When I am thinking about long-term investing, I tend to focus on a simple idea.

Find businesses that can keep growing over time, supported by strong demand and durable competitive advantages.

They do not need to be the fastest-growing companies every year. What matters more is consistency and the ability to compound over many years.

Three ASX shares that I think fit that description are in this article.

ResMed (ASX: RMD)

Healthcare is an area where I like to look for long-term winners, and ResMed stands out to me.

The company focuses on sleep apnoea and respiratory care, which I believe are supported by long-term demographic and health trends.

An ageing population and increasing awareness of sleep disorders could continue to drive demand for its products and services.

I also like that ResMed has been building out its digital health ecosystem, which could enhance patient outcomes and strengthen its competitive position over time.

For me, it is a combination of defensive characteristics and growth potential, which is not always easy to find.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

TechnologyOne is probably one of the quieter achievers on the ASX, but I think that is part of what makes it interesting.

It provides enterprise software, particularly to government and education sectors, and has successfully transitioned to a software-as-a-service model.

What stands out to me is the consistency.

Recurring revenue, high margins, and long-term customer relationships all point to a business that can compound earnings over time.

It may not grab headlines in the same way as some other tech names, but I believe that reliability can be a real advantage for long-term investors.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group adds a different type of quality.

It operates one of the most dominant digital platforms in Australia through realestate.com.au, which gives it a very strong competitive position.

What I like here is the combination of pricing power and network effects. Agents need to list where buyers are, and buyers go where the listings are. That creates a reinforcing cycle that is difficult for competitors to break.

The business is also highly profitable, with strong margins and the ability to grow earnings over time as the property market evolves and digital penetration increases.

For me, REA Group is an example of a platform business that can continue compounding over many years.

Foolish takeaway

I think long-term investing is about owning businesses that you can hold through different market cycles without constantly second-guessing the decision.

ResMed offers exposure to global healthcare demand with a growing digital component, TechnologyOne provides a steady, recurring revenue model that continues to scale over time, and REA Group brings a dominant platform with strong pricing power and long-term growth potential.

Overall, the three have the kind of characteristics I think can support long-term compounding.

The post 3 high-quality ASX shares I’d buy and hold for the long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 35% in 2026, are Xero shares the bargain buy of April?
• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• 3 ASX shares to buy before the next market rally

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

It’s been a quiet fall from grace for CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

Once a market darling, the ASX biotech giant has slipped around 45% over the past 12 months and is now drifting near 52-week lows. Short-term issues have started to dominate headlines, and investor confidence has taken a hit.

But here’s the big question: is this the kind of setup long-term investors wait for?

Softer performance, weak sentiment

CSL’s latest half-year result helps explain the weak sentiment.

The company reported softer performance, with underlying profit declining and revenue slightly lower. A mix of policy changes, restructuring costs, and impairments weighed on the numbers — not exactly what investors wanted to see.

That’s been enough to keep pressure on CSL shares.

But look a little deeper, and the story starts to shift. This doesn’t look like a business in decline. It looks like a business in transition.

CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, supplying critical treatments for chronic and rare diseases. These are not optional products. Demand is consistent, recurring, and largely immune to economic cycles.

That gives CSL a powerful defensive edge.

Foundations still strong

At the same time, momentum is quietly building again for CSL shares. Plasma collections are improving, margins in its core CSL Behring division are stabilising, and its vaccine arm, Seqirus, continues to add diversification and growth potential.

In other words, the foundations are still strong.

What we’re seeing now is more of a reset — both in earnings and valuation — after a period of elevated expectations.

And that reset could be creating opportunity.

Margin pressure, integration risks

Of course, there are risks to consider.

CSL has faced ongoing margin pressure, integration challenges, and currency headwinds. If the earnings recovery takes longer than expected, or if costs remain elevated, the price of CSL shares could stay under pressure.

There’s also the broader issue of market sentiment. Even high-quality healthcare stocks can fall out of favour when investors rotate into other sectors.

