It’s been a choppy ride for investors in BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

Shares have dropped 13.5% over the past month, rattling confidence. But zoom out, and the picture looks very different. BHP shares are still up 12.5% year to date and an impressive 32% over the past 12 months.

To put it in perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed just 8% in the same period.

So, what’s going on — and is this dip a buying opportunity?

Squeezed margins

Recent weakness looks largely macro-driven.

Global tensions, particularly ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have pushed energy prices higher and fueled broader market uncertainty. Rising fuel costs can squeeze margins for miners, while investor jitters tend to hit cyclical stocks like BHP shares harder.

At the same time, commodity prices — especially iron ore — have been volatile. Since iron ore is BHP’s key earnings driver, even small price swings can have an outsized impact on sentiment.

Put simply, the sell-off says more about the environment than the business itself.

Future facing commodities

And that business still has serious strengths.

BHP remains one of the world’s lowest-cost producers, giving it a major advantage during downturns. It also has exposure to future-facing commodities like copper, which is expected to benefit from electrification and the global energy transition.

Add in a strong balance sheet and consistent cash generation, and BHP shares are well-positioned to weather volatility.

But there are risks.

BHP is highly cyclical. If global growth slows or China’s demand weakens, commodity prices could fall further — dragging earnings with them. There’s also ongoing exposure to geopolitical risks and cost pressures, particularly from energy and labour.

What experts think?

Blackwattle Investment Partners recently highlighted several ASX mining stocks in its monthly newsletter, noting it expects BHP shares to continue outperforming the market, adding:

BHP continues to extract value from its portfolio, announcing the sell down of Antamina’s silver-stream for US$4.3bn while maintaining their (BHP’s) exposure to the Copper, Zinc and Lead at the mine.

BHP has identified a further US$4b of potential value to be unlocked from within their portfolio which should continue to see BHP outperform the market.

BHP called out ex China, European demand picking up, US remains steady and India continues to grow, and we believe given tight supply and fundamental demand for commodities keeps BHP well placed to benefit moving forward.

What next for BHP shares?

According to TradingView data, sentiment is mixed but still leans positive. Eleven analysts rate BHP as a hold, seven as a buy or strong buy, and two have sell ratings.

The average 12-month price target sits at $54.31 — implying modest upside of around 6% from current levels.

But the bulls see more.

The most optimistic forecast tips BHP could climb to $70.37 — a potential gain of 37%.

The bottom line? BHP shares have pulled back, but the long-term story hasn’t changed. For investors willing to ride the commodity cycle, this dip could be worth a closer look.

The post BHP shares just dropped — is this your chance to buy the dip? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I think BHP, CBA, and DroneShield shares are buys in April
• 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?
• 2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. 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 Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and sank into the red. The benchmark index fell 1.05% to 8,579.5 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to open flat

The Australian share market looks set to open flat on Tuesday despite a decent start to the week in the US. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the week right where it ended the last one. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.35%, the S&P 500 is up 0.45%, and the Nasdaq is 0.55% higher.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good session for ASX 200 energy shares Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices rose again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.8% to US$112.44 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.3% to US$109.35 a barrel. Oil prices pushed higher after Donald Trump reiterated threats to bomb Iranian infrastructure.

Lovisa given hold rating

The Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) share price is close to fair value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the fashion jewellery retailer’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $24.00 (from $33.50). It said: “We highly rate LOV’s strong gross margin outlook, long term store opportunity upside, further prospects arising from changes in the competitive dynamics in US/UK/South Africa, together with strong execution and leadership. On the flipside, we see elevated risks within the core Australian market with a fast-growing competitor and factor in further declines in comparable store sales for the region.”

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) could have a positive session on Tuesday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.1% to US$4,684.1 an ounce. Traders were buying gold as Trump’s deadline for Iran neared.

Nufarm named as a buy

The team at Bell Potter has named Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) shares as a buy with a $3.60 price target. This implies potential upside of over 70% for investors. Commenting on the agricultural chemicals company, it said: “We are now beginning to enter the most material selling windows for NUF and the majority of markets look supportive of reasonable demand levels of crop protection products.”

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

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• How much superannuation do you need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than you’d think
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 suddenly turns lower as fresh war fears hit before Easter

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

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares finished at $37.01 before the Easter break, leaving the stock trading near its 52-week high.

That also puts it within reach of its all-time high of $42.47, which was set on 23 August 2021.

At first glance, buying more of a stock near record levels might seem counterintuitive.

