Tag: Stock pick

It has been a rough month for parts of the ASX share market.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices sharply higher, which in turn has lifted fuel and freight costs. At the same time, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting parts of the technology sector have weighed on sentiment toward several growth stocks.

The result is that a number of ASX 200 shares have been sold down heavily and are now trading near 52-week lows.

While that volatility can be uncomfortable, I often find it is also when interesting long-term opportunities start to appear. Here are three shares currently under pressure that I would be looking closely at.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

Temple & Webster Group has had a difficult run in the market recently, with its shares falling to 52-week lows as investors worry about consumer spending and the broader retail environment.

Personally, I still see a compelling long-term story here.

Temple & Webster has built a powerful online-only furniture platform with a very asset-light model. Unlike traditional retailers, it does not need to operate large showrooms or hold huge amounts of inventory. Instead, it relies on a drop-ship marketplace model that allows it to scale efficiently.

What I find particularly attractive is the company’s ability to use data to optimise merchandising, pricing, and marketing. Over time, that kind of technology-driven retail model can become increasingly difficult for competitors to replicate.

Short-term consumer weakness and higher freight costs may weigh on sentiment, but the long-term shift toward online furniture retail remains firmly intact in my view.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

Treasury Wine Estates is another ASX 200 company whose shares have come under significant pressure.

The wine producer has faced a combination of challenges in recent years, including changing demand trends, inventory adjustments, and a more cautious global consumer environment.

However, when I step back and look at the bigger picture, I still see a business with some very valuable assets.

Treasury owns a portfolio of globally recognised wine brands, including premium labels that command strong pricing power in international markets. Premiumisation remains a key trend in the wine industry, with consumers increasingly shifting toward higher-quality products rather than simply buying more volume.

If management executes well and demand stabilises, I think the current share price weakness could eventually look like an overreaction.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Technology shares have been among the hardest hit during the recent market volatility, and Megaport is no exception.

Artificial intelligence disruption fears have rattled the broader software and tech sector, pushing a number of companies toward their lowest levels in a year.

But Megaport’s core business still looks interesting to me.

The company operates a global software-defined networking platform that allows businesses to connect their infrastructure to cloud providers and data centres on demand. As cloud adoption continues to grow, the need for flexible and scalable connectivity solutions should grow alongside it.

Megaport has also expanded its addressable market through its acquisition of Latitude.sh, which adds a new compute-as-a-service capability and opens the door to a much larger infrastructure market.

If management executes well, I think the long-term opportunity for the business could be much larger than what the market currently appears to be pricing in.

Foolish takeaway

Market selloffs can be uncomfortable, but they often create opportunities for patient investors.

Temple & Webster, Treasury Wine Estates, and Megaport are all trading near 52-week lows after a difficult period for their sectors. While risks remain, I believe each has a long-term story that could eventually reward investors willing to look beyond the current volatility.

The post Why I’d buy these dirt-cheap ASX 200 shares trading at 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why EOS, GQG, Liontown, and Temple & Webster shares are tumbling today
• Growth, value, dividends: 1 ASX stock in each category to buy immediately
• How much could $10,000 in these ASX 200 shares be worth by the end of the year?
• These cheap ASX growth shares could rise 60% to 100%
• Got $5,000? 2 top ASX growth stocks to buy that could double your money

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport, Temple & Webster Group, and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The market has come under significant pressure this month.

While this is disappointing, it has dragged a number of ASX shares down to more attractive prices.

With that in mind, if you are lucky enough to have $20,000 ready to invest after the recent market selloff, here are three ASX shares that could be worth considering.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

One ASX share that could be worth considering after the recent weakness is Goodman Group.

The industrial property giant owns and develops logistics and warehouse facilities across major global cities. These types of assets have become increasingly valuable as ecommerce growth and supply chain modernisation drive demand for high-quality distribution space.

Goodman focuses on prime locations near large population centres, which can make its properties difficult to replicate. This scarcity value has historically supported strong occupancy rates and rental growth.

In addition, the company’s development pipeline is now filled with data centres. With demand for data centres rising quickly as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services expand, this leaves Goodman well-placed for growth over the next decade.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX share that could be worth considering after the recent market selloff is REA Group.

The company operates realestate.com.au, which is the leading online property marketplace in Australia. The platform connects buyers, sellers, renters, and real estate agents, making it a critical part of the property advertising ecosystem.