But the long-term thesis remains intact.

What next for CSL shares?

Encouragingly, analysts are backing a recovery.

Broker sentiment on CSL shares is broadly positive, with most maintaining buy or outperform ratings. The average 12-month price target sits around $214.00, suggesting potential upside of roughly 54% from current levels.

And some are even more bullish.

UBS has a buy rating and a $235 price target on CSL shares, implying a possible 69% upside over the next year. Some forecasts go further, tipping gains of up to 98%.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line? CSL shares may have lost their shine in the short term, but the underlying business hasn’t.

For investors willing to look beyond the noise, this could be a rare chance to buy a world-class healthcare company at a significant discount.

The post Is now the time to load up on CSL shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, QBE, and Pro Medicus shares
• The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026
• Are these ASX blue chips now too cheap to ignore?
• Are ‘50% off’ CSL shares a once-in-a-decade opportunity?
• 3 ASX shares to buy before the next market rally

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 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.

There are a lot of options on the Australian share market for income investors to choose from.

To narrow things down, let’s take a look at two ASX dividend shares that brokers think could be among the best to buy now.

Here’s what they are recommending:

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

Morgans thinks this investment management company’s shares could be undervalued at current levels.

In response to its improving investment performance, the broker recently put a buy rating and $2.03 price target on its shares.

But more importantly, Morgans is expecting double-digit dividend yields over its forecast period. It said:

GQG has provided a February FUM update.  Whilst monthly net flows remained negative (-US$3.2bn), strong February investment performance (+US$10.5bn), which drove +4.5% FUM growth, made this a positive update in our view. We lift our GQG FY26F/FY27F EPS by +1%-+2%, driven by increased FUM forecasts based on better investment performance than we expected. Our PT rises to A$2.03 (previously A$1.89).

We acknowledge it remains early, but the improved January and February investment performance for GQG might mark the start of a business turnaround. We continue to see the stock as undervalued trading on 8x FY1 PE and an ~11% dividend yield. With >20% TSR upside, we move to a BUY rating, previously Accumulate.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The team at Bell Potter thinks that retail giant Harvey Norman could be a top ASX dividend share to buy.

Last week, it put a buy rating and $6.70 price target on its shares.

As for income, it is forecasting fully franked dividend yields of 6.2% in FY 2026 and then 7% in FY 2027.

Commenting on the retailer, the broker said:

Our PT is based on a sum-of-the-parts valuation with a DCF methodology (WACC ~9%, TGR 3.5%, FY26-30e) for retail operations (exProperty) and the property bank on a fair value basis (as BPe for FY26e) assuming a broadly stable capitalisation rate for the remainder of FY26e.

While our preference skews to category specialists with balance sheet strength, we see HVN’s well balanced geographical diversification somewhat offsetting the multi-category risks. Following the sharp sell-off in the name since Oct-25, HVN’s 1-year forward P/E of ~13x (as per BPe) appears attractive considering the new store driven growth in international retailing (UK, Malaysia, Croatia), refit program in Australia and opportunities to grow their real estate portfolio as Australia’s single largest owner in large format retail with a global portfolio of ~$4.6b.

The post 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these ASX shares are rated as buys in April
• Bell Potter says this ASX 200 stock can rise 38% and pay a 6% dividend yield
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices
• Where to invest $2,000 in ASX dividend shares

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 Harvey Norman. 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.

Getting started in the share market does not need to be complicated.

In fact, I think the simpler the approach, the better. Especially in the early stages.

With $5,000 and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is easy to get exposure to quality assets, build a diversified portfolio, and begin the habit of investing.

Here are three ASX ETFs I think are a great place to start.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

If I were starting out with ETFs, I would want exposure to the local market. The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF provides that.

It gives you access to a broad range of Australian companies, from the largest names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), through to mid and smaller companies such as Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO).

That diversification matters. It means you are not relying on a single company or sector. You are participating in the overall performance of the Australian economy.

