CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) biotech stock closed yesterday trading for $140.31. During the Wednesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $143.10 apiece, up 2.0%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 2.5% at this same time amid renewed hopes of a deescalation in the Iran war.

Despite today’s welcome boost, however, CSL shares remain down a sharp 41.8% since this time last year. Those losses will have only been modestly eased by the two unfranked dividends the company paid out over the past year.

CSL stock trades on a 3.0% unfranked trailing dividend yield.

Looking ahead, however, Morgans Financial’s Mitch Belichovski expects “diminishing headwinds” for the ASX 200 healthcare share (courtesy of The Bull).

CSL shares: buy, hold or sell?

“This biotechnology giant has a strong research and development pipeline and a successful track record in launching new products,” Belichovski said.

“Its first half result in fiscal year 2026 was softer than expected, with net profit after tax and amortisation declining 7%,” he noted.

Explaining his hold recommendation on CSL shares, Belichovski concluded:

However, the company’s outlook appears supported through a combination of cost-outs, marketing initiatives and diminishing headwinds, which are all reinforced by the board’s urgency around operational delivery.

This provides long term appeal for investors already holding the stock.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 biotech stock?

CSL reported its half year results (H1 FY 2026) on 11 February.

Atop the 7% year on year decline in NPATA Belichovski mentioned above, the company also suffered a 4% decline in revenue on a constant currency basis to US$8.3 billion.

The company said it had been negatively impacted by a number of factors over the six months including government policy changes, one-off restructuring costs and impairments.

On the positive side, CSL reported a 3% year-on-year increase in cash flow from operations to US$1.3 billion. And management increased the share buyback program from US$500 million to US$750 million.

“We are clearly not satisfied with our performance and have implemented a number of initiatives to drive stronger growth going forward,” CSL’s chief financial officer Ken Lim said of the half year results.

Looking ahead, Lim said, “In the second half we have an ambitious growth plan, driven by immunoglobulin, albumin and our newly launched products.”

Pleasingly, CSL reaffirmed its full year FY 2026 guidance for 2% to 3% revenue growth and 4% to 7% NPATA growth.

CSL shares closed down 4.6% on the day of the results release.

The post Why beaten down CSL shares now offer ‘long-term appeal’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could the CSL share price reach $200 in 2026?
• Why the recent ASX share market selloff is a wealth-building opportunity
• 2 classy ASX healthcare stocks to buy before the next market surge
• New to investing? 3 ASX ETFs to set and forget for 10 years
• ASX 200 sector leaders to buy amid today’s market rally

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

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) insurance giant closed yesterday trading for $21.92. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $22.18 apiece, up 1.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 2.7% at this same time amid renewed hopes of a deescalation in the Iran war.

Taking a step back, QBE has strongly outperformed the benchmark index in 2026.

Since market close on 31 December, QBE shares are up 11.5% compared to the 2.7% year to date gain posted by the ASX 200.

QBE also trades on a partly franked trailing dividend yield of 4.9%.

And looking ahead, Investor Pulse’s Mark Elzayed expects more outperformance from the Aussie insurer (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy QBE shares today?

“Elevated premium rates and higher interest yields combine to drive earnings momentum,” said Elzayed, citing the first reason he’s bullish on the stock.

He noted:

Improvement was clear in its full year 2025 results released in February. Net profit after tax of US$2.157 billion was up from US$1.779 billion in the prior corresponding period. Premium growth remained solid, with gross written premiums increasing 7% to $US23.9 billion, driven by rate increases across North America and international markets.

As for the second reason you might want to buy QBE shares today, Elzayed said, “At the same time, catastrophe costs were well below expectations.”

Which leads to the third reason, namely the company’s growing passive income appeal.

“This combination of underwriting strength and cost control supported a 25% increase in the full year dividend to $1.09 a share,” Elzayed said.

QBE’s passive income payouts in 2025 represented a full year dividend payout ratio of 50%.

“Improved quality of earnings and reduced volatility adds to QBE’s appeal,” Elzayed concluded.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 insurer?

QBE released its full calendar year 2025 results on 20 February.