One of REA’s biggest strengths is its market leadership. The site attracts enormous audience traffic, which makes it highly valuable for agenxts who want to market properties to the largest possible pool of potential buyers. This dominant position gives the company strong pricing power.

In addition to its Australian operations, the company also has international exposure through property portals in Asia, which could provide additional growth opportunities over time.

TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE)

A final ASX share that could be worth a look after the selloff is TechnologyOne.

It provides enterprise software to government departments, universities, and large organisations in Australia and the UK. Its software platform helps these organisations manage areas such as finance, human resources, and student administration.

TechnologyOne has transitioned customers onto its cloud-based software platform over recent years. This shift has helped increase annual recurring revenue and improve visibility over future earnings.

In fact, management has such good visibility that it is confident it can double in size every five years. This could make it a great ASX share to buy while it is down and hold for the long term.

The post Where to invest $20,000 in ASX shares after the market selloff appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Goodman, Scentre Group, Stockland: Why are ASX 200 real estate stocks tumbling in 2026?
• Best Australian stocks to buy right now with $2,000
• Should I buy ASX shares or look to conserve cash right now?
• 3 high-quality ASX 200 shares I think Warren Buffett would probably love
• 3 ASX shares down 30% (or more) to buy right now

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

It’s been an outstanding year to date for ASX energy stocks Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) and Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC). 

Yesterday, both continued to climb, rising between 6.6% and 10.5%. 

These Australian coal miners have been rising recently as the conflict in the Middle East has sent thermal coal prices soaring. 

Experts are anticipating that some countries – particularly in Europe – may rely more heavily on coal-fired power generation if gas shortages materialise.

This is helping boost sentiment around these Australian coal mining companies. 

Year to date, Yancoal shares are now up almost 54%. 

Meanwhile, Whitehaven Coal shares are up nearly 19%. 

Investors on the outside looking in may be wondering if there is more upside, as both are hovering around 52-week highs. 

Here’s what experts are anticipating. 

Can Yancoal keep rising?

Yancoal is a coal miner involved in identifying, developing, and operating coal-related projects in Australia. It has a diversified mix of metallurgical and thermal coal mines.

It owns, operates, or participates in 11 coal mines across NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia.

After a 10% climb yesterday, it closed trading at $7.71. 

However, the general consensus is that this ASX energy stock is now fully valued. 

Based on 4 analyst ratings via TradingView, fair value for Yancoal shares would be in the range of $6.94 to $7.48. 

From current levels, this would suggest a decline between 3% and 10%. 

Of course, continued conflict in the Middle East could continue to push commodity prices higher, which would ultimately benefit Yancoal. 

However, for those that have held Yancoal shares through the recent rally, it could be an opportunity to take profits. 

Is it time to sell Whitehaven Coal shares?

Whitehaven is another Australian-based coal miner that exports high-quality thermal coal (primarily used to generate electricity) and metallurgical coal (primarily used for steel making) from Australia to Asia.

Its main focus is in the Gunnedah Basin in northwest New South Wales, where it operates four mines. 

It closed trading yesterday at $9.29 per share after a 6.6% rise.

It is now up almost 58% in the last year. 

However, it could also now be fully valued. 

The team at EnviroInvest recently put a sell rating on this ASX energy stock. 

Last month, the team at Bell Potter had a hold rating and price target of $8.10. 

15 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $8.61 on Whitehaven coal shares. 

These targets indicate a downside between 7% and 13%. 

The post Can these 2 red hot ASX energy stocks keep rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Collins Foods, St George Mining, Whitehaven Coal, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today
• Why the Whitehaven share price is on the move today
• Why are ASX 200 coal stocks like Whitehaven, Yancoal and New Hope shares smashing the benchmark today?

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

Two ASX financials stocks that have tumbled in 2026 are Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) and Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO). 

Zip shares have fallen more than 50% since January, and more than 60% since hitting 12-month highs last October. 

Meanwhile, Judo shares have fallen just over 15% for the year to date. 

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials (ASX: XFJ) index is up 1.7% in that same span. 

After such significant declines, it could be a buy-low opportunity for these battered ASX financials stocks. 

Here’s what experts are saying. 

Is the Zip recovery coming?

Zip is an Australian financial technology company that has grown its operations in Australia, New Zealand and the United States to provide customer services in 12 countries. 

Zip offers point-of-sale credit and digital payment services to consumers and merchants via interest-free buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) technology.

Its share price was heavily sold off during February earnings season. 

This included a single day fall of 34.4% the day after the company released its half-year earnings result.

