ASX travel shares have been one sector that has failed to capture broader market growth in the past year. 

In the last 12 months, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen a healthy 9%. 

Despite this, many ASX travel shares are hovering close to 12-month lows. 

Is there any value?

Here is what experts are saying. 

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Webjet provides online travel booking services. It is an online travel agency, which enables customers to search and book the domestic and international travel flight deals, travel insurance, car hire, and hotel accommodation worldwide.

In the last 12 months, its share price has fallen more than 40%. 

At the time of writing, shares are trading for approximately $2.68. 

Much of the negative sentiment around the travel stock has come from a Spanish tax audit into Web Travel Group. 

The audit is an investigation by Spain’s tax authorities into whether one of its local subsidiaries correctly reported and paid corporate and indirect taxes for several recent years. 

This sent its share price down 40% in a single day. 

Management reassured investors that only the company’s Spanish subsidiary is being audited and it did not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review.

It seems with sentiment at an all-time low, there could be upside for this ASX travel stock. 

Based on 9 analyst forecasts via TradingView, Webjet shares have a one year average price target of $5.93. 

This indicates a potential upside of approximately 121%. 

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld Travel consists of a wide array of travel brands across three key pillars of its business: retail, wholesale, and inbound. 

Its stock price closed yesterday at $1.48, down 28% from yearly highs back in early February. 

However now could be a good time to buy according to recent broker recommendations. 

Following earnings results, Morgans placed a buy recommendation on this ASX travel stock. 

Similarly, Shaw & Partners placed a $2.80 price target on the company. 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates 89% upside. 

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre operates a vast network of travel agencies, operating under various brands across the world, including Student Universe, Travel Money, Corporate Traveller, and Topdeck.

Its share price is sitting close to 52-week lows at $11.26 per share. 

It’s down more than 30% since early February. 

However, according to brokers, its now trading at compelling value.

The team at Canaccord Genuity recently placed a price target of $16 on Flight Centre shares

Meanwhile, Macquarie has a price target of $17.95. 

UBS’ recent target sits in the middle at $16.45. 

Morgan’s recent target is the highest at $18.05. 

These targets indicate upside of between 42% and 60%. 

The post ASX travel shares are hovering near yearly lows – time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 ASX stocks to buy and 1 to sell

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

At first glance, the Australian share market doesn’t look particularly cheap.

Even after the recent pullback driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is still sitting not far from record highs. Many investors are also sitting on very healthy gains thanks to the strong performance of bank and mining shares over the past year.

But when I look beneath the surface of the market, I see something quite different.

In my view, a large part of the market has already experienced its own bear market. And that disconnect could be creating a rare opportunity for long-term investors.

The strength in banks and miners is masking the real picture

The ASX 200 is heavily concentrated in just a handful of sectors.

Banks and mining companies make up a very large portion of the index, and both groups have performed strongly. Iron ore, oil, copper, and gold producers have benefited from resilient commodity prices, while the major banks have rallied significantly as investors chased reliable dividends.

Because of their large weightings, that strength has helped keep the overall market relatively elevated.

But outside those sectors, the story has been very different.

Many high-quality Australian shares across healthcare, technology, consumer, and industrial sectors have fallen sharply over the past year.

Plenty of quality Australian shares are already down heavily

Some well-known businesses have been pushed down to 52-week lows or worse during the recent sell-off.

Companies such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG), Amcor plc (ASX: AMC), Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE), and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) all saw their share prices fall to 52-week lows last week as investors reacted to market volatility and shifting sentiment.

At the same time, a number of well-known Australian shares are now trading more than 30% below their highs from the past year.

Businesses like Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX), Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) have all experienced substantial declines despite still operating in industries with strong long-term growth prospects.

Personally, I think it’s important to recognise that many of these businesses haven’t suddenly become bad companies. In many cases, the share price weakness reflects changing sentiment, macroeconomic concerns, or broader market rotations rather than a collapse in the underlying businesses.

Market pullbacks can create powerful opportunities

History shows that periods of widespread pessimism can sometimes create the best opportunities for long-term investors.

When high-quality Australian shares fall sharply alongside the broader market, investors occasionally get the chance to buy great businesses at prices that simply weren’t available during more optimistic times.

Of course, not every falling stock is a bargain. Some companies decline for very good reasons, and careful analysis is always important.

