853.3 an ounce. Traders were selling the precious metal after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Markets brace for the next shock as global tensions flare up
• Why this ASX lithium stock requested a trading halt today
• Why Cochlear and ResMed shares could be strong buys
• Woodside Energy Group appoints Liz Westcott as CEO

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 0.31% on Wednesday afternoon, supported by daily growth across most sectors. It’s great news for investors, but not too late to get in on the action. Here are four ASX 200 shares I’d consider buying today.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Seek reported robust double-digit revenue growth for the first half of FY26, but investors were underwhelmed, and the share price dived once again. The ASX 200 company’s shares are now down 50% from a multi-year high recorded in September last year. 

But it looks like after a sharp pullback, Seek shares are now trading well below fair value. Analysts are expecting to see a slow improvement to hiring activity, and as a company so closely linked to the employment market, this is great news for Seek. Meanwhile, the company’s engagement with AI technology could help to drive user engagement.

Analysts are tipping a 68% upside to an average target price of $24.45.

Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

Light & Wonder posted a 4% revenue lift and 18% increase in adjusted NPATA in its FY25 results last month. It didn’t do anything to boost sentiment though, and the share price has continued tumbling.

The stock is now down 37% from an all-time high posted in mid-January this year. The ASX 200 company’s shares leapt 25% on announcement that it has settled its legal dispute with Aristocrat Leisure. 

Analyst sentiment still appears to be optimistic, however. Earnings results have reinforced confidence in management’s execution, but some are still concerned about revenue consistency. It’s also likely that a lot of pullback in the share price is investors taking gains off the table after large spikes in the company’s value.

Analysts are tipping a 78% upside to $204.29 a piece.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The ASX travel stock has recently crashed to a six-year low after a Spanish audit into Web Travel Group sent sentiment spiralling. The audit will review direct taxes paid (and owed) between April 2021 and March 2024, as well as indirect taxes for the period between January 2022 and December 2025. The news sent tongues wagging, and investors rushed to hit the sell button in a state of panic.

It looks like the selloff has been way overdone now, and the shares are very cheap.

Analysts are tipping a 125% upside to $15.01 a piece.

The post Top 3 ASX 200 shares I’d buy today with $12,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?
• ASX travel shares are hovering near yearly lows – time to buy?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

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

These 3 ASX shares could shine in today’s uncertain market.

Market volatility can shake investor confidence. But it can also highlight the value of defensive shares – businesses with steady earnings, resilient demand, and reliable dividends.

For income-focused investors, that combination matters. When share prices swing, dividend income can help smooth returns and provide a reason to stay invested.

Let’s have a closer look at 3 of the best defensive ASX shares.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains. That gives it a key advantage — people still need groceries regardless of economic conditions.

Coles benefits from defensive earnings and strong market positioning. Its scale allows it to manage costs and maintain margins, even when consumers tighten spending.

The company also generates consistent cash flow, which supports its dividend payments.

Coles has a history of paying fully franked dividends, typically targeting a high payout ratio. This makes it attractive for income investors seeking reliability.

In its FY26 half-year result, the ASX share lifted its interim dividend by more than 10%. Coles now offers a grossed-up yield of around 5.1% and has grown its payout every year since 2019.

While growth may be modest, dividends are expected to remain stable, supported by steady supermarket demand.

Margins can come under pressure from competition and rising costs, particularly in labour and supply chains. Price wars with rivals could also weigh on profitability.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra has been a standout performer, with its share price pushing higher even as markets remain volatile.

The telecom giant offers resilient earnings thanks to its essential services. Mobile and broadband connectivity remain in demand regardless of the economic cycle.

Telstra also benefits from its dominant market position and ongoing investment in network quality.

Having said that, competition remains intense, and ongoing capital expenditure is required to maintain network leadership. After a strong share price run, valuation could also limit short-term upside. Over 12 months, the ASX share is up 29% at the time of writing.

Dividends are a key attraction. Telstra pays fully franked dividends and has recently been growing its payouts. If current trends continue, it could deliver another year of dividend growth.

Last month, Telstra lifted its FY2026 interim dividend by 10.5% to 10.5 cents per share. If that momentum continues, it could deliver a fourth straight year of dividend growth.

That means Telstra offers a solid yield of around 4% at the current price.

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

Soul Patts is a diversified investment company with stakes across multiple sectors, including resources, telecommunications, and industrials.

Diversification is its biggest strength. Earnings are spread across different industries, which helps reduce volatility.

The company also has a long track record of disciplined capital allocation and value creation.

Soul Pattinson is known for its remarkable dividend history, having increased or maintained dividends for decades. This consistency makes it a standout for income-focused investors.

Dividends are typically steady and supported by a diversified earnings base. The ASX share recently delivered a total dividend of about $1.03 per share for FY2025, representing another year of growth.

The stock typically offers a yield of around 3% to 4%, with fully franked payments.