There is also the benefit of dividends, with Australian shares typically offering income supported by franking credits. For a beginner, I think this is a very straightforward foundation.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Australia is only a small part of the global market. That is why I would want international exposure as well.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives access to around 1,300 large and mid-cap companies across developed markets. This includes global leaders like Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Johnson & Johnson.

What I like is how it complements Australian exposure. The ASX is heavily weighted toward banks and miners. The VGS ETF brings in sectors like global technology, healthcare, and consumer brands, which helps balance a portfolio.

For me, this is about broadening the opportunity set.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The final ETF I would consider has a growth tilt.

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF focuses on the Nasdaq 100 index, which includes many of the companies driving innovation globally.

Top holdings include Alphabet, Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Tesla Inc.

This ETF gives exposure to areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, electric vehicles, and digital platforms.

It is more concentrated and can be more volatile than a broad market ETF. But I think having a portion of your portfolio exposed to these kinds of businesses makes sense, especially over a long time horizon.

It adds a different growth dynamic alongside the broader exposure of the VAS and the VGS ETFs.

Foolish takeaway

Starting with ETFs is one of the easiest ways to begin investing. The VAS ETF gives you broad exposure to the Australian market, the VGS ETF opens the door to global developed markets, and the NDQ ETF adds a focused growth component tied to innovation.

Together, they create a simple, diversified starting point. And from my perspective, that is what a beginner investor needs.

The post 3 simple ASX ETFs to start investing with $5,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How long does it take to become a millionaire with ASX shares?
• 3 ASX ETFs to fund a comfortable retirement
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• What are the ASX’s top 3 index funds for passive investing?
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, DroneShield, and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, DroneShield, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla and is short shares of Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BHP Group, Elders, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are looking to add some higher-growth potential to your portfolio, there are plenty of ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to powerful global trends.

Rather than relying on a single company to deliver returns, these funds allow you to tap into entire industries that could expand significantly over the coming years.

Here are three exciting ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The first ASX ETF for growth investors to look at is the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF.

This fund gives investors easy exposure to companies that are operating across the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This includes exchanges, mining firms, and infrastructure providers.

Some of its key holdings include Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), Marathon Digital (NASDAQ: MARA), and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT).

A good example is Coinbase, which is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. It plays a critical role in enabling users and institutions to buy, sell, and store digital assets.

While the crypto market can be volatile, adoption continues to grow globally. If digital assets become more widely integrated into financial systems, the companies supporting this ecosystem could benefit significantly.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF that could be a strong growth option is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has become a critical area of spending for organisations as threats continue to increase in scale and sophistication.

The fund includes companies such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS).

CrowdStrike is a standout holding. It provides cloud-native cybersecurity solutions that protect businesses from cyber threats in real time. Its platform is widely adopted by enterprises and continues to expand its capabilities.

With cyber risks unlikely to disappear (and likely to increase significantly over the next decade), demand for these services is expected to remain strong for years to come.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

A third ASX ETF that could appeal to growth investors is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

This fund focuses on stocks that are involved in video games, esports, and interactive entertainment. These are industries that continue to grow as digital engagement increases.

Top holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Tencent (SEHK: 700), and TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE (NASDAQ: TTWO).

NVIDIA is a key player here. Its graphics processing units power gaming experiences, but they are also increasingly used in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

The combination of gaming, AI, and digital entertainment creates multiple growth avenues for companies within this ETF. It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036
• 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold after the selloff
• 3 brilliant ASX ETFs to buy after the market selloff
• This simple ASX ETF strategy matters more than ever in today’s uncertain market
• Here are 5 ASX ETFs that I would buy with $50,000

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Nvidia, Take-Two Interactive Software, Tencent, and Zscaler. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CrowdStrike and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s been a rough ride for Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shareholders. The ASX tech stock finished last week with a loss of 4% at $74.06.

Xero shares have tumbled 35% so far in 2026 and a steep 53% over the past six months. That’s a dramatic reversal for a company that was once one of the market’s favourite growth names.