But when large numbers of quality businesses are trading well below their previous highs at the same time, it can create an environment that favours patient investors.

A long-term perspective matters

One thing I always remind myself is that wealth in the share market is usually built over many years.

Trying to perfectly time the bottom is almost impossible. Instead, long-term investors often benefit from gradually building positions in strong businesses when sentiment is weak.

If the current pullback deepens, that opportunity could become even more attractive.

Foolish Takeaway

The ASX 200 might still look relatively strong on the surface, but the broader market tells a very different story.

Many high-quality Australian shares are already down 30% to 50% from their highs or sitting at multi-year lows. In my view, the strength in bank and mining shares has largely masked how difficult the past year has been for many other sectors.

That disconnect could mean something important. For long-term investors willing to look beyond the headline index level, this period may turn out to be one of the most attractive opportunities in years to start building wealth in Australian shares.

The post Australian shares: A once-in-a-decade chance to build wealth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• New Hope Corporation 1H FY26: Profit falls, interim dividend declared

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, Cochlear, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Temple & Webster Group, Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc, Treasury Wine Estates, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Cochlear, Flight Centre Travel Group, Pro Medicus, Telix Pharmaceuticals, 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.

The New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price is in focus after the company delivered underlying EBITDA of $214.8 million and declared a 10-cent fully franked interim dividend for the first half of FY26.

What did New Hope Corporation report?

• Underlying EBITDA of $214.8 million, down 58.5% from the prior period
• Net profit after tax of $54.3 million, an 84.0% decline year-on-year
• Saleable coal production rose slightly to 5.5Mt
• Net cash flow from operating activities was $185.0 million
• Available cash stood at $616.8 million
• Fully franked interim dividend of 10.0 cents per share, with dividend reinvestment plan in place

What else do investors need to know?

The company continues to progress its organic growth strategy, including increased equity in Malabar Resources to nearly 26%, broadening its position in high-quality metallurgical coal. Operations at the Bengalla Mine were impacted by prior weather events, but production is expected to return to the 13.4Mtpa run-of-mine coal rate in H2 FY26.

New Acland Mine production continued to ramp up, with access to the third pit (Manning Vale West) scheduled for late 2026. This step should further increase personnel and production, underlining New Hope’s focus on long-life, low-cost assets.

What did New Hope Corporation management say?

Chief Executive Officer Rob Bishop said:

The Group achieved 5.5Mt of saleable coal production for the half year, which was supported by the continued ramp up of production at New Acland Mine.

In a lower coal price environment, our assets remain resilient and continue to generate solid margins.

As a result of our performance, we are able to reward shareholders with a fully franked interim dividend of 10.0 cents per ordinary share.

Looking ahead, Bengalla Mine is expected to return to the 13.4Mtpa ROM coal production rate (100 per cent basis) during the second half of the 2026 financial year. In addition, New Acland Mine will continue to ramp up production and is scheduled to begin mining activities in the Manning Vale West pit during the final quarter of the 2026 calendar year.

What’s next for New Hope Corporation?

New Hope aims to get Bengalla back to full production and further increase output at New Acland as Manning Vale West comes online. The dividend reinvestment plan and ongoing on-market share buy-back show a commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Management’s disciplined capital management and continued investment in long-life assets provide a stable foundation as the company navigates lower coal prices and focuses on sustainable, low-cost production.

New Hope Corporation share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, New Hope Corporation shares have risen 43%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post New Hope Corporation 1H FY26: Profit falls, interim dividend declared appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) share price is in focus after the company reported a net profit after tax of $567 million and revenue of $1.54 billion for 2025.

What did West African Resources report?

• Revenue: $1.54 billion
• Net profit after tax: $567 million
• Profit before tax: $808 million
• Operating cash flow: $790 million
• Gold production: 300,383 ounces at US$1,488/oz AISC
• Gold sales: 280,065 ounces at US$3,525/oz average price

What else do investors need to know?

West African Resources finished 2025 with $584 million in cash and 27,095 ounces of gold bullion, highlighting its strong liquidity position. The company saw a successful ramp-up of its new Kiaka gold production centre, contributing to both output and revenue growth.

Importantly, there were no significant health or safety incidents during the year, and the company implemented an owner-mining model across its open pit operations. West African also increased exploration efforts, aiming for future resource expansion.

