This ASX lithium stock has taken a hit in 2026. Shares in Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) have been falling about 30% year to date to $3.07 at the time of writing.

The timing is awkward — it comes just as the ASX lithium stock nears entry into the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

So why the pullback? A combination of broader market volatility, investor caution in the lithium sector, and timing of project developments appears to have pressured the stock.

Yet analysts remain overwhelmingly positive on the long-term potential for the ASX lithium stock.

First lithium permit in Germany

Vulcan is a lithium and renewable energy developer focused on Europe’s growing electric vehicle market. On Tuesday the ASX lithium stock issued a release, that it received its first lithium production permit for its flagship Lionheart Project in Germany.

Lionheart produces lithium hydroxide from geothermal brine. This is a process the company says is carbon neutral — a rare feature in lithium production.

Lionheart targets annual production of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide. That’s enough to supply around 500,000 EV batteries each year, according to Vulcan.

Strategic location

The permit relates to Vulcan’s LiThermEx lithium extraction facility in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field in Germany’s Rhineland Palatinate.

The project is strategically located in Europe, close to major battery manufacturers, reducing shipping costs and geopolitical risk associated with overseas supply.

Another plus is the potential for strong long-term growth. Lithium demand is expected to rise sharply as EV adoption accelerates, and the ASX lithium stock is positioned to benefit directly.

Delays and cost overruns

That said, Vulcan is not without risks. The company is still in the development phase and has yet to achieve full commercial production. Delays or cost overruns could weigh on sentiment.

Commodity prices also matter. While lithium demand is strong, price volatility can affect revenue forecasts. And, as with any growth stock, share prices can swing sharply on news flow or broader market trends.

What next for the ASX lithium stock?

Despite recent weakness, brokers are extremely bullish on Vulcan. All currently covering the stock rate it a strong buy.

The average price target sits at $7.23, implying roughly 135% upside from current levels. The most bullish analyst sees the ASX lithium stock reaching $10.40, a 239% gain. The most conservative forecast is $5.77, still an 86% upside.

Analysts cite the combination of first-mover advantage, sustainable lithium credentials, and proximity to Europe’s battery market as reasons to stay confident in the stock.

The post This ASX lithium stock is slipping, but brokers see 135%+ gains appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 shares dumped from the ASX 200 index (and 3 new additions)
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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.

It was a tough day of trading yesterday for Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) and Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) shares. 

Both companies experienced share price falls of more than 4.6%. 

Let’s take a look at what happened 

Lynas Rare Earths crashes after deal 

Lynas Rare Earths is primarily involved in the exploration, development, and processing of rare earth minerals in Australia and Malaysia.

On Monday, Lynas Rare Earths signed a major US rare earth supply deal with the United States Department of War (DoW). 

Under this arrangement, approximately US$96 million will be allocated by the DoW to the purchase of Light and Heavy Rare Earth oxide products from Lynas. The floor price for supply of NdPr oxide will be US$110/kg. 

The proposed agreement covers deliveries over a four-year period.

Despite the news, Lynas shares are now down 6% since this week’s open. 

Its share price remains up more than 60% year to date and 163% over the last 12 months. 

Yancoal hits a speedbump

Meanwhile, Yancoal shares fell 4.9% yesterday, and are also down 6% since Monday. 

The company is a coal miner involved in identifying, developing, and operating coal-related projects in Australia. 

It has a diversified mix of metallurgical and thermal coal mines. It owns, operates, or participates in 11 coal mines across NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Coal prices have been surging so far in 2026, which has helped Yancoal shares rise more than 50% year to date. 

However, coal prices (USD/T) have hit significant volatility over the past week amidst conflict in the Middle East. 

Should investors buy the dip?

Recent analysis from brokers indicates Lynas Rare Earths may now be fully valued. 

Last week, Lynas signed a major long-term supply agreement with Japan Australia Rare Earths (JARE) guaranteeing revenue of approximately $775 million. 