Atop the strong growth metrics Elzayed mentioned up top, the company also achieved a 17% year-on-year increase in its funds under management to US$35.8 billion.

And the company’s total investment income of $1.63 billion equated to a return of 4.9%.

“QBE delivered strong performance in 2025, exceeding our financial plan for the year,” QBE CEO Andrew Horton said. “Profitability remains attractive across the majority of lines and the year ahead appears constructive for further growth, and a continuation of solid returns.”

QBE shares closed up 7.1% on the day of the results release.

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

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares
• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, QBE, and Qantas shares
• 5 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates
• 3 reasons to buy QBE shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Magellan, and QBE shares

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.

April is shaping up as a good time to take a step back and think about where I want my money working over the long term.

After recent volatility, I think it makes sense to look at where long-term opportunities still exist, rather than getting caught up in short-term market moves.

For me, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the simplest ways to do that. They provide broad exposure, reduce stock-specific risk, and allow you to lean into themes that can play out over many years.

Here are three Vanguard ETFs I would be comfortable buying in April.

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

One area I think is often underrepresented in portfolios is Asia.

The region is home to some of the most important economies in the world, yet many investors remain heavily weighted toward Australia and the United States.

The VAE ETF offers a way to rebalance that.

It provides exposure to large and influential companies across markets like China, Taiwan, India, and South Korea. These are economies that are continuing to evolve, supported by industrial growth, rising consumption, and increasing technological capability.

What I like about this ETF is the diversity within the region.

It is not a single-country bet. It is a collection of different growth stories, from semiconductor manufacturing to digital platforms and financial services.

Over time, I think that kind of exposure can complement a more traditional portfolio.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

The United States remains one of the most important drivers of global equity returns.

Even after a strong run over many years, I still see reasons to maintain exposure.

The V500 ETF tracks the S&P 500 index, giving access to 500 of the largest companies in the US across a wide range of industries.

What stands out to me here is the breadth. This is not just a technology story. It includes healthcare, financials, consumer brands, and industrial leaders. That creates a more balanced exposure to the US economy.

The recent pullback, with similar funds like the iShares S&P 500 ETF down from their highs, has also made valuations a bit less stretched than they were previously.

For long-term investors, I think maintaining exposure to this market remains important.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

Technology continues to shape how the global economy operates. Having exposure to it could be a smart long-term move.

The VTEK ETF focuses on around 300 technology stocks across both developed and emerging markets. That includes not just well-known US names, but also companies in other regions that are playing key roles in areas like semiconductors, software, and digital infrastructure.

I see this ETF as a way to capture innovation more directly.

It is more concentrated than a broad market fund, which means it can be more volatile. But it also offers more targeted exposure to a sector that I think will remain central to growth over the long term.

The global nature of the fund is also important. It reflects the fact that innovation is not limited to a single country.

Foolish takeaway

ETFs can play different roles within a portfolio. The VAE ETF provides exposure to a region with long-term structural growth potential, the V500 ETF offers broad access to one of the most influential equity markets in the world, and the VTEK ETF adds a more focused tilt toward global technology and innovation.

Each brings something different, and I think that combination can help build a portfolio that is both diversified and positioned for the future.

The post Why I’d buy these excellent Vanguard ETFs in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• A simple 3-ETF portfolio I’d use to build long-term wealth
• Here are 5 ASX ETFs that I would buy with $50,000
• Why I’m seriously thinking about buying these ASX ETFs in April
• Where I’d invest $50,000 into ASX ETFs today
• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026

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.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares are back in focus on Wednesday.

This comes after the biotech company announced a new commercial milestone for its lead Rett syndrome therapy.

In early afternoon trade, the Neuren share price is up 6.75% to $13.13. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is rocketing 2.6% higher to 8,957 points.

Today’s rise stands out because the stock is still down roughly 30% since the start of 2026.

Let’s take a closer look at the release.

DAYBUE STIX rollout reaches the next stage

The catalyst for Wednesday’s gain is a fresh commercial milestone from ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD), Neuren’s US partner for DAYBUE.

According to the release, DAYBUE STIX is now broadly available across the United States for patients with Rett syndrome.