What did West African Resources management say?

Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde said:

WAF delivered another year of strong operational and financial performance in 2025, meeting all key objectives including the on-budget construction and ramp-up of Kiaka, continued high-margin gold production from Sanbrado, and implementation of the owner-mining model for the Group’s open pit operations. The Group generated A$569M NPAT, A$790M operating cash flow and finished the year with A$584M cash and 27,095 ounces of unsold gold bullion.

What’s next for West African Resources?

West African Resources anticipates even higher revenue and operating cash flow in 2026, thanks to a full year of simultaneous production from both Sanbrado and Kiaka. The company plans to publish updated reserves, resources, and a 10-year production target by the end of Q1 2026.

Ongoing investments in exploration drilling could further grow its asset base and long-term production capabilities, positioning the company for sustained performance.

West African Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, West African Resources shares have risen 24%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post West African Resources posts $567m profit as gold production grows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• New Hope Corporation 1H FY26: Profit falls, interim dividend declared
• RBA tipped to lift interest rates again as oil surge fuels inflation fears
• Bell Potter just initiated coverage on this ASX utilities stock with a buy recommendation
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Perpetual sells Wealth Management business to Bain Capital for $500m

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Most Australians know they should be thinking about superannuation. Far fewer know whether they are actually on track.

Turning 60 is a pivotal moment. It is when the abstract concept of retirement starts to feel tangible — and when the numbers in your super account start to matter in a very real way. With the Age Pension not available until 67, the seven years between now and eligibility need to be funded by something. For most people, that something is super.

So here is the honest question: what does your superannuation balance at 60 need to look like in 2026 to support a comfortable life after work?

The benchmark that matters

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) regularly publishes a Retirement Standard — the most widely referenced guide for retirement adequacy in Australia.

According to ASFA’s current figures, a comfortable retirement allows you to cover everyday essentials, maintain private health insurance, run a car, enjoy leisure activities, and take domestic holidays annually, with an overseas trip every seven years. That lifestyle requires annual spending of around $54,840 for a single person and $77,375 for a couple.

To sustain that spending through retirement, ASFA estimates you need around $630,000 in super as a single person, or $730,000 combined as a couple, assuming you own your home outright and can draw a partial Age Pension from 67.

At the other end of the scale, a modest retirement — covering basic needs and sitting slightly above the Age Pension — requires between $110,000 and $120,000 for either singles or couples.

Where the average super actually sits

The honest answer is: short of comfortable for most singles, but closer to the mark for couples.

Using data from Rest Super, the average superannuation balance for a 60-64-year-old man in 2026 is estimated at roughly $395,852. For women, it is approximately $313,360. A typical couple at 60, therefore, holds a combined balance of over $700,000 — within reach of the ASFA comfortable retirement target of $730,000.

For singles, however, the gap is more confronting. A sixty-year-old woman with around the average balance needs more than double her current balance to reach the comfortable benchmark. An average amount for a 60 year old man is closer, but still more than $200,000 short.

The gender gap in super balances at this age reflects well-documented structural factors: time out of the workforce for caring responsibilities, higher rates of part-time employment, and lower average lifetime earnings. It is a real and persistent disadvantage.

It is also worth noting a timing effect. Some Australians begin drawing from their super around 60 when they reach preservation age, which can reduce balances in the 60–64 bracket relative to peak accumulation years. That means averages can understate what disciplined savers have actually built.

There is still time to move the needle

Sixty is not the finish line. For most Australians, it is the last meaningful stretch.

Three levers are worth understanding. First, downsizer contributions allow eligible homeowners aged 55 and over to contribute up to $300,000 — or $600,000 for a couple — from the sale of their primary residence directly into super. This is one of the most powerful balance-boosting tools available. Second, personal concessional contributions allow you to add up to $30,000 per year into super from pre-tax income, reducing your tax bill while lifting your balance. Third, even switching to a lower-fee fund or reviewing your investment option allocation can compound significantly over seven years.

The Foolish takeaway

The average superannuation balance at 60 tells a story of genuine progress but also an important reality check if falling short, particularly for singles.

Couples are broadly within reach of a comfortable retirement, especially once the Age Pension is factored in from 67. Singles face a more material gap, and the next seven years represent the best opportunity most will have to close it. The numbers can be confronting at first glance, but they are also actionable. Knowing where you stand is the first step to changing where you end up.