This prompted adjustments from brokers on the outlook for the company. 

Despite this good news, an updated price target from Bell Potter now sits at $19.00. 

From yesterday’s close of $20.02, that still indicates a downside of 5%. 

14 analysts’ forecasts via TradingView paint a similar picture, with an average one year price target of $20.89. 

This indicates the current share price is close to fair value. 

Meanwhile, Yancoal shares closed trading yesterday at $7.57 each. 

5 analysts forecasts via TradingView have a one year average price target of $7.66. 

This suggests this week’s pullback was warranted, and there is roughly 1% difference between yesterday’s close and the average price target. 

The post Should you buy Lynas Rare Earths or Yancoal shares after yesterday’s crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Rare earth stocks are tumbling today. Here’s why the Lynas share price is holding up
• Lynas Rare Earths announces US$96m US rare earth agreement
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Here’s why ASX 200 energy shares were the only risers last week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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 rise of ASX gold shares was one of the most notable, emerging stories in 2025. 

The gold price rose to record highs, and along with it, many ASX gold shares. 

These companies also benefited from its position as a safe-haven asset.

Tariff fears, geopolitical uncertainty and global conflicts influenced investors decisions to push towards safe-haven assets like gold. 

Leading the way in 2025 were: 

• Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) rose 220%
• Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) shares climbed 206%
• Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price roared 196% 
• Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares increased 194%
• Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU), up 121%

Among the largest gold mining companies: 

• Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose by 73% in 2025.
• Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares climbed 164%
• Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares increased 152%.

What is happening in 2026?

According to Trading Economics, gold prices have climbed more than 16% year to date. 

Although the continuing conflict in the Middle East has influenced volatility.

Despite global gold prices rising, many of these red hot ASX gold shares have stumbled in 2026. 

Let’s look how the best performing shares from last year are tracking so far in 2026. 

The only one in the positive at the time of writing is Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) which is up 12.9%. 

The other four: 

• Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) down 26% 
• Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) down 7.4%
• Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) down almost 15%
• Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) has fallen 7.4%

Among the largest gold mining companies, since the start of 2026, Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) is up 7% and Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) is up 3%, while Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) is down 15%. 

What does this tell us?

There’s more that influences gold miners and producers than just the global commodity price. 

Gold miners and producers are influenced not just by the global gold price but also by operational performance, including production costs, mine efficiency, and reserves. 

Exploration success and new discoveries can boost a miner’s value, while project delays or cost overruns can hurt it. 

Regulatory, environmental, and political risks in mining jurisdictions can affect production and investor confidence. 

Finally, currency fluctuations, interest rates, and investor sentiment in equity markets also play a significant role in share price movements.

Global diversity with gold ASX ETFS

For investors looking to gain exposure to gold shares, without selecting specific companies, may benefit from more diverse gold ETFs. 

These funds can spread the risk across more than just Australian gold miners. 

Some options include: 

• Etfs Metal Securities Australia – Etfs Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD) – Tracks the price of physical gold with bullion held in London vaults.
• BetaShares Global Gold Miners ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS) – comprises the largest global gold mining companies (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars.
• VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) – Provides exposure to a basket of global and Australian gold mining companies rather than the metal itself.

Alternatively, here are emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners. 

The post Which ASX gold shares have risen the most in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• What are the 5 emerging ASX gold companies UBS has picked as winners?
• Should you buy the dip on ASX mining shares?
• Buy, hold, sell: Collins Foods, Liontown, and Northern Star shares

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

Yesterday, The Reserve Bank of Australia announced its second cash rate hike of the year.

The RBA announced an increase of the cash rate target by 0.25%, bringing Australia’s official interest rate to 4.10%.

The decision was largely due to rising inflation according to the board. 

Australia’s benchmark index, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) crawled roughly 0.3% higher in Tuesday’s trade following the news. 

How does the cash rate impact ASX shares?

The RBA Cash Rate plays a central role in shaping the performance of ASX-listed shares. 

