Tag: Stock pick

For Immediate Release:

The Motley Fool Australia today announces the next evolution of its move into becoming a full-service financial company with the launch of FoolTrade, a new stockbroking platform designed to better align member activity with company revenue.

The move follows what the company identified as “a persistent commercial inefficiency” in its existing model.

“For many years, we’ve helped investors achieve strong long-term returns by encouraging them to buy great businesses and hold them,” company spokesperson Olof Lirpa said. “The unintended consequence is that, over time, our most successful members tend to trade less, engage less frequently, and – from a business perspective – that creates no additional revenue.”

FoolTrade is intended to address that imbalance.

The new platform integrates directly with the company’s content, alerts, and member services, allowing users to move seamlessly from ‘insight’ to ‘execution’ within the same ecosystem.

“Historically, we’ve done a very good job of helping members decide what to do,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve just been less involved in what happens next… especially when they choose to trade anyway.”

“With FoolTrade, we can now participate more directly in that outcome.”

At the centre of the platform is an AI-driven behavioural engagement engine that dynamically adjusts content delivery based on market conditions and user behaviour. During periods of volatility, members will receive an increased cadence of alerts, updates, and ‘time-sensitive insights’, calibrated to coincide with what the company refers to internally as ‘high-intent moments’.

“When markets are calm, people tend to be patient,” Lirpa said. “When markets move, people tend to act. From a commercial perspective, those are very different environments.”

The platform incorporates real-time behavioural tracking, enabling it to identify when members are most likely to engage – including periods of increased portfolio checking, rapid content consumption, and heightened sensitivity to market movements.

“In simple terms, we can now detect when someone is more likely to do something. And we can be there to ‘help’ them do it, encouraging it where appropriate.”

The company also acknowledged a shift in how it thinks about investor behaviour.

“We’ve spent years encouraging patience, discipline, and long-term thinking. Those principles remain sound.”

“Unfortunately.”

“We’ve also observed that periods characterised by heightened fear or increased optimism tend to coincide with significantly higher levels of investor activity.”

Internally, this is described as ’emotionally-led engagement’.

“Greed and fear are powerful motivators. Historically, we’ve tried to dampen them. Increasingly, we see an opportunity to amplify them – responsibly – within a structured commercial framework.”

FoolTrade introduces a brokerage model that scales with activity, with additional features and functionality made available during periods of elevated engagement. These include priority execution, enhanced alerting, and expanded ‘opportunity surfacing’ when markets are moving.

“We’ve found that urgency, when appropriately framed, can be highly effective,” said Lirpa. “Particularly when it’s sustained.”

The platform also includes a ‘portfolio nudge’ system, which highlights holdings that have been held for a while, and surfaces related content designed to encourage users to review their holdings, preferably encouraging them to sell… or buy more.

Lirpa: “We’re not directing behaviour. We’re simply making it easier for members to revisit their decisions — repeatedly, if necessary.”

Internally, the company describes this as ‘closing the loop between attention and action’.

To support the initiative, the company has restructured its editorial and product teams around what it calls ‘engagement windows’, with increased content production during earnings seasons, market corrections, rallies, pullbacks, sideways markets, and, where possible, quieter periods that may benefit from additional stimulation.

“Engagement tends to cluster around emotion,” the spokesperson said. “And emotion tends to drive activity. Activity, in turn, tends to drive revenue.”

The Motley Fool confirmed that platform settings, notification timing, and content sequencing will be continuously optimised using real-time engagement data, including open rates, click-through rates, and transaction frequency.

“In many cases, the same investor who was perfectly happy doing nothing last week can become significantly more active with the right combination of information, timing, and gentle encouragement.”

“That’s a very high-quality outcome. At least for revenue.”

Asked whether the new platform risks encouraging unnecessary trading, Lirpa reiterated that the company’s investment philosophy remains unchanged.

“We still believe the best approach for most investors is to buy quality businesses and hold them over the long term,” he said.

He also acknowledged that readers who consistently follow that approach tend to generate fewer transactions over time.

“That’s been a constraint. And, candidly, one we now feel better equipped to ‘manage’.”