The post Here’s what your superannuation balance at 60 needs to be for comfort in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• RBA tipped to lift interest rates again as oil surge fuels inflation fears
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• How to position your ASX portfolio in the current environment – Expert

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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.

In times of volatility it can be prudent for investors to shift portfolio allocation towards defensive options.

Defensive investing is often ideal during periods of market volatility because it prioritises stability, and risk management over aggressive growth. 

When markets fluctuate sharply due to economic uncertainty, geopolitical events, or shifting interest rates, defensive strategies focus on assets that tend to remain resilient – such as high-quality dividend stocks, essential consumer goods companies, and other sectors with steady demand. 

These investments typically experience smaller price swings and provide more predictable income, helping investors reduce the impact of sudden downturns. 

By emphasising consistency and financial strength, defensive investing allows portfolios to weather turbulent markets while maintaining the flexibility to pursue growth opportunities once conditions stabilise. 

For investors aiming to minimise volatility in their portfolios, here are three ASX ETFs to consider. 

VanEck Ftse Global Infrastructure (Hedged) ETF (ASX: IFRA)

IFRA gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of infrastructure securities listed on exchanges in developed markets around the world.

At the time of writing, it includes 134 holdings. 

The fund tracks the FTSE Global Core Infrastructure Index and primarily invests in utilities, energy infrastructure, and transportation assets around the world. 

It is currency-hedged to the Australian dollar and carries a management fee of approximately 0.20%.

It may attract defensive investors because infrastructure companies operate under long-term contracts or regulated revenue frameworks, which can make their income streams more predictable and their cash flows generally more stable than those of typical equities. 

The fund has risen almost 10% this year amidst wider global volatility. 

iShares Edge Msci Australia Minimum Volatility ETF (ASX: MVOL)

This ASX ETF aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Australia IMI Select Minimum Volatility (AUD) Index. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of Australian equities that, in aggregate, have lower volatility characteristics relative to the broader Australian equity market.

According to iShares, minimum volatility strategies aim to lose less than the broad market during downturns. 

It includes exposure to companies providing essential services like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). 

At the time of writing, it includes 105 holdings with its largest sector exposure being to: 

• Financials (30.84%)
• Materials (18.50%)
• Industrials (12.06%)
• Communication (7.22%)
• Consumer Staples (7.21%)

iShares MSCI World ex Australia Minimum Volatility ETF (ASX:WVOL)

As the name suggests, this fund uses the same strategy as the previous fund. However this ASX ETF has a global focus rather than Australia. 

The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI World ex Australia Minimum Volatility (AUD) Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of developed market equities that, in the aggregate, have lower volatility characteristics relative to the broader global developed equity markets.

The post Looking to defend your portfolio from volatility? – 3 great ASX ETFs to consider 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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares have endured an awful past week of trading. 

Last Friday, the ASX 200 gold stock fell more than 18%. 

This was followed up by a 5.3% drop on Monday.

Holders of Northern Star shares would be feeling the pinch after such a horror run. 

However, brokers are now adjusting their outlooks and suggesting it could be a buy-low opportunity. 

Why did Northern Star shares crash?

Northern Star Resources is a global-scale Australian gold producer with projects in Australia and North America.

Investors were exiting their positions in the gold producer in the last couple of days after the company released an operational update.

The company’s operational update indicates it may fall short of the lower end of its full-year production guidance, with operational challenges affecting performance so far in FY26.

It has now downgraded gold sales twice in FY26 and the three times since FY25. 

Northern Star reported total gold sales of 220,000 ounces for January and February 2026, while FY26 production is now expected to exceed 1.50 million ounces, lower than previously guided. 

Results were impacted by weaker-than-planned milling performance at KCGM and reduced mining productivity at Jundee. 

At KCGM, open-pit high-grade ore mined averaged 1.6g/t during the first two months of 2026. 

The KCGM mill expansion project remains on track, with commissioning targeted for early FY27.

What are brokers saying?

While it’s been bad news for holders of Northern Resources shares, recent broker notes suggest it could be an attractive entry point for future investors. 

The share price has now crashed 35% since the start of March. 

It closed yesterday at $20.58 per share. 

Bell Potter did note it was very disappointed to see the company downgrade its FY 2026 guidance for a second time last week.