The new powder formulation was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December and first launched on a limited basis during the March quarter.

This update confirms the rollout has now moved into wider commercial distribution, giving more patients and caregivers access to the therapy.

The new formulation gives families more flexibility because it can be mixed with water-based liquids, making it easier to adjust taste and dose volume.

Management also pointed to encouraging early caregiver feedback from the limited launch, with more than 80% of surveyed users reporting satisfaction.

Broader rollout supports the royalty outlook

Neuren receives royalties on all global net sales of trofinetide under its licensing agreement with Acadia. As a result, commercial rollout milestones usually have a direct impact on the share price.

At its FY25 result, the company reported royalty income of $65 million and guided to a further lift in 2026 as DAYBUE sales continue to expand.

Acadia’s 2026 guidance previously pointed to DAYBUE net sales of US$460 million to US$490 million, which implies another year of solid revenue growth for Neuren.

With a market capitalisation of roughly $1.56 billion, the stock remains well below the peaks seen in 2025.

Foolish Takeaway

Neuren’s latest gain follows broader US access to DAYBUE STIX, a rollout step that could support patient growth and future royalties.

Based on the company’s strong February result and Acadia’s 2026 sales guidance, I still see Neuren as one of the more compelling ASX biotech investments.

The combination of DAYBUE revenue growth and progress across the NNZ-2591 pipeline continues to reinforce the long-term opportunity.

After a difficult start to 2026, today’s move may be an early sign that confidence is rebuilding around the company’s revenue outlook.

The post Why Neuren shares are rebounding on Wednesday after a brutal 2026 sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 price of WTI crude oil crashed overnight after US President Donald Trump declared that he had delayed his threat to attack Iran’s infrastructure by two weeks. 

He describes what he calls a “double-sided ceasefire” contingent on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz to allow oil supplies to flow back through.

The latest update has renewed hopes that the two nations may be moving toward a ceasefire agreement to end the conflict.

The announcement saw the price of WTI crude oil plummet below US$95 per barrel this morning, down from over US$117 per barrel yesterday, according to Trading Economics data.

The prices for Brent oil, gasoline, and heating oil have also dropped significantly.

The latest market shift has acted as a tough headwind for ASX oil and gas or energy shares this morning, with many opening in the red.

These are the stocks to watch today.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside shares have crashed 10.7% this morning, to $31.97 a piece. Today’s share price drop follows a steep share price rally during the first three months of 2026, which accelerated significantly since the conflict between the US and Iran ramped up in late February. 

Woodside shares spiked to a multi-year high of $34.93 at the close of the ASX on Tuesday, having jumped over 51% since the start of 2026.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos shares have dropped 6% in Wednesday morning trade, after news that a reprieve in global oil restrictions saw investors sell up their shares. The Australian oil and gas exportation and production company’s shares are changing hands for $7.60 a piece at the time of writing.

Santos shares spiked to a four-year high of $8.08 at the close of the ASX yesterday afternoon, having jumped 31.5% since the markets opened on the 2nd of January.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

Beach Energy shares are also suffering in early morning trade. At the time of writing, the Australian oil and gas exploration and production company’s shares are down 7.1% to $1.21 a piece.

The shares jumped over 20% in March alone, but after this morning’s sell-off, they’re trading 0.8% below where they were this time last year.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

The Australian petroleum company is the largest transport energy distributor and retailer in Australia, with more than 1,800 Ampol-branded service stations across the country as of June 2025. Unsurprisingly, news that the US and Iran could be reaching a peace deal has resulted in a sharp drop in its share price.

At the time of writing, Ampol shares are down 4.2% to $32.03 each; however, they are still up 13.7% since the war escalated in late February.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

Viva Energy Australia is a listed Australian company that owns the Geelong Oil Refinery and is licensed to retail Shell-branded fuels across Australia under a licence agreement. It also owns and retails fuel through Coles Express, OTR, Reddy Express, Liberty Oil, and Westside Petroleum-branded service stations. 

Like Ampol, its share price is suffering from downward pressure from lower oil prices this morning. At the time of writing, Viva shares have crashed 9.9% to $2.38. Viva shares have soared, however, over the past 5 weeks. Even after this morning’s decline, the share price is 34.5% higher than in late February. 