FoolTrade is expected to be rolled out to Australian users later this year, with the company forecasting increased engagement, higher transaction volumes, and improved monetisation of its existing audience.

“We think this is a natural evolution of the model. We’ve always been very good at capturing attention. What we’re building now,” he added, “is a system that ensures attention doesn’t go to waste”.

“Because while long-term investing may be the most effective way to build wealth, we’ve found there are other ways to build our own cashflow.”

Traders looking to pre-purchase discounted brokerage rates in round lots of 100, 200 and 400 trades per annum are encouraged to use this link to express their interest to gain access to special pre-launch pricing.

Media enquiries:

Mr. Olof Lirpa OAM TBC AFD 

Acting Executive Junior Vice President, Revenue Maximisation and 2019 Tiddlywinks Championship Runner-Up 

info@fool.com.au

The post Announcing FoolTrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips 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.

Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX: CYM) is working to bring the former Nifty copper operations back into production, with the analysts at Canaccord Genuity convinced the company is undervalued at its current share price.

The company’s board last year approved a restart plan for the resumption of copper cathode operations at the Nifty copper complex in the Paterson region of Western Australia, where the company will initially re-leach the heap leach pads to recover “significant remaining copper”.

Production imminent

The company expects to restart production by the middle of this year.

Cyprium Executive Chair Matt Fifield said of the restart plans last year:

As a brownfield restart, some of our great advantages are sunk capital and time. Establishing initial cathode production from our above ground heap leach resources is a low-risk way to produce meaningful cash flow. The restart also is strategically important as it enables accelerated future growth from open pit and regional ore sources.

A previously-published prefeasibility study for the cathode operations envisages the production of 6000 tonnes of copper from the existing heap leach pads.

The company raised $80 million last year and another $41 million in January to progress its development plans, with the $41 million raised at 52 cents per share, compared with the current share price of 38 cents.

Mr Fifield said the most recent capital raise allowed the company to “accelerate workstreams progressing the next phase of the Nifty Copper Complex which involves expansion of SXEW (solvent extraction-electrowinning) capacity, designing and building a surface mine to access the shallow open-pit oxide ores and the sulphide ores beneath it”.

He added:

We are also developing resources outside of the Nifty Copper Complex that could quickly come into a production plan. In particular, we have recently re-acquired control of the exploration grounds adjacent to Nifty that host multiple advanced targets on significant legacy exploration data. We expect to leverage this data and create meaningful developments for Cyprium as we continue to build Australia’s next great copper company.

Shares looking cheap

Canaccord said in a research note to its clients that they saw significant potential for Cyprium to extend the mine life at Nifty “through the inclusion of low-grade stockpiles and, once mining commences, the addition of new oxide and transitional material”.

They added that they modelled two scenarios for further expansion at Nifty, one involving a three-year extension and one where mining continues indefinitely.

They added:

Under the three-year extension, we would see a 54% improvement in our price target to $1.00 per share and under continuous operations our price target would increase 100% to $1.30 per share.

Canaccord then discounted its target price to 65 cents per share, based on the fact that “the sulphide plant is yet to be financed and the oxide re-leaching carries a degree of risk on ramp-up”.

Cyprium Metals was added to the All Ordinaries Index on its recent rebalance on March 23.

The company is valued at $219.7 million.

The post Up more than 90% over the past year, analysts say this ASX copper stock can keep going appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more
• 3 of the best ASX ETFs for income investors in 2026
• Is it time to load up on these high-yielding ASX dividend shares?
• If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be…
• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has taken a dive in the last several weeks, falling by more than 7% since the start of March. Some investors may want to invest in ASX shares but are cautious about the market falling even further.

It is possible the ASX share market could decline further. The Strait of Hormuz remains shut to most vessels, inflation is bubbling and certain costs are going up. I’m not about to make any predictions of when things will start improving.

But, I’m also optimistic about the long-term and I’m seeing plenty of opportunities around for Aussies to take advantage of. So, how are we supposed to invest during these worrying times?

Dollar cost averaging

The idea behind dollar cost averaging (DCA) is that you don’t put all your available investing dollars into the market at once.