It said the disappointing downgrade is likely to remain as a significant overhang for the stock over the next 12-18 months until the ramp up of the upgraded mill at KCGM commences. We see potential positives from asset rationalisation, given the high capital and operating costs at the likes of Jundee and Thunderbox.

However the broker retained its buy rating and $35.00 price target. 

From yesterday’s closing price, that indicates an upside of approximately 70%. 

Similarly, the team at Morgans released fresh analysis following the recent crash. 

The broker downgraded its forecasts for KCGM (FY26, FY27) and Yandal (FY26 and beyond) until operations demonstrate a period of stability. 

It also downgraded its price target for Northern Star shares to $30.00ps (previously $35.00). 

Our BUY rating is maintained, we note valuation strength is derived from the long-term growth profile rather than near-term earnings.

This updated target from Morgans still indicates a potential upside of 45.77%. 

The post Northern Star Resources shares crash 22% in 2 days – These brokers say buy the dip 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 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 Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could soon raise interest rates again as rising oil prices threaten to push inflation higher.

According to The Australian, policymakers are increasingly concerned about the recent spike in global energy prices. Officials fear the move could keep inflation above the central bank’s target for longer.

Here’s what investors need to know.

Oil surge complicates inflation outlook

Oil prices have climbed rapidly in recent weeks amid the escalating war in the Middle East. Disruptions around key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, have raised concerns about global supply.

Energy costs play a major role in inflation. When oil prices rise, transport, manufacturing, and goods prices often follow.

This creates what economists call ‘second round inflation effects’, where higher energy costs spread through the broader economy.

According to comments from Andrew Hauser, inflation risks remain skewed to the upside.

Hauser recently noted that oil trading above US$100 per barrel could present a genuine challenge for policymakers trying to bring inflation back toward the RBA’s target band of 2% to 3%.

Even before the latest energy shock, forecasts suggested inflation could remain above the midpoint of the target range until mid-2028.

Strong economy giving RBA room to move

Another reason the central bank may tighten policy again is the resilience of Australia’s economy.

The unemployment rate remains relatively low at around 4.1%, which suggests the labour market is still tight.

At the same time, surveys show consumer inflation expectations are beginning to rise again.

With the economy still holding up, some economists believe the RBA may feel it has room to lift the cash rate further if inflation pressures continue to build.

Money markets are now pricing in a strong chance of another 25-basis point rate hike.

However, policymakers remain cautious about tightening too aggressively.

RBA governor Michele Bullock has previously warned that the board is mindful of the risks of pushing rates too high and damaging economic growth.

What it could mean for the ASX

Interest rate expectations often have a major influence on share markets.

Higher rates typically weigh on sectors such as property, consumer discretionary companies, and businesses carrying large amounts of debt.

Banks can sometimes benefit from higher interest rates through improved lending margins, although slower economic activity may offset some of those gains.

If the RBA raises rates again today, investors could see increased volatility across the S&P/ASX 200 Index(ASX: XJO).

At the same time, the surge in oil prices may support Australian energy producers if the rally continues.

The post RBA tipped to lift interest rates again as oil surge fuels inflation fears appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will hand down its latest interest rate decision later today.

According to the latest cash rate futures, the market is currently pricing in a 71% probability that the central bank will lift the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1%.

Higher interest rates can make income-focused investments such as term deposits more attractive. However, a number of ASX dividend shares continue to offer dividend yields comfortably above the current cash rate while also providing the potential for capital growth.

Here are three dividend shares that could still be worth considering.

HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

The first ASX dividend share that could be worth a closer look is HomeCo Daily Needs REIT.

This real estate investment trust owns a portfolio of convenience-based retail properties across Australia. These include shopping centres and large-format retail locations anchored by tenants such as supermarkets, liquor stores, and other essential retailers.

Because these types of businesses tend to generate consistent customer traffic regardless of economic conditions, the trust benefits from relatively stable rental income and very high occupancy rates.

Importantly for income investors, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is known for offering an attractive distribution yield that sits comfortably above current interest rates.

The company is guiding to a dividend of 8.6 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $1.22, this would mean a dividend yield of 7%.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

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

The agricultural real estate investment trust owns a diversified portfolio of farming assets across Australia. These include properties used for almonds, cattle, vineyards, macadamias, and cropping.