The post ASX shares to watch as oil price crashes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are Santos and Woodside shares crashing today?
• Santos shares sink 5% despite another strong Alaska result
• What is Morgans saying about these massively popular ASX 200 stocks?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 4 reasons why Woodside shares are a screaming buy right now

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

ASX dividend stocks are companies that pay shareholders a regular cash dividend.

From banks to telcos, infrastructure and even mining, there are lots of different types of dividend stocks depending on your risk appetite.

But if you want to find an ASX dividend stock that will pay a reliable passive income for years to come, you’d need to look at established and stable companies.

Here are two that fit the bill.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA is one of the most stable dividend shares listed on the ASX. The energy infrastructure business is well-known for paying strong, consistent dividends, with revenue derived from long-term contracted infrastructure assets. 

APA has paid two partially franked or unfranked dividends a year, in March and September, since 2016. The company has a history of paying dividends since 2008.

Not only has APA paid reliable dividends for a long period of time, but it has also hiked its payout every year for the past 20 years. 

Its yield is usually much higher than that of other ASX dividend stocks, too, which makes it an appealing option for investors who want a passive income for years to come.

The company paid an interim dividend of 27.5 cents in the first half of FY26 and is guiding a full-year dividend of 58 cents per security. That translates to a forward distribution yield of 5.8%, partially franked, at the time of writing.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The great thing about telecommunications provider Telstra is that it is a classic defensive asset. That means that regardless of how high inflation or the cost of living gets, or how severe global uncertainty becomes, the company’s offerings will remain a high priority for Australians. 

This type of stock is also perfect for investors who want to hedge against potential volatility elsewhere in their portfolio.

As a reliable and consistent ASX dividend stock, Telstra is able to offer a great passive income to investors. In fact, its dividend payout ratio is close to 100% of its earnings. 

Telstra has paid investors two dividends per year, in March and September, since 2016, and sometimes with additional special dividend payments. The telco has a history of paying its shareholders dividends dating back to 2004.

Last month, investors were paid an interim dividend of 10.5 cents, 90.48% franked. Telstra has forecast to pay a 20-cent dividend for FY26.

For FY25, the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share. At the time of writing, that translates to a dividend yield of around 3.5%.

The post 2 ASX dividend stocks that could pay you a passive income for years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell? Treasury Wine, Domino’s Pizza, and Telstra shares
• How high can Telstra shares really climb from here?
• 3 top ASX dividend shares for retirement income in 2026
• How much would I need to invest in ASX shares to earn $1,000 in passive income every month?
• Why this reliable ASX dividend stock just climbed to a fresh multi-year high

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

The DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price has taken a major hit on Wednesday, crashing 20% after the company announced sudden leadership changes.

At first glance, this kind of news can be unsettling for investors.

A CEO stepping down with immediate effect and a chair preparing to exit shortly after is rarely viewed as a positive signal by the market.

But does this selloff represent a potential buying opportunity?

Why the DroneShield share price fell

The catalyst for the decline is clear. DroneShield confirmed that its long-serving CEO, Oleg Vornik, is stepping down after more than a decade in the role, while chairman Peter James will also retire from the board next month.

Leadership transitions can create uncertainty, particularly when they happen quickly. And two at once compounds things. Investors often worry about strategic shifts, disruption to execution, or a loss of momentum.

However, the detail behind the announcement arguably tells a more balanced story.

Importantly, the company has not turned to an external candidate. Instead, it has promoted its chief product officer, Angus Bean, to the CEO role.

As the company noted, this was part of a structured succession plan and reflects continuity rather than disruption.

Bean is not a new face. He has been with DroneShield since its early days. He was its sixth employee and has played a central role in developing its core technologies and engineering capabilities.

Continuity

When leadership changes come from within, it often signals that the company’s broader strategy will remain intact.

The release notes that Bean has been deeply involved in DroneShield’s growth journey, including building its engineering team and shaping its product roadmap.

That is important because DroneShield is not a turnaround story. It is a company that has been growing rapidly and operating in a market with strong structural tailwinds.