Investors steadily put their money into buying (ASX) shares regularly. During a bear market, this means they are able to keep investing even as the market goes lower.

It’s up to each individual investor to decide how much they invest and how regularly they do it. Someone who has been waiting for a period like this with a pile of cash may decide to invest an amount (such as around $1,000) each week (or even each day if the market is plunging).

Other investors may be utilising a DCA strategy for all of their investing month after month, year after year.

I regularly invest each month with money my household has saved, but, in addition, I also have a separate amount that I’ve been regularly putting bit by bit into the market as it falls.

That separate amount could be parked in an offset account or high interest savings account until it’s needed. Not every single dollar of cash needs to be invested at all times for it to be useful for our finances (and portfolio).

Be brave

Part of a winning strategy during this period is staying calm and thinking about the long-term potential of one’s portfolio.

Share prices don’t fall for no reason, there’s usually something that’s affecting market confidence such as a pandemic, high inflation or jumping oil prices. These impacts don’t last forever.

It’s not easy to invest at times like this, but that’s why share prices have fallen to such an attractive level.

ASX growth shares like Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA) and Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) are just a few of the names that have great long-term prospects, in my view.

As Warren Buffett once said:

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.

The lower the ASX share market goes, the more I’m motivated to invest. Historically, the share market has recovered from negative times, even if it takes a while to do so.  

The post How to invest during an ASX share bear market when you’re worried about prices falling more appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Breville Group, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, Pro Medicus, Temple & Webster Group, and Tuas. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management Group and Temple & Webster Group. 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 Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus 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.

Looking to build a reliable passive income stream in 2026? ASX ETFs can be a powerful way to do it. They offer instant diversification, regular distributions, and exposure to Australia’s top dividend payers.

But not all income ETFs are created equal. Some focus on high yield, others prioritise consistency, and a few aim to actively boost income.

Here are 3 standout ASX ETFs that income investors should have on their radar right now.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

This Vanguard fund is one of the most popular income ASX ETFs on the market — and for good reason. It focuses on high-dividend-paying Australian companies, delivering a strong yield with broad exposure across sectors like banks, miners, and telcos.

Its biggest strength is simplicity and scale, offering a diversified portfolio of around 80 companies with a low management fee of just 0.25%. Major holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), two of the ASX’s most reliable dividend payers.

The trade-off? It’s heavily weighted toward financials and resources, which can increase concentration risk.

BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST),

Next up is this BetaShares fund, which takes a more hands-on approach. Unlike index-tracking ETFs, HVST is actively managed and aims to deliver consistent income. It’s even paying distributions monthly.

That makes it especially attractive for retirees or investors who want regular cash flow.

The ASX ETF typically holds 40 to 60 ASX shares, focusing on highly franked dividend payers. Key holdings often include National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). The strength here is income consistency and active management.

The downside? Higher fees, around 0.72%, and the risk that active strategies don’t always outperform.

iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ETF (ASX: IHD)

Finally, the iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ETF offers a slightly different flavour of income investing. This fund tracks an index of Australian companies expected to deliver above-average dividends, with a focus on sustainability and ESG screening.

Its management fee sits at around 0.23%, making it one of the cheaper options in the dividend ETF space.

Top holdings include Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG). While its yield is typically lower than VHY, it offers a more balanced approach and slightly less concentration risk.

Foolish Takeaway

If you’re chasing income in 2026, these ASX ETFs each bring something different to the table. VHY offers scale and strong yield, HVST targets consistent monthly income, and IHD delivers a lower-cost, diversified dividend strategy.

The right choice comes down to your goals — maximum yield, steady cash flow, or balanced income with lower fees.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs for income investors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There’s no shortage of ASX dividend shares for investors chasing reliable passive income.

The real challenge? Figuring out which ones actually deserve a spot in your portfolio.

With market volatility shaking share prices, some high-quality income stocks are now offering seriously attractive yields. So, is this the time to pounce?

Here are two high-yield ASX dividend shares that could be worth a closer look.

Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX)

Starting with Atlas Arteria, this infrastructure giant owns, operates, and develops toll roads across France, Germany, and the United States. These are classic defensive assets — essential infrastructure with long-term concessions and highly predictable traffic flows.

That translates into steady, recurring cash flow. Exactly the things income investors want to see.

And it shows in the dividend. The ASX dividend share is set to pay its second-half FY25 dividend next month, delivering 20 cents per security, unfranked. Based on a share price of $4.32, that works out to a trailing yield of around 9.1%, which is hard to ignore.

Of course, there are risks. Traffic volumes can be impacted by economic conditions, and the business carries debt, which can become more expensive in a higher interest rate environment. Currency fluctuations also play a role given its global operations.

But overall, Atlas Arteria’s defensive profile and consistent payout history make it a compelling option for income-focused investors.

Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW)

Then there’s Charter Hall Long WALE REIT, a popular ASX dividend share among yield seekers.

This REIT focuses on long-term leases (WALE stands for “weighted average lease expiry”), locking in rental income over extended periods. That provides strong visibility over cash flow — a big tick for dividend reliability.

Here’s where things get interesting. The price of this ASX dividend share has fallen around 17% in 2026, which has pushed the yield significantly higher. As a result, investors are now looking at a forward distribution yield of approximately 7.2%.

Management has also guided to a 2% increase in its FY26 payout to 25.5 cents per unit. That’s a positive sign in a challenging environment for property stocks.

There are risks to consider, though. Like many REITs, Charter Hall Long WALE is sensitive to interest rate movements, which can impact valuations and borrowing costs. Property market conditions and tenant quality are also key factors to watch.

Still, its long lease profile and consistent distribution track record suggest this ASX dividend share remains a solid income play.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line? When share prices fall, yields rise and that can create opportunity. High-quality ASX dividend shares like Atlas Arteria and Charter Hall Long WALE REIT may be worth a closer look right now if you’re aiming to boost your passive income stream.

The post Is it time to load up on these high-yielding ASX dividend shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

If I could only buy one ASX 200 share today, it would be CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

Let me explain why.

I think headwinds are easing

The ASX 200 biotech company has faced huge headwinds over the past 18 months.

From uninspiring financial results, to a revenue and growth profit guidance downgrade, a surprise restructure announcement, and even a shock CEO exit, several events have spooked investors and sent the company’s share price south.

At the time of writing, the CSL share price is up 0.8% to $141.93 a piece. Today’s uptick represents a 5.5% rebound from an eight-year low of $134.64 just two weeks ago.

There is a long way to go until CSL shares recover the 43% losses shed over the past 12 months, but the latest uptick is a great sign that the share price has finally bottomed out and is starting to rebound.

There is huge demand for its products

Another reason I’d buy CSL shares today is because of huge global demand for its productions.

CSL develops and delivers biotherapies and vaccines but at the core of its business are its plasma-derived medicines. These include immunoglobulins, albumin, and clotting factors. 

At the time of writing, the company’s blood plasma division dominates the global market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products. 

Demand for these plasma therapies is rocketing right now. There is recurring demand, limited competition and low supply which means CSL is well placed to absorb a significant portion of the market.

For context, reports recently stated that the blood plasma derivatives market was valued at $52.16 billion in 2025. By 2033 it is expected to explode to $104.30 billion.

The ASX 200 company is growing 

Despite the latest headwinds, CSL has still managed to maintain business growth. The company has even experienced periods of double‑digit profit growth, and its forecasts underpin a recovery over the long term.

Sequoia Wealth Management’s Peter Day, who has a buy recommendation on CSL shares, recently pointed out that the company has posted a significant increase in revenue during the past three years and delivered earnings growth that is compounding at double-digit rates.

There’s a great potential upside ahead

I’m confident that we’ll see great things out of the CSL share price this year.

Analysts are bullish too.

TradingView data shows that 12 out of 18 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the ASX 200 stock. They tip an upside of up to 95% to $275.56 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

It’s seems like CSL shares are a no-brainer to me.

The post If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?
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• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a tough month in March due to war breaking out in the Middle East, rising inflation, and higher interest rates. This led to the benchmark index sinking a sizeable 7.8% for the month.

