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.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: ANZ, Breville, and Macquarie shares
• Forget Easter eggs, these ASX shares could be your best buys this month
• 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy this month with $6,000
• 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.

There are few businesses that receive substantial analyst positivity on the ASX. But when plenty of analysts rate an ASX share as a buy, investors may want to do some further looking.

The three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares I’m about to note are among the leaders in the world at what they do, and analysts think they have the potential to deliver large capital gains in the long term.

Let’s have a look at what they do and how excited analysts are.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL)

Aristocrat is a major player in the global poker machine and casino management system space. It also has a sizeable mobile game segment.

According to CMC Invest, there have been 9 analyst ratings on the business over the last 3 months, all of which were buy ratings.

The average price target – where analysts think the business will be trading in a year from now – is $67.06. At the time of writing, that suggests a rise of more than 40%.

The most optimistic price target is $73.71, suggesting a possible rise of more than 50%, while the lowest price target is $62.75, implying a suggested rise of more than 30%.

According to the projection on CMC Invest, the ASX share is valued at around 18x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

The next ASX share I’ll highlight is Orica, which describes itself as a global leader in mining and infrastructure services, explosives manufacturing, digital solutions, and specialty mining chemicals.

According to CMC Invest, there have been 11 recent ratings on the business – all of them were a buy.

The average price target on CMC Invest of $26.08 suggests a possible rise of around 25% at the time of writing, while the highest estimate of $29.88 implies a rise of well over 40%. However, the lowest price target of $23.95 suggests only a 15% potential rise.

Using the earnings forecast on CMC Invest, the business is valued at 17x FY26’s estimated earnings.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Xero is one of the world’s leading cloud accounting and payments businesses.

According to CMC Invest, of the seven recent ratings on the ASX tech share, six were buy.

Impressively, the average price target of those ratings is $157.28, suggesting a possible increase of around 100%. The highest price target is $232.88, suggesting it could rise around 200%. That may be a bit ambitious for 2026.

But, not everyone is so confident – the lowest price target is $82.37. That suggests a rise of less than 10% from where it is today.

Based on broker UBS’ projections, the business is valued at 67x FY26’s estimated earnings.

The post Brokers rate these 3 top ASX shares as buys in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget Easter eggs, these ASX shares could be your best buys this month
• 1 ASX dividend share and 1 ASX growth stock to buy in April
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday?

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

Even the highest-quality companies are not immune to market selloffs.

In fact, periods of uncertainty often see investors pull back from even the most established names. While that can be uncomfortable in the short term, it can also create opportunities to buy leading businesses at more attractive prices.

Here are three ASX blue chips that have fallen heavily and could be worth a closer look.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The first ASX blue chip that could be too cheap to ignore is Cochlear.

The hearing solutions company recently disappointed the market with a softer-than-expected result, driven in part by a slower rollout of its new Nexa system and margin pressure from product mix.

While this has weighed on sentiment, it does not change Cochlear’s long-term position as a global leader in implantable hearing devices.

Demand for hearing solutions continues to grow due to ageing populations and increased awareness. Cochlear also benefits from a large installed base, which generates recurring revenue through upgrades and servicing.

If the company can execute on its product rollout and return to stronger growth, the current weakness could prove temporary.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Another ASX blue chip that may be worth considering is CSL.

The biotech giant’s shares have fallen sharply following a soft result and the unexpected CEO transition, which has created uncertainty around its near-term outlook.

The key issue has been weaker-than-expected performance in its CSL Behring division, particularly in immunoglobulin, alongside slower margin recovery than the market had anticipated.

However, CSL still operates in global healthcare markets with strong demand and high barriers to entry. Its therapies address serious medical conditions, and long-term growth drivers remain intact.

While challenges remain, the company’s track record and market position suggest it has the capability to work through this period and return to more consistent growth.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

A third ASX blue chip that could be trading at an attractive level is James Hardie Industries.

The building materials company has been under pressure due to concerns about housing market weakness, particularly in the United States.