But is this sell-off a warning sign or a golden opportunity?

Critical multi-platform

Let’s start with the fundamentals.

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform built for small and medium-sized businesses. It allows users to manage invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting all in one place — a mission-critical service for its customers.

And it’s not a small player. Xero has built a strong global footprint across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond. Its scalable subscription model delivers recurring revenue, while its ecosystem of integrations creates sticky customers and high switching costs.

In short, this is a high-quality growth business.

Broader tech rout

So why the sell-off? It’s not just about Xero shares. The decline has been part of a broader tech rout with the share price of WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) also suffering.

After a strong run in 2025, valuations across the tech sector looked stretched, and many investors were bracing for a correction.

Then came a new fear: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Markets began questioning whether artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software models. The concern is that AI-powered tools could reduce demand for subscription-based platforms like Xero.

Add in higher interest rates — which tend to hit growth stocks hardest — and you’ve got the perfect storm for Xero shares.

Attractive entry point

But here’s where things get interesting. After months of heavy selling, Xero shares are now trading at a significant discount to their previous highs. And that’s starting to attract attention.

Bargain hunters appear to be stepping back in, looking to pick up high-quality growth names at more attractive entry points.

And the analysts? They’re backing that view.

According to TradingView data, 13 out of 14 analysts rate Xero as a buy or strong buy. Price targets suggest potential upside of up to 215%, with some tipping the stock could reach $233.00 over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, Citi has retained its buy rating and set a $144.80 price target, implying around 92% upside from current levels.

Compelling big picture

Of course, risks remain. Competition in the accounting software space is heating up, and any slowdown in customer growth or margin expansion could weigh on sentiment. The AI disruption narrative also hasn’t fully disappeared.

But stepping back, the bigger picture is compelling.

Xero shares have been hit hard, but the core business remains strong. With a global footprint, recurring revenue, and sticky customers, it still ticks many of the boxes long-term investors look for.

The bottom line? This ASX tech stock has been knocked down, but not out. If sentiment continues to recover, Xero could be gearing up for a powerful comeback and today’s price might just look like a bargain in hindsight.

The post Down 35% in 2026, are Xero shares the bargain buy of April? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026
• Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys in April
• Forget Easter eggs, these ASX shares could be your best buys this month
• 3 ASX shares to buy before the next market rally

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

Building a $1 million portfolio can feel like a huge leap when you are starting from nothing.

But when I break it down, it becomes far more manageable.

It is not about finding the perfect ASX share or timing the market. It is about consistency, patience, and leveraging the power of compounding.

The maths behind it

Let’s start with a simple assumption.

If you can achieve an average return of 9% per year, which I think is a reasonable long-term expectation for a diversified portfolio of ASX shares, although not guaranteed, the path to $1 million becomes clearer.

At that return, investing $5,000 per year would grow to roughly $1 million in just over 33 years.

Clearly this is not a one-off effort. It is a habit. A system that builds momentum over decades.

And once that momentum builds, the numbers can start to accelerate in ways that are hard to appreciate early on.

The early years feel slow

In the beginning, progress can feel underwhelming. After five years, you have contributed $25,000. The portfolio might be worth a bit more than that, but not dramatically so.

This is where a lot of people lose interest. But I think this is the most important phase.

Because what you are really building early on is not wealth. It is discipline.

You are learning to invest regularly, ignore short-term noise, and stay focused on the long term.

Then compounding starts to show up

As the portfolio grows, something changes. The returns begin to matter more than the contributions.

At some point, your portfolio might grow by more in a year than you are adding yourself.

That is when compounding really starts to work in your favour.

And from there, the process becomes less about how much you can contribute and more about how long you can stay invested.

Which ASX shares I would invest in

If I were building a portfolio like this, I would keep things simple.

I would focus on high-quality ASX shares that have the potential to grow earnings over time and deliver a mix of capital growth and income.

This might mean companies like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) for exposure to global growth themes.