But in the current market, I think Woolworths still stands out as one of the most reliable defensive positions on the ASX.

The ongoing war in the Middle East has kept pressure on oil prices, pushing fuel costs higher and increasing demand for pantry staples.

Periods like this often see investors move toward businesses with reliable demand and stable cash generation.

And Woolworths fits that profile well.

Everyday demand does not disappear

The main reason I would buy more Woolworths shares here is simple. People still need to eat no matter what is happening in the economy.

Whether inflation stays elevated, interest rates remain high, or consumer sentiment weakens further, grocery spending is usually one of the last areas households cut.

Families may pull back on discretionary purchases, delay travel, or spend less across retail, but food, toiletries, cleaning products, and other household staples remain essential.

That gives Woolworths a level of resilience many other ASX businesses simply do not have.

Scale is another major strength. With a large national store network and strong supply chain capability, Woolworths remains part of everyday consumer spending habits across Australia.

That supports margins and cash flow even when conditions become more difficult.

Recent execution is improving confidence

The other reason I am comfortable buying near these levels is that Woolworths’ recent performance has been encouraging.

At its February half-year result, the company delivered a stronger-than-expected 16% lift in underlying net profit and upgraded its earnings guidance. This was supported by stronger Australian food sales and a solid early second-half momentum.

Those numbers suggest the business is moving in the right direction after a softer 2025 period.

Management’s focus on pricing, value, customer retention, and cost discipline appears to be helping Woolworths defend market share. This is particularly relevant at a time when consumers are becoming more price-sensitive.

Foolish takeaway

Even at $37.01, I do not think the Woolworths share price fully captures the strength of the business in the current market.

Food demand remains non-discretionary, recent performance is improving, and the stock is still roughly 13% below its 2021 peak. That is why I still see Woolworths as a high-quality ASX blue-chip worth buying at current levels.

The post Woolworths’ $37 share price is near an all-time high, so why am I going to buy some as soon as possible? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX defensive shares to buy in uncertain markets
• Why Woolworths and these ASX dividend shares could be buys in April
• This ASX ETF is perfect for an uncertain world
• How to build a defensive ASX share portfolio in 2026

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

There are plenty of ASX shares for investors to choose from.

To narrow things down, let’s see what analysts are saying about three popular shares, courtesy of The Bull. Here’s what they are recommending:

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

The team at Morgans is positive on this gaming technology company and has named its shares as a buy.

The broker believes that its shares are attractively priced at current levels given its strong track record of growth. It said:

Aristocrat Leisure designs, develops and distributes gaming content, platforms and systems. It offers high quality recurring earnings from generating real money online gaming opportunities. An under geared balance sheet provides options for acquisitions, and ALL is a capital light business with strong cash conversion. The company is trading well below historical levels. The stock is attractively valued given its track record of proven earnings growth.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

Over at Fairmont Equities, it has named BHP shares as a hold this week.

While it believes a commodities bull market is only just beginning and BHP is a safe bet, it isn’t quite recommending the Big Australian as a buy just yet. It commented:

The commodities bull market has only just started, in my view. As a global mining giant, BHP generally appeals to investors looking to increase exposure in the resources sector. BHP’s share price has retreated to a major support level since the start of the war in Iran. I’m confident the stock should bounce from these levels. BHP’s diversification makes it a safer bet for investors to ride the commodities bull market.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Fairmont Equities has also named Woodside shares as a hold this week.

While it was a buyer of Woodside shares before the US-Iran conflict, it isn’t adding to its holding at current levels following a strong share price rise. It said:

We were buying this major oil and gas producer prior to the conflict in Iran in response to looming supply issues. Investors have been underweight in the energy sector. As the world increasingly focuses on tightening energy supplies, we expect investors will start adding the most liquid and blue chip energy stocks to their portfolios. The largest on the ASX is Woodside Energy. The share price recently pushed beyond several major technical levels, which is a positive sign from a charting point of view.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?
• Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys in April
• 2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth
• Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here’s how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March

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

Building a comfortable retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of ASX ETFs, investors can create a portfolio that delivers income, growth, and stability, all without picking individual stocks.

If you’re looking for a simple, diversified approach, these three ASX ETFs could form a powerful retirement foundation.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

Starting with the this Vanguard ETF, which is built for income.

It focuses on high-dividend-paying Australian companies, making it a popular choice for retirees seeking steady cash flow. Its strengths lie in strong yield, franking credits, and exposure to some of the ASX’s biggest and most reliable dividend payers.