The post Why these ASX shares could be buys in today’s volatile market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should I invest $5,000 in Coles shares now?
• Woolworths shares are storming ahead of Coles this year: Are the supermarket giants a buy, sell, or hold?
• Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income
• Telstra shares hit new highs: what’s next?
• Why I invested $3,000 into this great ASX share last week

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 Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and 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.

Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR) shares closed 6.3% higher on Wednesday afternoon, at 50.5 cents a piece. The uptick comes off the back of some strong share price upticks out of the ASX mining stock over the past year, which has seen its value skyrocket.

This time last year the shares were trading at 0.5 cents per share. But when it reported promising interim results from its geological review of historic exploration data at its Colosseum Gold Mine Project, the share price started flying.

The ASX gold miner’s shares are now up around 130% for the year-to-date. They’re also a massive 10,000% higher than this time last year.

What is Dateline and what does it do?

Dateline is an Australian-based company focused on gold mining and exploration targets in Colorado, located in the US. It also has exploration plans in Fiji and Australia.

The company’s projects include its flagship Colosseum Gold-REE Mine in California, Gold Link, Udu Mine, the Colosseum Rare Earths Project, the Argos Strontium Project, and others.

Dateline also holds 100% of the Music Valley heavy rare earth project, which sits in the same broader geological region. The ASX miner is undergoing exportation at its Music Valley project, with assay results expected in the coming weeks.

Dateline was added to the ASX 300 Index this month and currently has a market cap of $1.73 billion.

What has pushed the ASX gold mining stock higher?

On Tuesday, Dateline announced that it has completed a high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over its Music Valley heavy rare-earth element (HREE) project in the US.

The helicopter-based survey, which covered 2,172 line kilometres over the expanded project area, was completed ahead of schedule. The survey is expected to produce detailed data to help geologists better understand the area.

The company said the data has now been delivered to Mitre Geophysics for processing, inversion, and analysis. The results will be announced as part of the sampling programs currently underway at the site.

Can Dateline’s share price gains keep climbing?

There aren’t any broker forecasts for Dateline shares at present. But the company’s fast-paced expansion and positive developments suggest we could plenty more from the ASX mining stock in 2026.

However, the future value depends heavily on the results from the Dateline’s feasibility studies. It also depends on the company’s potential to develop those sites further. Any disappointing results could see the share price retract quickly.

The post This ASX mining stock has surged 10,000%: Is there more to come? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This ASX mining stock just jumped again. Here’s what it announced today
• This ASX rare earths stock is rocketing 13% on big news
• Dateline shares surge again after major US rare earths deal

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

If you’re looking at putting $5,000 into the share market, I think Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are worth serious consideration right now.

This is because I see the supermarket leader as a steady, reliable business trading at an attractive price.

A simpler entry point than before

Coles shares are trading at $21.05 at the time of writing, which is about 13.5% below their 52-week high of $24.28.

That might not sound like a huge discount. But for a defensive, supermarket giant that rarely gets cheap, I think it matters.

If Coles shares were simply to recover to that previous high, a $5,000 investment today would grow to roughly $5,770. That’s before factoring in dividends.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that happens. But it shows how even a recovery in a fallen share price can generate meaningful returns for investors.

A reliable income stream

One of the main reasons I’d consider Coles is the income it offers. The company has declared dividends totalling 73 cents per share over the past 12 months, which is fully franked.

At the current share price, that equates to a dividend yield of around 3.5%. For a $5,000 investment, that’s about $175 per year in dividend income, assuming payouts remain steady.

And because those dividends are fully franked, Australian investors may benefit from franking credits on top.

It’s not the highest yield on the ASX. But in my experience, chasing the highest yield can often come with higher risk.

Coles, on the other hand, offers what I’d describe as dependable income.

A business that keeps showing up

What I like most about Coles is how consistent the business is. Even in a challenging environment, it continues to grow sales and earnings.

Its recent half-year results showed group sales revenue increasing to $23.6 billion, group EBIT rising over 10%, and Supermarkets EBIT growing 14.6%.

That growth was supported by steady customer demand, operational improvements, and a continued focus on value. And that last point matters.

Management highlighted that customers remain value-focused, and Coles is responding with promotions, expanded product ranges, and loyalty offers

To me, that reinforces the idea that supermarkets are resilient businesses. People still need groceries, regardless of what the economy is doing.

Is it a buy?

I’d be comfortable investing $5,000 in Coles shares today.

This is because I think it offers a combination of a more attractive entry point, reliable, fully-franked income, a defensive business model, and ongoing operational improvements.

Overall, it’s the kind of stock I’d be comfortable owning through different market conditions.

Foolish Takeaway

Coles shares aren’t likely to double overnight. That’s not the point.

At around 13.5% below their recent high, offering steady dividends and backed by a resilient business, I think they’re a solid option for a $5,000 investment today.

For me, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities aren’t the most exciting ones.

The post Should I invest $5,000 in Coles shares now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.