At the same time, businesses such as TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) provide exposure to high-margin software models with recurring revenue.

And I would likely balance that with more established names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), which can provide stability and income along the way.

The exact mix is less important than the principle. Own quality businesses and give them time.

Foolish takeaway

Building a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero is not about luck or timing. It is about consistency and time.

A steady investment of $5,000 per year, combined with a long-term return of around 9%, could get you there over a few decades.

It may not feel exciting in the early years. But over time, compounding can turn small, consistent steps into something significant.

The post How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 35% in 2026, are Xero shares the bargain buy of April?
• Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April
• The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026
• How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March?
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, ResMed, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed, Telstra Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear, Goodman Group, and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As we move through April, I think investors are in an attractive position.

Markets have pulled back, potentially creating opportunities to pick up shares in quality companies at a discount to what people were willing to pay only recently.

Here are three popular ASX shares that I’d buy this month.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

When I look at BHP, I see a company that is closely tied to some of the biggest long-term trends in the global economy.

Copper demand is one of the clearest examples. Electrification, renewable energy, and infrastructure all require large amounts of copper, and I think that demand could remain strong for many years.

BHP also offers exposure to iron ore, which continues to underpin its earnings today, as well as longer-term projects like potash that could diversify future growth.

What makes BHP appealing to me right now is the balance. It is not just a growth story. It is also an income-generating business that can return capital to shareholders through the cycle.

In a market where uncertainty is rising again, I think that combination of income and long-term exposure to global demand is hard to ignore.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

Commonwealth Bank is often described as expensive. And I think that is fair.

But I also think there is a reason it continues to trade at a premium. CBA has consistently delivered strong returns, supported by its scale, brand strength, and leading position in the Australian banking system.

Even in a higher interest rate environment, it has shown an ability to maintain margins and generate reliable earnings.

For me, this is less about finding a bargain and more about owning quality. If I were building or adding to a long-term portfolio in April, I would still consider CBA shares because of its consistency and resilience.

It may not be the fastest grower, but it is one of the most dependable.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. This is not a mature, steady business. It is a company operating in a rapidly evolving industry with significant potential.

What stands out to me is how quickly the business has scaled. In FY25, the company delivered around $260 million in revenue, roughly four times higher than the previous year, while also achieving profitability.

At the same time, its sales pipeline has grown to around $2.3 billion across nearly 300 deals, which suggests a large opportunity set ahead.

I also find the broader industry backdrop compelling. Counter-drone technology is still in its early stages, with adoption across both military and civilian markets expected to expand over time. The company itself points to a very large addressable market and increasing global demand for these solutions.

Of course, this kind of growth story comes with more risk.

But I think that is part of the appeal. In a diversified portfolio, DroneShield shares could provide exposure to a theme that is very different from traditional sectors.

Foolish takeaway

I think combining these types of ASX shares in a portfolio can make a lot of sense for long-term investors.

BHP offers exposure to global growth and commodities, CBA provides stability and income, and DroneShield brings higher-risk, higher-potential growth tied to a rapidly evolving industry.

The post Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to build a million-dollar ASX share portfolio from zero
• BHP shares just dropped — is this your chance to buy the dip?
• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares 
• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and DroneShield. 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If I had to pick one ASX dividend stock to hold through thick and thin, it would be Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

This isn’t a flashy growth stock. It’s not chasing hype. But when it comes to reliability, few businesses on the ASX come close.

So what makes this ASX dividend stock so dependable?

Major toll road operator

Start with its core business. Transurban owns and operates major toll roads across Australia and North America, including some of the busiest urban motorways. These are essential assets. People rely on them every day to get to work, move goods, and keep cities running.

That creates incredibly stable and predictable cash flow.

Even better, many of its toll roads have long-term concession agreements and pricing linked to inflation. That means revenue can grow steadily over time, even in uncertain economic conditions.

It’s the kind of business designed to endure.

And that’s exactly what income investors want from an ASX dividend stock.