It now sits close to a 52-week low.

However targets from analysts suggest it could be an ideal time to buy. 

Recently, Macquarie placed a price target of $3.35 on this ASX financials stock. 

The broker viewed the February earnings results in a more positive light than the wider market. 

Despite the reset in earnings on the back of moderated operating leverage as Zip invests for growth, we expect medium-term growth supported by Zip’s attractive unit economics model.

10 analysts forecasts via TradingView have an average one year price target of $4.21 on Zip shares. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $1.60, these targets indicate a potential upside between 109% and 163%. 

Judo shares set to bounce back

Judo is an Australian bank focused on lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Its brand provides business lending starting at $250,000 and touts itself as providing more flexibility than major banks. It also offers personal term deposit products and home loans.

Its share price is down 15% year to date despite posting positive earnings results last month. 

Based on recent broker ratings, its current share price could be a value. 

The team at UBS is optimistic about future EPS growth. 

The broker is expecting the business to grow its earnings per share (EPS) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 14% over the next three years. 

The broker has a price target of $2.25 on this ASX financials stock. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $1.53, that indicates a potential upside of 47%. 

The post It could be time to buy low on these ASX financials stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Where I’d invest $10,000 in ASX growth shares right now
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Macquarie says this major fintech stock can rocket almost 100%
• Here’s the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Zip shares
• Forget NAB shares, this ASX fintech stock could double in value

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

Global share markets have pulled back in recent weeks, with technology stocks leading the decline.

Rising uncertainty around fuel prices, interest rates, economic growth, and the potential disruption from artificial intelligence (AI) has weighed heavily on investor sentiment. As a result, many popular exchange traded funds (ETFs) have fallen meaningfully from their highs.

While this volatility can be unsettling, long-term investors often view these periods as opportunities to buy quality assets at lower prices.

With several major ETFs now trading well below their peaks, now could be an interesting time to consider adding to positions.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

One ETF that has pulled back meaningfully is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund tracks the performance of the Nasdaq 100 index, which is home to many of the world’s most influential technology and innovation companies.

At the time of writing, the ETF is down roughly 13% from its recent high and could fall further today following a poor session on Wall Street overnight.

While short-term weakness may worry some investors, the Nasdaq 100 has historically been one of the strongest-performing indices globally. Its holdings include companies that dominate industries such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and digital advertising.

Many of these businesses continue to benefit from powerful structural trends such as digital transformation and the rapid adoption of AI technologies.

For investors with a long investment horizon, a double-digit pullback may provide an opportunity to gain exposure to these companies at a more attractive entry point.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF that has fallen recently is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 index, which includes 500 of the largest companies listed in the United States.

The ETF is currently about 10% below its previous high following the recent market sell-off.

Although the S&P 500 includes technology giants, it is also diversified across sectors such as healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials. This broad exposure has historically made it a popular core holding for long-term investors.

Over long periods, the US market has delivered strong returns thanks to the global reach and profitability of its leading companies.

For investors looking for diversified exposure to the world’s largest economy, this type of market pullback can provide a chance to build or increase positions.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

A final ETF that has seen an even larger decline is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This thematic fund focuses on companies involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.

The ETF is currently down roughly 15% from its recent peak.

Despite the short-term volatility, the long-term outlook for automation and robotics remains strong. Industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and agriculture are increasingly adopting robotics to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Artificial intelligence is also accelerating innovation across many sectors, which could support long-term demand for the technologies developed by companies held in this ETF.

For investors who believe automation and AI will play a major role in the global economy over the coming decades, this type of pullback could provide an opportunity to gain exposure to the theme at a lower price. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post Why now could be the best time in years to buy NDQ and these ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The best ASX ETFs to buy for building wealth in 2026 and beyond
• 3 perfect ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026
• Where to invest $10,000 into ASX ETFs in March
• How much do you need to invest in US stocks to earn a $2,000 monthly passive income?
• Should I buy ASX shares or look to conserve cash right now?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The technology sector has had a volatile start to the year.

Concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software companies have led to a broad sell-off across many tech names. Some investors fear artificial intelligence (AI) could lower barriers to entry or even replace certain software platforms entirely.

However, not all software businesses face the same risks. Some companies operate in specialised markets, benefit from powerful ecosystems, or hold critical data that is difficult to replicate.

With that in mind, here are two ASX growth shares that could still deliver strong returns over the next decade.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

One ASX growth share that could be a compelling long-term investment is Pro Medicus.