Top holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) — both known for consistent payouts.

The risks? Concentration. This ASX ETF is heavily weighted toward banks and miners, which can increase volatility if those sectors underperform. Dividends can also fluctuate depending on economic conditions.

VHY ETF charges a management fee of 0.25% per year. That means you’ll pay about $2.50 annually for every $1,000 invested — deducted automatically from the fund’s returns. It’s slightly higher than some broad market ASX ETFs, reflecting its focus on high-yield stocks.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Next is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, which brings global growth into the mix.

This fund gives investors exposure to hundreds of companies across developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan. That diversification is a major strength, reducing reliance on the Australian economy.

This ASX ETF also taps into some of the world’s biggest growth engines. Key holdings include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT)

The downside? Currency risk and lower dividend yields compared to Australian shares. VGS is more about long-term capital growth than immediate income, which may not suit every retiree on its own.

VGS ETF has a management fee of 0.18% per year. It’s considered very cost-effective for global exposure, especially given the diversification across hundreds of international companies.

iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF)

Finally, this iShares ETF adds stability.

This ASX ETF invests in a diversified portfolio of Australian government and corporate bonds, helping to reduce overall portfolio volatility. It provides regular income and tends to hold up better during equity market downturns. This is making it a key defensive component.

Major holdings include Australian Government bonds and high-quality corporate debt issued by institutions like National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

The trade-off is lower returns. Bonds typically won’t deliver the same growth as shares, and rising interest rates can impact bond prices.

This fund is the cheapest of the three, with a fee of just 0.10% per year. That’s only $1 per $1,000 invested, making it a low-cost way to add defensive bond exposure to a portfolio.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to fund a comfortable retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 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
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for income investors in 2026
• Own ASX VAS or other Vanguard ETFs? Dividends just announced

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 Apple and Microsoft and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, 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.

With global markets retreating in 2026, now could be an opportunity for savvy investors to buy the dip. 

Some of the most popular ASX ETFs have dropped significantly since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East.

This kind of sell-off can set off alarm bells for holders of these funds. 

However, it’s always worth remembering that over the long-term, these funds have come out ahead. 

This has been consistent for heavy sell-offs like in March 2020 and April 2025. 

In fact, a report from Betashares points out that markets take on average 109 days to recover from geopolitical shocks. 

Of course, perfectly timing the bottom of any cycle is near impossible. 

However this data from Betashares reinforces that for investors with a long-term focus, the current fall could be just a blip on the radar.

Here are three that could be worth considering after falling to start 2026. 

BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

As the name suggests, this ASX ETF tracks the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

This index comprises 200 of the largest companies by market capitalisation listed on the ASX.

It includes strong weightings towards blue-chip companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

This ASX ETF is one of the most popular amongst investors for its simple and low-cost tracking of the Australian market. 

The fund is down roughly 7% in the last month. 

However, it has delivered an average annualised return of almost 9% in the last 5 years. 

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

This ASX ETF aims to track the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX)

This index comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market, and includes many companies that are at the forefront of the new economy.

It includes companies like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). 

It can attract investors looking for established companies with growth potential. 

Since the start of 2026, it has fallen more than 9%. 

However, in the last 5 years it has averaged an impressive 15% return per annum. 

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This ETF is the most popular internationally focussed fund listed on the ASX. 

Compared to the other two funds mentioned above, this fund is much more diversified, including almost 1,300 underlying holdings. 

Geographically, this is weighted towards the United States (71%).

It has fallen roughly 7% so far in 2026. 

This dip may attract investors with a long-term outlook, as the fund has delivered annualised returns of nearly 15% per year over the last 5 years. 

The post Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Aristocrat, BHP, and Woodside shares 
• 3 ASX ETFs to fund a comfortable retirement
• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?
• 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 Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and Nvidia and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, 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.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) could be back on investor watchlists when the market reopens today.

This comes after the company released a new space-related update before the Easter break.

The EOS share price finished Thursday’s session at $9.00, giving the defence company a market capitalisation of roughly $1.74 billion. That leaves the stock up about 650% over the past 12 months, even after easing 4.7% year to date.

EOS lands another key position in Australia’s space push

According to the release, EOS space systems has been appointed as a preferred tenderer under the Australian Space Agency’s space capabilities and services standing offer.

The appointment positions EOS as an approved supplier to support the Commonwealth across capability areas including space situational awareness, space domain awareness, space traffic management, and debris mitigation.