When the cash rate rises, borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and consumers, which can slow economic activity and reduce company profits, often putting downward pressure on share prices. 

Higher rates also make fixed-income investments like bonds more attractive relative to equities, leading some investors to shift money out of shares. 

Conversely, when the cash rate falls, borrowing is cheaper, encouraging spending and investment, which can boost corporate earnings and generally support higher share prices. 

In this way, changes in the cash rate influence both company fundamentals and investor behavior across the ASX.

For the everyday consumer, changes in the cash rate affect how much they pay on mortgages, loans, and credit cards, influencing their spending power and overall cost of living.

While past performance does not guarantee future returns, here are ASX shares that may benefit from a higher rate environment. 

Insurance companies

Insurers can benefit from interest rate rises because they invest premiums and earn more when yields rise. 

This could be ideal for ASX shares like: 

• QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)
• Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)
• Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

All three saw share price rises yesterday on the back of the RBA announcement. 

In simple terms, higher interest rates = higher investment returns on premiums, which directly lifts insurers’ earnings.

QBE and IAG have also attracted positive analysis from brokers recently, indicating it could outperform markets in the short-term. 

Financial and cash-sensitive businesses

Two other ASX shares that could outperform due to rising interest rates are: 

• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
• Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU)

These companies directly earn more income from cash balances or client funds. 

For example, Computershare’s profits can rise significantly as interest earned on client balances increases.

Meanwhile, Macquarie Group can benefit from higher interest rates because it earns more income on its large pools of client funds and investments, while also profiting from increased margins in its lending and financial services businesses.

The company also has a long track record of generating strong profits across market cycles.

The post 5 ASX shares that could benefit from rising interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is one of the most popular ways to invest in the ASX share market, because the exchange-traded fund (ETF) provides exposure to the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

A lot has happened in the last few weeks, with events in the Middle East, a rising oil price and the RBA move to increase interest rates by another 25 basis points to 4.1%.

While this isn’t identical to what happened a few years ago following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there are a lot of similarities related to energy prices and the anticipation of higher inflation.

I think there two reasons why this could be a good time to invest and one why it isn’t.

Dollar cost averaging

Some Australian investors may have a strategy to regularly invest in the ASX stock market by using the VAS ETF to invest in 300 of the largest and most profitable businesses Aussies can invest in.

If someone regularly invests – regardless of whether the price is up or down – that can be called dollar cost averaging. It’s probably good to take emotion and guesswork out of making investment decisions. I’d happily continue with this investment strategy if that’s what I were doing.

There will be volatility along the way, but bull markets will happen too. We don’t know when those changes will happen, but it’s good to be invested for when conditions do eventually improve.

Bank earnings to increase?

Plenty of experienced investors may say not to make investment decisions based on macroeconomic (news) events.

The Middle East events are certainly troubling and it’s difficult to say how this is going to play out.

But, with the RBA increasing the interest rate – and who knows if there will be more rate rises in 2026 – it’s likely to have a net positive impact on the profitability of ASX bank shares.

According to the February 2026 update, around a third of the VAS ETF is allocated to financial shares such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN).

A higher RBA rate means banks can lend out money that they aren’t paying (much) interest on, such as transaction accounts, for a higher loan rate. But, the banks will have to hope the higher RBA rate doesn’t lead to a noticeable increase in bad debts and arrears.

If it does lead to higher profits, that can help send the share prices of the banks higher, which would help the VAS ETF because of how large of an allocation in the portfolio they are.

Even better opportunities?

The VAS ETF is a good investment, but I think there are even better ideas out there for Aussies to look at.

There are plenty of investments that have fallen harder than the VAS ETF (it’s down 6% in recent weeks). Those other names could make excellent long-term buys today, producing stronger returns over time.

VAS ETF is a solid choice, but companies like Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) and Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) have major growth ambitions. There are plenty of other appealing investments to consider.