Rather than operating the farms directly, the trust leases these assets to agricultural operators under long-term agreements. This provides a stable and predictable rental income stream that supports its distributions to investors.

Agricultural land can also benefit from long-term structural trends such as rising global food demand and limited supply of productive farmland.

Combined with a distribution yield that sits well above the current cash rate, Rural Funds Group could remain an attractive income option.

Rural Funds expects to pay shareholders an 11.7 cents per share dividend in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.10, this equates to a dividend yield of 5.6%.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

A final ASX dividend share that could be worth a look is Transurban Group.

This infrastructure giant owns and operates major toll roads across Australia and North America. These assets play a critical role in major transport networks and typically generate steady traffic volumes over time.

Its portfolio includes CityLink in Melbourne, Cross City Tunnel in Sydney, the Logan Motorway in Brisbane, and 95 Express Lanes in the United States.

One of Transurban’s key advantages is the long-term nature of its toll road concessions. Many of its assets operate under agreements that run for decades, providing strong visibility over future revenue.

Transurban is guiding to a 69 cents per share dividend for FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $14.32, this would mean a dividend yield of 4.8%.

With a yield that sits comfortably above the current cash rate and infrastructure assets that generate reliable cash flows, Transurban could be a compelling option for investors seeking income.

The post 71% chance of RBA hike? These ASX dividend shares still beat rising interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Many investors’ portfolios have been on a rollercoaster this month. This volatility has been influenced by the developing conflict in the Middle East. 

A new report from VanEck has shed light on the sectors that may hold up in this current environment. 

Global energy fragility 

According to VanEck, The Middle East crisis has reinforced how fragile global energy security is, particularly given Iran’s role in oil production and the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint. 

As a result, investors are wondering how best to position themselves for the turmoil.

VanEck said we may be moving from a short-lived shock to a conflict that could last months, disrupting crude oil and LNG supply and affecting the energy system’s core infrastructure, transport, production, and refining.

We think gold, defence, commodities and quality are structurally positioned for this environment.

Gold still a safe-haven 

VanEck said gold is supported by central bank accumulation, fiscal deterioration and geopolitical uncertainty.

Since the crisis broke out, gold has risen back above US$5,200/oz on safe-haven demand, and we think it is expected to push further.

According to the report, the structural drivers for gold, central banks accumulating at the fastest pace since Bretton Woods, US fiscal deterioration and the slow unwinding of dollar hegemony were in place before the Middle East conflict. 

The Strait of Hormuz threat, if it materialises, introduces the prospect of an inflationary oil shock on top of an already uncertain rate environment. That combination, geopolitical uncertainty plus inflation risk, is an environment in which gold has historically performed best.

For investors looking to gain exposure to gold shares, options include: 

• Vaneck Gold Bullion ETF (ASX: NUGG)
• VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) – gives investors instant access to 92 of the largest and most liquid global gold mining companies.

Defence 

VanEck also noted defence spending was already in a structural upcycle; the conflict has accelerated the long-term repricing of security.

In terms of defence, if investors think long-term yields are near their highs, they could consider layering in duration, at the same time, with short-term rates rising, the yields on floating rate exposures will increase as rates rise. In addition, US Treasuries offer a potential portfolio hedge against risk-off periods and periods of rising rates.

ASX ETFs to consider in this sector include: 

• Vaneck Global Defence Etf (ASX: DFND)
• Betashares Global Defence ETF – Beta Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR). 

More information on global defence ETFs can be found here.

Energy and quality 

Furthermore, demand for traditional energy has increased, and investors are once again turning to traditional resources as well as critical minerals for strategic portfolio exposures. 

In terms of quality investing: 

The uncertainty creates volatility and quality companies tend to do relatively well in these environments as investors seek companies with stronger balance sheets and stable earnings.

Real assets also tend to perform relatively well because they provide tangible, consistent cash flows and act as inflation hedges.

For investors seeking energy and quality focussed exposure: 

• VanEck Vectors Msci World Ex Australia Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)
• VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR)

The post How to position your ASX portfolio in the current environment – Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX ETFs I’d buy for returns and to sleep well at night
• 3 defensive ASX ETFs to battle through market turmoil
• Where to invest $10,000 into ASX ETFs in March
• Australia’s next great ASX mining boom: Are we already in it?
• If you think global instability will persist, these ASX ETFs might be for you

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.