These are all areas where EOS already has established expertise through its long-running space domain awareness operations. This includes satellite laser ranging and high-precision tracking systems used across low-Earth orbit through to cislunar applications.

The standing offer also reinforces the company’s existing relationship with government customers and validates its technical, commercial, and governance standards.

This type of panel status strengthens EOS’ pathway to future tender opportunities, even if it does not immediately translate into revenue.

What did management say?

Management’s commentary was focused more on EOS’ long-term position in Australia’s space sector than any immediate earnings impact.

Executive Vice President James Bennett said joining the Australian Space Agency’s panel “strengthens EOS space systems’ role within Australia’s growing space ecosystem.”

He added that the appointment “recognises the maturity of our space domain capabilities and positions us to support national priorities with credible, mission-relevant solutions as requirements continue to evolve.”

The update also aligns with EOS’ broader push into sovereign space infrastructure and services alongside its defence operations.

It also builds on the company’s $9 million Australian Defence Force Joint Capabilities Division contract to further develop national space capabilities.

Why the share price could be in focus today

Because the update was released ahead of the long weekend, Tuesday’s open will be the first real test of how the market views the news.

While the announcement does not attach a contract value, panel appointments still support sentiment by improving the company’s pathway to future government work.

Given EOS’ strong momentum across both defence and space sector in 2026, this new Australian Space Agency appointment could put the share price on the move when trading resumes.

The post Why this ASX defence stock could be one to watch on Tuesday morning appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• EOS shares rebound after a surprise twist in its South Korean laser deal
• What is Bell Potter saying about DroneShield and EOS shares this week?
• Why EOS shares are tumbling 11% today as investors weigh a key defence catalyst
• Why are these 2 defence stocks tumbling today?
• Down another 5% today: Is the party finally over for the EOS share price?

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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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’s been a brutal sell-off for Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

The ASX tech star has plunged 46% year to date and is down a staggering 66% since peaking around $330 in July 2025. That’s a painful drop for existing shareholders.

But for investors on the sidelines? This could be the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often. Pro Medicus shares are certainly on my radar.

So why consider Pro Medicus shares now?

Start with the strengths.

Pro Medicus operates in a highly specialised niche, medical imaging software. Its flagship Visage platform is widely regarded as best-in-class. Hospitals and healthcare providers rely on it for faster, more accurate imaging, which improves patient outcomes.

That creates serious competitive advantages for Pro Medicus shares.

Once embedded, its software is incredibly sticky, with high switching costs and long-term contracts locking in recurring revenue. Add in its expanding footprint in the massive US healthcare market, and you’ve got a powerful growth engine.

This isn’t just another tech company. It’s a global healthcare enabler with premium margins and strong demand tailwinds.

But let’s be clear: there are risks

Valuation has always been the big one for Pro Medicus shares.

Even after the sharp decline, Pro Medicus isn’t exactly cheap on traditional metrics. The market has high expectations for growth, and any slowdown in contract wins or earnings momentum can hit the share price hard.

There’s also broader healthcare sector pressure.

The recent sell-off hasn’t been isolated to Pro Medicus, as my colleague Bronwyn Allen wrote earlier this month. Rather, it’s part of a wider pullback in tech stocks, driven by rising interest rates and concerns around AI disrupting traditional software models.

That volatility isn’t going away anytime soon.

What next for Pro Medicus shares?

Still, sentiment among analysts remains surprisingly strong.

According to TradingView data, 13 out of 14 market watchers rate Pro Medicus shares as a hold, buy, or strong buy. The average 12-month price target sits at $218.74, implying potential upside of around 84% from current levels.

And the bulls are even more optimistic. The most aggressive forecasts tip the stock could climb back to $300 — a potential gain of 152%.

That’s a huge vote of confidence for a company that’s just been heavily sold off.

Foolish Takeaway

Pro Medicus shares have been smashed, but the long-term story remains intact.

If the company continues to execute and demand for its technology keeps growing, today’s price could look like a serious bargain in hindsight.

For investors willing to stomach the volatility, this could be a rare chance to buy a high-quality ASX growth stock at a steep discount.

The post If I could buy just one ASX stock in April, it’d be Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 ASX shares down 25% (or more) to buy right now
• Why two experts are urging investors to buy Pro Medicus shares
• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now

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

There are several ASX blue-chip shares that dominate the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in terms of market cap.

Interestingly, the ASX 200 is one of the most concentrated developed-market indices on the planet.