The healthcare imaging software company has built a strong position in the global radiology workflow market through its Visage platform. The technology allows clinicians to access and analyse extremely large medical imaging files with exceptional speed and reliability.

Medical imaging datasets are becoming larger and more complex as scanners become more advanced. Some modern scans can produce thousands of images or multi-gigabyte files, which creates a growing need for high-performance imaging software.

Pro Medicus has developed streaming technology designed to handle these massive datasets more efficiently than legacy systems. This allows radiologists to access images instantly rather than waiting for them to download, improving productivity and clinical workflows.

The company is also expanding its platform beyond radiology. New modules such as cardiology imaging, workflow software, and digital pathology are extending the product suite and increasing the value delivered to customers.

Importantly, the business still has a long runway for growth. In North America alone, hundreds of millions of imaging exams are performed each year and the company has only penetrated a small portion of the potential market.

While some investors worry that AI could disrupt software companies, Pro Medicus may actually benefit from it. The Visage platform is designed to integrate with AI algorithms and the company is already collaborating with partners and research institutions to develop new AI-powered imaging capabilities.

Given the mission-critical nature of healthcare imaging and the company’s technological lead, Pro Medicus could remain a key player in medical imaging workflows for many years.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Another ASX growth share that could be worth considering for the next decade is Xero.

The cloud accounting platform provider has built one of the largest ecosystems serving small and medium-sized businesses. Its software sits at the centre of financial operations for millions of customers, handling accounting, payroll, payments, and financial reporting.

One of the key advantages of the platform is the depth of data it holds. By acting as the system of record for financial activity, Xero can provide insights and automation that are deeply integrated into a customer’s business operations.

This data foundation may become even more valuable in the age of AI. Rather than replacing accounting platforms, artificial intelligence could expand the capabilities of software like Xero by automating workflows, generating financial insights, and helping businesses make better decisions.

Management believes the rise of AI could significantly expand the addressable market for software platforms over time. Estimates suggest the global SaaS market could grow dramatically as AI unlocks new use cases and productivity tools.

Xero is already embedding AI features across its product suite, including automated bank reconciliation, invoice generation, financial insights, and conversational assistance tools. These features aim to save time for business owners while improving the accuracy of financial management.

With millions of subscribers, a large partner ecosystem, and a growing payments opportunity in markets such as the United States, the platform still has significant room to expand globally.

And if it continues to deepen its ecosystem and leverage AI to enhance its software, Xero could remain a major player in small business financial software for many years to come.

The post 2 ASX growth stocks to buy now and hold for 10 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX tech shares to buy amid ongoing tech wreck
• Growth, value, dividends: 1 ASX stock in each category to buy immediately
• Where I’d invest $10,000 in ASX growth shares right now
• 3 of the best ASX 200 shares to buy and hold forever
• What I’d do as a beginner with $50,000 to invest in ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Pro Medicus and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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.

A large bunch of S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares have ex-dividend dates coming up next week.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

As we’ve reported, some of the biggest dividend increases among ASX mining shares this season came from the gold miners.

Next week, two of them go ex-dividend.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share on 15 April.

This exceeds the company’s commitment to pay a minimum annual dividend of 2 cents per share for FY26.

Ramelius Resources reported a 13% increase in EBITDA to $347.7 million but a 6% fall in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $160 million.

The ASX gold share goes ex-dividend on Monday.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares will pay a maiden fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

The gold miner reported a 130% jump in underlying NPAT to $144.8 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX gold share also goes ex-dividend on Monday.

Here is a sample of the other ASX All Ords shares with ex-dividend dates next week.

ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

ASX share	Ex-dividend date	Dividend amount	Pay day
Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8)	16 March	0.006 cents per share	31 March
Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)	16 March	36 cents per share	21 April
Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)	16 March	3 cents per share	15 April
FFI Holdings Ltd (ASX: FFI)	16 March	10 cents per share	27 March
Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL)	16 March	13.5 cents per share	31 March
Chorus Ltd (ASX: CNU)	16 March	17.3 cents per share	14 April
Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)	16 March	10 cents per share	10 April
Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)	16 March	5 cents per share	9 April
Pengana Capital Group Ltd (ASX: PCG)	16 March	2.5 cents per share	31 March
SEEK Ltd (ASX: SEK)	17 March	27 cents per share	1 April
Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)	17 March	5.4 cents per share	1 April
Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR)	17 March	1.8 cents per share	29 April
Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP)	17 March	32 cents per share	27 March
Brisbane Broncos Ltd (ASX: BBL)	18 March	3 cents per share	16 April
Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA)	18 March	5.5 cents per share	2 April
LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI)	18 March	1.3 cents per share	26 March
Supply Network Ltd (ASX: SNL)	18 March	36 cents per share	2 April
CTI Logistics Ltd (ASX: CLX)	18 March	6 cents per share	31 March
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)	19 March	$2.15 per share	13 April
A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)	19 March	8.3 cents per share	2 April
MacMahon Holdings Ltd (ASX: MAH)	19 March	1 cent per share	10 April
Spark Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: SPK)	19 March	6.3 cents per share	10 April
Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS)	19 March	8 cents per share	20 April
K & S Corporation Ltd (ASX: KSC)	19 March	5 cents per share	6 April
Yancoal Ltd (ASX: YAL)	19 March	12.2 cents per share	15 April
Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS)	20 March	5 cents per share	21 April

The post 26 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• How I’d start building an ASX retirement portfolio today
• Why are ASX 200 coal stocks like Whitehaven, Yancoal and New Hope shares smashing the benchmark today?
• Why this little-known ASX gold share is leaping 28% on Wednesday
• Four ASX healthcare stocks which are looking cheap

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Cochlear, Hub24, and Supply Network Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear, Hub24, LGI Limited, and Supply Network Ltd. 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) had a disappointing session and sank deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 1.3% to 8,629 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to fall again on Friday following a poor night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 21 points or 0.25% lower this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is down 1.5%, the S&P 500 is down 1.45% and the Nasdaq is down 1.7%.

Oil prices jump

It could be a strong finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices jumped. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 9.6% to US$95.61 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 9.45% to US$100.62 a barrel. Oil prices surged after Iran’s supreme leader said that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed.

ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend

A number of ASX 200 shares will be going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes auto listings company CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR), quick service restaurant operator Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG), and logistic solutions company WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). CAR Group will be paying a partially franked 42.5 cents per share dividend next month on 13 April.

Gold price falls

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price fell overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 1.5% to US$5,100.3 an ounce. A stronger US dollar weighed on the precious metal.

Buy Liontown shares

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are good value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the lithium miner’s shares with a $2.42 price target. It said: “LTR is now in a net cash position. Over FY26-27, LTR will continue to ramp up and de-risk Kathleen Valley. With current lithium price strength, LTR can rapidly generate cash to support incremental production expansions and shareholder returns. Kathleen Valley is highly strategic in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction. LTR has offtake contracts with top-tier EV and battery OEMs. The company has a strong balance sheet with long tenor debt finance.”

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

More reading

• $10,000 invested in Droneshield and Woodside shares just 1 week ago is now worth…
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX tech shares to buy amid ongoing tech wreck
• Why are Ampol, Beach Energy shares jumping higher again today?
• Down 44% in a year, why Guzman Y Gomez shares may have further to fall

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

It has been a brutal stretch for shareholders of this ASX tech share.

The share price of Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) slid roughly 8% in the latest trading session, leaving the stock down about 18% in 2026 so far and nearly 50% over the past 6 months.

Such a sharp fall naturally raises questions for investors. Has something fundamentally changed with the ASX tech share, or is the market reacting to short-term factors?

The ASX 200 exit

One key reason behind the latest weakness appears to be index changes rather than company performance.

Recently, index provider S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) announced its quarterly rebalance, and the ASX tech share was among the companies removed from the benchmark index.

While this might sound like a technical change, it can have a real impact on share prices. Many index funds and institutional investors track the ASX 200. When a company is removed, those funds may be forced to sell their holdings to keep their portfolios aligned with the index.

But the bigger question for investors is whether the broader sell-off in Catapult shares is actually justified.

The bull case for Catapult

Despite the share price weakness, Catapult still operates in a fast-growing global sports technology market.

The company develops wearable devices, video analytics platforms, and data tools used by professional sports teams to monitor athlete performance and reduce injury risk. Its technology is used by more than 4,200 teams across 40 sports worldwide, and it reportedly holds around 80% market share in outdoor team sports analytics.

Encouragingly, the company has also made progress toward profitability. Free cash flow improved significantly in recent results, a development investors have been waiting for.

The risks investors should watch

That said, there are several reasons the market may still be cautious.

First, Catapult remains a growth company that has yet to consistently deliver net profits. Analysts have pushed back expectations for breakeven in the past, highlighting execution risks as the business scales.