The post Is this a good time to invest in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index (VAS) ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX ETFs to weather market turmoil
• Should I invest $2,000 in the VAS ETF?
• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares
• How investing $50 a day into ASX shares could become $1 million faster than you think
• 4 ASX ETFs to ride through recessions and market crashes

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group, Technology One, Temple & Webster Group, and Tuas. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Technology One, and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One and Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking to boost your income portfolio, there are still some ASX dividend shares offering attractive dividend yields and valuations.

Here are two that could be worth a closer look.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

One Australian dividend share that could appeal to income investors is GQG Partners.

The fund manager has had a challenging period, with significant fund outflows over the past 12 months driven by a stretch of underperformance. This has largely been the result of its decision to avoid many of the high-flying AI-related stocks that powered markets higher.

However, that positioning now appears to be turning into a tailwind. As enthusiasm for the AI trade has cooled in recent months, GQG’s relative performance has improved, which could help rebuild investor confidence.

If this continues, it may act as a catalyst for funds inflows to resume, supporting earnings growth in the periods ahead.

In the meantime, GQG is offering very attractive income. Morgans, for example, is forecasting dividends of approximately 21 cents per share in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.65, this would mean dividend yields over 12% for both years.

In addition, the broker sees plenty of upside on offer from GQG’s shares. Last week, it upgraded them to a buy rating with a $2.03 price target. This implies potential upside of 23% for investors over the next 12 months.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Another Australian dividend share that could be worth considering is Rural Funds Group.

It is a real estate investment trust focused on agricultural assets, including cattle, almonds, macadamias, vineyards, and water rights. These assets are leased to experienced operators under long-term agreements, providing relatively stable and predictable income.

One of the key attractions of the business is its exposure to essential food production and agricultural supply chains. Demand for these assets is supported by long-term population growth and increasing global food consumption.

Rural Funds also benefits from inflation-linked rental increases across much of its portfolio, which can help protect income in a higher inflation environment.

But the main attraction is the income its shares offer. Bell Potter is forecasting dividends per share of 11.7 cents in FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.10, this would mean dividend yields of 5.6% in both years.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.50 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 19% is possible between now and this time next year.

The post 2 Australian dividend stars that still offer a good price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Gqg Partners. 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 Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Owning BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) stock has been a good move for the past six months, following its rise of approximately 20%. That compares to a decline of 3% for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), at the time of writing.

The huge ASX mining share has a massive presence for Aussie investors because of its huge market capitalisation and typically rewarding dividend yield.

After the company’s recent FY26 half-year result. A few things became clear and I think investors should be aware of them.

Copper is now a major part of the company’s earnings

For the first six months of FY26, copper contributed 51% of BHP’s underlying operating profit (EBITDA). In dollar terms, copper underlying EBITDA jumped 59% to US$8 billion. It’s becoming increasingly important for BHP stock.

In other words, iron ore became a minority contributor to the business in HY26. Time will tell what percentage of earnings iron ore will be in the coming years.

BHP reported that the average realised price increased by 32% to US$5.28 per pound, representing an increase of 32% year-over-year. The ASX mining share highlighted short-term large supply disruptions at major copper mines and the threat of tariffs providing “positive price momentum”.

The company expects a continued tight copper market over the next few years. BHP wrote:

Copper fundamentals remain attractive. Demand is expected to grow from ~34 Mt today to >50 Mt by CY50, with the key drivers being ‘Traditional’ economic growth (home building, electrical equipment and household appliances), ‘Energy Transition’ (renewables and electric vehicles) and ‘Digital’ (Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres). Growth potential for ‘Digital’ is promising – we believe that copper demand in Data Centres could grow sixfold to nearly 3Mtpa in CY50.

We anticipate that the cost curve for the mines needed to meet this demand is likely to steepen as both operational and development challenges progressively increase.

Strong demand expected for iron ore

There is a rising iron ore price at the moment, which is a positive for BHP’s potential iron ore earnings in the second half of FY26.

According to Trading  Economics, the iron ore price has bounced back to US$105 per tonne, which is at a level the business can make a pleasing level of profit.