Slower construction activity can weigh on demand for its fibre cement products, which has led to more cautious sentiment from investors.

However, James Hardie remains a leader in its category, with strong brand recognition and a history of gaining market share over time.

When housing activity eventually recovers, the company could be well placed to benefit. In the meantime, it continues to focus on innovation and expanding its product offering.

For investors willing to look beyond the near-term uncertainty, this could make it an interesting option at current levels.

The post Are these ASX blue chips now too cheap to ignore? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Cochlear, South32, and Westpac shares
• Are ‘50% off’ CSL shares a once-in-a-decade opportunity?
• 3 ASX shares to buy before the next market rally
• 3 ASX shares down 25% (or more) to buy right now
• 3 ASX 200 shares down at least 30% to buy now

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

The team at Morgans has been busy running the rule over a number of popular ASX 200 shares recently.

But does the broker think they are buys, holds, or sells? Let’s see what it is saying about them:

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

This hearing solutions company delivered a result that was below expectations during the first half of FY 2026.

And while the broker notes that demand for the new Nucleus Nexa system is increasing, it isn’t enough for a buy rating at this point. It has put a hold rating and $214.93 price target on its shares. However, this is comfortably ahead of the current Cochlear share price of $172.36. It said:

The 1H26 result was softer than expected, with revenue, margins and profit negatively impacted mainly on longer than anticipated contracting for the newly launched Nucleus Nexa system (Nexa). Soft Cochlear Implants (CI) growth mis-matched sales, reflecting unfavourable emerging market mix and delayed developed market momentum, while Services was flat and Acoustics surprised to downside on increased competitive pressures.

While Nexa adoption accelerated late in the half and management maintained FY26 guidance, but now is targeting the lower end of the range, it increases reliance on a strong 2H recovery which appears optimistic, especially in light of flat GM and FX headwinds. We adjust our FY26-28 estimates and lower our target price to A$214.93. We maintain a cautious stance, but move to HOLD on share weakness.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

Unlike Cochlear, this mining giant outperformed expectations during the first half.

While Morgans was impressed with its result, due to its current valuation, it has lowered its rating to accumulate with a $5.00 price target. This compares to the latest South32 share price of $4.42. It said:

Bumper 1H26 EBITDA comfortably ahead of consensus and close to our estimate, riding consistent production and higher base and precious metals. 15% interim dividend beat and upsized capital management of an extra US$100m. Not all positive, Hermosa budget increase flagged for H2 a ST risk to monitor. Guidance unchanged, besides Brazil Aluminium output and capex timing tweaks.

We lower our rating to ACCUMULATE (from BUY) with an unchanged A$5.00 TP, recommending patience when adding following the recent share price surge.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Finally, Morgans has been looking at Westpac shares following its first-quarter update.

Although the broker was pleased with the update, it has only been enough to upgrade its shares to a trim rating (between sell and hold) with a $35.12 price target. This compares to the latest Westpac share price of $39.85. It said:

A largely stable 1Q26 result compared to the 2H25 quarterly average (normalised for 2H25’s restructuring charge), which is better than 1H26 expectations. We are assuming a more bullish loan growth and impairments outlook than previously (and slightly more conservative costs).

There is no change to FY26F EPS but there are 5-8% upgrades to FY27-28F. Target price lifts to $35.12/sh. We upgrade to TRIM given the improved, but still negative, potential TSR.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Cochlear, South32, and Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares down 25% (or more) to buy right now
• 3 ASX 200 shares down at least 30% to buy now
• What happened with ASX 200 bank stocks like CBA and Westpac in March?
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now
• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows

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

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) continues its run as the most shorted ASX share after its short interest rose slightly to 15.3%. It seems that short sellers are betting against the pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 14.3%, which is down slightly since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company failed to gain FDA approval for a couple of its therapies last year. Short sellers don’t appear confident that 2026 will be any better despite a recent resubmission.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 14.2%, which is flat since last week. This may be due to valuation concerns with the medical device company’s shares trading on high earnings multiples.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 14.1%, which is up week on week. This quick service restaurant operator’s shares have fallen heavily over the past 12 months due to their premium valuation and concerns that its US expansion could be a failure. The US was supposed to be its largest growth opportunity.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 12.1%, which is up again since last week. There are major concerns over this uranium miner’s production outlook beyond 2026.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest fall again to 11.6%. This wine giant is battling consumer spending pressures and distributor disruption. Short sellers appear to believe it will get worse before it gets better.
• Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) has entered the top ten with short interest of 11.8%. This infection prevention technology company’s performance has underwhelmed in recent times. It seems that short sellers aren’t confident a change is coming.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 11.8%, which is up week on week again. Short sellers have been loading up on the travel agent’s shares since the Middle East conflict. There are concerns it could have a negative impact on travel markets.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has 11.4% of its shares held short, which is up since last week. Short sellers appear to think this counter drone technology company’s shares are overvalued after surging over the past 12 months.
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) has short interest of 10.2%. This uranium producer is one of a number of stocks in the industry being targeted by short sellers, with several sitting just outside the top ten.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week
• 3 ASX 200 shares down at least 30% to buy now
• $5,000 invested in Droneshield shares 4 months ago is already worth…
• Treasury Wine shares hit 10-year lows last week. So why are buyers stepping in now?
• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Do you have room for some new additions to your portfolio?

If you do, let’s see what Morgans is saying about the ASX shares listed below and whether you should be considering a position in them this month.

Here’s what the broker is saying:

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

Morgans was relatively pleased with this banking giant’s performance during the first quarter.

While the bank is making strong progress with its cost reductions, the broker highlights that its guidance for the full year remains the same.

As a result, it hasn’t seen anything to make it more positive and has put a sell rating and $32.65 price target on ANZ’s shares. It said:

On face of it, the 1Q26 trading update suggested ANZ was tracking ahead of 1H26 growth expectations. However, the beat was driven mostly by the speed of cost-out and will unlikely affect consensus expectations as ANZ retained its FY26 cost guidance of c.$11.5bn. We make minor adjustments to FY26-28F EPS, reflecting 1Q26 Markets revenue strength, impairment charges lower than expected (but off an already low base), and higher shares on issue (DRP uptake was higher than assumed). 12-month target price $32.65 (+8 cps).

We estimate ANZ is trading on 1.8x P:TBV, 16x PER, and 4.1% cash yield (partly franked), all stretched against historical trading ranges. Given the recent share price strength, we downgrade our rating from TRIM to SELL.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Morgans is far more positive on this appliance manufacturer.

After a better than expected half-year result, the broker has put a buy rating and $40.65 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 50% from its current share price. It said:

1H26 was better-than-feared, with double-digit sales growth (+10%) largely offset by tariff costs (~130bp GM impact) to deliver a flat NPAT outcome (+1% on pcp). Crucially, FY26 EBIT growth guidance provides much-needed earnings visibility, alleviating some concerns for an extended transition year and improving our confidence for a resumption of sustainable EPS growth from FY27+.

We continue to be impressed by BRG’s strong operational execution, green shoots in Food Prep, and powerful medium-term tailwinds (geographic expansion, espresso tailwinds, NPD, Best Buy developments). Buy maintained.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Finally, Morgans is a fan of this investment bank and was pleased with its performance during the third quarter.

However, due to its current valuation, it only has a hold rating and $223.00 price target on its shares. It commented:

MQG has hosted its annual operational briefing, together with releasing its 3Q26 update.  On the 3Q26 update, we saw this as a solid performance overall, benefitting from market-facing businesses (CGM and Macquarie Capital) seeing results “substantially up” on the pcp.

Additionally, there was an underlying upgrade to CGM guidance, albeit this has been offset, to some degree, by an expected higher FY26 tax rate. We lift our MQG FY26F/FY27F EPS by +2%/+4% reflecting the more positive CGM commentary, blunted somewhat by higher expected tax. Our target price rises to ~$223 (from A$214). We maintain our HOLD recommendation.

The post Buy, hold, sell: ANZ, Breville, and Macquarie shares 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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.