Sustainable, growing payouts

The $43 billion ASX dividend stock has built a strong track record of paying consistent distributions. While yields can vary, the focus is on sustainable, growing payouts backed by real assets and recurring revenue. In other words, it’s not just about dividend yield, it’s about reliability.

Transurban pays two dividends per year. In February, the toll road operator paid an interim dividend of 34 cents per share, unfranked.

For FY26, the company has forecast a distribution of 69 cents per security, which implies a forward dividend yield of 4.9%. 

But this isn’t just a defensive play. There’s also a clear growth path.

Transurban continues to invest in major infrastructure projects, expanding its network and increasing capacity on existing roads. As cities grow and congestion rises, demand for its assets typically increases as well.

That creates a long runway for future earnings growth.

High debts, regulatory risk

Now, let’s talk risks. Like any infrastructure business, Transurban carries significant debt. That’s part of the model, but it also means the company is sensitive to interest rate movements.

Higher rates can increase financing costs and put pressure on returns.

There’s also regulatory risk. Toll pricing and concession agreements depend on government relationships, and any changes could impact profitability.

And while traffic volumes are generally resilient, they can still dip during economic slowdowns or unexpected events.

Even so, the long-term picture for the ASX dividend stock remains compelling.

This is a business built on essential infrastructure, backed by inflation-linked revenue, and supported by population growth and urbanisation trends. It doesn’t need perfect conditions to perform.

The post An ASX dividend stock I’d hold no matter what appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How did these ASX defensive shares hold up in March?
• 2 defensive ASX dividend stocks for reliable income
• 2 ASX dividend shares to hold for the next 7 years
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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 positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There is always something to worry about in markets.

Right now, it might be inflation, interest rates, geopolitical tensions, or the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on different industries.

All of those are valid concerns.

But when I look at how investors are reacting, I think the biggest mistake in 2026 is not any single decision.

It is stepping back from investing altogether.

Letting uncertainty stop you

Periods like this tend to create hesitation. Share prices move around more, headlines become more negative, and it can feel like the safer option is to wait for things to settle down.

The problem is that markets rarely give you that moment of clarity. There is almost always another reason to wait.

And while you are waiting, time passes. For long-term investors, time is one of the most important assets you have.

Volatility is part of the process

I think it is easy to forget that volatility is normal. Markets do not move in straight lines. Some years are strong, others are flat or negative.

We have seen that recently, with parts of the market pulling back even as others have held up better.

That does not mean the long-term opportunity has disappeared. If anything, it often means valuations in certain areas are becoming more reasonable.

ASX shares like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have seen significant share price declines at different points, even while continuing to invest in their businesses and position for future growth.

That is not unusual.

Trying to time the perfect entry

Another mistake I see is trying to get the timing exactly right.

Waiting for the bottom. Waiting for the next piece of good news. Waiting for markets to feel more comfortable again.

In reality, those moments are only obvious in hindsight.

I think a more practical approach is to invest progressively over time. That way, you are not relying on a single decision. You are building exposure gradually.

Forgetting what you own

When markets are volatile, it is easy to focus on share prices rather than the businesses behind them.

But in my view, that is the wrong focus.

If you own high-quality companies with strong balance sheets, competitive advantages, and long-term growth potential, short-term price movements matter less.

Businesses like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), or TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) are not defined by a single year’s performance.

They are built to grow over many years.

A different way to think about ASX investing

Instead of asking whether now is the perfect time to invest in the ASX, I think a better question is:

Am I investing in businesses I would be comfortable holding for the long term?

That shift in mindset changes everything.

It moves the focus away from short-term uncertainty and toward long-term opportunity.

Foolish takeaway

The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026 is letting uncertainty stop them from investing.

Markets will always have risks. But over time, it is participation, consistency, and patience that tend to drive results.

For me, the priority is not waiting for the perfect moment. It is making sure I stay in the market, invested in quality businesses, and focused on the long term.

The post The biggest mistake I see ASX investors making in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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