In fact, alongside the leadership update, the company also revealed strong trading momentum. It reported record quarterly cash receipts and significant revenue growth early in FY 2026.

This suggests that the underlying business remains in good shape despite the change at the top.

Should you buy the dip?

In the short term, volatility in the DroneShield share price is likely to persist. Leadership changes often take time for the market to fully digest, and some investors may prefer to wait for further clarity.

But for longer-term investors, this pullback could prove to be a buying opportunity.

The key point is that this does not appear to be a case of a struggling business losing its leadership. Instead, it looks more like a planned transition from one internal leader to another, supported by a strong operational backdrop.

Once the initial uncertainty fades, attention is likely to shift back to the company’s fundamentals and growth outlook.

For patient investors, it could be a dip worth watching closely once the dust settles.

The post Should you buy the 20% dip in the DroneShield share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are DroneShield shares getting smashed today?
• DroneShield posts record revenue and unveils leadership changes
• Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1) has caught the eye of the analyst team at Shaw and Partners, who like the look of its Manna Lithium Project.

Shaw has initiated coverage on the company with a buy recommendation and a very bullish price target, which we’ll get to shortly.

World-class asset

Firstly, let’s have a look at the project which Global Lithium Resources is proving up.

The company in December released a definitive feasibility study (DFS) on the Manna project, which is 110km east of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

The company said the DFS “confirms Manna as a long-life and economically robust lithium asset”.

The DFS said it would cost $439.1 million to build the project, which would have a payback period of 3.5 years and a mine life of 14.3 years.

The life of mine cash flow was estimated at $1.15 billion, while the mineral resource estimate came in at 51.6 million tonnes at a grade of 1% lithium oxide.

Global Lithium Managing Director Dr Dianmin Chen said at the time that the study indicated a robust project.

He added:

This DFS underscores the potential for Manna to both create shareholder value and contribute to the world’s lithium supply chain through its robust economics, significant long-life potential and Company’s commitment to invest in and develop projects in Western Australia. The DFS confirms Manna’s place as the third largest lithium deposit in the Eastern Goldfields, poised to be a significant contributor of lithium to support countries around the world as they continue to pursue energy transition and decarbonisation goals. Our disciplined approach to de-risking the future development of Manna, evidenced by the grant of a Mining Lease and signing of a Native Title Mining Agreement, along with the project’s compelling financial and technical metrics, sets a strong foundation for future funding and development options.

Dr Chen said the company was targeting a final investment decision in 2026, with discussions continuing in areas such as signing up offtake partners.

Lithium shares looking cheap

Shaw’s report on the company said the Manna project was of “world class scale and quality”.

They added:

The project is designed for high efficiency, utilising ore sorting to optimize mill feed and reduce waste. This results in an extremely competitive all in sustaining cost of $1,101/t on our numbers, positioning Manna in the lowest quartile of the global lithium cost curve. This low-cost profile ensures the project remains resilient and commercially viable even during periods of lithium price volatility.

Shaw said the project was rapidly approaching “shovel ready status”.

Shaw has a price target of $1.50 on Global Lithium shares, compared with the current price of 50 cents.

Global Lithium was valued at $124.9 million at the close of trade on Tuesday.

The post These lithium shares could triple in value: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX dividend stocks that could pay you a passive income for years
• Should you buy the 20% dip in the DroneShield share price?
• Guess which ASX All Ords gold stock is rocketing 9% today on ‘high-grade’ results
• Why are Santos and Woodside shares crashing today?
• Santos shares sink 5% despite another strong Alaska result

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 2.7% today, with this ASX All Ords gold stock racing ahead of those gains.

The fast-rising stock in question is Gorilla Gold Mines Ltd (ASX: GG8).

Gorilla Gold shares closed yesterday trading for 34.5 cents. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for 37.5 cents apiece, up 8.7%.

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

First, the gold price is up 2.4% overnight to US$4,819 per ounce. This follows news that US President Donald Trump has delayed the threatened escalation of the war in Iran amid renewed negotiations.

Gorilla Gold is also catching ASX investor interest after reporting on new high-grade gold intercepts at its Comet Vale Gold Project, located in Western Australia.