BHP said:

In China, supportive policy measures in CY25 underpinned steel and metals-related manufacturing activity, particularly in transport and machinery, which helped to offset ongoing housing sector weakness and the slowdown in infrastructure investment.

China’s trade surplus surpassed US$1 Tn in CY25 for the first time, as strong exports to global markets offset weaker shipments to the United States. Steel exports provided support to China’s production and more than offset the slight decline in domestic steel demand.

Indian commodity demand continues to grow strongly, driven by broad-based sectoral growth and underpinned by the ongoing capacity additions in the steel and metals value chain (e.g. blast furnaces in steel, smelting and refining in copper).

For me, this suggests that BHP can continue delivering solid profit generation from its iron ore business, which is good news for BHP stock, despite the headwind of expected production from Africa, particularly Simandou (which is partly owned by Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO).

Positive potash conditions

On top of the good news for copper and iron ore, potash – a greener form of fertiliser – is also expected to benefit from growing demand over the long-term. Excitingly, in the six months to December 2025, the potash average price increased 30% year-over-year thanks to strong demand in Southeast Asia and China.

Stage 1 of the Jansen potash project was 75% complete as of December 2025 and stage 2 was 14% complete. Stage 1 production is targeted for mid-2027.

BHP wrote:            

Longer term, we believe potash benefits from attractive demand fundamentals from the intersection of several global megatrends: rising population, changing diets and the need for more sustainable and efficient use of arable land for agriculture.

The post 3 things about BHP stock every smart investor knows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CSL, and Woodside shares
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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.

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 8,614.3 points.

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

ASX 200 set to rise

The Australian share market looks set to rise again on Wednesday following a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 9 points or 0.1% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.2%, the S&P 500 is up 0.3% and the Nasdaq is 0.5% higher.

Oil prices rise

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session on Wednesday after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.5% to US$95.85 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 3% to US$103.26 a barrel. This was driven by concerns over the lack of support for US plans to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Buy Clarity shares

The team at Bell Potter thinks Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6) shares are good value at current levels. This morning, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating and $6.40 price target on the radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares. It said: “The stage is now set for a readout from the approval study for 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA (AMPLIFY) which has now ceased accepting new patient consents and is practically fully enrolled (n=220). The Co-PSMA data along with data from COBRA and anticipated findings from AMPLIFY will form the basis of submission of a new drug application to be submitted to the FDA.”

Gold price flat

ASX 200 gold shares such as Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session on Wednesday after the gold price traded flat overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is trading at US$5,003.8 an ounce. Traders appear undecided where gold is going next and are waiting for the upcoming US Federal Reserve meeting.

New Hope shares upgraded

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares have been upgraded by analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has taken its sell rating off the coal miner’s shares after lifting them to a hold rating with a $4.50 price target. It said: “We upgrade to a Hold recommendation and apply a 5% premium to our sum of the parts valuation with energy security concerns exacerbated by recent geopolitical issues. NHC’s low-cost operations will continue to underpin margins through the coal price cycle, funding capital expenditure commitments and supporting shareholder returns. Beyond ramp-up of New Acland Stage 3, we see a limited organic production growth pipeline and believe NHC may participate in industry consolidation.”

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

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 resilient in face of latest RBA interest rate increase
• Why the New Hope share price is sliding today as coal debate heats up
• Should you buy the dip on ASX mining shares?
• Why New Hope, Pepper Money, Pro Medicus, and Reece shares are falling today

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.

ASX ETFs can be a simple way to navigate market volatility.

When markets turn turbulent, many investors panic. But history shows downturns often create some of the best long-term opportunities.

Instead of trying to time the market or pick individual winners, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a straightforward way to stay invested while spreading risk.

For Australian investors, a few well-chosen ASX ETFs can help ride out the bumps and position a portfolio for recovery.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

First up is this popular Vanguard ASX ETF. It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors exposure to around 300 of Australia’s largest companies in a single trade.