Not all shares fell with the market. Here are four ASX 200 shares that delivered big returns for investors during March:

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

The Viva Energy share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 in March with a 40.4% gain. Investors appear to believe that this fuel retailer will be benefitting from surging fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East. In addition, last month the Federal Government increased the Geelong Refinery FSSP Margin Marker cap and collar by 3.6 Australian cents per litre (Acpl), which is the equivalent to A$5.70 per barrel. Viva Energy’s CEO and managing director, Scott Wyatt, said: “Today’s announcement underscores the important role that domestic refining plays in strengthening Australian energy security. Viva Energy is proud to own and operate one of the two refineries that together produce approximately 20% of the country’s fuel requirements.”

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price wasn’t far behind with a 40% gain last month. The radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares rebounded strongly after the release of a couple of promising announcements. One was that its ProstACT Global Phase 3 study achieved its primary objectives, demonstrating an acceptable safety and tolerability profile with no new safety signals observed. The other revealed that Telix has resubmitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the United States Food and Drug Administration for its Pixclara product. It is an investigational PET imaging agent for the characterization of recurrent or progressive glioma (brain cancer) from treatment related changes in both adult and paediatric patients.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)

The Yancoal Australia share price was on form and raced 33.9% higher in March. This follows a strong month for coal prices driven by strong demand to counter surging LNG prices and supply uncertainty. For the same reason, the New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) share price was up 23.6% in March and the Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price was up 16.5% during the period.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price had a strong month and rose 16%. This was driven by the war in the Middle East, which has driven LNG and oil prices materially higher. In fact, both WTI and Brent crude oil prices ended the month above US$100 a barrel, representing a gain of 50% for the month. Investors appear optimistic that Woodside will be generating significant cash flow, which could support capital returns.

The post These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

It was a strong session for this beaten-down $12 billion ASX tech stock on Tuesday.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares jumped 6.5% to $75.12, offering a welcome boost after a brutal run. Xero shares are still down 34% year to date and a staggering 61% below their all-time high reached in June last year.

Interestingly, there was no price-sensitive news driving the move. Instead, the rally appears to reflect improving sentiment toward the broader tech sector, with investors starting to tiptoe back into battered ASX tech stocks.

Let’s take a closer look.

Strong global footprint

For those unfamiliar, Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The ASX tech stock allows users to manage invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting in one place.

Xero has built a strong global footprint across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond. That global reach is one of its biggest strengths.

The company operates a scalable subscription model, generates recurring revenue, and continues to grow its customer base over time. Its ecosystem of integrations and add-ons also creates sticky users and high switching costs.

Broad tech rout

But it hasn’t been smooth sailing.

The recent sell-off wasn’t just about Xero. It was part of a broader tech rout. After a strong run in 2025, valuations across the sector looked stretched, and many investors feared a correction was overdue.

Then came a new concern: AI. Markets began questioning whether artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software models. The fear? That AI-powered tools might reduce demand for subscription-based platforms like Xero.

That uncertainty helped drive a sharp rotation out of ASX tech stocks in early 2026.

Higher interest rates didn’t help either, putting further pressure on growth valuations.

Bargain hunters

Now, though, the mood may be shifting.

After months of heavy selling, Xero shares are trading at a significant discount to prior highs. That appears to be attracting bargain hunters, with some investors stepping back into high-quality growth names at lower entry points.

And the analysts? They’re overwhelmingly bullish.

According to TradingView data, 13 out of 14 analysts rate the ASX tech stock as a buy or strong buy. Even more striking, price targets suggest potential upside of up to 210%, with some tipping the stock could reach $233.00 over the next 12 months.

Analysts at Citi recently retained their buy rating and $144.80 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. That points to a 92% upside.

Knocked but not out

Of course, risks remain. Competition in the accounting software space is intensifying, and any slowdown in customer growth or margin expansion could weigh on sentiment again. The AI question also hasn’t fully gone away.

Still, the combination of a sharp pullback, strong fundamentals, and improving sentiment is hard to ignore.

Xero has been hammered — but it’s not out. If confidence continues to return to the sector, this beaten-down ASX tech stock could be gearing up for a serious comeback.