Second, sentiment toward smaller technology stocks on the ASX has been volatile, with investors rotating toward larger and more profitable companies.

Finally, the company operates in an emerging sports analytics market where competition and technological disruption could intensify over time.

What next for the ASX tech share?

Despite the sharp share price decline, analyst forecasts remain relatively optimistic.

Consensus estimates suggest revenue could grow around 15% per year and earnings could grow by more than 50% annually as the business scales.

Broker Morgans previously said it believes Catapult is well placed to grow revenue by around 20% per year over the next three years. This would potentially reach US$180 million by FY2028.

The team at Morgans has retained its buy rating and $6.25 price target on this sports technology company’s shares. This points to an 82% upside at the current price level of $3.43.

The post What’s going on with this ASX tech share? 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 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.

Retail remains a challenging sector with Australian consumer sentiment falling in February 2026, largely driven by interest rate rises. With another rate rise potentially looming, how are these retailers faring?

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

JB Hi-Fi delivered some solid 1H26 results, including:

• Sales revenue up 7.3% to $6.1 billion
• Net profit after tax up 7.1% to $305.8 million
• Earnings per share up 7.1%

While it experienced a slowdown in sales momentum in January, JB Hi Fi continues to thrive overall. And for me, its relative success in a difficult consumer spending climate comes down to the power of its brand. Its core value proposition has never wavered.

Customers know what to expect from JB Hi-Fi, and it continually delivers, with discounted prices, easy price matching and an interactive in-store experience. Its casual staff culture appeals to younger generations who typically spend more on technology than their older counterparts. Gen Z and Millennials drop a combined $9.2 billion a year on smart home tech alone, according to 2025 Pure Profile research conducted for Samsung.

And while this demographic is also much more likely to buy online, I believe JB Hi-Fi’s in-store experience and the broader societal trend towards instant gratification position it well in this landscape.

JB Hi-Fi has indicated that it expects some further softening in consumer spending in the next quarter. But I believe the retailer is well-positioned to weather any potential challenges. Its balance sheet should provide enough cover, with low debt and cash reserves of $489.5 million as of 1H26.

From a share price perspective, it remains fair value, with a small upside for investors, in my opinion. It has dropped around 13% in the last year, perhaps driven by broader market weakness and investor concern about a consumer spending crunch.

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman also delivered robust results for the half, including:

• Sales revenue up 6.9% to $5.16 billion
• Net profit after tax up 15.2% to $321.9 million
• Earnings per share up 20.8%

Regardless, its share price has fallen around 20% over the last month, most likely due to concerns about a consumer spending squeeze.

Harvey Norman is a decent business as it stands today. With a solid supplier network and the backing of its strong property portfolio, it’s in a good position to stare down the immediate challenges of any contraction in consumer spending.

However, the value proposition for this retailer changes for me based on the time horizon.

According to Roy Morgan Research, almost 60% of Harvey Norman’s customers were aged over 50 in 2019, highlighting its popularity amongst Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers. Given that its marketing appears to target the same audience in 2026, I think it’s reasonable to assume that this hasn’t materially changed. 

In a spending crunch, we tend to see older generations spending more than Millennials, who are in the thick of one of life’s most expensive stages, from school fees to mortgages.

So, in the short term, an older customer base combined with a strong balance sheet will likely be an advantage for Harvey Norman.

Over the longer term, however, I don’t love its brand positioning. There is a risk that it may compete solely on price to attract Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Harvey Norman will need to deliver a consistent, high-quality in-store experience to compete with lean online players and with competitors like JB Hi-Fi, which has already successfully attracted younger shoppers.

Would I buy it right now? Probably. I think there is some upside at current prices, and its recent results and balance sheet look good. Long-term, I think it may face challenges if it continues with its current brand positioning.

The bottom line

Both are reasonably good retail buys right now. In the short term, I think Harvey Norman has a slight edge. Its results are strong, its higher dividend yield is appealing, and I think there may be a little more upside at current prices. However, looking longer term, I think JB Hi-Fi will prove the stronger business, gaining real momentum from the investment it has made in its brand.

The post JB Hi-Fi vs. Harvey Norman: Which is the better retail buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• My 3 best ASX dividend-focused stocks to buy in March
• A once-in-a-decade chance to earn a supersized passive income from ASX shares?
• 3 top ASX dividend share buys for passive income in March
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Harvey Norman shares
• Expert gives its verdict on 3 popular ASX 200 shares

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison 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 Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.