That diversification is powerful during market selloffs. Rather than relying on a handful of stocks, investors gain exposure across sectors like banking, mining, healthcare, and consumer goods. Major holdings include companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

Low fees are another advantage. Over time, keeping costs down can significantly boost returns. And when markets recover, a broad ASX ETF like VAS lets investors fully participate in the rebound.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT).

If volatility raises concerns about quality, this ASX ETF focuses on companies with strong competitive advantages. The strategy is built around the idea of economic moats, a concept made famous by Warren Buffett.

MOAT invests in US-listed companies that have durable advantages and attractive valuations. The portfolio often includes global leaders such as Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Visa Inc. (NYSE: V).

These businesses tend to have strong balance sheets, dominant positions, and resilient earnings. During market downturns, companies like these often hold up better and recover faster.

SPDR S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: SYI).

Finally, investors seeking income might consider this ASX ETF. Market volatility can be unsettling, but dividends can help smooth returns. This fund focuses on higher-yielding Australian companies that return cash to shareholders.

The ETF typically includes banks, resource companies, and other mature businesses with strong cash flow. Holdings often feature names like Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

While share prices may swing, dividend income can continue flowing. That gives investors the option to reinvest at lower prices or use the income as a buffer.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line is that market volatility doesn’t have to be a threat. For long-term investors, it can be an opportunity.

By combining broad market exposure like VAS, quality-focused strategies like MOAT, and income-generating ETFs like SYI, investors can build a portfolio designed not just to withstand volatility but potentially benefit from it.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to weather market turmoil appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Microsoft, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, Microsoft, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As you would probably be aware of by now, the US-Iran war has resulted in a dramatic spike in oil prices. Thanks to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping artery for the world’s energy supplies, oil prices have shot higher over March. This has had some serious effects for ASX shares.

Before the United States attacked Iran at the end of last month, crude oil was going for around US$72 a barrel. Today, that same barrel is just over US$100. That’s after getting pretty close to US$120 last week.

This spike, as well as supply fears in Australia, has resulted in a major dent in investor confidence. Over March thus far, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has dropped by a nasty 6.5% or so. Last week, we discussed how US$100 oil affects almost every corner of the share market. And not in a good way, with the obvious exception of ASX energy stocks.

But today, let’s discuss two ASX blue chip stocks that I think are at the front of the firing line in terms of potential commercial damage if oil prices stay elevated going forward.

Two ASX blue chip stocks that will be hit hard by rising oil prices

First up we have Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Although it might not seem like it at first glance, this ASX 200 stock and supermarket operator is going to suffer if oil prices remain elevated. Woolworths runs an extensive nation-wide supply chain network. Goods have to be moved from suppliers to distribution centres, and then on to the supermarkets themselves. Woolies also runs a burgeoning home delivery service.

Unfortunately for Woolworths, this vast logistics network that moves huge volumes of groceries around our vast country is heavily reliant on diesel-powered trucking. As such, its fuel bill has probably already ballooned and could continue to do so as long as oil prices remain elevated.

Next up, let’s talk about Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Transurban stock has long been a favourite of ASX income investors, who buy this company’s shares for the stable and reliable income stream they provide. Transurban enjoys a few advantages that help the company maintain these dividends. For one, Transurban’s tolled roads are some of our nation’s most popular road routes, with many vital economic arteries spanning major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. For another, this ASX stock is given the right to increase the tolls on these roads regularly, usually by at least the rate of inflation.

However, Transurban is also vulnerable to higher oil prices. Many road users can change to using alternative forms of transport, or increase their working-from-home hours, if the cost of driving spikes. Although driving is not optional for many motorists, others might opt for a train, bus, ferry or bicycle if fuel costs remain elevated. If we see US$100 oil over much of the rest of 2026, I wouldn’t be surprised if Transurban’s normally stable traffic volumes take a hit.

The post These 2 blue-chip ASX stocks will suffer from high oil prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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