The post Is this smashed ASX tech stock gearing up for a hefty comeback? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
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• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.

It’s been another disappointing month for shareholders in CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares.

CSL shares continued their downward trend, falling another 3.6% in March.

That extends the damage to more than 44% over the past 12 months and almost 19% so far in 2026.

So, what’s going on?

Clear reason to hit ‘sell’

The company’s latest half-year result didn’t do investors any favours. CSL reported softer performance, with underlying profit declining and revenue edging lower. Policy changes, restructuring costs, and impairments all weighed on the result. It was giving the market a clear reason to hit the sell button on CSL shares.

On the surface, that explains the weak price of CSL shares.

But dig a little deeper, and the picture looks very different.

CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines, supplying critical treatments for chronic and rare diseases. These aren’t optional products — patients depend on them regardless of economic conditions.

That gives CSL a powerful defensive edge. Demand is not only strong but highly recurring, providing a stable and resilient revenue base even in uncertain times.

Regaining momentum

And there are signs things are already improving.

Momentum is quietly building beneath the surface. CSL recently delivered solid earnings growth, driven by rising plasma collections and improving margins in its core CSL Behring division. Its vaccine arm, Seqirus, is also adding diversification and supporting longer-term growth.

Looking ahead, management expects both revenue and profit to continue climbing as operating conditions normalise and efficiencies improve.

In other words, the business may be regaining momentum — even if the price of CSL shares hasn’t caught up yet.

So, what could happen next?

Analysts are backing a recovery. Broker sentiment on CSL shares remains broadly positive, with most maintaining buy or outperform ratings. The average 12-month price target sits around $214.00, suggesting potential upside of roughly 52% from current levels.

UBS is firmly in the bullish camp on CSL shares. The broker has a buy rating and a $235 price target, implying a possible 67% upside over the next year. Some forecasts are even more bullish, tipping gains of up to 96%.

Margin pressure, currency impacts

Of course, there are still risks. CSL has faced ongoing headwinds, including margin pressure, integration challenges, and currency impacts. If earnings recovery takes longer than expected, the share price could remain under pressure.

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

The bottom line? CSL shares have had a rough run, but the underlying business tells a much more resilient story. If momentum continues to build, this healthcare giant could be quietly setting up for a comeback.

The post CSL shares slide again in March — but is a comeback brewing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be…
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?
• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?

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

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fought hard to record a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.25% to 8,481.8 points.

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

ASX 200 to jump

The Australian share market looks set for a strong session on Wednesday following a very positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 119 points or 1.4% higher. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 2.3%, the S&P 500 is up 2.75% and the Nasdaq is 3.7% higher.

Buy Catapult shares

Bell Potter sees a lot of value in Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) shares at current levels. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $4.75 price target on the sports technology company’s shares. It said: “The other key take-out from investor day is that the medium-term targets remain on track and the outlook remains positive. The key target is ACV of US$200m+ in “2-3 years” which in theory will be achieved by reaching 5k pro teams (vs c.4k now) and ACV per pro team of c.US$40k (vs c.US$30k now).”

Oil prices mixed

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch on Wednesday after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.85% to US$102.02 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 4.9% to US$118.31 a barrel. While there is optimism that the Iran war could soon end, there is no guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen.

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price stormed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 3.4% to US$4,680.7 an ounce. This was driven by optimism that the Iran war could be nearing an end.

AGL update

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) shares will be on watch today after the energy giant released an update on the Kwinana Gas Power Generation 2 (K2) Project. It is a 220 MW open-cycle, dual-fuel gas turbine power station to be co-located with the existing Kwinana Swift facility in Western Australia. AGL has reached a final investment decision to proceed with the project. AGL’s CEO, Damien Nicks, said: “It marks another important milestone in AGL’s strategy to develop new firming capacity to support the build out of renewables, and further expands the breadth and capacity of the company’s flexible asset portfolio.”

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

More reading

• These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in March
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• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $10,000 this week
• AGL Energy gives green light to $490m Kwinana gas project
• 3 ASX income stocks trading at attractive prices

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