According to VanEck, the top 5 securities account for 33% of Australia’s benchmark index. 

This means that when these companies rise or fall, they can heavily influence the broader performance of the ASX 200. 

In the month of March, the ASX 200 index fell almost 8%. 

This was the largest single-month fall in some time, heavily influenced by the conflict in the Middle East. 

Let’s look at how some of the largest blue-chip shares performed during this month.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA is Australia’s largest company and largest bank.

The performance of CBA shares strongly influences many other equities, including financial and ASX 200 tracking ETFs.

Out of the big four bank shares, CBA was the best to own during the month of March. 

CBA shares finished trading in February at $174.62 and finished March at $167.70 each. 

In total, that was a 4.0% fall in March, significantly outperforming the 7.8% loss posted by the benchmark index.

The Motley Fool’s Bronwyn Allen reported last week that CBA has drawn bull rally predictions from experts recently. 

The report suggested CBA shares could rally to as high as $190 each. 

This suggests that the recent pull back could be an attractive entry point for those seeking exposure to the blue-chip stock. 

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

BHP is Australia’s largest blue-chip mining company, and is among the world’s top producers of major commodities including iron ore, copper, and metallurgical coal.

It was hit hard during the month of March, falling approximately 15%. 

The blue-chip company remains up 12% year to date, and has drawn positive outlooks from experts following March’s sell-off. 

Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth has a buy rating on BHP shares.

In a note (via The Bull), he said the current volatility presents investors with an opportunity to buy this global miner at attractive prices.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers is Australia’s largest blue-chip consumer discretionary company.

Its subsidiaries include household names such as Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart Australia, Officeworks, Priceline, and more.

Wesfarmers shares also underperformed across the month of March, falling approximately 9%. 

Despite this fallback, Wesfarmers remains a strong defensive option for investors expecting more volatility this year. 

How to target ASX blue-chip shares

For investors trying to hone in on ASX blue-chip shares, a viable option is the iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC). 

It is designed to track the performance of the 20 largest Australian securities listed on the ASX. 

This includes the three companies listed above, as well as other banking and mining giants. 

It has outperformed Australia’s benchmark index so far in 2026, rising 4% compared to a 1.7% fall for the ASX 200. 

The post How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• Are CBA shares still a good buy for passive income?
• 2 ASX 200 shares to buy ahead of anticipated rally: expert
• 2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth
• Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here’s how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March

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

Some of the best investment opportunities are not always the most talked about.

While large-cap names tend to dominate headlines, there are a number of ASX shares quietly building strong growth platforms behind the scenes. For investors willing to look beyond the obvious, these companies can offer compelling long-term potential.

Here are two under-the-radar ASX shares that could be worth considering.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The first ASX share that could have significant long-term potential is Breville.

At first glance, Breville might look like a traditional appliance business. But underneath the surface, it is evolving into a global premium consumer brand with multiple growth levers.

The company continues to expand internationally, with newer markets such as China, Korea, the Middle East, and Mexico delivering very strong growth. In fact, these newer regions collectively grew more than 50% during the first half, highlighting the early-stage opportunity still ahead.

At the same time, Breville is benefiting from strong demand in its coffee category, which continues to drive growth globally. Its focus on premium products and innovation allows it to maintain pricing power and brand strength.

Another interesting angle is its investment in artificial intelligence. Management is rolling out AI across the entire business, not just as a small initiative but as a company-wide transformation.

Combined with ongoing product development and geographic expansion, this suggests Breville has more to it than a typical consumer discretionary company.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

Another under-the-radar ASX share with plenty of potential is SiteMinder.

SiteMinder operates a global hotel distribution and revenue platform, sitting at the centre of how accommodation providers manage bookings, pricing, and distribution.

What makes it particularly interesting is its combination of strong growth and improving profitability. The company recently delivered revenue growth of over 25% alongside a significant improvement in earnings, with EBITDA more than doubling.

Its Smart Platform strategy is a key driver here. By expanding its product offering and increasing adoption among customers, SiteMinder is growing both its customer base and the amount it earns per customer.

This is reflected in its rising annual recurring revenue and improving unit economics, which point to a scalable business model with operating leverage.

There is also a strong structural tailwind from the increasing complexity of hotel distribution and pricing, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more widely adopted across the travel industry. SiteMinder’s platform plays a critical role in executing transactions and managing this complexity, positioning it well for long-term growth.

The post 2 under-the-radar ASX shares with bags of potential appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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 positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.