Here’s what’s happening.

ASX All Ords gold stock leaps on results

Gorilla Gold’s 100% owned Comet Vale Project is part of the North Kalgoorlie Hub, which the miner noted currently hosts 1.2 million ounces at 3.7 grams of gold per tonne (1.2Moz at 3.7g/t Au).

The ASX All Ords gold stock currently has five drill rigs operating across the North Kalgoorlie Hub as part of its program aimed at growing Gorilla’s high-grade resource base and supporting future studies.

In this morning’s release, the miner reported on the latest drill assays from its cornerstone Sovereign Deposit, within Comet Vale.

Top results included 10.6 metres at 7.1 grams of gold per tonne from 353 metres, with another hole returning 1.1 metres at 60.2g/t Au from 261 metres.

Gorilla Gold also has a drill rig operating at its Vivien Project, targeting new high-grade discoveries.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results helping lift the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Gorilla Gold CEO Charles Hughes said, “Our 2026 exploration campaign is now really moving up a gear as the flow of assay results begins to accelerate, with the cornerstone Sovereign Deposit at Comet Vale delivering multiple impressive high-grade hits.”

Hughes added:

Sovereign is the largest and highest-grade individual deposit at Comet Vale. It currently hosts 410,000oz @ 4.3g/t Au over a strike length of 1.3 kilometres – with clear potential to grow this resource out well past 2.5 kilometre in length.

Importantly, we’re seeing multiple parallel lodes developing at Sovereign around the contact of two major lithological units with no real indication of where the lodes finish as we get further into the footwall of this contact. That means there is plenty of growth upside here.

Looking to the year ahead, Hughes concluded:

With 150,000 metres of drilling planned across our three key projects in 2026, investors can look forward to what we hope will be a transformational period for Gorilla Gold in the coming months.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords gold stock is rocketing 9% today on ‘high-grade’ results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Two ASX gold companies which could more than double in value, according to Canaccord Genuity

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.

The market may be booming today, but the same cannot be said for Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares.

They are under heavy selling pressure on Wednesday morning.

At the time of writing, Santos shares are down approximately 6%, while Woodside shares have tumbled around 11%.

Why are Santos and Woodside shares under pressure?

The key driver behind the sharp declines is a sudden and significant drop in oil prices.

According to CNBC, oil prices sank after US President Donald Trump agreed to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks. This is in exchange for Tehran allowing a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately 20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait under normal conditions.

This is a major shift in sentiment and great news for the global economy. In recent weeks, oil prices had surged to US$110.00 a barrel on fears that escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies.

But that risk has now been reduced, at least in the short term.

Why this matters for Santos and Woodside

Energy producers like Santos and Woodside are highly sensitive to movements in oil prices.

When oil prices rise, their revenue and earnings expectations typically increase. But when oil prices fall sharply, the opposite happens.

The scale of the move was significant. According to CNBC:

The West Texas Intermediate contract for May delivery fell more than 16% to $94.47 per barrel [and then] International benchmark Brent for June delivery lost more than 15% to $92.21 per barrel.

A double-digit percentage decline in oil prices in a single session is a major event. It forces investors to quickly reassess the earnings outlook for oil and gas companies.

That is why both Santos and Woodside shares are being sold off heavily today.

It also explains why fuel guzzlers like Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) are roaring higher today.

A reminder of volatility

Today’s moves highlight just how sensitive ASX energy shares can be to global events.

Santos and Woodside are not falling because of company-specific news. Instead, they are reacting to macroeconomic and geopolitical developments that directly impact commodity prices.

While the long-term outlook for energy demand may remain intact, short-term price swings like this can create sharp volatility in share prices.

Overall, it is a timely reminder that owning energy stocks often means riding the ups and downs of global oil markets.

The post Why are Santos and Woodside shares crashing today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Santos shares sink 5% despite another strong Alaska result
• What is Morgans saying about these massively popular ASX 200 stocks?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 4 reasons why Woodside shares are a screaming buy right now
• Up 54% in 2026, are Woodside shares still a good buy today?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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.